Workforce Development and Training Needs for Behavioral Health Telehealth Use in the Post COVID-19 Era

Abstract

AbstractTemporary regulatory changes early in the COVID-19 pandemic facilitated telehealth use, but with an increased return to in-person care in some settings, understanding provider attitudes about the practice and benefits of telehealth may help to inform policy and practice. This mixed methods study seeks to identify areas of training needed for effective telehealth provision in this new era. An online survey was distributed by five Mental Health Technology Transfer Center (MHTTC) regional service centers, which provide workforce capacity-building training and technical assistance, and the MHTTC Network Coordinating Office’s national listserv. Three hundred and sixty-five respondents from 43 states and Puerto Rico participated. The majority of respondents were clinical providers (69.3%). Eighty-five percent of respondents indicated they provided at least one telehealth service. Most indicated telehealth has improved their organizations’ ability to meet patient needs and increased access for underserved populations but suggested significant needs for continued training on telehealth use. These needs were consistent across organization locations and provider types. Qualitative analysis of free response questions identified key areas for ongoing training, including administrative topics (e.g., billing, documentation); integration of telehealth with existing systems; telehealth use with specific populations, especially children; and methods to increase access to technology for less-connected populations. Despite many providers receiving exposure to telehealth use during COVID-19, training in telehealth administration is still needed and may better serve those in certain roles and areas. While ongoing training may effectively address many needs identified, other significant concerns facing behavioral health providers may not be easily addressed via training (e.g., increasing technology access) and may require other approaches to facilitate the continued use of telehealth.