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. Paul Vance.

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

A: I worked in a community mental health center for about a dozen years, and in 2016 I decided to move to the West coast with my family. My daughter just graduated high school. I loved the job I came from, but I didn’t like the job that I went to in Oregon. We’d already purchased a house, and at that point, you’re stuck. I looked around and found Iris. I’d had a great job for about 12 years and then a not-so-great job for 18 months. I didn’t look at Iris as “I hope they hire me.” I looked at Iris instead, asking, “am I going to work there, and will I enjoy it?”

I had a great interview and then looked on the internet about what other providers were saying about Iris, and it was positive. I initially joined Iris thinking I would do it until I found something else I liked, but I rapidly fell in love with Iris and haven’t looked elsewhere.

Q. How does telepsychiatry compare to in-person work?

A: I’m working at a community mental health center in Mississippi, and before, I worked at a community mental health center in person. The jobs are very similar to each other. The difference is, safety-wise, my wife is a lot happier where I’m working now. In 12 years, I’d taken a gun from a patient who pointed one at me, a box cutter, and a set of knives. I did a lot of state hospital step-downs and court-ordered treatment, and many times people weren’t very happy with you when you’re doing that. I don’t have that problem now. I don’t have to worry about someone following me home or knowing where my kids are going to grade school.

That’s a big difference. It’s just simply safer from that point of view. The other part that’s different from it is you have a lot more time. I walk into work at 8:50 or 8:55. Before it would’ve been 8:15, I would’ve left the house. I probably wouldn’t have gone to the gym before work because it was too long to drive. Then you have to shower. Time-wise, you may work the same number of hours, but you save several hours per day just simply not doing the stuff you did when driving someplace. As far as working with nurses and patients, you all forget that you’re on a computer. I send pictures to the nurses of my dogs. They send me pictures of their kids. It goes back and forth. It’s about the same as what it is when you work in an office.

Q. How do you foster connection with patients virtually?

A: I think fostering a connection virtually is easier. That may be due to the patient load I like treating. I like treating people with severe mental illnesses like schizophrenia and severe bipolar disorder. These patients are often more comfortable because you’re not in the room. They like the idea that they’re by themselves. You’re not going to see them in the community. I was quite surprised by that. But, often, it’s just simply easier, and that goes for patients without severe mental illness, too. Quite a few patients are more comfortable talking to you when you’re not there rather than if you’re actually in the room with them.

That means sometimes giving you personal information they might be more uncomfortable giving. For example, I think it’s easier for someone to say, “I do methamphetamines” and “I drank a lot of alcohol,” if you’re not there. I think it’s surprising for me. At first, I thought it would be difficult to connect, and it’s actually far easier.

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

A: I helped lead a lot of other physicians when I worked at the community mental health center. One thing is you have to have interests that don’t have anything to do with being a physician. I’ve been married for a long time. We have a freezer full of mushrooms that we pick from the woods. We do a lot of gardening. We forage for plants. We hike our dogs. We’ve coached soccer, cross country, and track. I’ve helped a couple of teams win state championships. It’s more about having an interest that you’re simply interested in. That way, when you finish work, you don’t sit down and veg out but are excited to do something else. That’s part of it.

And then the other part I’ve seen this with virtual physicians and then in-person physicians is, if you’re not organized, if you don’t finish your notes quickly, and practice writing notes well, what happens is you’ll see many physicians spend several hours after they finish work on notes. That doesn’t have anything to do with the computer, but that drains you.

I always make sure my notes are done before taking a break at lunch. Before I finish work at the end of the day, I’m done. And usually, if the work shift ends at five o’clock, I’m walking out the door by 5:05. Organization comes with it.
The last one is what I always tell patients. You should treat yourself as well as you treat your dog. Feed it well. Walk it every day. Get it up on time. Make it go to bed on time. Just live a healthy life, which helps you have an outside interest.

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

A: I like seeing people get better. When I entered medicine, I figured out pretty quickly that a lot of the specialties I simply did not want to do because they were focused on treating disease. I see people with severe mental illness, but that’s just a part of who they are. My big focus is I want you to live a healthier life. I want you to be better with your kids. I want you to be better with your community. I want you to get out and move. And when you see patients do that, to me, that’s the most rewarding part.

Q. What do you love about working with Iris?

A: Iris is pretty responsive. That was kind of scary at first because I could say, “Hey, I’m having an issue,” and somebody would call me within about three minutes. I wasn’t used to that. They’re interested in ensuring you’re happy, the clinic is happy, and everything is running smoothly. I was used to working in the community mental health center, where you have to throw a fit to get your computer fixed. That hasn’t happened with Iris. It just simply happens. I say, “I’ve got a problem,” and they fix it.

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

A: It’s already happened that way for the most part. If you’re in a rural community or live in an inner city, you will only get mental health care if you have a psychiatrist that’s being remoted in. I work in two towns in northern Mississippi, and their nearest physician is in Memphis. I think it’s an hour and a half away. They’re not going to do that. Many people don’t have cars; if they do, they can’t make an hour and a half drive. I grew up in a small town of 1,500. We never had a physician in the town. You never went to the doctor because the nearest physician was an hour away, and I grew up on a farm. That didn’t happen. Everybody’s moving to the cities, and those inner cities will need care, and telemedicine is the only way it will be provided. Then the rural communities are the same. For the people who are deciding to stay there, telemedicine is the only way they’re going to get care.

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

A: The big advice I would give is very practical. I have three screens. I look at the patient on one screen, and I have a second screen off to the left and a third screen off to the right. That’s the smallest advice you could give, but having an adequate screen, a keyboard that works, a mouse that you know, where it is, and having your printer where you can reach it, are crucial. I’ve talked to one other psychiatrist doing virtual, and I could see them looking at me because they were close to the screen, which meant I knew they had a small screen. That doesn’t work. The best thing is to organize your workspace, which is different from seeing a patient in person.

I wouldn’t even have the screen if I saw a patient in person. I wouldn’t even have a computer or a keyboard sitting in front of them. That part’s different. Office organization is the most important thing. Then, the other which I did with both sites is do whatever you need to do to have the site you’re working with allow you to access their medical record before you start working. Those two are practical.

On the flip side, it’s far easier to be organized in telepsychiatry than in person. You don’t have charts that you’re fooling around with. When you close the record out, it’s closed. That part makes it easy. You can take notes on the desk on the paper beside you if you need to. That part is easier, but it’s really not good if you’re not organized.

Q. What are some benefits you’ve found from working remotely?

A: I entered the relationship with Iris reluctantly. I was looking desperately to keep my house and still be able to work and not move. The only thing I would’ve done differently is I would’ve probably looked for Iris several years earlier. I can’t believe the lifestyle change in a very positive way. I hike every single day. I missed one day the last year in the national forest.

I moved from Oregon to Kentucky while working for Iris. Four years ago, when I moved from Kentucky to Oregon, I had to change jobs. I had to make sure all kinds of things were just done. When I moved from Oregon to Kentucky, I was still employed with Iris. It was simply a matter of taking a week’s vacation and plugging myself into a new room. That was such a lifesaver. It was unreal as far as timewise, money, and everything else. We may move again, but it’s easy when you’re not changing work.

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. Vance. 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 once of our incredible child psychiatrists, Dr. Manoela Denman.

Q. What does a typical day as an Iris Telehealth provider look like for you?

A: My clinic starts a little later in the day because I work on the west coast and live in Texas. I can wake up in the morning and go to the gym, work out, come home, shower, and then start my day, which I think is the best thing ever for quality of life. I see about 10-12 patients a day. Depending on my clinic, I have a lunch break that is a little bit longer, which is also good. I get done at the end of the afternoon like most people, and then I enjoy time with my family.

Q. How do you foster connection with patients virtually?

A: That can be challenging, especially as a child psychiatrist working with kids. You try to get to know them better, ask questions about what they enjoy doing and how they are doing, and some patients are more comfortable with a camera. Some other patients are very uncomfortable, so it takes a little time to get them to be able to speak with us and open up. But usually, in most cases, we’re able to connect pretty well.

