We are fortunate enough to live in an era when mental health problems aren’t blamed on demons, supernatural curses, black bile, and other thoroughly debunked causes. For example, if someone is suffering from a bipolar or depressive episode, it’s fantastic that they don’t have the additional worry of being mistaken for a medieval witch. Today’s psychiatric experts understand more about the origins and effective treatments of mental health disorders than ever before.
And that’s great news because most people have been affected by a serious mental health condition, either directly or indirectly. One in five American adults experience mental illness every year. Depression. Anxiety. Eating disorders. Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Personality disorders. The list goes on. These issues are common enough that most people have heard of them and are at least vaguely aware of their symptoms.
But treatment options can be confusing. If you’ve been depressed for weeks and your symptoms are worsening, who do you call for help? For serious mental health issues, it often makes the most sense to start with a psychiatric professional.
What Do Psychiatric Practitioners Do?
Psychiatry is a branch of medicine concerned with diagnosing, treating, and preventing mental health disorders. Psychiatrists (MDs) are medical doctors who specialize in psychiatry. This means that they are licensed to treat mental health conditions with prescription medication as well as supportive therapeutic approaches. Today, board certified psychiatric nurse practitioners (NPs) provide this same service, have specialized training in psychiatry and medical nursing and are supervised by board certified psychiatrists. Psychiatrists in the community have become less available and wait times can be months. At Thriveworks, we choose to employ psychiatric nurse practitioners so that we can more immediately serve the demands of the growing mental health crisis.
Do psychiatrists and NP treat mental illness? Yes, pretty much exclusively. Psychiatrists and nurse practitioners have an in-depth understanding of mental health and the underlying neurobiology that can influence dysfunction. In the United States, Psychiatrists and NP often rely on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), to diagnose psychological and behavioral problems that impair functioning. Their treatment plans may include psychotropic drugs like antidepressants to alleviate the symptoms of these disorders.
What Is the Difference Between a Psychologist and a Psychiatrist?
What makes psychiatrists and nurse practitioners different from psychologists and other mental health professionals? Psychiatrists are medical doctors with specialized training in the diagnosis and treatment of mental health conditions. Every licensed psychiatrist graduated from medical school, where they gained extensive knowledge about the body, the mind, and the interactions between the two. Similarly, every psychiatric nurse practitioner first went to nursing school, then did intensive multi year specialized training in psychiatry to be able to prescribe medications. This allows them to treat mental illness in a holistic way, addressing any potential physical causes of mental issues, and vice versa.
Psychiatrists and nurse practitioners routinely collaborate with licensed therapists, clinical social workers, and professional counselors to offer medication management services to Thriveworks talk therapy clients. Studies demonstrate that treatment with medications and psychotherapy is far more effective and long lasting than either treatment alone.
Only psychiatrists and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) can prescribe medications. Psychologists and therapists can not.
When Should You See a Psychiatrist?
Why would you see a psychiatrist or nurse practitioner? There are a wide range of indications for psychiatry services, all of which impair functioning in some way. What is an example of psychiatric symptomatology? Let’s take a look at some symptoms that could signal that your brain needs care and attention:
- Obsessive thinking or behavioral patterns
- Self-harm, hurting other people, or worrying other people are going to hurt you
- Uncontrolled addictive behaviors involving things like alcohol use or gambling
- Changes in appetite, eating habits, or problems with body image
- Concentration, focus, and memory issues
- Dramatic changes in energy levels
- Issues of violence and aggression
- Extreme fears or anxiety
- Panic attacks
- Suicidal thoughts
- Emotional outbursts
- Hallucinations or delusions
- Changes in sleeping patterns
- Traumatic flashbacks
- Feelings of despair or worthlessness
- Abrupt or extreme changes in mood
Some mental health issues can be caused by underlying medical issues, substance use, or new medications. A psychiatrist or nurse practitioner will first want to rule out physiological causes for your distress. This may involve a full physical assessment in addition to your psychological intake.
What Is Online Psychiatric Care?
Online psychiatry, also called telepsychiatry, simply refers to psychiatric services provided over a secure telehealth connection. This means that you don’t have to visit your doctor or nurse practitioner in-person at their office or clinic. At Thriveworks, you can access most psychiatric services online including a comprehensive, non rushed assessment and medication management. Thriveworks psychiatrists and nurse practitioners treat a number of mental health issues online, including anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, bipolar disorders, and emotional disorders.
Psychiatric services are not always easy to access. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, less than half of American adults with a mental illness received mental health services every year. Fortunately, online psychiatry increases access to quality mental health care. And with no traveling or wait times, this type of virtual healthcare can be advantageous to busy people. Online psychiatry is often found to be more cost-effective for the individual, too.
