Telepsychiatry Policy & Consent

1. Definition

Telepsychiatry is the delivery of psychiatric services using secure, real-time audio and/or video technology when the patient and provider are not in the same location. Services may include:

  • Psychiatric evaluation and diagnosis

  • Medication management

  • Psychotherapy and counseling

  • Patient education

  • Prescription management

2. Eligibility

  • Telepsychiatry services are provided only to residents of Florida.

  • Providers will determine if telepsychiatry is appropriate for your condition at each visit.

3. Benefits

  • Improved access to psychiatric care.

  • Reduced travel and wait times.

  • Flexibility and convenience for follow-up visits.

4. RISKS & Limitations

While telepsychiatry is a safe and effective tool, it has limitations, including:

  • While telepsychiatry is a safe and effective tool, it has limitations, including:

  • Limited ability to perform certain assessments compared to in-person visits.

  • Small but real privacy risks despite security measures.

  • Potential delays in treatment due to equipment or connectivity issues.

  • Providers may recommend in-person follow-up if clinically necessary.

5. Privacy and Security

  • Vijapura Psychiatry uses HIPAA-compliant platforms for telepsychiatry.

  • All audio/video is encrypted.

  • Sessions are not recorded without explicit written consent.

  • Despite safeguards, complete security cannot be guaranteed.

6. Patient Rights

  • You have the right to withhold or withdraw consent at any time without affecting your future care.

  • You have the right to ask questions about telepsychiatry at any time.

  • You may request a copy of this policy for your records.

  • All laws regarding patient confidentiality and access to medical records apply to telepsychiatry.

7. Patient Responsibilities

  • Ensure you have a private, quiet space for sessions.

  • Do not record sessions without written permission from your provider.

  • Inform your provider if another person is present during your session.

  • Be responsible for your equipment and internet connection.

  • Understand that providers may recommend in-person care if clinically appropriate.

8. Emergencies

  • Telepsychiatry is not appropriate for emergencies.

  • If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, intent to harm yourself or others, or another psychiatric emergency:

    • Call 911, or

    • Go to your nearest emergency room.

  • You may also call the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: 988.

9. CONSENT TO TELEPSYCHIATRY

By receiving telepsychiatry services at Vijapura Psychiatry, you acknowledge and consent to the following:

  • I understand the nature, benefits, risks, and alternatives of telepsychiatry.

  • I understand that my provider will decide whether my condition is appropriate for telepsychiatry.

  • I consent to receive psychiatric services via telepsychiatry under the conditions described in this policy.

Note: This Telepsychiatry Policy is part of Vijapura Psychiatry’s Practice Policies & Administrative Agreement. By signing the Administrative Agreement, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to this Telepsychiatry Policy.

Last updated October 1, 2025 (version 1.0)