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

A: I get to work out early in the morning, which is very rewarding. I get to spend time with my family, and working from home really allows me to do so much more than when I had to drive to the clinic and spend the entire day there. That’s what made me stay with Iris and continue working via telemedicine – I just completed four years with Iris. I really enjoy having all this flexibility and ability to spend time with family and get everything I need to get done during my day and still work an eight-hour shift. That is definitely a good thing.

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

A: One of the things that I had to learn was how to work from home on my own. Even though I’m interacting with people over the computer or the phone, one of the things you kind of lose from working remotely is the interaction with others at the office. You have to make sure you maintain a connection with the staff. Although you’re far from them, it’s important to maintain that connection by chatting here and there and asking about their lives. It’s also important to maintain your social relationships outside of work.

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

A: The most rewarding thing about being a child psychiatrist is helping people early on in life and helping change their trajectory so they don’t have to struggle with depression for years and years and get treatment later on. Sometimes there are experiences that they’re going to lose or miss. However, by helping them at an earlier age, we’re able to make sure that they can still finish school, go to prom, enjoy things, play the sports they want to play, and be more successful adults.

Q. What do you love about working with Iris?

A: One of the things I really enjoy about Iris is the way they treat their providers. One of the reasons I ended up signing with Iris was a very small gift I received. I was interviewing with different companies and had a pretty good offer from another company. I was thinking about working with them. But after my interaction with Adam, who was the VP at the time, I changed my mind. We talked very briefly about the things I like to watch, and at that time, I was really into “Better Call Saul.” Although I was not even going to stay with Iris, Adam Hemmen sent me this little gift, and I still have it here on my desk. I thought it was the cutest thing.

That’s what Iris is, always making sure they keep us in mind, sending us small gifts at Christmas or other times. It’s not really about how much it costs, but that they’re remembering and treating us nicely and making sure that we’re happy working here. That’s really, really important.

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

A: In the last four years of working with telepsychiatrists, I realized that there are not many psychiatrists, especially in smaller areas or towns. Telepsychiatry can make sure that people anywhere can get help. That’s very, very important. Of course, meeting somebody in person is amazing, and it’s a different connection, but it’s not possible. We don’t have that many psychiatrists, and we don’t have psychiatrists everywhere. Through telepsychiatry, we’re able to ensure that if you need help and are interested in getting help, you’re going to be able to get 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 Dr. Manoela Denman. 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 Serena Loh, PMHNP.

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

A: I found out about Iris through Indeed, where I was looking for telepsychiatry jobs. There was a job posting for a Mandarin-speaking Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). I signed up for that, and I got connected to Erin Schepmann.

Q. What does a typical day as an Iris Telehealth provider look like for you?

A: I work remotely from my home in Indiana and see patients at the Herald Christian Health Center in California. There’s a time difference of three hours, and I start my day at 11:30 a.m. and work until 8:30 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays. The day involves seeing patients for initial evaluations, which are one hour, and then follow-up sessions are 20-30 minutes. I do the scheduling myself because it’s the easiest when I can book the next appointment with the patient right there with me. It can be hard for the scheduler to get a hold of the patients after their appointment.

It’s very flexible for the amount of time I can see the patients. I work eight hours a day and will have some admin time and a little lunch break. I work very closely with my case manager assistant, Nicole Song. If I have any issues during the day, I’ll send her text messages, and she’ll help me coordinate, which is very helpful. I don’t feel like I’m working alone.

Q. How do you foster connection with patients virtually?

A: For a virtual session, I will explain what the session entails and let them know roughly how much time it takes. On the initial evaluation, I’ll set expectations for no-shows and let them know if there are any questions I ask them that are too personal or too sensitive to be talked about at the first session, they can tell me to skip it, and it’s totally fine. I also let them know if they’re thirsty, they’re welcome to drink water. That can put them at ease. Virtually, most patients will be sitting still, but some patients do different things during the session, which sometimes happens due to their situation. If they’re driving, I’ll ask them if they’ll be able to park soon, let them know we can hold on, or re-schedule if they need.

However, because I work with the low-income bracket in California, some patients don’t always have access to video calls on their phone or wifi capabilities, so sometimes I talk to them over the phone with the company’s app for calling. There is also a clinic within the site where they can go for video calls with me if they can get there.

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

A: Work-life balance is very important. For me, I try to do something I enjoy every day. Such as reading, exercising, or spending time with my loved ones. I think it’s important to have that self-care time and to set boundaries with checking emails and checking work stuff. On off days, I have to really set a physical, emotional, and mental limit on those.

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

A: I’ve been learning a lot from my two medical collaborators Dr. Margery Johnson and Dr. Regina Bahten. They’re both very instrumental to my clinical skills and growth as they supervise my work. I learn a lot from them, especially for complex cases. I learn about different ways of treatment and different approaches for conditions such as ADHD.

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

A: I think the most rewarding part of my job is having a good relationship with my clinical colleagues at Herald Christian Health Center. I’m very thankful that the health center is a perfect fit for me. And I enjoy working with them a lot because we know there’s a limit to how much we can help patients sometimes. Our role is to be a support and to help them as much as we can with treatment. However, at the end of the day, I feel like I’m part of a team working together for the patient, there’s a great sense of satisfaction – knowing that we all have the same goals, vision, and values.

Q. What do you love about working with Iris?

A: Iris is a very nice company to work for. I remember before I even joined Iris, they sent me a Christmas package, and I was so surprised. And then they sent me a birthday cake and a Christmas present last year. During my first month at Iris, my manager Melissa Kennedy sent me a gift basket of goodies – that’s a lot of goodies from Iris!

Iris is also very responsive to our needs and helps with any issues.

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

A: During the COVID-19 pandemic, facilities shut down, and people didn’t like to travel for fear of catching the virus. Telepsychiatry opens up many options for people who are home-bound, do not have a vehicle, or have difficulty getting transportation to a facility. It opens up access to providers because some places have a shortage of providers, and the wait time is very long, like three to four months. But if you have telepsychiatry, the pool is widened to all over the U.S., as long as the provider is licensed in that state.

Telepsychiatry also gives the patient a shorter waiting time. And, evidence has shown that telepsychiatry is just as effective as in-person psychiatry.

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 Serena Loh. 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 Veronica Im, an LCSW practicing in California.

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

A: It started with the pandemic. The pandemic made me think about how I can make sure I can do my work without putting my life at risk at the same time. I was looking more into telehealth, and I noticed that with the pandemic, it had shifted. There has been a lot of new technology that helps make telehealth work.

I thought being able to do this work in the comfort of my own home made more sense for me and allowed me to do the work I wanted to do without having to put myself out or make things more stressful for me, given everything that has gone on in the last few years.

Iris was one of the telehealth companies I was interested in working for. I decided to look more into it and applied, and that’s how I got to where I am now with Iris.

Q. What does a typical day as an Iris Telehealth provider look like for you?

A: I’m primarily doing intake assessments with clients seeking any kind of mental health services, whether it be therapy, psychiatry, case management, rehabilitation, or even substance use recovery services. I am one of the first clinicians they meet with. I gather everything from information about their past mental health history to how they’re doing now. Then, I make clinical assessments based on what I think might be the most appropriate for them, and being that I’m working with a county clinic, they tend to take more severely mentally ill patients. I have to differentiate who has severe symptoms or mild to moderate symptoms. Those I feel have severe symptoms qualify for care at this clinic. If they have mild to moderate symptoms, I refer them to their health plan, primary care physician, or another avenue to get mental health services. I’m that point clinician who guides them where they need to go.

I also do individual therapy. However, that tends to be the smaller portion because most of my work is intake assessments, which take more time. The clinic sets aside three hours for assessment, and they schedule individual therapy in between. I see anywhere between four to seven clients for individual therapy every week. For intake assessment, I’ll probably see between five to 10 people, depending on the schedule.

