Getting mental health care does not always require traveling to a clinic. Telehealth psychiatry allows patients to communicate with mental health professionals remotely using secure technology.
For people with busy schedules, transportation difficulties, geographic barriers, or a preference for receiving care from home, virtual psychiatric care may be a useful option when clinically appropriate.
The American Psychiatric Association describes telepsychiatry as a form of telemedicine that can include psychiatric evaluations, therapy, patient education, and medication management.
Akadi Mental Health also offers telehealth services that include virtual psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and follow-up care.
What Is Telehealth Psychiatry?
Telehealth psychiatry, often called telepsychiatry, is psychiatric care provided remotely using technology such as secure video communication.
Depending on the provider and patient’s needs, virtual care may include:
- Psychiatric evaluations
- Medication management
- Follow-up appointments
- Treatment planning
- Mental health consultations
- Patient education
Not every situation is suitable for virtual care, so the provider determines whether telehealth is appropriate.
What Happens During a Telehealth Psychiatry Appointment?
The appointment may look similar to an in-person psychiatric visit.
You may:
- Join a secure video appointment.
- Confirm your identity and location.
- Discuss your symptoms and concerns.
- Review medical and psychiatric history.
- Discuss medications.
- Complete assessments if needed.
- Discuss diagnosis or clinical impressions.
- Develop a treatment or follow-up plan.
The American Psychiatric Association recommends preparing for telepsychiatry similarly to an in-person appointment, including having relevant records, prescriptions, and questions available.
What Should You Do Before an Online Psychiatric Appointment?
Find a Private Space
Choose a place where you can speak comfortably without being overheard.
Check Your Technology
Make sure your:
- Phone, tablet, or computer works
- Internet connection is stable
- Camera works
- Microphone works
- Device is charged
Prepare Your Information
Keep nearby:
- Medication list
- Medical history
- Previous treatment information
- Questions
- Symptom notes
Be Ready to Share Your Location
Telepsychiatry providers may need accurate location information for clinical and safety reasons. The American Psychiatric Association notes that providers should have patient location and emergency information available during telepsychiatry encounters.
Is Telepsychiatry Private?
Privacy is an important part of any healthcare appointment.
Patients should use a private environment and the provider should use appropriate secure systems and clinical procedures.
The American Psychiatric Association states that telepsychiatry can provide privacy and confidentiality comparable to in-person care when appropriately delivered.
Can You Get a Psychiatric Evaluation Online?
In appropriate situations, yes.
A virtual psychiatric evaluation can involve discussion of symptoms, medical and psychiatric history, medications, functioning, and treatment needs.
Akadi describes its telehealth services as providing virtual consultations, assessments, diagnosis and treatment planning, medication guidance, and ongoing support.
If you want to understand the assessment process first, read Akadi’s guide on what to expect during a psychiatric evaluation.
Can Medication Management Be Done Through Telehealth?
Medication management can be provided through telepsychiatry in appropriate circumstances. The American Psychiatric Association specifically includes medication management among telepsychiatry services.
Akadi also provides telehealth medication management for appropriate patients.
Medication decisions must always be individualized and made by a qualified healthcare professional.
What Are the Benefits of Telehealth Psychiatry?
Potential benefits include:
- Reduced travel
- Convenient appointments
- Access from home
- Easier follow-up
- Greater flexibility
- Access to care across larger geographic areas
However, convenience should not be confused with suitability. Some clinical situations may require in-person assessment or urgent care.
Who May Prefer Telehealth Psychiatry?
Telehealth may be particularly useful for people who:
- Have transportation challenges
- Live far from a provider
- Have busy schedules
- Prefer remote appointments
- Have difficulty traveling
- Need ongoing follow-up
The APA notes that telepsychiatry can reduce barriers such as transportation, childcare, and time away from work.
When Telehealth May Not Be Appropriate
A provider may determine that an in-person evaluation or a higher level of care is more appropriate depending on symptoms, safety concerns, medical needs, or other circumstances.
If you are experiencing an immediate mental health emergency, do not rely on a routine telehealth appointment. Seek emergency assistance.
How Akadi Supports Telehealth Care
Akadi Mental Health provides virtual mental health consultations and describes telehealth as part of its broader psychiatric services.
You can also review Akadi’s telehealth consultation services for additional information about the virtual care process.
Telehealth Appointment Checklist
Before your appointment:
- Choose a private space
- Test your camera and microphone
- Check your internet connection
- Prepare your medication list
- Have your questions ready
- Keep relevant records nearby
- Know your current location
- Have a backup plan if technology fails
FAQs
1. What is telehealth psychiatry?
Telehealth psychiatry, also called telepsychiatry, is psychiatric care provided remotely using technology such as secure video communication. Depending on the provider and clinical situation, it may include psychiatric evaluations, medication management, follow-up visits, patient education, and other mental health services.
2. Can a psychiatric evaluation be done through telehealth?
Yes, psychiatric evaluations can be provided through telehealth in appropriate circumstances. The provider can discuss symptoms, history, medications, functioning, and treatment needs remotely. Whether telehealth is suitable depends on the patient’s clinical situation and applicable healthcare requirements.
3. Is telehealth psychiatry private?
Telehealth psychiatry can be provided privately and securely when appropriate technology, clinical procedures, and patient practices are used. Patients should attend appointments from a private location and use the provider’s designated platform rather than unsecured communication methods.
4. Can psychiatric medication be managed through telehealth?
Medication management can be provided through telepsychiatry when clinically appropriate. Follow-up appointments may involve reviewing symptoms, effectiveness, side effects, and other medications. Medication decisions should always be made by a qualified healthcare professional.
5. What do I need for a telehealth psychiatry appointment?
You generally need an appropriate device, reliable internet connection, working camera and microphone when video is used, and a private place for the appointment. It is also helpful to have your medication list, relevant medical information, and questions ready.
Conclusion
Telehealth psychiatry can make mental health care more accessible and convenient when virtual treatment is clinically appropriate.
Understanding how the appointment works and preparing your space, technology, medications, and questions can make the experience smoother.