Reducing Stigma in Healthcare for Telehealth

By | February 6th, 2024

Stigma is a negative attitude or judgment that makes people feel ashamed or discriminated against because of who they are or what they do. Stigma can affect people’s mental and physical health, their relationships, their self-esteem, and their access to quality care. Many people who need help with mental health issues avoid seeking help because they fear being labeled, rejected, or misunderstood by others.

Telehealth is a way of providing healthcare services through technology, such as phone calls, video chats, or online platforms, and it can also help people find providers who match their preferences, needs, and values. In this blog, we will explore how telehealth can reduce stigma and improve mental health outcomes for people who need it.

Table of Contents

What Is Mental Health Stigma?

This is the negative and unfair attitude that society has towards people who live with a mental illness or seek help for emotional distress. Society often views such people as lesser or as if their condition is contagious and gross.

Why Is There A Mental Health Stigma?

A few different reasons why mental health stigma exists in society are:

Lack of knowledge or understanding about mental health conditions and their causes.
Fear of people who are different or unpredictable.
Negative stereotypes and myths about people with mental illness.
Cultural or religious beliefs that view mental illness as a sign of moral failure or personal weakness.
Media portrayals that negatively portray mental health issues.

Mental health stigma can have harmful consequences for people who experience it, such as:

Lower self-esteem and self-confidence.
Reduced social support.
Difficulty accessing or seeking treatment.
Discrimination in education, employment, housing, or health care.
Increased risk of developing other mental or physical health problems.

Combating mental health stigma is possible, as long as people:

Educate themselves and others about mental health and challenge misconceptions.
Show empathy and compassion to people who are struggling with mental health issues.
Seek help when needed and encourage others to do the same.
Join or support advocacy groups that promote mental health awareness and rights.
Celebrate the achievements and strengths of people with mental illness.

What Is Telehealth Stigma In The Workplace?

Telehealth stigma in the workplace is where employers or coworkers view people who use telehealth services for their mental or physical health needs as inferior or lesser beings. This can lead to discrimination, isolation, and poor quality of care for the affected individuals or groups.

What Are The Consequences Of Stigma For Access And Quality Care?

mental health stigma

Stigma can have serious consequences for access and quality of care, such as:

Preventing people from seeking help.
Reducing the availability and affordability of services.
Lowering the quality and effectiveness of care for people who need it.

How Does Telehealth Reduce Stigma To Access And Care Through Stigma Reduction?

Telehealth is the use of technology to provide healthcare services remotely, such as through phone calls, video chats, or online platforms. Telehealth can reduce the stigma to access and care for people who have mental health or substance use issues by offering them such benefits as:

Convenience and privacy.
Choice and flexibility.
Quality and effectiveness.

Evolve Wellness Inc. Reduces The Stigma Of Telehealth for Mental Health

telehealth for mental health

Evolve Wellness Inc. is a recovery center that offers telehealth services for mental health, which are remote ways of providing telehealth therapy and counseling. By using telehealth, Evolve Wellness Inc. reduces the stigma of mental health treatment by making it more accessible, convenient, private, and personalized for each client.