How to run a mental health visit by video
Other platforms explain it with text and video. In VMS you practice it on the patient.
Video visits make mental health care easier to reach. They need extra planning for privacy and safety.
Step by step
Confirm location
Get the patient's address and a backup phone number in case of an emergency. [1]
Check privacy
Ask if they are alone and can talk freely. Offer to reschedule if not. [1]
Build rapport
Look at the camera, keep a calm tone and allow pauses. [1]
Screen for risk
Ask directly about thoughts of self-harm or harming others. [2]
Have a safety plan
Know local crisis resources, including 988, and how to send help if needed. [1]
Close the visit
Summarize, plan follow-up and use teach-back. [3]
Document the care
Record the visit type, location and risk assessment. [1]
Common errors
- Not knowing where the patient is.
- Not asking directly about suicide.
- No plan if the call drops during a crisis.
Practice it in VMS
In VMS you do this on the patient, not on paper: every step goes on the checklist with a score, and in Teach mode Blocky tells you what comes next.
VMS cases that train this skill
Sources
- HHS, telehealth.hhs.gov best practices
- The Joint Commission, National Patient Safety Goals
- AHRQ Health Literacy Universal Precautions Toolkit (Teach-Back)
Facts and steps follow HHS, telehealth.hhs.gov best practices. VMS is not affiliated with these organizations. Updated: 2026-10-11.