May is Mental Health Awareness Month and Washington Hospital Services Industry Partner InSight Telepsychiatry is joining the nationwide effort to increase awareness about the importance of mental health. Insight is embracing the idea of “Mental Health Starts With Us,” through providing resources, strategies and information to highlight the importance of mental wellness for everyone.
One in six individuals live with a mental illness. It is estimated that approximately 44.7 million American adults are affected by a mental, behavioral or emotional disorder, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. Despite how common mental health concerns are, less than half of those with mental health concerns seek treatment, either because they choose not to or are unable to.
It is important for health care organizations to provide mental health resources for individuals in their communities. With telepsychiatry, organizations can further increase access to mental health care for their community with the use of innovative applications of technology. Telepsychiatry is a proven medium for increasing psychiatric capacity at single facilities and across entire systems. Through telemedicine, organizations can access psychiatric coverage without the recruiting, logistical and financial burdens that the onsite provision of those services would require. Additional information about Insight’s tele-psychiatric services is available online.
Further details on Washington Hospital Services and the Industry Program are available online or through contacting Beth Zborowski at bethz@wsha.org or (206) 577-1807.
