Living through the COVID-19 pandemic can cause stress, anxiety, and depression, not to mention feelings of loneliness and isolation. But when we are under orders to stay at home, it is hard to get help for these issues. Fortunately, telepsychiatry—psychiatry appointments held by phone or video session—are becoming more and more common and enable you to speak with a psychiatrist while maintaining social distancing. Claire Jackson-Rabinowitz, DO, Clinical Professor in Adult Psychiatry at Mount Sinai Beth Israel, shares some information you need to know about telepsychiatry.
What is a telepsych appointment?
Telepsychiatry is when we provide mental health care via phone or video sessions. Originating in the 1950’s, it has recently become more common as mental health care providers continue to provide care while maintaining social distancing.
We can perform most of the mental health services we usually provide—aside from administering injectable medications—through virtual appointments. This includes initial consultations, one-on-one therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, group treatment, family therapy, and medication management.
How does it work?
There are two types of telepsychiatry appointments: phone and video sessions. Most providers prefer video sessions because it gives us visual cues as well as verbal ones. However, if we do not have visual cues, we rely on other indicators such as tone of voice.
Before you log into a session, we recommend you find a quiet, private place to talk. If you are conducting your session over the phone, you will dial the number provided by your clinician or wait for a call. If you are participating in a video session, you dial into the telepsychiatry number and log into the video session on your phone, tablet, or computer. If your provider is still finishing up with another patient, he or she may guide you into a virtual waiting room. Otherwise, the provider will immediately invite you into the virtual session. These appointments generally last between 20 and 60 minutes. These days, with the added stress of the COVID-19 pandemic, mental health providers may also provide quick check-in calls for patients when needed.
In addition to one-on-one therapy, providers have found increased interest in group therapy such as mindfulness, which teaches anxiety-reducing techniques that include breathing and mediation. These skills are especially helpful during times of high stress.
Does telepsychiatry work for everyone?
Telepsychiatry works well for many people; some even prefer virtual visits over in-person appointments. Teenagers, for instance, are often excited to meet virtually. When we suggested this approach to our adolescent patients, they immediately downloaded the app and were ready to go. If you have a busy schedule, you may find it easier to squeeze in an appointment when you do not have to worry about travel time to and from appointments. And, in these days of limited childcare, at-home therapy may be easier for parents of young children.
I am reluctant to try virtual sessions. Are in-person appointments still available?
Yes.
We are open, and in-person appointments are available if you would prefer to see your therapist face-to-face. However, to adhere to social distancing guidelines and keep all our patients safe, we would like to administer telepsych whenever appropriate and possible.
Also, please keep in mind that in-person appointments during the COVID-19 crisis can be a bit disconcerting as clinicians will wear masks throughout the session.
How secure are these sessions? Will my privacy be protected?
We work hard to maintain your privacy and follow all HIPAA guidelines. We use a state-of-the-art security and encryption program for all sessions and we do not record calls nor is anyone in our office when we are speaking with a patient. For all appointments—intake and follow up— we check to make sure you are okay with working virtually. If you are not comfortable or able to complete a session via phone of video, we will work to schedule an in-person appointment.
Telepsychiatry has been very helpful during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many people may feel more stress, anxiety, and depression during these uncertain times. We are happy that we have been able to provide treatment throughout the crisis, and we look forward to continuing to do whatever we can to safely and responsibly provide care for those in need.
How can I make an appointment?
Please call us at the numbers listed below.
Mount Sinai Beth Israel:
212-420-2400 (All Patients)
The Mount Sinai Hospital:
212-241-5947 (Adults)
212-241-7175 (Children and Adolescents)
Mount Sinai Morningside and Mount Sinai West:
212-523-8080 (Adults)
212-523-3082 (Children and Adolescents)
212-523-3083 (CARES, a combined education and behavioral health program for teens)
Psychiatry Faculty Practice Associates:
To schedule an appointment with one of the physicians at The Mount Sinai Hospital’s Faculty Practice Associates (FPA), please call 212-659-8752 or email psychiatryfpa@mssm.edu.