By: Jeff Lopiansky

A victim that few are talking about when the subject turns to the Coronavirus is Americans’ mental health, which is taking a battering.

But help is available. Licensed providers in New York who submit a self-attestation to the Office of Mental Health or Office of Addiction Services and Supports will be rapidly authorized to deliver remote services for mental health during the emergency, according to the state, reported Crain’s New York Business. Requirements include that the transmission of services be dedicated and secure and that confidentiality be maintained.

“Although the state issued guidance to expand tele-mental health services in November, the latest guidance would hasten the approval process to better accommodate the impact of the coronavirus outbreak. Commercial insurance and Medicaid reimburse for telehealth services,” Crain’s added.

Streamlining the approval process and regulations governing telehealth services will quickly allow more healthcare providers to utilize the practice for the duration of the of the COVID-19 emergency, said the state’s Office of Mental Health.

OMH Commissioner, Dr. Ann Sullivan said, “Individuals who are self-quarantined or concerned about the spread of COVID-19 may understandably choose not to keep appointments with their therapists and healthcare providers. By easing telehealth regulations, we will allow people living with mental health or addiction issues to safely and conveniently receive the services they need and provide peace of mind to both patients and healthcare providers.”

OASAS Commissioner Arlene González-Sanchéz said, “Governor Cuomo’s measures to streamline the approval process for telehealth services is a crucial step in ensuring that individuals in need of mental health and addiction treatment services receive the professional help they need without comprising their well-being and the safety of others.”

Although the risk of contracting the virus remains low, many healthcare providers report that their recipients are expressing anxiety about leaving their homes. Streamlining and waiving the rules that regulate telehealth services will allow more healthcare providers to conduct therapy sessions with their patients will ensure continuity of care throughout the emergency.

“By waiving sections of OMH regulations, Part 596, and OASAS regulations, Part 830, the agencies will be able to quickly approve the use of telehealth to deliver mental health services and addiction treatment. This will streamline the written approval process, expand the list of providers who can deliver the service and ease certain requirements, such as the need for an initial in-person assessment prior to the delivery of telehealth services,” the office added.

The streamlined regulations will allow a practitioner to file a Self-Attestation of Compliance, certifying that they meet the State’s licensing standards, that confidentiality of patients will be maintained, and all sessions will be conducted on secure transmission lines.