Tag: Clinician Corner

Iris clinicians facilitate top-quality behavioral health care – averaging 2.3M patient encounters every year. We are proud of the work our providers do every day to fill care gaps and support healthcare organizations across the country by providing their communities with timely access to exceptional care.

Every month, we sit down with one of our providers to spotlight the amazing work they’re doing every day and the impact they’re making on the communities they serve. This month, we’re sitting down to talk with Iris LCSW, Elizabeth McErlean!

Q. What do you love about being a telehealth provider?

A. I love being a telehealth provider because it feels like I have more hours in my day to live.  Going to an in-person job, there’s a lot of time that gets sucked into travel and having to get up and get ready.

I have my morning routine that I would normally go through if I was working outside the home, so I keep work and home separate. I have my office in a separate place that I use only for telehealth.

I really like the solemn serenity that I get working from home. I live by myself, so it’s quiet. It’s just me and the dog. I can take lunch whenever I want. I don’t have to worry about somebody else using the microwave.

I guess “freedom” sums it up. I like the freedom of working from home.

Q. What impact have you seen telehealth services make at the clinic where you serve?

A. I am working with a Federally Qualified Health Center. They provide almost all the same services of any healthcare provider. There are two sites – one in Machias and one in Eastport. They have pediatrics, dental, psychiatric medication prescribing, and general practitioners.

I am at one site a couple days and at the other site a couple other days. It’s very interesting because the other therapist who’s there is also from Iris — we both reside in North Carolina, and we’re both at this clinic.

They’re in Maine and very remote. I provide (and the other clinician provides) collaborative care with the psych med prescribers and general practitioners.

Therapy is very different than the medical side. Sometimes medical professionals don’t really understand the difference of therapy – our approach is different, and our perspective is different.

Working with primary care providers, pediatricians, and nurses has not only helped the clients have an in-house therapist referral, but it also helps educate them on what therapy can help with.

There are certain guidelines, and I can’t practice outside my scope. For example, I can’t see somebody who struggles with eating disorders – I’m not trained or have experience in eating disorders.

It’s helping the medical professionals understand how therapy is not an extension of them, but it’s in addition to them to provide wraparound care.

Q. How does telehealth support holistic care?

A. The team I work with is great – they’re very open to communication and want to collaborate. They’re very good at having meetings with the practitioner.

The organization is good and very open. They want the best for their clients, and everybody wants the best for their patients. So, everybody’s very respectful.

Q. How does telehealth foster connection with patients virtually?

A. It’s not the same because when I was in person, I could see a lot of body language. And one thing I could see was how they came from the waiting room back to my office. I could see how they were doing through their posture and their gait.

From the standpoint of telehealth, having art behind me has been helpful. I have a picture of a Van Gogh’s Starry Night and two smaller starry nights that my son painted when he was younger. So, I have three starry night paintings and people love that. It’s a great talking point.

If I was in a private practice, I may not be able to personalize my office quite as much because the business personalizes that. The other piece is my dog – she’s almost always there and I think it helps create a more relaxed atmosphere so that patients almost feel like they’re coming into my home.

Do we need to have boundaries to make sure that we don’t become friends? Yes, that’s my responsibility to be aware of that. And of course I am, but I think it gives the client a little bit of comfort. Especially when I work with kiddos – they like seeing the dog.

Q. What is the most rewarding part of your job?

A. The most rewarding part of my job is the flexibility and ability to learn about different places, cultures, and people without traveling or moving there.

I’m originally from Wisconsin, so the first placement I had was in a clinic in Iowa. It was very similar to Wisconsin. So, I felt comfortable with that.  I was very excited to go to Maine. It’s in the eastern-most part of the United States. It’s very remote.

It’s completely different – it’s a lobster fishing culture, so it’s very different from Wisconsin culture that I grew up with in the Midwest. And it’s very different from southern culture that I live in now – so only telehealth allows me that.

As social workers, we love to hear people’s stories, to hear where they come from, who they are, and what makes them tick.

Q. Why do you think telehealth is the future of mental health care?

A. Because you can reach people where they’re at. For example, at the clinic in Maine, I recently had a video call with someone in their child’s school parking lot because they were getting off work and they had to go to their child’s parent-teacher conference.

So, we were able to see each other through telehealth. It was obviously a private place and confidential.

I think telehealth relaxes people, too, to be in their home and be able to do therapy. There would be some clinicians that would say they’re not sure it’s appropriate for everyone struggling with mental health, but for the vast majority, I think telehealth can really be helpful.

We can reach so many people with telehealth in a shorter period of time because the transition from one client to another is much easier from our perspective – it’s just a couple clicks and you’re onto the next one – versus maybe you’re sharing office space with somebody, and you have to schedule things differently or you go out and get them.

Q. Anything you’d like to offer from your experience as a telehealth provider?

A. I came to social work later in life – it’s like a final career for me. I’ve only been doing it 10 to 15 years. I’ve worked at a lot of places – a court system, for example – some places have been supportive, and some places haven’t been.

I have a situation at Iris where they made me feel so supported and validated – I have never felt that way from any other employer. They get it – they’re supportive of their clinicians. I love the communication.

Everybody that I encounter is so warm and friendly, supportive and caring and they don’t expect us to sacrifice ourselves to help our clients.

We want to help the clients, but it’s important to have self-care and I take care of myself too. If I’m not in a good place, I can’t help the clients. And so, I really do get that feeling from Iris.

At Iris, we believe our providers should be respected, valued, and applauded for the work they do, and we couldn’t be prouder to say, “thank you” to our very own Elizabeth McErlean. If you’d like to learn more about working for Iris Telehealth, contact us today.

Iris clinicians facilitate top-quality behavioral health care – averaging 2.3M patient encounters every year. We are proud of the work our providers do every day to fill care gaps and support healthcare organizations across the country by providing their communities with timely access to exceptional care. Every month, we sit down with one of our providers to spotlight the amazing work they’re doing every day and the impact they’re making on the communities they serve. This month, we’re sitting down to talk with Dr. Abdon Galera!

Q. How did you find Iris and decide you wanted to be an Iris provider?

A. It was 2022 and I was just getting out of the Navy, after working over 10 years in psychiatry, and I wanted to do something new. I put my profile up on LinkedIn and I found Iris. The Iris recruiters were much more receptive than other companies I talked to, and I had a better connection with them.

Q. How does telehealth compare to in-person care?

A. There’s not much difference with in-person care and telepsychiatry. The advantage of telepsychiatry is that it’s a force multiplier. So, you’re able to bridge the gap between time and space with telepsychiatry. You can reach more people in more places than you normally could in person.

Q. How do you foster connection in a virtual environment? 

A. There’s really no difference between in person and telepsych. You just explain the technology, especially those who are not used to technology. But once they get used to it, it’s pretty much like a face-to-face interaction. A lot of patients can be somewhat uncomfortable with it at the first, but they realize that there’s not a enough  in-person psychiatry providers, and telehealth is the best way to get the care they need – virtual  becomes natural to them after a while.

