The COVID-19 pandemic has transformed the delivery of healthcare, particularly in the behavioral health sector. A recent survey conducted by Tridiuum, a digital behavioral health solutions provider, reveals that more than 80% of behavioral health providers began using telehealth for the first time over the past six months. Remarkably, most of these organizations plan to continue leveraging telehealth services even after the pandemic ends.
The Rise of Telehealth in Behavioral Health
Telehealth has become an essential tool for behavioral health providers, enabling them to continue delivering care despite social distancing requirements and lockdown measures. Many providers who previously relied solely on in-person appointments were forced to adapt quickly to virtual care solutions.
The Tridiuum survey, which collected responses from 438 users—most of whom were new to the platform—offers insight into the rapid adoption and effectiveness of telehealth. According to the survey, 70% of respondents intend to continue using telehealth after the COVID-19 emergency, with plans to conduct video visits for at least half of their patient population.
This trend reflects a broader shift in healthcare, where digital solutions are increasingly integrated into routine care. Behavioral health providers are recognizing the benefits of telehealth not only for maintaining continuity of care during emergencies but also for increasing accessibility and improving patient engagement.
Effectiveness of Telehealth for Behavioral Health
The survey results indicate that telehealth can be as effective—or even more effective—than in-person sessions for behavioral health care. More than 80% of respondents reported that video sessions had the same or improved impact compared to traditional in-person visits. This includes effects on patient engagement, the quality of information shared, and clinical workflows.
Mark Redlus, CEO of Tridiuum, emphasized the significance of these findings, stating, “These survey results are yet another data point to illustrate that telemental health care is not less effective than in-person care. In fact, it can even improve clinical care, while offering providers and patients the options they need, want, and deserve.”
The ability to maintain or even enhance care through telehealth demonstrates its potential as a long-term solution for behavioral health organizations. By providing flexible care options, providers can meet the needs of patients who may face barriers to attending in-person sessions, such as transportation challenges, mobility issues, or scheduling conflicts.
Telehealth and Patient Engagement
One of the most notable findings from the survey is the positive impact telehealth has on patient engagement. More than 80% of respondents indicated that video sessions either matched or improved engagement compared to in-person care.
Engaged patients are more likely to participate actively in therapy, adhere to treatment plans, and experience better outcomes. Telehealth provides a convenient and comfortable environment for patients, which can reduce anxiety and stigma associated with visiting a clinic in person. For many individuals, being able to attend sessions from home encourages more consistent participation in therapy.
Telehealth and Clinical Workflows
Behavioral health providers also reported that telehealth positively influenced their clinical workflows. According to the Tridiuum survey, video sessions had the same or improved impact on workflows for the majority of respondents.
Telehealth allows providers to streamline scheduling, reduce no-show rates, and minimize administrative burdens associated with in-person visits. Digital platforms can also integrate with electronic health records, making documentation and follow-up tasks more efficient. By improving workflow efficiency, providers can spend more time focusing on direct patient care rather than administrative duties.
The Future of Telehealth in Behavioral Health
The widespread adoption of telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic signals a permanent shift in behavioral health care delivery. Providers are increasingly viewing virtual care as an essential component of their services, rather than a temporary solution.
With 70% of providers planning to continue telehealth for at least half of their patients, it is clear that video visits will remain a significant part of behavioral health treatment models. Organizations are exploring hybrid care approaches that combine in-person and virtual sessions, allowing for flexibility and personalized care plans that meet patients’ unique needs.
The positive feedback from both providers and patients suggests that telehealth can support long-term improvements in mental health care accessibility, quality, and engagement.
Benefits for Patients
Telehealth offers numerous benefits for patients seeking behavioral health care. Patients can access therapy and counseling from the comfort of their homes, reducing travel time and eliminating barriers such as transportation, childcare, or work schedules.
For individuals living in rural or underserved areas, telehealth provides access to specialists who may not be available locally. This increased accessibility ensures that patients receive timely care, which can be critical in preventing crises and supporting ongoing mental health management.
Additionally, telehealth may reduce stigma associated with seeking mental health care. Attending sessions virtually can feel more private and comfortable for patients, encouraging them to participate consistently and openly.
Benefits for Providers
Behavioral health providers also experience significant advantages from integrating telehealth into their practices. In addition to workflow efficiencies, telehealth allows providers to expand their reach and serve more patients without the constraints of physical office space.
Providers can also maintain continuity of care during emergencies or public health crises, ensuring that patients do not experience interruptions in therapy. The flexibility offered by telehealth supports better work-life balance for clinicians while enabling them to deliver high-quality care to a broader patient population.
Overcoming Challenges
While the benefits of telehealth are clear, there are challenges that providers must address to ensure successful implementation. Technology access, internet connectivity, and patient digital literacy can impact the effectiveness of virtual care. Providers must invest in training and support to help patients navigate telehealth platforms and maximize engagement.
Privacy and security are also critical considerations. Behavioral health organizations must comply with regulations such as HIPAA to protect patient information during virtual sessions. Ensuring secure platforms and proper protocols helps build trust with patients and maintains the integrity of care.
Conclusion
The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of telehealth in behavioral health care, with more than 80% of providers using video visits for the first time in recent months. According to the Tridiuum survey, most of these providers plan to continue leveraging telehealth even after the pandemic ends, reflecting its effectiveness, convenience, and positive impact on patient engagement and clinical workflows.
Telehealth has proven to be a valuable tool for expanding access to care, improving patient outcomes, and supporting providers in delivering high-quality behavioral health services. As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, telehealth is likely to remain a central component of behavioral health care delivery, complementing in-person services and enabling a flexible, patient-centered approach.
With ongoing investment in technology, training, and secure platforms, telehealth has the potential to transform the behavioral health sector, making mental health care more accessible, efficient, and effective for patients and providers alike.
