Oregon TeleMed: Expanding Access to Care for Oregon Communities in 2026
As Oregon continues to evolve its healthcare landscape, patients are increasingly seeking convenient, affordable, and high-quality medical and behavioral health services without the barriers of traditional in-person care. Oregon TeleMed (OTM) was created with one mission: to make healthcare accessible to every Oregonian—no matter where they live, how busy they are, or what their circumstances may be.
In 2026, OTM is entering a major new chapter with the launch of Oregon TeleMed Behavioral Health, an expanded mental health service line designed to meet the growing need for therapy, crisis support, and ongoing care throughout the state. This addition complements our existing medical telehealth services, ensuring patients can receive whole-person care from the comfort of home.
This post outlines what patients can expect, why this expansion matters, and how OTM is reshaping care delivery across Oregon.
Meeting Oregon’s Growing Demand for Telehealth
Oregon has seen a rapid rise in demand for telemedicine and virtual mental health services, driven by long waitlists, workforce shortages, and geographic barriers—especially in rural areas. Many patients are forced to wait weeks or months for appointments, travel long distances, or navigate complex healthcare systems.
Oregon TeleMed eliminates these barriers by offering:
Same-day and next-day telemedicine appointments
Open 7 days a week
Expanded evening and weekend availability
Virtual visits for urgent care, chronic care, prescription refills, and follow-up care
Private, secure, HIPAA-compliant video appointments
By focusing on accessibility, OTM provides a healthcare solution designed around the realities of patients’ lives—not the limitations of traditional clinics.
The Launch of Oregon TeleMed Behavioral Health (2026)
Beginning in early 2026, OTM will offer a full suite of behavioral health services, including:
Individual therapy
Trauma-informed care
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Support for anxiety, depression, grief, burnout, and life transitions
Telehealth crisis counseling and safety planning
Treatment planning and ongoing care coordination
Support for teens, adults, and older adults
With Oregon facing a statewide shortage of mental health providers, particularly in Lane, Douglas, Linn, Deschutes, and rural coastal regions, OTM is committed to building a reliable, accessible virtual mental health program that bridges these gaps.
Each therapist will be licensed in Oregon, trained in telehealth best practices, and equipped to provide evidence-based, compassionate care in a secure virtual environment.
Why Telehealth Works for Mental Health
Telehealth has proven to be an effective and accessible tool for behavioral health services. Research consistently shows that virtual therapy is as effective as in-person therapy for most diagnoses, with added benefits such as:
Reduced wait times
Increased appointment consistency
Lower no-show rates
Comfort of receiving care from home
Greater privacy and reduced stigma
Easier access for individuals with mobility challenges or transportation barriers
For working professionals, parents, college students, and rural residents, telehealth often becomes the difference between receiving help—and going without it.
OTM’s Patient-Centered Approach
Oregon TeleMed was built on the belief that healthcare should be simple, approachable, and convenient. Our patient experience reflects that:
Easy Online Booking
Patients can make appointments at oregontelemed.com/booking in under two minutes—no phone calls required.
Insurance-Friendly Services
OTM accepts most major Oregon health plans, including OHP (Oregon Health Plan). Access to care should never depend on income or location.
Local Oregon Providers
Patients meet with real Oregon clinicians who understand Oregon communities, culture, and healthcare challenges.
Fast Follow-Up Support
Whether a patient needs medication refills, mental health follow-up, or a quick check-in, telehealth keeps care moving at the pace of life.
Expanding Access Through Community Partnerships
As part of our mission, OTM is partnering with local organizations to increase access for vulnerable populations. This includes:
Telehealth kiosks for individuals without smartphones
Collaborations with pharmacies, shelters, and community programs
Streamlined referral pathways for hospitals and urgent care centers
Our goal is to ensure every Oregonian has access to timely medical and mental health care, regardless of circumstances.
Looking Ahead
The launch of OTM Behavioral Health in 2026 marks a transformational step forward for Oregon healthcare. By combining innovation, accessibility, and compassionate clinical care, Oregon TeleMed is building a system that works for real people in real life.
Oregonians deserve healthcare that is responsive, human-centered, and available when it is needed most. OTM is proud to deliver that—seven days a week.

