Reasons To Choose An Online Psychiatrist For Improved Mental Health
Online therapy options for virtual mental health care
If you’re looking for tailored support that combines psychiatric medicine and psychology for your mental health symptoms, to evaluate, potentially diagnose and/or treat mental health conditions, an in-person or online psychiatric professional may have the knowledge and expertise to help.
Medication management, covered by insurance
$20 average copay with insurance*
Connect with a psychiatrist*Medication is prescribed only when clinically appropriate and is not guaranteed. Pricing, availability, insurance coverage, and copays vary by plan, location, and provider availability are not guaranteed.
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 psychiatric services and 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.
This BetterHelp article does not intended to provide guidance about which drugs, medications, or medical treatments may be appropriate for you. The content provides generalized information and is not specific to one individual. You should not take any action without consulting a qualified medical professional. BetterHelp now offers psychiatry services through Uplift. Learn more about medication management .
The BetterHelp platform is not intended for any information regarding which drugs, medications, or medical treatments 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.
Possible reasons to choose an online psychiatrist: Medication support and other psychotherapeutic treatments
Qualifications in psychiatry may mean that practitioners can prescribe certain medications when clinically appropriate. They can also order medical procedures, such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), which may be used for conditions 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.
Note: While BetterHelp offers medication management through UpLift, controlled substances are not available through the platform’s psychiatric services.
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.
Finding a psychiatrist through an online therapy or 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.
Getting started with BetterHelp is simple:
- Take a short questionnaire. Answer a few quick questions about your goals, preferences, and the type of therapist you’d like to work with.
- Get matched quickly. In most cases, you can be matched with a licensed provider in as little as 48 hours.
- Start therapy on your terms. Schedule sessions by video, phone, or live chat, and join from anywhere you have an internet connection.
Finding the right therapist isn’t just important – it’s everything.
Find your matchOnline 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: Child, teen, or adolescent psychiatry
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.
Find the right psychiatric platform for you
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 counseling expertise (You can check their credentials at theAmerican 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 are online.
- Other patients’ psychiatry reviews online.
Scheduling your first online psychiatry session
Most in-person or online mental health psychiatrists begin with an initial consultation, completing a mental health evaluation before a treatment plan is made.
First appointment expectations: Initial assessment and important information gathering
This first appointment gives psychiatric patients an opportunity to discuss their concerns and mental health history with an experienced provider while assessing the psychiatric nurse or doctor’s personality and treatment approach. You might prepare a list of questions as well as a list of any current medications or testing records. During your consultation, you can also ask about any sliding scale fee plans and the predicted length of the treatment plan.
When will a psychiatrist prescribe medication (or medications) as a part of treatment?
If you’re curious about medication, note that psychiatrists may recommend or prescribe medication after a comprehensive 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 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-medication treatment to improve and manage a patient’s symptoms. Online psychotherapy can be a convenient way to receive mental health care.
Affordable online psychiatric options for depression, anxiety, ADHD, and other mental health conditions
In addition to psychotherapy, BetterHelp now offers psychiatry services through UpLift. Together, psychiatric treatment and therapy can serve as a comprehensive approach to mental health care. Available psychiatry services include evaluations, treatment planning, and medication management*.
*Medication availability and coverage may vary by member location, clinical appropriateness, and individual pharmacy/insurance benefits. Prescribing decisions are made by the treating clinicians. We do not guarantee that any specific medication will be prescribed or covered by a member’s insurance plan.
BetterHelp’s psychiatry and medication management care addresses a range of mental-health needs (e.g., anxiety, depression, ADHD) by connecting members to providers who may consider a range of clinically appropriate medications (excluding controlled substances). Treatment plans are personalized and may vary by individual.
Through BetterHelp, online psychiatry is affordable and readily available. Many UpLift providers are in network with major insurance carriers. When sessions are covered, members pay an average copay of $20 per session.
30,000+ therapists with diverse specialties
Finding help with medication management
When it comes to mental health support, 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 their psychiatry services available to a wider variety of patients. Online care and in person care both must meet regulated medical standards, promoting professional insight and treatment in both settings.
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 is 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 counseling or psychiatric practitioner.
Psychiatrist for the treatment of mental 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 for virtual psychiatry.
As you explore options, you might keep in mind that forming a healthy therapeutic relationship with your practitioner can often be key to the effectiveness of virtual psychiatry, as medication management is usually a collaborative process.
Online therapy resources
If you’re ready to begin your mental health journey but are unsure if psychiatry is right for you, online therapy can be an effective stepping stone to other treatments. Online therapy and virtual mental health care can provide benefits such as flexible scheduling and often offers a wider range of mental health professionals.
