BMC Psychiatry: Changes in Mental Health Services in Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic

BMC Psychiatry: Changes in Mental Health Services in Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic

A shift to telecommunication technologies had a significant impact on patients and care providers’ experiences of mental health care. This review aimed to identify changes in mental health services for patients in response to the pandemic and understand the impact of the changes on patients and providers. Improvements to care access, flexibility, remote forms of care delivery and lengths of operating service hours emerged as crucial changes, which supported accessibility to mental health services, increased attendance and reduced dropouts from care. Telehealth in mental care could be a viable alternative to face-to-face service delivery with effective treatment outcomes.