Question 1

Can you get reimbursements for video devices for patients who don't have a computer or smartphone?

Accepted Answer

Getting reimbursements for video devices vary depending on your work setting. Look to your workplace's patient support services, local and state government funding programs, and federally-supported services.

Federal government agencies — such as the Veterans Health Administration (Veterans Affairs, or VA) — have instituted a "Digital Divide" consult that will contact patients, discuss their needs, and send them telehealth equipment such as Apple iPads with wireless services.

Comcast offers Internet Essentials, with affordable high-speed Internet wifi, a discounted laptop or desktop computer, for those who qualify for their low-income program.

The federal government has Lifeline, a "discount on monthly telephone service, broadband Internet service, or bundled voice-broadband packages purchased from participating wireline or wireless providers." Service providers like SafeLink Wireless, Assurance Wireless, TruConnect provide wireless devices, hotspots, and accounts. States such as California implement Lifeline as Your Call Wireless, providing phone services and cell phones.

Finally, large commercial organizations such as T-mobile, Verizon, and AT&T offer Lifeline services.

Question 2

Why are mental health problems pervasive in correctional facilities?

Accepted Answer

There is a growing scientific consensus that proper mental health care is one of the most important parts of rehabilitation for incarcerated individuals. Mental health treatment is one of the most effective components in reducing the likelihood of repeat offenses. Although mental health disorders are neither a necessary nor a sufficient factor in either criminal activity or violence, mental health issues undoubtedly contribute to the likelihood of running afoul of the law.

In the United States, there are more mentally ill people in correctional facilities than there are in mental health hospitals. Many criminal offenders struggle with mental illness and wind up in a correctional facility, and many incarcerated individuals develop psychological conditions as a result of their confinement. The rate of mental illness in prisons may be as high as two to four times greater than in the general public.

Providing proper mental health services to people in jails, prisons, halfway houses and other facilities helps everyone. Inmates get the psychiatric care that they need to become more productive members of society. In addition, the risk of suicide and other dangers can be mitigated, and healthy inmates are less likely to be involved in altercations with guards or other inmates while incarcerated.

By giving your correctional facility access to telepsychiatry, you can provide the mental health care that your inmates both need and deserve, without incurring the risk, inconvenience, and cost of either transporting inmates to treatment centers or transporting mental health professionals to your institution.

Question 3

What group size is ideal for group therapy?

Accepted Answer

There is no hard and fast rule. It depends on the topic, instructor, and participants.

Nevertheless, the larger the group, the more impersonal it may feel. Having a group size of 4-6 people makes it easier for the group to develop a stronger bond.

However, even a group of 15-20 people can develop a bond remotely, it just may take more time and effort to do so. One advantage of a larger group is that an absence of one member may not have as much of an impact on the discussion.

Question 4

How can I combat Zoom fatigue symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Videoconferencing and remote professional services are now a regular practice in many industries. However, these remote calls can lead to feelings of fatigue.

If you find yourself exhausted by all of the video calls in your life, here are a few tips:

Schedule “no meeting” blocks of time. Make sure there are parts of your day when you are away from a screen.
Avoid multitasking. When you are on a call, focus on the business of the call. Avoid pulling up a second window to read emails or conduct other work. Multitasking during calls leads to a loss of productivity and difficulty remembering what occurred in the meeting.
Limit the number of calls. Do what you can to cut down on your overall number of calls. Group calls with separate people or teams together where feasible and appropriate. If a video call is not actually necessary, resolve the issues via phone, email, or a collaborative document. Do not default to a video call for every type of meeting. If you are meeting a stranger for the first time, such as a networking connection, for example, video calls can feel personal and invasive; start with a phone call.
Take breaks. If your call lasts more than an hour, it is important to take breaks. Get up and walk around, use the restroom, get a glass of water. Everyone will have more energy and remain more productive as a result.
Turn off your self-view. Video call programs like Zoom default to displaying your own video as well as others on the call. Staring at your own face can be distracting and increase stress and anxiety. Hide yourself from your own view so you can focus on the other people on the call.
Limit on-screen stimuli. In addition to hiding your face and keeping other windows closed, do what you can to limit what you see on-screen. Encourage people to take calls in front of plain backgrounds instead of a room full of objects. Seeing five different rooms full of furniture can cause disorientation and increase mental fatigue.

Learn more in our complete article, "Videoconferencing Fatigue and What to Do About It."

Question 5

How do you prescribe long-acting injectables via telepsychiatry?

Accepted Answer

Prescribing long-acting injectables (LAI) is similar to that of prescribing any medication — determine the dose, frequency, and applicable dispensing location.

Many clinics and work settings allow you to arrange for the long-acting injectable to be provided at another clinic site or nursing site. For instance, the Veterans Affairs' telehealth system allows a prescriber to order the medication, and request nursing support at a specific clinic, through their electronic health record.

According to the Pharmacy Times, as of 2019, pharmacists can provide vaccinations in all 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia. Only 44 states allow pharmacists to give long-acting injectable medications. Calling your pharmacy for options can help clarify what services are available.

