Aftermath of COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic created an enormous level of stress on a global scale, leading to elevated levels of anxiety, depression, and other mental illnesses. Along with this was a disruption and challenge in the delivery of mental health services that were traditionally provided in the office. This disruption, increasing need, and the already limited access to mental health services could create a very challenging situation. To prevent that, we had to make a robust transition in our way of delivering services to videoconferencing and allowing coverage by the payors. Like other transitions, adopting the use of technology was challenging for many, especially in the absence of high-speed internet infrastructure for some patients. For those with limited logistics or knowledge of video-conferencing, often the sessions take place over the phone, which reduces access to a patient's nonverbal behaviour. Sound quality might not be great, leading to extended time for enabling sufficient communication. Although in psychiatry, physical examination is used less often than in most other medical specialties, when it is needed, telepsychiatry is a barrier.