Telehealth service works to bridge the mental health gap in rural communities [Video]

LINCOLN, Neb. (KOLN) – For people going through a mental health crisis, not having access to the care they need where they live can keep them from getting help. In Lincoln, Bryan Health is working to change that through telehealth, and is already making a difference in several rural communities.

The mental health telehealth calls allow people in towns from as far as Valentine, to Beatrice and York, to receive a behavioral health assessment at their home hospital in a time of crisis.

“The need for mental health in the community is pretty high, no matter where you go,” Jennifer Hirschfeld, RN and director of the emergency room at York General Hospital.

In a time of crisis, it can come down to traveling for care or not getting help at all.

“Often that’s a two-to-three-hour drive,” said Sara Draus, LICSW, manager of social work and therapy services at Bryan Health. …