Telehealth has moved far beyond its pandemic-era roots. Today, it’s not just an option, it’s a necessity. For community-based behavioral health providers, virtual care has expanded access, reduced no-shows, and brought services to patients who might otherwise go without. Studies show that telehealth significantly improves attendance. In fact, one large safety‑net health system found a 29% reduction in no‑shows with virtual visits, and another academic center reported up to 50% fewer missed appointments using phone visits.¹ ² Telehealth is also a game-changer for clients in rural or underserved areas: a mixed-methods study of behavioral health providers found that virtual care dramatically improved access while reducing the time, cost, and burden of travel for both patients and clinicians.³ But with great opportunity comes heightened regulatory scrutiny, making considerations like telehealth accreditation increasingly important for demonstrating compliance and building patient trust.
What Do We Mean by Telehealth and Virtual Care?
Terms like telehealth, telemedicine, and virtual care are often used interchangeably, but they can mean different things to different readers. For the purposes of this article, we’re referring broadly to any behavioral health services delivered remotely using audio, video, or digital platforms. Whether it’s telepsychiatry, remote counseling, or app-based medication management, these services are increasingly subject to the same accreditation standards as in-person care, and deserve the same level of planning and oversight.
In July 2024, The Joint Commission (TJC) launched its Telehealth Accreditation Program—a clear signal that telehealth delivery must now meet the same rigorous standards as in-person care. For providers offering telepsychiatry, counseling, or medication management through virtual platforms, this development brings both compliance challenges and new avenues for demonstrating quality and earning client trust.
This blog unpacks what you need to know—from evolving standards to practical steps your organization can take now.
Why This Matters to Community Behavioral Health Providers
Virtual care is especially critical for community behavioral health organizations, which often serve rural or underserved populations. Medicare’s permanent expansion of tele-mental health reimbursement (including in-home services with no geographic restrictions) underscores that virtual care is here to stay.
Standards are structured around core domains that mirror traditional care delivery: safety, effectiveness, equity, timeliness, and patient-centeredness. But it also introduces virtual-specific expectations.
What Accrediting Organizations provide Virtual / Telehealth Accreditation?
In addition to TJC and CARF, ACHC has introduced a ‘Distinction in Telehealth’ supplement for Behavioral Health.. Meanwhile, national programs like URAC’s Telehealth Accreditation and NCQA’s emerging Virtual Care Certification are raising the bar for quality, safety, and access in virtual behavioral health services.
Smart from the Start: Building Policies that Align with Accreditation Standards
Rather than retrofitting existing workflows, forward-thinking leaders understand that the most efficient—and sustainable—approach to telehealth is to build policies and procedures with accreditor standards in mind from the outset. This ensures that your virtual care model is proactive, survey-ready, and aligned with industry best practices. It’s not just about passing a survey—it’s about building a stronger, safer system for patients and staff alike.
Many organizations are conducting internal gap analyses to identify areas where telehealth delivery falls short of best practices such as:
- Review telehealth documentation for regulatory compliance
- Train staff on virtual care protocols and safety measures
- Ensure technology platforms meet security and functionality needs
- Prepare for surveyors’ increasing focus on virtual care during triennial visits
- Download telehealth-readiness-checklist.pdf
If you’d like, here is a shortened version of this article that you may want to send to your employees Download the Team Memo: Preparing for 2025 Telehealth Standards
Need Help Navigating Telehealth Standards?
Barrins & Associates provides expert accreditation consulting for TJC, CARF, and other accrediting bodies. Reach out today to explore how we can support your virtual care goals.
“Make this the year you turn virtual care into a proactive, strategic advantage.”
References:
- DeHart D, King LB, Iachini AL, Browne T, Reitmeier M. Benefits and Challenges of Implementing Telehealth in Rural Settings: A Mixed-Methods Study of Behavioral Medicine Providers. Health Soc Work. 2022 Jan 31;47(1):7-18. doi: 10.1093/hsw/hlab036. PMID: 34910158.
- Shao CC, Katta MH, Smith BP, Jones BA, Gleason LT, Abbas A, Wadhwani N, Wallace EL, Mugavero MJ, Chu DI. Reducing no-show visits and disparities in access: The impact of telemedicine. J Telemed Telecare. 2025 Aug;31(7):1041-1049. doi: 10.1177/1357633X241241357. Epub 2024 Apr 1. PMID: 38557212.
- Sumarsono A, Case M, Kassa S, Moran B. Telehealth as a Tool to Improve Access and Reduce No-Show Rates in a Large Safety-Net Population in the USA. J Urban Health. 2023 Apr;100(2):398-407. doi: 10.1007/s11524-023-00721-2. Epub 2023 Mar 8. PMID: 36884183; PMCID: PMC9994401.