​

Mental health care does not always have to take place in a traditional office. Telepsychiatry allows patients to meet with a psychiatric provider through secure video appointments from a location that is convenient for them.

At Elmhurst Psychiatry, telepsychiatry appointments can provide a convenient way to access psychiatric evaluation, medication management, and ongoing mental health care when virtual treatment is clinically appropriate.

​

What Is Telepsychiatry?

Telepsychiatry is the use of video or other telecommunications technology to provide psychiatric services remotely.

It can allow patients to connect with a psychiatric provider without traveling to a traditional office. Depending on the individual's needs and the services offered, virtual appointments may be used for psychiatric evaluations, medication management, follow-up appointments, and other aspects of mental health care.

The American Psychiatric Association provides professional resources and guidance regarding the use of telepsychiatry in mental health care.

​

How Do Telepsychiatry Appointments Work?

A telepsychiatry appointment generally takes place through a secure video platform using a computer, tablet, or smartphone.

Before your appointment, you will typically receive instructions explaining how to access your virtual visit. At the scheduled time, you connect with your psychiatric provider through the designated platform.

Your appointment may involve many of the same conversations and assessments that take place during an in-person psychiatric visit.

Depending on your treatment needs, your provider may discuss:

• Current symptoms

• Mood and emotional well-being

• Anxiety and stress

• Sleep

• Concentration and attention

• Medication effectiveness

• Medication side effects

• Treatment progress

• Changes in your personal circumstances

• Ongoing treatment goals

​

What Can Telepsychiatry Treat?

Telepsychiatry may be used to provide care for a variety of mental health concerns, depending on the patient's needs and the provider's clinical judgment.

Virtual psychiatric care may include evaluation and treatment for concerns such as:

• Depression

• Anxiety disorders

• ADHD

• Bipolar disorder

• Trauma-related concerns

• Obsessive-compulsive symptoms

• Sleep-related concerns

• Other behavioral and mental health conditions

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) provides information about mental health conditions and options for finding professional treatment.

Whether telepsychiatry is appropriate depends on your symptoms, treatment needs, medical circumstances, and the type of care being provided.

​

Benefits of Telepsychiatry

Virtual psychiatric appointments can offer several potential benefits.

Convenience

Telepsychiatry can reduce the need to travel to and from appointments. This may make it easier to fit mental health care into a busy schedule.

Accessibility

Virtual appointments can make psychiatric services more accessible to people who have difficulty traveling, have demanding schedules, or prefer receiving care remotely.

Comfort

Some people feel more comfortable discussing personal concerns from a familiar environment. Being in a comfortable setting may help make conversations about mental health easier.

Continuity of Care

Telepsychiatry can make it easier to maintain regular follow-up appointments when traveling or other circumstances make in-person visits difficult, provided virtual care remains clinically appropriate.

The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services provides information about telehealth policies, technology, and considerations for healthcare providers and patients.

​

Is Telepsychiatry as Effective as In-Person Care?

Research has found that telehealth can be an effective way to provide many types of behavioral and mental health services. However, virtual care is not appropriate for every situation or every patient.

Your psychiatric provider will consider your symptoms, clinical needs, privacy, technology access, and other factors when determining whether telepsychiatry is appropriate.

The American Psychiatric Association's telepsychiatry resources provide additional information about the use of technology in psychiatric care.

​

Preparing for Your Telepsychiatry Appointment

A little preparation can help your virtual appointment run smoothly.

Before your appointment:

• Choose a quiet and private location.

• Make sure your device has a working camera and microphone.

• Test your internet connection.

• Charge your device if you are using a smartphone or tablet.

• Keep your current medication list nearby.

• Have a list of questions or concerns you want to discuss.

• Make sure you know how to access the appointment platform.

• Avoid joining the appointment while driving or in another unsafe situation.

If possible, choose a location where you can speak privately without interruptions.

