Navigating the digital divide: providing services to people with serious mental illness in a community setting during COVID-19

Abstract

Community mental healthcare around the world has been strained as people need more help and experience more barriers to access due to COVID-19. The rapid shift to telehealth services necessitated by the pandemic has made these difficulties even more pronounced. While this transition presented challenges for nearly every healthcare system, it has proven especially difficult for low resource settings such as community health centers. This article is a critical observational study of the care transformation of a state-funded safety net psychiatric system responding to the clinical needs of patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. By discussing the challenges, opportunities, and creative solutions for staff and patients, the article highlights the new importance of technology and adaptability in clinical care and outlines clear recommendations to ensure vulnerable populations do not fall into the "digital divide."

Keywords: COVID-19; Digital divide; Pandemic; Serious mental illness; Telehealth; Telepsychiatry.