VA Telehealth Mental Health Hubs Associated With Reduced Use Of Community Care Referrals

After the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) established clinical resource hubs (CRHs) to provide telehealth services within VA mental health clinics, the clinics had fewer referrals to Community Care mental health services, according to a recent study. CRHs are regional telehealth staffing hubs that deliver virtual care to veterans at clinics experiencing mental health workforce shortages.

The clinics with greater use of CRHs had an average of 20 fewer Community Care referrals per 1,000 veterans per month. The researchers concluded that stronger CRH infrastructure can improve access to mental health care for veterans.

The VA developed CRHs in response . . .