Stage 3: Partnership Organizations

"In Step 3, Partnership Organizations, it's very important to explore the involvement of local organizations with the telepsychiatry clinics. This naturally flows out of your infrastructure survey. And, at this stage, one is determining specifically which partnerships are going to be put together to bring the services needed for a telepsychiatry clinic.

These partnerships really will be invaluable in letting you maximize the services that are going to be offered at a telemental health clinic. One needs to be fairly active about reaching out to local organizations to explain the purpose and the needs of your clinic and trying to facilitate collaborations in looking at how one can share services and resources. You may find that, as you do this, that local organizations may not be very enthusiastic in the beginning to work with you, but it is important to at least establish lines of communication.  Often, as clinics develop and get a good track record and reputation in the community, organizations that may have been more hesitant in the beginning will be more willing to share resources and develop a working relationship."