Is Telehealth Psychiatry as Effective as In-Person?

Telehealth has transformed how we access health care, including psychiatry. What once required a commute to the doctor’s office can now be done from the comfort of your home. That convenience and flexibility are helping more people prioritize their mental well-being.

But with this change, you may wonder: Is telehealth psychiatry as effective as in-person? 

At Reviv Functional Psychiatry and TMS Wellness Center in Fullerton, California, Dr. Hina Sidhu and our team provide both in-office and telehealth psychiatry care. 

Here, we want to explain how telehealth psychiatry works, the benefits and limitations, and how to decide if it’s the right option for your mental health care plan. 

What is telehealth psychiatry?

Telehealth psychiatry, or telepsychiatry, is a type of telehealth that centers around psychiatric services, including evaluations, therapy, and medication management. It’s how we provide remote mental health care for our patients. 

Instead of a visit to the office, you connect with your psychiatrist by secure video or phone call from your home, workplace, or wherever feels right for you. You only need a stable internet or phone connection and a private, quiet space where you feel comfortable speaking openly. 

Telehealth psychiatry gives us greater flexibility with scheduling and allows us to provide care to folks from all over California. 

What the research says

So far, research shows that telehealth psychiatry is as effective as in-person care. While telehealth has been available for many years, it wasn’t widely used for mental health care until the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, roughly 50% of people seeking psychiatric care do so remotely. 

Early studies support its effectiveness, particularly for people living with severe anxiety, as well as those with mobility and transportation issues. That said, because it’s a relatively new mode of treatment, continued research is needed to better understand the long-term effects of telehealth psychiatry on mental well-being.

Benefits and limitations of telepsychiatry

Why do so many people choose telehealth psychiatry? Because it offers several advantages:

• Convenience: No travel time or need to take time off from work
• Accessibility: Easier for those with tight schedules and transportation issues
• Comfort: Meeting in a familiar and relaxing environment
• Privacy: Avoiding being seen walking into the office

However, telehealth isn’t perfect for everyone. You may find video appointments less personal or more difficult to engage in. Technical issues like sound interruptions or poor video quality can make sessions frustrating. It really comes down to what works best for you.

Deciding what’s best for you

There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to mental health. At Reviv Functional Psychiatry & TMS Wellness Center, we take a holistic approach, creating plans that work for your whole health. 

When deciding between telehealth psychiatry and in-person care, ask yourself:

• Do I feel comfortable talking on screen?
• Do I have a private space to talk?
• Is my internet connection reliable?
• Would I benefit more from the structure of in-person visits?

If you’re not sure, we can talk to you about our telemedicine service. You can even try it out to see how it feels, and it might work for you. 

Telehealth psychiatry is a powerful and effective tool for many, but ultimately, its success depends on what works for you. Whether you’re beginning your mental health journey or looking for more flexible care, we’re here to support you. 

Call us today or schedule an appointment online to learn how telehealth psychiatry might fit into your life.