Transitioning to Telehealth to Treat Concurrent Disorders: Provider and Patient Perspectives During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The current study aimed to examine the use of telehealth within concurrent disorder populations through the examination of both clinicians and patients accessing treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic. Using a mixed-methods approach, provider (n = 23) and patient (n = 76) experiences and opinions are described. Commonly reported benefits by patients included increased accessibility to treatment (e.g., ability to attend appointments with more ease and frequency) and reduced traveling and parking expenses (for patients) by providers. Commonly reported challenges for patients included issues with internet connection, the belief that telehealth is less effective than in-person treatment, and difficulty feeling connected to their therapist. Providers commonly reported screen-use fatigue, technology issues, and lack of patient engagement. The majority of providers and patients expressed the desire to use a combination of in-person and telehealth services in the future, post-pandemic. Findings may be used to inform telehealth treatment options in both pandemic and non-pandemic times.