How a decade of telemedicine has reshaped a career

Abstract

Behavioral health telemedicine has emerged as a potent facilitator of improved access to care. With a substantial evidence base establishing effectiveness and satisfaction across a variety of settings and populations, telemedicine is increasing its importance and acceptance in the delivery of behavioral health care. Telemedicine implementation, however, is complex from a technical, human factors, and organizational perspective. Limited and inconsistent reimbursement policy has hindered adoption, as has licensure and professional standards that have not kept pace with available technologies. Successful implementation of behavioral health telemedicine requires a broad focus and skill set, which spans the integration of technical expertise, regulatory issues, project planning, training of key personnel at all organizational levels, and engagement of stakeholders. The chapter focuses on the useful skills developed in psychology training (communication skills, diagnostic skills, research background, systems approaches) as well as acquired skills post-education (business and entrepreneurship, implementation of new technologies, consultation skills), which in combination can facilitate career options and growth. The author describes his evolving activities in telemedicine, which originated in his efforts to staff rural mental health clinics with scarce professionals.