Are you thinking about seeing a Psychiatrist by Telehealth? Is Telepsychiatry right for you?

The field of psychiatry has undergone significant changes in recent years, with advancements in technology leading to the emergence of telepsychiatry. Telepsychiatry is the delivery of psychiatric care through telecommunications technology, such as videoconferencing or phone calls. 

At Mental Health and Wellness Associates, our top psychiatrists have incorporated telepsychiatry into their practices. This allows our patients to see their doctors from the comfort of their own homes. Over the past few years, our team has seen firsthand the benefits it can offer to patients. 

In this article, we will discuss the advantages of telepsychiatry and what patients can expect from the experience.

Improved Access to Care

One of the primary benefits of telepsychiatry is that it improves access to mental health care for individuals who might otherwise face barriers to treatment. This includes individuals who live in remote or rural areas, those who have difficulty traveling to appointments, or those who have mobility or transportation issues. 

With telepsychiatry, patients can receive treatment from the comfort of their own homes, without having to travel to a physical office. 

Convenience

Telepsychiatry is also highly convenient for patients. It eliminates the need for patients to take time off work or school to attend appointments, and it can be scheduled around the patient's existing commitments. Patients also don't need to worry about transportation, traffic or finding parking, which can be a significant source of stress for some.

Comfort

Telepsychiatry can be a more comfortable experience for some patients, as they are able to receive treatment from a familiar environment. Patients who experience anxiety in new or unfamiliar environments may feel more at ease receiving treatment from their own homes.

What to Expect

The experience of using telepsychiatry is similar to an in-person appointment. Patients will typically have an initial consultation with their psychiatrist to discuss their mental health concerns and history. 

During follow up appointments, patients and their psychiatrists will discuss treatment options, progress, and any concerns that arise. 

Patients will need to have access to a computer or mobile device (i.e. a phone or tablet) with a camera and microphone to participate in videoconferencing appointments. For phone appointments, a phone is all that is necessary.

Confidentiality and Security

Privacy is a top concern for many patients when it comes to telepsychiatry. Patients should be assured that telepsychiatry is conducted with the same level of confidentiality and security as in-person appointments. The technology used for telepsychiatry appointments is designed to be HIPAA-compliant, meaning that patient information is kept secure and confidential.

Telepsychiatry is an innovative approach to mental health care that offers a wide range of benefits to patients. It improves access to care, is highly convenient, and can be a more comfortable experience for some patients. Patients who are interested in telepsychiatry should speak with their psychiatrist to determine if it is a suitable option for their individual needs and goals.

If you live in the state of California and are looking for help, we would be happy to speak with you. If you are interested in becoming a new patient, please schedule a time to speak with our practice manager (using the "book online" button above) or call our office today.

References:

Shore, J. H., et al. (2018). Best practices in videoconferencing-based telemental health. American Psychiatric Association.

Yellowlees, P., et al. (2010). A retrospective analysis of a child and adolescent eMental Health service in New South Wales, Australia. Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare, 16(4), 181-185.

American Psychiatric Association. (2020). What is Telepsychiatry? Retrieved from https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/what-is-telepsychiatry.