How to Get a Psychiatric Evaluation Online: Steps and What to Expect
Taking care of your mental health doesn’t have to mean springing into action when things start to fall apart. Just paying attention and really noticing when something feels off is a way of showing up for yourself. But if you’ve reached a point where things are starting to feel confusing or heavy, you don’t have to go through it alone.
A mental health professional carrying out a psychiatric assessment can help you make sense of what’s going on. Whether you’ve been dealing with the same symptoms for years or are experiencing new or unexplained symptoms, there are licensed providers ready to guide you and walk you through your options.
On this page, we will cover:
- What is a psychiatric evaluation?
- How to get an online psychiatric evaluation
- What to expect during an online psychiatric evaluation
- The benefits of a virtual psychiatric evaluation
- The drawbacks of online psychiatric evaluations
- Cost and insurance for virtual mental health evaluations
- Finding a provider near you
What Is a Psychiatric Evaluation?
A psychiatric evaluation is a way of assessing a person’s mental health, personality, behavior, cognitive abilities, and other aspects, to identify the type of mental health support they need.
While it’s natural to feel nervous about a psychiatric evaluation, virtual mental health evaluations aren’t something to be feared. A psychiatric evaluation involves having a conversation with a mental health professional, and while you may talk about some vulnerable topics, you will share these in a non-judgmental, empathic environment.
Questionnaires and exercises may be included in the assessment to get deeper insights into your current mental health status. The data gathered is used to inform a good treatment plan that suits you and your needs. The plan may include one-on-one psychotherapy, group therapy, medication, or various other types of support.
A psychiatric evaluation is also ideal for diagnosing mental health conditions like ADHD, PTSD, bipolar disorder, depression, and anxiety.
Can You Do a Psychiatric Evaluation Online?
Online therapy for mental health is possible, and so are psychiatric evaluations. Secure telehealth platforms make getting a psychiatric evaluation online safe and effective. Research shows that online psychiatric evaluations work just as well as traditional face-to-face assessments for diagnosing a variety of mental health conditions.¹
You can connect with a licensed professional from anywhere you feel comfortable when you opt for a virtual mental health evaluation. You don’t need transport to get to sessions and you’re less likely to be on a waiting list for services. If you have mobility issues, you won’t have to worry about checking if the facility has convenient access for you.
You can expect to get the same level of care during an online psychiatric evaluation as someone in a one-on-one in-person session. Mental health professionals involved in the process will also ensure confidentiality and personalized attention.
How to Get an Online Mental Health Evaluation: Steps for Getting an Online Psychiatric Evaluation
Getting a mental health evaluation online might sound complicated, but the steps for online psychiatric evaluation are pretty simple once you know what to expect. First, you’ll want to find someone who’s licensed to practice in your state. That matters because even if a provider seems great, they can only work with you if they’re allowed to offer care where you live.
Once you find a provider that feels like a good fit, you’ll usually have a quick intro session. This is often a short call or video meeting where you can share what’s been going on and ask questions about how they work. If things feel right, they’ll walk you through the next steps.
Before your main session, there’s usually some paperwork to fill out. This typically covers the basics about your health history and symptoms, and will sometimes include a contract or consent form. If you’re not sure about any of the details, you can ask. Most providers send the forms through a secure link.
Then, when your appointment day rolls around, you’ll get a link to join the video session. You don’t need any special setup – just a quiet space and a decent internet connection. The session itself isn’t supposed to feel formal or scary. It’s more like a conversation where you talk about what’s been hard, how you’ve been feeling, and what support might help.
Afterward, the provider may talk through what the next steps might look like. This could be therapy, medication, follow-ups, or another form of support that fits your situation.
What to Expect During an Online Psychiatric Evaluation
When you join a virtual psychiatric assessment, it’s very much like sitting down for a conversation, except you’re in front of the camera (laptop, computer, or mobile device). You can expect a telehealth assessment for mental illness to be private, judgment-free, and focused completely on you.
Here’s what usually happens during an online psychiatric evaluation at Mission Connection:
- The provider will ask about your feelings, behaviors, family history, relationships, and daily life.
- They’ll observe things like your mood, energy, thought patterns, and how you express yourself. This is a mental status check.
- You might fill out a few questionnaires to better understand specific symptoms like anxiety, attention problems, or depression.
- If necessary, the therapist will gently check in about things like self-harm thoughts or big risks.
- Once they gather everything, you’ll get recommendations for treatment or support that fits you.
It’s normal to feel a little nervous before your first session, but most people find it surprisingly comfortable once the conversation starts.
Benefits of Virtual Psychiatric Evaluations
There are so many reasons people choose to have an online psychiatric evaluation. The convenience of an online consultation means there’s no battling traffic and no waiting rooms, and you can meet with your provider from the comfort of your own home or any private space you choose.
There’s privacy involved, too. All online sessions must be conducted on secure, confidential platforms. This protects your privacy and helps you feel safer during the evaluation process. Virtual therapy also ensures accessibility, allowing you to meet with top-notch licensed experts even if you live in a rural area or have mobility challenges.
Many people find that being in a familiar environment helps them open up more easily. Research shows that virtual psychiatric evaluations are just as accurate and effective as in-person ones.² Virtual therapy evaluation processes make it easier than ever to get the support you deserve without adding extra stress to your life.
Are There Any Drawbacks of Online Psychiatric Evaluations?