Then another thing I do within my role is a monthly video check-in with clients in the counties that are conserved. These would be the clients living in places like a board in care or an inpatient facility. They themselves aren’t able to make decisions on their own related to their finances or their healthcare. I do monthly video check-ins to see how they’re doing if their needs are met, how they’re managing their day-to-day, and the progress they make towards independence.

Q. How do you foster connection with patients virtually?

A: A part of what helps with connection is being there to listen to what’s going on in the present moment. As much as it’s nice to have someone you can meet with in person, for me, as long as I can maintain eye contact as much as I can, ask questions about how they’re doing, and reflect back on how they’re feeling to get a sense of what’s going on has helped foster that connection with clients. It shows with the clients I’ve met over the last year.

Often these clients haven’t really been in the mental health system. They’ve never seen a therapist or had this type of interaction with anyone before. Even doing sessions on the computer, even if it’s strange for them, it’s still someone who is listening and being there for them in a way they haven’t had support before. I try to show that I’m here, even though I’m not technically there. I think the clients see that.

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

A: Work-life balance, at least for me, is ongoing. It’s not set in stone. Having worked with Iris over the last year, I have found that work-life balance. It’s partially why I wanted to go into telehealth. In previous positions, it’s been challenging to manage self-care and find time for myself, my family, and other people in my life. Here, that’s something I’ve been able to manage because I’m not commuting anymore or worrying about getting home at a certain hour. It gives me time to separate work and home life.

In the position I had before Iris, I was out in the field every day. I was seeing clients in their homes, which also ate into my day. I felt like shifting from seeing clients at their homes and trying to find the time to do my notes and documentation to this job where I’ve been able to meet someone over telehealth, quickly document, and not have to spend an exhausting amount of time figuring out how to fit everything in one day has helped. Iris has been good about helping me manage that so far.

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

A: Other than being able to manage work-life balance, the biggest thing I’ve found rewarding is working with the clients in Tehama county. Before this job, I didn’t realize that so many rural areas of California or other parts of the state don’t have a lot of mental health services. Over the last year, I’ve learned that we are really needed in these areas. To be one of the clinicians who can help clients who have not really had mental health services before or who’ve been waiting forever to get mental health services, has been great.

Q. What do you love about working with Iris?

A: Being supported by staff has been amazing and maintaining a work-life balance. That’s what a lot of us strive for overall. I’ve found that here within Iris. I do a lot of work, and there are times when it is busy, but I don’t feel like I’m to the point of being overstressed, overworked, or burned out. There is this sense of being able to relax at the end of the day, and I don’t have to worry about all these other external factors that you would have in a job that is in person or requires you to drive. I definitely like being able to have that balance.

The staff I have worked with at Iris, for example, like David Mariano and Lauren Katz, have been really supportive in advocating for whatever I need. They check in with me once in a while to make sure that I’m continuing to be supported and that I’m happy with Iris. I appreciate that because it shows they care about the well-being of the clinicians here. There are a lot of organizations that don’t always prioritize clinicians. Iris does that, which I really enjoy.

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

A: Telepsychiatry is very important to the future of mental healthcare because it’s becoming more accessible to communities that cannot get care in person. For example, many clients really want mental health services, but what prevents them from getting that care is transportation, getting to the clinics, finding an appointment, and trying to balance that. Many people out there need therapy but don’t have the time to go somewhere for a therapy appointment. Telehealth, in general, is the future. You get to meet with a clinician without having to leave the comfort of your home or having to be somewhere else.

Telehealth makes things a lot quicker and a lot more accessible. As someone who has utilized telehealth in the past, it is very beneficial because I work full time, and it can be hard to find time to sit down and talk with someone about whatever’s going on. With telehealth, at least in my experience, providers have always been flexible with the times you can meet. It makes it easier to work on what you’re going through when you’re ready or have the chance to.

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

A: When comparing teletherapy to in-person care, there are certain differences. Of course, you have the aspect of someone being there with you in a room physically, compared to staring at someone on the screen. That’s a major difference. Outside of that, having worked in telehealth, I don’t see much of a difference because, at the end of the day, you’re still getting the same quality level of care you would receive if you met someone in person. The therapists have the same level of education and experience and can bring in their compassion and expertise through video. Outside of being physically in the room with someone, I’d say the quality of care would be the same.

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

A: If you’re practicing teletherapy for the first time, the most important thing is learning to make eye contact with the camera. With teletherapy, it might feel awkward at times. It’s not something that everyone’s used to until down the line. Of course, people will become more used to it, but being able to maintain that eye contact with the camera means that you’re looking at the client. Our eyes sometimes shift when we’re looking at a screen and we’re looking around. But it’s one of the things that even clients have given me advice about in the past. They’ll say, “I want to feel like you’re looking at me compared to looking down or around.”

I took that advice to heart. When I meet with clients, I always try to make sure that I’m looking at the camera even though I’m not necessarily looking at them, but I give them that warning that once in a while, I might look offscreen because I’m looking at you instead of looking at the camera. That’s my biggest advice. Otherwise, being able to practice the format of looking at a computer screen doing therapy is probably the only other advice I would give. Overall, I think most clinicians would do fine.

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 Veronica Im. 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. Jaskirit Gill.

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

A: I was referred to Iris by a colleague. Before I worked at Iris, I was doing locums work and looking for a more permanent fit. I talked to several colleagues at other telehealth companies and one at Iris. I did my due diligence. I spoke to other telehealth companies, along with Iris. However, there were a few things that made me choose Iris.

One of them was that they had a benefits package. It was a few years ago, and many telehealth companies were doing 1099s. Another unique thing was the fact that they did the match process. I felt like there was a lot of thoughtfulness. They thought about what would be a good long-term fit. When looking for a permanent job, you’re really thinking about what will be sustainable. I felt out of the options available at the time, Iris was the most sustainable option for my career and my family. My family is growing, so it was important for me to think about what would work three or two and a half years ago and what would work now.

Q. What does a typical day as an Iris Telehealth provider look like for you?

A: I start in the morning reviewing the huddle. I’m lucky that my clinic gives me a huddle. We have the patients scheduled, so I know who I’m going to see every day. I get some notes from the primary service provider and the nurses. I start the day very prepared. I know exactly what to expect, which is a huge positive, especially in psychiatry which can be unpredictable. This workload is very predictable, and I really appreciate that.

After I do the huddle, I see my morning patients. I have time to catch up on my notes, have lunch, and then see my afternoon patients. Then, I wrap up, and I’m usually done by five, which is really nice. I think one of the biggest things I like is that it’s really done at 5. I’m not being called afterward. For me, I think that it’s really important that there really is a clear end to the workday. That provides a lot of help not only for my family but for my peace of mind.

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

A: I love providing patient care to people who may not have had access to a psychiatrist before. The clinic that I’m at is more in a rural area. I think they only have one psychiatrist in the county. I know many patients I see were on a long waiting list, or their family doctor was doing their best to manage the condition. Telepsychiatry really helps to reach those areas. A lot of people may not want to live in a rural area but would still like to help service those areas. I felt Iris provided a really unique opportunity to live in a region that I want to live in, but still be able to provide services to people who may not have access to care.

Q. How do you foster connection with patients virtually?

A: I think it’s really the same as in person. You make eye contact, listen, and meet them where they’re at. I feel, maybe since I grew up with technology, and especially in the pandemic, talking with my friends on Zoom felt no different. It’s as if they were sitting in front of me. I would say it’s identical to how you connect in real life. You listen, and you really try to put yourself in the other person’s shoes. Then you use the tools and resources you may have to help that person with whatever situation they’re dealing with.

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

A: I think I’m really lucky in that regard. Telehealth makes it much easier to manage work-life balance. Before, when I was doing locums, it was very disruptive to my family life because I would be moving or need to be in a certain place; maybe that was not close to my family. And with telepsychiatry, one thing I thought about that’s unique is even if I move, my family, or my husband, if his job moves to Chicago, that doesn’t mean I have to find a new job. I think before you move out of state, you may move 45 minutes away because that’s where affordable housing is, that means finding a new job. But I don’t think that’s the case anymore. With my role, I can live anywhere and still keep my job, which is unique.

