You can get professional help without leaving your house. Here’s how.

1. What is telehealth for mental health?
2. What kind of mental health care can I receive via telehealth?
3. What kind of mental health issues can I receive care for via telehealth?
4. What should I know about talk therapy via telehealth?
5. Can I get medication prescribed during virtual mental health care visits?
6. What should I do to prepare for a virtual mental health visit?
7. What are the advantages of using telehealth for mental health?
8. What are the disadvantages of using telehealth for mental health?
9. Does my insurance cover telehealth for mental health?

In today’s fast-paced world, people are busier than ever. Every minute counts, and that can lead to stress and anxiety.

But some good news: Accessing health care has become easier, thanks to telehealth. (You might also see it called “virtual care.”) That typically means being able to have an appointment with your doctor on a secure video chat, either on your smartphone, tablet or computer. Data rates may apply.

Telehealth works well for certain types of health care — particularly mental health care. Let’s explore what telehealth is, how it works for mental health care, and its advantages and disadvantages.

Need help with your anxiety or depression? Mental Health Complete Plus offers direct access to mental health providers via phone, video or app.

What is telehealth for mental health?

Telehealth for mental health is also known as “telemental health” or online therapy. It refers to using digital technology to provide mental health care services to people remotely. It may include:

• Email, text messages and secure messaging platforms
• Phone calls
• Video chats

Telehealth for mental health aims to make mental health care more accessible. You can connect with a mental health provider. That could be a psychiatrist or psychologist in the comfort of your own home. (You might see them also called therapists.)

A psychiatrist is a doctor who can find mental health problems and give you medicine. A psychologist typically has an advanced degree in psychology. They can provide you with psychotherapy (aka “talk therapy”). In some states, psychologists may also prescribe medication.

Talk therapy refers to treatments that help you identify and change troubling emotions, thoughts and behaviors.

What kind of mental health care can I receive via telehealth?

No matter what kind of mental health care provider you see, they’ll normally offer you access to things like:

• Talk therapy and counseling
• Coaching and guidance
• Mental health evaluations
• Prescription drugs, like anti-depressants or anti-anxiety medication
• Support groups and peer-to-peer networks
• Crisis intervention and support
• Helpful brochures or online content

What kind of mental health issues can I receive care for via telehealth?

Normally, therapists will help care for your mental health issues like:

• Anxiety. This “is a feeling of fear, dread and uneasiness.” For example, this might be brought on by a big presentation you have to give at work. For some it may be something they encounter on a daily basis, like those with social anxiety.
• Depression. This is a common but serious mood disorder that can “affect how you feel, think and handle daily activities.” These could include eating, sleeping or working. You could be diagnosed with depression if you have symptoms like these that “last most of the day, nearly every day, for at least 2 weeks.”
• Stress. This is when you feel “emotional or physical tension. It can come from any event or thought that makes you feel frustrated, angry or nervous.” It’s different from anxiety because it’s caused by something that makes you feel stressed (a stressor). But “anxiety is stress that continues after the stressor is gone.”

What should I know about talk therapy via telehealth?

During talk therapy sessions with a therapist via telehealth, you’ll meet with them in real time. You can talk about things like your thoughts, feelings and experiences. They can also help you work through issues like anxiety and depression, and help you better manage stress.

Some therapists may simply have a conversation with you for a set amount of time — like, 45 minutes or an hour. Some therapists may also use common approaches via telehealth like:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This treatment “teaches people to challenge negative thought patterns and turn less often to unhelpful behaviors.”
• Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). This treatment teaches people skills to deal with intense emotions, cope with major challenges and improve relationships.
• Interpersonal therapy (IPT). This is a type of talk therapy that helps people explore how their relationships affect their mood and the opposite.
• Psychodynamic therapy. This is a type of therapy that involves figuring out the role of your unresolved conflicts in the past, and how they shape people’s behavior and personality.

With a virtual care membership, monthly fees can help you get unlimited mental health care telehealth visits without copays. Explore Mental Health Complete Plus.

Can I get medication prescribed during virtual mental health care visits?

The answer is yes. Psychiatrists and some psychologists can prescribe you certain prescription drugs. Controlled substances cannot be prescribed through virtual visits. The process typically involves:

1. A thorough evaluation of your mental health and medical history.
2. Discussion of prescription drug options, along with their benefits, side effects and potential risks.
3. Sending the drug’s prescription to your pharmacy for pickup or delivery.

If it’s a new prescription, it may be a good idea to talk to your primary care doctor first. They can let you know if any other prescription drugs you might be taking could interact with the new prescription drug. (“Interact” means that something could make the drug not work the way it’s supposed to or cause side effects.)

What should I do to prepare for a virtual mental health visit?

