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Telepsychiatry vs. Teletherapy: How Do They Differ?

Teletherapy and telepsychiatry now employ videotelephony (such as Zoom), phone conversations, or other messaging technologies to help mental health experts and their patients communicate more effectively. Several studies demonstrate that collaborating digitally with a qualified, trained mental health practitioner can provide similar results as in-person sessions.

Both teletherapeutic and telepsychiatric services in New Hampshire are now available from more private practitioners than ever before. Several firms are dedicated only to making online mental health treatments more accessible and inexpensive.

However, before you start looking, make sure you know the distinctions between teletherapy and telepsychiatry, as well as what you can anticipate from each treatment.

What Is Teletherapy?

Talk therapy, also known as psychotherapy, is now usually referred to as “teletherapy.” It entails a therapist’s professional connection with a client. To assist the patient in exploring challenges in their lives and coming up with healthy methods to deal with them, the therapist employs a variety of evidence-based treatments.

There are several types of therapy, but the mainline is that establishing a trusting connection with a skilled expert may be beneficial. A study published in The American Psychologist found that psychotherapy patients fared better than 75 percent of untreated people.

Teletherapy provides a safe, nonjudgmental atmosphere where you may speak openly with someone who has been adequately trained to listen objectively, neutrally, and nonjudgmentally. 

What Is Telepsychiatry?

A psychiatrist, also a medical practitioner, is involved in telepsychiatric services. Psychopharmaceuticals—prescription drugs for mental health issues—are the subject of a telepsychiatry session. There isn’t usually any talk therapy involved.

There are two types of telepsychiatry: synchronous and asynchronous. Synchronous telepsychiatry involves talking to your psychiatrist in real-time through the phone, computer, or laptop. Meanwhile, asynchronous telepsychiatry may require you to speak with a skilled integrated health care professional before speaking with a psychiatrist. The psychiatrist then listens to a tape of your talk and prescribes or modifies your medication as necessary.

What Are the Similarities Between Teletherapy and Telepsychiatry? 

Therapy and psychiatry used to require in-person sessions, but they’ve adjusted well to the telehealth environment. 

Most importantly, both teletherapy and telepsychiatry have the same goal in mind: to assist individuals in achieving mental stability and leading productive lives. Their strategies, on the other hand, are vastly different.

What Are the Differences Between Teletherapy and Telepsychiatry? 

Teletherapy entails conversing with your therapist and developing a professional therapist-patient therapeutic connection over time. The sessions provide a secure environment for you to talk about anything—even things you wouldn’t ordinarily share with others in your life.

A typical appointment lasts around 50 minutes, but many therapists also provide opportunities to communicate by text message or exchange messages back and forth outside of regular meetings. Depending on your agreement, messages may be an essential component of your treatment approach.

On the other hand, telepsychiatry is more akin to a visit to the doctor. On your initial appointment, you’ll be asked several questions about your medical history, including any current or previous symptoms you’re experiencing, as well as any drugs you’re taking or have taken in the past that are related to your mental health. 

Typically, follow-up visits assess how well the prescription treatments are faring and whether they are causing any unpleasant side effects. 

Conclusion 

Some patients require teletherapy as well as telepsychiatry medicines. Telepsychiatry may be necessary if you don’t react to prescribed medication, need numerous drugs, or feel your doctor has a problem with additional expertise. Some patients may choose medicine over psychotherapy; however, many doctors insist on psychotherapy in addition to medication.

Amodeus Healthcare offers you a more accessible solution through our medical and telepsychiatric services. It is fast, simple, and done at a convenient time and place for you. Contact us today!