Research shows that both telepsychiatry clients and their providers are happy with their treatment outcomes. For most common mental health conditions, people can be treated just as effectively online as they can at a clinic. A study comparing online psychiatry with in-person treatment for depressed veterans showed that they had comparable outcomes. They also had equivalent levels of patient adherence, patient satisfaction, and health care cost. Another review suggests that online psychiatry is particularly useful for depression, ADHD, and PTSD. These are just a few of the encouraging studies that have demonstrated the virtues of online psychiatry.
What Are the Benefits of Online Psychiatry?
There are many reasons why you may benefit from speaking to a Thriveworks nurse practitioner online rather than in-person. For example:
- You live far away from a psychiatric clinic or have no way to get there
- You are a parent, and find it difficult to seek care for your children during appointment times
- You look after an elderly relative or disabled family member, making it difficult to arrange appointments
- There are no psychiatrists in your local area who specialize in your issue or their wait time is too long
- You feel more comfortable talking to someone via video chat, from the comfort of your own home or office
- Your physical or mental health condition makes it hard to leave the house
- Your work hours are restrictive, and you are unable to attend appointments within your working hours
- You don’t want to lose time commuting to a brick-and-mortar location
In short, online psychiatry at Thriveworks can be ideal for people who want speed to care that emphasizes comfort and convenience without sacrificing quality of care.
What Is Medication Management? Why Is It Important?
Psychiatrists and nurse practitioners can prescribe medication, but their work doesn’t end there. Clients who start new medications or change their dosage must be monitored closely by their provider. Follow-up appointments evaluate clients for medication side effects and medication compliance, as well as improvements in their condition or a further need to improve by making changes. These telepsych appointments are 30 minutes in length to fully assess all of the issues related to your health. Many companies provide abbreviated appointments; however, at Thriveworks, we feel that you are best served by a more intensive, 30 minute appointment which is the standard of care in the community.
Finding the right medication for each individual sometimes requires a bit of trial and error. What works for one client may not work for another. But psychiatrists and nurse practitioners have a number of clinical tools available to help match clients to the right drugs and dosages. For example, if you are suffering from major depressive disorder (MDD), your provider may ask you about your family history. Often an antidepressant that works well for a blood relative will also work well for you due to genetic factors. A psychiatrist and NP will also take your weight, health history, other medications, and much more into account before writing a prescription.
In summary, medication management is a vital aspect of psychiatry which involves the following:
- Prescribing medication
- Instructing a client how to take medication safely and appropriately
- Talking through client questions and concerns about the medication
- Providing education on reactions to other drugs, side effects, and any specific medication guidelines
- Checking in to ensure medication is working effectively
- Making sure client is taking medication as prescribed
- Altering the type of medication or dosage if needed
- Monitoring and managing side effects
- Stopping unnecessary medications
- Ensuring multiple medicines do not negatively interact
Who Can Thriveworks Psychiatrists Help?
Online psychiatric services aren’t suitable for everyone. For example, if someone is experiencing acute mental health symptoms or is in crisis, they need to see someone in person. Thriveworks does not offer telepsychiatry services to clients under the age of 14 or to clients with active psychosis (hearing voices), a history of schizophrenia, or unstable bipolar disorder with symptoms of hearing voices or wanting to harm yourself. Thriveworks is concerned about safety and since we treat people remotely, if you are having suicidal thoughts, please contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988, call 911, or go to your nearest Emergency Room.
What Medications Does Thriveworks Prescribe?
Thriveworks psychiatric providers offer medications for the treatment of depression, anxiety, cognitive issues, and behavioral health problems. Here are a few examples of the specific medications that we prescribe clients:
- SSRIs
- Zoloft
- Prozac
- Lexapro
- Celexa
- Paxil
- SNRIs
- Pristiq
- Cymbalta
- Effexor
- NDRIs
- Wellbutrin
- Zyban
- Non-stimulant ADHD meds
- Straterra
This is representative of the general types of medications prescribed at Thriveworks, but it is not an all-inclusive list. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to call us at (855) 204-2767.
What Medications Does Thriveworks Not Prescribe?
Thriveworks is a controlled substance-free practice, which means we do not prescribe stimulant medications (such as Adderall, Concerta, and Focalin) or benzodiazepines (such as Xanax, Ativan, and Lorazepam). Ultimately, we believe that the prescription and management of controlled substances, such as those for anxiety and ADHD, are best addressed with an in-person relationship, which we cannot offer our psychiatry clients today. Instead, we focus on prescribing other evidence-based, non-stimulant medications like antidepressants and anti-anxiety prescriptions.
