This technology allows for a patient-to-provider interaction that closely replicates physically being present and allows for expert treatment to patients in locations distant from the primary caregiver. Moreover, it allows for 24 hours per day, 7 days a week access, effectively providing ongoing crisis intervention.

Telepsychiatry is an appropriate resource:

• where access to services is limited by funds, distance and time
• in areas where there is a shortage of qualified mental health professionals
• when crisis intervention is required 24 hours a day

There are a number of benefits for a medical facility employing such a cutting-edge service. The immediate impact is in the quality of care to the patient. By expediting patients through the Emergency Room, patients receive the service most appropriate to their needs; freeing valuable acute care bed space. Additionally, a behavioral health patient who is in crisis may be volatile, therefore presenting a higher degree of liability for the hospital should that patient need to stay in the ER for any extended period of time.

In addition to on-call services, Center For Family Guidance, PC provides:

• all work necessary to be in compliance with the regulatory guidelines of the Division of Mental Health Services
• training for Screeners in the use of the telepsychiatric equipment and interview techniques
• development of all policies and procedures for review by the Medical Executive Committee of the hospital
• demonstration and marketing for education
• quality improvement of telepsychiatric equipment and procedures
• free consultation to the hospital for training in the use of the equipment
• a backup system should equipment fail or the patient requests the presence of a psychiatrist
• timely documentation via facsimile, with original copies delivered within 24 hours