Online Psychiatrists: Are They Effective?
Telehealth has taken off in the past several years, especially in the form of online therapy. You may wonder about the efficacy of online therapy, and whether it is the right option for you. In this article we’ll explore both online psychiatry, and online psychology and how they work in an online setting.
Online Psychiatry Vs Psychology
- Licensed therapists
- Licensed social workers
- Licensed family and marriage counselors
- Psychoanalyst
- Licensed mental health counselors
- Addiction counselor
Often, online psychiatry is more cost-effective than traditional in-person therapy. This is because therapists working in this way can avoid the costs of renting and maintaining office space, and can pass those savings along to their clientele. Even if certain therapists or offices don’t take insurance, many will offer sliding scale payments or discounts on sessions.
How Effective Is Online Therapy?
Finding an online therapist has also become easier as the field has expanded. There are several ways you can find an online healthcare provider.
- Talk to your primary care doctor. Your primary care provider (PCP) should be able to provide you with a list of licensed professionals that are covered by your insurance or are qualified to work with your mental health condition for treatment. They can be especially helpful for finding a psychiatrist if you suspect or know that you need medication to help manage your symptoms.
- Online search. You may also choose to do an online search for therapists who work online or a new psychiatrist. There are several sites that offer facts about therapists, and you can check to see which of these practices take online clients.
- Find an online therapy platform. If you are interested in finding exclusively online therapists, and want a personalized approach, online therapy platforms like BetterHelp can steer you in the right direction. With BetterHelp you simply fill in a quick questionnaire online and you will be matched with a therapist that meets your needs. You can then meet with them over video conferencing, messaging, or even the phone. If your first therapist doesn’t work out, you can switch to a new one without any financial penalty.
Note that most online therapy platforms do not offer medication management, psychiatry services, prescriptions, or medical healthcare services. For a medical treatment plan or online psychiatry, use a platform that offers access to a board certified online psychiatrist, as therapists and psychologists cannot prescribe medication or offer medical health services in the US.
“Samuel is an extremely smart man and makes me feel like he actually cares about me and my mental health. He goes the extra mile in finding me local groups and clinics and refers me books to read. I still have a long way to go but I’m glad it’s with him. Thank you, Sam”
“Julie is by far more than just a therapist. She is a god sent angel. She knows and understands mental health inside and out. She also has a great ability to keep the session focused and hone me back in if needed. She shows the most amount of empathy and understand I have had the pleasure in having of a therapist. She gives homework appropriately and has so many tricks up her sleeves. I am honored to have her in my life.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Online Psychotherapy
Below are frequently asked questions about psychiatry and online services.
Only medical doctors and psychiatrists can prescribe medications for treating mental illness. BetterHelp does not provide a platform to match with a medical doctor or psychiatrist who can prescribe medication.
It depends on your goals and intentions of seeing a mental health professional. If you are more interested in addressing a specific issue or area of concern, you would likely benefit from seeing a psychologist. If you are more interested in pursuing medication as treatment for a mental health disorder, it may be beneficial to start with a psychiatrist.
Online therapy can be beneficial for many different reasons. First, it is convenient as you can attend therapy sessions in the comfort of your own home. Many online platforms offer affordable online therapy that is less expensive than in-person sessions, and sessions can conveniently fit into your schedule.
If you cannot currently afford therapy, BetterHelp does offer financial assistance to qualified patients in the form of sliding-scale fees. When you sign up, you will be asked to complete a survey that will ask for your monthly income to see if you are eligible
Online therapy can often be cheaper than traditional in-person therapy, particularly if you do not have health insurance. BetterHelp offers a variety of options for online counseling ranging from $65 to $90 per week (billed every four weeks) but may be higher based on your preferences, location, and therapy availability. It's worth noting that online therapy is not billed by the hour but instead by the session.
What Are The Main Types Of Therapy?
Several common types of therapy include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), psychodynamic therapy, and humanistic therapy. There are other types of therapy that do not fit into these categories, such as couples/family therapy, interpersonal therapy, and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR).
What Is BetterHelp Counseling?
Through live video sessions and text messaging, you can work with a therapist on any mental health challenges you may be facing, such as anxiety, depression, grief, relationship issues, etc. It may be more affordable than traditional in-person therapy and you can schedule appointments at a time that works best for you in the comfort of your own home.
Is virtual therapy effective?
Can a virtual psychiatrist diagnose you?
Can I get antidepressants through a website?
How do I find a good psychiatrist online?
Is it better to do teletherapy or in person?
What is the best telehealth online psychiatry?
What is the BetterHelp controversy?
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