Technology has had an impact on nearly every aspect of our lives, and that includes mental health care. The use of video conferencing or phone calls for psychiatric consultations – known as telepsychiatry - is an option that is becoming increasingly common among many providers, including Vibrant Integrative Psychiatry. Telepsychiatry can be a valuable tool, although in-person visits remain a crucial part of the process.
This approach has its pros and cons, as outlined by the American Psychiatric Association.
Here are some of the benefits:
- Telepsychiatry expands the accessibility of our care by bridging geographic and mobility barriers. Eliminating travel time and costs make mental health care more accessible than ever.
- Telepsychiatry offers greater flexibility by allowing virtual visits for consultations to occur outside traditional office hours. This makes it easier to fit mental health care into busy schedules.
- Virtual visits reduce the stigma that unfortunately still exists surrounding mental health care. Telepsychiatry removes this barrier by allowing patients to receive care in the privacy of their own homes, which can make the process less daunting.
We need to stress that telepsychiatry does have limitations:
- Patients must have a strong internet connection and possess the technological skills to accommodate virtual visits.
- Keep in mind that a physical exam, a crucial part of some diagnoses, may not be possible through the virtual format.
- It’s also important to note that it may be more challenging for our psychiatrist and our patients to build a rapport and conduct a thorough mental health assessment in a virtual setting. Both of these are critical parts of what makes the psychiatric care process work.
- Patients must be sure to choose a psychiatrist who uses secure video conferencing platforms to ensure privacy.
Telepsychiatry with Vibrant Integrative Psychiatry can be a valuable complement to traditional in-person care. Are virtual visits a good option for you? We value our patients’ time and prioritize a course of treatment that best serves their needs. Please contact us to arrange a confidential consultation.
