What is Telehealth?

Telehealth (alternately known as telemedicine, teletherapy or telepsychiatry) is, at its heart, the ability to meet with patients for behavioral consultations remotely. Using the appropriate telehealth software, psychiatrists and therapists can meet with their patients through video conferencing applications. Therapy via telehealth has been shown to be equally as effective as in-person therapy, especially when it comes to general anxiety, depression, life transitions and family dynamics.

Cognitive behavioral therapy delivered via telehealth for depression and anxiety disorders is equally effective as in-person, according to a 2018 study by researchers at the University of South Wales in Sydney. One survey by Teledoc Health, a leader in virtual health care delivery, found a 32% decrease in depressive symptoms, a 31% reduction in anxiety, and a 20% drop in stress as a result of patients using teletherapy.