What is Telehealth Mental Health Care?
Telehealth mental health care (also called telepsychiatry or telepsychology) involves receiving psychiatric or psychological services through secure video conferencing technology. Instead of visiting a provider’s office in person, you connect with your mental health professional from home, work, or any private location with internet access.
Telehealth is not a compromise—it’s a fully legitimate form of mental health care. Research shows it is just as effective as in-person treatment for most conditions.
The Growth of Telehealth in Mental Health
- Pre-Pandemic: Telehealth was growing but accounted for less than 5% of mental health visits.
- During COVID-19: Telehealth mental health visits surged to over 70% of appointments.
- Post-Pandemic: Many patients and providers discovered the advantages of telehealth, leading to sustained usage rates of roughly 40–50% of mental health appointments.
Research trends show:
- Most patients report high satisfaction with telehealth mental health care
- Many providers plan to continue offering telehealth long-term
- Clinical outcomes are comparable to in-person care for most conditions
- Appointment attendance and treatment adherence often improve with telehealth
What Services Can Be Provided via Telehealth?
Psychiatric Services (What I Provide)
Initial Psychiatric Evaluation
- Comprehensive mental health assessment
- Diagnosis of psychiatric conditions
- Discussion of symptoms, history, and impact on your life
- Development of a personalized treatment plan
- Typically a 60-minute visit
Medication Management
- Prescribing psychiatric medications
- Monitoring effectiveness and side effects
- Adjusting dosages as needed
- Managing medication interactions
- Follow-up appointments usually 15–30 minutes
Conditions Treated via Telehealth
- Depression and other mood disorders
- Anxiety disorders (GAD, panic disorder, social anxiety)
- ADHD (evaluation and medication management)
- PTSD and trauma-related disorders
- Bipolar disorder
- OCD and related conditions
- Insomnia and sleep disorders
- Adjustment disorders
Prescription Services
- E-prescribing to your local pharmacy
- Completing prior authorizations when required
- Prescribing controlled substances when appropriate and allowed by state law (including Delaware and Hawaii)
What I Don’t Provide via Telehealth
Some services require in-person or higher levels of care:
- Emergency or crisis stabilization
- Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)
- Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)
- Medically supervised detoxification
- Severe psychiatric emergencies requiring hospitalization
If you are in immediate crisis, call 988 or go to your nearest emergency room.
How Telehealth Appointments Work
Before Your First Appointment
1. Schedule Your Appointment
- Call, email, or use online scheduling
- Choose a convenient time (evenings and weekends often available)
- Receive appointment confirmation with instructions
2. Complete Intake Forms
- Fill out secure online intake forms
- Provide medical history, current medications, and insurance information
- Complete symptom questionnaires
- Usually takes 15–20 minutes
3. Verify Insurance
- Confirm that telehealth visits are covered
- Clarify copays, deductibles, and any preauthorization requirements
4. Set Up Your Space
- Find a private, quiet location
- Test your internet connection
- Ensure good lighting so I can see you clearly
- Keep a notepad handy for any instructions or medications
5. Technology Requirements
- Smartphone, tablet, or computer with camera and microphone
- Stable internet connection (Wi-Fi or cellular data)
- Updated web browser or telehealth app
- No complicated software is typically required
During Your Appointment
Joining the Session
- Click the secure video link sent to you
- Wait in the virtual waiting room
- I will join you at the scheduled time
What Happens in Session
- We talk face-to-face over video, similar to an in-person visit
- I ask about your symptoms, concerns, and goals
- We review treatment options and build a care plan together
- You can ask questions at any time
Typical visit lengths:
- Initial evaluation: about 60 minutes
- Follow-ups: 15–30 minutes
Privacy and Security
- HIPAA-compliant video platform
- Encrypted connection
- Sessions are not recorded
- Your information is protected just like an in-person visit
After Your Appointment
Prescriptions
- Sent electronically to your preferred pharmacy
- Usually available within a few hours
- You receive clear instructions on how to take your medication
Follow-Up Care
- Schedule your next appointment before you log off, or shortly after
- Access visit summaries or instructions through the patient portal when available
- Contact the office between appointments if concerns arise (within practice policies)
Payment
- We bill your insurance
- Your copay or coinsurance is charged to the card on file
- You receive a statement showing insurance payments and your portion
Benefits of Telehealth Mental Health Care
Accessibility
Geographic Access
- See specialists not available locally
- Especially helpful in rural or underserved areas
- Continue with the same provider even if you move within the state
Time Access
- No commute, parking, or waiting rooms
- Save 1–2 hours per visit
- Easier to schedule appointments before or after work, or on breaks
Reduced Barriers
- No need for public transportation or long drives
- Helpful for people with mobility limitations
- Reduced childcare challenges
Convenience
Flexible Locations
- Connect from home, work, or another private setting
- Easier to fit into busy schedules
- Possible to attend while traveling (as long as you’re in a state where I’m licensed)
Comfort
- Talk about sensitive topics from a familiar environment
- Wear comfortable clothes and have comfort items nearby
- Less anxiety about being in a clinic setting
Continuity of Care
- Fewer missed appointments
- Better adherence to treatment plans
- Fewer disruptions due to illness, weather, or traffic
Privacy
- No waiting room, no chance encounter with someone you know
- You control the environment and who is nearby
- Many patients feel less stigma starting mental health care through telehealth
Clinical Benefits
- Outcomes comparable to in-person psychiatric care for most conditions
- Strong therapeutic relationships can still be built via video
- Better follow-through with appointments often leads to more consistent medication use and symptom monitoring
- Sometimes I can see aspects of your home environment, which can inform and personalize treatment
Insurance Coverage for Telehealth
Current Coverage Landscape
Most insurance plans now cover telehealth mental health services, often at the same rate as in-person visits.
