Telepsychiatry for Massachusetts
![Photo of Dr. Andrew Wu, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e59ca95c-c2c8-49c1-9c01-dca16f1b3467/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Andrew Wu
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Brookline, MA 02446
Waitlist for new clients
I have extensive experience with management of mood disorders (depression and bipolar disorder) and ADHD, and applying multimodal therapeutic techniques like DBT, ACT, and more traditional psychodynamic techniques to personalize psychiatric care.
Hi! It’s not easy to find a good psychiatrist in today’s world. Good care is centered around trusting your patients and taking the time to get to know them. To ensure high-quality psychiatric services, I operate a boutique practice, where patients have access to sooner appointments and can speak to me outside of appointments, if needed. If we work together, I strive to individualize your treatment to what works best for you. I have an active therapeutic style to make sure your sessions are engaging, helpful, and sometimes even fun!
I have extensive experience with management of mood disorders (depression and bipolar disorder) and ADHD, and applying multimodal therapeutic techniques like DBT, ACT, and more traditional psychodynamic techniques to personalize psychiatric care.
Hi! It’s not easy to find a good psychiatrist in today’s world. Good care is centered around trusting your patients and taking the time to get to know them. To ensure high-quality psychiatric services, I operate a boutique practice, where patients have access to sooner appointments and can speak to me outside of appointments, if needed. If we work together, I strive to individualize your treatment to what works best for you. I have an active therapeutic style to make sure your sessions are engaging, helpful, and sometimes even fun!
![Photo of Dr. Adam Henderson, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e2fd37a8-7850-4378-aa50-579a3d6dcb41/4/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Adam Henderson
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Newton, MA 02459
Waitlist for new clients
I have expertise in Mentalization Based Therapy (MBT) and DBT for depression, anxiety and BPD treatment.
Welcome! I'm a board-certified psychiatrist offering psychotherapy and thoughtful medication management. I'm on faculty at Harvard Medical School and work as a staff psychiatrist at McLean hospital, in addition to my time in my confidential private practice. I'm specialized in trauma recovery, addiction counseling, and BPD treatment. I also help with depression, anxiety, and ADHD. I work with clients new to therapy as well as clients who have tried numerous therapies and/or medications and haven't gotten the results they wanted. I listen and work collaboratively with you.
I have expertise in Mentalization Based Therapy (MBT) and DBT for depression, anxiety and BPD treatment.
Welcome! I'm a board-certified psychiatrist offering psychotherapy and thoughtful medication management. I'm on faculty at Harvard Medical School and work as a staff psychiatrist at McLean hospital, in addition to my time in my confidential private practice. I'm specialized in trauma recovery, addiction counseling, and BPD treatment. I also help with depression, anxiety, and ADHD. I work with clients new to therapy as well as clients who have tried numerous therapies and/or medications and haven't gotten the results they wanted. I listen and work collaboratively with you.
![Photo of Christoforos Iraklis Giakoumatos, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6a4573df-c386-4523-9d8a-27153be3d389/1/320x400.jpeg)
I treat adults with mental health disorders, such as depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, ADHD and PTSD. I also treat adults with substance use disorders and behavioral addictions. I believe in individualizing treatment based on each person's needs. I offer medication management visits, complemented with elements of Motivational Interviewing (MI), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and psychodymanic psychotherapy. I also offer psychotherapy visits without medication management, if someone is not in need of medications.
I treat adults with mental health disorders, such as depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, ADHD and PTSD. I also treat adults with substance use disorders and behavioral addictions. I believe in individualizing treatment based on each person's needs. I offer medication management visits, complemented with elements of Motivational Interviewing (MI), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and psychodymanic psychotherapy. I also offer psychotherapy visits without medication management, if someone is not in need of medications.
![Photo of Menekse Alpay, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5037f0f0-ad16-4959-b7a5-386771e458cf/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am well-versed in different psychotherapies including psychoanalysis, psychodynamic therapy, dialectical-behavioral therapy, mindfulness-based therapy and interpersonal therapy.
