Telepsychiatry Poised To Take Off, but Obstacles Remain

Article Excerpt: With recent advances in secure communications technologies and the widespread adoption of smartphones and tablets, telepsychiatry is becoming more and more common. This easily accessible and affordable technology has been proven equally effective as in-person treatment. In one study conducted by the University of Arizona, it was discovered that even higher satisfaction rates and even better medication adherence rates were experienced by the telepsychiatry group over the in-person treatment group.  That said, barriers to adoption such as reimbursement method management and clinician licensing challenges still exist. Even so, the development of telepsychiatry is bound to grow and should be eagerly anticipated.