Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2019, health providers have learned a great deal about the efficacy of remote provision of mental and medical healthcare. Now that telehealth is covered by most insurance companies, increasing numbers of people can access care. Telehealth addiction treatment is an excellent option for you or someone you love who wishes to begin recovery from a substance use disorder (SUD).
At CeDAR in Denver, CO, we offer evidence-based therapies for addiction via telehealth. Learn more about telehealth for addiction by calling CeDAR at 720.848.3000 or using our simple online form to connect with us.
What Is Telehealth for Addiction?
Telehealth is a way to expand access to addiction treatment. If you receive your addiction treatment via telehealth, you will be in therapeutic sessions numerous times per week—just as in-person sessions do. Therapy modalities that work in person, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), can be used effectively via telehealth. Telehealth opens up new opportunities for:
- Single parents
- People who are immunocompromised
- People who live in highly rural areas
- People struggling with extreme social anxiety
However, an essential part of recovery is the support of peers. In-person rehab almost always has regular peer support groups as a critical part of it. Peer support, such as 12-step programs, is also available remotely.
Telehealth is, for many, a life-changing opportunity to receive professional support for recovery from addiction that they otherwise would or could not.
Benefits of Telehealth Addiction Treatment
There are distinct benefits to telehealth addiction treatment. These advantages for patients signify that this option is not going anywhere soon.
Makes Taking the First Step to Overcoming Addiction Easier
Some people struggle with complex emotions, and the intimacy of being in a shared space with a therapist may not help in dealing with them. How do people like this get the help they need and want? For them, telehealth feels like a safe access point to rehab treatment. They often begin treatment via telehealth and then move on to in-person or a hybrid option.
Overrides the Effects of Stigma
Unfortunately, our society still has a great deal of stigma around substance abuse and addiction treatment. Stigma is one of the most significant barriers to care, preventing untold numbers of people from seeking the help they need every year. Telehealth eases some of the anxiety about being seen entering a rehab facility while opening a virtual door for them to begin recovery.
Improves Accessibility of Addiction Treatment
Many people can find traditional ways of providing addiction treatment inaccessible, such as those that:
- Have a particularly demanding schedule
- Have a physical disability
- Have full-time caregiver responsibilities
- Have no access to transportation
- Live many miles from any in-person addiction treatment center
- Struggle with social anxiety
- Work more than one job
For them, telehealth is an incredible opportunity to do what they thought they never could – get help to begin recovery from a SUD.
Increases Chances of Successful Outcomes
Evidence is mounting that the efficacy of telehealth for addiction treatment is equal to that of in-person treatment in most cases. Combined with the increased access and the fact that there are significantly fewer cancellations or missed appointments, on balance, telehealth is a boon within the addiction treatment industry, increasing and amplifying successful outcomes for more people.
The most important thing about addiction treatment is getting it. If you or someone you care about is ready to begin recovery and knows that professional support by licensed, experienced clinicians is the best option, accessing care is now more possible than ever, thanks to telehealth.
Learn More About Telehealth Addiction Treatment at CeDAR
At CeDAR, our HIPAA-compliant telehealth platform protects your privacy as you receive the treatment and support you need from the comfort of your home. Our addiction treatment specialists—psychiatrists and psychotherapists—can treat and support you via telehealth.
Reach out today to learn more and have your questions answered. You can reach CeDAR via our online form or by phone at 720.848.3000.
