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PTSD: National Center for PTSD
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Leveraging Telehealth Services
PTSD: National Center for PTSD
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Leveraging Telehealth Services
Rural Provider PTSD Toolkit
Telehealth is a powerful tool that makes it possible for Veterans with PTSD to access mental health services like never before. It can be a compelling vehicle to engage Veterans in care by truly meeting them where they are. Telehealth can be delivered to Veterans in both clinical (e.g., satellite clinics) and non-clinical (e.g., home, work) settings and can be instrumental in overcoming barriers to care such as:
- Distance
- Transportation challenges
- Time restrictions
- Mobility limitations
- Emotional barriers
- Stigma
Telehealth can be used to deliver different types of care:
- Individual therapy
- Family/ couples therapy
- Group therapy
- Assessment
- Evidence-based psychotherapy
- Supportive therapy
- Medication management
As a provider, you may have questions about telehealth.
Click each question to learn more.
Click each question to learn more.
Do Veterans like telehealth? What about our therapeutic relationship?
Is telehealth effective? Is it as good as care delivered in-person?
How do I manage risk and mental health or medical emergencies?
Is telehealth clinically appropriate for PTSD?
How do I manage homework assignments, assessment measures, etc.?
Does telehealth pose a risk to privacy?
Research has demonstrated a high degree of satisfaction with mental health treatment via telehealth for Veterans and providers. Of course, a Veteran's willingness to receive services via telehealth and comfort level with technology should be considered.33
Research has shown that mental health treatment via telehealth is effective. Moreover, studies have repeatedly shown that evidence-based psychotherapy for PTSD delivered via telehealth is as good as that delivered in-person.34-37
While not exclusionary, suicidal or homicidal ideation, uncontrolled substance use, and psychosis are worth careful consideration. It is important to develop specific emergency procedures prior to delivering care. While these clinical considerations are important, it is also important to consider the risk of the Veteran not getting any care at all if telehealth is the only option.
Telehealth is an important tool to engage and retain Veterans in treatment. Satisfaction survey data indicate that many Veterans report they would not have received PTSD treatment if telehealth were not available.
Developing procedures ahead of time for getting treatment materials to and from Veterans is important. Screen-sharing and document cameras can help with in-session demonstrations and showing videos. Using secure electronic methods of communication (e.g., Secure Messaging through MyHealtheVet) for homework transmission can be helpful.
It is important to use a technology platform that preserves privacy and complies with HIPAA regulations. Platforms used by the VA meet these requirements.
Telehealth Resources
If you are interested in learning more about telehealth, there are many resources available.Click a provider group to learn more.
VA Providers
Community Providers
VA Providers
There are many resources for VA providers who wish to deliver telehealth services to their Veterans. The Office of Connected Care and Telehealth Services websites have a wealth of information for VA providers. Further, each VA facility has a Facility Telehealth Coordinator (FTC) and Telehealth Clinical Technicians (TCTs) that provide support for telehealth services. The National Telehealth Technology Help Desk (866-651-3180) can provide technical support and troubleshooting for providers and Veterans. Veterans can use personal equipment or a VA-issued tablet for telehealth sessions delivered to non-clinical locations using a cutting edge platform called VA Video Connect.
For providers who prescribe controlled substances, familiarity with the Ryan Haight Act is essential to meet the in-person requirement for telehealth services.
For providers who prescribe controlled substances, familiarity with the Ryan Haight Act is essential to meet the in-person requirement for telehealth services.
Community Providers
Organizations such as the American Telemedicine Association 
and guidance documents such as American Psychological Association's "Guidelines for the Practice of Telepsychology" can provide important information.
For providers who prescribe controlled substances, familiarity with the Ryan Haight Act is essential to meet the in-person requirement for telehealth services.
and guidance documents such as American Psychological Association's "Guidelines for the Practice of Telepsychology" can provide important information.
For providers who prescribe controlled substances, familiarity with the Ryan Haight Act is essential to meet the in-person requirement for telehealth services.