And, according to the National Community Pharmacists Association, industry programs from pharmaceutical manufacturers of long-acting injectable atypical antipsychotic medications — such as Invega Sustenna — can help determine which locations can administer such medications. Recognized "Injection Centers" are networks of pharmacies and healthcare facilities that help provide these injections.

Question 6

How do you optimize internet speeds, audio and video?

Accepted Answer

Internet Speed: Anyone can test the bandwidth by going to websites like speedtest.net. Upload speeds of over 3mps are generally effective if there are not a whole lot of other programs running on the computer. However, it’s probably best to shoot for higher speeds and your internet service provider can give you options. If you can afford it, its best to have the highest speeds the company can offer. Also, ask for “dedicated bandwidth” which some companies offer that prevents your neighbors internet usage to bring down your own bandwidth. Also, keep in mind that other devices running in the same household can hog up bandwidth and reduce the quality of the telehealth connection.

Computer: Most computers these days have enough power for videoconferencing. However, computers that have a minimum of 8 gigs of RAM and I7 processors provide a more reliable videoconferencing experience (you might be able to get away with using an I3 or I5 processor, but this sometimes results in a slow computer response).

Video: Most (but not all) computers these days have cameras that are adequate for videoconferencing. If your computer does not have a good camera, webcams can be purchased cheaply ($50-100). While 720p video mode (“HD ready”) may be adequate, it is helpful to have a 1080p resolution (High Definition).

It is a good idea to do a test run with the patient, clinic, or hospital, prior to the appointment to determine what equipment is being used and to experience the quality of the videoconferencing appointment. Look to make sure there is no pixilation, freezing, graininess, or blurry video. Make sure the video and audio are in sync--- in other words, the audio is not lagging behind the video. Make sure that the audio is clear and that you can easily understand what the other person is saying. Both parties (patient and doctor) should be able to talk at the same time and still hear each other if the audio is working correctly.

Paying attention to and optimizing the quality of video and audio will improve the telehealth experience for everyone.

Question 7

I need help.

Accepted Answer

If you are an administrator seeking services for your healthcare organization or facility, please contact us.

However, if you are a patient seeking services for yourself or your family/friend, Orbit Health cannot provide care directly to you. If this is a medical or mental health emergency, please call 911 or go to an emergency room immediately.

Immediate help

Get immediate help through MentalHealth.gov's Immediate Help page.
If you or someone you know is suicidal or in emotional distress, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Staffed by trained crisis workers.
Are you a veteran in crisis? The Veterans Crisis Line is available 24/7 — by phone, text message, and online chat.

Learn more

Find out how to get help at MentalHealth.gov
Find a psychiatrist, and learn more about psychiatric topics, at the American Psychiatric Association
Learn how to find mental health help at Mental Health America

Question 8

What is Forensic Psychiatry?

Accepted Answer

Forensic psychiatry is a branch of medicine at the intersection of psychiatry and the law. Forensic psychiatrists are often hired by lawyers and judges to act as expert witnesses for both criminal and civil cases. They conduct psychiatric evaluations and offer opinions about how mental health issues relate to the case. Forensic psychiatrists can also be utilized as consultants to other doctors or administrators of organizations.

Forensic psychiatrists are in short supply, and it is often difficult to find one close by. Geographical distances can cause evaluation delays and involve expensive travel costs. With Orbit Health, the most qualified and experienced forensic psychiatrists can be added to your legal team, no matter your location, and on a much more reasonable budget.

Question 9

What is telepsychiatry?

Accepted Answer

Telepsychiatry is the delivery of psychiatric care remotely using technology, usually through videoconferencing platforms. It can involve mental health evaluations, therapy, medication management, and patient education. Telepsychiatry is the fastest growing sector of the telemedicine and is the future of mental health care.

Telepsychiatry is a form of telemedicine that generally refers to the delivery of psychiatric assessment and care via telecommunication, typically using videoconferencing software. The practice of telepsychiatry has been in development since well before the pandemic quarantines, as an effort to account for the millions of Americans who suffer from mental illnesses but are unable to get proper psychiatric care.

Telepsychiatry brings mental health care to individuals who are unable to see a medical professional in person for any of a variety of reasons, including the cost and availability of travel, incarceration, or contagion. Now, with shelter orders and quarantines keeping medical offices closed and people restricted to their homes, telepsychiatry provides a promising alternative to in-person psychiatric care.

Question 10

How can Orbit Health serve residential youth homes?

Accepted Answer

Orbit Health believes in protecting the health and wellbeing of our precious youth, especially those who have mental/emotional problems and developmental disabilities. Working in partnership with residential youth homes, Orbit Health has vast experience serving vulnerable youth remotely, through state-of-the-art videoconferencing technology (“Telepsychiatry”).

At pivotal moments in a child’s journey, we are there to ensure high quality and trauma informed care. Our mission is to keep these children on the right path of life and out of the cycle of mass incarceration.

To learn more, contact Orbit Health today!

The Ultimate Guide to Telepsychiatry

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