Virtual medication management is a new type of treatment that we’ve been providing through our Lightfully Virtual Partial Hospitalization Program (vPHP). In this program, clients receive five full days of treatment per week. Medication management is one of the differences that set it apart from our Virtual Intensive Outpatient Program (vIOP). 

We’ve been receiving positive feedback, especially from clients who have barriers to in-person treatment. Virtual medication management is more accessible to people who have conditions like severe depression and panic disorder with agoraphobia. It’s also better for people who have limited mobility due to a medical condition and those who don’t live near a treatment center. 

In this blog post, we’ll share eight benefits of virtual medication management that enhance client experiences and outcomes.

8 benefits of virtual medication management that enhance client experiences and outcomes

Our Virtual PHP is open to anyone to try if their treatment team recommends a higher level of care. There are plenty of reasons why you might find virtual medication management more convenient and preferable than in-person treatment. Some people find that it helps them feel more connected with their care provider and more supported. People tend to show up to more appointments on virtual platforms and stick to their treatment regimens more closely. In fact, in clinical trials, intensive programs that include medication management have created outcomes that are equivalent to in-person treatment. 

Opting for virtual treatment can improve your medication management experience in the following ways:

• Medication management from home or work — There’s no commute, so virtual medication management is more flexible to fit with your schedule. Plan appointments in the time you have so you can check in with your prescriber when it’s convenient for you. 
• More efficiency, less waiting — Telehealth services can shorten wait times so you’ll be more likely to receive treatment sooner. With virtual medication management, you can also wait for appointments to begin in your own space. In other words, you’ll never sit in an awkward waiting room again. 
• More accessible, high-quality care — There are many reasons why in-person care may not be as accessible as virtual, even when it comes to medication management. Mental health symptoms can make it difficult to leave home. If you live in a rural area, have limited mobility or care for young children, virtual treatment may be a better option. 
• Less hassle if frequent visits are needed — When starting a new medication or finding the right combination, you might need to see your prescriber once a week or more. Going to an office or a treatment center can take up a lot of your time. If you need a lot of support, virtual medication management can save you both time and stress.
• Improved adherence — Virtual medication management sessions can help clients take their medications exactly as prescribed. This can help reduce side effects while helping you get the full effect of your treatment. Clients are also more likely to have better attendance with virtual treatments.
• Personalized support — Virtual medication management can provide a more personalized experience. You can talk with your prescriber when you need help most.
• Care coordination — Virtual medication management can help ensure seamless communication and coordination of care between your health care providers. Online platforms are HIPAA compliant and they make it easy to share information and records.
• Continuity of care — Virtual medication management can help you stay in touch with your prescriber. In addition to video calls, your provider may use secure messaging and automated appointment reminders. You may also have more convenient access to your medical records. 

Explore your virtual treatment options at Lightfully

At Lightfully, virtual medication management is part of a comprehensive and personalized treatment experience. In Virtual PHP, you’ll also receive evidence-based therapies, group treatments and family therapy sessions. You might start out at this level of treatment for a few weeks or a couple of months and then transition down to a lower level of treatment. 

There are a couple of limitations — you can’t do virtual appointments while you’re driving. You also can’t receive telehealth appointments while you’re out of state. Care providers can only do telehealth appointments when you’re physically in a state where they’re licensed to practice. We offer virtual treatment to residents of California and Washington state.

Are you looking for an intensive virtual treatment program that includes medication management? Let’s talk through your options together. Contact us with any questions you have. If you’re ready for an assessment, reach out to our Admissions Concierge Team.