Targets for telephone-based behavioral health interventions

A growing body of evidence supports the efficacy and cost effectiveness of psychotherapy and disease management for mental illness provided over the telephone. However, telephone behavioral health care is not reimbursable under present Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services standards. Nonetheless, elements of telephone-based behavioral health care are being incorporated into Veterans Administration health programs and by a limited number of major insurers. A review of the evidence suggests this trend will continue.