I work with individuals who have anxiety, depression, mood disorders, insomnia, relationship problems, trauma history, medical illness, neurological illness, and/or individuals who are helping family members with these problems. My experience over the last 25 years in psychiatry has shown that medications are helpful but do not take care of all problems in life. I offer combined psychiatric treatment. I received my psychiatric residency training from Georgetown University Hospital and fellowship in Psychosomatic Medicine from Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School.
I am well-versed in different psychotherapies including psychoanalysis, psychodynamic therapy, dialectical-behavioral therapy, mindfulness-based therapy and interpersonal therapy.
I work with individuals who have anxiety, depression, mood disorders, insomnia, relationship problems, trauma history, medical illness, neurological illness, and/or individuals who are helping family members with these problems. My experience over the last 25 years in psychiatry has shown that medications are helpful but do not take care of all problems in life. I offer combined psychiatric treatment. I received my psychiatric residency training from Georgetown University Hospital and fellowship in Psychosomatic Medicine from Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School.
![Photo of Erin Valenti, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2614054b-a587-41c6-9378-ab0aaaf62917/1/320x400.jpeg)
I have extra training in CBT and DBT, and I enjoy helping people regulate their emotions and meet their goals.
You want to take care of your mental health, but a one-size-fits-all system isn't working for you. You'd like a more flexible and creative approach and a highly personalized treatment plan. You're looking for a provider that is approachable, available, and attentive. The relationship between a provider and a client is everything in mental health treatment. I founded Newbury Street Psychiatry and Psychotherapy to provide patients with treatment relationships that are open, collaborative, and all about you.
I have extra training in CBT and DBT, and I enjoy helping people regulate their emotions and meet their goals.
You want to take care of your mental health, but a one-size-fits-all system isn't working for you. You'd like a more flexible and creative approach and a highly personalized treatment plan. You're looking for a provider that is approachable, available, and attentive. The relationship between a provider and a client is everything in mental health treatment. I founded Newbury Street Psychiatry and Psychotherapy to provide patients with treatment relationships that are open, collaborative, and all about you.
![Photo of Jessica Kolczewski, MSN, APRN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/441676fd-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Jessica Kolczewski
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN
Verified Verified
Randolph, MA 02368 (Online Only)
I completed the DBT foundational training in 2014 and incorporate DBT concepts into my work.
Are you looking for someone who can both prescribe medications and be present and listen to your experience? I value the importance of combining therapeutic techniques with medication management. I am a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, with 14 years of nursing experience. I treat a variety of patients, including those suffering from trauma, anxiety, depression, mood disorders, ADHD, borderline personality disorder and suicidal or self injurious behaviors. On a part time basis, I have a "co-therapist" named Bella. She is trained as a therapy dog for the purpose of providing animal assisted therapy.
I completed the DBT foundational training in 2014 and incorporate DBT concepts into my work.
Are you looking for someone who can both prescribe medications and be present and listen to your experience? I value the importance of combining therapeutic techniques with medication management. I am a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, with 14 years of nursing experience. I treat a variety of patients, including those suffering from trauma, anxiety, depression, mood disorders, ADHD, borderline personality disorder and suicidal or self injurious behaviors. On a part time basis, I have a "co-therapist" named Bella. She is trained as a therapy dog for the purpose of providing animal assisted therapy.
![Photo of Brian Boyle, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d46fba31-bb6c-435b-913e-47159dbd4985/2/320x400.jpeg)
I provide psychiatric consultation, medication management, and therapy. I also have a background in therapeutic approaches including psychoanalysis, mentalization based treatment, dialectical behavioral therapy, and family therapy.
I provide psychiatric consultation, medication management, and therapy. I also have a background in therapeutic approaches including psychoanalysis, mentalization based treatment, dialectical behavioral therapy, and family therapy.
