How to prepare for a telepsychiatry appointment

Confirm the appointment details

Check the visit time, connection instructions, and any requested paperwork. Ask the office how to join, who should attend, and what to do if the connection fails. Do not assume that the public website is the appointment platform.

For Abhaya Behavioral Health telepsychiatry visits, patients must be physically in Missouri at the time of the appointment, as described on the practice's service page. Tell the office if you expect to travel or if your location will change. Confirm whether a video visit is appropriate for your situation.

Prepare the technology

Use a device with a working camera and microphone. Test the connection and any required software ahead of the visit. Keep the device charged or connected to power, and have the office's phone number available.

• Check that the camera, microphone, and speakers work.
• Choose a stable internet connection and close unnecessary applications.
• Place the camera at eye level with enough light on your face.
• Connect early enough to address a technical problem before the visit.

Choose a private, stationary setting

Use a quiet place where you can speak without being overheard or interrupted. Headphones may help when privacy is limited. Discuss any difficulty finding a private setting with the office before the appointment.

Do not attend while driving. Let the clinician know if another person is present or could hear the conversation. Ask about accessibility or communication support in advance instead of waiting until the connection starts.

Keep your visit information nearby

Bring the same practical information you would bring to an office appointment. A short written list can keep important questions from being missed.

• Current medicines, doses, and any changes since the last visit.
• Symptoms or concerns you want to discuss.
• Your pharmacy information and questions about the care plan.
• Paper or another private way to record the clinician's instructions.

Agree on a backup and safety plan

At the start, be ready to confirm your current location and a callback number. Ask what to do if audio or video becomes unavailable. The clinician may need an in-person assessment or another arrangement depending on the circumstances.

A routine video appointment is not an emergency response service. For immediate danger, call 911. For suicide or emotional crisis support in the U.S., call or text 988. Do not wait for an appointment or an email reply when immediate help is needed.