Finding A Licensed Online Psychiatrist For Improved Mental Health
Online therapy options
If you’re looking for tailored support that combines psychiatric medicine and psychology for your mental health symptoms or to treat or diagnose mental health conditions, an in-person or online psychiatric professional may have the knowledge and expertise to help.
Mental health therapy with a licensed psychiatrist
If you want to see a psychiatrist, you have options for psychiatric services. In addition to being available for an in-person visit, there are many platforms that can match a patient with an online psychiatrist, so you can enlist their help without compromising your schedule. To start, you might explore your options for psychiatric care, reasons why you might choose this treatment path, and how psychotherapy can enhance your treatment plan.
Psychiatrists vs. psychologists
Both psychiatrists and psychologists work in mental health, but prior to entering the field, they undergo different types of training. Unlike psychologists, who are primarily trained to provide psychotherapy and talk therapy, both in-person and online psychiatrists have graduated from medical school and have a deep understanding of human biology and psychological concepts of human behavior, development, and personality. Psychiatrists can prescribe medication and perform medical tests, which psychologists cannot do.
The BetterHelp platform is not intended for any information regarding which drugs, medication, or medical treatment may be appropriate for you. The content provides generalized information that is not specific to one individual. You should not take any action without consulting a qualified medical professional.
Psychiatry education requirements
Both in-person and online psychiatrists are uniquely trained to work within the framework of a mind-body connection. Due to their understanding of human biology, psychiatrists can prescribe medications and provide clients with a medication management plan. Qualifications in psychiatry may mean that practitioners can prescribe controlled substances such as certain anti-anxiety medications. They can also order medical procedures, such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), which can treat mental illnesses like major depressive disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Because they are also trained in psychology, they often understand how psychotherapy and psychological tests can complement these medical treatments.
If you believe you would benefit from a mental health treatment plan with a combined approach of psychiatric and psychotherapeutic treatments, an in-person or online psychiatrist may be the best option for you.
How to find a psychiatrist through a virtual platform
You might begin your search for a psychiatrist by asking close friends and family, browsing through online therapy platforms, or asking your primary care doctor and nurse practitioners for psychiatrist recommendations. Your primary care physician may write you a referral so that you can schedule an appointment with a psychiatric provider more quickly. If you are more comfortable starting your search discreetly, an online platform can allow prospective patients to connect with psychiatrists and other mental health professionals.
Online psychiatry resources
To learn more about potential psychiatric resources, consider the following websites:
- General psychiatry information: American Psychiatric Association (APA)
- General therapy information alongside psychiatry: Anxiety & Depression Association of America (ADAA) (Note that this directory primarily focuses on therapists but may include other mental health professionals, including psychiatrists.)
- Global psychiatry information: U.S. News & World Report
Online psychiatrists and their subspecialties
You might also pay attention to each psychiatrist’s diverse range of subspecialties, which are specialty certifications within the mental health field. For example, in-person or online practitioners may specialize in child psychiatry, couples and family psychiatric concerns, or specific mental health conditions, such as anxiety, bipolar disorder, or eating disorders. It can be helpful to choose an online mental health professional based on your specific mental health challenges and goals.
How do I choose the right psychiatric platform for me?
As you search, you might begin compiling a list of potential mental health services, psychiatric nurse practitioners, or psychiatrists you would like to start collaborating with. You can email or call their office to schedule a consultation, depending on your preferred contact mode. Before attending your first appointment, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) recommends screening the practitioner for the following considerations:
- Compatibility with your insurance company, if they accept insurance
- Education, which includes board-certified psychiatrist subspecialties and areas of expertise (You can check their credentials at the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.)
- Teaching experience in psychiatry
- Scientific publications that they have written in the field of psychiatry
- Years of experience in psychiatry
- The website and description of their medical approach online
- Other patients’ psychiatry reviews online
What to expect at your first online psychiatry session
When will a psychiatrist prescribe medication?
If you’re curious about medication, note that psychiatrists may only prescribe medication after a psychological evaluation. A psychiatric evaluation may include a thorough review of your medical history, health records, and goals. Depending on your symptoms, they may also order psychological and medical tests, such as brain imaging or blood tests, to rule out any underlying causes of your concerns.
With this information and your consent to pursue psychiatric treatment, the practitioner may develop a personalized treatment plan. Although they may decide to add or alter your medications as part of your treatment, mental health conditions may not always require medication. In these cases, a psychiatrist may recommend therapy or another non-medicinal treatment to improve and manage a patient’s symptoms. Online psychotherapy can be a convenient way to receive mental health care.
Finding affordable online psychiatric options
Through platforms like BetterHelp, board-certified therapists can provide therapeutic treatment for ADHD, anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other mental health conditions. At this time, BetterHelp does not include online psychiatrists. However, after you meet with an in-person or online psychiatrist, they may suggest that you connect with a therapist whose specialty or approach aligns with your needs, and BetterHelp can assist with this part of your care.
Finding help with medication management
When it comes to mental health, it can be difficult to find the time—let alone the words—to ask for help. However, many psychiatrists offer online mental health care to make services available to a wider variety of patients. Online care can provide the same professional insight and treatment through online visits as you’d receive in person. In some cases, you may meet with your psychiatrist in person during your first consultation and then continue treatment via video chat or another digital platform. Whatever your preference, it can be possible to find online help and receive a thorough assessment without leaving home. Often, health insurance providers like United Healthcare can support you financially to see a practitioner.
