Most of us know how telemedicine works. You open your app, talk to your doctor, and get prescribed medicine for your ailment. You don’t need to book an appointment. Telepsychiatry works kind of the same way. It is a branch of telemedicine that allows psychiatrists to offer a range of services to patients via online communication.
What Is Telepsychiatry?
Telepsychiatry makes it easier for patients to access psychiatric therapy, evaluations, and education. Psychiatrists can choose to interact with patients directly in a live, interactive format.
Telepsychiatry uses various telecommunications devices to make psychiatric care available to patients who live at a distance from practicing psychiatrists. On the other hand, some patients might feel comfortable having an online session instead of an offline session.
In most cases, telepsychiatry uses video-based technology to get in touch with patients and establish a connection. The American Psychiatric Association (APA) declares the following services to be suitable for telepsychiatry:
- client education
- family therapy
- individual therapy
- group therapy
- psychiatric evaluations and diagnoses
- medication management
Is Telepsychiatry Legitimate?
Telepsychiatry is an alternative option for patients who do not have access to or are uncomfortable with traditional in-person psychiatric sessions. Not only is it effective, but the process is also cost-efficient. Patients who might otherwise have been deprived are satisfied with the medical attention they receive.
According to the American Psychiatric Association (APA), telepsychiatry offers similar benefits to in-person care when it comes to the accuracy of diagnosis, quality of care, the effectiveness of treatment, and privacy and confidentiality of the patients.
The Top Benefits Of Telepsychiatry
Telepsychiatry is a practical medical solution that utilizes the latest technologies to deliver quality patient care. Practitioners are dedicated to helping patients in every situation, and online consultations are no different. Telepsychiatry has quite a few benefits:
1. Suitable For Everyone
Telepsychiatry is an available option for people belonging to all age groups. Adults, children, teenagers, and elders can take advantage of these online services without any problem. In some cases, autistic individuals and patients with anxiety disorders might even prefer telepsychiatry to physical sessions.
2. Cost-Efficient
Telepsychiatry services tend to be cost-effective because they can be accessed virtually without having to maintain a separate brick-and-mortar establishment. Patients also do not have to pay for transportation and can attend the session comfortably.
3. Accessibility
It’s easier than ever for patients all over the world to access healthcare services online. Patients in rural or isolated places might not always be able to travel to hospitals or clinics for psychiatric services. Telepsychiatry proves to be very helpful in these situations because it allows them to access psychiatric services virtually.
4. High Quality Of Care
A 2016 report found that providers and clients are highly satisfied with telepsychiatry. Caregivers and parents who want psychiatric services for kids have enjoyed particularly high satisfaction levels. It’s also been seen that patients who feel uneasy during face-to-face interactions have been more communicative in the session while they are at home.
As patients warm up to the idea of online healthcare services, telepsychiatry is going to change further.