Q. As a healthcare professional, how do you manage work-life balance?

A. Work-life balance is much easier with telepsychiatry. The hours are still the same, but you no longer factor in the commute. So, instead of commuting now, I get to exercise, cook for the family, or drop off the kids — those simple things that you can’t do in person because of the commute.

Even if the commute is only like 15 minutes, you have to get ready. It’s easier to get ready with telepsych because, you put on your clothes, get out of bed, go to your office, and that’s pretty much it.

But there’s, there’s time to do things that are important for the family and myself.

Q. What is the most rewarding part of your job?

A. The most rewarding part of my job is being able to serve the underserved population over at Modesto – an FQHC. A lot of their patients are underprivileged, and I get to provide psychiatric care for them, and that’s pretty much the most rewarding part of my job.

It’s being there for this population I’ve always loved.

Even in school when I was training in San Francisco, helping the underprivileged population is what I really wanted to do. I’m able to do that with telepsych. I’m over in San Diego, so there’s not much need where I live, but there is in Modesto where I work.

Q. What do you love about working with Iris?

A. I love Iris. Working with Iris is efficient – instead of looking for who to blame they fix the problem. A simple example is technology. If something’s not working, it gets fixed the next day. They put a lot of energy into trying to fix the problem so I can be productive and see patients. So, that’s the number one.

And our  Practice Managers have a seat at the table where we practice. So, they iron out any creases or smooth out difficulties. That’s what I like. It’s very efficient.

I just love my job. I get to do what I need to do and take care of patients. That’s my number one. And, their goal is for me to be able to do that.

Q. Why do you think telehealth is important to the future of mental health care?  

A. Teletherapy is going to be important because we’re going to have an aging, growing population. The boomers are going to be getting older, and there’s not a lot of providers to facilitate care.

Telehealth is a force multiplier, and we can help mitigate some of those shortages with telepsychiatry.

Plus, the newer population, the millennials and Gen Z are more comfortable with technology. So, they’ll be more open to this kind of care.

Really, it’s about bringing the gap, being there where a provider normally wouldn’t be.

Q. What advice would you give someone new to telehealth?

A. I would keep an open mind, get familiar with the technology, and treat it as just seeing a regular patient in person. I’d also say embrace the advantages of telepsychiatry versus the disadvantages, which there aren’t many. But really, it’s just about learning and being patient with the technology.

At Iris, we believe our providers should be respected, valued, and applauded for the work they do, and we couldn’t be more proud to say, “thank you” to our very own Dr. Abdon Galera. If you’d like to learn more about working for Iris Telehealth, contact us today.

Iris clinicians facilitate top-quality behavioral health care – averaging 2.3M patient encounters every year. We are proud of the work our providers do every day to fill care gaps and support healthcare organizations across the country by providing their communities with timely access to exceptional care.

Every month, we sit down with one of our providers to spotlight on the amazing work they’re doing every day and the impact they’re making on the communities they serve. This month, we’re sitting down to talk with Desiree Bridges, LCSW!

Q. How did you find Iris and decide you wanted to be an Iris provider?

A. I found Iris after another company I was given a job opportunity at delayed the hiring process. That experience helped me redefine my job search. I wanted to seek opportunities that invested in the community as well as the clinician. And I was looking for work life balance.

My kids have a lot of extracurricular activities, and I wanted to make sure I would be available for them and the community I serve. When I looked into Iris, I felt it aligned with everything I was looking for.

Q. How does telehealth compare to in-person care?

A. I’m an advocate for efficiency, so I believe that telehealth has an advantage over in-person care. Telehealth provides convenience and cuts down on travel time for the provider and the patient.

The patient can receive care from a private and comfortable location of their choice. It also provides accessibility to patients with limited access to healthcare – whether that’s due to their geographic location or a disability.

Telehealth opens the door to providing specialized care for various population types.

Q. As a healthcare professional, how do you manage work-life balance?

A. I am a believer in doing what you say. I encourage my patients to engage or invest in self-care, and I do the same. I make an intentional effort towards self-care by incorporating time in each day to do things I enjoy and spend quality time with my loved ones.

Q. What is the most rewarding part of your job?

A. The most rewarding part of my job is getting to spend more time connecting with patients and that they leave our session feeling empowered to make the changes they want to see in their lives.

With telehealth, we get to connect with those that otherwise may not have an opportunity to get the support they need.

Q. Why do you think telehealth is important to the future of mental health care?  

A. Telehealth is an important tool to improve access to care for underserved communities and fill care gaps by offering specialized clinician’s patients otherwise wouldn’t be able to access.

Q. What advice would you give someone new to telehealth?

A. Telehealth is just as rewarding as in person as long as you’re open-minded, creative, and flexible. Telehealth can be just as an important part of our work, as in person is, and the only challenge is overcoming the limitations that we place upon ourselves.

Q. What do you love about working with Iris?

A. I was looking for work life-balance and I have achieved that goal in my current position. The support and attention given to providers and to patient care is phenomenal.

The company culture is geared towards success for both the provider and the patient. It also reduces burnout and gives the clinician an opportunity to have a voice.

There are opportunities for us to collaborate and get support from leadership. And I think that’s very valuable in a work setting.

At Iris, we believe our providers should be respected, valued, and applauded for the work they do, and we couldn’t be more proud to say, “thank you” to our very own Desiree Bridges. If you’d like to learn more about working for Iris Telehealth, contact us today.

Iris clinicians are at the heart of what makes our organization such a special place to work. That’s why we’re turning the spotlight on the amazing work they’re doing every day. This month, we’re sitting down to talk with our own Director of Counseling and Psychological Services, Don C. Napier II, LISW-CP. 

Q. How did you find Iris and decide you wanted to be an Iris provider? 

A. Before transitioning to my current role, I found myself juggling multiple hats – a position like what I do now and managing my own private practice.  

Needless to say, this arrangement left me with very little time for myself or my family. On top of that, the constant travel demands of my role stretched my already thin schedule even further.  

However, my experience with telehealth was a game-changer. Not only did it offer me the flexibility I desperately needed, but it also opened my eyes to the significant access it provided to underserved patient populations. 

After witnessing the positive impact firsthand, I made the decision to investigate a complete transition into telehealth. That’s when I stumbled upon Iris Telehealth.

Their unwavering commitment to making mental health services more accessible struck a chord with me. Their dedication to closing the gaps in care and ensuring the well-being of both providers and patients resonated deeply. It was clear that Iris shared my passion for mental health care, and I couldn’t wait to be a part of it. 

Q. What did your entry into Iris Telehealth look like? 

A. When I started with Iris, my experience differed slightly from that of most clinicians. During the recruitment process, the clinic partner I was assigned to had delayed my onboarding for three months.   

Rather than leave me in limbo, the clinical hiring team graciously allowed me to briefly join their team. It turned out to be an invaluable experience, as it gave me insight into the meticulous dedication that department puts into matching the right clinician with the right clinic partner. 

Once my official onboarding began, everything fell into place seamlessly. The IT team had all systems up and running smoothly on my first day, enabling me to start seeing patients immediately.   

Furthermore, thanks to the efficient work of the Medical Staff Services team, my licensing and credentialing were already completed. This streamlined onboarding process allowed me to focus entirely on my patients from day one, without the burden of worrying about administrative paperwork. 

