Telemental Health and the Management of Psychosis.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The purpose of this paper is to review the application of telehealth in the assessment and treatment of psychotic illnesses. We present the contextual factors which make this approach to clinical care compelling, and review existing evidence about feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness.

RECENT FINDINGS

The use of telehealth with individuals that suffer from serious mental illness and psychosis has been demonstrated to be feasible and acceptable, with effectiveness that is comparable to in-person clinical care. Telehealth holds the additional promises of expanding access, connecting patients, families, and the general public to behavioral health resources, and reducing overall health care costs. We provide two case examples which demonstrate the successful use of technology for the delivery and coordination of effective patient care for individuals with psychotic illnesses.