At the beginning of the pandemic, there was no direct access to medical personnel, which led to some significant developments in the telehealth sector. Patients may now receive care, go to follow-up visits, and even obtain a prescription from the convenience of their homes. Patients from anywhere may connect with medical professionals from all around the world in a matter of seconds via video or phone call to receive the assistance they require.
The same is true for those working in mental health, who have noticed a high demand for telepsychiatry services. Psychiatrists may now consult with patients online and provide prescriptions.
What is the psychiatrist?
A distinction between the words “psychologist” and “psychiatrist” must be made before determining whether a psychiatrist is the best choice for you. Psychologists are specialists in mental health who offer psychological counselling (such as therapy) but are not allowed to write prescriptions for drugs. On the other hand, psychiatrists are experts in the diagnosis and treatment of mental health illnesses and are able to recommend drugs such mood stabilisers, antidepressants, anti-anxiety meds, stimulants, and antipsychotics. Even though both have extensive training and skills, only psychiatrists are medical physicians.
You might need to see both a psychologist and a psychiatrist if you need both therapy and medication.
Does online psychiatry work?
The greatest psychiatrists for those with hectic schedules may be found online. They eliminate waiting rooms that are uncomfortable and travel time, and studies suggest that they could even be less expensive than conventional in-person psychiatry. Although it sounds great, is it really as effective? The same study found that, particularly for young people and vulnerable and marginalised groups, “telepsychiatry is a practical and acceptable strategy.”
Based on cost, ease of use, professionalism, and accessibility, we’ve compiled a list of the top online psychiatric resources. read more also here 5 Best Mental Health Apps for 2022.
1. Talkspace
Our ranking of the top online psychiatric services begins with Talkspace. For people with anxiety, depression, insomnia, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder, the app-based firm offers medication management.
Launching services is simple. Take a brief evaluation to find the best psychiatrist for you, and respond to questions about your insurance, the provider’s location, and your preferred gender. After that, it might take up to 48 hours for Talkspace to pair you with a qualified nurse practitioner or psychiatrist.
The initial session costs $249, and each subsequent session costs $125. There are also packages available for brand-new customers, starting at $365 for an introductory session and one follow-up visit, $565 for three follow-up appointments, and $849 for six follow-up consultations.
Benefits of Talkspace
- Customers with out-of-network coverage can file claims and receive reimbursement for around 50% to 90% of the cost.
- Live video sessions may be accessed through the web via an Apple or Android app.
- You can change providers for free if you don’t like your current one.
Drawbacks to Talkspace
- Only Premera, Cigna, Gatorcare, and Optum insurance policies are accepted by Talkspace.
- Delivery of medications is only possible if your insurance covers it.
- Individuals under the age of 18 can not use Talkspace’s service
2. Amwell
The abbreviation “American well” Amwell is a telehealth company situated in Boston, Massachusetts. The multinational organisation writes prescriptions for those suffering from PTSD, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, sleeplessness, OCD, and cognitive difficulties.
Amwell’s flexibility to work with your primary care physician and other clinicians is one of its strongest features. Your primary care physician will always be kept in the loop, and you will never be charged for extra copies of prescriptions or tests.
Registration is always free. Before selecting the best service for you, Amwell then enables you to go over the personal profiles, credentials, and experience of its employees. Finally, make your appointments online and have video conferences with your psychiatrist.
Each 15-minute follow-up appointment costs $109 after the initial 45-minute session, which costs $279.
Pros of Amwell:
- Amwell accepts a variety of insurance companies.
- Weekend and evening hours are available for psychiatrists.
- There is a large selection of psychiatrists from whom to pick.
Cons of Amwell:
- Amwell will provide suggestions to your primary care physician but is unable to write prescriptions for prohibited drugs (like Adderall).
- The process of finding a psychiatrist and scheduling an appointment might take up to two weeks.
