What to Expect
How Telehealth Psychiatry Works (Step by Step)
By Dr. Stacey Forbes, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC
Key Takeaways
- Telehealth psychiatry delivers evaluation, medication management, and follow-up by secure video — no travel required.
- You book online, complete intake forms, then meet your provider over a private, HIPAA-compliant video visit.
- Prescriptions are sent electronically to your pharmacy; some controlled medications may have extra requirements.
- It’s well suited to most psychiatric care; certain treatments (like Spravato) still require in-person visits.
Telehealth psychiatry works much like an in-person practice — evaluation, medication management, and follow-up — just delivered by secure video from wherever you are. Here’s how it works, step by step.
What telehealth psychiatry can do
For most people, telehealth covers the full scope of psychiatric care: comprehensive evaluations, diagnosis, medication management, and ongoing follow-up. Research supports telepsychiatry as effective and comparable to in-person care for many conditions — with the added benefits of no travel and easier access.
The step-by-step process
- Book. Schedule online or by phone — no referral needed at a cash-pay practice.
- Complete intake. Securely fill out your history, symptoms, and consent before the visit.
- Join the video visit. Connect from a private, quiet space on a HIPAA-compliant platform.
- Meet and plan. Have your evaluation or follow-up and build a plan together.
- Get prescriptions. Any prescriptions are sent electronically to your pharmacy.
What about prescriptions and controlled medications?
Most prescriptions are sent electronically to your pharmacy after your visit. Certain controlled medications (for example, some ADHD stimulants) can have additional federal or state requirements, which your provider will explain. A few treatments — like Spravato — always require in-person, monitored sessions.
Who it’s a good fit for
Telehealth is ideal if you value convenience, live far from a provider, have a busy schedule, or simply feel more comfortable at home. Willow & Stone provides telehealth psychiatric services to patients located in Texas and New Mexico, with an Arlington, TX office available for in-person visits when preferred.
Common Questions
How does telehealth psychiatry work?
You book online, complete intake forms, and meet your provider over a secure, HIPAA-compliant video visit for evaluation, medication management, and follow-up. Prescriptions are sent electronically to your pharmacy.
Is telehealth psychiatry as effective as in-person?
For most conditions, research supports telepsychiatry as effective and comparable to in-person care, with added convenience and access.
Can I get prescriptions through telehealth?
Yes. Prescriptions are sent electronically to your pharmacy, though some controlled medications have additional requirements and a few treatments (like Spravato) require in-person visits.
Sources & Further Reading
Explore Related Care
Learn how Dr. Stacey Forbes, DNP, PMHNP-BC, approaches telehealth psychiatry at Willow & Stone — integrative, cash-pay telehealth care. Book a consultation →
Dr. Stacey Forbes, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC
Board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and founder of Willow & Stone Integrative Mental Health. Nearly two decades of clinical experience; integrative, root-cause psychiatry via telehealth. Licensed in Texas & New Mexico.
About Dr. Forbes →