A huge percentage of the population struggles with mental health issues, and though men and women tend to have equal levels of such illness, there are several key distinctions. For example, the types of distribution of mental illnesses are different. While women usually suffer from things like depression and anxiety twice as much as men, men have higher rates of substance use disorders, which are often manifestations of underlying psychological distress.
Another difference is that men face unique stigmas that can prevent them from seeking care. Though nearly one in ten men experience depression or anxiety, less than half will receive treatment. Such stigmas, whether appearing “weak” or “crazy,” must be overcome for more men to receive care and treatment, and telehealth is a promising avenue for addressing these challenges.
The Benefits of Telehealth for Mental Health Treatment
Unlike the past, where men physically visited an office, sat in a waiting room and potentially ran into someone who recognized them, telehealth services are private, and the sessions are completely confidential. This increased anonymity puts male patients at ease, allowing them to speak from the heart in a private environment without fear of judgment.
Telehealth is also incredibly convenient since patients can connect with their doctors from the comfort of their own homes. This can make mental health treatment through telehealth services more accessible and, as a result, less expensive. By eliminating the need for travel, those men in rural areas or with limited mobility can still connect with quality mental health specialists.
Why the Measurement-Based Approach Matters
It is important to note that not all mental health telehealth services are made equally, in that few virtual clinics employ measurement-based care. This approach to treating mental illness places a strong emphasis on measuring symptoms as objectively as possible and then offering individualized treatment to each patient based on their symptom profiles. It also employs evidence-based guidelines and constant evaluations to provide the best possible outcomes.
Although the measurement-based approach sounds commonplace – when someone goes to the doctor to treat their diabetes, the physician will measure their glucose levels – in the mental health space, this treatment is rare. Today, the majority of depression cases are treated in general practice, not by psychiatrists, and even among psychiatrists, the majority don’t use the measurement-based approach at all, meaning their symptoms aren’t measured objectively and consistently throughout the treatment.
Maximizing Outcomes Through the Continuity of Care
In addition to applying the measurement-based approach, virtual clinics must ensure continuity of care when treating mental illnesses. However, most telehealth services are geared towards one-time encounters for specific needs. A patient calls in to resolve an issue mainly because they don’t have a doctor or can’t reach their doctor until the end of the month.
While there is a place for this one-time or urgent-care model, when it comes to mental health, this method does not help because mental health treatment, by definition, requires a long-term approach with consistent follow-up. To ensure the best outcomes, patients need to have their own doctor that they can meet with regularly. Moreover, this doctor should look at the full picture, addressing their mental and physical health through medications and psychotherapy.
Overcoming Cost Barriers to Mental Health Treatment
Another barrier to men receiving mental health care is the cost, which is often more expensive than physical care. These higher costs are due to the specialized nature of mental health treatment and the training required to practice in this field. Likewise, as mentioned above, in-person care (which most mental health treatment is) tends to be more expensive than online care.
Thankfully, there is a category of insurers that can offer more affordable services by acting as the insurer and the provider simultaneously. This unique model creates alignment between the provider and the patient’s interests since the patient is the direct client.
These unique insurance companies are intrinsically motivated to develop the best mental health telehealth services for their patients while keeping costs low. Such insurance companies are also well-positioned to follow the measurement-based approach and maintain continuity of care.
Nothing to Lose, Everything to Gain
Accessible telehealth, measurement-based care, continuity, alignment of interests, affordability, etc., are necessary to decrease barriers for men to receive life-changing treatment for mental illness. As such, men should take the first step and seek treatment from telehealth providers that can support comprehensive, whole-person care. Although taking that first step can be nerve-wracking and even embarrassing due to societal stigmas, innovations like telehealth make that first step so much easier.
Dr. Marc Miresco
Dr. Marc Miresco is VP of Behavioral Health for Antidote Health.
