Finding the most effective psychiatric medication and dosage for you takes a lot of check-ins with a prescribing doctor. Many people are used to going into an office for a psychiatry visit. But telepsychiatry is becoming more and more common.

Now more people have convenient access to essential psychiatric services like medication management. For example, 37% of adults used telemedicine in 2021, and usage remained above 20% for all population groups through 2022.

All kinds of medical practitioners are adopting telemedicine as a standard treatment option. If it’s still new to you, there are several reasons why you might want to use this technology to see your California psychiatrist online.

Telepsychiatry basics

Doctors who offer telepsychiatry provide the same services as psychiatrists you would see in person. In fact, many do both. In general, most people see a psychiatrist to get a diagnosis, create a mental health treatment plan or get a prescription. Your first appointment should be an in-depth consultation. After that, you’ll come back regularly for medication management.

When you’re starting a new treatment regimen, your psychiatrist may want to check in with you once a week or more. Some medication management appointments can be as short as 15 minutes. Unless your psychiatrist’s office is right around the corner, making the trip often can be an inconvenience. 

But what about our state? Is telehealth catching on in California? The answer is a resounding yes. We had more than the national usage, at around 49% for adults. Lightfully clinicians have joined dozens of others in the state providing this service.

Benefits of telepsychiatry

Videoconferencing has made it possible for many people to work, go to school and meet with almost anyone from the comfort of home. Seeing your psychiatrist is one more thing you can do without leaving the house.

Here are five reasons why telepsychiatry makes sense as part of a comprehensive mental health treatment plan. Read on to find out why you might want to work with an online psychiatrist in California:

• Convenience and accessibility — Online mental health support offers flexible access to resources and assistance. Thanks to video calls, you can reach out for help almost anytime and anywhere.
• Anonymity and privacy — Online platforms prioritize privacy and ensure that your personal information remains confidential. With telepsychiatry, clients who might feel uncomfortable seeking in-person support don’t have to worry about stigma or judgment.
• Wide range of resources — A vast array of self-help forums, materials and tools have been available online for years. Now newer formats like virtual support groups can connect people who are facing similar challenges. Professionals have found creative ways to mix and match online resources for more interactive experiences.
• Affordability and cost-effectiveness — Online psychiatrist care in California is the same cost as in-person appointments. Also, there’s no added cost or time commitment for making the commute to your provider’s office.
• Diverse and inclusive support — It goes without saying that telehealth is more accessible to people with limited mobility. It also can be adapted with other technologies to provide better service for people who are neurodivergent or have other disabilities. People from marginalized communities may feel safer with a telehealth experience. Search capabilities make it easy for people to find culturally sensitive mental health support.

Psychiatrist sessions are one small part of Lightfully’s Virtual Intensive Outpatient Program (vIOP). Clients also get to work with multiple therapists and talk with their peers during online support groups. We keep group sessions small, with 10 participants at the most.

Right now, our online psychiatrists are serving clients in California and Colorado. Take a look at our admissions page for details on our assessment process and insurance carriers we accept.

Find your licensed California online psychiatrist at Lightfully

Starting treatment with a new psychiatrist takes careful consideration and commitment. Finding an online psychiatrist in California can make it much easier to adapt mental health treatment to your lifestyle.

Lightfully’s vIOP consists of evidence-based, clearly defined, data-driven and whole-person-centered care. Our in-person and online mental health treatment programs are in-network for most major insurance companies. Contact our caring Admissions Concierge Team to find out if you’re covered/eligible.