Although it is true that depression is more than just feeling sad it is also true that it is a state with profound consequences that can impact an individual’s mood, sleep patterns, attention, relationships with others and physical well being. Depression is a constant companion to the people living in the busy world of Tysons Corner.
However with the help of Telepsychiatry in Tysons Corner the diagnosis and treatment of depression is no longer the same. Individuals can now communicate with licensed psychiatrists through safe and effective video conferencing without the need to step out of their homes or offices. The telepsychiatry services offered by Mindvita are effective and evidence based and can be accessed from the patient’s very own home or office.
This page will cover the process of Telepsychiatry in Tysons Corner its benefits and its experience as well as the research that has been done to confirm its viability as a solution for the treatment of depression.
Understanding Depression: A Clinical Overview
What Is Major Depressive Disorder?
Major Depressive Disorder or MDD is the persistent low mood or inability to feel pleasure for at least two weeks. Statistics also show that nearly 1 in 5 adults will experience depression at some time in their life.
Some of the most common symptoms of depression include:
- Inability to experience pleasure
- Low mood
- Sleep disturbances
- Appetite or weight changes
- Fatigue
- Difficulty concentrating
- Feelings of guilt or hopelessness
Although it is true that depression affects an individual’s mood it is also true that it changes the chemistry of an individual’s brain to involve neurotransmitters like serotonin and norepinephrine. Depression is something that needs to be treated with the appropriate care and attention from licensed psychiatrists.
Types of Depression Treated by Telepsychiatry
At Mindvita the following types of depression treatment are available:
Major Depressive Disorder
- Persistent Depressive Disorder
- Seasonal Affective Disorder
- Postpartum Depression
- Depression with Anxiety Features
It was found that mental health telemedicine services were as effective as traditional office based care for mild and moderate depression treatment.
What Is Telepsychiatry?
Definition and Core Components
Telepsychiatry is a part of telemedicine a term used for mental health care through video conferencing. The telepsychiatry services provided include:
- Psychiatric evaluation
- Diagnosis
- Medication management
- Treatment planning
- Follow-up appointments
This means you can now consult a licensed virtual psychiatrist through Telepsychiatry in Tysons Corner by sitting comfortably in your home or office using your laptop or smartphone. “Imagine the security of an online banking session but for your mental health needs.” The security system ensures your information is private and HIPAA compliant.
Evidence Supporting Online Psychiatry
Research studies published in respected medical and psychological journals have found online psychiatry treatment to be effective as traditional care in terms of:
- Improvement of symptoms just as in traditional care
- Patients were extremely satisfied with online treatment (more than 85%)
- Patients were more likely to attend their appointments
This is good news indeed for the busy professional in Tysons Corner. The more you use it, the more you will be motivated to stick with it and reap the best results out of it.
Why Telepsychiatry Matters in Tysons Corner
Tysons Corner is a booming business hub for Northern Virginia. The strain of the long commute and the stressful life at the workplace can be overwhelming.
Accessibility for Busy Professionals
Telepsychiatry helps eliminate the stress of driving and the frustration of finding parking. Telepsychiatry helps eliminate the need for time off of work. Instead of driving 90 minutes one way to visit your doctor you can simply log in during your lunch hour. And that’s how Telepsychiatry really takes off.
Reduced Stigma
Some individuals may feel embarrassed about seeking mental health care. Telepsychiatry offers safe and private care and you can get the care you need in the comfort of your own home.
How Telepsychiatry Works with Mindvita
Step 1: Initial Psychiatric Evaluation
Your initial telepsychiatry visit with our psychiatrists will include:
- Psychiatric history
- Review of medical history
- Review of family background of mental health
- Evaluation of the severity of your symptoms
- Standardized scales to monitor your progress over time
Step 2: Personalized Treatment Plan
A virtual psychiatrist will develop a treatment plan of care that’s personalized and tailored to your specific needs. The treatment plan will include:
- SSRIs: Sertraline and fluoxetine
- SNRIs
- Atypical antidepressants
- Augmenting therapy
Medications can be prescribed virtually if appropriate. Therapy like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can be part of the treatment plan as well.
Step 3: Ongoing Monitoring
Depression care management with Telepsychiatry in Tysons Corner monitors the patient’s progress over time. Follow-up appointments:
- Track changes in symptoms
- Manage medication side effects
- Evaluate sleep and mood
Benefits of Telepsychiatry for Depression
Clinical Effectiveness
Mental health telemedicine just like regular psychiatry has been clinically effective for treating depression. The patient stands to benefit from:
- Increased access
- High patient satisfaction with care
- Strong therapeutic relationship
Convenience and Continuity of Care
Due to changes in life and other events people might miss their scheduled appointments. With telepsychiatry depression care management services are available whenever they are scheduled. Continuity of care is essential to the recovery of depression patients.
