AHANA HOSPITALS
Telepsychiatry
Private psychiatric and psychological consultations by secure video for selected needs and circumstances.
Online care is not suitable for every emergency
If there is immediate risk of serious harm, overdose, severe confusion, rapidly worsening psychosis or mania, or the person cannot remain safe, seek in-person emergency help. Do not wait for a video appointment.
View urgent helpWhat is telepsychiatry?
Telepsychiatry uses secure video to provide mental-health assessment, treatment planning and follow-up when remote care is clinically appropriate. It can improve access for people who live far from a clinic, have mobility or travel difficulties, or need continuity between in-person visits. Some concerns still require physical examination, investigations or face-to-face assessment.
When may online care be appropriate?
Suitability depends on age, symptoms, risk, privacy, technology, location and whether in-person support is available if needs change.
Planned follow-up
Review of symptoms, treatment response, medicines, adverse effects and recovery goals after an established assessment.
Initial consultation
Some concerns can begin online when risk is manageable and sufficient information can be obtained remotely.
Psychological therapy
Selected therapies may be delivered by secure video when the client has privacy, reliable access and a suitable environment.
Family consultation
Caregivers may receive guidance or join agreed parts of an appointment from different locations.
What to expect
Before the appointment, confirm the technology, find a private space, prepare medicines and records, and provide an accurate location and emergency contact as requested by the service.
01
Book and confirm suitability
The team identifies the appropriate clinician and whether an online appointment is reasonable for the stated concern.
02
Prepare your setting
Use a charged device, stable connection, headphones if helpful and a private, well-lit room.
03
Attend the consultation
The clinician verifies identity, location, privacy and consent before assessment or treatment discussion.
04
Plan follow-up
You receive recommendations, prescriptions where legally and clinically appropriate, monitoring advice and instructions for urgent concerns.
Safe and effective remote care
Telepsychiatry should meet the same standards of respect, confidentiality, documentation and clinical judgement as in-person care.
Privacy and consent
The clinician explains how the consultation works, how information is handled and any limitations of remote care.
Clinical assessment
Symptoms, functioning, risk, physical health, medicines, substance use and context are reviewed as far as the video format allows.
Medication follow-up
Benefits, adverse effects and monitoring can be discussed, but some prescribing or physical checks may require in-person care.
Therapy and guidance
Psychological support, psychoeducation, family guidance and recovery planning may be provided remotely.
Escalation plan
If risk rises, technology fails or examination is needed, the clinician may recommend local emergency help or an in-person visit.
Continuity of care
Online appointments may be combined with clinic visits, investigations and coordination with other treating professionals.
Privacy, technology and safety
Choose a location where the conversation cannot be overheard. Do not record a session without explicit agreement. Avoid joining while driving. If the patient is a child, has significant cognitive difficulty or is at higher risk, the service may require a caregiver or responsible adult to be available.
Frequently asked questions
1. Can every psychiatric problem be treated online?
No. Suitability depends on symptoms, risk, examination needs, technology and local support.
2. Is telepsychiatry confidential?
It should use appropriate privacy and security practices, but you also need a private setting and secure personal device.
3. Can medicines be prescribed online?
Prescribing depends on clinical assessment, applicable regulations and the medicine involved. Some situations require an in-person review.
4. What happens if the connection fails?
Agree a backup phone contact and the steps to follow if the video call ends unexpectedly.
5. Can a family member join?
Yes, when the patient agrees or when age, communication or safety needs make involvement appropriate.
6. What should I prepare?
Keep identification, current prescriptions, medicine names, relevant records and a brief timeline of concerns available.
Clinical review
Dr. Vikhram RamasubramanianMD (General Medicine), MD (Psychiatry)
Consultant Psychiatrist, Ahana Hospitals
Clinical review: 07 September 2026
Next review: September 2027
Clinical sources and references
World Health Organization: person-centred mental-health services. NICE: service-user experience and condition-specific guidance. National Institute of Mental Health: mental-health treatments. Mental Healthcare Act, 2017 (India).
Book a remote mental-health consultation
Contact Ahana Hospitals to confirm whether telepsychiatry is suitable or whether an in-person assessment would be safer.