What is telepsychiatry, and how does it benefit rural populations?
Telepsychiatry is a rapidly growing technology that meets an urgent need for organizations looking for psychiatric or mental health services for their rural patients. Using two-way video, this service allows remote patients to access care from qualified practitioners without physically having to visit an office in person.
Currently, there are almost 157 million Americans who do not have access to a psychiatric provider within their area of residence. By removing geographic barriers between providers and patients who would otherwise be unable to access professional help, telepsychiatry has revolutionized the way organizations deliver mental healthcare.
We partner with organizations across the country, from correctional facilities to residential treatment centers. Discover how the convenience and accessibility of telepsychiatry can enhance your services; contact our team to discuss your organization’s needs.
Over 6,460 Mental Health Professional Shortage Areas in the U.S.
The shortage of mental health professionals in the U.S. is a growing concern across the country. With over 6,460 federally designated mental health professional shortage areas (HPSAs), it’s evident that many underserved regions have limited options for psychiatric and mental health care. According to federal data, there is only one psychiatrist available for every 30,000 people within these areas.
Although there are shortages in every state, the three states with the highest shortage of access are California (598 HPSAs), Texas (435), and Alaska (321). The statistics are alarming, highlighting the urgency for more support and resources to address the issue. Organizations in these shortage areas have no choice but to find alternate access options to critical mental health care for their populations.
The Gap is Even Wider in Rural Areas
Access to mental health care is a challenge for many organizations, but the problem is particularly acute in rural areas. With more than half of U.S. counties lacking a single psychiatrist, the gap between those who need care and those who can access it is wider here than anywhere else. In rural areas, the ratio of psychiatrists per 100,000 people is only 6.3, compared to 13.1 in urban areas.
These underserved areas are home to about 60 million Americans, or one in five of us. It’s clear that something needs to be done to address this problem, as organizations serving rural communities deserve the same quality of mental health care as anyone else. This disparity not only affects individuals but also impacts entire communities and economies.
Mental health issues can lead to increased healthcare costs and a strain on local resources. By providing access to telepsychiatry services, organizations in rural areas can address these challenges and improve overall community well-being.
Telepsychiatry for Organizations Struggling to Provide Critical Mental Health Care
Telepsychiatry is a rapidly growing field that is providing hope for organizations in rural areas that are struggling to provide critical mental health care. But what is telepsychiatry? It involves utilizing technology, such as video conferencing, to connect psychiatrists and mental health professionals with patients who may be hundreds or even thousands of miles away. This means that organizations in rural or remote areas can now have access to high-quality psychiatric care, which was previously out of reach.
With this accessible, on-demand service, telepsychiatry is making a real difference in the lives of many Americans who might otherwise have no access to mental health services.
Accessible, On-Demand Telemed – Mental Health Care Providers
At FasPsych, we pride ourselves on providing the highest quality of care to our clients and strive to offer customized solutions suited for each unique situation. We understand the complexity of meeting the mental health needs of an organization and are dedicated to ensuring that everyone gets the help they need.
For any organization, big or small, who requires assistance with telepsychiatry services, we can provide a solution tailored just for you. Contact us today so we can put together a plan for your organization’s specific needs.