What is telepsychiatry?
Telepsychiatry is a branch of telemedicine. Telemedicine is a branch of medicine that involves remote evaluation and treatment of patients via live videoconferencing or telephonic equipment. Telepsychiatry utilizes online telecommunication technology to provide for long-distance clinical health care, patient and practitioner education, as well as public health and health administration. Telepsychiatry can include patient evaluations, therapy, medication management, education for practitioners, and other aspects of psychiatric care.
What conditions are treatable through telepsychiatry?
Telemedicine allows for the treatment of any condition that does not require physical presence to treat. Psychiatry is uniquely suitable for telemedicine practice. Therapy, counseling, diagnosis, and treatment for nearly every psychological disorder–whether related to mood, anxiety, cognitive functioning, substance dependency, etc.–can be conducted via telepsychiatric sessions. Telepsychiatry has the added benefit of allowing for specialists to conference in from anywhere in the country, or even the world, meaning that you can treat more specific, more esoteric, or more exotic conditions as needed.
Do I need specialized equipment for telepsychiatry?
To implement telepsychiatry, you need only a solid internet connection (DSL, cable, T1 or higher) and a device capable of videoconferencing. While a laptop or PC with a good web camera and microphone is preferable, a tablet or even a smartphone can work in a pinch for teleconferencing. No specialized media equipment is necessary, although you can certainly set up a conference room for ideal communications with a larger group of people.
Is telepsychiatry subject to specific guidelines?
Our psychiatric professionals strictly adhere to the federal and state guidelines that apply to their practices. Additionally, different states may implement and apply different guidelines specific to telepsychiatry.
Is telepsychiatry as effective as in-person sessions?
The psychiatric professionals at Orbit Health are among the best in the industry. They can provide clinical diagnoses, treatments, and effective outcomes, as well as increase community health in wellness, especially in underserved areas. The lack of physical proximity does not inhibit our experts’ ability to diagnose and treat patients suffering from any number of psychiatric conditions. The level of privacy and confidentiality is the same as in-person care. Research shows that telepsychiatry is just as effective as in-person, face-to-face care. Many patients, in fact, find that psychiatric treatment via videoconferencing is less intimidating or embarrassing. Patients, psychiatrists, and other professionals have all reported high levels of satisfaction with telepsychiatry since its inception.
Can medication be prescribed via telepsychiatry?
Yes. Our licensed psychiatrists can prescribe medications for patients they diagnose and treat remotely. Our providers will write and sign the prescriptions, which can then be transmitted to the clinic for local fulfillment.
Where do patients receive treatment?
Patients can visit their local clinic, medical office, or hospital. Wherever you can set up a private space for video conferencing, patients can comfortably sit and engage with our mental health professionals.
Is special software and training needed?
When you contract with Orbit Health, we will provide your medical practice with all of the software and training necessary to implement our telepsychiatry services. The process is simple and requires very little setup.
If you are a healthcare provider who would benefit from access to a variety of qualified, licensed, and economical psychiatric care specialists, reach out to Orbit Health to discuss your options for telepsychiatry today.
