What happens in an online psychiatry session?
- Author:
- Emotral editorial team
- Published:
From preparation to the end of the session: what is asked in a video psychiatry session, what comes out of it, what is possible online and what is not. With research evidence on telepsychiatry.
An online psychiatry session is a structured video conversation with a medical specialist in psychiatry that covers your current symptoms, health history, medications and life circumstances. Research shows remote psychiatric assessment and follow-up are comparable to in-person visits for many conditions; emergencies and situations that need a physical examination or tests require in-person care.
Before the session
A few minutes of preparation noticeably improves the session:
- Choose a private, quiet place with a stable internet connection.
- Prepare a list of current medications (name, dose, duration) and any previous medical reports.
- If you like, note down the main points you want to raise.
- The video link is available from your Emotral account or email a few minutes before the start.
During the session
A first session is mostly about getting to know you. The doctor asks about current symptoms, when they began and how they have developed, physical and mental health history, family history, medications, sleep, appetite, and work and life circumstances. You can ask anything, including what the options are and which path the doctor recommends.
Sometimes the doctor suggests a questionnaire or a test to complete the assessment, which would be done where you live.
After the session
The outcome is usually a recommended path: psychotherapy, psychiatric follow-up, further medical investigation, or a combination. If you have a psychotherapist, you can share the outcome with them. Any change to medication, if needed, is coordinated with the prescribing doctor or your treating doctor and depends on the rules in your country of residence.
Is online psychiatry as effective as in person?
The review by Hubley and colleagues in the World Journal of Psychiatry summarises telepsychiatry studies and finds that, in accuracy of assessment, client satisfaction and treatment outcomes, it is comparable to in-person care for a wide range of conditions. The review by Hilty and colleagues reached a similar conclusion. This evidence does not mean a complete replacement: emergencies, the need for a physical examination or tests, and some acute states require in-person care.
Confidentiality
Emotral sessions take place on the platform’s secure video service and are not recorded. Details are in the privacy policy.
This article is educational and is not written as individual medical advice. Decisions about diagnosis, medication or treatment are made only after a direct assessment by a physician or therapist.
Common questions
How long is a session?
Each Emotral session is 45 minutes. For a first session, having your medication list and treatment history ready helps make good use of that time.
Do I need a camera?
Yes. The session is over video, and seeing each other matters for a psychiatric assessment. A phone, tablet or computer with a camera and a stable connection is enough.
References
- Hubley S, Lynch SB, Schneck C, Thomas M, Shore J. Review of key telepsychiatry outcomes. World Journal of Psychiatry. 2016;6(2):269-282. DOI PMID 27354970
- Hilty DM, Ferrer DC, Parish MB, Johnston B, Callahan EJ, Yellowlees PM. The effectiveness of telemental health: a 2013 review. Telemedicine and e-Health. 2013;19(6):444-454. DOI PMID 23697504
- World Health Organization. mhGAP Intervention Guide for mental, neurological and substance use disorders in non-specialized health settings, version 2.0. Geneva: WHO; 2016.
