Telepsychiatry in Puerto Rico: The Importance of Mental Health

Dr. Laura Domenech from Ponce University shares about our Mental Health Program in Jayuya, Puerto Rico.

With COVID-19 affecting communities around the world, mental health care has never been more important. One in four patients that visit a healthcare facility have one or more mental health conditions, but the majority of them are not treated or even diagnosed (World Health Organization). Despite the relatively low cost of treatment for mental health conditions, there is a large number of people globally who need care but lack access to it (WHO).

Our Psychiatry program is bringing free mental health care to Jayuya, Puerto Rico via telehealth. The community of Jayuya has been ravaged by multiple hurricanes and other natural disasters, which has greatly increased their need for quality mental health services. Since beginning psychiatry sessions in February, we have already been able to help 300+ patients. The program utilizes Puerto Rican psychiatrists from Ponce Health Sciences University Medical School. Using Puerto Rican psychiatrists is ideal because it eliminates cultural and language barriers, making patients feel more comfortable and understood.

According to the American Psychiatric Association, "there is substantial evidence of the effectiveness of telepsychiatry (mental health care via telehealth) and research has found satisfaction to be high among patients, psychiatrists and other professionals... Telepsychiatry is equivalent to in-person care in diagnostic accuracy, treatment effectiveness, quality of care and patient satisfaction... There are even people for which telemedicine may be preferable to in-person care."

By harnessing the power of telehealth, we are expanding access to healthcare for those in need around the world. Together, we can work to eliminate mental healthcare inequality.