History

"Although many people consider the field of telemental health to be relatively new, when one uses a broad definition (e.g., the provision of care between different locations using technology) there are historical examples over one hundred years old. For example, there is a long history of using letters for patient-provider communication (as well as with family members and consultants). In the 19th century there are examples of patients who were hospitalized in long-term psychiatric facilities and their families often would write letters to the doctors taking care of them describing their problems as well as the environments that these patients came. Doctors would correspond back to these family members giving summaries of the patient's course and treatment. At the turn of the 20th century, it was not uncommon for psychiatrists and other providers to share information about complicated patients and get consultation via descriptive letters. Also, the telephone has been widely and extensively used to provide care, diagnosis, and treatment of patients."