How do I use telehealth for behavioral health care?
Telehealth is an option to get behavioral health care at home.
What behavioral health services are available via telehealth?
Telehealth for behavioral health provides access in a private and safe space. Many services can be accessed virtually:
- One on one therapy. You can have a private therapy session with a counselor online.
- Group therapy. Join therapy sessions with a group of people from different places.
- Text therapy. You can communicate with a mental health provider in writing.
- Addiction counseling. Telehealth can be used to get support for substance use issues.
- Medication prescribing. Providers can prescribe medications for mental health conditions during the telehealth session.
- Medication-assisted treatment. Telehealth may be used to provide medications to help people with substance use disorders.
- Medication monitoring. Your provider can keep track of side effects and your concerns with medication.
- Mental health screening. A provider can use telehealth to check for conditions like depression and anxiety.
- Referrals. Providers can recommend that you see a specialist.
- Anxiety and depression monitoring. Telehealth can be used to monitor and manage symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Tip: Read tips for using telehealth for behavioral health (PDF).
How do I access telehealth services for behavioral health?
Many behavioral health providers now offer telehealth. Talk to your provider to see if a virtual visit is a good fit for you.
More information:
How do I pay for telehealth? — Health Resources and Services Administration
How do I schedule a telehealth appointment? — Health Resources and Services Administration
How telehealth helps patients access care? (video) — Health Resources and Services Administration
Pediatric Mental Health Care Access Program — Health Resources and Services Administration
What do I need to use telehealth? — Health Resources and Services Administration