Telehealth psychiatry allows people to receive certain mental health services remotely using communication technology such as video appointments. Depending on the service and clinical situation, telepsychiatry can include psychiatric evaluations, therapy, education, and medication management.
For people who have difficulty traveling to appointments because of work, transportation, childcare, mobility, or scheduling demands, virtual care can provide another way to connect with a mental health professional.
However, telehealth is not automatically appropriate for every situation. The type of care provided depends on the patient’s needs, the clinician’s assessment, technology requirements, and applicable regulations.
What Is Telehealth Psychiatry?
Telehealth psychiatry, also called telepsychiatry, is the delivery of psychiatric care through remote communication technology.
Depending on the clinical model, it may include:
- Psychiatric evaluations
- Medication management
- Therapy
- Follow-up appointments
- Patient education
- Mental health consultations
The American Psychiatric Association describes telepsychiatry as a form of telemedicine that can provide several psychiatric services remotely.
How Does a Telepsychiatry Appointment Work?
The exact process varies by provider, but a typical appointment may involve several steps.
1. Scheduling the Appointment
You schedule an appointment with a mental health provider who offers telehealth services.
Before scheduling, confirm that the provider offers telehealth for your type of concern and that you meet any applicable eligibility requirements.
2. Preparing Your Technology
You may need:
- A smartphone, tablet, or computer
- A stable internet connection
- A camera and microphone
- A private space
- The appropriate appointment platform
Technical requirements can vary.
3. Completing Intake Information
You may be asked to provide information about your symptoms, health history, medications, previous treatment, and reason for seeking care.
Providing accurate information can help your provider understand your situation.
4. Meeting With the Provider
The appointment may include discussion of your symptoms, history, concerns, treatment goals, and current medications.
For psychiatric care, the provider may assess mental status, symptoms, functioning, and other clinically relevant information.
5. Discussing Next Steps
Depending on the appointment, your provider may recommend continued monitoring, psychotherapy, medication management, further evaluation, or another appropriate form of care.
Can Psychiatric Evaluations Be Done Through Telehealth?
Telepsychiatry can include psychiatric evaluations. The American Psychiatric Association identifies psychiatric assessment among the services that may be provided through telepsychiatry.
Whether a specific evaluation can be completed virtually depends on the patient’s situation and the clinician’s judgment.
Can Medication Management Be Done Through Telehealth?
Medication management is another service that can be provided through telepsychiatry.
During a virtual follow-up, a clinician may review:
- Current symptoms
- Medication response
- Side effects
- Adherence
- Other medications
- Changes in health
- Treatment goals
The provider can then determine whether continuing the current treatment plan or considering a change is appropriate.
What Are the Benefits of Telehealth Psychiatry?
Greater Convenience
Virtual appointments can reduce the need to travel to an office.
Reduced Practical Barriers
Telehealth may help people who face transportation, childcare, scheduling, or other barriers to attending appointments.
Continuity of Care
For some patients, remote appointments may make it easier to maintain regular follow-up.
Access to Remote Care
Telepsychiatry can expand access to mental health services for people who might otherwise face geographic or logistical barriers.
Research summarized by the American Psychiatric Association indicates substantial evidence supporting telepsychiatry, including evidence for assessment and treatment.
What Are the Limitations?
Telehealth is not perfect for every patient or every situation.
Potential challenges include:
- Poor internet connectivity
- Technology problems
- Lack of privacy
- Difficulty communicating through a screen
- Limited ability to perform certain in-person assessments
- Situations requiring urgent or emergency intervention
A clinician may determine that an in-person assessment or another level of care is more appropriate.
How Can You Prepare for a Telepsychiatry Appointment?
Choose a quiet, private location where you can speak openly.
Before the appointment, prepare:
- Current medication list
- Relevant medical history
- Previous mental health treatment information
- Main symptoms
- Questions
- Recent changes in mood, sleep, anxiety, attention, or functioning
For medication-management appointments, note any side effects or changes you have experienced.
Is Telepsychiatry Private?
Healthcare providers have privacy and security responsibilities when delivering telehealth services, but patients should also take reasonable steps to protect their privacy.
Try to attend appointments from a private location and avoid discussing sensitive information where other people can overhear.
Does Telepsychiatry Work as Well as In-Person Care?
Evidence summarized by the American Psychiatric Association indicates that telepsychiatry has a substantial evidence base and that studies have found comparable outcomes in several areas of assessment and treatment.
That does not mean virtual care is identical to in-person care or appropriate for every individual.
The best setting depends on the patient’s needs and clinical circumstances.
When Might In-Person Care Be More Appropriate?
A clinician may recommend in-person care when:
- A physical examination is necessary
- Technology prevents adequate assessment
- The patient’s symptoms require a different level of care
- There is an urgent safety concern
- The clinician determines that remote care is insufficient
If someone is experiencing an immediate psychiatric emergency or is at risk of harming themselves or someone else, emergency services should be contacted rather than waiting for a routine telehealth appointment.
State Licensing and Telepsychiatry
Telepsychiatry is subject to professional and legal requirements that can vary according to the circumstances and location of the patient and provider.
Before receiving care, patients should confirm that the provider is able to provide telehealth services in their location.
Conclusion
Telehealth psychiatry can provide remote access to psychiatric evaluations, medication management, therapy, and other mental health services.
For many patients, it can reduce practical barriers while maintaining regular contact with a mental health professional. At the same time, virtual care is not appropriate for every situation, so the treatment setting should be based on clinical needs.
Take the Next Step
If you are interested in virtual mental health care, explore TruClarity Mental Health’s telehealth services to learn more about available options and how to begin.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is telepsychiatry?
Telepsychiatry is psychiatric care delivered remotely through communication technology such as video appointments. It can include evaluation, therapy, education, and medication management.
Can I get a psychiatric evaluation online?
Psychiatric evaluations can be provided through telepsychiatry in appropriate circumstances. The clinician determines whether remote evaluation is suitable for the individual.
Can psychiatric medication be managed online?
Medication management can be provided through telepsychiatry when clinically and legally appropriate.
What should I prepare for an online psychiatry appointment?
Prepare your medication list, relevant medical history, current symptoms, previous treatment information, and questions for your provider.
Is telepsychiatry suitable for everyone?
No. Some situations require in-person evaluation or a higher level of care. A clinician can help determine the appropriate setting.