Telepsychiatry is the ability to access psychiatric care remotely through the help of electronic devices. The telepsychiatry service offered to you will allow you to have a medical appointment with a psychiatrist through secure and interactive video equipment. You will be able to speak in real-time with the psychiatrist during your appointment, the same as a traditional visit.

We understand it can be difficult to find a local psychiatrist with available appointments. We can improve our current services and reach more patients by bringing telepsychiatry to our health center.

Telepsychiatry is endorsed by the American Psychiatric Association. It is in operation in thousands of clinics and medical settings around the country, allowing more patients to have direct access to their psychiatrists.

Telepsychiatry improves patients’ access to a psychiatrist and will reduce travel time and costs. It also means that patients will not have to be away from work for long periods of time due to extensive travel time.

NorthShore currently only offers telepsychiatry. If preferred, there are other organizations in the area that offer in-person consultations that may require more travel. There may also be a longer waiting period to get an appointment for an in-person visit.

At this time, the charge is no different than an in-person visit. Many insurers, including Medicaid, are covering most telepsychiatry consultations.

Yes, all telepsychiatry appointments are safe, secure, encrypted, and follow the same privacy (i.e., HIPAA) guidelines as traditional, in-person appointments. Your telepsychiatry appointments will always be kept confidential. In addition, telepsychiatry appointments are NEVER audio or video recorded without the patient’s permission.

Of course – this program offers you the option of seeing a psychiatrist through secure and interactive video equipment within your primary care office. It is your choice how you follow this referral.