Telepsychiatry is a subset of telehealth. Telehealth is the practice of connecting patients with their care providers remotely, using technology like phone calls, video chats and text messages. Telepsychiatry uses these same technologies in order to connect patients with psychiatrists for psychiatric appointments or consultations. For example, some people may be unable to travel in person for psychiatric appointments due to geographic location or lack of transportation; others might not be able to access mental health services because they are uninsured or underinsured. These barriers can make it difficult for some patients to secure the help they need when experiencing an episode of depression, anxiety or another mental health concern that requires treatment by a psychiatrist.
Telepsychiatry is a subset of telehealth.
Telehealth is a broader term that includes telepsychiatry. That's because psychiatrists are licensed medical professionals, and telemedicine is the umbrella term for any type of remote patient care that uses technology to improve healthcare delivery. As you might imagine, this could include anything from an app-based visit with your primary care physician to a video conference with your OBGYN during pregnancy. Telepsychiatry falls into this category because it's all about improving patient access to mental healthcare without requiring patients to travel long distances or wait for hours in waiting rooms at their local hospitals.
Telepsychiatry is often confused with telehealth because of its overlap with the broader category of remote medical services. However, telepsychiatry is actually a subset of both types of technology; it uses specific types of audio and video equipment in order to allow doctors (or other licensed medical professionals) who aren't physically present at the same location as their patients to provide care remotely without having any face-to-face contact whatsoever!
Telepsychiatry can help reduce mental health disparities.
Telepsychiatry is a great way to help reduce mental health disparities and bridge the gap between patients and mental health professionals. It can be especially beneficial for individuals who are unable to travel in-person for psychiatric appointments.
Telehealth can also help patients with substance abuse disorders by providing care that integrates counseling, medication management and therapy seamlessly.
Telepsychiatry is especially helpful in underserved areas.
Telepsychiatry has a special place in the heart of many rural communities. In areas where there is low access to mental health services, telepsychiatry can help patients who would otherwise have difficulty accessing care.
By allowing for remote sessions with psychiatrists and psychologists, telepsychiatry allows patients who live far away from a psychiatric provider to receive treatment. Even if they're too ill or physically unfit to travel, they can still be seen by their specialist over the internet.
Telepsychiatry prescribers require the same state licensing as any other psychiatrist does.
In the context of telepsychiatry, you should be aware that the provider must be licensed at the state level. This means that they have an active license issued by a state medical board, and usually carry malpractice insurance as well. One way to check if your provider is properly licensed is to ask them for their credentials before making an appointment.
Telepsychiatry prescribers must also have a DEA number (Drug Enforcement Administration). This allows them to prescribe medications for treating mental health disorders like depression and anxiety over video chat. You can look up your provider’s DEA number on their website or call them directly to confirm it with them.
Telepsychiatry can help some patients who are unable to travel in-person for psychiatric appointments.
Sometimes, patients are unable to travel in-person for psychiatric appointments. There are many reasons why a patient might be unable to travel, such as if they are too ill or disabled to leave their home. For example, a patient may be undergoing treatment for cancer and has no energy left at the end of the day that he can use to go on errands or drive into town. Telepsychiatry can help these patients see a psychiatrist without having to leave home.
Telepsychiatry is also helpful when it comes to reducing stigma around mental health treatment. The stigma associated with mental illness is significantly reduced when you don't have to sit in an office and talk about your most personal problems in front of someone who doesn't know you personally—you can do it all over Skype!
Telepsychiatry is HIPAA compliant and secure.
HIPAA is a set of rules governing the use and disclosure of Protected Health Information (PHI). HIPAA requires that all healthcare providers who use electronic health records must be HIPAA compliant. Telehealth in general and telepsychiatry specifically are subject to this rule because they both involve the transmission of PHI, whether via phone or video conference.
Telepsychiatry may be covered under insurance.
Telepsychiatry may be covered by your insurance plan. Some insurance plans will cover telepsychiatry, while others will not. Before you make an appointment with a telepsychiatrist, it's important to check with the insurance company and see if your policy covers the cost of treatment.
Telepsychiatry bridges the gap between patients and their psychiatrists, connecting them when they might not otherwise be able to communicate or connect in person.
Telepsychiatry bridges the gap between patients and their psychiatrists, connecting them when they might not otherwise be able to communicate or connect in person. For example, if you live in a remote area where there is no psychiatric care available and can’t make it to your scheduled appointments, telepsychiatry will allow you to connect with your psychiatrist from home. This is especially helpful for people who need more frequent appointments (such as those with schizophrenia) as well as those living with disabilities such as epilepsy or Parkinson's Disease.
Telepsychiatry is a great way to connect with a psychiatrist when in-person visits are not possible. Telehealth provides access to care for people who live far from cities, as well as people who want more privacy than an office visit would allow them. Both telehealth and telepsychiatry use technology to connect patients with their providers, so they can receive the treatment they need without having to spend time traveling or going through traditional means like paperwork submission.
Resources
Telehealth is an overarching term that refers to the use of technology to deliver care or services[1][2], while telemedicine is a subset of telehealth that specifically refers to remote medical services[3]. Teletherapy and telepsychiatry are mental telehealth services that use videotelephony, phone calls or other messaging systems to provide care[4]. Telehealth also includes education over a distance and the provision of healthcare services through telecommunications technology[5].
- Telehealth, Telemedicine, and Telecare: What's What?
https://www.fcc.gov/general/telehealth-telemedicine-and-telecare-whats-what
Telehealth? - Telehealth is similar to telemedicine but includes a wider variety of remote healthcare services beyond the doctor-patient relationship. It often ... - Telehealth vs. Telemedicine: What's the Difference? - K Health
https://khealth.com/learn/healthcare/telehealth-vs-telemedicine
Telehealth is the overarching term of using technology to deliver care or services, while telemedicine is a subset of telehealth. In this ... - What is the Difference Between Telehealth and Telemedicine?
https://www.karexpert.com/blogs/telehealth-vs-telemedicine-difference
The only difference between Telemedicine and Telehealth is that Telemedicine refers to remote medical services. On the other hand, Telehealth is ... - Telepsychiatry vs. Teletherapy: What's The Difference? - Forbes
https://www.forbes.com/health/mind/telepsychiatry-vs-teletherapy
Teletherapy and telepsychiatry are mental telehealth services that use videotelephony (like Zoom), phone calls or other messaging systems to ... - Difference Between Telehealth and Telemedicine - eVisit
https://evisit.com/resources/what-is-the-difference-between-telemedicine-telecare-and-telehealth
It refers more specifically to education over a distance and the provision of health care services through the use of telecommunications technology.