Whether it is due to environmental or economical constraints, working through mental health issues without the help of a professional mental health provider can quickly become overwhelming. Telepsychiatry is an innovation in psychiatric care that uses video conferencing to help psychiatric providers interact with patients who otherwise would not have access to the care they need. If you are interested in telepsychiatry, contact Kee Essentials today.
What are the benefits of telepsychiatry?
Telepsychiatry provides live, interactive communication between a psychiatric provider and a patient who is unable to meet in their doctor’s office. Benefits of telepsychiatry include:
- Bringing care to the patient’s home, office, walks, vehicle, vacations, etc.
- Integrating behavioral health and primary care
- Reducing the need for trips to the emergency room
- Reducing delays in care
- Improving continuity of care and follow-up
Some people feel awkward about talking to their psychiatric provider through a screen, but the more you participate in telepsychiatry, the more comfortable you become. In fact, many patients find they are more relaxed and open during telepsychiatry sessions because they are in the comfort of their own home.
Patients may also feel safer and more secure during telepsychiatry sessions because they do not have to worry about the perceived stigma of going to a psychiatric provider’s office.
Is telepsychiatry as effective as a traditional psychiatric provider visits?
Research shows that the diagnostic accuracy, treatment effectiveness, and quality of care through telepsychiatry is virtually the same as that achieved during in-office psychiatric visits.
Telepsychiatry is especially effective for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, bipolar disorder and more, as it allows patients to undergo treatment without leaving their homes. However, patients with serious mental illness, and alcohol and drug addictions, office visits are often preferable to telepsychiatry.
How can I get started with telepsychiatry?
All you need for a telepsychiatry appointment is a computer, a webcam, and a high-speed internet connection; sessions can be conducted via phone, laptop or tablet.
You can experience continuity of care no matter where you are in the world. With telepsychiatry, there is no need to ever miss an appointment again. Contact Kee Essentials today to get the treatment you deserve.
** Please Note: Telepsychiatry visits are not for serious mental illness (SMI) patients requiring a higher level of care.