June is recognized as Telehealth Awareness Month, a time to highlight how technology is helping individuals and families access healthcare services more easily and efficiently. In Utah, telehealth has become an important tool for improving access to care, especially for families living in rural communities, individuals with disabilities, busy parents, and people who may face transportation or scheduling challenges.

Telehealth allows healthcare services to be provided remotely through phone calls, video visits, secure messaging, and other digital tools. Instead of traveling long distances or waiting weeks for an appointment, many patients can now connect with doctors, therapists, specialists, and other providers from the comfort of their own homes.

For many Utah families, telehealth became especially valuable during the COVID-19 pandemic. What started as a temporary solution quickly demonstrated long-term benefits. Today, telehealth continues to support medical appointments, mental health counseling, speech therapy, medication follow-ups, behavioral health services, nutrition counseling, and more.

One of the greatest advantages of telehealth is increased accessibility. Utah includes many rural and frontier areas where specialty care may not always be nearby. Telehealth helps reduce barriers by connecting patients to providers across the state without requiring extensive travel. This can save families time, transportation costs, missed work hours, and stress.

Telehealth can also support continuity of care. Families are often better able to keep appointments when they do not need to arrange transportation, childcare, or lengthy travel. This can lead to more consistent follow-up care and improved health outcomes.

Mental health services through telehealth have also become increasingly important. Many individuals feel more comfortable speaking with a counselor or therapist in a familiar environment. Virtual counseling can help reduce stigma, increase privacy, and improve access to support for anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, and other mental health concerns.

For individuals with disabilities or chronic health conditions, telehealth can provide additional flexibility and reduce physical demands associated with in-person appointments. Parents caring for children with complex medical or developmental needs may find telehealth especially helpful for consultations, care coordination, and routine follow-ups.

While telehealth offers many benefits, it may not replace every type of medical visit. Some situations still require physical examinations, testing, emergency care, or hands-on treatment. Access to reliable internet service and technology can also remain a challenge for some families.

As Utah continues expanding healthcare access, telehealth remains an important part of the conversation. By combining technology with compassionate care, telehealth helps make healthcare more flexible, accessible, and family-centered.

During Telehealth Awareness Month, families are encouraged to learn more about available telehealth options through their healthcare providers, insurance plans, schools, community clinics, and local support organizations.

Healthcare is evolving, and telehealth is helping bring care, connection, and support closer to home.

Utah Telehealth & Healthcare Resources

• Utah Department of Health and Human Services – Telehealth
  General telehealth information and virtual care resources in Utah.
• Utah Telehealth Network (UTN)
  Statewide telehealth resources, patient tools, provider information, and telehealth education.
• University of Utah Health – Telehealth Services
  Information about virtual visits, specialty telemedicine services, and patient care access.
• Northwest Regional Telehealth Resource Center – Utah Resources
  Educational resources, telehealth best practices, and rural healthcare support.

Policy / Educational Links

• Utah Telehealth Laws & Policies (CCHP)
  Information about Utah telehealth laws, Medicaid coverage, and telemedicine policies.
• Utah Education and Telehealth Network (UETN)
  Information about Utah’s statewide telehealth and broadband infrastructure.