Seeing your psychiatrist online

Seeing your psychiatrist online

Did you know that you can see your psychiatrist online over the internet? Yes, with the advances in technology and Medicare provisions. So Telehealth consults with a psychiatrist for assessments and ongoing reviews are now increasingly possible. This way seeing your psychiatrist online is really easy.

“Telepsychiatry” means an online consultation or telehealth with a psychiatrist. According to research, telepsychiatry works just as well as face-to-face consultations. That is to say, having an online consultation with your psychiatrist is easy. Most importantly, this can save the stress of travelling to see your psychiatrist, especially if you live in a remote or rural area.

How does it work?

You can do Telepsychiatry at home, in a GP’s clinic, or at your local hospital. But your telehealth psychiatrist will be at his or her workplace. Different software or apps can be used for telepsychiatry. For example, your Psychiatrist can see you online via skype or another software, they will let you know beforehand and help you to connect.

During your appointment, your psychiatrist will ask you questions and together come up with recommendations just as they would during a face-to-face consultation.

Can everyone do an online consultation?

Not everyone is suitable for an online consultation. However, you should discuss this with your GP or send us a message and we will advise you.

In some cases, face-to-face consultation works better – for instance where there is a need for a physical examination such as during an assessment for Autism. Sometimes, your psychiatrist may recommend that you are seen at one of our regional clinics first and follow up happens by telehealth.

Things required for online consultation with a psychiatrist

If the consultation is done at a health facility, we will provide you with all you need. If you are doing it at your home, you’ll need the following:

A quiet and uninterrupted environment

Fast internet connection (0.6mbps, up/down)

A device (such as a smartphone, tablet, or laptop computer).

If you are using a computer, please make sure that it has a webcam and microphone. Most modern computers already have this built-in.

A referral letter from your GP.

What’re the costs?

Some of the Telepsychiatry consultations Epsychiatry do are bulk-billed. Please discuss this with our booking coordinators. To be eligible for our service you must live in a regional area, outside of Perth and surrounding suburbs. Just as a reference we see clients from Northam, Bunbury and Gingin.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I sit with someone while doing an online consultation?

It is up to you. You can sit with a friend or a relative. A health professional or an interpreter might also sit in with you.