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The intersection of internet and mental health

Lisa Iscrupe,Hannah WhatleyAllconnect

Published 2:40 pm ET May 22

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Healthcare meets internet

Mental health awareness grew with the rise of the internet and increased exponentially during the Covid pandemic. With the intersection of the internet and healthcare, now nearly anyone with a cell phone and access to home Wi-Fi can get mental health information and online care.

Government programs and nonprofits, such as Mental Health America, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the National Council for Mental Wellbeing and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, exist to provide guidance, counsel and knowledge on mental health matters. Even household names like Tom Brady have stepped up to publicize the importance of mental health care. 

What is Mental Health Awareness Month?

Mental Health Awareness Month started in 1949 as a week-long event. It has since evolved into a month-long effort for greater understanding of mental health. The purpose of Mental Health Awareness Month is to:

• Reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues.
• Raise awareness that mental health is vital to overall well-being.
• Create a platform for agencies that provide mental health resources. 

What is the best internet for telehealth visits?

Using the internet for telehealth care still has some limitations. Internet quality, speed and connection type can impact the quality of virtual health visits. Here’s what you need for unfettered internet access during Mental Health Awareness Month and beyond.

What internet speed do you need for virtual healthcare?

Telehealth visits are typically conducted using video conferencing applications like Zoom or Amwell. Some healthcare providers may use proprietary software for virtual healthcare visits. The internet speed needed for virtual visits is similar to the internet speed needed for streaming.

For example, the minimum internet speed you need for a one-to-one Zoom meeting is less than 1 Mbps download speed, but at least 4 Mbps is best for high-definition (HD) video. Since the speed requirements are minimal, even most rural internet providers can support telecare streaming, making this healthcare more accessible than ever. Other video platforms will have similar speed demands.

However, these system requirements are for just one connected computer. You need a faster internet speed if you have other devices, like cell phones and laptops, on the same home Wi-Fi network during the virtual meeting. Upload speed for HD video should be around 1.5–3 Mbps. 

What type of internet connection is best for virtual healthcare?

Any internet service provider (ISP) can support telehealth visits, but certain connections have features that are better for video calls. Here are the pros and cons of using various internet connections for telecare:

• Fiber internet: Best for video meetings without buffering or latency, fiber typically has the best upload speeds. Options include AT&T Fiber, Verizon Fios, Google Fiber and more. 
• Cable internet: Great for affordable high-speed internet and widely available from ISPs like Xfinity, Spectrum and Cox. 
• 5G internet and fixed wireless internet: Offer good speeds for telecare visits but can’t support too many devices simultaneously. Try T-Mobile 5G, Rise Broadband or Starry Internet. 
• DSL internet: Decent download speeds for telecare visits, but slower upload speeds could cause buffering on video calls. AT&T and CenturyLink provide DSL and fiber internet. 
• Satellite internet: Good rural broadband option for virtual care, but more likely to have buffering issues. Pricier than other internet options listed previously. Options include Hughesnet, Starlink and Viasat. 

Cheap internet options that work for telehealth

Access to the internet can be an obstacle if you want to set up telehealth appointments. Still, getting internet access should not stop anyone from seeking mental health assistance. Luckily, there are internet deals and even ways to get free internet that can help eliminate this hurdle. Several of the best internet providers offer cheap internet plans or reduced-price plans for qualifying households, including:

Troubleshooting internet performance for virtual healthcare visits 

A poor Wi-Fi signal can interfere with the quality of your visit when conducting a virtual healthcare appointment. If you encounter problems with your internet connection, the first thing you should do is unplug your equipment, wait about one minute and then plug it back in. This action helps clear the cache in your modem and router, resulting in faster speeds. Use a speed test to determine whether this action has resolved your issue.

Another way to fix slow internet immediately is to disconnect some of the always-on devices that use home Wi-Fi, like cell phones, tablets and smart appliances. Taking the extra devices off your local wireless network will free up bandwidth for your telehealth visit. 

Mental Health Awareness Month and internet resources

The internet has made it possible for several marginalized groups, such as people living with disabilities, seniors and those in rural communities, to have access to important health services online. Besides virtual healthcare visits, there are also other ways to use the internet to help track your mental health. Whatever your mental health needs, you can start with the internet to research resources near you.

Lisa IscrupeAllconnect.com

Lisa Iscrupe is a senior writer helping readers understand the complexities of broadband, internet and other home services, including energy and renewable products. Her work appears on SaveOnEnergy.com and CNET.com, with national sources such as CNN, The Daily MBA and The Media Bulletin referencing her articles.

Hannah WhatleyAllconnect.com

Hannah Whatley is an editor who enjoys collaborating with writers to offer readers the most relevant, accurate, and up-to-date information for their home purchases. She has previously edited for The Motley Fool, The Modest Wallet, Grammarly, JoinCake.com and SaveOnEnergy.com, gaining expertise in several industries. Hannah has a B.A. in English from Thomas Edison State University. When she isn’t editing, she enjoys studying linguistics and languages.