What's the difference between a therapist and a psychiatrist?
A therapist (counselor, LCSW, LMFT, psychologist) provides talk therapy. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who can prescribe medication. Many people benefit from working with both β therapy for coping skills and processing, medication for biological symptoms when appropriate.
Is online therapy as effective as in-person?
Research shows that for many common concerns like anxiety, depression, and stress, video-based therapy is comparable to in-person therapy in effectiveness. That said, some people prefer in-person and certain conditions may warrant it.
Can I get prescribed medication through a telehealth platform?
Yes, licensed psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners on telehealth platforms can prescribe most mental health medications. Some controlled substances have additional federal and state regulations around telehealth prescribing.
Do I need insurance?
Not necessarily. Cash-pay platforms like Sesame Care show you the price upfront. Some platforms also accept insurance β check the specific provider.
How do I know if telehealth is right for me?
Telehealth works well for most outpatient mental health care. It's not appropriate for emergencies, severe symptoms requiring hospitalization, or situations where physical exams are needed.