I think the key with telehealth is that it’s not only sustainable, but it’s also really stable. I do not have to go to a locums assignment here or there. I can stay with my family for the most part. And still have benefits, pay my bills, and be around if grandma needs anything. That’s huge for me.

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

A: I learned, especially during the pandemic, the power of people. I’m just one person, and Iris is a big company with lots of people who do lots of things. There are lots of patients and clinics. I was amazed at how well people worked together and their resilience. It really touched me to realize that healthcare providers are doing so much, but there are also so many people behind the scenes who make that happen. That keeps the lights on and makes sure I have internet. In really challenging and uncertain times, people persevered, and I think I played a small part in that if any. It was the collective people and the power of that.

Q. What’s the most rewarding part of your job?

A: The most rewarding part is my team. I’m privileged to have a role where I provide care and service to others and try my best to help people. The fact that I have such great support with Iris and such great support with my clinic – all of that is really unique. A lot of doctors who were discouraging me from telehealth said I may not know who I’m working with or what I’m getting into. However, Iris did a good job of helping me really understand my clinic.

When I did my interview, I wasn’t interviewing with just one person at the clinic. I met the whole team. They told me what to expect. I went through a week-long orientation with the Iris team, and they helped me get situated with the clinic. They didn’t just drop me off and leave me. They’ve been with me for the last two and half years, making sure I’m doing okay. Making sure the clinic is happy.

All that collaboration made a difference and every person at Iris really cares. They are all about the patient and helping the clinic solve their problems, and also helping me – if I have a small camera issue or something, somebody cares. I heard telemedicine is like a one-person island; you’re by yourself and left to figure it out on your own. I haven’t felt that way at all.

Q. What do you love about working with Iris?

A: Working here has been a big blessing on my life. When you go into psychiatry, and especially doing locums before, I saw many different ways of providing care. And then I joined Iris and felt from the beginning I was so lucky. I’m so lucky to be working with the clinic I’m at. I was so lucky to have Ted as my Clinical Operations Manager. And then to have Martha now, and then the IT people, every day, it was like, “I’m so lucky.” This is such an amazing role that I have.

As my family needs changed, my scheduling availability changed, and I was relieved that the clinic and Iris could work with me and make a new schedule as my family grows. I thought that was really special. I’ve heard about places where they tell you, “This is the assignment. This is what we expect from you.” And working at Iris was the reverse. I came to them saying, “I love the clinic. I want to stay here, but I’m only going to be available these days of the week.” And then they worked with me to make that happen.

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

A: It is the future. I don’t think we have a choice about it. It’s where a lot of patients are. I see a large age group, especially the younger patients, who prefer it. It’s more convenient for them. I think as people give it a chance, they’ll realize many benefits. They can see a doctor where they may not have been able to before. There’s a lot of flexibility in terms of scheduling too. We’re just at the beginning of what telehealth can do, and Iris is really at the forefront of that.

There are so many things that are still yet to come. The fact that we have all this health data. The fact that we can use that in a way that’s meaningful to patients. There are so many places for telehealth to go. I’m excited that I’m a part of it. It’s been nice to see how it’s evolved through the pandemic and where it will go even after that.

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. Jaskirit Gill. 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 Erica Picon, an LCSW practicing in California.

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

A: I found Iris on Indeed. I knew I wanted to switch to telehealth, so I applied to a bunch of different positions. But, what made the difference for me with Iris, was the interview process. Initially, I applied for a job in New York, but it wasn’t the right opportunity at the time, so I wasn’t willing to make the switch. The person I interviewed with kept my resume and asked if I’d like to be considered if anything in another state popped up. I said, “yes,” but didn’t think anyone would actually reach out again because there were so many applicants, but they followed up.

The fact that they remembered me, cared, and wanted to see if there was a way to make it work, shows the dedication of Iris overall. That was pretty much the determining factor for me.

Q. What does a typical day as an Iris Telehealth provider look like for you?

A: I work in an outpatient behavioral health setting with adult clients with severe mental illness and functional impairments. When I’m doing my client sessions and my documentation, I make my own schedule. There are a few meetings I have with people on-site, including regular meetings with our supervisor, meetings with the whole clinical team, and any necessary discussions around clients who need higher care or more attention.Otherwise, I can structure my time how I want to between meeting with clients, checking in with collaterals, case managers, and prescribers, and whenever I want to get the documentation in. I like that I get to determine how my day flows.

Q. How do you foster connection with patients virtually?

A: That was tough at first because it was my first time doing any type of telehealth. I really lean into acknowledging the telehealth piece with the client. Especially if they’ve opted for a phone session instead of Zoom, I’ll say, “I know this could be a little awkward. There might be a moment when it sounds silent. If that happens, I don’t want you to think that the call was lost or I’m not here.” I’ll let them know that sometimes I’m taking a second to think about how I want to respond, or I’m making a note of what they said because I know I want to circle back. I think it’s important to acknowledge those little pieces.

Then, I let them know the benefits of telehealth, too. If it is a tough topic we’re discussing, it’s good to say, “you know you’re essentially in your safe space right now where you feel the most comfortable, so let’s make that even more comfortable for you. What’s going to make you feel as good as possible while we dive into this?” Whether it means lighting a candle, getting a cup of tea ready, or getting their favorite blanket. Whatever it is, I recommend using that piece in the therapeutic process.

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

A: Work-life balance is something I struggled with before taking this job. That was important to me, and I think that is what made me want to switch to telehealth. I am very conscientious about shutting down my computer at the end of the day. I don’t leave it open. I want to ensure it feels like a separate work space and living space. I don’t have any notifications on my phone. I don’t check emails or have Microsoft Teams on my phone. When it’s my lunchtime, I make sure I walk away from the computer, go to a different room to eat, or go outside for a walk. I find those opportunities throughout the day to take a little break and make sure I do that.

At the end of the day, I’m making sure there’s no chance that something will pop up where it pulls me back in. It’s also helpful that the site I’m at has a crisis line. That resource put me at ease, knowing my clients can still access help if they need to, but it won’t be me at that time. We have that conversation with clients – so, they’re aware of that, which is helpful too.

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

A: This learning is very specific to the structure of Iris. While you work for Iris, you’re also placed at another healthcare organization. When I was applying for other telehealth jobs, you only worked for them. I wondered if working for Iris and a clinic would create any friction, or if there would be different expectations.

However, I found that it’s very cohesive, and I like that a lot. Everyone seems like they’re on the same page and I feel supported on both ends. I know Iris talks to my site and talks to me. We all talk to one another, and it feels like a cohesive team, which has been huge.

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

A: Client care. We’re not getting into this field unless it’s rewarding. Separate from that, it’s feeling appreciated and valued as an employee. Iris and my site have both been great. The check-ins aren’t just reviewing what needs to be worked on, but a lot of the check-ins are letting you know you’re doing great or sharing positive feedback. You know you’re doing good, and you hear that from someone. Iris views its employees, at least in my experience so far, as human beings, too. They want people to feel happy here.

Q. What do you love about working with Iris?

A: There’s a really good balance between feeling independent but also supported. So you don’t at all feel micromanaged. You’re a clinician, and you know what you’re doing. No one makes you feel like they are checking in on you every second, but you never feel alone. You still feel like you know who to reach out to, and anytime I have reached out to someone, they’re very responsive and helpful. If I don’t know who to reach out to, I’ve reached out to anyone I’ve come across at Iris and been like, “you might not be the right person, but would you be able to direct me to who I should talk to?” Everyone has always responded and has either cc’d who I should speak to or helped me look into it.

