How Telehealth is Changing Emergency Mental Health Care

Suicide is a big problem in the U. S. , hurting many people and communities. When someone is at risk, they often go to the emergency room. But there's a problem: not enough mental health experts are available. This leads to long waits and unnecessary hospital stays. To fix this, telehealth was introduced in two Massachusetts emergency rooms. This means doctors can talk to patients through video calls. But what do patients and doctors think about this new way of doing things? Telehealth can help, but it's not perfect. Some patients might not like talking to a doctor on a screen. Others might feel more comfortable because they're in a familiar place. Doctors also have their own thoughts. They might worry about not being able to read patients as well as in person. This new method is still being tested. It's important to see if it really helps or if there are better ways to support people in crisis. The goal is to make sure everyone gets the care they need, when they need it.