Shoshana Marchand
Psychiatric Nurse, MA, MSN, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Northampton, MA 01060 (Online Only)
I'm a psychiatric nurse practitioner, offering consultation, medication management and therapy in downtown Northampton. I care about what makes us unique, as well as what we have in common. My interests include anxiety disorders like panic and OCD, as well as people on the autism spectrum or with social or learning differences. I'm delighted to work with LGBTQ clients or those in gender transition. I'm a believer in trauma -sensitive care, trained in DBT and in mindfulness. Clients say I'm both communicative and collaborative. Please note that my practice is currently limited to people aged 16 and older.
I'm a psychiatric nurse practitioner, offering consultation, medication management and therapy in downtown Northampton. I care about what makes us unique, as well as what we have in common. My interests include anxiety disorders like panic and OCD, as well as people on the autism spectrum or with social or learning differences. I'm delighted to work with LGBTQ clients or those in gender transition. I'm a believer in trauma -sensitive care, trained in DBT and in mindfulness. Clients say I'm both communicative and collaborative. Please note that my practice is currently limited to people aged 16 and older.
![Photo of Katie Sutherland, APRN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/38282d47-6c9e-453d-9145-04343b579a62/1/320x400.jpeg)
Katie Sutherland
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Duxbury, MA 02332
As a dedicated Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I offer a holistic approach to mental health, ensuring that clients receive comprehensive and compassionate care. I specialize in medication management and therapy, focusing on treating conditions such as anxiety, depression, insomnia, OCD, postpartum depression, and PTSD. My clinical practice incorporates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) to address various mental health concerns effectively. I am particularly passionate about assisting new mothers with the unique challenges they face during this transformative period.
As a dedicated Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I offer a holistic approach to mental health, ensuring that clients receive comprehensive and compassionate care. I specialize in medication management and therapy, focusing on treating conditions such as anxiety, depression, insomnia, OCD, postpartum depression, and PTSD. My clinical practice incorporates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) to address various mental health concerns effectively. I am particularly passionate about assisting new mothers with the unique challenges they face during this transformative period.
![Photo of Lisa Rullie, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/efd602d1-34ce-4ad0-9b6f-118e846280e5/1/320x400.jpeg)
In particular, I utilize motivational interviewing, CBT, DBT, and the Stages of Change Theoretical model.
My goal is to foster a collaborative relationship with my patients to develop the best treatment plan to fit your unique needs. You know you best after all. I feel that movement is medicine for both physical and mental health, and will do my best to help guide and encourage all to make healthy behavioral changes to support your overall well-being.
In particular, I utilize motivational interviewing, CBT, DBT, and the Stages of Change Theoretical model.
My goal is to foster a collaborative relationship with my patients to develop the best treatment plan to fit your unique needs. You know you best after all. I feel that movement is medicine for both physical and mental health, and will do my best to help guide and encourage all to make healthy behavioral changes to support your overall well-being.
![Photo of Carlos Covarrubias, MSN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/efca8738-2a16-4fb8-b1a4-b45449eeb3fe/1/320x400.png)
I provide personalized treatment and services for a wide range of mental health issues, including psychotherapy using ACT, CBT, DBT, and MI techniques and evidence-based psychopharmacology.
I'm a psychiatric nurse practitioner in Boston, offering online psychotherapy to clients throughout Massachusetts, in-person therapy and medication management in Jamaica Plain, and online classes and workshops at www.ThreeTreesMentalHealth.com
I provide personalized treatment and services for a wide range of mental health issues, including psychotherapy using ACT, CBT, DBT, and MI techniques and evidence-based psychopharmacology.
I'm a psychiatric nurse practitioner in Boston, offering online psychotherapy to clients throughout Massachusetts, in-person therapy and medication management in Jamaica Plain, and online classes and workshops at www.ThreeTreesMentalHealth.com
![Photo of Devin Gibbs, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/16c4a5c3-707d-41ee-bc5c-c9b3dbd54059/2/320x400.jpeg)
I provide therapy using a psychodynamic framework and integrate techniques from mindfulness, CBT, and DBT.
Most people at some point in their lives find themselves feeling stuck, unable to break out of old patterns or achieve their goals. Many of the individuals I work with are outwardly functioning well in many areas of their lives, but struggling with depression, anxiety, or navigating life transitions. Talk therapy can be a powerful tool to help people move past these roadblocks and build a more meaningful and full life.
