TELEMENTAL HEALTH AND COUNSELING

Mental health and addiction services are vital, and during a health pandemic, these needs become that much more essential. Behavioral Health Services North, Inc. has remained open and fully operational with all programs utilizing tele-health to serve clients.

All programs will continue their critical work via tele-health whenever and wherever possible as we transition to our new normal.  If you have any questions as circumstances continue to develop, please feel free to contact us via email by clicking here. 

We remain committed to supporting all our clients and employees during this unprecedented time. We ask that all members of our community practice social distancing measures and follow guidelines set forth by health officials. We wish you and your loved ones the best of health during this critical time.

What is Tele-health?

(Also referred to as Telemedicine, Teletherapy or Telepsychiatry)
Tele-health is a form of video conferencing allowing psychiatrists and therapists to provide services to patients outside of the office, for example at the patient’s home or workplace. It also provides the opportunity for consultation with family members, teachers and other providers involved in the patient’s care. Surveyed patients participating in tele-medicine say they are very satisfied with the care they are receiving and that they feel tele-medicine is a reliable form of practice. In addition, they find that they are able to keep their appointments on a more regular basis.
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A study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry comparing in-office-treatment to treatment via tele-psychiatry indicated “There were no statistically significant differences between study groups for symptoms, quality of life, and patient satisfaction… there is a strong hypothesis that video conference-based treatment obtains the same results as face-to-face therapy and that tele-psychiatry is a useful alternative.”

Benefits

Tele-psychiatry & tele-therapy provides the patient with benefits that may lead to better care. We understand it can be difficult to take time off from your busy schedule to come to our office. This form of treatment can eliminate your commute time and lead to less stress, especially when you are scheduled to see your psychiatrist/therapist often.  For patients who are usually seen in the office but are sick or traveling, this form of treatment allows you to still keep your appointment without interrupting your care. The advantages of virtual mental health services include reduced stigmatization, increased convenience for patients, and improved provider efficiency. 

Residents in Clinton, Franklin and Essex Counties can contact Behavioral Health Services North at any time by calling: (518) 563-8000

IN CRISIS?

Individuals in crisis can utilize the North Country Crisis Helpline, available 24/7 which can be reached by calling 1-866-5PREVENT or 1-866-577-3836

GET STARTED WITH TELEMENTAL HEALTH

Please fill out the Consent Form by clicking the button below. For instructions about connecting to a tele-mental health session through the Zoom Meeting platform, click the Zoom Meeting Instructions button.