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

A: Telepsychiatry puts people in their safe spaces when discussing tough topics. There can be many situations where people might not have received the help they needed because of their diagnosis or the severity of their symptoms. For example, for someone with agoraphobia who can’t really leave their house, it’s going to be hard for them to go into an office to see their provider. Or if there’s someone who can leave their home but they have a flare-up that day. Their anxiety or PTSD is triggered, and it’s hard to go into the office for their appointment. With telepsychiatry, you’re making it more accessible for them to still get help, especially when they’re struggling, and maybe they would have canceled an appointment because they’re not feeling up to it. But with telepsychiatry, they can still have that appointment, and they can have it when they need 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 Erica Picon. 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 Courtney Bearden.

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

A: I found Iris by going on a nurse practitioner’s social media board. I searched “telepsych” because I knew that’s what I wanted to do. Of all the negative reviews and bad experiences people had with other companies, Iris was the only one that had universally good responses from my peers. I ended up meeting with several telehealth companies, and having done that background work, Iris was the clear-cut winner.

Q. What does a typical day as an Iris Telehealth provider look like for you?

A: Right now, I’m working with our on-demand services and doing a combination of night and day shifts. My day looks different day-to-day, but a typical day shift allows me to get up and take my kids to school in the morning, which is wonderful. Then, I have time to get back and make a cup of coffee. I see patients for the bulk of that day. It’s a combination of calling and doing doc-to-doc reports, seeing the patients, documenting, and some collateral phone calls.

Then, I’m done in time to go pick up my kids from school in the afternoon, which again is another really wonderful thing to be able to do. If I’ve got any leftover work, it’s mostly just answering emails, nothing major. I don’t spend after-work time doing charting because I do it as I see patents. With the nature of consult-liaison work, you can’t leave it until the next day. So, I’m always done when my shift is done, which is a really nice and big change of pace.

Q. How do you foster connection with patients virtually?

A: Connecting virtually is something I thought would be more difficult. I have done bits and pieces of telepsychiatry for the past ten years. So, it’s not a new platform, but many patients became first acquainted with it during the COVID-19 pandemic. While there were certainly patients who were concerned about it, I found that I could connect just as well with a patient in person versus over telepsychiatry. There are things you can do as a provider that make a difference. The way you have your screen set up is important. For example, my camera is attached to the screen that I do my charting on. I’m looking at the patient while I’m charting, so I can continue having that eye contact and constant connection.

I will say that I feel like I’m better able to connect with certain age groups over a screen than in person, especially younger generations. That’s how they’re used to socializing and connecting. I do find that teenagers, in particular, tend to open up more over a screen, and I think it’s a generational thing. Still, it certainly surprised me when I found I was getting more from patients through telepsychiatry than in person, when patients tend to be a little more closed off.

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

A: A big part of managing work-life balance is finding the right company to work for. There are certainly healthcare organizations that do not prioritize clinician health. They do not prioritize clinician work-life balance. That’s obvious when you see schedules with 10-minute follow-ups, no charting time, and 30-minute initial evaluations. When you see something like that, it’s a very clear indicator that the priority for that organization is their bottom line. It’s profit. It’s seeing as many patients as quickly as you possibly can. The priority is not client care, and it’s certainly not clinician care. So, finding the right organization to work with makes a huge difference.

I can have a fairly easy work-life balance because I don’t have to see patients quickly, right after another. I have 30-minutes for follow-ups and 60-minutes for initial evaluations. I can see my patients, do any collateral calls, and do my charting within that time block. Then, at the end of the day, I’m done.

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

A: The thing I’ve learned the most about is that there isn’t one way for a company to support their clinicians and their patients. We’re raised as healthcare professionals in the idea that you have to do things fast and only worry about if you can bill for it. We’re taught that this approach is normal and it’s not. Working for an organization that prioritizes patient care and prioritizes their clinicians was eye-opening. I came from a background in community mental health. It wasn’t a for-profit, private practice environment that I came from – it was from public health. So even with that background, learning that there was a different way it could be done was eye-opening for me.

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

A: The most rewarding part of my job is when I see a patient, and at the end of our appointment, they say, “thank you, that was the first time anyone has really listened,” or “you’ve asked more questions than anyone ever has before.” That’s reassuring to know that we’re doing something right. Then, when our clinic partners, the ER physicians, or social workers thank you for coming in and taking that piece of the patient care. If they wanted to be psychiatrists, they would have been psychiatrists. There’s a reason why they’re consulting with us. It’s because we’re specialists and have a passion for something that they don’t. That is rewarding when you get appreciation from your colleagues and certainly from patients.

Q. What do you love about working with Iris?

A: The thing I love most about working with Iris is that it does feel like a team approach, and you’re not just an interchangeable peg that can plug into any situation. When they place you with a clinic or a partner, it’s a very long process. When you’re first starting, you can feel like, “Oh my gosh, why does this take so long?” It’s because they’re finding the right fit. It’s not a locum’s company where they’re not making intentional matches.

When you’re with Iris, it’s an intentional placement. And they don’t hire everyone who applies. It’s less than 10%. You know that you’ve been selected for a placement that will be a good fit for you.

Q. How does telepsychiatry open up access to care?

A: When COVID was forcing many people into working remotely or in a telehealth situation for the first time, there was a lot of hesitancy from both providers and patients. I think having been exposed now to that technology and the ability to have care delivered that way; there’s no going back. I don’t think we can close the floodgates. Even as a patient, I don’t think I ever want to go into a primary care office in person again unless I have to.

It’s really convenient to have access to care at home and to care for patients who don’t have transportation, which was always a barrier – especially in rural health care. Not having to find a ride two hours into a town where the clinic is located is great. It has opened care to people who weren’t getting it before. This is how we’ll continue to provide care to people who need care. This is how we will do things from here on out.

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

A: Telepsychiatry is going to be integral and continues to be integral for mental health care because there are not enough mental health clinicians. There certainly aren’t enough to have one provider in every single rural role and underserved community in America. We’re able to see patients in many different settings and spread that expertise and spread that knowledge to people who may not otherwise have any access to care.

A good example is the work I do with consult liaison. In a consult liaison role, I see patients in eight states and many different settings. There can’t be a psychiatric nurse practitioner or a psychiatrist on site in every one of those hospitals, 24/7. But, with Iris and with our on-demand services, there is. There’s essentially a mental health specialist in every clinic and hospital, 24/7, 365. There’s no way to do it without the use of telehealth. And, it’s a real disservice to patients not to have access to that level of specialized care.

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 Courtney Bearden. 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 to our very own Medical Director of Outpatient Services Dr. Tracy Mullare.

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

A: My path to Iris was led by some grand rounds on telepsychiatry during my training that talked about provider and patient satisfaction. That planted the seed about telepsychiatry for me. I had a previous position many years ago where we did some telehealth work for satellite locations, which was very limited. I thought there was such an opportunity to improve that approach. It helped me see how telepsychiatry promoted access to care for patients that otherwise wouldn’t be able to see a provider.

I was also commuting over three hours a day and had a young child at home. I was thinking about what I could do to improve my quality of life while still engaging in the work I love to do alongside fabulous colleagues. I started to research and found Iris Telehealth. From the first conversation I had with the Iris team, I was impressed by the consistent commitment to delivering quality, patient-first care. You hear about that commitment all the time at Iris, and that’s been consistent since my first day here.

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

A: I’m a child psychiatrist. That’s my passion. I started my work with Iris as a provider at an adolescent residential center. It was a long-term residential unit for children and adolescents experiencing trauma.

My days there usually started with checking emails and schedules. Then, there would be multidisciplinary team meetings involving outpatient clinicians, family, and parole officers (if they were in place). We would have several of those at the front end of the morning, an hour each, to round on the kids. Then, it would be followed by rounding individually on different patients that were at the residential unit.

Interwoven into that, all of us would be the documentation and collateral contacts. We were also on-call into the evening if acute situations arose for nursing. Still, the staff was so adept at handling crises that they would not reach out to me very often – a credit to them for handling acuity in the unit.