Broader Access to Specialists
Some people might need subspecialty care for example women’s mental health and geriatric psychiatry.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
Ideal Candidates
If you are seeking depression care management services from Telepsychiatry in Tysons Corner you might be the right candidate if you:
- Are suffering from mild or moderate depression
- Need medication management
- Need scheduling flexibility
- Have access to stable internet
When In-Person Care Is Needed
Emergency and critical care might be required if there are thoughts of suicide and the patient might harm himself/herself. In such cases the patient should contact 911 or the local emergency number. In addition a virtual psychiatrist might help in evaluating the patient’s risk and assist in the next course of action.
Medications and Treatment Options
Antidepressants in Telepsychiatry
Most antidepressants are safely prescribed via telemedicine and they include:
- SSRIs
- SNRIs
- Bupropion
- Mirtazapine
The advantages of electronic prescribing enable the dosages to be easily adjusted which are quickly implemented without the need to wait for a scheduled appointment.
Combination Treatment
Studies have proven that the combination treatment i.e. the combination of medication and therapy provides the best treatment outcomes. Many patients have already been provided combination treatment in the form of therapy along with psychiatric treatment through telemedicine.
Insurance and Costs in Virginia
Telehealth parity laws are in place in the state of Virginia and most insurance companies provide coverage for the services provided through telemedicine in the treatment of mental health.
At Mindvita:
We work with most commercial insurance providers and the option of self pay is available as well. HSA and FSA are also accepted.
Privacy and Legal Standards
The services provided through telepsychiatry in Tysons Corner are provided through an encrypted system. All our staff members are licensed practitioners in the state of Virginia. We maintain electronic health records and provide the same level of privacy and confidentiality as in face to face treatment.
Depression Recovery: What to Expect
It may take different amounts of time for different patients to recover from depression. While some patients may feel positive changes in their condition within the first 2 to 4 weeks of taking the medication it may take 6 to 12 weeks for the complete remission of depression. The progress of patients who are undergoing online psychiatric treatment services can be easily monitored. Depression treatment is similar to physical therapy in which patients make constant and gradual progress.
Telepsychiatry and Workplace Performance
It has been noticed that depression is a condition that affects a number of people in the state of Virginia and it has a negative impact on the performance of the depressed individuals in the workplace. The depressed patients in the state of Virginia now have the opportunity to seek treatment through the services of a telepsychiatrist in Tysons Corner and they do not need to waste a single day of work.
Addressing Co-Occurring Conditions
There are a number of psychiatric disorders that may co-occur along with depression which include anxiety disorders attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, insomnia and substance abuse disorders. The condition of the patient is well taken care of by the highly skilled and well rounded telepsychiatrist and the overall treatment process has a better outcome due to the holistic treatment provided.
Why Choose Mindvita?
- At Mindvita we are passionate about:
- Evidence based psychiatry
- Compassionate communication
- Structured tracking of outcomes
- Patient centered care
Telepsychiatry in Tysons Corner, VA provides the best of technology and the best of human interaction. We do not just see you as a list of symptoms; you are a person with goals and responsibilities.
The Future of Depression Treatment
The future of depression treatment is digital and the telemedicine services provided for the treatment of mental health disorders are here to stay and are becoming increasingly secure, accessible and data driven. If you are a resident of Tysons Corner, VA and you are in need of effective depression treatment then the solution you are seeking can be found at Telepsychiatry in Tysons Corner.
Key Takeaways
- Depression is a treatable illness.
- Telepsychiatry in Tysons Corner provides effective depression treatment by licensed psychiatrists.
- The research has proved it to be as effective as the traditional method of treating depression.
- Mindvita has a structured depression treatment plan.
- Early treatment is the key to successful long term depression treatment.
- If you or a person you know is suffering from depression then Telepsychiatry in Tysons Corner can be the first step to a road to wellness.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get started with Telepsychiatry in Tysons Corner if I am experiencing severe depression symptoms?
If the symptoms are bad but not life threatening an urgent psychiatric appointment must be arranged. If there is a threat of harm emergency services must be contacted.
Is mental health telemedicine as effective as in-person care?
Yes There are similar results for mild or moderate depression.
Can a virtual psychiatrist prescribe antidepressants online?
In most cases yes. A licensed psychiatrist can electronically prescribe medication including antidepressants if appropriate and legal.
What if online psychiatry does not improve my symptoms?
Treatment plans can be changed, medication changes, therapy or a higher level of care can be suggested.
How do telepsychiatry services protect my privacy?
Telepsychiatry services are confidential just like in-person care. The online platforms used by telepsychiatry services are also encrypted which ensures confidentiality and protects patient information just like a traditional brick and mortar practice.
Depression is a treatable illness and accessibility, convenience and confidentiality are important. Depression treatment is now closer and more accessible than ever with Telepsychiatry in Tysons Corner and Mindvita.
