How Telehealth Psychiatry Works

Telehealth psychiatry uses secure video technology to provide psychiatric evaluation, medication management, education, and follow-up care while the patient and provider are in different locations.

Before the appointment

You will typically complete intake information, review privacy and consent materials, provide medication and health history, and receive instructions for joining the visit. Open Phase Health confirms that you will be physically located in an actively served state at the time of your appointment.

Choose a private, quiet location with a reliable internet connection. Test your camera and microphone, charge your device, and keep your medication bottles or an updated list nearby.

During the visit

A first psychiatric visit includes a detailed clinical interview. Follow-up visits focus on progress, symptoms, functioning, medication response, side effects, safety, and next steps. Children and adolescents may need a parent or guardian involved for part or all of the visit.

Telehealth does not make the visit less clinical. Identity, current physical location, emergency contact information, and privacy may be confirmed at the beginning of an appointment.

Medication and prescriptions

Medication may be discussed when clinically appropriate, but no medication is guaranteed. Prescribing decisions depend on the evaluation, medical and psychiatric history, safety, monitoring needs, state and federal requirements, and the limitations of telehealth.

Controlled medications are currently considered only for eligible patients physically located in Indiana. Even in Indiana, a controlled medication is not guaranteed and may require additional records, monitoring, agreements, or in-person evaluation when applicable.

When telehealth may not be appropriate

Some situations require in-person assessment, emergency care, a higher level of treatment, specialty testing, or closer monitoring than a virtual outpatient practice can safely provide. Examples may include immediate danger, severe instability, certain complex medical concerns, or the need for hands-on examination.

Making the most of a virtual visit

• Join a few minutes early.
• Use headphones if they improve privacy.
• Avoid driving during the appointment.
• Write down your questions and recent symptom changes.
• Have pharmacy information and an accurate medication list available.
• Tell the provider if you lose privacy or the connection becomes unreliable.

The information provided on this website is for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for individualized medical or psychiatric advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are experiencing an emergency or are in immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.