Telehealth

We have two decades of experience with telehealth at Gateway Psychiatric.

Telehealth allows us to provide services throughout California, including underserved areas.

Telehealth is often provided along with in person visits and allows us to start or continue treatment during times when in person visits are hard.

This service allows us to consult with other doctors and mental health providers.

We also have several therapists who provide telehealth services.

Doctor Peter Forster is a member of the American Telemedicine Association and has written about and consulted with other psychiatrists about how to implement telehealth. He is a UCSF-affiliated San Francisco psychiatrist and the Clinical Director of Gateway Psychiatric Services. He specializes in the evaluation and treatment of adult depression, anxiety, panic disorders, phobias and stress reactions.

For new patients there are a few things to consider –

• Most patients will either need to have at least one in-person visit with Dr. Forster per year or will need to have a primary care physician willing to collaborate with Dr. Forster.
• It is against federal law to prescribe controlled substances (for example, anti-anxiety medications like Ativan sleep medications like Ambien, or stimulants such as Adderall) based on only a telehealth assessment.
• You will need to fill out an online survey.
• You will need to use an up to date web browser (other than Internet Explorer) in order to access our HIPAA compliant telehealth service.
• You will need a computer or smartphone that has a high speed internet connection and a webcam.
• If you need special assistance with preparing for your first visit we can do that for a small charge for staff time.
• For more information about our current telehealth platform, Google Hangouts Meet, please read this page.
• Telehealth is not a good option for people with complex problems involving both medical and psychiatric conditions or people who are in a crisis.
• Telehealth sessions with Dr. Forster are generally only available early in the morning on Saturdays and some weekdays.
• We are now offering single visit consultations and second opinion visits which may be an appropriate way to begin. For more information please read this page. 

If you are interested in telehealth please fill out this form and we can set you up with an initial visit.