Virtual service delivery in the substance use and mental health treatment fields is here to stay, according to Meurer-Lynn (2023) and other notable researchers (Aafies- van Doom, et al., 2023; Shore, 2021; etc.) As such, how to blend in-person and virtual service delivery becomes an important question. Hybrid service delivery is a mixture of in-person sessions with videoconferencing sessions and may include phone check-ins. Hybrid service delivery models are known for providing flexibility, especially to clients with access issues, such as clients living in rural areas or those with transportation issues. The exact combination of virtual and in-person sessions ratio is determined by the clinician and patient (Aafies- van Doom, et al., 2023). Recently, many clinics have started to leverage in-person and virtual (video and phone) sessions and negotiate with clients a schedule that will increase engagement and positively impact attendance and adherence to treatment (SAMHSA, 2021).

This two-part webinar series will:

1. Provide an overview of substance use clinical services delivered via videoconferencing and telephone
2. Describe and give examples of hybrid service delivery that is based upon the needs of the client, clinician, and provider
3. Illustrate what clinicians and administrators need to consider when initiating hybrid delivery services, like reimbursement, privacy/security issues, staffing, and telephone policies