Exploring the Role of Telepsychiatry in Mental Health Care

Bwensiyo Twebaza H.

Faculty of Science and Technology Kampala International University Uganda

ABSTRACT

The emergence of telepsychiatry represents a transformative shift in the delivery of psychiatric care, driven by the advancement of digital technologies and the growing demand for accessible mental health services. This paper examines the multifaceted role of telepsychiatry within the broader scope of telehealth, focusing on its historical evolution, technological enablers, clinical effectiveness, and policy implications. It examines how telepsychiatry has addressed critical gaps in mental health care, especially in rural and underserved areas, and how it adapted rapidly during crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, the paper assesses the benefits of remote psychiatric services—including increased access, cost-effectiveness, patient satisfaction, and reduced stigma while also critically analyzing limitations such as digital inequity, regulatory ambiguity, and concerns over data privacy and quality of care. Through comparative studies and current trends, the paper highlights telepsychiatry’s growing relevance in crisis intervention, routine therapy, and population-level mental health strategies. The findings support the integration of telepsychiatry as a sustainable and complementary model in modern psychiatric practice, underscoring the importance of inclusive policies and continuous technological innovation.

Keywords: Telepsychiatry, mental health, telehealth, digital psychiatry, rural healthcare, mental health access, data privacy.

CITE AS: Bwensiyo Twebaza H. (2025). Exploring the Role of Telepsychiatry in Mental Health Care. Research Output Journal of Public Health and Medicine 5(1):1-9. https://doi.org/10.59298/ROJPHM/2025/511900