In week one we learned that many families and providers were using telehealth to ensure continuity of care. In week 2 we learned that it isn’t a viable option for everyone, particularly for youth and families without access to reliable internet service, computers, or data plans. Themes from week 2 on barriers or challenges to care delivery people wish could be removed included:

Some youth/families and providers lack access to technology resources.

• Lack of equity in access for the families we serve. Telehealth, google class rooms, zooms and other platforms are great for connecting and practicing physical distance...what do we do when our children and families don't have access to the internet or a device to be able to connect?

• Wish that all our staff were supported with the technology to FULLY do their jobs remotely & in the community.

Telehealth can be a limiting modality for some families and providers or youth with certain challenges.

• Clients or their family not trusting telehealth service delivery or thinking it’s “too weird.”

• Many of our staff use creative modalities such as art, play therapy, and community work that are not translating well to telehealth.

• Children with non-verbal disabilities are not able to use telehealth and are not connecting to treatment in any form or way.

Digital literacy and training in use of telehealth platforms also presented challenges for some families and providers.

• Technology and knowledge about technology - not knowing how to use audio/video systems, not being comfortable using technology in this way, and not knowing the best ways to sign and return documents.

• Caregivers technology education - Some caregivers, especially older ones, are requiring significant training on how to access the technology associated with telehealth.

Even if the technology isn’t a barrier, sometimes privacy can be hard to find for some families and providers.

• What is there to do when we can offer group support on-line but the home settings where our folks are do not allow for private /safe/ supportive spaces to participate?

• Just wish I could have a dedicated room for an office with a door to close out children when I am on a meeting call.

Other themes that emerged included wishes to: adjust timelines for completing required assessments or treatment plans because many families (and providers) feel overwhelmed with parenting or other caretaking demands, increase access to personal protective equipment, and waive co-pays and deductibles for behavioral health treatment.  

You can still add your learning to Week 2—just fill out the survey below.