Telemental health services are used when mental health staff is not physically present with you to evaluate your mental health needs. Mental health staff will be present at another location and available to serve you through newly available technology. Instead of talking to someone on the phone at another location, Telemental health services use a video camera and computer to send both voice and personal images (pictures) between you and mental health staff so not only can you talk to each other, but you can also see each other. This allows mental health staff to make a better evaluation of your needs.

Other than you and mental health staff not being in a room together, there is very little difference in the session. Mental health staff will ask and document clinical information that you share, document the service that is provided, and ensure that documentation is included in your clinical record for future reference.