Finding a psychiatrist for your health conditions
If you want to work with an online psychiatrist, some directories (such as the APA Finder tool) allow you to filter the results. As you explore options, you might keep in mind that forming a healthy therapeutic relationship with your practitioner can often be key to therapy’s effectiveness, as medication management is usually a collaborative process.
If you’re ready to begin your mental health journey but unsure if psychiatry is right for you, online therapy can be an effective stepping stone to other treatments. Online therapy can provide benefits such as flexible scheduling and often offers a wider range of mental health professionals.
Takeaway
Frequently asked questions
Can I consult an online psychiatrist for free or with insurance?
Typically, psychiatric services, including online psychiatrist services, cost money. You can check with your insurance provider to see if they have online psychiatry covered or options to find an online psychiatrist. You may also seek out community clinics in your area to see if they offer free or reduced-cost psychiatric evaluation services.
How do you treat mental illness online without medication?
The best way to treat mental illness without medication from a psychiatrist is with therapy, which can be extremely helpful for learning coping skills and managing mental and behavioral health. While a number of mental illnesses can be treated without medication using cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), keep in mind that medication is a critical component of treatment for some conditions. Consult with a psychiatrist to consider your online psychiatry or psychotherapy treatment options.
Can I get anxiety medication from online psychiatry practices?
Many common mental health conditions, although not all, can be helped with the right medication. Psychiatrists are medical doctors with specialized training, allowing them to prescribe mental health medication after asking a few questions about your history and current status. You can see a psychiatrist in person or discuss anxiety medication during an online session with a psychiatrist. Psychiatric medications can be picked up at a local pharmacy just as other prescription medications can.
What causes mental health problems?
Mental health issues are caused by a variety of factors. These can include childhood trauma, genetic factors, family mental health history, trauma, and substance use disorder.
What do psychiatrists prescribe for anxiety?
Psychiatrists, both remote and in-person, may prescribe a few types of medication for anxiety, depending on their patient’s needs. These can include SSRIs, benzodiazepines, or beta blockers.
What are the main mental disorders?
Some of the main mental disorders are depressive disorders (e.g., seasonal affective disorder and postpartum depression), schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, personality disorders, PTSD, and anxiety disorders (e.g., panic disorder and generalized anxiety disorder). If you have mental or behavioral health needs, it is important to seek support from a mental health professional. A mental health condition can worsen over time if left untreated.
Why do I feel mentally unstable, and can a remote psychiatrist or psychologist help?
If you feel mentally unstable, you may be going through a period of stress, or you may be experiencing the effects of a mental health condition. Seeking psychiatric care through online therapy or online sessions with a psychiatrist can provide effective treatment. In-person psychiatric services are also an option for those who prefer face-to-face interaction with in-person psychiatrists or family therapists, rather than seeing an online psychiatrist. If you are under 18, parental consent may be required to begin online or in-person psychiatric evaluation or treatment.
Mental health support with online therapy
Choosing online mental health care is convenient, as it eliminates travel time necessitated by in-person visits and allows you to access therapy from the comfort of your own home. Furthermore, online sessions with therapists or psychiatrists have been shown to be as effective as in-person care.
Can an online psychiatrist diagnose and treat ADHD?
Yes, an online psychiatrist can diagnose and treat ADHD. Through virtual consultations, an online psychiatrist can evaluate symptoms, conduct assessments, and provide a formal diagnosis. They may use video calls, questionnaires, and other tools to gather the necessary information for diagnosis.
For treatment, online psychiatrists may prescribe medication like stimulants or non-stimulants commonly used to treat ADHD. They can also recommend therapy options, including behavioral therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), to help manage symptoms and improve coping strategies. Online therapy has been found to be effective for ADHD, offering flexibility and accessibility for individuals seeking support.
What medical treatment does a psychiatrist use for bipolar disorder?
Psychiatrists typically use a combination of mood stabilizers (like lithium), antipsychotic medications, and sometimes antidepressants to treat bipolar disorder. Mood stabilizers help manage mood swings, while antipsychotics can help with manic or depressive episodes. In some cases, a combination of these medications may be necessary for effective symptom management. Treatment plans are individualized based on the patient's specific symptoms and medical history.
What type of therapy or counseling is best for depression?
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one of the most effective therapies for depression. It helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors contributing to their depression. Other effective therapies include Interpersonal Therapy (IPT), which focuses on improving relationships and social functioning, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), which teaches coping skills. Psychodynamic therapy may also be helpful for understanding underlying issues. Often, therapy is combined with medication, prescribed from psychiatrists, for comprehensive treatment.
Can you use insurance or payment plans for psychiatrist or therapist services?
Yes, many insurance plans cover psychiatrist and therapist services, including online and in-person visits. Coverage often varies based on the type of plan, so it’s essential to check with your insurance provider to see what mental health services are included. Some plans may cover a portion or all of the costs for therapy or psychiatric care, while others might have copays or deductibles. Be sure to verify the network status of your provider to ensure coverage.
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