| The presentation explains the rise of virtual mental healthcare, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic, and highlights how virtual Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOPs) such as those offered by Charlie Health expand access to mental health and SUD treatment. It reviews the impact of the pandemic on mental health systems, the rapid adoption of telehealth, and how virtual care can help address gaps in access, especially for high-acuity populations.
The presentation also outlines best practices for delivering virtual behavioral health treatment, the regulatory changes that enabled telehealth expansion, and the clinical outcomes associated with Charlie Health’s model. Data shows strong improvements in depression, anxiety, self-harm, and suicidal ideation among patients completing treatment.
Overall, the presentation positions virtual mental healthcare as an effective, scalable solution that improves access, maintains quality outcomes, and supports patients who otherwise might struggle to receive timely care.
Objectives:
1. Explain the need for virtual mental health & SUD care
- Highlight the surge in mental health needs during and after COVID-19 and the strain placed on traditional care systems.
2. Demonstrate how telehealth expanded access to treatment
- Show how policy changes, telehealth adoption, and technology enabled providers to deliver care across locations and populations.
3. Educate providers on delivering effective virtual behavioral health care
- Outline best practices for virtual treatment, including clinical protocols, privacy considerations, and patient engagement strategies.
4. Present clinical outcomes supporting the virtual IOP model
- Share data demonstrating improvements in depression, anxiety, self-harm, and suicidal ideation among patients in Charlie Health programs.
5. Highlight the future role of digital behavioral health services
- Emphasize how virtual care will continue expanding across the continuum of behavioral health services to improve accessibility and outcomes nationwide.
Anne Oeswein is a licensed professional counselor supervisor with over 20 years of experience counseling adults, teens, and families working as a Charlie Health Clinical Supervisor. She is experienced in a range of therapeutic techniques, with a specific focus on mindful self-compassion. As a Clinical Supervisor at Charlie Health, Anne brings her leadership background to support junior therapists as they grow and develop. |