​

Privacy and Confidentiality

Privacy is an important consideration during any mental health appointment, including virtual visits.

Telepsychiatry platforms should use appropriate safeguards to protect patient information. You should also take steps to protect your own privacy by attending appointments from a secure, private location and using a personal device when possible.

The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services HIPAA guidance provides information about federal privacy protections for health information.

​

Telepsychiatry and Medication Management

Telepsychiatry may be used for medication management when virtual care is clinically appropriate.

During a medication management appointment, your provider may review:

• How your medication is working

• Changes in symptoms

• Side effects

• Dosage and medication schedule

• Other medications or supplements

• Changes in your health

• Treatment goals

Your provider may determine that an in-person visit or additional medical evaluation is necessary depending on your circumstances.

Medication should always be taken as prescribed, and you should discuss any changes or concerns with your prescribing provider.

​

Telepsychiatry for Follow-Up Care

Virtual appointments can be particularly useful for ongoing psychiatric care. After an initial evaluation or treatment plan has been established, follow-up visits can provide an opportunity to monitor symptoms and discuss progress.

Follow-up appointments may focus on:

• Changes in mood or anxiety

• Treatment response

• Medication effectiveness

• Side effects

• Sleep and energy

• Daily functioning

• New or changing concerns

• Treatment goals

The frequency of appointments depends on your individual needs and treatment plan.

​

When In-Person Care May Be More Appropriate

Although telepsychiatry can be convenient, virtual treatment is not appropriate for every circumstance.

An in-person appointment may be recommended when a physical examination, additional medical assessment, more intensive evaluation, or another type of care is necessary.

If you are experiencing a psychiatric emergency or are at immediate risk of harming yourself or someone else, do not rely on a routine telepsychiatry appointment. Call 911, go to the nearest emergency department, or call or text 988 for the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

​

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a computer for telepsychiatry?

Not necessarily. Depending on the technology used by the practice, you may be able to attend a virtual appointment using a smartphone, tablet, or computer with a camera and microphone.

Where should I have my telepsychiatry appointment?

Choose a quiet, private location where you can speak openly without unnecessary interruptions. A reliable internet connection is also recommended.

Can I receive medication management through telepsychiatry?

Telepsychiatry may be used for medication management when clinically appropriate. Your provider will determine the appropriate type and frequency of care based on your individual circumstances.

Can I have my first psychiatric evaluation online?

In many circumstances, an initial psychiatric evaluation can be conducted through telepsychiatry. Whether a virtual evaluation is appropriate depends on your symptoms, needs, applicable requirements, and your provider's clinical judgment.

What happens if my internet connection fails?

If you lose your connection during an appointment, follow the practice's instructions for reconnecting or contacting the office. It is helpful to have a reliable phone available as a backup means of communication when permitted.

Is telepsychiatry private?

Telepsychiatry should be conducted using appropriate technology and privacy safeguards. Patients should also attend appointments from a private location and take reasonable steps to protect their own confidentiality.

​

Start Your Telepsychiatry Appointment

Virtual psychiatric care can make it easier to connect with a mental health professional while maintaining the quality and continuity of care you need.

If you are interested in psychiatric evaluation, medication management, or ongoing mental health care through telepsychiatry, contact Elmhurst Psychiatry to learn whether virtual appointments are appropriate for you.

​

Trusted Telepsychiatry Resources

For additional information about virtual mental health care:

• American Psychiatric Association – Telepsychiatry — Professional resources and information about telepsychiatry.

• Telehealth.HHS.gov — U.S. government resources covering telehealth services and policies.

• National Institute of Mental Health — Evidence-based information about mental health conditions and treatment.

• HHS HIPAA Resources — Information about health information privacy and security.

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — Free, confidential crisis support available by call, text, or chat.

This page is intended for general educational purposes and does not replace individualized medical advice. Telepsychiatry availability and requirements may vary depending on clinical circumstances, applicable regulations, and insurance coverage.