We also do not currently treat substance use and are therefore unable to prescribe any substance use treatment drugs (such as Methadone and Suboxone). If you are taking these medications or looking to be prescribed one of these medications, we will be unable to do so.
Is There a Psychiatric Provider Near Me?
If you’re searching for exceptional online psychiatry services, Thriveworks is here for you. Our providers can meet with clients quickly over secure, HIPAA-compliant videoconferencing software. New clients often meet their provider via video within 7 days of scheduling vs. the industry standard of 7 weeks.
You are not alone. If you have mental health concerns, questions about your medication, or feel you need some support, consider booking an online appointment at Thriveworks. If you think you could personally benefit from talking to a psychiatric provider, we are at your service.
FAQs
Is online psychiatry legitimate? ›
Online psychiatrists offer the same care as in-person psychiatrists, aside from physical evaluations. According to the American Psychiatric Association, online psychiatrists can: Evaluate you for mental health conditions. Diagnose you with issues such as depression or anxiety.
What to expect from an online psychiatrist? ›- conduct a physical exam.
- order and evaluate lab tests.
- diagnose medical and mental health conditions.
- prescribe medications to treat these conditions.
- monitor your health, especially the side effects of medications you're taking for a mental health condition.
Online psychiatrists generally offer video therapy sessions, phone consultations, email messaging, and text messaging communication. Online psychiatry is designed to offer patients convenience, increasing access to mental health care.
Why is it so hard to see a psychiatrist? ›Psychiatrists are specialists, and their waiting lists are often long because more people need their services than the doctor can see in one day. If you're having an emergency with your anxiety, you can go to the emergency room, or call a psychiatric facility and check yourself in voluntarily.
Can an online psychiatrist prescribe Xanax? ›Xanax is an FDA-controlled substance that cannot legally be prescribed online. In order to obtain Xanax, you have to see a doctor in person. However, online psychiatrists can prescribe other options such as SSRIs or anti-anxiety medications.
Is Talkspace psychiatry legit? ›Yes, Talkspace is legit. The company has been operating as an online therapy program since 2012. All providers are licensed therapists required to have 3,000 hours of clinical experience. Additionally, the psychiatry plan requires an MD to prescribe and manage medications.
How effective is online mental health? ›While online therapy may not be the right fit for everyone, it can make it easier for some people to access help for anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions. There are multiple studies that suggest online therapy can be just as effective as in-person therapy for certain issues.
Can a psychiatrist stop seeing you? ›Generally, 30-days notice is considered reasonable; however, psychiatrists should check with their state medical boards and insurance provider contracts (if any) to see if more notice is required.
How effective is telehealth for mental health? ›Results: Telemental health is effective for diagnosis and assessment across many populations (adult, child, geriatric, and ethnic) and for disorders in many settings (emergency, home health) and appears to be comparable to in-person care.
Can I get prescribed anxiety medication online? ›Can an online doctor prescribe anxiety medication? Yes, an online doctor can prescribe anxiety medication that is not classified as a controlled substance. Your PlushCare doctor will work with you to determine which anxiety medication is best for your treatment plan and will closely monitor your progress.
Can telehealth prescribe antidepressants? ›
Mental Health doctors providing visits for Teladoc members may offer prescriptions for a wide range of conditions. Types of medications commonly prescribed within Mental Health include, but are not limited to, antidepressants, specific anxiolytics and select antipsychotics.
Does minded prescribe Xanax? ›We do not prescribe controlled medications, including: Stimulants, including Adderall® and Ritalin® Benzodiazepines, including Xanax®, Klonopin® and Ativan®
How long does it take for a psychiatrist to diagnose you? ›Typically, a psychiatric evaluation lasts for 30 to 90 minutes. At J. Flowers Health Institute, evaluations take approximately 2 hours to ensure a comprehensive and accurate evaluation.
Why see a psychiatrist instead of a therapist? ›Two Different Professions With the Same Goal
The difference is how these two professions go about it. While therapists focus on psychotherapy and behavioral changes, psychiatrists use medical treatments, including prescription drugs, to treat mental health disorders.
Drugs with a shorter half-life are linked with higher potential for addiction and dependence because the effects wear off faster. That is one reason why doctors are typically hesitant to prescribe Xanax for long periods of time.
Can I get a benzo prescription online? ›There are a few exceptions that an online medical team will not be able to prescribe. These include controlled substances like benzodiazepines and stimulants like Adderall. Why is this? The FDA classifies benzodiazepines as a controlled substance, meaning that getting a prescription requires an in-person visit.