I provide therapy using a psychodynamic framework and integrate techniques from mindfulness, CBT, and DBT.
Most people at some point in their lives find themselves feeling stuck, unable to break out of old patterns or achieve their goals. Many of the individuals I work with are outwardly functioning well in many areas of their lives, but struggling with depression, anxiety, or navigating life transitions. Talk therapy can be a powerful tool to help people move past these roadblocks and build a more meaningful and full life.
![Photo of Arthi Kumaravel, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/dc572bbe-2ca3-4dd7-9cd9-93a7ec785736/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am a Harvard trained psychiatrist with a background in psychopharmacological (medication) approaches as well as a variety of therapy modalities, including psychodynamic psychotherapy, CBT, DBT, ACT, couples and group therapy.
Reaching out for help is one of the hardest yet crucial steps in improving your psychological well-being, and one which I commend you for doing. It can be difficult to find a psychiatrist that feels right for you. But once a strong connection is formed, that relationship can be a life changing experience for you. You deserve a safe space to explore the psychological, social, cultural, relationship and biological contributors to your mental health. I aim to provide you with this safe space using both therapy and medications tailored to address your specific mental health needs.
I am a Harvard trained psychiatrist with a background in psychopharmacological (medication) approaches as well as a variety of therapy modalities, including psychodynamic psychotherapy, CBT, DBT, ACT, couples and group therapy.
Reaching out for help is one of the hardest yet crucial steps in improving your psychological well-being, and one which I commend you for doing. It can be difficult to find a psychiatrist that feels right for you. But once a strong connection is formed, that relationship can be a life changing experience for you. You deserve a safe space to explore the psychological, social, cultural, relationship and biological contributors to your mental health. I aim to provide you with this safe space using both therapy and medications tailored to address your specific mental health needs.
![Photo of Peninah Elizabeth Waithira, PMHNP, APRN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1aca49f1-0aad-4cfe-9f6c-216ff1f1e30e/1/320x400.jpeg)
Peninah Elizabeth Waithira
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, APRN
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Worcester, MA 01608
Due to her excellent clinical expertise, Peninah provides top-notch treatment for a myriad of mental health illnesses, including but not limited to, anxiety and depressive disorders, mood disorders, ADHD, insomnia, adjustment, and psychotic disorders, while collaborating with other professionals to incorporate vital therapy treatments such as CBT, CBT-1, DBT.
Are you looking for stability in a Provider, a professional who does not consider you just a number? One who is empathetic and non-judgmental? My ideal client is one who wants the best version of themselves. One who is aware that mental health struggles do not define them, but makes them stronger. If you are out there and need a fresh start, let's press the reset button together. If you are looking for an experienced Provider, who treats you as a unique person, listens to you, and provides top-notch care, look no further.
Due to her excellent clinical expertise, Peninah provides top-notch treatment for a myriad of mental health illnesses, including but not limited to, anxiety and depressive disorders, mood disorders, ADHD, insomnia, adjustment, and psychotic disorders, while collaborating with other professionals to incorporate vital therapy treatments such as CBT, CBT-1, DBT.
Are you looking for stability in a Provider, a professional who does not consider you just a number? One who is empathetic and non-judgmental? My ideal client is one who wants the best version of themselves. One who is aware that mental health struggles do not define them, but makes them stronger. If you are out there and need a fresh start, let's press the reset button together. If you are looking for an experienced Provider, who treats you as a unique person, listens to you, and provides top-notch care, look no further.
![Photo of Byron Garcia, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/debab1be-28ee-4062-aecc-43d8cda613ed/1/320x400.jpeg)
I also work with a group of DBT therapists and we can dispense a comprehensive treatment team.
I am a psychopharmacology expert with 26 years of experience. I provide psychiatric evaluation and treatment to children, adolescents and adults with a history of ADHD, Anxiety Disorders, Panic Disorder, Anxiety Attacks, OCD, Depression, lack of motivation and insomnia. I am board certified in general psychiatry and also child and adolescent psychiatry. My full time work is medical director at McLean Hospital (Named America's #1 Hospital for Psychiatry by U.S. News and World Report). I am a clinical instructor in psychiatry at Harvard Medical School.
