The story below is one of several features included in Providence’s Well Being Trust 2025 annual report.
View the full report here.
“Our goal is simple – ensure that no patient has to wait for mental health care because of where they live. Through TelePsychiatry, we’re able to connect people with compassionate, expert support within minutes often at moments when timely care matters most.” — Stacia Fisher, MSW, executive director, TelePsychiatry, Virtual Care & Digital Health
Across the country, more than 60 percent of people living in rural areas reside in communities designated as mental health provider shortage areas. Limited access often leads to delayed treatment and worsening conditions.
Providence TelePsychiatry is addressing this gap by delivering virtual inpatient and emergency department care to rural and underserved communities. Through on-call, virtual bedside access to board certified psychiatrists and licensed clinical social workers, patients receive rapid evaluation and a timely start to treatment.
In 2025, the program achieved a two minute median response time and supported 11,880 consultations ensuring patients receive prompt, effective care, and improved satisfaction.
“Our goal is simple – ensure that no patient has to wait for mental health care because of where they live,” said Stacia Fisher, MSW, executive director, TelePsychiatry, Virtual Care & Digital Health.
“Through TelePsychiatry, we’re able to connect people with compassionate, expert support within minutes often at moments when timely care matters most.”
Providence TelePsychiatry serves 41 hospitals across Alaska, California, Montana, Oregon, New Mexico and Washington, bringing essential mental health support to communities that need it most.