- Patients under the age of 18 are not seen by Amwel
3. Teladoc
One of the pioneers of online telemedicine, Teladoc has a long history of writing prescriptions for drugs to treat both physical ailments (including the common cold and flu, allergies, and sinus infections) as well as mental health. The business aids clients who are struggling with addiction, PTSD, stress, anxiety, and other issues. Additionally, among the services on this list, its schedule is the most flexible.
You will be required to submit a questionnaire and your medical history after signing up. After that, you may decide which supplier you think best suits your needs. Enter your desired days and times for virtual meetings as a last step. Every psychiatrist is open seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., which is ideal for people who need to book appointments outside of normal business hours.
Each follow-up appointment will cost $119 after the $299 initial session. In Canada, services are also accessible.
Benefits of Great product
- having access to short biographies and images to pick your doctor
- able to plan phone or video calls
- availability of teen mental health
Teladoc’s problems
- It might take a week or more to be paired with a psychiatrist.
- The website’s pricing is not entirely clear and may vary depending on your insurance.
- Controlled drugs cannot be prescribed by Teladoc.
4. Brightside
Brightside focuses on supporting those who are dealing with sadness and anxiety. 86% of Brightside members, per the website, “feel better after 12 weeks.”
Brightside is unique in that your service is based on a subscription. Although this is not refundable, you will be invoiced on a monthly basis. Brightside allows you unlimited access to your psychiatrist via instant message through its app, live video sessions and check-ins.
Getting started is easy. First, take a mental health evaluation, and then Brightside will match you with a provider who will create a personalised treatment plan for you. Medication is then sent directly to your door.
The cost varies, but the monthly subscription starts at $95 for unlimited sessions.
Advantages of Brightside
- You can request delivery of your prescription drugs.
- Find a psychiatrist and schedule an appointment within the next 48 hours.
- Patients can access Brightside’s self-care training for no cost.
Drawbacks to Brightside
- Few health insurance programmes are recognised (although more plans are coming)
- Monthly payments are not returnable.
- Your psychiatrist is not up for selection.
5. MDLive
Similar to Teladoc, MDLive provides care to those with physical and mental health issues. For people with anxiety, despair, bipolar disorder, PTSD, panic disorders, and other mental health issues, MDLive can recommend medication.
Children and teens 10 years of age and older can use MDLive. The provider for their child can be selected by parents or guardians from a diverse group of mental health specialists.
You can select your own physician after signing up and explaining why you need a psychiatrist. then establish a connection with your psychiatrist using a computer, tablet, or phone. There will be three 15- to 30-minute sessions every day.
Depending on insurance coverage, the initial session costs $284, and each subsequent session costs $108.
Benefits of MDLive
- Children above the age of ten can use the service.
- In only a few days, you can find and meet with a provider.
- accepts a variety of insurance companies
MDLive’s drawbacks
- The first session with a youngster must be attended by a parent or legal guardian.
- cannot dispense stimulants or drugs under strict controls
- MDLive providers are unable to offer documentation for emotional support animals or disabilities.
Would a psychiatrist be a good idea?
Patients seek psychiatric care for a variety of reasons, including the need for assistance with daily tasks, the presence of intense melancholy, or the need for a possible diagnosis. Patients who are eager to find treatment may benefit from beginning their search by consulting a psychiatrist.
A psychiatrist may be the perfect choice for you if you have significant loads to bear or if all you want to do is talk about beginning medication. If you have any queries concerning counselling or therapy, a provider may also be able to advise you in the correct place. A psychologist cannot, however, legally give you pharmaceutical prescriptions. Consult a psychiatrist if a diagnosis or medication is your first priority.
Make important to examine your health insurance company as well as any preferences you may have before selecting an online or in-person psychiatrist. The best psychiatrist for you will accommodate your schedule and have experience addressing your area of concern.
Always with your primary care doctor or therapist before choosing if medication or seeing a psychiatrist is the best course of action for you.