I also work with a group of DBT therapists and we can dispense a comprehensive treatment team.
I am a psychopharmacology expert with 26 years of experience. I provide psychiatric evaluation and treatment to children, adolescents and adults with a history of ADHD, Anxiety Disorders, Panic Disorder, Anxiety Attacks, OCD, Depression, lack of motivation and insomnia. I am board certified in general psychiatry and also child and adolescent psychiatry. My full time work is medical director at McLean Hospital (Named America's #1 Hospital for Psychiatry by U.S. News and World Report). I am a clinical instructor in psychiatry at Harvard Medical School.
![Photo of Anne Turley, NP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c11af9a1-6024-4543-9384-97953fc26a1d/1/320x400.jpeg)
Anne integrates principles of motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) into her psychopharmacological treatment sessions.
Anne Turley is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in practice since 2014. She is well-versed in treating a wide range of diagnoses in patients aged 6-65. Anne is comfortable reaching outside traditional practice settings to care for patients and has embraced telemedicine as the key access to care advancement of the decade. Anne’s specialty areas include teenagers, autism spectrum disorder, mood disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, treatment-resistant anxiety disorders, and multi-diagnosis cases.
Anne integrates principles of motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) into her psychopharmacological treatment sessions.
Anne Turley is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in practice since 2014. She is well-versed in treating a wide range of diagnoses in patients aged 6-65. Anne is comfortable reaching outside traditional practice settings to care for patients and has embraced telemedicine as the key access to care advancement of the decade. Anne’s specialty areas include teenagers, autism spectrum disorder, mood disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, treatment-resistant anxiety disorders, and multi-diagnosis cases.
![Photo of Jillian Bonzani, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/18adc332-02ba-4969-8c9d-8d63b2f979da/1/320x400.png)
Jillian Bonzani
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Worcester, MA 01605 (Online Only)
In addition to medication management, she incorporates cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), culturally sensitive, and person-centered techniques into treatment.
Jillian is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) who manages and treats a wide range of mental health concerns including depression and anxiety. She is passionate about providing quality, compassionate, and comprehensive mental health services to adults. As a PMHNP, Jillian’s role is multifaceted, including educator, mental health advocate, therapist, and medication manager. Jillian completed her Master's Degree in Nursing at Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences.
In addition to medication management, she incorporates cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), culturally sensitive, and person-centered techniques into treatment.
Jillian is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) who manages and treats a wide range of mental health concerns including depression and anxiety. She is passionate about providing quality, compassionate, and comprehensive mental health services to adults. As a PMHNP, Jillian’s role is multifaceted, including educator, mental health advocate, therapist, and medication manager. Jillian completed her Master's Degree in Nursing at Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences.
![Photo of Shula Waldoks, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7775e0a3-930b-42ee-abd2-d4e025e1cad0/1/320x400.jpeg)
I incorporate patient education, collaborative decision making, CBT, DBT, Internal Family Systems and trauma informed care into my medication management sessions.
I really enjoy working with people who are struggling with their mental health and know it's time to get help. Perhaps it is their first time reaching out or maybe their current medication and therapy regimen isn't working at well as it could be. I love to work with patients collaboratively, so that we can make decisions together and work as a team. I am particularly skilled at working with older adolescents and young adults in their 20s and early 30s as they navigate their way into healthy adulthood.
I incorporate patient education, collaborative decision making, CBT, DBT, Internal Family Systems and trauma informed care into my medication management sessions.
I really enjoy working with people who are struggling with their mental health and know it's time to get help. Perhaps it is their first time reaching out or maybe their current medication and therapy regimen isn't working at well as it could be. I love to work with patients collaboratively, so that we can make decisions together and work as a team. I am particularly skilled at working with older adolescents and young adults in their 20s and early 30s as they navigate their way into healthy adulthood.
