Question 1

What should I expect during my online psychiatry appointment?

Accepted Answer

During your online psychiatry visit or follow-up appointment, your provider will speak with you about your symptoms and medical history. If appropriate, they can prescribe or refill psychiatric medications and other treatment options as part of your treatment plan.

Question 2

Are Sesame's North Carolina psychiatric providers licensed?

Accepted Answer

All mental health providers on Sesame are required to have a valid NPI number and an active license in good standing, which allows them to practice independently in any states where they are offering care. When booking telepsychiatry services on Sesame, patients can choose from qualified professionals, including licensed psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners, based on these verified credentials.

Question 3

Can I get prescription mental health medication online in North Carolina?

Accepted Answer

Yes. If medically appropriate, Sesame providers in North Carolina can prescribe mental health medication for conditions such as anxiety, depression, performance anxiety, insomnia, PTSD, and more.

Question 4

Do Sesame providers in North Carolina prescribe controlled substances?

Accepted Answer

No, Sesame healthcare providers are unable to prescribe controlled substances through telehealth. This includes medications such as:
- ADHD stimulants (e.g., Adderall, Vyvanse)
- Benzodiazepines (e.g., Ativan, Klonopin, Valium, Xanax)
- Opioid medications

Question 5

What kind of medications can I get prescribed for an online psychiatric visit in North Carolina?

Accepted Answer

Providers may prescribe medications based on your symptoms and clinical needs during your online psychiatric visit. These may include:
- Anti-anxiety treatments (e.g., buspirone, hydroxyzine, propranolol)
- Antipsychotic medications (e.g., risperidone, aripiprazole)
- Antidepressants (e.g., fluoxetine, bupropion)
- Mood stabilizers (e.g., lithium, lamotrigine)
Please note that mental health care providers on Sesame do not prescribe controlled substances, including stimulants. The decision to prescribe medication is at your provider’s clinical discretion.

Question 6

If I'm temporarily traveling or away from North Carolina, can I still have an online session with my provider?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the states where your provider is licensed!

If your provider is licensed in both your home state and the state you’re visiting, you can still book and attend online sessions with them.

If your provider is not licensed in the state you're visiting, you'll need to book a session with a different Sesame provider who is licensed in that state.

Question 7

Can I use my health insurance for online prescriptions and refills?

Accepted Answer

All visits on Sesame are cash-pay only; we do not accept insurance in order to keep prices low and transparent. __However, if you do have health insurance and are prescribed medication during your appointment, your prescription may be covered depending on your plan__.

When you pick up your medication at your pharmacy, the pharmacist can check your coverage using the insurance they have on file or the information you provide.

To see if your medication is covered and what your copay will be, you can also check your insurance plan’s drug formulary or contact your insurance provider directly.

Question 8

Can I use a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) for online psychiatry visits in North Carolina?

Accepted Answer

Yes, virtual mental health services on Sesame, including online psychiatry visits, are eligible for payment with HSA and FSA funds. If you have an HSA or FSA card, you can use it to pay at the time of booking.

Question 9

What’s the difference between psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners?

Accepted Answer

Both psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) can diagnose, treat and prescribe medication for mental health conditions, but there are several differences in their training and how they can treat patients:

- Psychiatrists are medical doctors who must complete a bachelor's degree, medical doctorate degree, and residency training requirements. Their license allows them to prescribe medication in any state where they are licensed. 
- Psychiatric nurse practitioners are advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) with specialized training in mental health. They must complete a bachelor’s degree, along with a master’s degree in psychiatric nursing, before they can treat patients. While PMHNPs can diagnose and treat mental health conditions, some states require them to work under a doctor's supervision to prescribe certain treatments.

Question 10

Should I see a therapist, a psychiatrist, or a psychiatric nurse practitioner?

Accepted Answer

It depends on if you are seeking talk therapy or psychiatric treatment.

If you are seeking talk therapy, you should book an online therapy appointment on Sesame. During these visits, you can discuss your thoughts, feelings or behaviors with a licensed therapist or PMHNP. Medication is not prescribed during online therapy appointments.

If you are seeking psychiatric treatment, you should book an online psychiatry appointment on Sesame. During these visits, a psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner can evaluate, diagnose, and/or treat mental health conditions. They can also prescribe or refill medications.

Question 11

How do I make a same-day appointment with a psychiatrist in North Carolina?

Accepted Answer

To make a same-day appointment with a psychiatrist, simply browse available psychiatrists on Sesame. You’ll be able to filter providers by appointment time, price, and whether or not you’d like to see a North Carolina provider in-person or via telehealth appointment. You’ll also be able to see provider reviews from other patients before you book.

Once you’ve selected a time slot, you’ll book and pay for your appointment upfront, and you’ll receive an email confirmation and a link to join your video call at the scheduled time. And because Sesame doesn’t bill insurance, there’s no need to worry about co-pays, finding in-network providers, or surprise bills – the appointment price you see is the price you pay.

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