Commonly Covered:
- Psychiatric diagnostic evaluations
- Follow-up medication management
- Treatment planning and review
Insurance I Accept
Delaware
- Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Aetna
- UnitedHealthcare
- Medicare
- Delaware Medicaid
Hawaii
- HMSA
- UHA
- UnitedHealthcare
- Medicare
- QUEST (Hawaii Medicaid)
Understanding Your Coverage
Helpful questions to ask your insurance:
- Does my plan cover telehealth mental health visits?
- Is coverage the same as in-person appointments?
- What is my copay or coinsurance?
- Do I need preauthorization?
- Is Aegis Behavioral Health Group / Jason Eala, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC in-network?
Typical Coverage Patterns
- Initial evaluation: mental health specialty copay
- Follow-up visits: standard behavioral health copay
- Medications: covered under your prescription plan
Self-Pay Options
If you don’t have insurance or prefer to pay out of pocket:
- Initial psychiatric evaluation: typically in the $250–$300 range
- Follow-up visits: typically $100–$150
- Transparent pricing provided upfront
- Superbills available so you can request reimbursement from out-of-network plans
Privacy and Security in Telehealth
HIPAA Compliance
The platforms I use are:
- HIPAA-compliant
- End-to-end encrypted
- Covered by Business Associate Agreements (BAAs)
- Regularly reviewed for security and privacy
How You Can Protect Your Privacy
- Use headphones if others are nearby
- Close doors and windows during your visit
- Let household members know you’re in an appointment
- Use a secure Wi-Fi or cellular connection, not public Wi-Fi
- Avoid shared or public computers when possible
- Choose a background that feels private and comfortable
Common Concerns About Telehealth
“It Won’t Feel the Same as In-Person”
Most patients adjust quickly and feel just as connected. Many actually prefer the comfort of their own space.
“What If I Have Technical Problems?”
Minor glitches can happen, but they’re usually easy to fix. We can also complete part or all of a visit by phone if needed, depending on the situation and your insurance rules.
“Can You Really Diagnose Me Through a Screen?”
Yes. Psychiatric diagnosis relies mainly on conversation, observation, and your history—things that translate very well to video. Research supports the diagnostic accuracy of telepsychiatry.
“What If I Have a Crisis Between Appointments?”
You’ll receive clear crisis instructions, which may include:
- Calling 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline)
- Going to the nearest emergency room
- Contacting local crisis services
Telehealth is not a replacement for emergency care.
“Will My Employer Know I’m in Treatment?”
No. Your appointments and records are protected by HIPAA. Your employer does not receive details of your care.
Is Telehealth Right for You?
Telehealth is Often a Great Fit If You:
- Live with depression, anxiety, ADHD, PTSD, or similar conditions
- Need medication management and regular follow-up
- Have transportation or mobility challenges
- Live far from mental health specialists
- Have a busy schedule and need flexible appointment times
- Prefer the privacy and comfort of home
In-Person Care May Be Better If You:
- Are experiencing new, severe, or rapidly worsening symptoms
- Have active suicidal thoughts or safety concerns that require close monitoring
- Need detox or intensive substance use treatment
- Don’t have reliable internet or a private space
- Strongly prefer face-to-face contact
Some people benefit from a hybrid approach, using telehealth for routine follow-ups and in-person visits when needed.
Getting Started with Telehealth at Aegis Behavioral Health Group
Step 1: Schedule Your Appointment
Phone
- Delaware: (302) 592-3780
- Hawaii: (808) 746-3664
Email
Step 2: Complete Intake
- You’ll receive a secure link to complete intake paperwork online
- Upload photos of the front and back of your insurance card
- Provide a list of current medications
Step 3: Verify Coverage
- We verify your benefits and eligibility
- You’re informed of any copays or coinsurance
- Preauthorizations are obtained if required
Step 4: Attend Your Appointment
- You’ll receive a secure video link before your visit
- Log in about 5 minutes early to test audio and video
- Meet with me via secure video for your evaluation or follow-up
Step 5: Begin Treatment
- We implement your treatment plan
- Prescriptions are sent to your chosen pharmacy
- Follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor progress and adjust care as needed
Telehealth Across State Lines
I am currently licensed to provide telehealth psychiatric care in:
You must be physically located in Delaware or Hawaii at the time of the appointment, even if you usually live elsewhere. If you are traveling but remain within one of these states during your session, we can still meet via telehealth.
The Future of Telehealth Mental Health Care
Telehealth is here to stay. Looking ahead, you can expect:
- Ongoing insurance coverage for telehealth services
- More integrated tools (apps, wearables, online symptom tracking)
- Easier access to specialists regardless of geography
- Continued focus on privacy, security, and convenience
Take the Next Step
If you’re ready to experience the convenience and accessibility of telehealth mental health care, I’d be honored to work with you.
Contact Aegis Behavioral Health Group:
Evening and weekend appointments are available to fit your schedule.
About the Author
Jason Eala, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner providing telehealth psychiatric care to patients in Delaware and Hawaii. He specializes in medication management for depression, anxiety, ADHD, PTSD, and other mental health conditions.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment of mental health conditions.
