Is online psychiatry right for you?

If you’re wondering if you can see a psychiatrist online, the answer is yes — most of the time. For many people, online psychiatry is more convenient, accessible, and just as effective as in-person care. Online psychiatry lets you get mental health support from your home, which may be especially helpful if you have mobility issues, live in a rural area, feel more comfortable in your own space, or have a demanding work schedule

However, online care has some limitations, and it’s not right for everyone. If you decide to try online psychiatry and it doesn’t end up working for you, you can always switch back to in-person care. Here’s some helpful information on how online psychiatry works, who should see an online provider, and more answers to frequently asked questions. 

How online psychiatry works

Online psychiatry works just like in-person psychiatry. But instead of going to see a psychiatrist in person at their office, you’ll see them online, usually through a confidential video-calling platform.

You can find an online psychiatrist who operates an individual practice in your area, or you can use an online mental health platform. Some hospitals may also offer online appointments for psychiatry.

Online psychiatrists are required to have the same amount of training and experience as in-person psychiatrists. All psychiatrists — even if you see them online — must have an active medical license in your state. That means you can’t choose any psychiatrist who’s out of state, but not having to stick to your immediate area can open up your options significantly.

Just like in-person psychiatrists, online psychiatrists can provide diagnoses and write prescriptions. Most mental health medications can be safely prescribed and monitored on an online platform. Some medications are legally controlled and may require additional monitoring. In some cases, your psychiatrist may be unable or unwilling to prescribe controlled substances due to federal or state regulations. Patients may be required to have an in-person assessment to be prescribed controlled substances.

The exact process of seeing an online psychiatrist can differ depending on what platform you’re using. But generally, you’ll take the following steps:

1. Find a provider. Use a mental health platform, or search for a local psychiatrist who offers virtual appointments. Make sure they’re licensed in your state.
2. Make an appointment. Contact the psychiatrist to make an appointment. Many online platforms offer same-day or next-day appointments. Some let you choose between one-time consults or ongoing care.
3. Prepare your technology. Make sure your camera and microphone work, and download any necessary software or apps ahead of time. Your psychiatrist’s office will let you know what platform you’ll be using for your session.
4. Log in to a secure platform. HIPAA requires psychiatrists to use private, encrypted video platforms so your information is protected. Log on a few minutes before your session begins.
5. Attend your appointment. During your first session, your psychiatrist will take some time to get to know you, including your medical history, mental health concerns, and goals for treatment. 
6. Pick up your medication or have it mailed to you. If your psychiatrist writes you a prescription, it can be sent to your local pharmacy or mailed directly to your home, depending on the medication, your insurance, and the platform you’re using.

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Who should see an online psychiatrist

Most people can benefit from seeing a psychiatrist online just as much as they would from seeing a psychiatrist in person. You should consider seeing an online psychiatrist if you:

• Have a common mental health condition: Online psychiatrists are typically very experienced in treating common conditions like depression, anxiety, or obsessive, compulsive disorder (OCD). On the other hand, if you live with a more severe condition, you may benefit more from seeing a psychiatrist in person who can more closely monitor your symptoms. For instance, if you’re experiencing mania, suicidal ideation, or psychosis, an in-person evaluation may be best.* 
• Experience mild to moderate symptoms: If you can be at home and function in your day-to-day life, online psychiatry will be most helpful for you. Online psychiatry can also benefit people with more severe symptoms, but you may also need higher levels of care, like inpatient treatment.
• Live in a remote area with limited access to care: If only a few mental health providers serve your area — or none at all — online psychiatry may be the best or only option available to you. Seeing someone virtually allows you to access a wider network of licensed providers.
• Are comfortable with technology or have received online mental health treatment before: If you’re used to video calls and navigating apps, online psychiatry may be a seamless experience for you. That’s partly why children and adolescents — an age group that’s very comfortable with technology — tend to be more satisfied with online psychiatry services. If you’re not comfortable with technology, you might find online sessions more frustrating than helpful. 

*If you or a loved one is experiencing suicidal thoughts or thoughts about harming themself or others, please call or text 988 on any phone for the Suicide & Crisis lifeline, contact a local crisis line, or head to the emergency room immediately. Any of these resources will ensure that the person in crisis receives support right away. For more information on getting help, go to 988lifeline.org. If you’re experiencing a life-threatening emergency or need immediate help, please call 911. 

More things to know about telepsychiatry

Here are some additional things to keep in mind before you decide on online psychiatry.

It’s completely confidential

Psychiatrists who practice online are held to the same confidentiality standards as any other medical professional. They must keep all of your health information private and use secure, encrypted platforms to communicate with you. However, remember that you also need to be in a private space. If you’re worried that someone in your home will overhear your session, you might want to see a psychiatrist at their office.

Research shows that it’s effective

Research shows virtually no difference in symptom reduction, patient satisfaction, or diagnosis accuracy between in-person and online mental health. Effectiveness doesn’t need to be a concern when you’re deciding — unless you experience a particular symptom that makes online conversations more challenging for you (like Tourette syndrome).

You shouldn’t depend on it for controlled substances

If you need controlled substances to manage symptoms — for example, if you take (or are hoping to take) certain medications for ADHD —  it may not be best to completely rely on an online psychiatrist. The laws and ethical guidelines around virtual care are constantly changing, and some providers may ask to see you in person first or may not prescribe these medications at all.

You can often do both

Many psychiatrists offer both online and in-person appointments. That means you can always switch between seeing a psychiatrist online and in person. And if online psychiatry doesn’t end up working for you, it’s OK to find a psychiatrist who focuses more heavily on in-person care.

Find care with Rula

Online psychiatry can make it easier to get the mental health support you need — especially if time, location, or mobility make it harder to get care in person. As long as you feel comfortable with the format, it’s a flexible and effective option for most people looking to treat common mental health conditions.

At Rula, we’re committed to delivering a comprehensive behavioral health experience that helps people feel seen and understood so they can get back to feeling their best.

Rula makes it easier to find a licensed therapist or psychiatric provider who accepts your insurance so you don’t have to choose between affordable care and excellent care. With a diverse network of more than 15,000 providers, 24/7 crisis support, and appointments available as soon as tomorrow, we’re here to help you make progress — wherever you are on your mental health journey.

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