Oct 6, 2015 4 min read

Advances in at-home computer technology have made it easier for Americans to do everyday tasks such as shopping, planning for trips and getting an education. It only makes sense that this same technology has led to the rise of telepsychiatry in clinical and counseling settings.

An almost unknown field just two decades ago, telepsychiatry is the practice of delivering counseling services directly to patients through videoconferencing software. Just as families can use Skype to virtually visit one another, a trained psychiatrist can conduct therapy sessions in the privacy of a patient’s home or another clinical setting.

Any method that gives individuals better access to health care is an improvement on the current system. While 25 percent of the population suffers from mental illness, many individuals still go without medical treatment due to lack of transportation, long waiting periods and other factors. Telepsychiatry, however, overcomes many of these obstacles. Benefits include:

While the out-of-pocket expense for a telepsychiatry appointment might be the same as a traditional office visit, clients can save money by not needing to travel to the appointment, take extra time off from work, or pay for a babysitter. Many people find that by eliminating these extra expenses and stressors, they can focus more fully on their time with the psychiatrist.

Traditionally, individuals needing mental health care are often limited by their geography. Rural areas may not have enough care providers to serve the population, while dense cities often have overburdened mental health systems. Both of these situations mean that patients seeking mental health care are placed on lengthy waiting lists before being properly treated.

However, with telepsychiatry, individuals can access a greater number of psychiatrists and may receive quicker treatment options. In many cases, clients can find a practitioner they’re most comfortable with — rather than simply making an appointment with the next psychiatrist who has an opening.

For some patients, the very issue they need help with is the one that makes it difficult to find treatment. Sufferers of social anxiety, who may have difficulty leaving their house, are often more comfortable in a familiar setting. Subjecting individuals to the travel and stressors that can be part of a typical doctor’s visit are barriers they may not be able to overcome. In this way, the telepsychiatrist can connect with an individual in their safe place and work on drawing them out, instead of trying to immediately make them feel comfortable in a clinical setting.

Children and adolescents who need counseling services often have a difficult time opening up to a new person, especially in an unfamiliar setting. By offering telepsychiatry services, a clinic can help them overcome their initial fears — even if the sessions are held in a physician’s office that is more comfortable to them.

While there are plenty of benefits to telepsychiatry, it’s not without potential roadblocks. Not being in the same room with the patient can make it harder for a psychiatrist to notice physical signs of anxiety and depression, such as weight loss or repetitive behavior like hand wringing. And as anyone who’s been on a web-based conference call can attest, connection times can lag, creating a disjointed conversation or even a disconnection. Having this occur during an emotional counseling session can derail the progress that has been made by the patient.

Overall, the rise of telepsychiatry empowers patients and care providers to expand their treatment options. The practice allows patients who currently fall through the cracks of the mental health system to access psychiatrists they might not find otherwise, making it easier and more affordable to help them.