Telehealth

While telehealth virtual appointments for psychiatric care provide valuable flexibility and accessibility, in-person visits are essential for effectively diagnosing and treating children and adolescents with psychiatric conditions.

In-person interactions allow for the building of trust and rapport, which is particularly important for younger and teenage patients who may be hesitant to share their feelings and experiences in a virtual setting. They also allow for the observation of behavioral cues, body language, and other nonverbal communication which often plays a role in the diagnosis and treatment of psychiatric conditions. Establishing trust can lead to more open communication, allowing for better understanding and management of their mental health needs.

In-person visits are important for the monitoring of vital signs such as heart rate, blood pressure, height, and weight. These measurements are important indicators of a child’s physical health and development and can reveal potential side effects of psychiatric medications or underlying health conditions that may require attention.

Face-to-face visits provide the opportunity to observe behaviors that may not be evident in a virtual setting. This observation can help identify conditions such as social anxiety, attention difficulties, or other behavioral concerns that may require intervention.

In-person visits also allow for the inclusion of family members in the treatment process. Family dynamics play a significant role in a child’s mental health, and involving parents, guardians, and other family members can enhance understanding and support for the child’s needs.

Lastly, in-person visits allow for the engagement of therapeutic activities such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness techniques, and play therapy. These methods encourage engagement, build rapport, and are more effective in a physical setting.

Overall, in-person visits are required and essential for comprehensive assessment, monitoring of physical health, monitoring of medication side effects, building rapport, and engaging in effective therapeutic practices.

However, due to illness or scheduling conflicts, telehealth visits can be helpful and will be scheduled on a case-by-case basis.

Please note that telehealth visits do not apply to the 90-minute new patient intake visit, these must be completed in person.