Q. How has your role evolved at Iris?

A: My role has evolved tremendously. Right before the COVID-19 pandemic, I transitioned to the medical director role I have now.

The best part of my day is talking with providers. It’s been humbling to talk to folks across the country, particularly during the pandemic, to understand how it has affected the providers, patients, and communities.

To understand how everyone has addressed the need for continuity of care amidst changes when there have been lockdowns. It’s been an honor to connect with our providers and talk with them about their lives during the last couple of years; as things have evolved, behavioral health needs have increased, and how the intensity of patients’ needs has increased.

It’s also fun meeting with different clinical organizations that need great providers. We get to learn what they’re about and what their needs are. I know I speak for many of us on the team here that it’s so nice to be a part of things where we are contributing to the issue of access and really trying to move that forward. We hear time and time again stories from the clinic about how our providers are impacting their patients’ lives on a daily basis.

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

A: At Iris, you always have an additional support system. You’re not only connected with your clinical setting, but you also have your Iris support teams that run parallel, like clinical operations managers (COMs) and additional IT support. There are measures in place that provide another level of support throughout the day, so providers never feel like they don’t have resources in place. You don’t feel isolated, which can happen when you do telepsych work.

I think another huge benefit of being a telepsych provider is that you can reach those rural areas that are so in need. You can reach underserved areas where they don’t have enough providers. Being a small part of the answer to the access to care issue is really wonderful.

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

A: First, meet the patient where they’re at, and ask how they feel about telepsychiatry. Acknowledging, “this could be weird,” or asking, “are you used to this?” or “Do you prefer it?” It’s just about understanding where the patient is with the experience and checking in with them. I think in the beginning, set the groundwork. Our clinics generally do a great job with expectations: the parameters for a telepsychiatry appointment, the confidentiality, they need to be in a secure location, how to connect, and the backup plan if connection is lost. The preparation helps it go well.

It’s helpful to continue checking in with patients to see how they feel about telepsychiatry. Many younger folks are so used to technology and take to it quickly. But some others may have more questions about it and want to make sure there’s no one else in the room. You just don’t know what people are thinking. It pays to check in with them and make sure they’re comfortable.

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

A: I think it’s a constant assessment and we all strive to achieve that work-life balance. I think what has helped me was eliminating my commute of three hours a day. I really had to look at my time, my values, and how I could work smarter. Telepsychiatry was the answer because I could be present for a longer length of time, which is a pleasure. I think that’s been helpful. The time management that telepsychiatry has afforded me has greatly improved my quality of life.

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

A: One of my biggest learnings was more of an observation because I can’t say I was surprised. I learned how many people are consistently committed to ensuring every patient visit happens, whether that be the provider, the clinic’s team, the clinic’s admin, Iris sales, or all the COMs.

Everyone is working so hard to make sure those patient encounters happen. And, during quarantines and lockdowns, they happened without interruption. It’s been a humbling learning curve to observe that machine and motion of everyone’s consistent passion for making sure folks get the care they need.

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

A: There are so many. I think at the end of the day it’s being a part of a team that is so aligned. We work hard because people need quality care and people are working exhaustively to make sure it happens. I think just being part of a team that helps ensure we have partnerships and relationships with clinics and have the right providers in the right place. I think that’s the most satisfying – knowing those patients are getting the care they need.

Q. What do you love about working with Iris?

A: I love the culture at Iris. I think it’s really fun. There’s so much enthusiasm and passion for what we do. Of course, there’s always been such a great behavioral health need, but there’s been such a demand. I love that I get to be part of a crowd whose passion it is to do this work, everyone has a commitment to doing it, and it’s just a really fun place to be.

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

A: I think it’s so important to the future of mental healthcare. The pandemic has really forced the need for telepsychiatry. When patients can commit to the clinics, even those that were doing telepsychiatry within the clinics, it was the only way to continue to deliver care. Patients like it and providers enjoy it. Outcomes studies show it’s effective. There is an ease about it for providers. It brings an enhanced pool of providers to different areas of the country where they wouldn’t have specialists.

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 Tracy Mullare! 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. Chris Heh.

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

A: Six years ago, I was making a job transition and was looking for something that would provide me with flexibility. I saw Iris’s website, which was user-friendly, creative, and well designed. I called them up, and we met. They said I would be a good fit for the team. They were good people, and I decided to start working with them.

Q. What does a typical day as an Iris Telehealth provider look like for you?

A: It’s quite variable, and it all depends on what type of work you’re doing. I’ve been with Iris for about six years, and I’ve had the ability to work in various areas of psychiatry. For example, I worked for an inpatient eating disorder unit for children and adolescents, for a geriatric inpatient psychiatric service, and now I do consultation-liaison work. It’s hard to say what a typical day looks like because each setting looks different.

I’ve worked in community mental health on an outpatient basis, too. In general, in the inpatient or consultation-liaisons service, you move from one patient to another. With telepsychiatry, you don’t have to walk up and down the hallways, the patients usually just pop up on your screen, which makes it very convenient. We have lots of support. For example, our clinical managers make the appointments and make the phone calls so we can see the patients. There’s a great deal of ease in seeing patients. A typical day is what you’d expect if you are in person, in some sense, except that we do it via televideo visits.

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

A: It’s not just what I love about being a provider, but what I love about working with Iris. One of the things I love is that I’m able to move through different facets of psychiatry, everything from the eating disorders unit for children and adolescents to inpatient psychiatry to community mental health. The breadth of psychiatry is just amazing. I can see an assortment of patients in very different settings. For someone who likes variety like me, that’s great.

In general psychiatry, they always say time is priceless. I don’t have to spend 15-minutes grooming, getting my lab coat on, taking 30-minutes to drive to the hospital, or maybe taking five minutes walking around the unit trying to locate each patient. You save a lot of time, and you don’t realize it. If you think about it, it’s maybe two hours a day. You multiply that two hours times five days a week, that’s 10 hours, and I can use those 10 hours to do something more fun.

Q. How do you foster connection with patients virtually?

A: It’s really important to make time and adjust your approach to effectively build that connection when you’re a telehealth provider. And that’s especially important with kids. If you talk to children in a monotone voice, if you’re expressionless, they’re going to turn you off just like a bad tv show. You have to put your game face on, you have to be animated, you have to change the pitch of your voice, and the cadence of your speech, so it’s a little different. Since you’re not in person you have to be more animated. That’s how I try to keep my patients engaged.

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

A: It’s actually easier in some sense doing telepsychiatry. I have more free time. I think work-life balance depends on the person. I tend to be a workaholic. So when Iris says they have extra consults available, I usually take a look. However, when other Iris clinicians are too busy or have to take time off, Iris respects that, too.

I think work-life balance comes down to the person and what they want. It’s always a struggle, and you never think you got it right. It’s an infinite balancing act.

I was doing doubles, and the people at Iris were compassionate and asked, “Is that what you really want to do?” They worry about you getting burned out, and sometimes you need to be reminded. And I appreciate that. They always say, “Hey, thanks for working so hard, but are you working too hard?” That tells you they care about you.

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

A: One of the nice things is I’ve been able to see patients in California, Texas, Missouri, Pennsylvania, Minnesota, and so on. You think psychiatry is the same wherever you go, but it’s not. You have regional differences, county differences, and neighborhood differences. Your standard in one neighborhood may be different in another city or state. It’s interesting just to see the commitment laws throughout the United States are different, too. That makes it interesting and challenging.

Seeing how other people in other parts of the country treat their patients versus in your hometown is fascinating. Some of that you can carry over to other settings and say, “Hey, look, we do it this way over here. Have you thought about that?” Some people sometimes stay in a position for 30 years in the same old palace. Well, telepsychiatry is different. I can practice in five different states, in five different ways, and I find that very enriching.

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

A: There are many aspects. One is the patients themselves. There are some areas where psychiatry is so desolate, and they just don’t have enough psychiatric care. And, when you meet some patients, and you get feedback from them, they say, “Hey, thanks for spending time.” I find it very satisfying because Iris reaches out to these communities where psychiatric care is minimal and unavailable.