Q. How has your role evolved at Iris? 

A. I initially joined Iris as a clinician within one of our hospital systems. Having served in clinical leadership roles for an extended period of time, the transition back to direct patient care was a revitalizing experience. It reignited my passion and served as a poignant reminder of the meaningful impact we have on patients’ lives every day. 

As Iris expanded, particularly in the realm of psychotherapy, I was afforded the opportunity to not only continue my direct practice but also to support our clinicians across the organization. This presented an exciting chance to empower our colleagues and enhance their effectiveness in patient care.  

Each site we operate in is unique, with diverse demographics and challenges. Collaborating with our clinicians to overcome these obstacles and ensure patients receive the mental health care they deserve is immensely rewarding. 

Q. What are the benefits of being a telehealth provider? 

A. As a member of the Iris Telehealth team, I’ve seen firsthand the remarkable benefits of telehealth in mental health care. Through our clinic partners, I can reach individuals in remote areas, providing vital support that might otherwise be inaccessible.   

Telehealth’s convenience is undeniable. Eliminating travel requirements makes therapy more accessible and scheduling more flexible, enhancing client engagement and continuity of care. The reach of telehealth extends far beyond physical limitations. With Iris Telehealth, I can connect with diverse clients, contributing to broader mental health awareness and reducing stigma.  

Embracing telehealth has also fostered professional growth, requiring me to adapt and develop new skills to better serve our clients. Overall, as a telehealth provider with Iris Telehealth, I’m proud to deliver compassionate and effective care to those in need, while enjoying the flexibility and fulfillment this mode of practice offers. 

Q. How can telehealth providers foster connection with patients virtually? 

A. When I first started offering telehealth services, I had significant concerns about whether clinicians and patients could establish the necessary therapeutic relationship through a phone or computer screen. Would we, as clinicians, have access to the same cues like body language and non-verbal communication that we rely on in face-to-face sessions? 

To my pleasant surprise, the transition was smoother than I anticipated.  

Not only did telehealth make care more accessible to patients, but they also seemed much more at ease in their own environments. In traditional clinical settings, it often takes time for patients to acclimate and feel comfortable enough to open up.  

However, I’ve found that patients tend to share more readily from the comfort of their own homes, leading to a more efficient therapeutic process. 

Q. As a healthcare professional, how do you manage work-life balance? 

A. As a clinician, especially in private practice, work-life balance can be a very difficult tight rope to walk.  Although I had full control over my schedule and workload, it also required significant time and effort to handle administrative tasks, marketing, and managing patient bookings.   

This level of autonomy can sometime blur the boundaries between work and personal life, leading to potential challenges in achieving a healthy balance.  

On the other hand, working at Iris Telehealth provides a structure framework where administrative tasks are largely taken care of by our clinic partners. This structure allows me to focus more on patient care and less on the logistical aspects of the organization. Additionally, telehealth offers greater flexibility in scheduling and location, which can significantly help facilitate a better balance between work and personal life.     

Q. What are your biggest learnings from your time at Iris? 

A. During my time at Iris Telehealth, I’ve learned invaluable lessons that have shaped my approach to mental healthcare. 

I’ve realized the critical importance of accessibility and inclusivity in reaching underserved populations. Additionally, embracing telehealth has shown me the transformative power of technology in delivering personalized and innovative treatment.  

Collaborating with passionate colleagues has reinforced the value of teamwork, while navigating challenges has taught me adaptability and resilience. Overall, my experience at Iris has deepened my understanding of mental health delivery, equipping me with the skills to better serve my clients and community. 

Q.  What is the most rewarding part of your job? 

A. The most rewarding part of my job as a telehealth psychotherapist at Iris Telehealth is witnessing the positive impact I have on my clients’ lives. It’s incredibly fulfilling to see them make progress, gain insight, and overcome challenges they’re facing. Building a trusting therapeutic relationship and being a supportive presence in their journey towards mental wellness brings me immense satisfaction. 

Moreover, knowing that I’m able to provide accessible mental health care through telehealth adds another layer of fulfillment. Many of my clients might not have sought therapy otherwise due to barriers like location, mobility issues, or busy schedules.  

Being part of a company like Iris Telehealth that prioritizes accessibility and inclusivity in mental health care allows me to reach individuals who need support the most. 

Overall, the opportunity to make a positive difference in people’s lives and contribute to their well-being is the most rewarding aspect of my role with Iris Telehealth. 

Q. What do you love about working with Iris? 

A. There are several aspects of working for Iris Telehealth that I truly love.   

Firstly, I appreciate the company’s commitment to innovation and leveraging technology to improve mental health care delivery.  Being part of a forward-thinking organization that embraces telehealth allows me to provide convenient and accessible therapy to a diverse range of clients.    

Iris fosters a supportive and collaborative work environment. I value the sense of camaraderie among my colleagues and the opportunities for ongoing professional development and learning.  

The company prioritizes the well-being of its providers, offering resources and support to ensure we can deliver the highest quality of care while maintaining our own mental health. Iris’ dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion in both its workforce and the services it provides is evident in everything we do. It’s empowering to be part of a company that values and celebrates differences, ensuring that mental health care is accessible and culturally sensitive to all individuals. 

Q. Why do you think telehealth is important to the future of mental healthcare? 

A. Telehealth, especially with an organization like Iris Telehealth, is essential for the future of mental healthcare due to its ability to improve access, flexibility, and continuity of care. By breaking down geographical barriers, offering convenience, and enabling remote therapy, telehealth ensures more people can access therapy when they need it.   

Additionally, it helps address provider shortages and promotes innovation in treatment modalities.  Overall, telehealth, exemplified by Iris’ services, enhances the accessibility and effectiveness of mental health services, making it a crucial component of the future of healthcare. 

At Iris, we believe our providers should be respected, valued, and applauded for the work they do, and we couldn’t be more proud to say, “thank you” to our very own Don Napier II. If you’d like to learn more about working for Iris Telehealth, contact us today. 

Iris clinicians are at the heart of what makes our organization such a special place to work. That’s why we’re turning the spotlight on the amazing work they’re doing every day. This month, we’re sitting down to talk with Dr. Sophie Feller.   

Q. How did you find Iris and decide you wanted to be an Iris provider?

A. I was looking at different telehealth companies and Iris was one of the top companies that popped up. I kept seeing the name and I became more curious. I looked at the website and then I had the opportunity to interview.

It felt like a very organic process. I had heard only good things about Iris leading up to my interview and that has only continued to be born out – kind of an amazing place to work.

Q. How does telehealth compare to in-person care?

A. In some ways it’s incomparable in the sense that it is very different, but I don’t think different means that it’s qualitatively any better or worse. I’ve found that I am just as able to connect with patients via telehealth as I am in person.

There are certainly some things that are different. For example, you don’t have as many physical cues sometimes because you can’t necessarily see the person’s whole body – things like that at times are noticeable.

Overall, I’ve found it remarkable how easy it is to connect with people by telehealth and how receptive people are to telehealth as a platform and as a way to interact with a provider.