To make the most of your virtual mental health visit, you’ll want to follow these helpful tips:

1. Test your technology. Ensure your device (computer, tablet or smartphone) is compatible with the telehealth platform. Check your internet connection, camera, microphone and speakers.
2. Find a private space. Choose a quiet, comfortable and private location for your session to minimize distractions and maintain confidentiality.
3. Gather relevant information. Have your mental health history, current medications, and any questions or concerns ready to discuss with your provider.
4. Set clear expectations. Understand the purpose and goals of the session, as well as the provider’s approach to treatment.
5. Be open and honest. Share your thoughts and feelings openly with your provider to have a productive and meaningful session.

What are the advantages of using telehealth for mental health?

Telehealth for mental health offers many benefits. Some of the top ones include:

• Increased accessibility. Telehealth enables individuals in rural or underserved areas to access mental health services that may not be available locally.
• Convenience and flexibility. Virtual visits can be scheduled around your daily routine, eliminating the need for travel and reducing wait times.
• Comfort and privacy. Receiving care in the comfort of your own home can be more relaxing than visiting a mental health clinic.
• Consistency of care. Telehealth allows for easier follow-up appointments. That could lead to better results over time.
• Cost savings. By eliminating travel expenses and reducing time off work, telehealth can be a more affordable option for mental health care.

What are the disadvantages of using telehealth for mental health?

While telehealth for mental health offers many benefits, there are also some potential drawbacks. It’s worth considering the following before you book a telehealth appointment:

1. Technological challenges. Technical difficulties, such as poor internet connection or software issues, can disrupt telehealth sessions and negatively impact the therapy you’re receiving.
2. Limited nonverbal cues. Communicating through a screen can make it more difficult for providers to pick up on nonverbal cues and body language. That may affect their ability to accurately assess your mental state.
3. Privacy concerns. Although telehealth platforms are designed to be secure, there may always be the risk of data breaches or unauthorized access to personal information.
4. Not suitable for all conditions. Telehealth may not be appropriate for individuals with severe mental health conditions, those in crisis, those requiring in-person interventions, or those requiring controlled medication that requires an in-person visit.
5. Lack of personal connection. Some people may prefer the personal interaction and support that comes from in-person visits. They may find telehealth less engaging or satisfying.

Does my insurance cover telehealth for mental health?

Insurance coverage for telehealth services varies depending on your specific plan and provider. In recent years, many insurance companies have expanded their coverage to include telehealth.

To determine if your insurance covers telehealth for mental health:

• Review your policy. Check your insurance policy documents for information on telehealth coverage, including any copays, deductibles or coinsurance requirements.
• Contact your insurance provider. Call the customer service number on your insurance card to inquire about telehealth coverage for mental health services.
• Consult your mental health provider. Ask your mental health provider if they accept your insurance for telehealth services and if they can help you navigate the billing process.

If your insurance doesn’t cover telehealth for mental health, you still have some options. Here are two examples, neither of which is health insurance:

1. A telehealth membership that provides access to mental health, general medicine and dermatological providers. (That last one is for skin issues.) Memberships start at $20 per month.
2. Mental Health Complete Plus, which offers services like talk therapy, psychology/psychiatry, and coaching and guidance — plus virtual access to general physicians and dermatologists too. It’s available to people 18 years of age and older. It starts at $59.99 per month.

Both plans are subject to exclusions and limitations. They also may not be available in your state. So it’s a good idea to review the plans’ brochure online or call a licensed insurance agent at 1-844-211-7730 for more information.

For informational purposes only. This information is compiled by UnitedHealthcare, and/or one of its affiliates, and does not diagnose problems or recommend specific treatment. Services and medical technologies referenced herein may not be covered under your plan. Please consult directly with your primary care physician if you need medical advice.

Sources:

American Psychological Association. “Prescriptive Authority Gains New Momentum.” June 1, 2023. Retrieved from https://www.apa.org/monitor/2023/06/prescriptive-authority-psychologists

Cleveland Clinic. “Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT).” Reviewed March 6, 2024. Retrieved from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/interpersonal-psychotherapy-ipt

Cleveland Clinic. “Clinical Depression (Major Depressive Disorder).” Retrieved from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24481-clinical-depression-major-depressive-disorder. Accessed January 22, 2025.

Harvard Health Publishing. “Dialectical Behavior Therapy: What Is It and Who Can It Help?” January 22, 2024. Retrieved from https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/dialectical-behavior-therapy-what-is-it-and-who-can-it-help-202401223009

Harvard Health Publishing. “What Is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?” June 5, 2024. Retrieved from https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/what-is-cognitive-behavioral-therapy-202406053047

MedlinePlus. “Anxiety.” Updated October 17, 2023. Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/anxiety.html

MedlinePlus. “Stress and Your Health.” Reviewed May 4, 2024. Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003211.htm

National Institute of Mental Health. “Depression.” Reviewed March 2024. Retrieved from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression

National Library of Medicine. “Psychodynamic Therapy.” Updated September 2, 2024. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK606117/

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