Virtual Group Therapy Enables Geisinger To Treat More Patients And Maintain Care Continuity

Geisinger's behavioral health department addressed the surge in demand for adult psychotherapy during the COVID-19 pandemic by introducing virtual group therapy through telemedicine. Facing extended wait times for individual psychotherapy, the rural health system implemented Microsoft Bookings for Groups, enabling secure scheduling and management of virtual therapy sessions. This initiative not only ensured service continuity but also increased capacity, offering 16 virtual groups and accommodating 172 patients weekly. Wait times significantly decreased compared to individual psychotherapy, enhancing accessibility. Geisinger successfully integrated remote providers, leveraging telemedicine to scale mental health support. The approach highlights the effectiveness of group therapy and telemedicine in meeting growing behavioral health needs.