Takeaway
Does BetterHelp offer psychiatry and medication management?
Yes. BetterHelp now offers psychiatry services through UpLift. BetterHelp psychiatry and medication management services provide virtual mental health care for individuals ages 18 and older who are experiencing mild to severe behavioral health symptoms, including anxiety, depression, and other conditions that may benefit from psychiatric consultation, prescriptions, and ongoing medication management. Psychiatry is an additional care option available alongside therapy and can be part of a holistic mental health care experience. Psychiatry services may include medication management when clinically appropriate. All treatment decisions are made by a licensed psychiatric provider.
Are psychiatry and medication management covered by insurance on BetterHelp?
Yes. BetterHelp now offers psychiatry services that may be covered by insurance through UpLift. Many UpLift providers are in-network with most major insurance carriers (for eligible members the average copay is only $20). The cost of your medication will depend on your insurance plan. We recommend speaking with your insurance to learn how much your medication will cost. Try asking about your copay, deductible, and whether they cover your prescribed medication.
Can I consult an online psychiatrist for free? Will an initial psychiatric care consultation be covered by 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 health conditions online without a medication prescription?
One way to address mental health concerns without medication is through therapy, which can be extremely helpful for learning coping skills and managing mental and behavioral health.
While a number of mental health conditions may be addressed without medication using cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), keep in mind that medication can be an important component of treatment for some people. Consult with a psychiatrist to consider your online psychiatry or psychotherapy treatment options.
Can I get anxiety medication from online psychiatry practices? Can online psychiatry services prescribe medication?
Many common mental health conditions, although not all, may be helped with medication as part of a broader treatment plan. Psychiatrists are medical doctors with specialized training, allowing them to prescribe mental health medication after evaluating your history and current status.
You can see a psychiatrist in person or discuss medication options during an online session with a psychiatrist. If medication is prescribed, it may be filled at a local pharmacy like other prescription medications.
What causes mental health problems like insomnia, PTSD, or other mental health conditions?
Mental health issues are caused by a variety of factors. These can include childhood trauma, genetic factors, family mental health history, and other life experiences.
What do psychiatrists prescribe for an anxiety disorder?
Psychiatrists, both remote and in-person, may consider a few types of medication for anxiety, depending on an individual’s needs and clinical evaluation. These can include SSRIs or other medication options.
What are the main mental health disorders, their symptoms, and treatments?
Some of the most common mental health 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 emotionally overwhelmed, and can a remote psychiatrist or psychologist provide effective care?
If you feel emotionally overwhelmed, 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. Similarly, you can see an individual or family therapist in person rather than seeing a therapist online. 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 also must meet the high standards of care required.
Can an online psychiatrist assess ADHD?
An online psychiatrist may assess symptoms associated with ADHD through virtual consultations, clinical interviews, questionnaires, and other tools as part of a comprehensive evaluation. Whether a diagnosis is made depends on the provider’s clinical judgment and the information gathered during the assessment.
For treatment, online psychiatrists may consider medications or non-medication approaches commonly used to support ADHD symptoms, when clinically appropriate.
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 may consider mood stabilizers, antipsychotic medications, and sometimes antidepressants as part of treatment for bipolar disorder, depending on the individual’s symptoms and clinical needs. Both mood stabilizers and antipsychotics can help with manic or depressive episodes, if determined to be clinically appropriate by a licensed psychiatric provider.
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.
Which therapy 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 emotional regulation and coping skills.
Psychodynamic therapy may also be helpful for understanding underlying issues. Depending on the symptoms, therapy is often combined with medication, as determined by a licensed psychiatric provider, for comprehensive treatment.
Can you use an insurance plan or payment plans for the cost of psychiatrist or therapist services?
Yes, many insurance plans cover psychiatrist and therapist services, including online and in-person visits.
How to find out if your psychiatrist is covered by insurance
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.
Additional questions to consider when looking to schedule an appointment with an adult or teen psychiatrist:
- What do I want my personalized treatment plan to look like?
- Can I have my appointments over video or on the phone?
- What does this psychologist specialize in: child psychology, crisis support, eating disorders, etc?
- Where can I find a psychiatrist in person to visit?
- How do people decide when to take medications?
The BetterHelp platform is not intended to provide guidance about which drugs, medications, or medical treatments may be appropriate for you. The content provides generalized information and is not specific to one individual. You should not take any action without consulting a qualified medical professional. BetterHelp now offers psychiatry services through UpLift. Learn more about medication management here.
*Medication availability and coverage may vary by member location, clinical appropriateness, and individual pharmacy/insurance benefits. Prescribing decisions are made by the treating clinicians. We do not guarantee that any specific medication will be prescribed or covered by a member’s insurance plan.
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