Can I Manage My Mental Health Effectively Through Telehealth?

Mental health issues plague millions of Americans of all ages, causing an array of symptoms that can have both short-term and long-term effects on your physical and emotional wellness and your quality of life. 

But despite the high number of people struggling with mental health issues, like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), data show fewer than half of those affected seek medical treatment that could provide dramatic improvements in their health and their lives.

For many, fitting in and then keeping on-site appointments provides a barrier that’s difficult to overcome. Mental health issues are frequently accompanied by feelings of low self-worth that can sometimes interfere with a person’s willingness to step outside their comfort zone and seek treatment.

Fortunately, telehealth can help. At Conduit Behavioral Health, Temika Heyward, PhD, FNP, CRNP, PMH, and her team fully complement mental health services via telehealth, including “talk” therapy, medication management, and other therapeutic and supportive services. Here, learn how telehealth works and how it can help you manage your mental health needs without leaving your comfort zone.

Telehealth 101

Telehealth uses the advanced technology of the internet to provide comprehensive medical care outside a traditional office setting. It enables patients to receive the treatment and support they need wherever they need it. Care is provided using a secure internet connection via a patient’s phone, tablet, or laptop.

Telehealth is the modern-day equivalent of the “old-fashioned” house call, but instead of seeing a provider in person, the appointment is conducted virtually and in real-time. Our practice uses a secure telehealth platform that meets all HIPAA guidelines to ensure patient confidentiality and privacy, helping you feel more secure, relaxed, and confident in your care.

Telehealth visits are scheduled for a set time, like an office visit. Before your visit, we send you a secure link you’ll use to log on. Ideally, you should select a quiet, private area where you won’t be interrupted or distracted during your visit.

Mental health services

Telehealth can be an ideal solution for people seeking mental health services and support. For many, the biggest benefit is the time savings: There’s no need to spend time traveling to an office or sitting in a waiting room with telehealth, making it easier to fit into even the busiest schedule.

Having visits in your own home or other secure area helps you feel more relaxed, too. For many people, that means they can focus more on the care they receive and less on the distractions in many office settings. It’s also easier for many patients to open up and share their feelings in a familiar, comfortable environment.

Dr. Heyward offers the same types of services and the same high level of care during telehealth visits as during a traditional in-office visit, including:

• Individual psychotherapy
• Mental health screening
• Medication prescribing and management
• Lifestyle guidance
• Referrals to outside agencies, like support groups

Your therapy plan will be customized for your needs, evolving as your needs and goals evolve so you can enjoy optimal emotional wellness and a better quality of life.

Learn how telehealth can help you

Telehealth lets you receive top-quality care on your own terms, at a time that suits your needs and in a comfortable space. To learn more about telehealth and its role in your treatment plan, request an appointment online or over the phone with Dr. Heyward at Conduit Behavioral Health in Baltimore, Maryland, today.