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Today, it’s become more and more common to access medical support virtually. Whether you need to schedule a virtual urgent care visit because you’re too sick to leave your home, or you need more flexibility with appointment times because you work or are a full-time parent, online medical care has become an integral part of health care in the United States, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic.

If you are considering seeking mental health help, you may be curious about how online psychiatry, or telepsychiatry, works, especially if your provider recommends medication. Understanding how psychiatry sessions are handled online will help you feel more comfortable about getting virtual care. 

Psychology vs Psychiatry

Although both psychology and psychiatry focus on mental health, the two fields are different. Psychology is the study of the mind, and how feelings, thoughts, events, and social influences can impact behaviors and perspectives.  

Psychiatry is a branch of medicine, requiring a medical degree to practice. Psychiatrists focus on the brain and the diagnosis and treatment of mental illnesses with medication and other therapies. 

In most states, psychologists cannot prescribe medication, but very often therapists of all types collaborate with psychiatrists or psychiatric mental nurse practitioners (PMHNP) if medication is needed as part of an overall mental health approach for a client. 

What Online Psychiatry Can Treat

Connecting with a psychiatrist or a PMHNP online does not limit what conditions they can treat. Online psychiatrists can evaluate, diagnose, and treat a broad range of mental health conditions, including:

  • Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
  • Anxiety disorders
  • Bipolar disorder
  • Depression
  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Personality and mood disorders
  • Eating disorders

Attending a session with a psychiatrist online is similar in a lot of ways to seeing a provider in a more traditional in-person setting. As a client, you can schedule an appointment online to be completed via video or over the phone, depending on your preference. The process is the same: you and your provider will discuss your mental health condition and work together to create a plan to treat your symptoms and concerns.

Depending on your provider or the service you’re using to connect to that provider, your sessions may be covered by your insurance. 

Benefits of Online Psychiatry

Not only is there substantial evidence that the efficacy of telepsychiatry is quite high compared with in-person treatment, but there are additional benefits to seeing a provider online, including:

  • Convenience – You can access sessions from the comfort of your own home. 
  • Time savings – Traveling into an office is not necessary.
  • Cost savings – Online sessions may be less expensive, and you’ll save money on travel. 
  • Improved access – If you live in a rural area without local access to providers, you’ll be able to connect with any provider, anywhere.
  • Reduced stigma – You’ll enjoy privacy, which may make your mental health concerns easier to talk about.

What to Expect from an Online Psychiatry Session

 If you’ve ever seen a psychiatrist in an office setting, you’re probably familiar with how a session might go. If it’s your first session with a new provider, you’ll need to complete an intake form and share some details about your symptoms and concerns. You’ll spend the session talking to your provider about your recent feelings and behaviors and explain what you’re looking to achieve with future sessions or treatment. You may discuss medication with your provider, if it’s something they recommend to support your mental health journey.

Talk therapy is usually provided by psychologists or therapists. Your psychiatric provider may suggest you engage in talk therapy on a regular basis (if you’re not already doing that) along with medication to help support your condition.

The obvious difference in seeing a psychiatrist online is that you’ll need to connect with your provider via an online platform and through a video or phone call. You’ll need a computer or a smart phone with reliable internet access and a quiet place to attend your online session. 

Online Psychiatric Providers

Psychiatrists and PMHNPs who practice online are just as educated and experienced as those who see clients in-person. Some may see clients both online and in-person. Any provider offering services online must be licensed by a state medical board and capable of diagnosing and treating mental health conditions with prescribed medications.

How to Get Started

If you’re ready to start your mental health journey online, MindGlow Health offers talk therapy and psychiatric care through online appointments with licensed providers who are experienced and passionate about what they do. The company was built on the foundation of a well-established behavioral health organization, where thousands of people nationwide have sought care for their mental health concerns. 

Learn more about the services we provide or get started today with one of our experienced, passionate online providers to take the first step towards a healthier, happier you.