Telepsychiatry companies provide mental health care so PCPs can focus on patient care
The demand for mental health services is rising at an unprecedented rate, placing enormous strain on primary care providers (PCPs). The number of practicing PCPs in the United States is estimated at around 209,000. These professionals are often the first line of defense when it comes to mental health concerns. Yet, they are frequently stretched thin, facing long patient lists and limited resources. In 2021, one in three Americans is expected to need behavioral health care. The gap between patient need and the availability of specialized mental health care is a major challenge, and it underscores the urgent need for innovative solutions like telepsychiatry companies. One key benefit of telepsychiatry is that it increases access to mental health care for both primary care providers and their patients, making services more efficient and patient-centered. Telepsychiatry clinicians, including mental health providers and physicians, can become an integral part of the collaborative clinical team, supporting PCPs in delivering mental health care. Telepsychiatry also allows psychiatrists to treat more patients in distant locations, addressing the shortage of mental health professionals in underserved areas. Additionally, there is a projected shortage of 12,500 adult psychiatrists by 2030, further exacerbating the strain on the mental health care system.
At FasPsych, we understand the challenges PCPs face in delivering comprehensive mental health care. That’s why we’re committed to providing innovative telepsychiatry solutions that empower the primary care provider and improve patient outcomes. We partner with organizations and clinics across the U.S. to provide customized, on-demand services. Telepsychiatry companies offer integrated behavioral health services to meet the needs of various patient populations, ensuring inclusivity and accessibility by considering patient demographics. The service offered typically includes psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and crisis intervention. By expanding access to mental health specialists, telepsychiatry enables practices to serve more patients and increase their capacity for care. Telepsychiatry can also be a more cost-effective option for practices by allowing them to scale mental health services without hiring full-time specialists. In addition, telepsychiatry companies help coordinate care between primary care providers and mental health providers, providing a streamlined process for connecting patients with mental health professionals and reducing the administrative burden for PCPs. Contact us today to find out how we can support you
Key Benefits of Telepsychiatry for PCPs
Telepsychiatry involves using secure, easy-to-use video conferencing technology to connect patients with mental health specialists. Psychiatrists are medical doctors who can prescribe medication, while telepsychiatry also connects patients with licensed therapists for talk therapy. All providers are fully licensed and qualified to deliver high quality care. This allows for remote consultations, psychiatric evaluations, therapy sessions, and medication management, including the ability to issue new prescriptions as needed. Research shows telepsychiatry is as effective as face-to-face evaluations regarding diagnostic accuracy, treatment effectiveness, and patient satisfaction. Online psychiatry services typically utilize secure, HIPAA-compliant platforms to ensure patient privacy and confidentiality during these interactions.
For PCPs, it means the ability to offer vital mental health services through virtual care without the need for a psychiatrist physically present in their office. Compared to in person care, virtual care offers greater accessibility and convenience, though in person care may be preferred for reading nonverbal cues or building trust. Patients should prepare for a telepsychiatry session just as they would for an in person appointment to ensure the best possible experience. Telepsychiatry companies employ licensed professionals to ensure quality care for all patients. Telepsychiatry reduces the availability of non-verbal cues during consultations, which can sometimes make it challenging to fully assess a patient’s condition. This frees up their time and resources to focus on other critical aspects of patient well-being. This looks like:
- Time Savings: Eliminate the time spent searching for specialists and managing referrals
- Improved Patient Care: Provide timely mental health support and create comprehensive treatment plans
- Reduced Liability: Get guidance on complex cases and make more informed decisions
- Boosted Practice Efficiency: Allow staff to focus on core competencies
- Expanded Treatment Options: Offer a broader range of treatment options for patients, including medication management, psychotherapy, and hybrid care models
With the average PCP visit clocking in at under 20 minutes, there’s often limited time to address complex mental health concerns. Partnering with telepsychiatry companies can ease this constraint. Plus, it reduces the pressure on PCPs to be mental health experts on top of their existing duties. Timely access to behavioral health consults is also crucial for reducing emergency department boarding and length of stay in emergency departments, ensuring patients receive the care they need without unnecessary delays. Telepsychiatry provides essential psychiatric evaluation and treatment in environments like emergency rooms and correctional facilities, where in-person psychiatric care may not be readily available. Telepsychiatry supports emergency departments by providing rapid psychiatric evaluations and support when in-person psychiatric care is unavailable or insufficient.
Telepsychiatry also supports patients by improving access to care and ensuring they are well-informed about their treatment options. Patient education is a key component of virtual care, helping patients understand their diagnoses, medications, and available therapies.
Improved Access to Mental Health Care for Rural Patients
Telepsychiatry bridges the gap between patient need and the availability of specialists. It’s particularly beneficial for those in rural or underserved areas, where mental health resources are limited. Telepsychiatry is also used in nursing homes to provide access to psychiatric care for residents who may not have in-person services available. Patients may face long travel times and limited access to specialists. Psychiatrist shortage decreases those wait times, ensuring patients get the help they need, when they need it.
