Telehealth care in the behavioral space has grown in leaps and bounds since the COVID pandemic, with more than one-third of visits being conducted remotely in 2021. Because of this high demand, many clinicians have opted to work entirely from home. But new federal changes mean that as of September 30 2025, patients will now need an in-person visit within six months of receiving telehealth care in order to continue receiving telehealth visits, and in-person visits annually thereafter. Additionally, some state Medicaid programs will also require that behavioral health practitioners provide an in-person option.
What does this mean for you as a behavioral health practitioner? It’s time to seek out a quality, private workspace that allows you to meet these new requirements.
What Are the Changes, and Who is Affected?
The changes apply primarily to behavioral health practitioners, such as psychologists, social workers, licensed clinical counselors, marriage and family therapists, and psychiatrists. Primary care and outpatient facilities, as well as substance use disorder treatment specialists, may also be affected. Home health services aren’t currently affected.
While the changes will primarily affect Medicaid patients, it’s worth being mindful that private insurers often take their cues from Medicaid – and that additional restrictions to telehealth can’t be ruled out. It’s always better to be proactive than reactive, so be prepared to pivot.
Choose a Space That Supports Your Patients, and Your Bottom Line
Don’t wait until September to act. Avoid disruptions to your practice by taking active steps to claim a space that will allow for the in-person visits needed to meet the needs of the new legislation.
Your ideal space will offer:
- Private entry and restricted access. Stay safe by ensuring that only authorized individuals have access to the building and common areas.
- Lockable, private rooms. Ensure safety and patient confidentiality with lockable, soundproofed rooms that keep conversations under wraps.
- High-speed, secure tech. Ensure data adheres to HIPAA and other privacy regulations with dedicated wi-fi logins and firewalls that keep data safe.
- On-site tech and admin support. Don’t run late due to tech or admin woes. Tap into on-site staff with tech, greeting, or package handling support.
- Meeting room access. An individual room can support most of your patient needs, but access to a larger space can be great for professional development or networking needs.
- Strong community. Don’t practice in a vacuum. A space occupied by a variety of professionals can provide options to bounce ideas and build connections.
- An inspiring setting. Soothing decor, welcoming common areas, vibrant views, and proximity to inspiring amenities and destinations are great for practitioners and patients alike.
- Flexible terms. If you’ll only be using your room occasionally, does a standard commercial lease make sense? Coworking spaces offer flexible lease terms that allow you to focus on building your business.
Get All of This and More at W Executive Suites
If you’re a Florida practitioner looking to settle into a space before the new telehealth regulations come into effect, consider W Executive Suites. With four impeccably appointed destinations on Florida’s Treasure Coast, we have everything you need to excel – whether you’re looking for a place to work from on a daily basis, or just as needed. And with our new Manhattan virtual office options, we even have the ideal space for New York practitioners who need space for the occasional in-person meeting.
Explore how we can help.