What is mental health telehealth?

Mental health telehealth encompasses all forms of remote mental health care delivered through technology. This includes online therapy with licensed therapists via video, phone, or messaging, telepsychiatry for consultations and medication management, digital therapeutics through app-based treatments, peer support platforms, and employer-sponsored mental health programs.

What is the difference between online therapy and telepsychiatry?

Online therapy involves sessions with licensed therapists (such as LCSWs, LPCs, or psychologists) who provide talk therapy, counseling, and help develop coping skills. Telepsychiatry involves medical doctors (psychiatrists) or psychiatric nurse practitioners who can diagnose mental health conditions, prescribe and manage medications, and coordinate care with therapists.

What mental health conditions can be treated through telehealth?

Mental health telehealth can effectively address many conditions including anxiety disorders, depression, trauma and PTSD, ADHD, OCD, eating disorders, relationship issues, stress and burnout, grief and loss, and substance use concerns. The appropriateness of telehealth depends on the severity and nature of your specific condition.

Should I choose therapy, psychiatry, or both for my mental health needs?

Consider therapy if you want to talk through problems, develop coping skills, or prefer non-medication approaches. Consider psychiatry if you may benefit from medication, need a formal diagnosis, or have a complex condition requiring medical management. Many people benefit from both, and some platforms like Cerebral and Brightside offer integrated services with therapists and prescribers.

Are there free or low-cost mental health telehealth options?

Yes, there are several affordable options. Many employers offer mental health benefits through platforms like Lyra Health, Spring Health, or Modern Health. Digital tools like meditation apps and AI-powered CBT support apps provide lower-cost alternatives. Peer support platforms like 7 Cups offer free emotional support from trained listeners, and some therapy platforms offer financial aid.

How do I get started with mental health telehealth services?

Start by identifying your needs and the type of support you're looking for. Check your insurance coverage and employer benefits for available options. Research platforms that match your needs and budget, verify that providers are licensed in your state, and then begin with one service such as therapy or a mental health app. Evaluate the fit and adjust as needed.

Complete Guide to Telehealth for Mental Health

Mental health telehealth has become a vital part of the healthcare landscape, providing accessible, convenient care for millions. This guide explores the full spectrum of mental health services available through telehealth, from therapy to psychiatry to digital wellness tools.

Understanding Mental Health Telehealth

Mental health telehealth encompasses all forms of remote mental health care delivered through technology. This includes:

Online therapy: Sessions with licensed therapists via video, phone, or messaging
Telepsychiatry: Psychiatric consultations and medication management
Digital therapeutics: App-based treatments and interventions
Peer support: Online communities and trained peer supporters
Crisis services: Remote crisis intervention (not a replacement for emergency services)
Employee assistance programs (EAPs): Employer-provided mental health benefits

Types of Mental Health Professionals Online

Therapists and Counselors

These licensed professionals provide talk therapy and counseling:

Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW): Trained in therapy and social services
Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC): Specialize in mental health counseling
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT): Focus on relationships and family dynamics
Psychologists (PhD/PsyD): Doctoral-level training in psychology and therapy

Platforms like BetterHelp, Talkspace, and Calmerry connect you with licensed therapists.

Psychiatrists

Medical doctors (MD or DO) who specialize in mental health and can:

Diagnose mental health conditions
Prescribe and manage medications
Provide medication consultations
Coordinate care with therapists

Online psychiatry platforms include Talkiatry, Cerebral, and Minded.

Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners

Advanced practice nurses who can diagnose conditions and prescribe medications in most states, often working through platforms like Brightside.

Conditions Commonly Treated Through Telehealth

Mental health telehealth can effectively address many conditions:

Anxiety disorders: Generalized anxiety, social anxiety, panic disorder
Depression: Major depressive disorder, persistent depressive disorder
Trauma and PTSD: Processing traumatic experiences
ADHD: Diagnosis, management, and medication (see Done)
OCD: Obsessive-compulsive disorder (specialized care at NOCD)
Eating disorders: With appropriate level of care
Relationship issues: Couples and family concerns
Stress and burnout: Work-related mental health challenges
Grief and loss: Processing loss and life transitions
Substance use: Support for alcohol and other substance issues (see Monument)

Explore our condition-specific guides for detailed information on telehealth options for each concern.

Therapy vs. Psychiatry: Understanding the Difference

When to Consider Therapy

You want to talk through problems and develop coping skills
You're dealing with stress, relationship issues, or life transitions
You want to change thought patterns or behaviors
You prefer non-medication approaches
You want ongoing support and personal growth

When to Consider Psychiatry

You may benefit from medication for mental health symptoms
You need a formal diagnosis
Previous treatments haven't been effective
You have a complex condition requiring medical management
You want medication evaluation in addition to therapy

Combination Approach

Many people benefit from both therapy and psychiatry. Some platforms like Cerebral and Brightside offer integrated services with both therapists and prescribers.

Digital Mental Health Tools

Beyond traditional therapy, digital tools can support mental wellness:

Meditation and Mindfulness Apps

Calm - meditation, sleep stories, and relaxation
Headspace - guided meditation and mindfulness exercises
Insight Timer - free meditation library
Ten Percent Happier - meditation for skeptics

Mental Health Support Apps

Woebot - AI-powered CBT support
Sanvello - anxiety and depression self-help
Happify - science-based emotional wellbeing activities
Moodfit - mental health fitness tools

Peer Support Platforms

7 Cups - free emotional support from trained listeners
Online support communities for specific conditions

Employer-Sponsored Mental Health Benefits

Many employers offer mental health benefits through telehealth:

Lyra Health - comprehensive employer mental health benefits
Spring Health - personalized mental health care through employers
Modern Health - workplace wellness platform
Ginger - on-demand mental health support

Check with your HR department to learn about mental health benefits available through your employer.

Finding the Right Level of Care

Mental health care exists on a spectrum of intensity:

Self-help and apps: For mild symptoms and general wellness
Peer support: For emotional support and connection
Weekly therapy: For ongoing mental health concerns
Psychiatry: When medication may be helpful
Intensive outpatient: For more serious conditions (some available online)
Inpatient care: For severe conditions requiring 24/7 support (not available online)

A mental health professional can help you determine the appropriate level of care for your situation.

Getting Started with Mental Health Telehealth

Identify your needs: Consider what type of support you're looking for
Check your benefits: Review insurance coverage and employer benefits
Research options: Explore platforms that match your needs and budget
Verify credentials: Ensure providers are licensed in your state
Start with one service: Try therapy or a mental health app to begin
Evaluate fit: Assess whether the approach works for you
Adjust as needed: Don't hesitate to try different providers or services

Related Guides

Important Reminder

This guide provides general educational information only. It is not medical or mental health advice. Decisions about mental health care should be made in consultation with qualified healthcare professionals.

If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, contact emergency services (911) or the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (call or text 988 in the US).