The benefits of Telepsychiatry

[blandy]

Hey all,
 

Has anyone here availed themselves of the services of telepsychiatry? It's really exploding, prompted by a turnaround by the American Psychiatric Association ( who now fully support it). Insurance companies have been slow to come around, but that is beginning to change. The APA reversal triggered most states (38, and counting)  to allow insurance reimbursement for telemedicine/telepsychiatry . My wife has been using a telepsychologist for about 3 years now and greatly prefers it to having to take a ride into the office. I believe that my wife is similar to others in that she is more likely to keep her appointments, given that she doesn't have to dress up and take a car trip order to attend them. And the service is INVALUABLE for those who are severely depressed or agoraphobic and find it very difficult to appear anywhere in person.

Are all telephychiatry programs created equal? Not in my experience. If you are considering it, try ascertaining a few things in advance. (For obvious reasons, it would be better to find the answers to these questions anonymously, if possible). What level of education will your counselor have? (In some states, it can be as little as a bachelors degree). What session frequency would the counselors schedule usually allow for? Do they accept any medical insurance on assignment? What is their fee for those without insurance? (The going rate is about $50 per appointment). Do they script for medication without a client coming in for a visit in person? Do they script for controlled meds, if they find them to be necessary, in the same manner? Then check with your own insurance company to see if you are covered.

(This is a booming field and the competition is fierce, as different practices compete for new business. This just might lead some of them to be a little more likely to go to the prescription pad. I think that is what happened in the case of my wife. They want to keep her as a client. They are an up and coming practice and need teleclients badly).

Let me tell you about my wife's experience. Her counselor is a psychiatric nurse-practitioner. She has never seen her in person. She talks to my wife using "Facetime" through her phone. She wrote for an AD on the first "visit". Wrote for ALP on the second visit. (.50 x45 w. 3 refills without ever having seen her). Wrote for a different AD on the third visit. She eventually found the right AD for her and her counselor has been providing scripts for that straight through. Same thing with the ALP! She constantly asks my wife if she needs more. My wife leads a charmed life. Where do you ever find a medical person who tries to push a benzo on you? Anyhow, all that to say that it has been a great experience. An important thing to note is that she never had to appear at the office, pick up a script for the ALP and bring it to the pharmacy. It was sent electronically to the pharmacy by a practitioner whom he has never met in person. Can't beat it.

Would love to hear from anyone who used telepsychiatry, is thinking of using it, or anyone else who feels like commenting. Thanks

This must be a a great thing for people with issues with initial meetings or agrophobic's.
I had never heard of it till now. Social anxiety and meeting new people don't mix and I would have started a lot earlier if i knew this was available.
Thanks for the info i'll be sure to recommend It to people who are in this type of situation.

I do however think it should Just be a period of initial introduction to gain trust with the Psychotherapist for me you can't beat talking therapy face to face.