Unfortunately, about 160 million Americans live in regions facing shortages of mental health professionals. About 70% of U.S. counties do not have a practicing child psychiatrist who can treat children. Telepsychiatry companies provide access to specialists who treat children and offer teen therapy as well as individual therapy for a wide array of mental illness, mental health issues, and acuity levels. Telepsychiatry removes these geographic barriers. It allows individuals in remote areas to connect with a qualified psychiatrist from the comfort of their own community and access psychiatric care remotely. Guardian consent is required for minors to receive mental healthcare, ensuring parental involvement in the process. Telepsychiatry providers also consider the medical history of family members and other family members, including their experiences with medications, when developing treatment plans for children and adolescents. This translates to better access to timely diagnosis, treatment plans, and ongoing mental health support, regardless of location. For these communities, telepsychiatry offers a lifeline to essential care that might otherwise be out of reach. Many patients also prefer receiving care from home, which supports a shift towards hybrid care models that combine in-person and virtual services. Patient portals are often used to facilitate access to telepsychiatry services, making it easier for patients to communicate with providers and manage appointments. Telemental health, as a broader category, encompasses telepsychiatry and other remote mental health services delivered via telecommunication platforms.
Flexible Telepsychiatry Services Adapted to Your Practice
We understand that even the most experienced PCPs may encounter complex mental health cases or urgent situations that require additional support. Telepsychiatry helps coordinate care between primary care providers and mental health providers, ensuring seamless communication and integrated treatment planning. Whether it’s assistance with diagnosis, medication management—including the ability to provide new prescriptions—or a crisis intervention, a qualified specialist should be just a call away. Telepsychiatry provides access to highly qualified psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, licensed clinical social workers, and other mental health providers. That’s why telepsychiatry companies should offer on-demand consultations with a network of board-certified psychiatrists as part of their service. This gives PCPs a safety net, knowing expert guidance is readily available. Telepsychiatry companies also offer long term providers for ongoing patient care, ensuring consistent and reliable support. The importance of follow ups, follow up appointments, and follow up sessions cannot be overstated, as they are essential for monitoring medication regimens, managing new prescriptions, and ensuring continuity of care. Patient education is also a key component of ongoing telepsychiatry support, helping patients understand their conditions and treatment plans. Telepsychiatry providers can prescribe controlled substances when appropriate, following regulatory guidelines.
This type of collaborative care model translates to the best possible patient outcomes. Patients with mental health conditions often require specialized care that goes beyond what their primary PCP can offer. Telepsychiatry can effectively treat most mental health conditions, including anxiety and depression, and offers a variety of treatment options such as medication management, psychotherapy, and group or couples therapy. Group therapy and couples therapy are also available as part of the services offered. For facilities needing mental health assessments during intake, on-demand virtual psychiatry services can provide timely, accurate evaluations. On-demand telepsychiatry services provide patients with the best of both worlds—the healthcare knowledge and personal familiarity from their PCP, combined with the expertise of a specialized psychiatrist. Both therapy and medication management are provided, along with other services to meet patient needs.
Considerations When Choosing a Telepsychiatry Company
When considering telepsychiatry services, selecting the right company is crucial for ensuring effective, secure, and reliable mental health care delivery. Factors to evaluate include:
- Credentials: Partnering with a company like FasPsych ensures you’re working with board-certified psychiatrists and licensed therapists who meet the highest standards of practice. Top telepsychiatry companies also accept insurance, work with a variety of insurance plans, and are often in network to improve affordability. Reviewing provider bios can help practices select the right clinicians for their needs. When reviewing standards and authoritative resources, look for guidance from a national center, such as the National Center for Telehealth & Technology, which provides best practices and resources for telepsychiatry.
- Experience: Seek out companies with proven experience in PCP collaborations. When evaluating telepsychiatry companies, consider how they compare to the best online psychiatry services, which are recognized for their accessibility, range of conditions treated, and user satisfaction. Understanding the specific needs of primary care practices is crucial. The importance of healthcare research cannot be overstated—review published studies and data to assess the effectiveness and deployment of telepsychiatry across various healthcare settings.
- Technology: Prioritize a telepsychiatry platform that’s intuitive to use and seamlessly integrates with your practice’s existing electronic health record (EHR) system. Electronic health record (EHR) systems integration is essential for streamlining operations in telehealth services. Additionally, ensure the platform supports patient portals, which facilitate secure communication, remote psychiatric assessments, and care coordination between providers and patients.
Integrating telepsychiatry services with health systems is important to ensure continuity of care across diverse healthcare settings. Leading telepsychiatry companies adhere to standards set by the American Psychiatric Association and are committed to clinical excellence. For practices seeking educational resources, consider using a short video to introduce telepsychiatry services to staff and patients. When reviewing regulations or insurance reimbursement, be sure to understand current telemental health policies and how they impact service delivery.
Qualified Providers with Experienced Telepsychiatry Companies
Telepsychiatry isn’t just about convenience – it’s about transforming the way mental health care is delivered. By collaborating with FasPsych, PCPs gain a valuable partner. Together we can ease the burden on primary care, improve access for patients, and foster a more integrated, holistic approach to mental health.
Contact FasPsych today to learn more about our telepsychiatry solutions and how we can support the crucial work you do.