Teletherapy and Suicide Risk

In recent years, the adoption of teletherapy has surged, particularly amplified by the constraints of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite suicide rates in the United States (US) declining during the pandemic, suicide rates have increased 2.6% from 2021 to 2022.

The need for timely intervention is more urgent than ever, but traditional in-person therapy may not always be accessible for everyone due to geographic, economic, and social limitations.

By removing barriers such as geographic limitations, economic constraints, and social stigma, teletherapy provides immediate and widespread access to essential mental health services.

Teletherapy can be conducted over phone calls, texts, or video chats, depending on the client’s preference and the therapist’s technological capabilities, which makes mental health services more accessible than ever before.

This expanded reach has the potential to significantly reduce suicide risk. Teletherapy offers not only therapeutic interventions but also a sense of community for those who might otherwise suffer in isolation.

Teletherapy Training Matters

Training in teletherapy has become essential for mental health care providers in today’s increasingly digital landscape. The American Psychological Association (APA) found that 96 percent of psychologists reported treating patients virtually subsequent to the pandemic.

Although there is widespread use of teletherapy, many healthcare professionals have not received formal training. Baker and colleagues surveyed 250 clinicians across the US who provided evidence-based teletherapy to children who experienced trauma. Study results indicated that clinicians had the least amount of training in collaborative documentation, software and hardware issues, remote office setup, office and home triggers for the child, and management of interruptions. Whereas clinicians received the most training in rapport building, boundary development, and observing concerning interactions in the child’s home. Approximately 24.4% of the clinicians did not receive training in any of these areas, and only half received training in four or more areas.

Teletherapy training equips professionals with the necessary skills to navigate the technological aspects of virtual consultations as well as the unique clinical nuances that come with remote care.

Access to Therapy Can Reduce Suicide Risk

Mann and colleagues systematically reviewed existing research on evidence-based strategies to reduce risk for suicide. The researchers stated that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) decreased suicide risk in adults and adolescents with depression, adults with borderline personality disorder, and patients who presented at the emergency department after a recent suicide attempt. Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) also decreased suicide risk in adolescents and adults with borderline personality disorder.

Therapies such as CBT and DBT serve as a vital preventive measure by providing individuals with coping mechanisms, emotional regulation skills, and personalized treatment plans. Consistent therapeutic engagement allows for ongoing assessment of suicide risk and the implementation of timely interventions, thereby reducing the likelihood of a crisis escalating into a tragic outcome. Teletherapy increases access to treatment and translates to more opportunities for effective evaluation and intervention, which in turn lowers the risk of suicide.

Teletherapy is not merely an alternative but a vital component in the comprehensive strategy to expand access to mental health services. By mitigating geographic, economic, and social obstacles, teletherapy provides access to critical, lifesaving care and plays a crucial role in reducing the risk of suicide. As technology advances and more providers embrace specialized training opportunities, teletherapy will undoubtedly continue to be a transformative force in mental health care and the prevention of suicide.

Access to Therapy Can Reduce Suicide Risk

Mann and colleagues systematically reviewed existing research on evidence-based strategies to reduce risk for suicide. The researchers stated that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) decreased suicide risk in adults and adolescents with depression, adults with borderline personality disorder, and patients who presented at the emergency department after a recent suicide attempt. Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) also decreased suicide risk in adolescents and adults with borderline personality disorder.

Therapies such as CBT and DBT serve as a vital preventive measure by providing individuals with coping mechanisms, emotional regulation skills, and personalized treatment plans. Consistent therapeutic engagement allows for ongoing assessment of suicide risk and the implementation of timely interventions, thereby reducing the likelihood of a crisis escalating into a tragic outcome. Teletherapy increases access to treatment and translates to more opportunities for effective evaluation and intervention, which in turn lowers the risk of suicide.

Teletherapy is not merely an alternative but a vital component in the comprehensive strategy to expand access to mental health services. By mitigating geographic, economic, and social obstacles, teletherapy provides access to critical, lifesaving care and plays a crucial role in reducing the risk of suicide. As technology advances and more providers embrace specialized training opportunities, teletherapy will undoubtedly continue to be a transformative force in mental health care and the prevention of suicide.

Resources

American Psychological Association. (2021, October 19). Worsening mental health crisis pressures psychologist workforce: 2021 COVID-19 practitioner survey. American Psychological Association. https://www.apa.org/pubs/reports/practitioner/covid-19-2021

Baker, A. J. L., Konigsberg, M., Brown, E., & Adkins, K. L. (2023). Successes, challenges, and opportunities in providing evidence-based teletherapy to children who have experienced trauma as a response to Covid-19: A national survey of clinicians. Children and Youth Services Review, 146, 106819. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.childyouth.2023.106819

Coombs, N. C., Meriwether, W. E., Caringi, J., & Newcomer, S. R. (2021). Barriers to healthcare access among U.S. adults with mental health challenges: A population-based study. SSM – Population Health, 15, 100847. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssmph.2021.100847

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023, August 10). Suicide data and statistics. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/suicide/suicide-data-statistics.html 

Mann, J.J., Michel, C.A., Auerbach, R.P. (2021). Improving suicide prevention through evidence-based strategies: A systematic review. American Journal of Psychiatry,178(7), 611-624. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ajp.2020.20060864