• Published on: Mar 03, 2023
  • 2 minute read
  • By: Secondmedic Expert

How To Consult A Psychiatrist Online ?

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Consulting a psychiatrist online can be a convenient and accessible way to receive mental health care. Here are some steps to follow:

  • Research online psychiatry services: Look for reputable online psychiatry services that offer virtual appointments. You can use search engines or online directories to find options.
  • Choose a psychiatrist: Review the profiles and credentials of the psychiatrists available and choose one that best fits your needs. Consider factors such as their area of specialization, experience, and availability.
  • Schedule an appointment: Once you have chosen a psychiatrist, schedule an appointment with them through their online platform or by calling their office. Many online psychiatry services offer flexible scheduling options, including evenings and weekends.
  • Set up technology: Make sure you have the necessary technology to participate in the virtual appointment, such as a reliable internet connection, a webcam, and a microphone. Some psychiatrists may use specific telehealth platforms or software, so check in advance what technology is required.
  • Prepare for the appointment: Before the appointment, prepare any questions or concerns you want to discuss with the psychiatrist. Also, make sure you are in a quiet and private location where you can talk openly about your mental health.
  • Attend the virtual appointment: On the day of the appointment, log in to the virtual platform or software and attend the appointment. The psychiatrist will likely ask questions about your mental health history, current symptoms, and any other relevant information.
  • Follow-up: After the appointment, the psychiatrist may provide you with a treatment plan or refer you to other mental health professionals or resources. Follow any recommendations provided, and schedule any follow-up appointments as needed.
  • It is important to note that online psychiatry may not be appropriate for everyone, especially in cases where there are concerns about safety or the need for in-person care. It's important to assess whether online psychiatry is the right fit for your mental health needs, and to discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider.
  • Check insurance coverage: Before scheduling an appointment, check with your insurance provider to see if online psychiatry services are covered under your plan. Some insurance providers may have restrictions or requirements for virtual care.
  • Fill out necessary forms: Many online psychiatry services require you to fill out forms or questionnaires before your appointment. Make sure to complete these forms accurately and thoroughly to provide the psychiatrist with the information they need to make an accurate assessment.
  • Be honest and open: Like with in-person appointments, it's important to be honest and open with your psychiatrist during the virtual appointment. Discuss your symptoms and concerns openly and ask any questions you may have. The more honest and open you are, the better the psychiatrist can assess your mental health and develop a treatment plan.
  • Take notes: During the appointment, take notes on any recommendations, treatment plans, or referrals provided by the psychiatrist. This will help you remember important information and follow any recommendations provided.
  • Follow up with any concerns: If you have any concerns or questions after the appointment, don't hesitate to contact the psychiatrist or their office. Many online psychiatry services offer follow-up support or resources to help you manage your mental health.
  • Online psychiatry can be an effective way to receive mental health care, especially in cases where in-person appointments may not be feasible or accessible. By following these tips, you can make the most out of your virtual appointment and receive the care you need to manage your mental health.
  • Ensure privacy and security: It's important to ensure that the virtual platform or software used for the appointment is secure and encrypted to protect your privacy. Make sure to log in to the appointment from a private location where you can talk openly and confidentially about your mental health.
  • Test your technology in advance: Before the appointment, test your technology to ensure that your internet connection, webcam, and microphone are working properly. This will prevent any technical issues from disrupting the appointment.
  • Be patient and flexible: Like with in-person appointments, virtual appointments may sometimes experience technical difficulties or other unexpected issues. It's important to be patient and flexible, and to work with the psychiatrist to find a solution if any issues arise.
  • Evaluate your experience: After the appointment, take some time to evaluate your experience and reflect on how you feel. Did you feel comfortable and heard during the appointment? Did you feel that the psychiatrist provided helpful recommendations and support? This feedback can be useful for future appointments and for choosing the right mental health professional.

Remember, virtual appointments with a psychiatrist can be just as effective as in-person appointments for managing mental health. By taking these additional tips into consideration, you can make sure you have a positive and productive experience with your online psychiatrist.

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Health

20% Health Time | A Smarter Way to Build Workplace Wellbeing

Modern workplaces are increasingly recognising that employee health is not separate from performance—it is foundational to it. Long work hours, constant digital connectivity and rising stress levels have led to burnout, lifestyle diseases and declining engagement across industries. In this context, the concept of 20% Health Time has emerged as a forward-thinking approach to workplace wellness.

20% Health Time allows employees to dedicate a portion of their paid working hours specifically to activities that support physical, mental and preventive health. Rather than treating wellness as an after-hours responsibility, this model integrates health directly into the work culture.

 

What Is 20% Health Time?