Iris has done a very good job of picking the right people for the right positions. When you’re working with other people of the same caliber and excellence, that makes your job so enjoyable. When you’ve got colleagues you can depend on and colleagues who also have a high standard of care, they make you better. I think having good people to work with and people who are just as competent, if not more competent, sharpens you and allows you to grow.

Q. What do you love about working with Iris?

A: There are so many aspects. Number one, reimbursement is fair, and that’s important. There are always ways to increase your income. I think the flexibility in the scheduling is very good, and there are various shifts you can take. The other thing I like is that they have very responsive management. You have people who look at you as a person, and not someone who is just a simple cog in the wheel who can be replaced. They appreciate you, and you can sense and feel that. You’re not just treated like a number. I’ve had a nomadic life in psychiatry. I’ve moved around a lot. I’ve been with Iris for six years. For me, to stick with anybody for six years is unusual. So, they must be doing something right.

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

A: First and foremost, telepsychiatry is important because there are just certain areas in the United States where psychiatric care is desolate. For remote areas, it is essential because patients aren’t going to drive 20 miles to see a psychiatry provider. I think it is really important in those areas where there’s a lack of care. They need psychiatric providers. The other thing is to get a psychiatrist at midnight to come into your emergency room – who will do that? There aren’t too many. If there are, they don’t last too long.

Telepsychiatry is here to say, and it’s simply because there aren’t enough physicians or psychiatrists. From a treatment standpoint, it provides care instantaneously, when you need it, like in the middle of the night when there’s no one around. I’m glad it’s there because you need professionals when no one else is around during those critical times. Telepsychiatry has been growing and growing, and I don’t see it going away.

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 Chris Heh. 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 Dale McQueeney.

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

A: I worked at a residential treatment center that had grown and changed a lot in the three years I was there. I loved my job, and it’s my passion to work with those who have substance use disorders, but I was getting a little burned out due to the hours. I always thought the only way I would leave my job would be to work in telehealth. I saw an ad for Iris, did a little research, reached out, and started the interview process. I learned a lot about Iris throughout the interviews, which were rigorous but fantastic. I was impressed with their commitment to finding the best providers and was honored when they wanted to hire me.

At the time, I ended up getting a promotion at the rehab center and decided to stay there. However, many months later, more shifts at the organization led me to decide I was finally ready to make a change. It was important to me to continue working with those with substance use disorders, and Iris was diligent about finding the right placement for me where I could continue doing that work. A really unique part of Iris’s approach is the job matching process. Iris holds a meet and greet with the Clinical Operations Manager, the provider, and the clinic. Everyone meets and discovers whether or not they’ll be a good fit. I couldn’t be happier with where they placed me.

Q. What does a typical day as an Iris Telehealth provider look like for you?

A: I live in rural Maine and work with a Community Mental Health Center in rural eastern Oregon. My primary focus is treating those with dual diagnoses and prescribing medication for addiction treatment (MAT), such as Suboxone (buprenorphine) and Vivitrol. I now serve as the Associate Medical Director for Substance Use Disorders at my clinic. My day is primarily filled with follow-up appointments and some new evaluations, usually for MAT. On Wednesdays, we have team meetings for the Crisis, SUD, Medical, and Adult teams.

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

A: I love everything about being a telepsychiatry provider! We’re working to eliminate barriers to quality care, and it’s great that I can provide care from the other side of the country. In terms of my passion, I can reach those with opioid use disorders and potentially save lives with Suboxone or Buprenorphine. On a personal note, my commute is across the hallway in my house, much quicker than the hour and 15-minutes each way I used to drive. This lack of a commute allows me more time for “life.” I can relax and exercise in the morning instead of driving. In between patients, I can put in a load of laundry. The pace of life while working remotely is much slower and calmer, even on the busiest days.

Q. How do you foster connection with patients virtually?

A: The same way that I fostered connections with patients when I was seeing them in person — by getting to know them as people and asking about their lives, not just their medications. In my notes, I document the details so I can check in on what is going on with their families, pets, or events in their lives. Knowing about those details helps make for a richer connection, regardless of how far apart we are physically.

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

A: Work-life balance was the major reason I decided to start working for Iris. Maintaining a work-life balance makes me a better provider and more available to my patients when I am working. No one wants a burned-out provider. I’ve experienced burnout in the past, so I make sure to take time for family and self-care, including exercise. Even though it can sometimes be a temptation, I try hard not to check my email when I’m not at work. If it’s urgent, I know my Medical Assistant will contact me. Boundaries are so important, and Iris and the clinic I’m placed with really respect them.

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

A: My biggest learning from my time with Iris is that working from home is not isolating. I decided to work remotely before the pandemic, and the week I started my new placement, all the employees at the organization went remote as well. During my transition to work from home, I never felt isolated – and that’s in large part due to the massive support from Iris. IT and my Clinical Operations Manager are always there for me if I need them. HR and payroll are very responsive. I’ve also developed close relationships with the staff at my clinic and have an incredible Medical Assistant. Even though I am an Iris employee, I really feel a part of the team at the clinic and am truly embedded there.

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

A: The most rewarding part is seeing patients reduce use or achieve and maintain abstinence from substances. They literally change and save their own lives by doing so. Sometimes it’s sporadic, but I’ve seen some dramatic changes. Getting to be a small part of that is such a gift and incredibly rewarding.

Q. What do you love about working with Iris?

A: I love everything about working with Iris! Iris’s culture and values make it a really special place to work. The employees truly live the values, and everyone is so nice! From the very beginning, my Clinical Hiring Manager was so helpful and patient in answering all my questions. Then, there was real care taken to make a good match between my clinic and me, and my Clinical Operations Manager helped ensure that our connection was smooth and strong. The credentialing team was fantastic and helped me get licensed in Oregon. I just gave them my information and signature, and they made it happen! The support from IT, HR, and payroll is wonderful, and Iris’s Medical Director and Chief Medical Officer are excellent resources if needed. I couldn’t ask for better support!

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

A: I think telepsychiatry is the future of mental health care because it improves access and reduces barriers. We were already heading in this direction, but the pandemic has increased acceptance and comfortability with this care delivery method. From my own experience, I know that patients really like it. I’ve worked both in-person and remotely, and I see no difference between these forms of delivery. I don’t treat my patients differently whether I am sitting in the same room with them or not, but because of the technology, I can be in rural Maine treating a patient in rural Oregon or wherever there’s a need. It’s amazing!

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 Dale McQueeney. 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 Nicole Bradbury.

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

A: There were a few things that made me decide I wanted to be an Iris provider. First, because of COVID, I realized that I enjoyed working from home. Additionally, I had just moved to San Antonio, and the traffic can get pretty busy during rush hour. Because of that, I was really open to telehealth. I looked through the Iris values and saw that a lot of employee reviews were positive, and people noted things like “lots of support” and “good working environments.” Since working here, I’ve definitely seen that as well.

During the interview process, I worked with Erin Schepman, the Manager of Clinical Talent, and she made everything super nice and relaxing. Then once I was hired, they were able to get me matched to an organization pretty quickly.

Q: What does a typical day as an Iris Telehealth provider look like for you?

A: I am a clinician for an agency in Arizona. I primarily work with children and families with mental illness and occasionally some adults. My typical day can vary depending on what I have scheduled. I’m still waiting to get my license, so right now, I help the clinical director with organization and help support the other therapists while we’re waiting to get more kids on my caseload. Which is actually great because it lets me understand their system better.

Q: What do you love about being a telepsychiatry provider?

A: There are a lot of different benefits to telepsychiatry. For one, I love finding new ways to engage with the kids. I’ve found websites where I can interact with them virtually, like “Let’s play Uno and talk about feelings!” It’s fun to find new ways to explore engaging with the children, especially the younger ones.

