ARP 314 What is Ro Mind?

Update 2024 - Seems like Ro Mind has bit the dust. Although the mental health only therapy explainer page is still listed on the website, it seems that there has been a downsizing of the medical services offered.  Per the main page of the website, they no longer list anxiety, depression and seasonal affected disorder conditions. When I select the "What We Treat" menu, there are no mental health services.   I will have a separate recording about the change but the podcast recording below is now a historical archive of what was going on in February 2023.   Slightly Revised Text:    The virtual mental health marketplace is an ever-changing land of what was impossible is now possible. Whether or not it should be is a question for another time.    Now might be a good time to ask those questions because there are a lot of new players that are being created outside of the traditional medical education and practice system.   This week, I'm taking what I call a window shopping view of a company called Ro.co and Ro Mind.   They provide medicine, medical education via pre-recorded video and medical management services for people that anxiety, depression and seasonal affected disorder only.   I'm still working out my thoughts on the Ro Mind telehealth service. On the one hand, if you already have a therapist or a mental health provider that can't prescribe medication, this might be a good options.   But there are issues and concerns I have about self diagnosing without a medical checkup. Anyway, this is a quick look based on what I found when I visited the website.   If you need support contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-8255, the Trevor Project at 1-866-488-7386 or text “START” to 741-741. Resources Mentioned:  Cleveland Clinic post on what things stress can do to your body. Ro.co Mental Health page that explains the process of obtaining prescription treatment via the service. Mental Health America has a screening test for anxiety.  Disclaimer:  Links to other sites are provided for information purposes only and do not constitute endorsements.  Always seek the advice of a qualified health provider with questions you may have regarding a medical or mental health disorder. This blog and podcast is intended for informational and educational purposes only. Nothing in this program is intended to be a substitute for professional psychological, psychiatric or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.