Why Telemedicine Is a Game-Changer for Mental Health Care
Each year, roughly 60 million Americans suffer from a mental health issue, including long-term, chronic illnesses, such as depression and bipolar disorder. Unfortunately, data show that less than half received medical care for their condition.
For some people, issues about confidentiality could be preventing them from seeking care. For others, difficulty fitting in regular appointments or simply worrying that routine therapy would be too intrusive can cause hesitation.
At Bowman Medical Group in Beverly Hills, California, our team offers telemedicine services for patients of all ages who want help for their mental health issues. These services allow patients to get care right from their own home. In this post, our team explains how telemedicine works and how our program can help you.
Telemedicine basics
Telemedicine uses state-of-the-art communication technology to connect you and your provider via a secure internet connection. All you need is a computer, tablet, or phone to meet virtually with your provider from your home, work, or anywhere that’s convenient for you.
Also called telehealth, your telemedicine visit is like a virtual “house call,” allowing you to get the care you need discreetly and confidentially. The platform we use is HIPAA compliant, which means our team has taken every step to protect your privacy and secure your medical records.
Your telemedicine visit is scheduled at a specific time just like an office visit. When that time arrives, we recommend finding a quiet, private spot for your visit, so you won’t be interrupted or distracted.
Services available
Telemedicine offers many of the same therapies and services as an in-person visit, including:
- One-on-one psychotherapy (talk therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy)
- Addiction counseling
- Mental health screening
- Medication prescribing and monitoring
- Lifestyle guidance
While many therapies are ideal for virtual delivery, some therapies, such as transcranial magnetic stimulation, require in-office visits.
Benefits of telemedicine
Telemedicine offers lots of benefits for patients, but convenience is perhaps the one benefit patients appreciate the most. Mental health issues typically require ongoing treatment to manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
With telemedicine, you can schedule visits when and where they’re most convenient for you. And, with telemedicine, you don’t have to travel to our location or find parking.
Finally, telemedicine allows you to have treatment in a place that’s comfortable for you. That means you can feel more relaxed during therapy, which can help you focus on getting the help and care you need for real improvement.
Learn how telemedicine can help you
Telemedicine is designed specifically to help patients get the care they need no matter where they are or how busy they may be. With a telemedicine treatment plan tailored to your needs, you can relieve mental health symptoms and improve your overall wellness and quality of life on your terms and in your own home.
To learn more about the telemedicine services offered by our team, call 310-276-4003 to book an appointment with Bowman Medical Group today.