[Nix]

I was recently listening to an On Point podcast where they talked about the growing popularity of telemedicine. They said it is especially useful in the mental health community.

I just lost my psychiatrist and wonder if this alternative would be worth looking into. Does anyone know what the costs are? Would it save money over a traditional psychiatrist?

Also, does anyone have experience with using a psychiatrist via video chat, and do you know of any reputable sites for this service?

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[Passioncompassion]

i also am wondering if it ll be ok (telepsych)... I looked up in psychology today.com. & most of them let u what the price ranges are, if they accept ins or not.
Hope it helps

I've never heard of a telepsychiatrist but I have heard on online therapy called betterhope -perhaps they could give a referral? I've never used betterhope but a few members here used the site for therapy and some liked the therapists.

Perhaps contact the American Psychiatrics Association?

[possum220]

Thanks for the thread on this. I had never heard of this but it seems like the means to have contact with a Psychiatrist without having to travel for hours or even interstate. Charges would differ depending where you live and what the fees are for services. You would need to check in with the practitioner to see what their fees are.

Other medical practitioners can be accessed like general doctors. Great also if you are living in a remote area and need access advice on many varies health issues. With technology now I see little difficulty in having scripts written out.

I don't know how I would feel talking to a person behind a screen. Many people use Skype etc so perchance this is the wave of the future? It certainly is something worth thinking about if you feel comfortable with this.

Did your last P'doc work in an office? Maybe you could check in with them to ask who is working in the same field that your other P'doc worked in? Do you have a mental health service that you could contact near you and ask them? Wishing you all the best.

[Nix]

I live in a rural area that tends to be behind the times with many newer developments. My pdoc died suddenly of a heart attack and they sent me to my primary care physician because there is no one else around. I don't think I would mind talking to someone on a screen, but I finally did find a service in my state and the rates are much higher than what I was paying before. :/

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[nativechic]

I saw my naturopath who was prescribing my psych meds via a Skype-like program she had me download so it was secure. I had been seeing her regularly but then I moved to another state so she only tried it once or twice, actually we might have switched to phone when program didn't work. I used to get a lot of emails from healthtap.com which lets you do virtual appointments with doctors-- think there were more psychologists than psychiatrists but depends on your area since they have to be licensed in your state. The rates seemed reasonable. Would give it a try

Edit: looked again at health tap and didn't seem like any psychiatrists were taking virtual appointments, just the psychologists and doctors from other specialties. So would be interested in finding out about other sites which have pdocs...

[BipolarMama31]

I saw a dr for a second opinion 3 hours away from me. She said the first appointment had to be in person, but after that could be via an app.
I signed some form to use that app. It is hippa compliant.

But as far as price, she is completley out of network and charges $290 per hour in office or via telecommunication.
And an emergency tele session is $150 per 15 mins. Kinda ridic if you ask me.

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[Nix]

Wow. That does seem really pricey. I've been paying out of pocket but it's a state run clinic so even though it feels like a lot sometimes it's not outrageous.

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Do you have an EAP (Employee Assistance Plan)? They are essentially a 1-800 multi-hatted resource. They determine your needs and and refer you to those resources which are appropriate. Finding a mental health professional you can talk to via phone and/or internet is just one such example. Many employees have no idea their employers provide such a thing.

[BipolarMama31]

Good point justafriend!
Ive called my EAP during work and after hours and they sent me referrals ia email but they also talked me through a crisis. Just have to ask hr for their number or website.

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Originally Posted by BipolarMama31

Good point justafriend!
Ive called my EAP during work and after hours and they sent me referrals ia email but they also talked me through a crisis. Just have to ask hr for their number or website.

Yes, mine was a great start. They even sent me a big box full of de-stressing materials: candles, bath salts, relaxation CDs, and workbooks.

One note though is that it is I think difficult for a mental healthcare provider to properly diagnose a patient without a face to face visit. I can see them being a great resource once diagnosis has previously been made.

[BipolarMama31]

Originally Posted by justafriend306

Yes, mine was a great start. They even sent me a big box full of de-stressing materials: candles, bath salts, relaxation CDs, and workbooks.

One note though is that it is I think difficult for a mental healthcare provider to properly diagnose a patient without a face to face visit. I can see them being a great resource once diagnosis has previously been made.

Yea i agree with that.
When i was pregnant they even supplied a breast pump for free. A lot of people have these resources and dont use them.

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[Nix]

Originally Posted by justafriend306

Do you have an EAP (Employee Assistance Plan)? They are essentially a 1-800 multi-hatted resource. They determine your needs and and refer you to those resources which are appropriate. Finding a mental health professional you can talk to via phone and/or internet is just one such example. Many employees have no idea their employers provide such a thing.

That's a good thought. I'll check into it. Thanks.

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