Telepsychiatry: The Basics

What is telepsychiatry?

Telepsychiatry is the practice of psychiatry using technology to connect a patient and mental health provider who are not in the same physical location. In its infancy, telepsychiatry required expensive video conferencing equipment, making start-up costs prohibitive for many clinics. Now, any device with a video camera and access to the Internet can be used for telepsychiatry.

Why Telepsychiatry?

Telepsychiatry gives healthcare providers needed flexibility and reach, especially those with multiple locations in a town or region or those facing physician coverage shortages and patient volume increases.

What are the Benefits of Telepsychiatry?

• Minimize long wait times for psychiatric consults
• Integrate access to psychiatric services with primary care
• Decrease costly inpatient admissions
• Prevent ED overcrowding
• Free up staff to work with other patients

Is telepsychiatry HIPAA compliant?

In order to be HIPAA compliant, the telepsychiatry session must be conducted over an encrypted connection. This requirement may rule out some free video chat services.

How can I get started using telepsychiatry?

There are several telemedicine technology providers available in the United States. Going through one of them can help you ensure that you are HIPAA compliant. To  learn more about telepsychiatry, contact an expert today.