20% Health Time is a structured workplace initiative where employees are encouraged or allowed to spend approximately one-fifth of their working time on health-related activities.

These activities may include:

  • physical exercise or movement breaks
     

  • mental wellness practices
     

  • health education sessions
     

  • preventive health screenings
     

  • stress management and recovery
     

The core idea is simple: healthier employees perform better and sustain productivity longer.

 

Why Traditional Wellness Programs Fall Short

Many organisations offer wellness benefits such as gym memberships or annual checkups. While valuable, these programs often fail because:

  • employees lack time to use them
     

  • wellness is seen as optional
     

  • participation remains low
     

  • benefits are disconnected from daily work
     

20% Health Time addresses these gaps by embedding wellness into regular work hours.

 

Why Health Time Matters in Today’s Workplace

Rising Lifestyle Disease Burden

Public health data shows increasing rates of:

  • diabetes
     

  • hypertension
     

  • obesity
     

  • mental health disorders
     

These conditions affect working-age adults and directly impact productivity and healthcare costs.

 

Burnout and Mental Fatigue

Constant pressure and lack of recovery time lead to:

  • chronic stress
     

  • disengagement
     

  • absenteeism
     

  • high attrition
     

Health Time creates space for recovery and resilience.

 

Sedentary Work Culture

Desk-bound work contributes to:

  • musculoskeletal problems
     

  • cardiovascular risk
     

  • low energy levels
     

Dedicated health time encourages movement and prevention.

 

How 20% Health Time Benefits Employees

Improved Physical Health

Regular movement and preventive care reduce long-term health risks.

 

Better Mental Wellbeing

Time for mindfulness, rest and stress management improves emotional balance.

 

Higher Energy and Focus

Healthy routines improve concentration and reduce fatigue.

 

Empowerment and Autonomy

Employees feel trusted to manage their wellbeing, increasing engagement.

 

How Employers Benefit from 20% Health Time

Increased Productivity

Healthy employees work more efficiently and make fewer errors.

Reduced Absenteeism

Preventive care lowers sick days and health-related disruptions.

 

Lower Healthcare Costs

Early detection and healthier habits reduce long-term medical expenses.

 

Stronger Employer Brand

Wellbeing-focused policies attract and retain top talent.

 

Sustainable Performance

Health Time supports long-term performance rather than short-term output.

 

Activities That Fit into 20% Health Time

Organisations can tailor activities based on workforce needs:

  • guided fitness or yoga sessions
     

  • walking or movement breaks
     

  • mental health workshops
     

  • preventive health checkups
     

  • nutrition education
     

  • stress and sleep management programs
     

Flexibility ensures inclusivity across roles and work models.

 

Evidence Supporting Health Time Initiatives

Workplace health research consistently shows that:

  • preventive health improves productivity
     

  • employee wellbeing programs reduce burnout
     

  • time invested in health yields measurable returns
     

According to WHO and workplace wellness studies, integrated health initiatives deliver better outcomes than standalone benefits.

 

Addressing Common Concerns

“Will this reduce working hours?”

No. Health Time improves efficiency, offsetting time spent through better performance.

 

“Is it suitable for high-pressure roles?”

Yes. High-stress roles benefit the most from structured recovery time.

 

“How do we measure impact?”

Metrics may include:

  • reduced absenteeism
     

  • improved engagement scores
     

  • lower healthcare claims
     

  • better retention
     

 

Implementing 20% Health Time Effectively

Successful implementation requires:

  • leadership support
     

  • clear guidelines
     

  • flexible scheduling
     

  • inclusive activity options
     

  • regular feedback
     

Health Time works best when seen as a cultural shift, not a perk.

 

Long-Term Impact on Organisational Health

Over time, organisations adopting Health Time observe:

  • healthier workforce
     

  • improved morale
     

  • reduced burnout
     

  • stronger team cohesion
     

  • sustainable growth
     

These benefits compound year after year.

 

Conclusion

20% Health Time represents a progressive shift in how organisations view employee wellbeing. By dedicating work time to health, companies acknowledge that productivity and wellbeing are deeply connected. Rather than reacting to burnout and illness, Health Time promotes prevention, balance and resilience. In a future where talent, performance and sustainability matter more than ever, integrating health into the workday is not a luxury—it is a strategic necessity.

 

References

  • World Health Organization (WHO) – Workplace Health Promotion Guidelines

  • Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) – Lifestyle Disease and Work Health Reports

  • NITI Aayog – Preventive Healthcare and Workforce Wellbeing Strateg

  •  Lancet – Workplace Wellness and Productivity Studies

  • Harvard Business Review – Employee Wellbeing and Performance Research

  • Statista – Corporate Wellness Trends and ROI Data

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