Q. How do you foster connection with patients virtually?

A. I connect with patients the same way I would in person, honestly. I work in an emergency room setting mostly with people who are in crisis.

Oftentimes I foster connection by trying to present how I actually feel, which is calm and wanting to be present for the person. That comes across more than I would’ve expected – just as it might in person.

How one presents oneself, listening, and being empathetic and reflective – all of those things are very human, and they don’t change that much between telehealth and in person.

I try to stay true to myself and I found that I’m able to connect just as well by telehealth.

Q. As a healthcare professional, how do you manage work-life balance?

A. I think the most important thing is to handle work-life balance with intention. I am very intentional about the time I have away from work and how I want to spend it. When I am at work, I feel fully present and engaged. And when I am not at work, I do as much as I can to disconnect and be present in the other parts of my life.

I have times that I set aside to exercise, and I am always making time to be outside and to spend time with loved ones, friends, and family. For me, the most important ingredient is being intentional about having time away from work and using it in ways that help me feel balanced.

Q. What is the most rewarding part of your job?

A. The most rewarding part is, at Iris, we’re serving people who really need our help. We can facilitate psychiatric care to settings where at times people might not otherwise be able to receive care. We’re breaking down some of those barriers and making care accessible.

Connecting with patients is always the most rewarding and meaningful – and families when I have the opportunity to do that – which is actually quite frequently.

It’s also rewarding to have amazing colleagues and to feel so supported — that is very restorative and motivating for me to feel so energized by my colleagues.

Q. What do you love about working with Iris?

A. I’ve really found my professional home with Iris, and in large part that’s due to the people who work at the company. For example, overnight we have telehealth care coordinators who help us to navigate administrative issues with the health systems where we’re seeing patients and those people have become colleagues and friends.

For example, one of them I recently picked up from the airport and drove her and her family to their hotel because they were visiting the city where I live, and we had lunch. It has been amazing how much, not only I’ve been able to connect with patients, but also with colleagues in a virtual environment.

I feel like overnight we’ve become a kind of little family and we have gotten to know each other. Because there’s a smaller staff onsite at the hospitals overnight, I also feel like I’ve gotten to know some of the staff at the hospital.

It does feel very collegial, very friendly, and I feel very happy.

Q. Why do you think telehealth is important to the future of mental healthcare?

A. Telepsychiatry is the now of behavioral health care. It is the future, but I also think we need it now and we need more of it. There are so many barriers to people accessing mental health care and getting to a place where there could be an appointment.

Transportation, cost – there are so many reasons that people are unable to access care and I think for many people telehealth eliminates many of those barriers. I think the more telehealth that we can do, the better because we’re giving care to people who might not otherwise get it.

Q. What advice would you give someone new to telehealth?

A. Embrace it! Let go of any preconceived notions that you might have about what it is or what it isn’t because I never thought I would feel so connected to my colleagues with telehealth.

I’ve had the opportunity to meet colleagues in person and that has been hugely rewarding. I incorrectly assumed I would feel more isolated, and I don’t feel isolated at all. I feel very connected.

In terms of patient care, I would encourage anyone considering telehealth to leave space for the idea that it is just as possible to connect with people in a virtual environment as it is in person, because that’s certainly what I found.

Those interactions can still be really profound and really meaningful.

At Iris, we believe our providers should be respected, valued, and applauded for the work they do, and we couldn’t be more proud to say, “thank you” to our very own Dr. Feller. If you’d like to learn more about working for Iris Telehealth, contact us today.

Iris clinicians are at the heart of what makes our organization such a special place to work. That’s why we’re turning the spotlight on the amazing work they’re doing every day. This month, we’re sitting down to talk with Betty Bell, one of our incredible LCSWs.     

Q. How did you find Iris and decide you wanted to be an Iris provider? 

A. It was about three years ago when I moved to Minnesota. I was flipping through the internet, saw a job opportunity, and applied for it. I didn’t think I’d like telehealth because I liked the in-person connection. However, I did a lot of research and saw that telehealth is just as effective as in-person care, especially with some of the modalities I use in therapy. I decided to try it, and I really like it. 

Q. How does teletherapy compare to in-person care?  

A. I specialize in trauma. I work with a lot of individuals that have trauma, and EMDR has been very effective. I researched before I took the job because I wanted to make sure I could serve the clients I work with, and the research said it was effective.  

I use bilateral music stimulations instead of tapping or other devices that can be used in this treatment. Those have been effective. Patients have been able to use those outside of sessions as well. It’s light music with bilateral stimulations in it, which helps them process. 

Telehealth is an asset, especially when patients live in a city where they struggle with transportation or stay home with their kids. They don’t have to load up the children and then drop them off at daycare or go to therapy. They’re able to get services right within their home. 

A lot of times when I work with people, that’s their safe place. That’s where they feel comfortable.  

I think telehealth creates fewer barriers for them to get therapy versus in-person – in-person takes gas to get there and pre-scheduling – telehealth saves a lot of time out of the patient’s day. 

Q. How do you foster connection with patients virtually? 

A. I firmly believe that building rapport right out of the gate is key in therapy. As we’re talking and communicating, if there’s anything that the patient’s not feeling comfortable with or they don’t think we have a connection, I ask them to let me know right away so we can connect them to someone they connect with.   

Because a lot of times in therapy, if you don’t have that rapport and connection, it’s not going to be as effective. We usually talk about that right away. I haven’t had anyone that didn’t like that approach. I meet them where they’re at, start with a basic conversation, and then build a connection that way. And then things lead into more details of the things they’re experiencing. 

Q. As a healthcare professional, how do you manage work-life balance? 

A. I’m in my later forties, and I remember being a social worker in my twenties, where stress was more impactful. What I’m finding as I am older is that therapy is my passion. It doesn’t feel like work. It’s my calling – it’s what I’ve chosen to do. 

A lot of the times, with the people we serve, if they cross my mind outside the session, I’ll send them positive vibes, healing, or great thoughts. But I don’t take a lot of work home. I also exercise, get massages, and do a lot of self-care outside of the session, which also helps. It makes a difference when this work is what you’re called to do. 

Q. What is the most rewarding part of your job? 

A. I had a client who crossed my mind, and I couldn’t remember her name. Sometimes, it gets tricky, and suddenly, her name crosses my mind. Two weeks later, she messaged me. I didn’t have her contact information, but she remembered my number. That was pretty cool. 

I got to ask, “Hey, how are you?” “Are you still in this location?” “How are the kids?” We briefly touched base, and she’s doing well.  

She’s stayed in the community for three years. She is working, and her sons seem to be thriving. Before, they were struggling with homelessness. She struggled with addiction issues, and her mental health was pretty poor.  

The power of connection is really what therapy is all about. So, having a patient cross your mind and then suddenly they find you and reach out. That was amazing to me. 

Q. What do you love about working with Iris?  

A. Iris has created a platform where you’re connected to an agency where there’s a connection. That’s powerful. I adore the agency that I’m placed with. It’s in a different state, and they have a different community, and I really embrace that and enjoy that.  

I’ve worked with Iris for about two and a half years and have all the support I need. My supervisor’s a phone call, text, or message away. We meet on a regular basis. I get all the training I need.  

