Telemedicine allows for treatment of any condition that does not require physical presence to treat. Psychiatry is uniquely suitable for telemedicine practice. Therapy, counseling, diagnosis, and treatment for nearly every psychological disorder — whether related to mood, anxiety, cognitive functioning, substance dependency, etc. — can be conducted via telepsychiatric sessions. Telepsychiatry has the added benefit of allowing for specialists to conference in from anywhere in the country, or even the world, meaning that you can treat more specific, more esoteric, or more exotic conditions as needed.

Telemedicine allows for treatment of any condition that does not require physical presence to treat. Psychiatry is uniquely suitable for telemedicine practice. Therapy, counseling, diagnosis, and treatment for nearly every psychological disorder — whether related to mood, anxiety, cognitive functioning, substance dependency, etc. — can be conducted via telepsychiatric sessions. Telepsychiatry has the added benefit of allowing for specialists to conference in from anywhere in the country, or even the world, meaning that you can treat more specific, more esoteric, or more exotic conditions as needed.

Orbit Health psychiatric professionals strictly adhere to the federal and state guidelines that apply to their practices. Additionally, different states may implement and apply different guidelines specific to telepsychiatry. For example, telepsychiatry practitioners must carefully follow laws that regulate prescriptions for controlled substances. This is done by a rule called the “Ryan Haight Online Pharmacy Consumer Protection Act of 2008,” enforced by the DEA (Drug Enforcement Agency). The Ryan Haight Act requires a practitioner to conduct in-person medical evaluation before they can prescribe a controlled substance. Some exceptions apply for systems like federal healthcare providers at Indian Health System. With the COVID-19 public health emergency, an in-person medical evaluation is not feasible. This is where telepsychiatry has a protective advantage for clinical staff and for patients. For instance, the DEA will allow prescriptions to be issued for audiovisual telemedicine communication.

Orbit Health psychiatric professionals strictly adhere to the federal and state guidelines that apply to their practices. Additionally, different states may implement and apply different guidelines specific to telepsychiatry. For example, telepsychiatry practitioners must carefully follow laws that regulate prescriptions for controlled substances. This is done by a rule called the “Ryan Haight Online Pharmacy Consumer Protection Act of 2008,” enforced by the DEA (Drug Enforcement Agency). The Ryan Haight Act requires a practitioner to conduct in-person medical evaluation before they can prescribe a controlled substance. Some exceptions apply for systems like federal healthcare providers at Indian Health System. With the COVID-19 public health emergency, an in-person medical evaluation is not feasible. This is where telepsychiatry has a protective advantage for clinical staff and for patients. For instance, the DEA will allow prescriptions to be issued for audiovisual telemedicine communication.

The psychiatric professionals at Orbit Health are among the best in the industry. They can provide clinical diagnoses, treatments, and effective outcomes, as well as increase community health in wellness, especially in underserved areas. The lack of physical proximity does not inhibit our experts’ ability to diagnose and treat patients suffering from any number of psychiatric conditions. The level of privacy and confidentiality is the same as in-person care. Research shows that telepsychiatry is just as effective as in-person, face-to-face care. Many patients, in fact, find that psychiatric treatment via videoconferencing is less intimidating or embarrassing. Patients, psychiatrists, and other professionals have all reported high levels of satisfaction with telepsychiatry since its inception.

The psychiatric professionals at Orbit Health are among the best in the industry. They can provide clinical diagnoses, treatments, and effective outcomes, as well as increase community health in wellness, especially in underserved areas. The lack of physical proximity does not inhibit our experts’ ability to diagnose and treat patients suffering from any number of psychiatric conditions. The level of privacy and confidentiality is the same as in-person care. Research shows that telepsychiatry is just as effective as in-person, face-to-face care. Many patients, in fact, find that psychiatric treatment via videoconferencing is less intimidating or embarrassing. Patients, psychiatrists, and other professionals have all reported high levels of satisfaction with telepsychiatry since its inception.

Yes. Our licensed psychiatrists are able to prescribe medications for patients they diagnose and treat remotely. Our providers will write and sign the prescriptions, which can then be transmitted to the clinic for local fulfilment.

Yes. Our licensed psychiatrists are able to prescribe medications for patients they diagnose and treat remotely. Our providers will write and sign the prescriptions, which can then be transmitted to the clinic for local fulfilment.

