When I read the article Integrating Telehealth Services in Social Work Practice for Vulnerable Groups, I was expecting telehealth services to be used for mostly counseling and medical appointments, but I was surprised by how many different ways social workers use it. I didn’t realize telehealth services could be used for crisis intervention, support with domestic violence, parental education, and virtual support groups (Balogun et al., 2025). It showed me that telehealth can be more than just video appointments. I feel that the way telehealth is set up, it has the potential to make a meaningful difference for vulnerable populations. I agree 100% that telehealth could make a great deal of difference in their care because many vulnerable populations face barriers that make it difficult to access services. Social determinants of health have such a major effect on the way that a patients receive care because it’s factors that are out of their control yet control every possible outcome unless there is a means of intervention. Transportation, childcare, work schedules, and physical disabilities can cause a barrier and can all prevent people from attending appointments. Telehealth creates another option and can make services more accessible for people who might otherwise go without support. One thing I think the authors could have discussed more is privacy within the home. Although telehealth increases access, some people may not have a private space where they feel safe discussing sensitive issues. Another thought is how can older adults that may struggle with technology, along with the homeless population who lacks internet access. There are a few issues that present themselves in relation to telehealth services, but one of the biggest challenges presented is the digital divide. the other concerns involve having adequate internet access, digital literacy, and possible issues with information remaining confidential. The digital divide arises because if the patient doesn’t have internet access, doesn’t use a smartphone, or lacks computer skills to properly use the device, then they won’t be able to have a telehealth appointment.

In comparison, Exploring telemental health practice before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic focused on what providers were actually experiencing when it came to the pandemic. I was amazed at how quickly practitioners adapted to telehealth due to many providers initially being uncomfortable using the platform, then becoming adaptable during the pandemic. The daily telehealth use increased from 17% to 40%, demonstrating how quickly professionals can adjust when circumstances require it. The rate was a bit higher than I expected. While I knew telehealth became popular during COVID-19, I was surprised that so many practitioners shifted a large portion of their caseloads to remote services. There are two factors that are affecting future use of telehealth services. The first factor is rural providers continuing to use telehealth services due to their clients often living further away. The second factor would be the matter of insurance reimbursement and payment methods because providers won’t be able to receive the proper compensation and would be less likely to continue with telehealth services (Zhu et al., 2024).

I believe that telehealth will be a valuable tool in my future social work practice, particularly in healthcare settings. Many clients face barriers such as transportation issues, childcare responsibilities, or chronic illness, for example. Telehealth can help bridge those gaps and ensure clients remain connected to services. At the same time, I don’t believe telehealth should completely replace in-person interactions because relationship building and human connection remain important aspects of the social work profession. Instead, I see telehealth as a tool that can add real benefit to patients by giving them greater access, connection, and continuity of care.

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