It seems like there’s little that can’t be done online nowadays, from ordering groceries to getting an education. It’s also becoming more common to seek health care online as well. People can message their provider with questions, have virtual consultations and track their health through applications. One potential provider whom you may be turning to for your mental health is an online psychiatrist. 

A psychiatrist can play an essential role in your health journey. Not only can they diagnose potential mental health conditions, but they can also determine the best treatment options to help manage the symptoms, which may include medications. 

It’s important to understand that at Lightfully Behavioral Health, our psychiatric services and medication management are provided as part of our comprehensive virtual treatment programs, which include intensive therapy and support.

In-person psychiatry is an effective course of action for many people, but it’s not always an accessible, flexible option. There are controlled and noncontrolled medications that may help you; both can be prescribed by an online psychiatrist. However, there are still requirements that must be met. 

Let’s start by defining what a controlled substance is. A controlled substance refers to a type of drug that is regulated by the government in terms of how it’s produced, used and owned. A substance is usually controlled if it has a high risk of misuse or addiction. While these drugs can be helpful to many, they require regular monitoring and management by your physician or psychiatrist.

If you or a loved one requires help for a controlled substance addiction, call SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357.

Some of the most common types of medications prescribed to people with mental health conditions are noncontrolled, such as antidepressants and antipsychotics. Controlled substances can be beneficial for short-term use to treat severe symptoms that may come from:

• Anxiety disorders
• Panic disorder
• Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder
• Insomnia

A few of the controlled substances that may be prescribed by an online psychiatrist include:

• Benzodiazepines (Xanax, Valium)
• Stimulants (Adderall, Ritalin)
• Sedative hypnotics (Lunesta, Ambien)

Every psychiatrist, both online and in person, has procedures and criteria that must be met to prescribe any type of medication. This involves a full evaluation of your symptoms. They’ll also take a look at your medical history and overall wellness goals. They’ll determine if medication, such as a controlled substance, would be an effective and safe option, using:

• A mental status examination (MSE)
• Psychological assessments
• Lab tests

This evaluation helps psychiatrists determine if medication is appropriate and, crucially, if a client is a good fit for structured programs where medication is supported by daily therapeutic work.

Once you’re prescribed a controlled substance, regular psychiatry sessions are necessary. Within Virtual Partial Hospitalization Programs (vPHP), regular psychiatry sessions are integrated into your schedule. Your psychiatrist works alongside your therapist to track your progress and they can make any necessary dosage adjustments. 

It’s important to note that the current regulations for controlled substances through telehealth were put in place during the COVID-19 pandemic. They have been extended by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Department of Health and Human Services through 2025. The required conditions may also vary by state. 

Alongside a prescription, an online psychiatrist will recommend other options, like psychotherapy. Controlled substances can help your symptoms by adjusting the brain’s chemicals that lead to symptoms, but it’s also important to talk through the potential root causes of the symptoms with a psychotherapist to learn coping strategies that can help. 

At Lightfully Behavioral Health, we use virtual mental health treatment to make sure that everybody is able to get the support they need to move along their health journey, even if they don’t have the time or resources to come into our facilities. We offer a Virtual Partial Hospitalization Program (vPHP).

If you require intensive, structured mental health treatment, but telehealth is your best option, our vPHP is worth exploring. Along with online psychiatry, it also involves: 

• Weekly therapy sessions
• Medication management for controlled and noncontrolled substances
• Biweekly family sessions
• At least four hours of daily group sessions
• Clinical services by licensed providers
• Programming five days per week

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.