Life can sometimes feel overwhelming as personal and world problems consume everyday life. Add in the constant online presence that most people have these days and it can feel like all of life’s problems are on your doorstep. If you feel like your mental health is in need of some care, but you don’t have the time or resources to find in-person care, follow this step-by-step guide to find the right online mental health support for you.
Understand What You Need
Before beginning your search, check in with yourself to understand what you need. Are you dealing with anxiety or depression? Have you experienced a recent trauma that could be bringing up these mental health issues? Do you need to change your current medication? These are a few questions you should ask yourself so that you have a good understanding of your needs before seeking out mental health support online.
Choose Between Therapy, Psychiatry, or Both
Depending on what you are dealing with, you may need talk therapy, psychiatry to figure out medication needs, or a combination of both. Sometimes people start their mental health journey by talking to a therapist who will then recommend them to a psychiatrist so that they can discuss trying out different medications. You can browse different telepsychiatry services from the comfort of your own home, making it easy and discreet to find the help you need. Once you find the right combination of care, you can start working towards improvement.
Browse Reputable Online Psychiatry Platforms
One of the best ways you can find a good online psychologist or psychiatrist is to read reviews from other clients who have seen good results from different online platforms. You can find these reviews on specific platform homepages or with a simple Google search for the best online psychology platforms. Make sure that the platforms you are browsing are HIPAA-compliant and that the professionals working there have verified credentials and updated licenses.
Check Personalization Options
When looking at specific providers, browse profiles to see which psychiatrists specialize in your specific symptoms. Ask initial questions about how involved you can be in your own care and how flexible they are with medication plans that are tailored to your unique history.
Consider Cost and Insurance
When browsing platforms, it is important to check if they accept your insurance before you get too attached to one provider. Some platforms work with insurance while others only offer cash-only options.
Schedule an Initial Consultation
Many times finding the right therapist or psychiatrist requires some shopping around. Schedule a few initial consultations with your top choices so that you can get a feel for how they work and if their techniques are the right vibe for you. Many therapists will offer a free or discounted initial session so that you can both feel each other out. In this first session, you will discuss your medical and mental health history, ask questions, and discuss concerns about the side effects of medication.
As you embark on your mental health journey, remember to give yourself grace as you find the right providers, and remember that you have already made the big step of trying to improve your mental health situation. Follow these steps as a loose guide to get you to where you need to be when it comes to teletherapy.
