What to Expect During a Telepsychiatry Visit

The Telepsychiatry Program at UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital offers virtual mental health services through Pennsylvania agencies.

We provide real-time audio/video-based psychiatric:

• Consults
• Follow-up care
• Medication management

What Does a Standard Telehealth Visit with a Psychiatrist Involve?

Most telepsychiatry appointments take place at a local behavioral health center near the patient's home. In some cases, patients may connect virtually from home.

Doctors connect virtually to the patient from their office.

Video-teleconferencing equipment will be present on both ends — most likely a desktop or laptop. These devices connect using the Vidyo platform.

Vidyo adheres to state-of-the-art security and encryption and is HIPAA compliant. The Telepsychiatry Program does not support video recording or store data with Vidyo.

Staff at the local center handles all equipment set-up and connectivity for the patient. A medical professional — often a masters-level clinician — will be present in the room with the patient.

Technical support staff is on hand at both sites if there are any issues with the equipment.

How Long is a Telepsychiatry Visit?

• Initial consults are 60 minutes.
• Follow-up and medication management appointments are around 15 to 20 minutes.
• Visit frequency varies based on clinical need.

Learn more about UPMC telepsychiatry services:

• Telepsychiatry FAQ.
• Meet our telepsychiatry experts.
• Contact the UPMC Telepsychiatry Program.