Are you feeling overwhelmed, stressed or out of balance? You’re not alone. Millions of people experience mental health challenges. Seeking help is a sign of strength, but it can also feel intimidating, especially traditional in-person therapy. It can also be inconvenient for busy schedules or even inaccessible, depending on where you live. That’s where online psychiatry can come in.

Online psychiatry is a form of mental health care where you can connect with a licensed psychiatrist virtually. These virtual sessions can be by using video chat, phone calls or secure messaging platforms. Just like an in-person psychiatrist, they can assess your symptoms, diagnose mental health conditions and create a personalized treatment plan. This plan can include therapy techniques, medication management or a combination of both.

Is online psychiatry right for you?

The decision to try online psychiatry is a personal one. Here are some key factors to consider to help you determine if it’s the best fit for your needs:

• Is it the right tool? — Online psychiatry can be incredibly helpful for a variety of mental health concerns. However, it may not be suitable for everyone. If you’re experiencing a severe mental health crisis, having thoughts of self-harm or needing a physical examination, in-person care would be a better option. Concerns that can benefit from online psychiatry include, but are not limited to:
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Is the psychiatrist licensed in your state? — Just like with traditional therapy, it’s crucial to ensure that your online psychiatrist is licensed to practice in your state. Most online platforms will clearly state their psychiatrists’ credentials, but it’s always a good idea to double-check.
• Can they prescribe medication or diagnose conditions? — While online psychiatrists can diagnose a variety of mental health conditions, some state regulations may limit their ability to prescribe certain medications, particularly controlled substances. Platforms should be transparent about their psychiatrists’ prescribing capabilities. If medication is an important aspect of your treatment plan, it’s essential to choose a service that will allow for it. 
• Is the site or app secure? — Privacy and security are paramount when discussing personal health information. Before you start online therapy, you will want to verify that the platform uses secure technology to protect your data. Look for features like encryption and HIPAA compliance. Most reputable platforms will highlight their security measures. 
• Does the psychiatrist accept insurance? If not, how will you pay? — Cost can be a significant factor in mental health care. Online psychiatry can be more affordable than traditional therapy, but it’s still important to understand the pricing structure. Some services offer sliding scales based on income, while others accept insurance. Check with your insurance provider to see if they cover online mental health services and what their specific coverage details are. Be sure to factor in the cost of copays or sessions not covered by insurance to create an accurate budget for your treatment. 
• Do you have a mental health diagnosis? — While online psychiatry can be helpful for managing existing diagnoses, it may not be the best option for initial diagnosis, particularly for complex conditions. If you’ve never received a formal diagnosis, it may be beneficial to start with an in-person evaluation to get the most accurate assessment. 
• Do you have child care restrictions? — Finding child care during traditional therapy appointments can be a barrier. Online psychiatry offers the flexibility to attend sessions from the comfort of your own home. This can be a game-changer for parents or caregivers with busy schedules. 
• What is your schedule flexibility? — Does your packed schedule make squeezing in in-person therapy appointments difficult? Online psychiatry can offer more flexibility. Many platforms can offer extended appointment hours or even same-day options, allowing you to schedule sessions that fit your unique routine. 
• Do you need multiple sessions a week? — The frequency of sessions will depend on your specific needs and treatment plan. Some people can benefit from weekly appointments, while others might only need them every few weeks. If you require intensive therapy with multiple sessions a week, online platforms with readily available appointments can be ideal.
• Do health complications keep you from going to in-person visits? — For people with chronic health conditions, mobility limitations or compromised immune systems, traveling to in-person therapy appointments can be challenging or pose a health risk. Online psychiatry can eliminate these barriers, allowing you to receive quality mental health care from the safety and comfort of your own home. 
• Are you in a mental health emergency? — Online psychiatry can be a fantastic resource for ongoing mental health management, but it’s not suitable for emergencies. If you’re experiencing thoughts of suicide or self-harm or a sudden, severe mental health crisis, it’s crucial to seek immediate help. Call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988.

Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength and self-care. By understanding the factors involved, you can make an informed decision about whether online psychiatry is the right path for your mental health journey. 

Lightfully offers online psychiatry to meet your mental health care needs

If you’re looking for a reputable online psychiatry option, Lightfully Behavioral Health can help with our Virtual Intensive Outpatient Program (vIOP). Our vIOP helps us broaden access to care as a flexible mental health treatment program. It can accommodate your unique needs and schedule. Our vIOP includes:

• A small group of 10 clients or fewer
• An individual session with your primary therapist each week.
• Three to six hours of daily programming
• Daily group sessions
• Ongoing family therapy
• Weekly individualized treatment plans
• Monthly meeting with your collective treatment team

At the heart of our vIOP is our unique approach to treatment called process-based therapy (PBT). PBT is a fully personalized framework using the most effective components of evidence-based techniques like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), and cognitive processing therapy (CPT). It also incorporates compassion-based and somatic therapies to provide you with whole-person-centered care. 

Change is possible. When you’re ready to take the first step, reach out to our Admissions Concierge Team. We’ll take the next steps together, toward the fullest, brightest version of you.