Telemedicine for mental and telebehavioral health is an avenue of easy access for people in need of counseling services on demand. Whether it be because you have a crisis at two in the morning, do not have local access to therapy, or perhaps that you just are not comfortable going to a local mental health clinic, video chat doctor services can be ideal in providing mental and behavioral health services for you.
Telemedicine is strictly limited to providing patient- initiated counseling provided by U.S. board certified doctors and behavioral health specialists basically 24 hours a day, seven days a week. When you first register with a telemedicine service for mental health treatment there typically will be about a two day waiting period for them to access your health records before a telemedicine video chat session can be scheduled. However, once you have gone through the simple registration process you can usually be in touch with a doctor within a matter of minutes, depending on the availability of doctors within the state you live in.
Telebehavioral health is also a video chat method of counseling for people in need of professional assistance on demand for addiction issues; this would include drugs and alcohol as well as cessation of smoking. These services are typically support services, but it may include therapeutic treatment planning and support services for cessation of smoking.
How A Video Chat Doctor Will Treat Mental Health Or Behavioral Health Patients
After you have completed the registration with the telemedicine service of your choice you can then schedule a video conference consultation with a licensed professional in your state. The duration of a session for mental health consultations typically begin at 45 minutes in which you and the doctor will have a face-to-face video conference, your doctor will have already reviewed your health records and will conduct the session much the same as you would if you were in an office setting except you will be speaking with your doctor by video conference interaction.
For patients seeking behavioral health assistance for drugs, alcohol, or smoking cessation the process is relatively the same with the exception of the 45 minute minimum encounter requirement. You will still have a face-to-face encounter with a state licensed trained behavioral health specialist, but the duration of your encounter will be based on your preferences and needs. The behavioral specialist will be able to counsel you and provide support as well as provide you with the closest support contacts in your area if you are in need of them.
Prescription drugs may be prescribed based on the state laws and regulations and the judgment of the doctor or behavioral specialist. In no way are they obligated to prescribe medications it is entirely based on their evaluation of your medical history and telemedicine video conference.
In the instance that the doctor or behavioral specialist find you are in need of immediate care that they cannot remotely provide (by video conference) a referral to the nearest local professional or mental health facility in your area will be provided for you to seek assistance. These are telemedicine guidelines, but may vary from state to state and one telemedicine company to another. It should be noted that behavioral health care is more difficult to access because of a shortage of qualified health providers.
What Information You Will Need To Have Ready For The Doctor
When you are going to meet with a health care professional it is always good to make a list of your symptoms, when they began and questions you may have. Even though therapy is typically a more spontaneous exchange between doctor and patient you still may want to write down topics that are of particular concern for you at the moment. It is important to have your insurance information handy because these services are often covered under health insurance, Medicare, and Medicaid.
What Kind Of Resolution Can I Expect From The Doctor
With mental health issues or behavioral issues you can expect a licensed trained professional to review your medical history and current health issues to provide the best treatment possible to aid you through your crisis. This can be through talk therapy in your video conference and with continuing sessions if you choose. You may continue with the same doctor by appointment in the future or select another health care provider. The doctor may prescribe medications if permitted in your state if in their judgment it is necessary. The doctor or behavioral specialist may suggest a treatment plan for you based on the video conference that may include further therapy, medications, support groups and other tools to assist you.
