See top-rated psychiatrists online and get medications from your local pharmacy today

Absolutely. Sesame offers convenient and affordable online psychiatrist appointments with licensed psychiatrists nationwide. These 35-45-minute appointments connect you directly with a psychiatrist who can address mental health concerns such as:

• Anxiety disorder
  
• Depression
  
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  
• Bipolar disorder
  
• Obsessive/ Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
  
• Adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
  
• Schizophrenia
  

This is not a complete list of all mental health conditions an online psychiatrist treats. Most care providers will request an initial consultation to discuss your symptoms or concerns. After a consult, providers on Sesame can schedule follow-up appointments for further care.

Because online psychiatrist appointments on Sesame use a video conferencing platform (like Zoom or Facetime), it is recommended that you have a stable internet connection and a private space to conduct the appointment. Even though it takes place on a video call, you will meet with a mental health care provider in real-time. For your privacy, a quiet and secluded space in your home is the best place to have this video consultation.

It is generally recommended for all psychiatry consultations to jot down a few questions or concerns you may have before your appointment. Mental health care providers on Sesame are certified psychiatrists and therapists with the extensive experience needed to help walk you through the consultation, but it is still encouraged to come up with some questions or thoughts of your own to get the most out of your appointment.

If any other preparation is needed, your provider will reach out to you to discuss these specifics.

Online psychiatrist appointments are a convenient option for those seeking mental health care without requiring a trip to a clinic. This form of telemedicine can help those seeking to fit mental health services into a busy schedule, people who either cannot - or do not want to - commute to a psychiatrist's office, or those who just want an informal chat about mental health concerns.

Most video psychiatry appointments will start with an initial consultation about your mental health history, symptoms you may be experiencing, medications you are currently taking, and your history with psychiatric care. After this, your mental health provider can recommend the best treatment plan for you. This may include follow-up appointments, a referral to a specialist, or a prescription for medication.

Online psychiatrist appointments are a cost-effective and convenient way to speak to a mental health care provider from the comfort of your home. An online psychiatrist appointment on Sesame costs about $132 for a 45-minute appointment, though prices vary from state to state. Depending on where you live, you can book an online psychiatrist appointment for as low as $37.

Providers on Sesame list their service prices on the site. These are cash-pay prices, meaning that the price you see is the price you pay. Browse our list of available providers and find the psychiatrist you want to see—not who your insurance network makes you see.

You do not need insurance to use Sesame. Sesame offers transparent upfront prices for patients without insurance.

Sesame services are paid directly, separate from health insurance.

If your insurance includes a health savings account (HSA) or flexible spending account (FSA), you can use your funds from these accounts to pay for care on Sesame. Some of these plans include a debit card you can use to pay upfront, and others require you to submit your receipt after your purchase.

If your insurance includes out-of-network coverage and/or a deductible, you may be able to submit your receipt from Sesame for reimbursement. Eligibility is determined by your insurance company and will vary depending on your plan. And you can always use your insurance to pay for medications picked up at your local pharmacy. Our team is here to help you - call us at +1 (877) 947-6411 with any questions.

Psychiatry is a medical specialty that focuses on studying, diagnosing, treating, and preventing mental disorders and emotional disturbances. Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in this branch of medicine and undergo extensive training to understand the connections between biological, psychological, and social factors in mental health.

Psychiatry encompasses a wide range of mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and more. Once a diagnosis is made, psychiatrists work with patients to develop personalized treatment plans, which may include psychotherapy, medication management, or a combination of both. Psychiatrists also play a crucial role in crisis intervention, helping individuals in acute distress or those at risk of harming themselves or others.

Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in treating mental health problems and have the ability to prescribe medications. To become a psychiatrist, one needs to complete four years of medical school, earning either an MD (Doctor of Medicine) or a Ph.D. After that, they must undergo rigorous clinical training, typically lasting several thousand hours, during a four-year residency in a hospital or clinical setting where they work directly with patients.

Psychiatrists mainly focus on conditions like depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and bipolar disorder, and they have the authority to prescribe medication as part of their treatment approach.

Psychiatrists can diagnose and treat a wide range of mental health concerns and disorders. Psychiatry generally focuses on mental illnesses such as depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and bipolar disorder. To this end, they can prescribe medication to patients managing mental health problems.

