What Exactly Is Telepsychiatry? Here’s How It Works

We’re living in a digital world — but that’s not just limited to Zoom calls with coworkers and friends. With telepsychiatry, you can keep your mental health in check with a psychiatrist or psychotherapist who’s just one video chat away.

Face-to-face mental health care may be hard to access, especially in situations of heightened anxiety and isolation when you need them the most. That’s where telepsychiatry comes in. And, it has plenty of benefits when it comes to taking care of your mental health.

Telepsychiatry is a form of telemedicine that uses phone or video chat for mental health treatment. Telepsychiatry is offered by a psychiatrist (aka a medical doctor who basically specializes in mental health).

Telepsychiatry services can include:

• psychiatric evaluations and diagnoses
• individual therapy
• group therapy
• family therapy
• substance abuse treatment
• medication management

Psychiatry is an important service if you have a mental health condition that you’re treating or managing with prescribed medication. Some mental health conditions you may consider telepsychiatry for include:

• anxiety
• depression
• bipolar disorder
• disordered eating
• substance abuse
• schizophrenia
• post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Telepsychiatry and teletherapy are similar in that they both use phone or video chat to treat patients. The biggest difference is that telepsychiatry is led by trained psychiatrists, who are medical doctors who can prescribe medication.

Teletherapy is often led by professionals such as therapists, psychologists, or counselors who are not medical doctors.

Bottom line: Teletherapy can be offered by a psychiatrist, but a therapist can not offer telepsychiatry. Here’s a snapshot of what to expect from each telehealth service:

1. You’re in a safe environment

Being able to video call from home (hopefully!) means you are in a safe and comfortable environment, and you can choose where the session takes place. This is especially beneficial for those who are isolated or who have anxiety around leaving the house.

2. More access, no matter where you are

Studies indicate online psychiatric services help increase access to mental health care providers. Sometimes it can be hard to find a psychiatrist in your area, so doing it virtually can be really helpful, as you don’t need to be close by, and you don’t need to travel.

This can be especially helpful for those with disabilities or chronic illnesses. Or if you live in the middle of nowhere.

3. It’s more cost effective

Research shows telepsychiatry not only offers more access to services, but it is often a more cost-efficient option compared to sessions at a clinic or office.

A 2015 study found telemedicine-based care was specifically more cost-effective for those seeking depression treatment in medically underserved areas.

4. You still get quality care

Telepsychiatry is usually equivalent to care in real life. You still have access to accuracy of diagnosis, treatment, and high quality care. A 2016 review reported both the patient and the provider were highly satisfied with telepsychiatry sessions.

5. It’s a flexible way to access psychiatry

Don’t worry about the long drive or getting off from work early. Having video calls means you can choose a time that suits you (dependent on the hours your psychiatrist works).

You still get to chat with your psychiatrist and get treatment, you just can do so from your phone or computer (homebodies rejoice!).

Before you chat with your psychiatrist, you should plan ahead and prepare just as you would before an in-person appointment. Bring any relevant information, including the medication you’re taking, and a list of things you want to address in the session.

Your mental health provider will set you up with a link to your video call or set up a time to call. They will also likely share details about payment.

A psychiatrist conducting telepsychiatry can do the following (just like an in-person appointment):

• diagnose mental health conditions
• give psychological evaluations
• create and carry out treatment plans
• prescribe you medication
• schedule follow-up appointments
• refer you to other services if needed

Your session is totally private and confidential, shared between just you and your psychiatrist. But, it is important to consider it is still on the internet and security breaches are possible.