GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — A local mental health provider has "ramped up" its telehealth services "within a week" during the coronavirus outbreak.
Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services "quickly expanded" to convert in-clinic outpatient appointments to telehealth appointments, according to Pne Rest.
Pine Rest said it went from providing more than 400 telehealth visits in a month to 700 day due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Last week, Pine Rest clinicians treated more than 3,500 patients through telehealth. This week and next, Pine Rest has more than 5,000 patients per week scheduled.
The shift to telehealth was done to was done to meet the needs of its clients and help people "affected by the COVID-19 pandemic."
“For some people — both clinicians and patients — the thought of meeting via telehealth technology initially seemed overwhelming," said Jean Holthaus, telehealth clinic manager, Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services.
"However, as people have tried it out, the response has been overwhelmingly positive. Clinicians were initially worried patients wouldn’t like teletherapy but have repeatedly heard from patients that they have found this to be a positive and effective way to continue treatment.”
There are 250 therapists and 60 psychiatrists providing telehealth care.
Pine Rest said it "still has capacity" for more patients.
People can call 866.852.4001 or go online to set up an appointment.