Telepsychiatry - A Brief History

Telepsychiatry, as a branch of telemedicine, may be defined as the delivery of psychiatric treatment remotely, using live video-teleconferencing equipment (VTC). Telepsychiatry has been approved by the American Psychiatric Association and a growing body of research data clearly demonstrates that psychiatric treatment via telemedicine can be as effective as when delivered during traditional outpatient appointments. The growth and success of telepsychiatry has traditionally been limited by the high cost of expensive VTC equipment and dedicated "point-to-point" data links.

Skype (TM) Telepsychiatry refers to recent advances in VoIP technology with sophisticated 256-bit Security Encryption, which allows for a secure and clinically appropriate telemedicine platform - without the costs normally associated with telemedicine. Skype therefore has the potential to deliver on the long-sought potential for telemedicine, providing access to mental health treatment from urban centers to the most underserved rural communities. Skype (TM) is available as a free download from Skype Limited.

Using Skype, patients may access their provider from the privacy of their own homes, thereby allowing for a level of convenience, efficiency, and privacy unmatched in traditional outpatient mental health treatment.

Voyager Telepsychiatry LLC presents the National Telepsychiatry Network, a network of like-minded clinicians practicing Skype telepsychiatry and offering mental health treatment to millions - using this cost effective, environmentally friendly, and efficacious medium for telemedicine.