What does Hybrid Psychiatric Care mean for ADHD Management

Learn more about how the option for virtual psychiatric care has developed, and why a hybrid care model is important to consider when it comes to your mental health.

The Telehealth Boom

The options for telehealth services have increased dramatically over the course of a few years. More doctors and clinicians are offering virtual appointments than ever before, and many patients are more comfortable with meeting virtually. While these services have been available for quite some time, the conditions of the pandemic led to more people becoming open to the idea of scheduling online appointments with their healthcare providers.

These advances in remote options are certainly exciting, but it's important to remember that a fully remote world simply isn't possible. There are still some things that require or benefit from in-person interactions in order to receive quality results — and one of the last things you want to compromise on is your mental health.

Benefits of Remote Psychiatric Care

Psychiatric care is one of the areas of healthcare that has been relatively easy to transition to telehealth. Compared to some many other types of care, there is less need for meeting face to face. Psychiatric clinicians don't need to conduct routine physical exams, and talk therapy is simple to convert to a virtual format.

There are also the many benefits of remote psychiatric care to consider. People facing mental health struggles like depression and anxiety may have a harder time getting out of the house and going to appointments. But with an online option, they're able to meet with a provider even on their toughest days. Remote care also benefits those who face other obstacles to meeting with a psychiatrist or therapist in person. For example, those in rural areas who would have to travel hours to see a specialist can do so from the comfort of home, and those with little flexibility in their work schedule can fit in appointments much more easily when the meetings are virtual.

When In-Person Care Is Needed

The benefits of telehealth services are evident, but is there anything missing when someone receives psychiatric care virtually? That depends on the circumstances. Some people find that virtual treatment is just as effective for them as in-person treatment. However, others may struggle with meeting in an online setting.

For instance, making video calls to a therapist can feel uncomfortable for a number of reasons. Someone might not have a private space where they can attend appointments virtually, or they may lack internet access or the devices required to make the calls. Meeting in person helps some patients build trust with a psychiatrist and may allow them to feel more open in discussing their concerns.

Additionally, some medications cannot be prescribed without in-person assessments. Telepsychiatry is only useful when it does not impede the clinical process. Mental healthcare providers have to follow clinical guidelines and make assessments of whether patients are a good fit for telehealth, and sometimes that requires meeting in person.

Hybrid ADHD Care

When it comes to ADHD, hybrid care presents a new way forward. Services like Done can simplify the process of getting ADHD medication online and managing prescriptions. Because stimulant medications in particular are tightly controlled, telehealth services can help to simplify some of the complicated hoops that ADHD patients are forced to jump through, which allows them to focus instead on their own mental health and symptom management.

Furthermore, those who participate in other ADHD treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy may be able to see a provider virtually for added convenience. And virtual therapy can help with anxiety and depression, both of which occur at higher rates among those who have diagnosed ADHD.

However, in-person appointments can be very useful in evaluating someone for ADHD. This condition can't be diagnosed with a simple test. It's a complex process which often involves ruling out other possibilities, and meeting with a psychiatrist or other clinical provider with ADHD expertise may help to ensure that the proper diagnosis is received. If a patient does receive an ADHD diagnosis and is interested in trying stimulant medications like Adderall, they may also need to meet a provider in person before they can be approved for a prescription.

Depending on your specific needs, you may benefit from hybrid care for ADHD. If you're interested in learning more about your telehealth options, don't hesitate to reach out to us at Done.