I can’t say enough about my connection with the agency where they placed me. I adore my supervisor there. They’re so supportive and appreciative. She often just says, “I appreciate you,” and I’ll tell you, that goes miles.  

I wouldn’t really work for Iris or even the agency I was placed with if I didn’t have those connections and that support and that extra training. I’ve been really pleased with even the environment. It’s been very positive, not negative. It’s really a great place to work. I’ve been very pleased. 

Q. Why do you think teletherapy is important to the future of mental healthcare? 

A. COVID-19 brought a lot of good things, even though it was a difficult time as well. Telehealth became even more important during that time when people were isolated.  

They couldn’t connect to services they probably needed. I think it opened a window for therapists.  

I think telehealth is here to stay. The way you can network between states – you can be in one state and be licensed to provide care in another state – the connections you can make are so powerful.  

When I talk to some of my clients, the chances of us meeting are like zero, but we get to be a part of each other’s journey and experience. Telehealth has opened a vast area for not only our clients, but for our professionals. It’s pretty exciting to watch. 

Q. What advice would you give someone new to telehealth? 

A. Embrace it and roll with the process. At first, I remember I was kind of nervous. Like, “Am I going to be able to keep up with the computer or network? It just seems like everything fell into place and I always had IT support.  

They’re always a phone call away, and even sometimes the clients will get maybe anxious, like, “I can’t hear you very well,” so we’ll adjust or maneuver things. But again, it’s just part of the process.  

So just embracing it and working with whatever obstacles may come. I think that you’re going to be able to see the fruition as you continue to just be relaxed and follow the process. I’m sold on it.  

At Iris, we believe our providers should be respected, valued, and applauded for the work they do, and we couldn’t be more proud to say, “thank you” to our very own Betty Bell. If you’d like to learn more about working for Iris Telehealth, contact us today. 

Iris clinicians are at the heart of what makes our organization such a special place to work. That’s why we’re turning the spotlight on the amazing work they’re doing every day. This month, we’re sitting down to talk with Elaina Najera, one of our incredible LCSWs.   

Q. How did you find Iris and decide you wanted to be an Iris provider?

A. I was looking at all the available online positions at different job hosting sites. I located Iris and thought, “Telehealth, I could do that. I’ve done that already.”

Then, when I did the initial meeting with Iris, and they started telling me about the organization, I was immediately sold on the ability to work from home and to work for some of the most disenfranchised folks. That’s a huge issue for me. Serving communities that aren’t normally served appealed to me.

Another thing that was huge was the competitive pay. That was another factor in considering this job. When I thought through the first couple of interviews, I realized this job was what I wanted. 

Q. How does teletherapy compare to in-person care?

A. I have been a social worker for at least 15 years and did in-person care. Then, with the advent of COVID-19 and a public health emergency, the state allowed for telehealth and expanded the ability. Initially, at the start of the pandemic, I was in case management work, not direct client service therapy.

Then, I switched mid-pandemic to doing therapy full-time, and it was all by telephone. I couldn’t even use Zoom at that location. It was very different. Comparing the two, no matter where I am, who I am, and where I’m at, I’m always the same person. I’m authentic, and I will be the same caring provider that I am, whether in person or using telehealth.

Telehealth has expanded my ability to provide care to people I usually wouldn’t have been able to reach as an in-person provider.

I’m a huge advocate for telehealth because I feel like the relationships can be just as deep and meaningful. In a therapeutic setting, the relationship is huge. It’s a huge part of the change cycle and folks’ ability to grow and build health in their life.

Even through telehealth, I can build those same strong relationships with my clients that I had while I was an in-person provider as well.

Q. How do you foster connection with patients virtually?

A. In person, you can see more of their environment. Sometimes, you can latch on to different things. Fostering a virtual connection means being authentic and genuine with what you are and who you are and acknowledging that sometimes there will be technology issues. Sometimes, there will be connectivity issues, and rolling with that when that happens.

By doing telehealth, I can see into people’s homes, which you’re not typically able to see, and see how people function in their homes in a traditional setting as a therapist. I can see pictures in the background and say, “Oh, that’s interesting.” Or they might say, “My room is super messy right now – ‘this’ is what’s going on.”

That fosters a relationship to say, “Okay, so what’s going on emotionally, mentally, that your room is in this state?” Virtually, it’s about being authentic. That’s one thing I will always come back to.

I am open to questions because sometimes your patients do not see your office. For example, they see my blurred virtual background. They’re not seeing all the things that tell them about me that they might see in an in-person setting. That’s why I’ll wear fun earrings, and then they’ll ask about it, and we joke about things and share. For me, engagement is huge for fostering that connection.

Q. As a healthcare professional, how do you manage work-life balance?

A. Since joining Iris, my work-life balance has been so much better. Getting rid of a commute has transformed my life and being home when I’m done with work. Managing a work-life balance for me is important because I am also a caregiver to my sister, who has some health issues.

So, being available to take her where she needs to go and do those things after work is important to me. One of the ways I manage my work-life balance is when my computer is off, I’m not working. I don’t have Zoom on my phone; I don’t check my emails when I’m off work. I’m grateful to be in a setting without being on call or having things to worry about.

That was a huge selling point for me with Iris – it’s more like traditional therapy. You are a therapy provider because you’re not on call or responding to crises and emergencies. I have a history of working in residential treatment. When you’re working in residential, it’s always a crisis.

As I’ve grown with Iris in the last six or seven months, I’ve had a new sense of calm and peace about my work life. That’s wonderful for me. I also make sure to schedule time off, be proactive about that time off, and make that a priority for myself and my family. I also make sure I take my breaks.

Someone asked me, “How do you do it when you have four or five sessions back-to-back?” I say, “I do the 50-minute therapeutic hour, and then I have 10 minutes to write a note or pet one of my cats, make a cup of tea, take a break, walk around in my living room, and listen to a song.”

One of my life passions is K-Pop, which has been for about 20 years. To manage and enjoy my life, I’ll listen to a K-pop song and find peace between sessions so I can show up and be the best person for my clients.

Q. What is the most rewarding part of your job?

A. The most rewarding part of my job is being able to serve folks who usually wouldn’t be able to access care. I have a caseload of at least five or six folks who are unhoused right now and are struggling to meet their basic needs. The rewarding part is meeting them where they’re at – if they are in a parking lot, parked in their car because that’s where they’re sleeping for the night. I can meet them there and provide therapy to them that way.

It’s rewarding to see a slight change. The way I look at it is there’s a spectrum of suffering, and if we can move that needle a little bit, we’re not going make huge changes overnight, especially when folks’ basic needs aren’t being met. Reducing that suffering for that day, week, or month is rewarding.

The rewarding part is there’s a social justice issue mixed in all of it. Some people would not be able to access care because of either being unhoused, being disabled, having mobility issues, or having transportation issues; being able to serve those populations and give back to a community is so rewarding.

Q. What does providing teletherapy to the unhoused community look like in practice?

A. Most folks in California, where I practice, have a government phone. The government phone allows them access for free for maybe a dollar a month. It’s very affordable. So, usually, they also have data, and we can do a Zoom call. If we can’t do a Zoom call, we do it by telephone.

