The breadth and depth of Virginia’s mental health crisis is harrowing. According to Mental Health America, Virginia is in the bottom-third of states when it comes to access to mental health services. Additionally, the latest data from the Health Resources & Services Administration states that every locality throughout the state is experiencing a shortage of mental health professionals. Other data does not offer a promising forecast. Of the state’s psychiatrists, 61% are age 55 years or older, nearing retirement age.
It’s no surprise that localities with too few or no behavior health specialists see poorer mental health outcomes. Addressing these dire issues is critical to Virginia’s short- and long-term health, necessitating a myriad of solutions. One that has already shown to be immensely successful is the use of telehealth to provide both greater access to mental health services and a way for aspiring mental health professionals to expeditiously meet the requirements of the licensure they are pursuing.
Virginia Program Reinforces Workforce Training
A statewide program, the Virginia Telemental Health Initiative (VTMHI), aims to fortify the mental health workforce. This program expands access to timely and appropriate mental health services via telehealth by working with volunteer mental health providers pursuing licensure. Pre-licensed volunteers are paired with a clinical supervisor on staff and provide services to patients referred by a participating free clinic.
Breaking Down Barriers to Licensure
The Council on Social Work Education and the National Association of Social Workers survey data reflect that master’s in social work students have on average between $68,000- $76,000 total student loan debt. The average debt among master’s degree holders is $83,651. Traditionally, most pre-licensed individuals had to add to their debt by paying a licensed provider to be their supervisor. VTMHI provides its volunteers with free supervision and client contact hours, along with the invaluable experience of serving those individuals in marginalized communities.
“Experiencing the challenges of serving uninsured and underserved patients through mental health treatment not only cultivates compassion and understanding but also equips professionals with invaluable skills in navigating complex client concerns while fostering holistic growth in their journey towards licensure” said Denise Hall, VTMHI Director of Clinical Services.
VTMHI pre-licensed volunteers are also provided with free training, tools, and mentorship that enhances their skill sets for implementing telehealth practices.
Impact on Virginia’s Mental Health Crisis To date
In its first year, VTMHI had an immediate and substantial impact toward alleviating the state’s mental health crisis. Six clinical supervisors were onboarded to support 43 pre-licensed mental health professionals. These individuals worked together to see nearly 1,000 patients across 10 partnering free and charitable clinics.
Over the next two years, VTMHI hopes to grow its network by serving 45 free and charitable clinics, maintaining a network of more than 100 pre-licensed mental health professionals with supervisors, and providing over 10,000 telemental health visits to clinic patients each year.
Virginia’s Behavioral and Mental Health Professionals Want More Telehealth Services
Beyond VTMHI and the services it provides, research shows Virginia’s behavioral and mental health specialists are comfortable with and want more telehealth services. According to VTN’s Benchmarking Teleheath Usage in Virginia Survey, 87% of licensed providers agree telehealth allows them to address patient care barriers, and more than three in four providers (76%) agree telehealth allows them to see more patients.
More information about VTMHI can be found on its website. To learn more about becoming a pre-licensed volunteer to earn free supervision and training, visit https://virginiatelementalhealth.org/pre-lmhp/.