You might see a psychiatrist for:

• Mood disorders (e.g., depression, bipolar disorder)
  
• Anxiety disorders (e.g., generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder)
  
• Schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders
  
• Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
  
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
  
• Trauma-related disorders (e.g., PTSD)
  
• Substance use disorders or addiction
  
• Eating disorders (e.g., anorexia, bulimia)
  
• Sleep disorders (e.g., insomnia, sleep apnea)
  
• Suicidal thoughts or self-harm behaviors
  
• Severe stress
  
• Cognitive disorders (e.g., Alzheimer's disease, dementia)
  
• Psychotherapy or talk therapy in conjunction with medication management
  
• Co-occurring mental health and medical conditions
  
• Psychiatric evaluation for legal or employment purposes
  
• Psychiatric support during pregnancy and the postpartum period
  
• Persistent or treatment-resistant mental health symptoms
  
  

This is not an exhaustive list of every concern addressed by psychiatrists, though they are among the most common reasons for seeking mental health treatment.

Psychiatrists, however, are medical doctors with advanced training to provide medicinal treatment options for these issues. A psychiatrist must go through four years of medical school, graduate with a medical degree (MD) or Ph.D., and complete several thousand hours of clinical training before being able to practice privately. This training is performed during a four-year residency in a hospital or clinical setting, working directly with patients.

The number of training hours required for licensure and the specific exams a practitioner must pass vary from state to state. Some states even allow broad exceptions to these requirements. However, once these criteria are met, practitioners start clinical work in an internship or supervised residency program.

In sum, psychiatrists must:

• Obtain a Master’s degree and Doctorate
  
• Undergo a specified number of training hours
  
• Pass a nationally recognized licensing exam
  

It depends. Psychiatrists are the only mental health care providers with the medical training necessary to prescribe mental health medication. If you have not been diagnosed with a mental health condition that requires medication or are in need of advanced psychiatric care, a mental health care provider may refer you to a psychiatrist to determine if medication is right for you.

If you have an existing prescription or are in stable condition, you might be able to get mental health medications through an online mental health consult with one of our doctors.

Online mental health consults are concise 15-minute meetings with a primary care provider who can provide mental health guidance, support, and medication prescriptions if appropriate. These appointments offer a quick and convenient opportunity to start a conversation about mental health centered on your experiences and needs.

Not sure if you need medication or not? Book an online mental health medication appointment with a licensed primary care provider to discuss your symptoms and possible treatment options. They will offer guidance on the next steps and refer you to a psychiatrist, if appropriate.

Therapists and psychiatrists have distinct training, approach, and service differences.

Therapists, often referred to as counselors or psychotherapists, are mental health professionals who specialize in providing talk therapy or psychotherapy to individuals, couples, families, or groups. They typically hold advanced degrees in fields like psychology, social work, counseling, or marriage and family therapy. Therapists help clients explore and understand their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors with the goal of improving mental and emotional well-being. They offer various forms of therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical-behavior therapy (DBT), and interpersonal therapy. Therapists do not prescribe medication; their focus is on using therapeutic techniques to facilitate personal growth, improve coping skills, and address emotional or behavioral challenges.

In contrast, psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in diagnosing, treating, and preventing mental illnesses. After completing medical school, they undergo specialized training in psychiatry during a residency program. Psychiatrists are uniquely qualified to assess the biological, psychological, and social factors contributing to mental health issues. They have the authority to prescribe medication, such as antidepressants, antipsychotics, or mood stabilizers, as part of their treatment approach. While some psychiatrists also provide therapy, their primary role often centers on medication management and the medical aspects of mental health care. They work in collaboration with therapists and other mental health professionals to provide comprehensive care to individuals with mental health concerns.

In summary, therapists primarily offer talk therapy and counseling services to help individuals address emotional and psychological issues, whereas psychiatrists are medical doctors who can prescribe medication and provide a medical perspective in diagnosing and treating mental illnesses. Both professionals often work together as part of a multidisciplinary mental healthcare team to provide holistic and effective treatment for individuals with mental health challenges.

While psychiatrists and psychologists both provide mental health services, some differences between the two are important to remember when selecting a mental health care provider.

Psychologists are not medical doctors, whereas psychiatrists are usually MDs. This means that a board-certified psychiatrist (certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology) has completed a medical school and residency program with a focus on psychiatry and cannot only diagnose and treat mental illness but also prescribe medications necessary for the course of treatment.

Psychologists are highly trained mental health professionals who can treat mental health conditions that don't necessarily require medication or other medical treatments, such as learning disabilities, phobias, or relationship issues.