Skycloud Mental Health is primarily – but not entirely – a TeleHealth and TelePsychiatry service. We operate in seven states (and growing!), allowing us to see patients no matter their location, whether they’re in the biggest city in the middle of the state or in the smallest rural town far off the road.
But we also know that some patients do prefer in person. We also have offices in Issaquah, Lehi, and in Oregon, for patients that are local to our area.
When you’re looking for a psychiatrist or psychiatric professional, it’s not uncommon to have a preference for one or the other – either in person, or remote. Many people care about this so much that they will indicate on their contact forms how important it is for them to see someone at an office or through video, even before they know what we offer.
But which is better?
Why would you want remote more than in person?
Why would you want in person more than remote?
Let’s talk about the difference between the two and go over some of the benefits of each approach. However, it is important to understand that, for most people, there is no functional difference. While a person may have a strong preference for one or the other, most find that both are a great way to receive treatment provided you are connected to a psychiatrist or psychiatric professional that you trust.
Why You Might Want to See Someone In Person
One of the primary benefits of in-person mental healthcare is that it puts you in an environment that is specific to your mental health. When you’re used to being at home already, logging on to see a psychiatrist may not feel like it has the gravity for your mental health and wellness as it would if you were to drive to a specific location and sit in a private office, talking to your specialist about what you need.
In addition, in office typically offers:
- Potential for More Privacy – If you have kids or you’re married, or you live with roommates, being at home may not offer the privacy you need to feel like you can get care.
- Quiet Space – Similarly, psychiatric offices are typically very quiet, so you can feel like you can talk without any distractions or interruptions.
- Clearer – Seeing someone in front of you can feel more personal than using the phone or internet, and because you can directly see the person (rather than the potential for a choppy video if internet speeds are not holding steady), it can feel like a less stressful, more comforting experience.
At our offices near Seattle and Provo (in Issaquah near Bellevue and Lehi not far from Provo), we have a comfortable space to help you with your care, and we understand why in person can help you feel a bit more connected than in remote spaces.
Why You Might Want to See Someone Through Telepsychiatry
With that in mind, telepsychiatry also has numerous benefits, and there is a reason many of our team have chosen to go that route.
Perhaps the most clear benefit is the lack of commute. But it’s not just about driving:
- You can live anywhere. You can live in areas without a psychiatrist for miles, and still get care.
- You can fit it into your schedule better. We all live very busy lives, and most of us do not have much time for our mental health at all, let alone our mental health plus 30+ minutes of driving.
- You are ready immediately. You don’t have to even get dressed. You just need a place for your computer or phone and you’re ready to go.
You’re seeing the same psychiatrists and psychiatric professionals you would see in person, but without the need for a drive, and without limiting yourself to your local area.
But those are not the only benefits of Telepsychiatry. There are many others, including:
- True Privacy – If you feel concerned that others may learn about your mental health struggles, or your sexual identity, or something that is private to you, no one will see you coming to an office. In small towns this can be especially beneficial, as you have the true privacy from being alone in your own home.
- More Specialists to Choose From – As we touched on earlier, when you’re not limited to your local area, you can choose someone that is the right fit for you. We hope that you’ll choose our team at Skycloud Health, but the primary idea is that you get to match with someone that works for you, not just the person closest to you.
- Hints At Your Life – When you’re in your home, you can actually show your mental health practitioner how you’re living, or specific items you want to show them, or whatever you may need to get better that may already be in your home. In a way, it’s like access to props that can help you identify challenges to your psychiatrist, offering something that is not necessarily possible at an office.
- Taking it Home With You – One challenge that often occurs in the mental health world is that sometimes, after an in person treatment, the person goes home and falls into their patterns. By receiving treatment in your home, some people find it easier to implement the advice and support they’re provided.
Overall, there are many benefits to seeking out care with Telehealth, not just related to distance and commute. In fact, many of our in-person patients choose to switch to Telehealth, simply because it’s easier to manage – especially for follow ups.
What is Right For You?
Everyone will have their own preference. But the most important thing is finding someone that can provide you with the right type of care. If you’d like to learn more about our services, please reach out to Skycloud Mental Health, today.