Benefits of a Telehealth Approach to Treating Mental Illness among Veterans in Rural Settings
HSR&D’s monthly publication Veterans’ Perspectives highlights research conducted by HSR&D and/or QUERI investigators, showcasing the importance of research for Veterans – and the importance of Veterans for research.
Approximately 40% of Veterans live in rural areas, and while the prevalence of trauma-related mental health difficulties, including PTSD, are equivalent to other Veteran groups, their rates of service use are among the lowest. In response, VA has made several remote care options available as alternatives to in-person mental healthcare through its Office of Connected Care. Remote care helps solve logistical barriers, such as distance, transportation, and travel costs, as well as barriers such as taking time off work or school, arranging child or elder care, and physical limitations, all of which limit Veterans’ ability to engage in in-person mental healthcare. Remote care also helps resolve clinical barriers, such as stigma around seeking mental healthcare.