Telepsychiatry and a Hybrid Model of Care

A child and adult psychiatrist with an extensive career history, Dr. Joseph Kenan has more than 15 years of medical experience. Joseph Kenan, MD, has worked with electronic medical records and provides telepsychiatry services.

A process that involves using a telecommunications device to provide psychiatric services, telepsychiatry has become increasingly popular in the past few years, primarily due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Telepsychiatry allows psychiatrists to provide services from a distance to patients who cannot visit a medical facility or feel more comfortable at home.

According to two American Psychiatric Association surveys, at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, psychiatrists were using telepsychiatry with over 90% of their patients — the methods included live videoconferencing and audio-only options. However, with the increase in vaccination against the virus, many psychiatrists consider moving to hybrid care, which incorporates health technologies, such as telepsychiatry, with traditional in-person care.

The hybrid model would maximize the benefits of both methods. The relationship between the mental health professional and the patient would include in-person appointments. However, it would be mediated through communication technologies, such as telephone and e-mail, in conjunction with clinical support technologies, like e-prescribing and electronic health record systems.