Social Work Answers the (Video) Call: Tele-Behavioral Health Use During COVID-19
Brianna M. Lombardi, Lisa de Saxe Zerden, Christopher T. Thyberg
Abstract
Objective: The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted access to and the delivery of behavioral health services for social work providers and their clients. This study examined the use of tele-behavioral health by social workers before and during the pandemic, as well as the perceived barriers and supports to technology use. Method: We developed an electronic survey, which was distributed to a convenience sample of practicing social work professionals in the United States through a national listserv. A mixed-methods study design was used to analyze responses (N = 585). Results: Over 92% of social workers reported using tele-behavioral health since the beginning of the pandemic, compared to 28% prior. About half of respondents received training on tele-behavioral health since COVID-19, whereas only 23% had received training prior. The vast majority (87%) indicated one or more barriers to the use of tele-behavioral health, with client barriers (73%) being the area of greatest concern. Yet, social workers overwhelmingly reported the desire for tele-behavioral health to continue beyond the pandemic. Conclusions: Based on our findings, we propose the following recommendations: (a) Ensure parity and reimbursement for tele-behavioral health; (b) train current and future social work practitioners in tele-behavioral health; and (c) provide supports for client use of tele-behavioral health.