Question 1

Can I see a psychiatrist online?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Telehealth platforms like Sesame now make it easier than ever to see mental health care providers for psychiatry consults and therapy sessions. Mental health professionals on Sesame offer a wide range of psychiatry services such as:
- Talk therapy
- Psychiatric evaluations
- Behavioral health consultations
- Couples therapy

In addition, licensed mental health care providers on Sesame can address and treat mental health conditions 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 psychiatric services offered by providers on Sesame. Use our search bar to look for the specific type of psychiatric care or treatment and book an appointment at your convenience. Most care providers will request an initial consultation to discuss your symptoms or concerns. After a consult, providers on Sesame can refer you to a specialist, or schedule follow-up appointments for further care.

Question 2

Do I need a referral to see a psychiatrist online?

Accepted Answer

Nope! Telehealth platforms like Sesame connect patients directly to providers, so you can book an appointment without worrying about getting a referral. In addition, because Sesame works with providers, not insurance companies, you can see the provider you want without the hassle of networks. Every provider on Sesame has a bio detailing their clinical experience, expertise, and availability. Simply select the provider you want to see, find a time that works for you, and book your appointment. No referrals or insurance needed.

Question 3

What can I expect during an online psychiatry consult?

Accepted Answer

During your video visit, you’ll have an in-depth discussion with a trained Sesame psychiatrist or psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner about how you’ve been feeling and your mental health symptoms. This service includes comprehensive medication management or prescriptions when appropriate. - For __new patients__, your first session includes a psychiatric evaluation and a personalized treatment plan. This may include medication, if appropriate. Your provider will consider psychological, biological, and social factors to understand your needs. - For __existing patients__, your consult will focus on your ongoing care. Your provider will review how you’re doing and adjust your treatment as needed.

Medications that are commonly prescribed during online psychiatric consults include: - anti-anxiety medications (buspirone, hydroxyzine, propranolol, clonidine, etc.) - antipsychotics (risperidone, olanzapine, aripiprazole, etc.) - antidepressants (sertraline, fluoxetine, escitalopram, bupropion, duloxetine, etc.) - mood stabilizers (lithium, lamotrigine, valproate, etc.)

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 4

How do I prepare for an online psychiatry consult?

Accepted Answer

Because online psychiatrist consults on Sesame take place via video, it is recommended that you have a stable internet connection. You'll be able to join the visit from your laptop, tablet, or via the Sesame mobile app. 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. If any other preparation is needed, your provider will reach out to you to discuss these specifics.

Question 5

Do I need to see a psychiatrist to get mental health medications?

Accepted Answer

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](https://sesamecare.com/complaint/online-mental-health-medication) 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.

Question 6

What is psychiatry? What does a psychiatrist do?

Accepted Answer

Psychiatry is a branch of health care that focuses on emotional and mental health, as well as behavioral disorders. These mental health conditions can range from anxiety disorders such as phobias and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), eating disorders, addiction, substance abuse, depression, autism spectrum disorder, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and bipolar disorders among many others.

Psychiatrists are mental health professionals that are trained to diagnose and treat these disorders, as well as offer means of prevention. Using psychotherapy (talk therapy), psychiatrists may help relieve the emotional distress and mental health issues of their patients. Psychiatrists can treat a wide range of things that include anxiety, depression, eating disorders, problems centered around a relationship. Psychologists can also help you with a treatment plan to better handle stress, or set and achieve major goals as well as prescribe medication such as antidepressants when necessary.

Question 7

What should I see a psychiatrist for?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 8

What training does a psychiatrist need?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 9

What is the difference between a psychiatrist and a psychologist?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 10

Do I need insurance to book an online psychiatrist appointment on Sesame?

Accepted Answer

No, 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.

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