I still provide the same care, compassion, and connection. I have some of the greatest relationships with folks who we only meet by phone, but they trust me, talk to me, and it’s a wonderful experience.

If they don’t have a private place to meet, say they’re in shared housing right now in the shelter, they go to the local behavioral health office in Nevada County where I work, and we set them up in a room with a Zoom or Team’s link. I have one patient right now who does it that way, so they’re afforded privacy in an office space.

Q. What do you love about working with Iris?

A. I love everything, but I particularly love the amount of support that I have. I have my Clinical Operations Manager, Katelyn Deckert, shout out to her. She was recently on maternity leave, so bless her for having her baby. Melissa Kennedy was able to cover during that time. I never felt like I didn’t have support. I always had support.

The other thing is that Iris has fostered such a good relationship with my clinic that my clinic trusts me. They trust Iris, and I feel like a valued professional. I have beautiful equipment that works wonderfully for the job. I have wonderful pay and benefits that are huge to me.

Medical benefits are another issue in our country for people who need medical coverage. To have it as part of my job is wonderful, too. I love telling folks, I work from home, and I get to provide therapy to people.” I love sharing that. I love telling people I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and do clinical social work every day from my own home.

That’s huge for me. That’s what I love about Iris. I got one of my close friends and confidants a position with Iris. She’s been on for three or four months now, and I’m working on getting as many other of my LCSW friends to come over.

Q. Why do you think teletherapy is important to the future of mental healthcare?

A. With the advent of the public health emergency of COVID, which we are still experiencing, COVID is still very existent. We saw that it is possible for folks to access care from home and access care in other ways than traditionally going into an office. You’re talking about travel time to an office, being in the office, waiting for the appointment, making the next appointment, leaving the office, and traveling back home.

For some folks, it’s a disability justice issue as well. Another area that I’m very passionate about is disability advocacy. We’re finding that more and more folks have been disabled by virtue of having COVID-19 infections. There’s a lot of long COVID happening, but disabled people have always existed, and they’re suddenly realizing that things do not have to be in person to have the same quality, care, and impact.

For me, it’s the future because it’s the most inclusive. It’s the option that will allow us to serve the most people. Some people have never been able to see a psychiatrist, but now they can because they can see one through telehealth from an Iris provider. To me, that’s amazing. That is the future.

Folks like me who are highly skilled in this field for a reason can reach more people via telehealth. It reduces barriers to getting treatment. That’s the future.

Q. What advice would you give someone new to telehealth?

A. My advice for someone new to telehealth is to be yourself. Practice with your equipment on someone else who’s not a client so you can get familiar with your equipment. Thankfully, Iris does that with you. You get to practice with IT when they set you up, and then you get to practice with your COM.

And remember, don’t ever think that telehealth is “less than.” There’s a stigma or a judgment that happens in the psychiatry and therapy community that somehow telehealth is less than. If you feel that as a provider, your clients and patients will feel that, too. Starting in telehealth, you need to honor telehealth for the sacred connection that it is and just as equal and valuable as an in-person session.

At Iris, we believe our providers should be respected, valued, and applauded for the work they do, and we couldn’t be more proud to say, “thank you” to our very own Elaina Najera. If you’d like to learn more about working for Iris Telehealth, contact us today.

Iris clinicians are at the heart of what makes our organization such a special place to work. That’s why we’re turning the spotlight on the amazing work they’re doing every day. This month, we’re sitting down to talk with Dr. Jean Oelschlager.

Q. How did you find Iris and decide you wanted to be an Iris provider?

A. I retired from my position in Wisconsin with community mental health in 2020 amid the pandemic. We moved to Arizona, and I planned to volunteer out here. During the pandemic, no one was accepting volunteers, particularly older volunteers. I thought I couldn’t just sit at home all the time. I needed to do something productive and useful. I thought about doing locums work again because I had done that work in the past, and I reached out to a couple of the companies I worked with, and they didn’t have anything that worked for me.

I wasn’t looking for a full-time job. I was looking for something where I could work two or three days a week because I wanted to retire or semi-retire. That didn’t pan out. I thought maybe I should check into telehealth.

I found Iris listed and read more about it. The more I learned about Iris, the more it seemed like it was a good fit for me because they were willing to be flexible with part-time hours, with the possibility that I might want to return to Wisconsin in the summers.

I like the mission to provide services to underserved areas. I like that Iris was started by a psychiatrist who saw this need and stepped up by starting the company. All those things were appealing, and the people I talked to were lovely, helpful people. It seemed like a really good fit. The process started at the beginning of 2021, and by September 2021, I started with the clinic in Missouri.

Q. How does telehealth compare to in-person care?

A. I’ve learned how to communicate better in the virtual world with patients. You have to be more tuned into eye contact and be more verbal about what you’re doing when you’re looking away so they know what you’re doing if you work with two screens.

I have one screen for the Zoom call and the other for the medical record. I’ll tell them if I’m doing something else, like ordering medications. They can see that when you’re in an office setting, but they can’t when you’re virtual. You have to be more mindful to let patients know when you’re not looking at them what’s happening. You give them time for them to answer.

The other thing that has worked well with my setup with Iris and the clinic in Missouri is that patients come into the clinic.

I don’t do virtual visits in their homes. They come in and get their vitals. We do PHQ-9s and AIMs, and then the nurse scans it so that I can see everything. I have a designated nurse that I’ve worked with throughout my time at the clinic. She knows my routine. She’s that physical presence for me, an extension of me. And that has worked really well.

Because sometimes she can see things that I can’t necessarily see and can alert me to that. I know not every situation with telehealth works that way, but I’m really happy that’s how it worked out. I value that team approach and that she’s there in person to connect with patients and see things that I might not catch virtually.

Q. How do you foster connection with patients virtually?

A. Eye contact is probably the biggest thing. Also, using the staff that’s physically present in the clinic to reach out to patients. For example, we had a patient who had postpartum depression, and I was concerned about her. We connected her with one of our therapists, who contacted her between my visits to see how she was doing.

The other thing that’s really nice about my setup is that it’s a primary care clinic. So most of the providers in the clinic are primary care, and then they have a behavioral health and substance use department, too. It’s happened more than once that a patient comes in to see me, and they are medically ill. They either have an upper respiratory infection or a UTI, or something needs to be addressed.

My nurse will try to get them in to see one of the primary care providers around our appointment. That way, the patient (particularly if it’s a more acute situation where we’re really concerned about them) can be seen and get their issue addressed either right before I see them or right after. That holistic approach creates a good relationship with patients that they appreciate. I appreciate it, too, because I know they’re getting their needs met in other areas.

Q. As a healthcare professional, how do you manage work-life balance?

A. The biggest thing is that at my stage now, I can say I’m only going to work two days a week. That was really an important part of coming back to work. I had been doing this for 30+ years and wanted to do other things, not just work full-time. That was one of the things with doing telehealth and joining Iris, was Iris being flexible enough to say, “Yes, we can find something where you can just work two days a week.”

I wasn’t interested in doing call anymore. I did that for years – been there, done that. I put my time in doing call. I wanted something where I could do outpatient work a few days a week without worrying about the call.

