Your Guide to an Online Treatment for Mental Health
Seeking help for mental health online
Managing mental health conditions can seem like a daunting task. With online behavioral health options through Babylon, you can access everything from talk therapy to psychiatric medication from your home. Telemedicine allows you to talk to a therapist or psychiatric provider online when it's convenient for you.
Barriers to treatment of mental illness
Unfortunately, there are barriers that make it hard for some people to seek help for mental illness. You may be embarrassed to go to your regular healthcare provider. Friends or family may make it difficult to seek help. The nearest mental health treatment center may be too far away. Even the way movies and TV shows talk about mental illness can make it hard to make that first appointment.
Luckily, Babylon offers one of the best online therapy apps for telepsychiatry services. Connect with a remote psychiatric provider privately to create a treatment plan. HIPAA privacy laws protect your information. Rural and remote mental health treatment is easy with video sessions and in-app messaging.
Why would I see a psychiatrist online?
Seeking out a psychiatric provider doesn't have to be difficult or scary. Online mental health support allows you to access psychiatric care at your convenience. There are psychiatric providers on-duty 12 hours per day on weekdays, available to members with eligible health insurance plans.
How to make a psychiatric appointment online
We're working to let you set up a psychiatric video appointment in our app, like our other telehealth services. For now, if you would like to schedule a psychiatric appointment, please contact our support team at 1 (800) 475-6168.
After your initial visit, your psychiatric provider may schedule a follow-up appointment, to discuss your symptoms and responses to and side effects of medications.
Can I get psychiatric medication using telemedicine?
Our online mental health services focus on a holistic approach to mental health. We do feature online psychiatric providers who can prescribe medicine. However, our online mental health resources also include psychotherapy/talk therapy and other mental health care options. Your psychiatric provider may choose not to prescribe any medications based on the mental health issues you are experiencing.
FAQs
What is the difference between a therapist and a psychiatric provider? Do psychiatric providers do therapy?
What is the difference between a therapist and a psychiatric provider? Do psychiatric providers do therapy?
Psychiatric providers are medical doctors and nurse practitioners who can prescribe medication and monitor how any mental illnesses interact with and affect your physical health. Some may offer talk therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy online. Others may refer you to a separate therapist for online therapy sessions.
Should I see a therapist or psychiatric provider?
Should I see a therapist or psychiatric provider?
If you prefer not to take psychiatric medication or they are not indicated, online mental health counseling programs may be for you. These can be provided by a licensed therapist or psychologist. They craft your treatment around a deeper understanding of your thoughts, feelings, and behavior.
You may consider seeking psychiatric treatment if:
- you're struggling with your mental health and wellness
- you've been referred by your primary care doctor
- a psychologist or therapist recommends it
- your symptoms indicate a disorder that may respond positively to treatment with medications
When to see a psychiatric provider?
When to see a psychiatric provider?
There are different types of treatment for mental illness. You can choose to see a psychiatric provider as your first choice. Or you may choose to have an initial consultation with your primary care doctor or a therapist. If your first choice of treatment does not seem to suit you, you can switch to a different one.
How to see a psychiatric provider?
How to see a psychiatric provider?
You can schedule your psychiatric virtual visit by contacting our support team at 1 (800) 475-6168. We're working on adding our psychiatry services scheduling to the Babylon app. During your appointment, your psychiatric provider will conduct a mental health assessment online to tailor a treatment plan to you.
Can a psychiatrist diagnose my mental illness online?
Can a psychiatrist diagnose my mental illness online?
Yes. During a telemedicine visit, a psychiatric provider can obtain a detailed history to make a diagnosis.
Can online psychiatric providers prescribe controlled substances?
Can online psychiatric providers prescribe controlled substances?
No. There are some mental illness prescription drugs that our doctors can prescribe, but they cannot prescribe controlled substances. Your healthcare provider can offer you non-controlled medications or other alternatives instead of prescribing these medications.
Examples of common medications that are controlled substances include:
- Xanax
- Adderall
- Ritalin
- Ambien
- Ativan
- Valium
Can an online psychiatric provider prescribe medication?
Can an online psychiatric provider prescribe medication?
You can see an online psychiatric provider for prescription medications that are not controlled, such as antidepressants, antipsychotics, and some anti-anxiety medications. An appointment with a prescriber does not guarantee a prescription. Your psychiatric provider may focus on a therapy-based approach to dealing with your mental illness.
Do you need a referral to see a psychiatric provider?
Do you need a referral to see a psychiatric provider?
No. You can make an initial appointment with a psychiatric provider yourself by making a phone call to the support staff.
Is psychiatry primary care?
Is psychiatry primary care?
No, but your primary care physician may refer you to a psychiatric appointment online.
Does health insurance cover psychiatric visits?
Does health insurance cover psychiatric visits?
Online psychiatric care cost varies by insurance company. Pricing may change based on your healthcare plan and your location. Depending on your insurance provider, you may be able to see a psychiatric provider online at no cost to you.