What is the Standard of Care for Telepsychiatry? Telehealth is increasingly being adopted by providers, patients, hospitals, and clinics as a great way of providing access to much needed healthcare. Policymakers and lawmakers have generally fallen behind the current practice and therefore there can be some uncertainty around what standard of care should apply. Moreover, “Standard of care” can be subject to interpretation based on several factors, including, but not limited to: • Specialty or subspecialty, as it relates to the scope of practice of the provider • Circumstances of the care • Community in which care is being provided. Notably, the applicable community is debatable in telehealth, as the doctor and patient care are in different geographic areas. The prevailing opinion in telehealth circles is that the standard of care should be based on the location where the patient is located, however, this is not a hard and fast rule. Each state may have its own opinions about standards of care for telehealth and multiple jurisdictions can potentially apply. In some, but not all states, the state medical board has language that states that standard of care for telemedicine is considered the same or similar to in person care. As a provider, the best way to think about standard of care is to do what a reasonable and prudent provider do in similar circumstances. Reasonable and prudent care often depends on several components, such as: • Patient case factors- although there are no absolute contraindications for telehealth, in rare cases the patient might object to the use of the technology for reasons such as paranoia/fear about being recorded or the technology being hacked, or difficulty keeping themselves in the frame of the camera due to cognitive issues. Also, if the patient is intellectually disabled and does not understand what is going on, perhaps thinking that they are watching TV. • Setting to which care is being delivered- the environment is noisy, distracting, or not private, this can affect the quality of care provided. • Types of technologies being used- if the technology does not allow adequate audio or video, this brings down the quality of assessment and treatment. • Overall framework in which care is being provided- If telepsychiatry is conducted in the absence of other potentially important support for the patient • Consent- consent requirements are determined by each state. Some states require specific verbal or written consent from the patient to conduct appointments via telehealth. Others do not have this requirement or have not opined on it. • Limitations around AIMS testing. There are ways to conduct AIMS testing remotely, although the provider should be cognizant of potential limitations and this should be factored in the standard of care. Ultimately, standards of care can be interpreted in a variety of ways, and telehealth makes it even more vague and sometimes confusing. Therefore, the provider should use their best judgment, considering clinical factors, their means to resources, and the overall nature of the care being provided. Disclaimer- this article is our best effort to provide useful information and does not constitute legal advice. Please make sure to consult with entities such as state medical boards, their malpractice carrier, and potentially legal counsel prior to practicing healthcare.

What is the Standard of Care for Telepsychiatry? Telehealth is increasingly being adopted by providers, patients, hospitals, and clinics as a great way of providing access to much needed healthcare. Policymakers and lawmakers have generally fallen behind the current practice and therefore there can be some uncertainty around what standard of care should apply. Moreover, “Standard of care” can be subject to interpretation based on several factors, including, but not limited to: • Specialty or subspecialty, as it relates to the scope of practice of the provider • Circumstances of the care • Community in which care is being provided. Notably, the applicable community is debatable in telehealth, as the doctor and patient care are in different geographic areas. The prevailing opinion in telehealth circles is that the standard of care should be based on the location where the patient is located, however, this is not a hard and fast rule. Each state may have its own opinions about standards of care for telehealth and multiple jurisdictions can potentially apply. In some, but not all states, the state medical board has language that states that standard of care for telemedicine is considered the same or similar to in person care. As a provider, the best way to think about standard of care is to do what a reasonable and prudent provider do in similar circumstances. Reasonable and prudent care often depends on several components, such as: • Patient case factors- although there are no absolute contraindications for telehealth, in rare cases the patient might object to the use of the technology for reasons such as paranoia/fear about being recorded or the technology being hacked, or difficulty keeping themselves in the frame of the camera due to cognitive issues. Also, if the patient is intellectually disabled and does not understand what is going on, perhaps thinking that they are watching TV. • Setting to which care is being delivered- the environment is noisy, distracting, or not private, this can affect the quality of care provided. • Types of technologies being used- if the technology does not allow adequate audio or video, this brings down the quality of assessment and treatment. • Overall framework in which care is being provided- If telepsychiatry is conducted in the absence of other potentially important support for the patient • Consent- consent requirements are determined by each state. Some states require specific verbal or written consent from the patient to conduct appointments via telehealth. Others do not have this requirement or have not opined on it. • Limitations around AIMS testing. There are ways to conduct AIMS testing remotely, although the provider should be cognizant of potential limitations and this should be factored in the standard of care. Ultimately, standards of care can be interpreted in a variety of ways, and telehealth makes it even more vague and sometimes confusing. Therefore, the provider should use their best judgment, considering clinical factors, their means to resources, and the overall nature of the care being provided. Disclaimer- this article is our best effort to provide useful information and does not constitute legal advice. Please make sure to consult with entities such as state medical boards, their malpractice carrier, and potentially legal counsel prior to practicing healthcare.