Not to say that I never would get a call. There have been instances where a question came up on a patient, and the clinic would call me on my non-work days. But that’s extremely rare. It may only have happened a couple of times in the two years I’ve been working.

Being able to do just the two days a week has worked really well because it’s allowed me to do other things. One of the things we enjoy doing out here is hiking. We’ve got a hiking group that we do regularly—staying active. The climate here is conducive to that, except in the middle of July.

Even then, you have to get up really early. I still do that and walk at least two miles daily every morning. I just get up really early when it’s hot. I think what we tell our patients is to stay healthy. Work is important, and I think that it helps me to stay mentally active, feel productive, and like I’m still contributing.

I’m volunteering at a couple of places, which has been great meeting the people in the community, making new friends, and staying active socially. All those things are important.

Q. What is the most rewarding part of your job?

A. I would say seeing patients get better or having that “aha moment” where they connect how they can change their thinking or behavior that will make life better for them.

Q. What do you love about working with Iris?

A. The flexibility. The staff I’ve worked with have been wonderful and helpful—for example, the IT folks. I’ve had a couple of times where stuff didn’t work, and I was sending texts because of the time difference between Missouri and Arizona. I was texting them early in the morning, “This isn’t working, and I have patients starting at this time. I need help right away.” Then, within minutes I was getting help.

That’s been consistent because it’s happened several times. I’m not a tech guru by any means, and that’s probably my greatest anxiety is wondering, “What’s going to happen with the computer? Or, is there going to be some upgrade or downgrade?” The IT staff have been wonderful. The supervisory folks, like Melissa Kennedy are wonderful.

I had an accident where I was hit by a car while I was out walking last year, and I broke my back, leg, and pelvis. I was in a wheelchair for six weeks. Iris was very understanding, and the clinic understood that I had to get better. After three weeks of not working, I was so bored because I was wheelchair-bound.

The clinic and Iris helped me figure out a schedule where I would work just a few hours a day. I’d work a couple of hours, then I’d rest a couple of hours, and then I started seeing patients again after three weeks, even though I was still in the wheelchair. That’s another example of the flexibility that I value both with the clinic and with Iris. That was wonderful.

I’ve had a miraculous recovery, and that’s amazing. I feel very blessed, but that was being able to just work a little bit for probably a month to six weeks until I was more ambulatory. That was good for my mental health, too. Because I was homebound, unless my husband would load me up with a wheelchair to take me somewhere, which was a big to do, that flexibility was very important and helpful.

Q. What advice would you give someone new to telehealth?

A. I would say find the right company that will support you. It’s important to have a team behind you to help with credentialing and vetting potential clinics that you might be working for. The IT component – Iris has been great about providing the equipment and helping with getting licensing and malpractice coverage. I think that’s probably my biggest thing is just finding the right fit with a company that can give you that support and help getting started.

At Iris, we believe our providers should be respected, valued, and applauded for the work they do, and we couldn’t be more proud to say, “thank you” to our very own Dr. Jean Oelschlager. If you’d like to learn more about working for Iris Telehealth, contact us today.

Iris clinicians are at the heart of what makes our organization such a special place to work. That’s why we’re turning the spotlight on the amazing work they’re doing every day. This month, we’re sitting down to talk with Dr. Valerie King-Ernst.

Q. How did you find Iris and decide you wanted to be an Iris provider?

A. I had been getting inundated with emails from telehealth companies. Iris was one of them. I spoke with a few companies, but what led me to choose Iris is that when I met with or spoke with one of the individuals on the team, they were personable, and they made me feel like as a provider – if I worked with Iris – I would be looked after, and have a support team in place.

When I spoke with other telehealth companies, they sold it by saying, “You’ll have a lot of autonomy.” While I wanted that autonomy, I also wanted a team behind me. I didn’t feel like I would get that with other places.

Q. How does telehealth compare to in-person care?

A. The biggest difference is not having to travel. That’s the best thing. There isn’t anything that can beat that. Not having to travel allows me time to get situated to go over a chart, maybe run down all the patients and see like, “Okay, I might use this with this person, I might use that with that person.”

Not to say that I don’t do that when I’m in the outpatient setting or having to travel to a place, but I feel like when you’re in traffic, things can get a little stressful because you’re traveling in rush hour traffic and sometimes that can get a little tense for people. And when you don’t have to do that, that’s one less stressor, one less thing to worry about.

Working from home allows you to focus on getting ready for the day and getting prepared for the day when you can do it from home.

Q. How do you foster connection with patients virtually?

A. I have to be honest with you, I do nothing different than what I do inpatient or in person except, of course, I do ask them if they’ve done telehealth before. I also make sure to remind them that this is confidential, and I explain all of that to them.

In terms of developing a rapport, if it’s the first visit, I’ll introduce myself, and then I make sure I maintain eye contact. I greet them with a smile when they first sit down, and sometimes, I’ll find one thing they’ve said, and I’ll try to let them know that. I may share something that’s not too personal about myself but something they might be able to relate to so they know I understand what they’re saying.

And then I do a lot of empathic listening where I repeat back to them what they’ve said or paraphrase what they’ve said so they know that I’m here, I’m listening. I don’t just do that with telehealth. I do that all the time. I paraphrase what they said and ask, “Did I get that right?”

At the end of an initial visit, I always thank them for sharing their story. And that, for me, is a way of building rapport. So they know, “I appreciate that you came and you talked to this stranger for the first time, and you are sharing all this information.”

Then, on subsequent visits, I always make sure to remember key things they said and say, “Oh, okay, that’s right. Because you said, your daughter had a soccer game after that. How did that go?” So they know they’re not just a symptom to me. They are somebody that I care about, and I want to get to know them.

Q. As a healthcare professional, how do you manage work-life balance?

A. I make sure that I’m done by a certain time. I generally get all my work done before I have to sign off. The reason why I’m doing telehealth is to allow myself to have more time with my family.

I make time to stop work at a certain time. I try to stop at least no later than a couple of hours after my last patient.

Q. What is the most rewarding part of your job?

A. Particularly in this position, I would say that I get to work with underserved communities. I’ve worked in areas where I have worked with people that had communities that had a lot of the resources, like very well-to-do communities.

You can see the difference. They have the resources and places where they can be referred to for additional support in the community. However, working in an underserved community is more gratifying for me because a lot of times, when I’m talking to my patients, I realize they don’t know about a lot of the resources available.

I had a patient last month who had food insecurity. She was saying that she can’t spend much on medications. They don’t have money to eat or anything. They don’t have food in the house.

I went online and asked her, “Do you know if there’s a food bank in your area?” And she didn’t. I did obviously talk about churches, but then I Googled a food bank for her. Then, I put that information in the after-visit summary.

I had a patient whose kid had special needs. They were talking about everything they have to deal with in terms of that. So, I went online and looked up a special needs organization in their community, and then I put that in the after-visit summary. That’s what I like about working with underserved communities.

When I work with communities with a lot more, they already have those services. Like, “Oh yeah, my kid is in this, my kid is in that.” But when you’re working with the underserved communities, they don’t really have all those resources, and they don’t know where to find them.

