Telehealth in PMHNP Private Practice: Best Practices, Benefits, and Challenges
Telehealth has revolutionized the way healthcare is delivered, especially in the field of mental health. As a PMHNP in private practice, telehealth has become an integral part of my practice. It has allowed me to provide quality mental health care to clients in the comfort of their own homes or wherever they may be. However, as with any new technology, there are best practices, benefits, and challenges to consider.
Best Practices: As a PMHNP, it is our responsibility to ensure that our clients' data is protected with strong systems, strong passwords, and a virtual private network (VPN). Protecting client privacy is paramount and must be taken seriously. In addition, it is important to know when in-person assessments are necessary, such as for young children who are better assessed in person. It is important to have a plan in place to transition to in-person appointments if necessary. If you’d like to solely use Telehealth, have a plan in place to refer clients who may require in-person office visits.
Benefits: One of the biggest benefits of Telehealth is the ability to see clients in their own environment. This can provide valuable insights into their daily lives and help tailor treatment plans accordingly. Clients may also feel more comfortable and relaxed in their own space, which can lead to more productive sessions. Telehealth is also great for working with clients who have a hard time getting to your office or who live in rural areas. This can increase access to mental health care for those who may not have been able to receive it otherwise. Lastly, Telehealth can reduce the number of "no-shows" because clients can easily log in to the session from wherever they may be, even if they forgot about the appointment.
Challenges: While Telehealth has many benefits, there are also challenges to consider. Younger clients, in particular, may be "zoomed out" and tired of seeing professionals and attending school on the computer. In addition, there may be more upcoming regulations or requirements on seeing people in person for controlled substance prescriptions. There may also be challenges in assessing certain conditions online, such as mild tardive dyskinesia. Lastly, when working from home, it can be hard to separate home from work, and there is a risk of working all the time. It's important to set boundaries and practice self-care.
Telehealth has become an important tool in my private practice, allowing me to provide quality care to clients who may not have had access to it otherwise. By following best practices, we can ensure that our clients' data is protected, and by being aware of the benefits and challenges, we can make informed decisions on how to provide the best possible care to our clients. Join my Strong Roots email list today and start your journey to creating the practice of your dreams!