Telehealth Services for Union Members

Can Union Members Get Telehealth Services?

Since the Covid-19 pandemic, many healthcare providers have expanded their telehealth services. The need for remote healthcare during the pandemic resulted in both practitioners and patients experiencing several benefits. Union memberships have also expanded their benefits to include telehealth services, including substance abuse and mental health treatments. Telehealth services for union members have improved accessibility to qualified mental health professionals using the Internet or cell phone.

Union members have access to telehealth services through Union First, an employee assistance service for union members, public employees, and their families. Members and their families can quickly have access to counselors, addiction specialists, and more within 24 hours of calling us. We use a private network of service providers who take your insurance.

4 Examples of Telehealth Services for Union Members

1. Individual Online Therapy. Union members struggling with mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and PTSD can access licensed online therapists through secure HIPAA-compliant platforms. Talk therapy can offer individuals ways to talk through their mental health problems while receiving feedback and tools from a counselor. Any type of behavioral health therapy available in person is available through telehealth services including cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, and trauma-informed therapy.
2. Virtual Outpatient Addiction Treatment. Many addiction treatment centers are now offering intensive outpatient programs (IOP) completely online. These structured programs allow union members to access recovery programs anywhere at any time, which can make it easier for many to continue working while receiving recovery treatment. Virtual IOP includes many of the same addiction therapies individuals would receive in person, including group counseling and relapse prevention strategies. These programs are excellent choices for those who travel for work or as a step down from inpatient drug addiction treatment.
3. Group Therapy. Union members can access various mental health and substance abuse support groups online, including Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous. Group therapy provides several benefits for those struggling with mental health or substance use disorders. One of the greatest benefits is reducing feelings of loneliness and providing members with a sense of community. Seeing others thrive while struggling with similar disorders can increase motivation and hope. Telehealth group therapy can connect individuals far away from one another who would otherwise not have had the opportunity to support one another.
4. Telepsychiatry. Telehealth services include psychiatric appointments. While telepsychology, or online therapy, can help individuals work through mental health and substance abuse issues, these therapies take time. A psychiatrist can prescribe medications to ease symptoms while individuals learn and apply several tools and skills to manage their disorder. Online telepsychiatry can connect union members with psychiatrists who can send in a prescription to their local pharmacy or even have medications directly delivered to their homes.

Does Insurance Cover Telehealth Services for Union Members?

Many health insurance companies, including union health companies, are beginning to cover telehealth services, including phone consultations and video chat doctor appointments. However, state laws can affect how those visits work and what type of services and providers are accessible. For example, some states require the provider to have a valid license in the state where the patient is located and others require physicians to be licensed to practice telehealth in the originating site’s state. So while you may want to set up a telehealth visit with your counselor, psychiatrist, or doctor, it may not be allowed. The best way to find a service provider is to check with your insurance company or through an employee assistance service, like Union First. We can connect you with telehealth services that take your union insurance and fit your needs, taking out the guesswork.

7 Advantages of Accessing Telehealth Services for Union Members

Telehealth services are becoming more popular; however, many people still have hesitations about using these services as opposed to in-person treatment. The first thing to know is that telehealth services use secure, HIPAA-compliant software to ensure your privacy is protected just like at the doctor’s office. Telehealth services can also be just as effective as in-person therapy or addiction treatment, with added advantages, including:

1. Ability to Access Treatment from Home, Work, or School. Busy schedules often leave little room for self-care appointments, such as therapy or addiction treatment, which is often when we need these services the most. Accessing treatments from home eliminates travel time or having to find a caregiver for dependents such as small children or the elderly. This is also an advantage for those who need to socially distance themselves, such as individuals who are immunocompromised or have social phobias.
2. Better Affordability. Telehealth services can be more affordable than in-person therapy or addiction treatment services. Even though health insurance pays for telehealth services, some individuals have not met their deductible or do not have insurance. Telehealth services have expanded treatment to those on more limited budgets.
3. Improved Patient Retention. Recent studies have shown that patient retention is higher with telehealth treatment because services are quickly and easily accessible. Increased patient retention means better recovery and treatment outcomes.
4. More Privacy. Individuals often choose telehealth services as it offers more privacy. There is no risk of running into someone you know going into a therapist’s office or addiction treatment center.
5. Eliminates Transportation Limitations. Telehealth services can help those who access frequent mental health or substance abuse treatment but have transportation limitations. These services also increase access to individuals who live in more remote areas who would have difficulty going to treatment more than once a week. Individuals who also have mobility issues, such as those who are disabled or in a recent accident, can access telehealth services more easily than in person.  
6. Access to Specialized Care. Union members can access specialists outside of their area thanks to telehealth medicine, which can improve treatment outcomes.
7. Ability to Get an Appointment More Quickly. Often, those seeking in-person mental health or substance abuse treatment have difficulty getting an appointment quickly. These disorders can quickly progress, so getting help as soon as possible may be key to successful recovery. Telehealth appointments can be available within 24 hours and get people in front of a counselor as soon as possible.

Union First is the Best Way for Union Members to Find Telehealth Services

The best way for union members and their families to find telehealth services that take their insurance is through Union First. We work with a private network of treatment providers to get you an appointment within 24 to 48 hours of calling us. Our team at Union First can match you with a counselor who fits our needs and takes your union insurance. Union members can also rest easy that your call to us is strictly confidential. We also offer treatment placement services for those looking for in-person behavioral health treatment. Through an initial evaluation, our team of specialists can determine our treatment program needs and match you with mental health or addiction treatment services in your area.

If you or your family members are struggling with a mental health or substance abuse issue, please give us a call anytime day or night. We can help you quickly access mental health and addiction services either online or in person. Call us today at (855)215-2023 or chat with us online.