It can be hard to find time to make the Psychiatry appointments you need. But, whether you’re juggling a busy schedule or staying home because of the COVID-19 pandemic, you can still get the mental health care you need with telepsychiatry.
Mental health nurse practitioner Allison Sikorsky founded At Your Service Psychiatry in Bloomingdale, Illinois, to ensure patients of all ages receive the mental health care they need, whenever and wherever they need it. With telepsychiatry, it’s easier than ever. Here’s what you need to know.
How telepsychiatry works
Telepsychiatry uses videoconferencing to facilitate your psychiatric appointment. This form of telemedicine allows Allison to interact with you for a face-to-face meeting via your smartphone, computer, or tablet — basically any device you have with a camera and screen — no matter where you are.
To provide a safe and secure consultation, Allison relies on the Zoom videoconferencing platform. During your appointment, you can expect the same experience you would have if you were in Allison’s office, including a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation. If you require a new prescription or refill, Allison can take care of that request at the same time.
Telepsychiatry makes it possible to get the mental health care services you need, even if you find it difficult or impossible to leave your own home, with prescription medications sent electronically to your local pharmacy.
The benefits of telepsychiatry
There are several advantages to telepsychiatry, including being able to get last-minute appointments, often within 2-3 days (or even the same day) if needed. It can also increase access to psychiatric services by reducing the stigma associated with mental health care.
Additional benefits of remove psychiatry appointments include:
- Less time missed at work
- Fewer disruptions to child- or elder-care responsibilities
- Reduced travel time or expenses
- Fewer trips to the emergency room
- Improved continuity of care
- Greater access to mental health care services
While the thought of talking to a screen may seem awkward, telepsychiatry can actually increase your comfort during therapy appointments. That’s because many people feel far more relaxed in the comfort of their own home than in an office setting. Telepsychiatry also helps you avoid the stress that comes with physically getting to an office appointment, like traffic, crowds, or transportation.
Who is a good candidate for telepsychiatry?
Anyone requiring mental health care services could benefit from telepsychiatry. Overall, evidence shows this approach offers highly effective results for people of all ages with a wide range of mental health care needs. It can even be preferable to in-person care for many, especially those with severe anxiety disorders, physical limitations, or autism.
To receive telepsychiatry, a clinician can only treat you if they’re licensed to practice in the state where you live. Even though At Your Service Psychiatry is based in Illinois, Allison is licensed to practice in 21 states, including:
- Arizona
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Iowa
- Maine
- Minnesota
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Mexico
- North Dakota
- Oregon
- South Dakota
- Vermont
- Washington
If you’re interested in telepsychiatry, contact At Your Service Psychiatry by requesting an appointment online today.