If you have been putting off addressing anxiety, depression, or stress because getting to a therapist or psychiatrist feels complicated, telehealth may remove the main barrier. Mental health care delivered by video or phone has grown substantially, and the evidence supporting it has grown with it.
A telehealth mental health visit is a scheduled appointment with a licensed therapist, psychologist, or psychiatrist conducted over secure video or phone. Most platforms require a smartphone, tablet, or computer with a camera. Sessions typically run 45 to 60 minutes for therapy and 20 to 30 minutes for medication management.
Telehealth mental health services fall into two main categories:
Research shows telehealth is comparable to in-person care for a range of common mental health conditions. It is a strong option for:
The National Institute of Mental Health notes that many evidence-based therapies — including cognitive behavioral therapy — translate well to the telehealth format.
Telehealth is not appropriate for every situation. Seek in-person care or call 988 (Suicide and Crisis Lifeline) if you or someone you know is experiencing:
For these situations, an emergency room, crisis center, or in-person psychiatrist is more appropriate than a telehealth platform.
Most major insurers now cover telehealth mental health visits at parity with in-person visits, following federal and state mental health parity laws. Before your first appointment, verify coverage with your insurer and confirm the provider is in-network. Many telehealth platforms also offer self-pay rates that are lower than traditional in-office visits.
One important consideration: mental health providers must be licensed in the state where you are located at the time of the visit. If you travel frequently or have recently moved, confirm your provider is licensed in your current state before scheduling.
To begin telehealth mental health care, you can ask your primary care provider for a referral, contact your insurer's behavioral health line for in-network options, or search for providers directly through a SAMHSA-listed telehealth platform. Many primary care physicians and urgent care clinics can also provide an initial mental health evaluation and prescribe short-term medications while connecting you with a specialist.
If you are experiencing moderate anxiety, depression, or stress and need same-day support or a medication evaluation, many urgent care clinics offer telehealth mental health services or can connect you with a behavioral health provider. If you are in crisis, call 988 or go to the nearest emergency room.
For many conditions including depression, anxiety, and PTSD, telehealth therapy has been shown to be comparable to in-person therapy in research studies. The key is finding a licensed provider and attending sessions consistently.
Yes. Psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners can prescribe most mental health medications via telehealth, including antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, and in most states, stimulants for ADHD.
Most major insurers cover telehealth mental health visits under mental health parity laws. Confirm with your insurer that the provider is in-network and that telehealth visits are covered before your appointment.
For a mental health crisis involving active suicidal thoughts, psychosis, or severe symptoms, call 988 (Suicide and Crisis Lifeline) or go to the nearest emergency room. Telehealth is not designed for acute psychiatric emergencies.
Ask your primary care doctor for a referral, contact your insurer's behavioral health line for in-network providers, or search SAMHSA's treatment locator at findtreatment.gov for covered telehealth options.
Find a therapist that accepts your insurance and be seen within 2 days. Over 8,000 vetted therapists, 50+ insurances accepted, and both online and in-person options, find the care you need in a schedule that suits you.
Dr. Linda Halbrook is a Board-Certified Family Medicine physician with over 40 years of experience, dedicated to providing comprehensive care to patients across Texas. She retired from practice but currently serves on the Clinical Services Committee of CommonGood Medical, a non-profit organization serving the uninsured in Collin County.
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Medically reviewed by: Dr. Rob Rohatsch, MD
Find a therapist that accepts your insurance and be seen within 2 days. Over 8,000 vetted therapists, 50+ insurances accepted, and both online and in-person options, find the care you need in a schedule that suits you.
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