Tele-Psychiatry

Telepsychiatry is the application of telemedicine to the specialty field of psychiatry. It is also called as E-psychiatry. The term typically describes the delivery of psychiatric assessment and care through telecommunications technology, usually videoconferencing. Telepsychiatry services can be offered through intermediary companies that partner with facilities to increase care capacities, or by individual providers or provider groups. Telepsychiatry can be potential practices in rural and other remote environments with limited psychiatric care services. Telepsychiatric assessments in mental health emergencies have been established practices and improve access to care for patients. Telepsychiatry reduces or eliminates distance that is a barrier to traditional care. It also reduces patients ’travel time and work time loss, shortens waiting periods for an appointment, and simplifies availability of expertise.