Treating mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, or ADHD may require the use of medications. Medications such as antidepressants, stimulants, or antipsychotics help support good mental health functioning and promote healing from mental illnesses. A normal talk therapist, however, cannot prescribe these medications. To get medication, you need to talk to a psychiatrist.
Scheduling with a psychiatrist can be overwhelming, especially when you’re already struggling with your mental health. One way psychiatrists have made the process easier is by offering online psychiatric services.
By visiting with an online psychiatrist, you can receive high-quality mental health care, accurate diagnosis, and fast prescriptions for your mental health, all from the comfort of your own home.
Does an online psychiatrist work?
Yes. Online psychiatrists are very effective. Most diagnostic assessments can be conducted virtually, and check-ins after medication has been prescribed can also be done virtually.
There are some limitations. Some psychiatrists prefer to meet in person for certain mental health assessments. Other people find they miss the human connection of meeting in-person and get more out of an in-person session. Ask your therapist or psychiatrist if telehealth psychiatry is for you.
How does a Psychiatrist work?
You might know people who take Lexapro for their depression or who have Adderall for their ADHD. You think it will be helpful for you, but you have no idea where to even begin.
A Psychiatrist is a good first step. (Or, if you have one, talk to your therapist about being referred to a psychiatrist to start medication.)
Once you find an online psychiatrist that fits your needs, insurance, and availability, there are three steps to getting medication:
1. Initial Screening.
No psychiatrist will prescribe you medication without first doing assessments. These assessments will determine what you are struggling with, if you need medication, and what type of medication will be most helpful. For example, there are many different types of antidepressants, and they don’t all work in the same way.
You can expect this initial screening to last at least 1 hour. Depending on your needs, the psychiatrist may schedule a longer initial assessment to collect all the necessary background information and symptoms you’re experiencing. Other psychiatrists prefer to split up the initial screening into 2 or 3 sessions. This will depend on the type and severity of your needs.
2. Diagnosis and Prescription.
Usually, a diagnosis is required before medication can be prescribed. This is to prevent malpractice on the psychiatrist's end, but also to comply with insurance rules. Most insurances require a diagnosis and treatment plan to cover the services.
A psychiatrist's job is to properly diagnose mental health concerns and treat them accordingly. Specific diagnoses are important because it can affect the type and dosage of medication. For example, comorbid depression and anxiety could benefit from a different medication than depression on its own.
After your initial screening and diagnosis, your online psychiatrist will prescribe medication. You can pick these up at your pharmacy.
3. Continued Care.
It’s best to continue seeing your psychiatrist weekly or bi-weekly as you’re first getting used to your medication. Medication can have unwelcome side effects that should be quickly reported to your psychiatrist.
Depending on side effects and the helpfulness of the medication, your telehealth psychiatrist may adjust the dosage or type of medication.
It can take some trial and error before finding the right medication for you. A psychiatrist’s job is to keep this process safe and mitigate as many negative side effects as they can. Never stop taking medication, increase your dosage, change your medication, or start taking other medication without the approval and recommendation of your psychiatrist.
What Can an Online Psychiatrist Prescribe?
Online psychiatrists can prescribe any medication that in-person psychiatrists can. This includes medication for mental health issues such as:
- Major Depressive Disorder (Depression)
- Bipolar Disorder (Type I & II)
- Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia)
- Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
- Panic Disorder
- Social Anxiety Disorder
- Phobias
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) (primarily for related symptoms like irritability or anxiety)
- Schizophrenia
- Schizoaffective Disorder
- Delusional Disorder
- Brief Psychotic Disorder
- Anorexia nervosa (adjunct support for anxiety or depression)
- Bulimia nervosa
- Binge-eating disorder
- Body Dysmorphic Disorder
- Tic Disorders / Tourette Syndrome
- Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)
- Dementia-related agitation or depression
- Adjustment disorders with depression or anxiety
And more! This is not a complete list. Psychiatrists tailor treatment plans based on each individual’s symptoms, history, and overall health, and they often work alongside therapists, primary care doctors, and other professionals for holistic care.
Can Online Psychiatrists Prescribe Controlled Substances?
Yes. Psychiatrists are one of the few professions that can prescribe controlled substances. A therapist cannot prescribe medication. If you think you need a controlled substance, get scheduled with an online psychiatrist.
Do Online Psychiatrists Take Insurance?
Yes. Many psychiatrists will take insurance although some only offer self-pay rates. Most insurances will cover psychiatry visits and medications. Make sure you check what your deductible and copay is before signing up. If you need help understanding your insurance, talk to your psychiatrist before your session. They are usually happy to verify those benefits for you.
How to Find an Online Psychiatrist Near You
Lifebulb offers online psychiatry appointments. Contact our team to see our availability in your city. You can also browse our psychiatrists near you. We accept most major insurances and have little to no wait times.
