Written by

Dr Brendan Daugherty

At Pandion Health, we want to make your telehealth journey as successful as possible.

Telehealth has revolutionised how we access mental health services, making it easier to connect with psychiatrists, therapists, and psychologists from the comfort of your own home. Whether you’re seeking telehealth psychiatry, telehealth therapy, or telehealth psychology, being well-prepared for your virtual session can make a significant difference in its effectiveness. Here are some tips to ensure you get the most out of your telehealth mental health appointment.

1. Ensure a Private, Quiet Environment

One of the most important things to prepare for your telehealth appointment is a quiet and private space. Choose a room where you won’t be interrupted by family members, housemates, or pets. Privacy is crucial during your session so you can speak openly and honestly without distractions. Consider using headphones if there are background noises, as they can improve sound quality and help maintain confidentiality.

2. Check Your Technology

Before your telehealth psychiatry or therapy session, it’s essential to ensure that your technology is working correctly. Pandion Health uses Zoom for telehealth appointments. A link will be sent to you before your appointment—simply click on it at the scheduled time. You can either join the session directly in your browser or download the Zoom app ahead of time for a more seamless experience. You will be placed in a virtual waiting room until your clinician lets you into the session. If technical issues arise, have a backup device or phone available just in case.

3. Have Relevant Information Ready

It’s helpful to prepare any information that might be relevant for your telehealth mental health session in advance. For a telehealth psychiatry appointment, you might need a list of medications you’re currently taking, recent health updates, or past mental health history. If it’s a telehealth therapy session, consider jotting down key issues you’d like to discuss or goals you’ve set. Being organized beforehand will help you make the most of your time with your practitioner.

4. Review Your Appointment Details

Make sure you know the exact time of your appointment and how to access Zoom. If you plan to join the session in your browser, test it beforehand to ensure compatibility. Alternatively, downloading the Zoom app ahead of time can provide a smoother experience. Knowing how to access the session will prevent last-minute delays and make sure everything runs on time.

5. Prepare Mentally and Emotionally

Just as you would for an in-person appointment, mentally prepare yourself before your telehealth session. Consider setting aside some quiet time to reflect on the issues you want to address or practice mindfulness exercises to center yourself. Emotional preparation can help you feel more open to discussing personal matters and lead to a more productive session.

6. Write Down Questions

Sometimes, it’s easy to forget the important questions you want to ask during a session. Writing down a list of questions or concerns can ensure you cover everything you need. This is particularly helpful for telehealth psychiatry appointments, where medication adjustments or new treatments may be discussed.

7. Dress Comfortably, But Appropriately

While it may be tempting to stay in your pyjamas, dressing in comfortable but appropriate clothing can set the tone for the session. Feeling put-together can enhance your focus and make the experience feel more structured.

8. Ensure Proper Lighting

Good lighting is essential for your provider to see you clearly. Ensure your lighting is coming from the front, as backlighting can cast shadows and darken your face, making it harder for your provider to see you clearly. Try to sit facing a window or a light source rather than with your back to it.

9. Have Emergency Contact Information Available

In rare cases, a telehealth mental health session may bring up unexpected distressing emotions. It’s a good idea to have the contact information for a trusted friend, family member, or crisis support service on hand, especially if you are discussing sensitive or challenging topics.

Conclusion

Preparing for your telehealth appointment ensures you maximize the benefits of your time with a mental health professional. By creating a conducive environment, checking your technology, and mentally preparing, your session will run smoothly and effectively. Whether you’re attending a telehealth psychiatry, therapy, or psychology session, these tips will help set you up for success.

If you are experiencing any difficulties with your session or need more information, please contact us during business hours.