Telepsychiatry for Walla, WA
![Photo of Marco Rudas-Garcia, BSN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/697a3b20-710a-4dfd-8e3a-3a17726c099e/1/320x400.jpeg)
Marco Rudas-Garcia
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, BSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Walla Walla, WA 99362 (Online Only)
Hello! My name is Marco Rudas-Garcia. I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from the University of Utah and subsequently earned a master's degree in nursing from Gonzaga University. My professional experience includes working in surgical trauma units and psychiatric units, and I have experience in caring for developmentally delayed populations with mental illness. Additionally, I have worked at the VA hospital in Salt Lake City, providing care to veterans. I specialize in trauma, anxiety, depression, LGBTQIA2S+ affirming care, and various other mental health needs.
Hello! My name is Marco Rudas-Garcia. I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from the University of Utah and subsequently earned a master's degree in nursing from Gonzaga University. My professional experience includes working in surgical trauma units and psychiatric units, and I have experience in caring for developmentally delayed populations with mental illness. Additionally, I have worked at the VA hospital in Salt Lake City, providing care to veterans. I specialize in trauma, anxiety, depression, LGBTQIA2S+ affirming care, and various other mental health needs.
![Photo of Tabita Lewis, PMHNP, MSN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4bba28ed-b9d8-456d-a55f-7d48306824b1/2/320x400.jpeg)
Tabita Lewis
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, MSN
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Walla Walla, WA 99362
Tabita is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She has an extensive experience in diagnosis and management of broad spectrum mental health issues including MTHFR Deficiency, Depression, Anxiety, ADHD, PTSD, Bipolar and Substance use. Tabita uses a holistic approach to health and wellbeing. Her focus is to prescribe medications in a conservative and effective manner.
Tabita is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She has an extensive experience in diagnosis and management of broad spectrum mental health issues including MTHFR Deficiency, Depression, Anxiety, ADHD, PTSD, Bipolar and Substance use. Tabita uses a holistic approach to health and wellbeing. Her focus is to prescribe medications in a conservative and effective manner.
![Photo of Nancy Masters, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/31d906bb-c93c-4a3f-a8c7-6297fe527311/2/320x400.jpeg)
Nancy Masters
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Walla Walla, WA 99362 (Online Only)
Nancy graduated from Washington State University with a Master of Science in Nursing, and is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She has more than 10 years of experience and specializes in treating patients with depression, anxiety, ADHD, bipolar and sleep disorders, as well as patients in the LGBTQIA+ community with care needs related to gender dysphoria/transgender-related mental health care. She treats patients ages 14-64.
Nancy graduated from Washington State University with a Master of Science in Nursing, and is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She has more than 10 years of experience and specializes in treating patients with depression, anxiety, ADHD, bipolar and sleep disorders, as well as patients in the LGBTQIA+ community with care needs related to gender dysphoria/transgender-related mental health care. She treats patients ages 14-64.
See more therapy options for Walla
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.