Telepsychiatry: Virtual Psychiatric Services
Are you struggling with your mental health and do not have the time or energy to make an appointment to see a psychologist in their office? Do you ever wonder what it would be like to receive help for your mental health without going to an in-person appointment? Telepsychiatry might be perfect for you.
Telepsychiatry is a virtual service that can provide you with psychiatric services from the comfort of your own home or any location you may be. At Dr. Messina & Associates, we have two compassionate psychiatrists who are licensed to provide telepsychiatry services to anyone living in Texas.
What is Telepsychiatry?
Telepsychiatry is a telehealth service. Telehealth is a form of healthcare that is delivered virtually from a distance through videoconferencing on your computer or smartphone. Virtual psychiatric services include psychiatric evaluations, diagnosing conditions, patient education, follow-up care, psychotherapy, and medication management.
Many psychiatrists are licensed to provide services virtually through telepsychiatry within their licensing state. Telepsychiatry is available for people of all ages, including children, teenagers, adults, and the elderly.
The Benefits of Telepsychiatry
There are many benefits of telepsychiatry:
- You can receive psychiatric care services from the comfort of your own home or your place of work.
- It is a discreet and private option to receive help if you feel uncomfortable going into a psychiatrist’s office.
- Your appointment time can be flexible. For instance, you can complete a conference call while you are taking your lunchtime at work, or when you are waiting in your car to pick up your children from school, or, if your physiatrist has flexible hours, in the evening after you get home from work.
- You can get help without traveling to an office for an appointment. This is especially beneficial for you if you live in a rural area, do not have transportation, or find it hard to find transportation.
- You do not need to take time off work or find childcare services to go to an appointment at an office location.
- You will save money on gas or transportation services.
- You can receive care in your comfort zone, wherever that may be.
- It is affordable.
Telepsychiatry Vs. In-Person Psychiatry Services?
The only disadvantage of telepsychiatry is that you are not in the same room as your psychiatrist when you attend your appointment. While some people prefer being face-to-face with their psychiatrist, others do not mind. Some people may even prefer to have a virtual mental health appointment over an in-person appointment.
Research shows that telepsychiatry services are equal to in-person services and that there is no sacrifice to the quality of care given. If telepsychiatry is new to you, you can be assured that the quality of care you receive virtually will be the same as if you were in a face-to-face appointment.
Is Telepsychiatry Effective?
Yes! Telepsychiatry is proven to be just as effective as virtual health care services. Research shows that the care you receive through telepsychiatry services is equal to in-person and that patients have been just as satisfied with their care. There is no difference in the quality of care, accuracy of diagnosis, or effectiveness of the treatment that you will receive.
Telepsychiatry is especially effective for patients seeking treatment for:
- Depression
- Anxiety disorders
- Bipolar disorders
- Autism
- Substance use disorders
- Addiction
- Eating disorders
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder
- Schizophrenia
How does Telepsychiatry Work?
At Dr. Messina & Associates, we use a secure video chat program for telepsychiatry appointments. To set an appointment, all you need to do is call our office. You will receive an email link to the video chat program that you can use to attend your appointment. At the time of your appointment, click the link in the email that you received, and log on to the video chat on your computer or smartphone. You will be able to talk to and see your psychiatrist through video chat, and your appointment will go just the same as an in-person appointment. Your psychiatrist will evaluate your needs and provide the support that you need.
Is Telepsychiatry Safe and Secure?
You may be wondering if video conferencing your psychiatrist is safe and if your appointment will be private and confidential. You can rest assured that your virtual appointment is just as secure and confidential as an in-person appointment. It does not matter if your appointment is virtual or in-person. Your psychiatrist will follow the same code of ethics, and your information is protected under HIPAA.
Should I Make a Telepsychiatry Appointment?
Whether you have already seen a psychiatrist before or not, telepsychiatry appointments are available for you. If you are experiencing any signs or symptoms of a mental health disorder, you may benefit from receiving psychiatric care through telepsychiatry.
Some common signs or symptoms that you may need help from a psychiatrist include:
- Chronic stress
- Obsessive thoughts
- Feelings of sadness that do not go away
- A loss of interest in day-to-day life activities
- Thoughts of hurting yourself or others
- Inability to concentrate
- Emotional outbursts
- Hyperactivity
- Addictions
- Disrupted sleep patterns
- Loss of appetite
Getting Help
Here at Dr. Messina & Associates, our compassionate team of professionals is qualified to help you. Our psychologists specialize in psychotherapy (in-person and online teletherapy options) and psychological testing in-person at our DFW (Southlake) Offices. Our psychiatrists offer specialized psychiatric services in-person and telepsychiatry online to all residents of Texas. If you or a loved one are seeking help with mental health, we are available to help.
If you or a loved one are struggling with your mental health and would like to schedule a telepsychiatry appointment in Texas, call us to book an appointment today.
