Life took a big turn when the COVID-19 pandemic and global health crisis came along. Day-to-day activities were put on hold as most countries implemented lockdowns and quarantines. The pandemic also undoubtedly put a strain on the health sector. It had to deal with the pandemic while continuously providing access to other health care services. Thankfully, technological advances have helped alleviate some of this strain. An example of this is telemedicine.
What Is Telemedicine?
Telemedicine refers to a practice that allows physicians to monitor their patients’ well-being remotely. It is also often called telehealth and is a growing treatment approach, especially with the current pandemic. Healthcare professionals utilize audio-video or social media platforms to communicate with their patients.
Telemedicine may be applied to a variety of medical specialties. For mental health services, psychiatrists now offer telemedicine appointments, which allow patients to connect with a psychiatrist without having to compromise their health and safety. Despite the ongoing global pandemic, you can talk to your psychiatrist from the comfort of your own home. This method of consultation and therapy was already in practice even before the pandemic, but it is now being used more widely.
Telemedicine psychiatry appointments are especially helpful for patients living in rural areas or those too busy to see a psychiatrist in-person. Therefore, telepsychiatry offers both accessibility and convenience. As a mental health service, it caters to patients with psychological disorders, including depression, anxiety, and substance abuse, among others.
What To Expect During A Telemedicine Psychiatry Appointment?
As telemedicine psychiatry appointments utilize digital communication, it is important to have a working mobile phone or laptop with a stable internet connection available during your appointment time.
Your psychiatrist may use third-party applications for video conferencing or text messaging. Their office will send you a link or an email invitation before your scheduled appointment. Telemedicine psychiatry appointments are similar to traditional therapy, except it’s done remotely. Your appointment should still last an hour or two, depending on your agreement with your psychiatrist.
During your appointment, you will be asked a series of questions related to or about your condition. This includes your medical history, especially if it is your first time seeing a psychiatrist. If your treatment requires a prescription, you will receive an email with the relevant details, and your psychiatrist will let your local pharmacy know. Then, you can simply pick up the medication.
As demand for telemedicine psychiatry appointments increase, health insurance companies are starting to include it in their coverage – especially during the pandemic. This means access to an expert psychiatrist online is now more affordable than ever before.
However, take note that the US Department of Health warns individuals to exercise caution. You should check the credentials and licenses of a potential psychiatrist prior to seeing them.
Telemedicine Psychiatry Appointments In Connecticut And New York
The global pandemic severely affected people around the world. Many individuals are seeing a deterioration in their mental health. This is why there is an increased interest in psychiatry.
If you are ready to see how telemedicine psychiatry appointments can help you, look no further than Psy-Visions. Our very own Dr. Mark Stracks is an expert psychiatrist, well-trained in psychiatric pharmacology, traditional therapy, and telehealth.
To consult with Dr. Stracks, contact us at (718) 887-2918 for our New York office or (203) 405-1745 for our Southbury office. Our friendly staff is available to assist you virtually. For your convenience, you may also request an appointment online. We look forward to helping you heal!