Online mental health consultations are a great fit for most people, but there are a few things to keep in mind when trying to decide if it’s the right route for you.
If you feel uncomfortable on virtual or video calls, you may find that a virtual call is not the best option for you. Also, if you’re in a mental health crisis and you’re struggling to communicate clearly, video sessions may prove challenging. Studies confirm that telehealth psychiatric care works very well for most non-emergency needs.³
Much the same, having poor Wi-Fi or connectivity can interrupt a session if the video keeps freezing or disconnecting.
One of the most important aspects of a one-on-one consultation is assessing a person’s body language. While mental health professionals are good at picking up on cues over video, it is possible that a few subtleties may be missed. Regardless of the session being online, the mental health professional must be licensed to provide services in the state you live in.
Cost and Insurance for Online Psychiatric Evaluations
What an online psychiatric evaluation costs depends on where you go for assessment. The good news is that most insurance plans will cover telehealth psychiatric evaluations, mostly as a result of changed policies during the pandemic.⁴ Many providers also offer sliding scales or payment plans if you’re paying for the consultations and treatment yourself.
Before you book:
- Contact your health insurance provider and query your coverage.
- Inquire about the costs that aren’t covered or if there are extras to pay.
- Ask about follow-up therapy, medication, and other services – are they included or will you pay separately for those?
Getting clear on financials ahead of time helps you focus fully on your care without added worries about finances. At Mission Connection, we’ll help you understand the cost of care and what your insurance options are before your first consultation. We can even assist with contacting your insurance provider to confirm what’s covered and what’s not.
Choosing the Right Online Mental Health Provider
Finding mental health providers that are a good fit for you is probably the most important step in the entire process.
A good provider will have a full understanding of how mental health challenges work. They won’t rush you or leave you feeling dismissed. Instead, they will communicate clearly, explain their process, and answer your questions empathetically. They should use a HIPAA-compliant video platform to protect your privacy and have a clear privacy policy in place.
It’s also helpful if they offer options for ongoing care, so you have the choice to continue therapy or treatment if it feels like a good fit. Taking a little extra time to select a provider who meets these standards can make a big difference in the quality of care you receive and how comfortable you feel moving forward.
At Mission Connection, we have a staff complement of fully licensed and experienced mental health professionals. When providing online psychiatric care, we ensure we follow industry best practices and put the privacy and health of our patients first.
Warning signs to avoid:
- No proof of credentials
- No clear privacy protections
- Pushy upselling or vague pricing
- Poor communication or unanswered questions
At Mission Connection, we take the guesswork and stress out of mental health assessments. With our help, the process becomes straightforward and compassionate. Our team, made up of only accredited healthcare professionals, genuinely cares about helping people find the clarity and support they need on their path to healing.
Whether you’re searching for psychiatric evaluation online steps or wondering what to expect during an online evaluation, we’re here to make the process simple and supportive, and centered on your needs.
Get Virtual Mental Health Help Today
According to Mental Health America, more than 122 million people live in a mental health workforce shortage as there are around 340 people for every one mental health professional.⁵ By opting for online assessment, you don’t have to face the wait times that in-person support can bring.
But regardless of whether the support is in-person or online, it can feel daunting to take the first steps towards developing better health. However, with the right mental health team on your side, you can feel supported and confident.
At Mission Connection, we offer virtual psychiatric assessments designed to simplify the process. Our team will walk you through every step, from your first online mental health consultation to creating a clear plan for ongoing treatment.
If you’re ready to take the next step, contact us at (866) 825 7752 to schedule your virtual mental health evaluation today.
References
- Hilty, D. M., Ferrer, D. C., Parish, M. B., Johnston, B., Callahan, E. J., & Yellowlees, P. M. (2013). The effectiveness of tele-mental health: A 2013 review. Telemedicine and e-Health, 19(6), 444–454. https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/tmj.2013.0075
- Langarizadeh, M., Tabatabaei, M. S., Tavakol, K., Naghipour, M., & Moghbeli, F. (2017). Telemental health care, an effective alternative to conventional mental care: A systematic review. Acta Informatica Medica, 25(4), 240–246. https://www.ejmanager.com/mnstemps/6/6-1511433290.pdf?t=1745911421
- Shore, J. H., Yellowlees, P., Caudill, R., Johnston, B., Turvey, C., Mishkind, M., Krupinski, E., Myers, K., Shore, P., Kaftarian, E., & Hilty, D. (2018). Best practices in videoconferencing-based telemental health. Telemedicine and e-Health, 24(11), 827–832. https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/tmj.2018.0237
- Lau, J., Knudsen, J., Jackson, H., Wallach, A. B., Bouton, M., Natsui, S., Philippou, C., & Chokshi, D. A. (2022). Staying connected in the COVID-19 pandemic: Telehealth at the largest safety-net system in the United States. Health Affairs, 41(5), 689–696 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9035352/#:~:text=Telemedicine%20was%20underused%20and%20understudied%20until%20the,facilitated%20a%20rapid%20increase%20in%20telemedicine%20consultation.&text=With%20the%20advent%20of%20the%20pandemic%20in,and%20removed%20geographic%20barriers%20and%20platform%20restrictions.
- Mental Health America. (2023, November 14). MHA releases 2024 State of Mental Health in America report. https://mhanational.org/news/mha-releases-2024-state-of-mental-health-in-america-report/
