Forum 2-Amy Spear

1. Many practitioners are integrating a hybrid model of care using online and in-person techniques because it is becoming affordable, timely, and easier to access. For example, a study is being run in Seattle to utilize this model. They are using numerous in-person and technological approaches to provide assessment and treatment to children who suffer from ADHD living in the Northwest. This project psychiatrists provide in-person and online education, patients are able to see physicians and psychiatrists online and in person while the whole delivery platform is online. However, it is also focused on primary care clinics where all of the therapy sessions are held. These hybrid models are being considered the new model of care and the hope is that these approaches will continue to grow. If more mental health providers switch to this model of care, we could involve the Department of Veteran Affairs, the younger generations of mental health providers, and the patients and families who will help us move into a larger e-care industry. This larger technology platform could include the best of stepped care models, access to more specialists, and more e-mental health delivery options. We can start this movement by beginning to teach these new models of care in residency programs, nursing and medical schools to familiarize our upcoming generations to this new model.

2.  New technologies and these new models of hybrid care are becoming very important to our national and international mental health care delivery. E-mental health applications like these have been helping reduce disparities in access to relevant healthcare to the most vulnerable patient groups like refugees, migrants, and others in these underserved populations. These mental health tools have also helped significantly for patients who face language barriers and normally do not seek adequate treatment because of it.  Videoconferencing and other e-mental health tools have also been effective at making translators and interpretations services more readily available. Overall, these advancements made in e-care for mental health patients have ultimately helped us reach these underserved populations and make international patients more comfortable and willing to seek appropriate care.