At Home Places Spring 2021

Page 62

Telemental health services now available

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WELL+BEING

written by MICHAEL P. SHEA DIRECTOR OF OUTPATIENT SERVICES BROOK LANE HEALTH SERVICES The COVID-19 pandemic created many challenges for Brook Lane last year. One of the most pressing was developing the ability for our clinicians to see clients safely in the privacy of their own homes. Brook Lane successfully added Telemental Health services to allow us to continue seeing clients unable to come to our locations or those wanting to minimize their risk of exposure to the virus. Our school-based mental-health program, typically embedded within area schools, was the first to offer virtual services, as students were sent home from school and were no longer readily available to be seen. Through the desire to maintain ongoing sessions with students, Brook Lane's therapists worked closely with our information-technology department to create a system that allowed students and their families access to therapy sessions via electronic devices such as computers, tablets and phones. As an increasing number of people had to stay home, due to the closing of various businesses and rising infection rates, it became obvious that telehealth was a necessity to provide clients of all ages access to mental-health treatment in the safety of their homes. Our psychiatrists, nurse practitioners and therapists have the ability to provide telehealth services. Patients can be assessed by a medication provider or a therapist and establish a treatment plan without leaving home. Counseling and

ongoing medication management are provided, as well. We email new clients the initial paperwork prior to their first sessions, and requests for medication are sent electronically to pharmacies. Brook Lane is providing more than 50% of its services to clients virtually and has discovered some positive benefits: It saves time for clients and families because they do not have to build in travel time to and from appointments; it saves clients gas money, especially those traveling longer distances for an appointment; it has reduced the number of cancellations and “no shows” for appointments, since clients do not need to find child care and do not have to leave home when they are not feeling well. Telehealth has kept clients and staff healthier by limiting the amount of people crossing paths in our waiting rooms and hallways. Telehealth services tend to be more comfortable for participants because patients and providers don’t have to wear masks or safety shields in a virtual appointment. Research shows the benefits of telehealth are similar to sessions offered face-to-face for most clients. To access Brook Lane’s telehealth services, call our admissions/intake office at 301-733-0330 and request outpatient telehealth services. Our staff will connect you with the right provider.

— Places

Michael P. Shea, Ed.D., LCSW-C, is the director of outpatient services for Brook Lane, where he provides oversight and leadership to therapists at outpatient locations. He is a frequent consultant and mental-health speaker for numerous faith-based organizations.


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Have DIABETES?

3min
pages 66-67

At Home Places Spring 2021

5min
pages 94-96

Brewing the perfect cup of coffee

5min
pages 91-92

At Home Places Spring 2021

7min
pages 99-101

At Home Places Spring 2021

3min
pages 88-89

At Home Places Spring 2021

1min
page 78

HOME TRENDS

10min
pages 32-35

At Home Places Spring 2021

2min
pages 20-21

Create a backyard oasis

4min
pages 16-18

Beer, wine, spirits abloom in Washington County

2min
page 93

Brewing the perfect cup of coffee

5min
pages 91-92

Spring provides hopeful pivot to beauty of outdoors

3min
pages 97-98

Conococheague Institute features crops grown in the 18th century

5min
pages 83-87

Make your child’s room a mini-museum exhibit

3min
pages 81-82

Summer camp is antidote to pandemic living

1min
page 80

Even during pandemic, program ensures no patient dies alone

5min
pages 64-65

Include pets in your home renovation plans

2min
pages 69-70

Programs scale back or go virtual

18min
pages 71-77

Telemental health services now available

2min
pages 62-63

The benefits of growing your own food

7min
pages 58-61

How to reduce your long-term risk of cardiovascular disease

3min
pages 66-68

An organized kitchen can improve your health

7min
pages 56-57

Create a kitchen that works for you

12min
pages 49-55

Pressure washing can make a home look new again

3min
pages 42-44

Where to put your money when saving for a home

3min
pages 46-47

Is your home environmentally safe?

8min
pages 38-41

Do’s and don’ts of refinancing

2min
page 48

The future is bright for solar energy

8min
pages 23-27

Pandemic has varied effects on residential construction

4min
pages 28-31

Library card is important renovation tool

1min
page 45

Spring cleaning tips for your workspace

8min
pages 13-19
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