Business, Free News Articles

IDCC Answers the Call for Mental Health Care During The COVID-19 Emergency with New Teletherapy Services

BROOKLYN, N.Y. -- Interborough Developmental and Consultation Center, or IDCC, is once again responding to the needs of our Brooklyn communities. In these challenging times, the need for mental health services has increased dramatically over the past several weeks due to many feeling anxious and concerned about the effects of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) on both their physical health and financial wellbeing.

With most households in New York and across the country in self-isolation or quarantine due to the coronavirus pandemic, many families are finding it difficult to access much needed mental health services.

In response to this crisis, Interborough Developmental and Consultation Center, or IDCC, is now offering teletherapy services for those who want to speak with therapists or psychiatrists by phone or through the use of video from the comfort, safety, and privacy of their own home.

Having served the Brooklyn community for 45 years, IDCC's therapists have helped tens of thousands of patients with a variety of mental health services for adults and children. As the current situation makes it difficult for people to safely leave their homes, IDCC has worked closely with the Office of Mental Health (OMH) and other public health organizations to create an infrastructure of services that allow those in need to speak with therapists and psychiatrists via phone and video. These teletherapy services offer those in need the professional mental health care they are looking for - from the comfort of their own home.

"It's important for anyone who needs support during the profoundly traumatic COVID-19 emergency to be able to speak with a mental health professional. With teletherapy, access to the proper services and help is easier than ever before," says IDCC CEO, Dr. Stephen Gersten.

Teletherapy appointments can be scheduled by calling any of the IDCC facilities listed below.
Canarsie 718-272-1600
Coney Island 718-975-4888
Crown Height 718-778-0485
Flatbush 718-375-1200
Williamsburg 718-388-5175

As with all IDCC services, Medicaid, Medicare and most insurances are accepted.

IDCC offers a wide range of programs including mental health, HCBS, CFTSS, Health Homes Care Management and Home-Based Services, all of which are offering teletherapy services. For more information about IDCC, please visit https://www.interborough.org/.

Related link: https://www.interborough.org/

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Business, Free News Articles

Georgia Psychiatric Practice Provides Insurance-Covered Telehealth Services

ATLANTA, Ga. -- As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, many mental health practices are being forced to close their doors to patients. These closures are causing even more anxiety and stress. United Behavioral Health Solutions (UBHS, Inc.) is happy to report that it continues to see patients via its telehealth services during a time when they likely need it most.

And, the news gets even better. According to The American Psychiatric Association, "The use of video-based telepsychiatry helps meet patients' needs for convenient, affordable and readily-accessible mental health services." It also cites growing evidence that telepsychiatry leads to improved outcomes and higher patient satisfaction ratings. As a result, policy makers, payers and providers are increasingly considering ways to implement and use it.

"Thanks to our mental telehealth services, there has been no disruption to current services and care and we can help new patients in need too. Our model allows us to help patients meet their specific challenges - anytime, anywhere," Michael Coleman, CEO, UBHS, says.

While the primary focus during this pandemic has been maintaining physical wellness, mental health cannot be overlooked.

"In fact, during times of social isolation, existing mental health conditions can be heightened and new ones may occur. We're here for everyone from adults to kids who have nowhere to go," Coleman says.

UBHS is able to take same-day or next-day appointments and has a built-in Internet-based technology platform that makes connecting with a mental health expert easy and stress free. It also accepts Medicaid, Medicare and most major insurance plans.

In addition to working with individuals, UBHS also works directly with correction facilities, nursing homes, private practices, community service boards, crisis stabilization units, schools and inpatient hospitals. It serves patient populations in Georgia, South Carolina and Kentucky.

For more information, visit: https://www.ubhsinc.com/

About UBHS

UBHS specializes in telepsychiatry and psychotherapy to provide quick and convenient access to a broader community where provider access is limited. It was founded by a group of caring medical and mental health professionals who are passionate about helping people with emotional/behavioral problems.

Together, they set their goals to build a business to provide a cost effective, high quality and sustainable solution to healthcare. Its highly-trained, diverse and seasoned staff includes psychiatrists, psychologists and counselors.

All of its physicians and clinicians are board certified, licensed and carefully screened and trained to work across a technology platform that is highly secured, Internet-based and HIPAA compliant.

MEDIA CONTACT:
AJ Norris
of UBHS, Inc.
+1-404-445-5758
anorris@ubhsinc.com

Related link: https://www.ubhsinc.com/

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved.

Business, Free News Articles, Private Practice and Medical Groups

Anti-Psychotic Drug Reduction in Skilled Nursing Facilities Through Telepsychiatry

OMAHA, Neb. -- An Encounter Telehealth analysis of 40 skilled nursing facility partners in Iowa revealed a 6.7% reduction in the use of anti-psychotics. This reduction occurred after an average of 14 months of partnering with Encounter on psychiatric care. The national average was less than a 4% reduction during the same period.

The analysis shows the percentage of anti-psychotic drug use among facilities in 2015, prior to working with Encounter, and in 2018.

The data comes from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and can be accessed on CMS Nursing Home Compare: https://www.medicare.gov/nursinghomecompare/search.html

Of the 443 nursing homes in Iowa, the 40 facilities that Encounter Telehealth partners with have shown an average 6.7% reduction in the use of anti-psychotics between 2015 and 2018. Some facilities have shown substantial reductions, including one facility that went from 28.6% in 2015 to a low 7.3% in 2018. That is a 21.3% decrease in the usage of anti-psychotics, and nearly one half of the current national average. Encounter Telehealth's partner facilities in Iowa had an average 12.1% of residents on anti-psychotic medications as of 2018, which is 2.4% below the average of total Iowa nursing homes.

CMS estimates that only a small fraction of long-term residents will ever have a condition warranting the use of anti-psychotics, however they are repeatedly over-prescribed and at a great price. Facilities that do not show a reduction in anti-psychotic medication distribution can be penalized with a maximum 2% Medicare reduction. However, facilities that prove a reduction in their use of anti-psychotics are eligible of a maximum bonus of 1.6% Medicare payouts.

Through Encounter Telehealth, patients receive evaluations and psychiatric medication management services by Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners. This ensures proper diagnoses and medication management from the convenience of the facility. Encounter also offers talk therapy, which has been proven to be beneficial to patients with dementia and cognitive decline. In addition, Encounter provides staff training. Proper staff training can ensure quality healthcare and safety for everyone. When staff is trained to use alternative, non-pharmacological interventions, studies have shown statistical benefits in patients with dementia.

Encounter Telehealth provides behavioral mental healthcare in long term communities. At Encounter, our providers are focused on administering compassionate, consistent, and quality care.

About Encounter Telehealth LLC:
Encounter Telehealth, based out of Omaha, Nebraska, was founded in 2012 with a mission to provide access to quality mental and behavioral healthcare. Our providers offer psychiatric medication management, staff training, evaluations, and therapy over a video telehealth platform to patients across America.

Connect with Encounter Telehealth on our website: https://www.encounter.health/ - or on Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook

Encounter Telehealth, 900 S 74th Plaza, Omaha, NE 68114, Tel (844) 485-3041.

*LOGO link for media: Send2Press.com/300dpi/19-0910s2p-encounter-th-300dpi.jpg

Twitter: @EncounterPsych #telepsychiatry #behavioralhealthcare

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