It’s a reasonable question. If you’re going to pay for a specialist assessment, you want to know that a video call won’t miss something important. The good news is that telepsychiatry is one of the most thoroughly studied areas of telemedicine.
What researchers have looked at
Studies of telepsychiatry tend to examine a few key questions:
- Reliability: do psychiatrists reach the same diagnosis on video as they would in person?
- Outcomes: do patients improve as much?
- Satisfaction: do patients and clinicians find it acceptable?
- Practicalities: does it reduce missed appointments, travel and cost?
The main findings
A widely cited review by Hubley and colleagues, published in the World Journal of Psychiatry in 2016, brought together research on the key outcomes of telepsychiatry. It found that video-based care was broadly comparable with face-to-face care across many settings and populations, with good reliability of assessments and high levels of satisfaction.
After the COVID-19 pandemic pushed services online, a thematic review in the BJPsych Bulletin by Sharma and Devan (2021) revisited the evidence. The authors described consistent diagnostic reliability, satisfactory clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction, and concluded that these support continuing to use telepsychiatry beyond the pandemic. Interestingly, they identified clinician reluctance and a lack of professional guidance – rather than patient outcomes – as the main barriers.
Why video works well for psychiatry
Most of a psychiatric assessment is conversation: understanding your history, how you think and feel, and how things affect your life. A psychiatrist also observes how you speak, your mood and your expression – all of which come across clearly on a good video connection.
Some people also find it easier to open up from home. A familiar environment can reduce the anxiety of a clinic visit, which may mean a more accurate picture of how you really are.
Where the evidence is more cautious
Telepsychiatry isn’t the right tool for every situation:
- Emergencies and crises need immediate, in-person or emergency services.
- Physical examinations can’t be done over video, although your GP can often help with blood tests, blood pressure or heart checks when needed – for example before some medications.
- Severe acute illness, such as someone who is very unwell with psychosis or mania, usually needs local in-person care.
- Poor connections or lack of privacy can undermine the consultation.
A good telepsychiatry service recognises these limits and will advise you if another route would be safer.
The bottom line
For most adults with common mental health conditions – depression, anxiety, ADHD, OCD and others – research supports video consultations as a reliable and acceptable way to be assessed and treated. What matters most is the same as in any setting: an experienced psychiatrist, enough time, and a service that’s properly regulated.
References
- Hubley S, Lynch SB, Schneck C, Thomas M, Shore J. Review of key telepsychiatry outcomes. World Journal of Psychiatry. 2016;6(2):269–282.
- Sharma G, Devan K. The effectiveness of telepsychiatry: thematic review. BJPsych Bulletin. 2021.
Learn more about what telepsychiatry is or check whether it’s right for you.
This article is general information, not personal medical advice. If you are worried about your mental health, speak to a doctor. In a crisis call 999 or NHS 111.
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