It is gratifying to be able to do the extra research for them.

Q. What do you love about working with Iris?

A. Having clinical managers. I can focus more on patient care. There’s always these political machinations that go on behind the scenes, and having a clinical manager I can say, “This is a concern.” It allows me to focus more on patient care. Then they can take the concern to the clinic, and I don’t have to worry about the other in-between stuff. I can go ahead and focus on patient care. So that’s a plus for sure.

And also building relationships with them is good too because they’re good people. So that is one of the good things about it.

Q. Why do you think telepsychiatry is important to the future of mental healthcare?

A. Thirty years ago, there were more community mental health centers. We have fewer now. A lot of them have shut down due to lack of funding. There’s a shortage of psychiatrists and mental health providers. Telepsychiatry is important because now we get to reach those communities that do not have those services. Access is very important.

Q. What advice would you give someone new to telehealth?

A. I would tell them to take advantage of all that telehealth has to offer because it allows you more time to spend with family because you don’t have to worry about commuting. And it allows you to focus more on patient care. Take that in and appreciate that you have that advantage over those people that are not doing telehealth.

At Iris, we believe our providers should be respected, valued, and applauded for the work they do, and we couldn’t be more proud to say, “thank you” to our very own Dr. Valerie King-Ernst. If you’d like to learn more about working for Iris Telehealth, contact us today.

Iris clinicians are at the heart of what makes our organization such a special place to work. That’s why we’re turning the spotlight on the amazing work they’re doing every day. This month, we’re sitting down to talk with Dr. Carissa Cabán Alemán.

Q. How did you find Iris and decide you wanted to be an Iris provider?

A. I came across Iris because of a referral from a great friend. Her name is Dr. Marialba Romero. We attended the same medical school in Puerto Rico. I was considering telehealth in the process of readaptation instead of just finding a regular job here that required me to see patients in person, and she recommended Iris. It was the main reason why I decided to apply because she had a really good experience here.

Q. How does telehealth compare to in-person care?

A. Frankly, when I was in residency, I heard that some colleagues were practicing telepsychiatry, which was pretty new back then. I was concerned because I thought the interaction would be so different, and in some ways, it is.

But I’ve realized across the years, especially after the pandemic began, we had to transition to telehealth that it works well, and you can establish a good interaction with patients that doesn’t feel cold and detached like I thought it would when I was a resident (I was very interested in psychotherapy and psychoanalysis back then). I’ve had really strong professional relationships developed with patients over telehealth.

I’ve changed my mind a lot about it. It’s been a great experience, especially because of the convenience for the patients and us. When patients can’t commute and when they have situations, it’s much easier for them to accommodate their schedule to see us. It provides better quality of care for those who have the privilege of having internet and good access to technology because of that saving of time.

Q. How do you foster connection with patients virtually?

A. You have to focus more on listening and show that you’re making a bigger effort with non-verbal facial cues. Paying attention to the eye contact and establishing that look, instead of just writing notes or doing something else, at least in the beginning, to really demonstrate that you’re listening a little bit deeper than in person because you don’t have the full presence of the person there. That’s one of the main techniques.

Then, techniques we use for basic interviewing skills that should always be utilized, but in telehealth, are very important—for example, rephrasing, summarizing for the patient, making sure that we understand them well by repeating what they said and developing a person-centered care relationship.

I’m lucky to be trained in community psychiatry, so we focus on recovery-oriented and patient-centered care. Those skills come in handy, sometimes even more with telehealth.

Q. As a healthcare professional, how do you manage work-life balance?

A. Since working in telehealth, it’s much easier now because I had a demanding academic full-time job before I made this transition. I work with Iris part-time right now. So, I have a lot more time to develop my interests in other areas of mental health that I didn’t have the chance to explore when I was a full-time professor working at the university and seeing patients.

Working with Iris a couple of times a week gives me a flexible schedule to dive into other areas and have more time to practice mindfulness, which is very important for me, and connect with nature, which is another big priority. It wasn’t easy to find the time to be out in nature when I worked 40 hours a week or more.

It’s not only about the part-time but also the fact that I don’t have to commute. I live in a very rural place in the mountains, so I can walk on my break after lunch, or if I have a no-show or finish on time with a patient, I can take a break and go for a walk and come back. That wouldn’t have happened in my prior job. I value that a lot. It makes a big difference.

Q. What is the most rewarding part of your job?

A. Seeing the patients get better. That’s always the most rewarding part. When they tell you certain things about how their quality of life is improving, when you make that click and that connection, when empathy is felt by them in your work, and then they tell you how they’re doing or they say thank you.

One of the things that I love about this job, at least with the place where I work, is that the agency Iris connected me with is very interested in providing good quality care. They allow me enough time to provide psychotherapy and not just medication management if necessary.

I also have a lot of Spanish speaking patients that have language capacity, and those patients don’t have access to therapy where they live. I provide that in addition to medication management if necessary. I value that a lot.

It’s rewarding seeing them get better, for example, this patient was having some problems with her teenage kids, and now she’s interacting with them a lot better and feeling much more capable of enjoying her time with her family. And so that kind of thing gives me the most satisfaction.

Q. What do you love about working with Iris?

A. The capacity I have to help different populations in different places. The fact that I don’t have to commute and I can live close to my family and be here. That I have an opportunity for a solid job where I have a good quality of care and a good situation in terms of the time that I have for patients without having to commute and dress up and drive and all of that. It saves me time.

I’m also a psychiatrist working on activism and educational projects about the impact of climate change on mental health. Not commuting decreases my carbon footprint and helps me not negatively impact nature. I appreciate that a lot.

Q. Why do you think telepsychiatry is important to the future of mental healthcare?

A. It’s the way that society is functioning right now. It’s the present, and it’s not even the future anymore. It’s part of a network of resources we need to utilize to increase access to care.

It’s not perfect, and I always sincerely get concerned about the lack of access many patients still have when they don’t have a computer or a cell phone. For example, people experiencing homelessness.

Of course, we still have to provide good quality care in person, and not all patients enjoy seeing us through the camera or are capable of it. But, all of the other patients that are cognitively capable and want to see us this way it’s a huge advantage that increases access to care and quality of care.

There’s no going back. This platform will be more prevalent as we go into the future.

Q. What advice would you give someone new to telehealth?

A. Make sure that you use it as a way to establish more work-life balance, not less. Working with Iris gives you more opportunity to find ways to have a more balanced work-life schedule. So, make sure you’re doing it for that.

Then, of course, try to take your breaks. I think about physical health as well. We need to stretch and stand up. It’s also important to connect with colleagues through the grand rounds and all the opportunities that Iris gives us to connect with others doing the same work so we don’t isolate ourselves.

If we only do the work and sit in a room the whole day, it can be a little bit isolating if we don’t use the company’s resources and other resources like connecting locally with professional associations and, of course, with our friends and family.

At Iris, we believe our providers should be respected, valued, and applauded for the work they do, and we couldn’t be more proud to say, “thank you” to our very own Dr. Carissa Cabán Alemán. If you’d like to learn more about working for Iris Telehealth, contact us today.