Before reading these articles, I honestly thought of telehealth as mostly doctor appointments over a computer screen. I knew telehealth had expanded during COVID, but I had not really considered how much it has impacted social work practice and vulnerable populations. After reading both Balogun et al. (2025) and Zhu et al. (2024), I walked away with a better understanding of both the opportunities and challenges that come with providing services virtually.

One thing that stood out to me in Balogun et al. (2025) was how many different populations can benefit from telehealth. I expected the authors to discuss counseling and medical appointments, but I was surprised by the emphasis on increasing access for people who face transportation issues, mobility limitations, or who live in underserved areas. Working in housing services, I see firsthand how something as simple as transportation can become a major barrier for clients. Sometimes clients miss appointments not because they do not want help, but because getting there is difficult. Telehealth can remove some of those barriers and make services more accessible.

Overall, I agreed with the authors’ discussion about the benefits of telehealth for vulnerable populations. Balogun et al. (2025) pointed out that telehealth can improve access to care, and I think that is especially important for people who already face challenges navigating different systems. When clients are dealing with housing instability, health concerns, or financial hardship, having the option to attend appointments virtually can make a big difference. It gives people another way to stay connected to services when life gets complicated.

One area I wish the authors had discussed more was digital literacy. Just because someone owns a phone or computer does not mean they know how to use telehealth platforms effectively. Some clients struggle with technology, and others may not have reliable internet access. I think these challenges deserve more attention because they can prevent people from fully benefiting from telehealth services.

To me, the biggest challenge with telehealth is the digital divide. While telehealth can increase access for many people, it can also leave some individuals behind. If someone does not have internet access, a smartphone, or the skills needed to navigate technology, telehealth may not be a realistic option. As social workers, we have to remember that technology is only helpful if clients can actually access and use it.

The article by Zhu et al. (2024) was interesting because it focused on the experiences of practitioners. What surprised me most was how divided some providers were about continuing telehealth after the pandemic. Some practitioners seemed very comfortable with it and planned to continue using it, while others preferred traditional face-to-face services. I expected some differences of opinion, but I was surprised by how strongly people felt on both sides.

The rate of telemental health use did not surprise me. During COVID, many organizations had no choice but to adapt quickly. Telehealth became the primary way to maintain services while keeping people safe. Because of that experience, I expected telehealth use to increase significantly and remain part of practice even after the pandemic.

Two factors that seemed to influence whether practitioners would continue using telemedicine were effectiveness and client engagement. If providers felt they could build rapport and help clients achieve positive outcomes through telehealth, they were more likely to continue using it. On the other hand, some practitioners felt that virtual services limited their ability to read body language and connect with clients. Convenience was another major factor. Telehealth saves travel time and often provides more scheduling flexibility for both clients and providers.

As for my own practice, I think telehealth definitely has a place in social work. However, I do not think it should completely replace in-person interactions. There are situations where being face-to-face with a client is important, especially when trying to build trust or assess a person’s environment and needs. At the same time, I recognize that virtual services can increase access and flexibility. For me, the ideal approach would be a combination of both. A hybrid model gives social workers the ability to meet clients where they are while still maintaining the personal connection that is so important in our profession.

After reading both articles, I believe telehealth is here to stay. The challenge for social workers will be finding ways to use technology ethically and effectively while making sure that vulnerable populations are not left behind. Technology can be a powerful tool, but it should always support and not replace the human connection that is at the heart of social work practice.

References

Balogun, A. K., Dada, S. N., Kazeem, O., & Bakare-Adesokan, K. A. (2025). Integrating telehealth services in social work practice for vulnerable groups. World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 25(1), 1984–1991. https://doi.org/10.30574/wjarr.2025.25.1.0248

Zhu, D., Paige, S. R., Slone, H., Gutierrez, A., Lutzky, C., Hedriana, H., Barrera, J. F., Ong, T., & Bunnell, B. E. (2024). Exploring telemental health practice before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare, 30(1), 72–78. https://doi.org/10.1177/1357633X211025943