Becker’s Healthcare Podcast Kari-Beth Law, MD, on Expanding Telebehavioral Health Access in Rural Appalachia
Feb 14, 2026
Kari-Beth Law, MD, WVU telepsychiatry director and rural mental health leader. She discusses workforce shortages and stigma in Appalachia. She explains how COVID made telebehavioral care essential. She outlines WVU’s hub-and-spoke model, tech solutions, and partnerships. She highlights patient stories, outcomes data, and the policy changes needed to sustain access.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Rural Access Is Multi-Factorial
- Rural behavioral health access is driven by geography, workforce shortages, stigma and socioeconomic stressors.
- West Virginia faces extreme shortages with 50 of 55 counties designated mental health shortage areas.
Pandemic Shifted Telehealth Assumptions
- The pandemic removed regulatory barriers and exposed false assumptions about rural patients' ability to use technology.
- Patients engaged with virtual care, attendance improved, and virtual visits often reduced disruption for families.
Embed Telehealth In Local Systems
- Integrate telebehavioral services with local sites like community mental health centers and schools, not as an external add-on.
- Invest in workflows, scheduling, training and local champions to build relationships and reduce friction.