How to Get a Virtual Doctor for Anxiety
Like yoga classes and work meetings, you can have psychiatry sessions online. Telehealth makes this happen by connecting patients to doctors through the internet. Now, you can get anxiety medications from certified doctors without leaving your home.
Anxiety is one of the most common mental health disorders in the United States. It affects over 40 million adults—an accessible consultation is a dream for most anxious people.
If you are new to telemedicine, its terrain might appear strange. That said, this article seeks to walk you through the best ways you can get a virtual doctor for your anxiety.
Who Is A Virtual Psychiatrist?
The virtual doctor that helps with anxiety treatments is a virtual psychiatrist. But you might also need the services of a psychologist. You must know when to see a virtual psychologist or psychiatrist. Psychologists are the go-to option when in need of counselling.
In contrast, a psychiatrist treats and diagnoses mental health disorders like anxiety. Plus, they can prescribe anti-anxiety medications. Meet a psychiatrist and psychologist if you need medications and counselling/therapy.
Is Virtual Psychiatry Effective?
If you are on a tight schedule, virtual psychiatry is beyond helpful. The sessions are flexible; they cut out travel costs and waiting rooms. Plus, in some cases, they tend to cost less than traditional psychiatry sessions. Although we have outlined some of its benefits, is it effective?
How to Choose the Best Virtual Doctor for Anxiety
Telehealth offers a space where people with anxiety can get virtual consultations. Thanks to telehealth, seeing a psychiatrist has gotten way more accessible. Another dilemma arises: how do you pick the right virtual psychiatrist? Here are the crucial factors to consider before choosing an online psychiatrist:
- Cost of sessions and your budget
- The flexibility of the sessions
- Online Reviews
- Your commitment level
- Whether you have a private area for your sessions
- Insurance coverage—whether the company accepts insurance
- Conditions covered—in anxiety considered?
Before you choose an online psychiatrist, consider the following factors above. It is the only way you can get the best virtual psychiatry services.
How Much Does a Virtual Psychiatrist Cost?
Essentially, a virtual psychiatry session is affordable. Virtual psychiatrists cost between $75 to $300 per session. Generally, the first evaluation is more expensive than follow-ups. You could also pay as low as $0 for your virtual psychiatry if your health insurance covers it.
Our Picks for the Best Virtual Psychiatry Services
Suppose you want to know which services to look for when you visit the internet. Here is our list of the best virtual psychiatry for anxiety treatments:
Brightside
We picked this virtual service because it is easy to use for those with anxiety and depression. If you don’t stay in Minnesota, your health insurance might cover the cost of its services.
Upon payment, members get access to professionals who specialize in anxiety treatments. Treatment plans also include monthly video sessions with licensed psychologists/therapists. Plus, you also get to communicate with your psychiatrist regularly.
Brightside payment plan is in three bits: medication, therapy, and medication and therapy.
- Medication: $95 monthly plus $15 per medication
- Medication plus therapy: $349 monthly plus $15 per medication
- Therapy: $299 monthly
MDLive
People value MDLive services because of their flexibility. Insurance also covers this online psychiatry service. Plus, its sessions are over the telephone and have a video interface. There is a pay-as-you-go plan, where you don’t have to pay monthly but by session. But it doesn’t have home delivery for prescriptions as with Brightside.
Without insurance, the MDLive initial consultation costs $284, while the follow-ups cost $108.
LiveHealth Online
LiveHealth Online is affordable. You can search for psychiatrists that are available on weekends and nights. Also, members have each session via a live video. This platform is cheap. Initial consultations cost about $175, while follow-ups cost about $75.
Doctor on Demand
This service lets you browse psychiatrists’ qualifications and specialities on the platform. Hence, you can pick the psychiatrist you want. It is the best platform if you prefer to avoid getting matched with psychiatrists. The platform offers 24/7 access to therapists and psychiatrists.
Plus, you can access their services with your phone, tab, or desktop. The cost of an initial 25-minute consultation is $299, while a 15-minute follow-up is $129. Insurance often covers the cost in part.
Bottom Line
Virtual psychiatry is an excellent choice if you hope to receive treatment from your home. While not everyone enjoys virtual psychiatry, it is accessible and affordable. Ensure you take your time selecting the services to pick the best possible choice. Remember to use our guide above for the best results. Take care!