Can you get Xanax over telehealth? ›Providers would be able to prescribe a 30-day supply for buprenorphine and non-narcotic Schedule III-V drugs such as Xanax and Ambien without an in-person visit if the telemedicine encounter is for a legitimate medical purpose. Anything beyond a 30-day supply will require an in-person visit.
What is the weakness of Talkspace? ›Talkspace, like any other therapy platform, may not be suitable if you're living with severe mental health conditions or experiencing a crisis. Additionally, those who prefer face-to-face interactions with their therapist may not find Talkspace's online format as effective.
Does Talkspace prescribe benzodiazepines? ›Talkspace Psychiatry sessions are conducted through video only. Note: Talkspace psychiatrists are unable to prescribe medication categorized as a Controlled Substance, such as stimulants and benzodiazepines.
Can Talkspace give you a diagnosis? ›Online mental health tests can give you a better understanding of your mental health symptoms, but these tests can't provide you with a diagnosis. A licensed therapist can discuss your test results with you, gather additional information, and then formulate a mental health diagnosis to support your treatment goals.
What are the cons of the Internet on mental health? ›
Excessive Internet use may create a heightened level of psychological arousal, resulting in little sleep, failure to eat for long periods, and limited physical activity, possibly leading to the user experiencing physical and mental health problems such as depression, OCD, low family relationships and anxiety.
How much does it cost to see a psychiatrist in USA? ›The average psychiatrist cost without insurance generally falls somewhere between $100 and $300 per appointment. You should expect to pay up to $500 for the initial consultation and roughly $100 an hour thereafter for follow-ups. Again, this is the out-of-pocket fee, without insurance.
Is remote therapy worth it? ›Teletherapy can be an important tool to help people learn more about mental health. Even if you feel like your mental well-being is strong, online therapy can help you become psychologically stronger. 8 You can learn more about health behaviors and coping strategies that will lead to better psychological health.
Should I tell my psychiatrist everything? ›The short answer is that you can tell your therapist anything – and they hope that you do. It's a good idea to share as much as possible, because that's the only way they can help you.
What is unethical for a psychiatrist? ›In such circumstances, a psychiatrist may share with the public his or her expertise about psychiatric issues in general. However, it is unethical for a psychiatrist to offer a professional opinion unless he or she has conducted an examination and has been granted proper authorization for such a statement.
What is psychiatric abandonment? ›Under the California Business and Professions Code, “patient abandonment” is defined as terminating patient care (1) without written notice that treatment will be discontinued, and (2) before the patient has had a reasonable opportunity to obtain the services of another physician.
What is the biggest disadvantage to telehealth? ›- Regulatory and Industry Barriers. Telemedicine regulations vary from state-to-state, and can be hard to decipher. ...
- Physical Examination is Limited. ...
- Telemedicine Equipment and Technology.
Additionally, a survey of 1010 respondents revealed that overall satisfaction with telehealth in primary care was high—91% of respondents were satisfied with video consultations and 86% were happy with telephone consultations [13].
How accurate is telehealth diagnosis? ›Telehealth assessments can be just as accurate as those made during in-person visits, with virtual and in-person diagnoses matching almost 90% of the time, according to a new study from Mayo Clinic published in JAMA Network Open.
Can online doctors prescribe Klonopin? ›Yes, board-certified psychiatrists are allowed to prescribe controlled medications during an online psychiatry session.
Can you get Xanax from hers? ›
Hers Mental Health providers do not prescribe controlled medications of any kind.
Can I ask my doctor to prescribe me something for anxiety? ›Can a Regular Medical Doctor Prescribe Anxiety Medication, or Does This Require a Psychiatrist? Anyone who is a prescriber can give prescriptions for anxiety medication. This includes healthcare providers such as psychiatric nurse practitioners, psychiatrists, and primary care/general practice doctors.
Can an online doctor prescribe Lexapro? ›Yes - getting escitalopram prescribed online is made easy with Cerebral after a consultation with a licensed prescribing provider. Cerebral also offers 24/7 messaging with your care team and access to CBT courses in your patient portal. If you're ready to start treatment, take a free emotional assessment today!
Can you get Zoloft through telehealth? ›If you're suffering from mental health concerns, Zoloft can help. Get a new prescription or refill of Zoloft from a board-certified doctor online. If you're suffering from mental health concerns, Zoloft can help.
How can I get antidepressants without seeing a doctor? ›- Your Personal Physician.
- Your Local Health Department.
