Telemedicine increasingly is being used by psychiatrists to treat patients in rural regions of the U.S. "where specialists are in short supply," AP/USA Today reports. Telemedicine treatment, which includes appointments by video screen or telephone, enables therapists to reach patients who otherwise might not have access to care. Experts maintain that telemedicine works "especially well" with mental health patients, AP/USA Today reports. There are no figures on the number of doctors using the method, but Jonathan Linkous, an American Telemedicine Association spokesperson, said the practice has been growing annually. Terry Rabinowitz, medical director of telemedicine at University of Vermont College of Medicine, said, "I think that it has virtually unlimited potential," adding, "Not only can we help folks in underserved areas in the United States, but with little -- comparatively speaking -- investment, we can do consultations worldwide." However, Gerald Koocher, president of the American Psychological Association, said therapists must feel assured that they can deliver quality care and ensure that emergency help is available if a patient needs it. He added, "I wouldn't recommend treating someone suicidal remotely." Myron Weiner of the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas said it also is difficult to assess an individual's mood through a video screen, and facial expressions and gestures might not be clearly communicated (Stengle, AP/USA Today,10/9).

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