The Benefits Of Telepsychiatry Services And Telemedicine

By William Schmidt


While going to a primary health care provider or specialist can often be difficult, there are new methods in which individuals can now be treated at home. These methods include telemedicine and Telepsychiatry services. Whether seeking an examination from a primary health or mental health care provider, individuals can now make online appointments and complete assessments and examinations through videoconferencing.

Telemedicine uses a number of different formats including teleconferencing over land lines, smart phones, Skype and other videoconferencing platforms. When it comes to telepsychiatry, it is considered a subset of telemedicine. In this case, the practice involves psychiatrists and other mental health care workers whom provide evaluations, individual, group or family therapy, education and medication management from a distance.

Telepsychiatry also allows mental health and primary health care providers to counsel with regards to client needs in order to determine whether or not a referral to a specialist is in order. In either case, all such communication can be completed without the need for one-on-one consultation or medical appointment. In addition, the practice can also allow for the recording and transmission of different types of images such as MRIs and X-rays which can then be forwarded to others for review at later date.

When it comes to telepsychiatry, the practice has shown to be beneficial in different ways. For, the practice is most often affordable and readily available for anyone in need of mental health care. Different ways in which the practice has already been beneficial include, reducing barriers of stigma, improved access to people in rural areas, eliminating transportation issues, integrating primary and mental health care, flexible scheduling around school and work, reducing emergency room visits and by providing onsite counseling platforms.

While people may be somewhat uncomfortable talking to a computer screen, research has shown that the majority of individuals seem to have no problem. Whereas, studies have also shown that some individuals are willing to open up and talk more about issues and problems than when being seen in a traditional setting. Whereas, a number of individuals who were uncomfortable in the beginning, have become more comfortable after only a few sessions of teleconferencing.

Psychiatric practitioners must be licensed in the state in which practice and services are rendered and received. In all cases, state licensing and legislatures view the client's location as being the place in which the medical practice takes place. As such, client's and practitioners need to be cautious when communicating with one another when away from home.

While a fairly new practice, research has discovered satisfaction to be prevalent among clients, primary care and mental health professionals. While appointments take place online, the practice is equivalent to in-office visits when it comes examinations, diagnosis, treatment and quality of care. Whereas, doctor client privilege, overall privacy and confidentiality are also equivalent to individuals receiving care in a clinical setting.

Ultimately, the practice can be a valuable experience for all age groups. For, research and evidence has found that assessment and treatment can be provided much more quickly online than when having to wait weeks or months for an in-office appointment. Whereas, there are a number of people whom now prefer telemedicine, telepsychiatry and videoconferencing, especially those living with ADHD, anxiety disorders, autism and physical limitations.




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