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.

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.

Orbit Health brings the most qualified mental health professionals right to your facility, without the need for in-person contact. Telepsychiatry allows your facility access to qualified, capable psychiatrists, including specialists in the field of incarceration, located anywhere around the country. Telepsychiatry offers benefits such as: * You are not limited to the services of the nearest mental health treatment center. * Doctors are not put at risk by being placed in direct contact with inmates. * Increased access, including compliance with state and federal health regulations, at a reduced cost. * Reduced gaps in care: Get help from experts in post-traumatic stress disorder, incarceration, violence, gender transition, and any other specific issues faced by your inmates.

Orbit Health brings the most qualified mental health professionals right to your facility, without the need for in-person contact. Telepsychiatry allows your facility access to qualified, capable psychiatrists, including specialists in the field of incarceration, located anywhere around the country. Telepsychiatry offers benefits such as: * You are not limited to the services of the nearest mental health treatment center. * Doctors are not put at risk by being placed in direct contact with inmates. * Increased access, including compliance with state and federal health regulations, at a reduced cost. * Reduced gaps in care: Get help from experts in post-traumatic stress disorder, incarceration, violence, gender transition, and any other specific issues faced by your inmates.

Home - Ultimate Guide to Telepsychiatry by Orbit Health

What conditions are treatable through telepsychiatry?

Telemedicine allows for treatment of any condition that does not require physical presence to treat. Psychiatry is uniquely suitable for telemedicine practice.

100% found this useful

Is telepsychiatry subject to specific guidelines and laws?

Telepsychiatry practitioners follow federal and state guidelines, such as the Ryan Haight Act for controlled substance prescriptions, and the COVID-19 public health emergency exemptions.

Learn more →

Where do patients receive treatment?

Patients can visit their local clinic, medical office, or hospital. Wherever you can set up a private space for video conferencing, patients can comfortably sit and engage with our mental health professionals.

Learn more →

Is telepsychiatry as effective as in-person sessions?

Research shows that telepsychiatry is just as effective as in-person, face-to-face care. Many patients, in fact, find that psychiatric treatment via videoconferencing is less intimidating or embarrassing.

Learn more →

Can medication be prescribed via telepsychiatry?

Yes. Our licensed providers are able to prescribe medications for patients they diagnose and treat remotely.

Learn more →

Do I need specialized equipment for telepsychiatry?

In order to implement telepsychiatry, you need only a solid internet connection (DSL, cable, T1 or higher) and a device capable of videoconferencing. While a laptop or PC with a good web camera and microphone are preferable, a tablet or even a smartphone can work in a pinch for teleconferencing.

Learn more →

What is the standard of care for telepsychiatry and/or telemedicine?

The standard of care for telemedicine is often considered to be the same or similar to in person care. However, there are some special considerations a prudent provider should think about which are listed in this article. It is important to consult with the state medical board of the state where you and your patient are located as well as consult with legal counsel prior to practicing healthcare or telehealth.

Learn more →

The Ultimate Guide to Telepsychiatry

What conditions are treatable through telepsychiatry?

Is telepsychiatry subject to specific guidelines and laws?

Where do patients receive treatment?

Is telepsychiatry as effective as in-person sessions?

Can medication be prescribed via telepsychiatry?

Do I need specialized equipment for telepsychiatry?

What is the standard of care for telepsychiatry and/or telemedicine?

Why are mental health problems pervasive in correctional facilities?

Is special software and training needed?

How can telepsychiatry help your correctional facility?

Need telepsychiatry for your organization?

Job opportunities