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The same is true for mental health professionals, who have seen significant demand for telepsychiatry services. Psychiatrists can now see patients and prescribe medicine online.
What is a psychiatrist?
Before deciding whether a psychiatrist is right for you, a distinction needs to be made between the terms “psychologist” and “psychiatrist.” Psychologists are mental health professionals who provide psychological counseling (such as therapy) but are unable to prescribe medication. On the other hand, psychiatrists specialize in the treatment and diagnosis of mental health disorders and can prescribe medication like antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, stimulates, antipsychotics or mood stabilizers. While both are highly skilled and trained, only psychiatrists are medical doctors.
If you require medication along with counseling, you may have to see both a psychologist and a psychiatrist.
Is online psychiatry effective?
Online psychiatrists are best for those with busy schedules. They cut out travel time, uncomfortable waiting rooms and according to research, may even cost less than traditional in-person psychiatry. That sounds all positive, but is it as effective? The same study concluded that “telepsychiatry is a feasible and acceptable approach,” especially for young people and vulnerable and underserved communities.
We’ve rounded up a curated list of the best online psychiatry platforms based on affordability, accessibility, convenience and level of professionalism.
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Talkspace starts off our list of the best online psychiatry services. The app-based company provides medication management for those with anxiety, depression, insomnia, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Starting services is easy. Take a quick assessment to determine the right psychiatrist for you and answer questions regarding insurance, location and gender preference of a provider. Talkspace will then take up to 48 hours to match you with a licensed psychiatrist or nurse practitioner.
An initial session is $249, and any follow-up sessions afterward are $125. Bundles for new clients are also available, with an initial session and one follow-up appointment starting at $365, three follow-up appointments at $565 and six follow-up appointments at $849.
Pros of Talkspace:
- Clients with out-of-network benefits can submit claims and get reimbursed for about 50 to 90% of the cost
- Live video sessions are available through the web or on the app for Android or Apple
- If you don’t like your initial provider, you can switch to another at no cost
Cons of Talkspace:
- Talkspace only accepts Premera, Cigna, Gatorcare and Optum insurance plans
- Medication delivery is only available if your insurance allows it
- Individuals under the age of 18 can not use Talkspace’s services
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Talkspace starts off our list of the best online psychiatry services. The app-based company provides medication management for those with anxiety, depression, insomnia, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Starting services is easy. Take a quick assessment to determine the right psychiatrist for you and answer questions regarding insurance, location and gender preference of a provider. Talkspace will then take up to 48 hours to match you with a licensed psychiatrist or nurse practitioner.
An initial session is $249, and any follow-up sessions afterward are $125. Bundles for new clients are also available, with an initial session and one follow-up appointment starting at $365, three follow-up appointments at $565 and six follow-up appointments at $849.
Pros of Talkspace:
- Clients with out-of-network benefits can submit claims and get reimbursed for about 50 to 90% of the cost
- Live video sessions are available through the web or on the app for Android or Apple
- If you don’t like your initial provider, you can switch to another at no cost
Cons of Talkspace:
- Talkspace only accepts Premera, Cigna, Gatorcare and Optum insurance plans
- Medication delivery is only available if your insurance allows it
- Individuals under the age of 18 can not use Talkspace’s services