![Photo of Joshua W Zollman, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/20b4d732-9ec1-4377-a5eb-985f63708036/1/320x400.png)
I trained at Harvard's MGH/McLean Adult Psychiatry Residency Program and have completed additional training at the Boston Psychoanalytic Society & Institute and in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy.
I offer practical & individualized psychotherapy and medication management. I work with patients to clarify their goals in treatment and provide guidance and tools for patients to meet them. I am available for both in-person appointments at my office in Cambridge, MA and/or virtual (telehealth) appointments.
I trained at Harvard's MGH/McLean Adult Psychiatry Residency Program and have completed additional training at the Boston Psychoanalytic Society & Institute and in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy.
I offer practical & individualized psychotherapy and medication management. I work with patients to clarify their goals in treatment and provide guidance and tools for patients to meet them. I am available for both in-person appointments at my office in Cambridge, MA and/or virtual (telehealth) appointments.
![Photo of Kara Ruggiero, PA, Physician Assistant](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b44d21d4-5c46-4bd8-9bad-8526170881b1/2/320x400.jpeg)
Ms. Ruggiero, a Physician Assistant at Aster Mental Health, specializes in patients looking to treat and manage their ADHD, depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, and bipolar disorder. Her holistic treatment style combines medication management with various psychotherapy techniques including CBT, DBT, and mindfulness-based approaches. She offers medication management as well as psychiatric assessment and treatment.
Ms. Ruggiero, a Physician Assistant at Aster Mental Health, specializes in patients looking to treat and manage their ADHD, depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, and bipolar disorder. Her holistic treatment style combines medication management with various psychotherapy techniques including CBT, DBT, and mindfulness-based approaches. She offers medication management as well as psychiatric assessment and treatment.
See more therapy options for Massachusetts
Online Psychiatrists
Is online therapy as effective as in-person?
Numerous studies suggest that online therapy can be as effective as in-person therapy. However, further research is needed to determine if online therapy provides the same benefits across all client populations. Individuals with severe mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, or those who may benefit from in-person check-ins, like those with eating disorders, may not experience the same level of benefit from online therapy. Nonetheless, the success of online therapy, much like in-person therapy, often hinges on the quality of the therapeutic relationship between the therapist and the client rather than the specific modality of therapy used.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of therapy conducted online?
One of the main advantages of online therapy is its convenience for both clients and therapists. It also allows clients who require specialized therapy to access a wider range of professionals than they could with only in-person sessions. Additionally, online therapy may be a more affordable option in some cases and often offers the same insurance benefits as in-person therapy. However, online therapy may not be suitable for everyone, especially those who value face-to-face interaction with a therapist. Therapists may find it more challenging to assess clients accurately in an online setting due to reduced nonverbal cues on camera. There is also the increased risk that disruptions caused by external factors, such as technology malfunctions, can hinder the therapy session. For these reasons, many therapists offer a "hybrid" therapeutic approach, alternating between seeing clients in-person and online.
Is online therapy suitable for children and adolescents?
Just like with adults, the accessibility and convenience of online therapy can greatly benefit children and adolescents. In fact, children and adolescents may be more accustomed to navigating online platforms than older adults, making online sessions feel more natural for them. Teens might also be interested in using additional online tools, such as therapist-recommended apps, as an adjunct to online therapy sessions. Apps for developing CBT skills, practicing mindfulness exercises, or tracking thoughts and moods can be helpful for teens receiving therapy. However, it's important to note that not all therapeutic modalities are well-suited to online therapy, especially those used with younger children. For example, play therapy, which helps younger children express their emotions, often requires in-person sessions to be fully effective.
Can I receive prescriptions and medication management with online therapy?
The ability for psychiatrists to prescribe medications through online therapy varies based on the medication and the states where the medical professional and client are located. While many prescribing regulations were relaxed during the COVID-19 pandemic, some states still enforce rules, especially concerning controlled substances, which may mandate an in-person visit before prescribing. Generally, however, medical professionals can prescribe non-controlled substances through online therapy sessions just as they do during in-person sessions.