- Behavioral Health Centers.
- Urgent Care or Convenience Clinics.
- If You're Experiencing an Emergency, Go to the Hospital.
Today, Xanax is prescribed to treat anxiety disorders including panic disorder, which is characterized by sudden episodes of intense fear or worry along with physical symptoms, such as heart palpitations, shortness of breath, chest pain and dizziness.
What kind of doctor is most likely to prescribe Xanax? ›- Psychiatrist. A psychiatrist is someone with a medical degree who practices the treatment of all types of mental health illnesses, challenges and disorders. ...
- General Practitioner. ...
- Nurse Practitioner.
It is approved for the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and panic disorder with or without agoraphobia. However, benzodiazepines are also commonly used to treat difficulty sleeping and alcohol withdrawal.
What are red flags for psychiatrists? ›- Behave unethically. ...
- Take you as a client if they don't specialize in your issue. ...
- Overshare about themselves. ...
- Leave you feeling worse after your session – regularly. ...
- Make you feel judged, shamed, or emotionally exposed. ...
- Disrupt the session by divided attention. ...
- You just don't feel “right”
Sharing something you think is too sensitive or personal can be uncomfortable. But know you're not alone in thinking you've disclosed too much in therapy. When this happens, it can help to explore why you think you've overshared and talk it over with your therapist.
Is it okay to cry to your psychiatrist? ›
If you cry often in session
there is nothing wrong with crying in session so keep expressing your feelings however you need to. This is a safe place to be you. However you best express your genuine emotions as they come up, it is safe here.
In some situations, therapists won't provide a diagnosis because they don't think it's essential to the recovery process. Many professionals believe that labels can cause clients to concentrate on the wrong aspects of their mental health condition.
What questions do psychiatrists ask about anxiety? ›- Are you a worrier? ( ...
- What do you worry about?
- Have you been worrying about simple things you shouldn't be worrying about?
- Can you tell me your specific thoughts?
- How long have you had these worries? ( ...
- Over the past few months of worrying, have you noticed that you have been jittery, on edge?
- Changes in personality. ...
- Changes in emotion. ...
- Isolation. ...
- Sudden absence of self-care. ...
- Sense of hopelessness or feeling overwhelmed. ...
- Warning Signs of Suicide.
If the issue you're hoping to address is relationship-focused, say a problem at work or with a family member, you may find what you need from a psychologist. If you are experiencing debilitating mental health symptoms that are interfering with your daily life, a psychiatrist may be a good place to start.
Is a psychiatrist or psychologist better for depression? ›A psychiatrist, as a medical professional, has the authority to both make mental health diagnoses and prescribe efficient medicinal treatment. This means that psychiatrists are the ones that provide medications in order to keep symptoms of mental health issues like depression under control.
Why is a psychiatrist called a shrink? ›Why are mental health professionals called shrinks? “Shrink” is another term used to refer to mental health professionals, including therapists, psychologists, and psychiatrists. The word “shrink” comes from “head shrinkage,” which refers to the ancient practice of shrinking the head of a conquered enemy.
Can psychiatrists work virtually? ›Online therapy and psychiatry fall under the umbrella of telehealth and telemedicine services. Instead of driving to your clinician's office and speaking with them in person, online mental health services allow you to communicate remotely.
Do digital mental health apps work? ›Mobile apps can complement therapy
When looking at the many types of psychotherapy available, interestingly, they all result in a similar amount of symptom improvement.
There are a few exceptions that an online medical team will not be able to prescribe. These include controlled substances like benzodiazepines and stimulants like Adderall. Why is this? The FDA classifies benzodiazepines as a controlled substance, meaning that getting a prescription requires an in-person visit.
How to get a antidepressant prescription without seeing a doctor? ›
- Schedule a time easily. Telehealth services usually have their own patient portals. ...
- Speak to a prescriber within 1-3 days. ...
- Get your prescription fast. ...
- Reach your therapist or prescriber easily. ...
- Keep things private and confidential.
It isn't appropriate to see two medical professionals with the same background for the same concerns and usually a second psychiatrist will not accept you as their patient if you are still seeing the first.
Can you hang out with your psychiatrist? ›It's natural and not uncommon to feel close to your therapist and want to be friends with them. However, building a personal relationship with them goes against most mental health counseling codes of ethics. It may also impact your therapeutic process and lessen therapy's benefits.
How much is hers a month? ›If prescribed, you can sign up for a cost-effective prescription for your antidepressant or anti-anxiety medication through Hers. Hers offers prescriptions starting at $49 per month with unlimited refills and dosage changes available.