What telepsychiatry covers
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services describes telehealth for behavioral health as including individual and group therapy, text-based therapy, addiction counseling and medication management for mental health conditions, as well as screening and referrals. In practice, many offices use video for follow-up medication visits and keep some visits, such as certain evaluations, in person. Ask the office which parts of care it offers by video and which it does not.
Setting up a private visit
HHS guidance encourages patients to pick a quiet, private place and suggests wearing headphones so others cannot overhear. Some guidance suggests scanning the room with the camera at the start of a video visit so the provider can confirm no one else is present. It advises avoiding public Wi-Fi and logging in on a password-protected device.
- A room with a door, and a time when no one else is home if possible.
- Headphones, and a charged device with a working camera and microphone.
- A home network rather than public Wi-Fi.
- Your medication list, questions and pharmacy details within reach.
- The office's phone number in case the video drops.
Consent and other people
Most states require informed consent before telehealth treatment, and it can be written, electronic or verbal at the start of each session. If a caregiver, interpreter or other person joins the visit, HHS guidance says the patient should be asked beforehand and that person must consent too. For patients with a substance use history, the guidance notes that information is not added to the medical record without additional consent. Ask the office how it handles consent and records.
When in person is better
Some situations call for an in-person visit, such as an examination, certain tests or a treatment that happens in the office. Medications that need blood tests or other monitoring, which NIMH notes for lithium and clozapine, still involve lab visits even when appointments are by video. Ask the office what follow-up looks like for your situation.
Telehealth is not for emergencies. If you are in danger, call 911. For crisis support call or text 988. See crisis and urgent help.
Finding offices that offer it
Several offices in the directory describe virtual care on their own websites, and the phone number on each profile is the quickest way to ask. For costs and coverage, including Medicare, read cost and insurance.
Common questions
What can be done by video?
Telehealth for behavioral health can include individual and group therapy, text-based therapy, addiction counseling and medication management for mental health conditions, along with screening and referrals.
Is a video visit private?
It can be, with a few precautions. Pick a quiet, private spot, use headphones, avoid public Wi-Fi and log in on a password-protected device.
Can someone else join my video visit?
Only with consent. HHS guidance says the patient should be asked beforehand, and any other participant has to consent too.
Does Medicare cover telehealth for mental health?
Telehealth is a listed setting for outpatient mental health care under Medicare Part B. Check current rules and your plan before you book.