Working with Alberta’s health regions and other partnering agencies, the Telemental Health Service (TMH) of the Alberta Mental Health Board (AMHB) supports the local delivery of mental health services in rural Alberta by:
- Improving patient access to mental health services in rural/under-serviced
communities
- Conducting research and evaluation of telecommunications and novel technology for application in mental health care
TMH employs the latest telecommunications technologies to ensure these objectives are met. For example, psychiatric consultation via videoconferencing means clients from rural and under-serviced communities have direct access to consultation and treatment in a timely manner – without having to travel long distances to regional referral centres.
The Telemental Health Service (TMH) of the Alberta Mental Health Board has been in operation since 1996. The service was initially developed as a pilot project offered in collaboration with four regional health authorities. Today Telemental health services are delivered province-wide. To date there are over 200 telehealth sites across Alberta in hospitals and community clinics, and university-based psychiatry departments.
Clinical Services
Rural general practitioners provide extensive mental health services with limited access to specialized psychiatric services. Through the use of videoconferencing technology, these practitioners have timely access to specialized psychiatric consultations. Geographic barriers are overcome in order to support continuity of care within an individual's home community.
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