The COVID-19 pandemic brought about a new way of delivering services in the healthcare industry and many other sectors. Mental health has seen a sharp increase in use of telemedicine, the use of two-way audio video, and telephonic encounters to promote social distancing when the pandemic first struck. While we may be in the post-Covid era, we are seeing more than ever the demand for Telepsychiatry services.
At the same time, personal visits still occur, however with the option to receive mental health treatment such as Psychiatric Evaluations, Medication Management, Individual Psychotherapy, and other mental health services while not in the office and outside of regular business hours such as evenings, weekends, and in circumstances where those who could not attend an in-person office visit due to travel distance, lack of transportation, or lack of time due to other commitments the opportunity to engage in continued mental health treatment has been opened up and is being utilized more than ever. Substance abuse during the pandemic rose sharply, depression soared, and isolation and anxiety were ever-increasing as fears of uncertainty were on the minds of many. Access to mental health care via telemedicine allowed clinicians to deliver services safely while social distancing and for patients to remain in treatment. Nearly four years later, telemedicine has remained and is here to stay, and more services can be delivered to those in need of mental health services. The idea of offering appointments on demand on weekends, evenings, regular business hours, holidays, and times when those struggle the most from isolation, depression, substance abuse, addiction, depression, OCD, anxiety, and other psychiatric conditions allows for psychiatrists, psychologists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, mental health counselors, social workers to work with the clients at times and in ways while addressing the needs and offering the services needed for the patients has been more available. The elderly who may be prone to falls in winter months in areas of snowfall or ice and the rural regions where travel to an in-person visit is a challenge due to the shortage of mental health professionals is common helps combat that as with a phone, computer or tablet; one can connect with their clinician and conduct a visit from the comfort of their own home and receive the treatment they need. Access to care has been opened up, and many companies and practices have begun to offer psychiatric services at hours, late nights, or weekends, which has been beneficial in helping reduce symptoms in those who suffer from psychiatric conditions.
Telehealth has added the convenience of not having to take time off from work to drive to an appointment. It has added a component of improved communication through patient portals, online bill pay, and requests to see mental health providers who offer hours or times for appointments to patients who would otherwise go untreated, as the idea of missing work for an appointment was not an option. During lunch breaks, patients can see their psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner and return to work while receiving the treatment needed.
The issues that arise are increased depression, isolation, and adjusting to new environments, but remaining in treatment is critical. With telemedicine, both clinicians and patients have the opportunity to connect from the comfort of their home or home office and address concerns that may have gone under the radar. Here we are in 2024, offering telemedicine services to those in need, and the benefits are evident.
Williamsville Psychiatry offers both in-person and telepsychiatry services across New York State, and beginning March 15, 2024, our team will be available to provide telemedicine services with psychiatric evaluations, medication management Individual psychotherapy services between 7:00 AM and 9:00 PM Monday-Thursday, Fridays 7:00 AM-7:00 pm, and Saturdays/Sundays 9:00 AM-5:00 PM. Call 716-886-5493 to schedule today!