It’s also nice that I can step outside with my dogs after a tough session, take a deep breath, and then come back in and prepare for the next session without seeing patients back to back. I can take five minutes and breathe. I think that’s a big benefit, especially because the burnout rates in the field can be so high. Telepsychiatry offers a lot of opportunities for self-care.

Q: How do you foster connection with patients virtually?

A: I try to find different ways to connect with my patients. For many kids, it’s just being there, listening. But, for the younger ones or those who don’t want to be in therapy, I try to find games for us to play, or I ask them what they like to do and what they like about it.

I think COVID has helped the kids get a lot more comfortable with technology – they can log into Zoom on their own quickly. But some kids are not ideal for telehealth because some of them are way too active to where they might need in-person or play therapy. However, a lot of the older kids engage really well.

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

A: One of the main things I learned from doing telehealth during COVID was having a space for work. I have a dedicated space for work, so when I step out of the room, away from my computer, I’m just focused on home and life.

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

A: I feel like I’m constantly learning something new. For example, one thing I’ve learned is that in-person care and telehealth offer the same benefits. You can still build the same connection and rapport whether it’s telehealth or in-person. In my own experience, telehealth is just as effective as in-person, and I’m sure studies show that as well.

One thing I’m really appreciative of with Iris is that they placed me in an agency with an amazing supervisor. So, not only is there support from Iris, but there’s support from my supervisor at the agency I’m providing services to. So, it’s a great fit and I feel that I’m valued at both organizations. I’m very appreciative of that.

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

A: One of the most rewarding parts of the job is seeing the progress my patients make and looking at how far they’ve come. You get to be with them on their journeys. It’s also great seeing parents learn and grow just as much as the kids.

There was one kid who gave me a small encouragement. They said, “I was really looking forward to this session!” I was like, “Really? You’re looking forward to therapy? Okay!” So sometimes, it’s those small moments that help during the more challenging sessions. It’s a great feeling to be there through the hard times and then see them rejoice when they get through the valleys.

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

A: Telepsychiatry provides certain flexibility and helps reach those who may experience difficulty with access. For example, a lot of kids are busy after school. However, if they get home before their parents, they can hop on Zoom, so their parents don’t have to take off work and drive. Telepsychiatry is super beneficial, and it’s going to help parents and kids with time management.

Q: What do you love about working with Iris?

A: One of the things I love about working with Iris is the support. For example, Drew Sadler, the Clinician Operations Manager, has provided amazing support and the IT team is always ready to help. I also love knowing that there are opportunities to get funds for CEUs, so if there’s a certain training I want, I can take a class. Other pluses are office supplies, getting a desk, and getting a chair. Before I got here, I didn’t have those things, but Iris was there to help me get set up.

I’ve also really appreciated the help Iris has provided with licensing. Licensing has been a hassle and without Iris, I wouldn’t have made it. I don’t know that I would have known all the steps to take or if I would have been as proactive. I would have been lost without their help.

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 Nicole Bradbury. 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. Mark Miceli.

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

A: Before I joined Iris, I was working at an inpatient hospital in New Jersey as the medical director of my unit and the interim chairperson of the division of psychiatry. I was doing a lot, and it was really hectic. I wasn’t happy at the job.

I was working with another clinician who told me I should look into Iris, and I ended up applying. I went through the interview process, and it went from there.

Q: What does a typical day as an Iris Telehealth provider look like for you?

A: I work for a health system in Minnesota. I’m credentialed at 10 or 12 different hospitals and partial hospital units across that health system and I fill in when they need people. That includes when people are on maternity leave, when organizations are in-between hiring a new psychiatrist, or if someone is taking an extended leave.

Q: What do you love about being a telepsychiatry provider?

A: In my previous job, I was in a little office with no windows and a cold air vent blowing on me – it wasn’t comfortable by any stretch of the imagination. With Iris, I love that I’m in my own environment. I love that I can work with people in different geographical areas. My patients are all in Minnesota, so I get to know the culture that exists there. There’s also a separation where I’m not going to run into patients at the grocery store.

Another thing I love is the flexibility to work from different places. At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, my family and I were able to rent a beach house in Cape Cod. The beach house had Wi-Fi so that I could work there and my son could enjoy the outdoors and fresh air.

With inpatient, we usually see people early in the day, and then we do documentation. Once I see my patients, I can move my computer anywhere where there’s Wi-Fi. I can take a break to get my son and eat good, hot food at home instead of spending money at a restaurant. I also love that I don’t have to commute 45-minutes or an hour every day. There are a million great things.

Q: How do you foster connection with patients virtually?

A: In my home office, I have things behind me like a guitar or a yoga mat – having these things related to my interests in the background gives my patients and I something to talk about. Another thing I always do is look into the camera, smile, and try to make eye contact. I try to send them really good, positive energy over the internet.

One helpful thing is having the on-site staff really trust and work with me. They’re a major factor for inpatient care, and their extra help makes a significant difference. They help reassure the patient and let them know what I’m doing and that I care about them. One of the most satisfying parts of the job is the people I work with. The teamwork is fantastic.

I work at four or five places steadily where I rotate through, and I look forward to seeing the people, and they look forward to seeing me. It’s a nice thing, and it doesn’t get old after six years of being in the same place. It stays refreshing and diminishes the grind. When you work in an inpatient unit, you’re going to the same place every day and seeing the same people. The specific job I have with Iris is amazing.

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

A: I don’t have a commute, so I can drop off my son in the morning, go for a walk in Central Park, do my yoga exercises, then work. I can take time to relax, have lunch, then go back to work. I can still get my son in the afternoon. I don’t know if there’s any secret to it. We can travel and have a life outside of being stuck in an apartment.

I have much more time in my life now that I’m a telepsychiatrist. It’s liberating. You’re not trapped in a certain place for that many hours.

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

A: I learned a lot of new technology that I wasn’t really aware of – like Epic. Getting to know Epic was a great skill to learn, and I love that platform. It’s one thing that I didn’t use before. It’s amazing, and I’m so happy that all my jobs are using it now. It’s powerful, and you can easily learn about the patients.

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

A: Working for Iris has been the most rewarding out of all the jobs I’ve worked since my residency. The people I work with are super positive. I always feel supported and proud to work for Iris.

I also love working in Minnesota. I love the culture and the people. I like making connections with the support staff and the patients there. It’s been gratifying. I live in New York City, and I work on the East Coast, so it’s just a different approach to life. I have more connection with my son, and I’m able to be a big part of his life even though I’m working full time. If I were commuting an hour back and forth every day, that would be two fewer hours to be a part of my son’s life.

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

A: It brings psychiatry to places where it’s not easily accessible for people. Especially where I’m working in some of the smaller towns in Minnesota, it’s hard for people to get quality psychiatry. I know that primary care is doing a lot of medication management. However, that’s not their specialty, it’s one more thing to learn, and they may not be comfortable with it.

I think we can bring more quality, specialty care to people who don’t have access. Even though COVID-19 made it unsafe for people to go out, they can still get their medications refilled, have a connection, have someone check in on them, support them, and help treat their conditions.

Even in Minnesota, they were canceling outpatient programs in the bad snow and cold, but we could still see people in their homes. This type of access varies by state, and some states don’t allow the patient to be at their home. However, Minnesota is really progressive. In the partial hospitals where I’m working, people talk from their own homes instead of having to come into a clinic.

Q: What do you love about working with Iris?

A: Iris makes you feel like you’re part of the team, and they really validate you. I’ve worked so many places where you’re just there, and they expect you to be there and do your job, but you don’t get any appreciation.

After four years, Iris gave me a plaque, and I was employee of the month. Ted Bryant, the Senior Manager of Clinical Operations, is amazing. He’s always positive and is always saying, “You’re a great doctor!” It makes a difference to feel like you’re not just a cog in the machine, but you’re a person. I don’t know what it would be like to work for another telehealth company, but I can’t imagine anything better than working for Iris.

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. Mark Miceli. If you’d like to learn more about working for Iris Telehealth, contact us today.