With the rise of telehealth and virtual therapy, mental health care has become more accessible than ever. But for individuals who need more than just psychotherapy, whether it may be medication management, psychiatric evaluations, or autism screenings, having access to a psychiatrist is just as important.

Telepsychiatry is a recent subset of telehealth that allows psychiatrists or psychiatric nurse practitioners to provide specific treatment options and evaluations online. Research has shown that online psychiatric services are as effective as in-person psychiatry for mild to moderate symptom management. However, while telepsychiatry is growing, it is only available in some locations and still faces significant barriers to implementation.

How Do Online Psychiatry Services Work?

Online psychiatric services operate similarly to in-person but take place over virtual appointments, usually through video, where they assess symptoms, develop treatment plans, or diagnose certain conditions. While these services were previously only provided in person, the rise of telepsychiatry has grown as access to essential mental health services is becoming increasingly important.

Telepsychiatry is not precisely the same as teletherapy. While psychiatrists can provide psychotherapy, they have advanced training in evaluating and diagnosing mental health conditions and are uniquely capable of prescribing medication. Some common psychiatric services include:

• Diagnosis and Assessment of Mental Health Disorders: Evaluating symptoms, medical history, and, when additional training is completed, conducting psychological tests. This typically works the same online or in-person, although some professionals may prefer to conduct in-person evaluations to get a better read on symptoms.
• Developmental Screening: Brief assessments for children to monitor potential development delays in speech, movement, or social interaction. While screening may indicate the potential for conditions like ADHD or autism spectrum disorder, they are not diagnoses. Screens can usually be conducted online and in person, but physical examinations require in-person assessments.
• Treatment Planning: Developing personalized treatment plans for individuals. This process is the same online or in-person.
• Prescription and Medication Management: Prescribing medication for specific conditions, such as SSRIs for depression. Some platforms offer online medication management, while others prefer to meet individuals in person. It is the medical providers’ responsibility to request in-person sessions if the condition of the client requires it.
• Ongoing Care and Monitoring: Regular follow-ups and adjustments to treatment. This can take place in person or online, depending on the medical providers’ judgment of the condition of the client.
• Crisis Intervention: Emergency psychiatric care for individuals facing health crises. This most often takes place within in-person and in-patient settings.
• Brain Stimulation Therapies: Psychiatrists with specialized training can conduct alternative treatments such as electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) or repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS). These treatments are most often for severe symptom management and are used for individuals who are resistant to other treatment methods and who are open to these options. Psychiatrists provide these treatments in person only.

Who Can Provide Psychiatric Services Online?

To provide psychiatric services, including online, professionals must have the required medical degree, specialized training in the services they offer, and experience providing treatment to individuals in a clinical setting. Typically, education and training to offer these services, whether as a nurse practitioner or psychiatrist, takes 8-12 years, and professionals continue education and training throughout their careers.

The most common psychiatric services professionals are psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners. Medical doctors can also prescribe medication but may not be trained in the additional psychiatric services individuals require, such as diagnosis or treatment planning.

• Psychiatrist: Medical Doctors (MDs or DOs) who specialize in mental health services and can prescribe medication.
• Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (PMHNP): Advanced practice nurses with specialized training in diagnosing conditions, creating treatment plans, and prescribing medication. In Michigan, PMHNPs are required to have a collaborative relationship with a medical doctor.

Are Online Psychiatric Services as Effective as In-Person Care?

Recent research suggests that psychiatric services can be effective online for mild to moderate symptoms, especially for treating depression. However, there is less evidence that telepsychiatry is as effective as in-person care for severe symptoms or situations where an individual is at risk of harming themselves.

These studies indicate that online psychiatry may not be appropriate for all individuals, particularly those with severe or complex cases of mental illness. However, the majority of people report being as satisfied with online telepsychiatry as in-person and that the accessibility and flexibility of virtual psychiatry have made it a lot easier to access essential care.

The primary success of online psychiatry depends on consistency and the therapeutic alliance. Regular appointments and open communication foster a strong connection while allowing your psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner to personalize treatment to your goals and make adjustments as needed. While telepsychiatry may not replace in-person or in-patient care for more severe cases, it offers a convenient and reliable way to manage many mental health challenges individuals face.

Contact Start My Wellness to get Started With Telepsychiatry

Telepsychiatry has grown as a practical and effective option for providing psychiatric services to individuals with limited access. Research has shown that online psychiatry is as effective as in-person care for most situations while providing flexibility and accessibility to individuals who lack access to essential care. While it may not be the right fit for everyone, including those with severe or complex mental health needs, it offers a convenient way for many individuals to receive treatment, including medication management and regular follow-ups.

At Start My Wellness, we understand the importance of accessible and personalized mental health care. Our team of psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners is trained to provide the support you need, including psychological testing, developmental screening, treatment planning, medication management, and therapeutic services. Whether you need ongoing support or simply want a professional assessment, we’re here to guide you through the process.

Contact Start My Wellness at (248)-514-4955 and meet our psychiatric nurse practitioners to learn more about the services we provide and to take the next step towards a better you.

Sources

1. Start My Wellness: Online ADHD Screening
2. American Psychiatry Association: What is Psychiatry?
3. American Journal of Psychiatry: Treatment Outcomes in Depression: Comparison of Remote Treatment Through Telepsychiatry to In-Person Treatment
4. Psychiatry Research: Patient satisfaction with partial hospital telehealth treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic: Comparison to in-person treatment