Online Psychiatry

Our Services Online Psychiatry

Amwell's licensed online psychiatrists are on call to provide treatment whenever you need help.

Our psychiatrists provide care and ongoing medication management services for:

4.9/5 client satisfaction with their behavioral health provider

What to expect using Amwell®

  1. Review our providers's education, experience, and approach to treatment and choose a provider that works for you.
  2. Schedule your appointment online, no need to call in. Pick a time in your schedule that works for you.
  3. Add your phone number. This will give us a way to reach you if your appointment changes.
  4. Set a reminder, we'll email you a few hours before the call so you can get ready.
  5. That's it! On the day of your appointment you'll talk to your provider and address your concerns.

Online Psychiatry FAQ

What is Telepsychiatry?

Through the Amwell website or mobile app, you can see a psychiatrist face-to-face from the privacy and comfort of your own home to address common behavioral health challenges. Psychiatrists are different than Amwell’s therapists in that they have the ability to prescribe medications for the treatment of diagnosed mental disorders.

Will I be charged more if I talk to a psychiatrist on weekends, holidays or at night?

No. The cost is the same no matter when you talk with a psychiatrist.

Why would I see a psychiatrist online?

One in four Americans is affected by emotional distress at some point in their life, but only one in eight seeks care. From chronic concerns such as depression and anxiety, to recent stress caused by events such as grief, divorce, parenthood, and other major life changes, online psychiatry allows for reliable and convenient visits with licensed and highly-trained physicians. In addition to the initial consultation and diagnosis, here are a few reasons people go online to see a psychiatrist:

And here are some of the most common conditions that can be addressed online:

How long is a typical telepsychiatry visit on Amwell?

An initial telepsychiatry consultation lasts 45 minutes. Follow‑up visits are 15 minutes. If a psychiatrist deems additional behavioral talk therapy to be appropriate for your mental health, they can refer you to a psychologist or counselor within the Amwell network.

What is the difference between a therapist and psychiatrist?

A patient would see a psychiatrist for medication management and a psychologist or therapist for talk therapy. Sometimes the best form of treatment is a combination of both talk therapy and medication management. Psychiatrists and therapists are each able to evaluate a person to determine whether one or both treatment approaches are necessary, and can make recommendations based on their assessment.

Do I need to schedule an appointment for telepsychiatry?

Amwell psychiatrists are only available by appointment by calling 855‑818‑3627 or by using the self‑schedule feature within the Amwell app. Appointments are typically available in 14 days or less.

Who are the psychiatrists?

The telepsychiatry services on Amwell are provided by a network of licensed physicians who are board-eligible/board-certified in psychiatry and neurology. They can provide a thorough assessment and follow‑up visits for medication management. Each psychiatrist is licensed to practice in their state and is trained in delivering care via telehealth. In addition to psychiatrists, we have online licensed psychologists, therapists, and counselors who can provide counseling services.

Can my child see a psychiatrist?

No. At this time we are only seeing patients 18 and older. We plan to offer treatment for children and adolescents in the future, so be sure to check back often for updates.

What is an online psychiatry session like?

An online psychiatry session is essentially the same as an office visit, but with the convenience and location of your choosing, eliminating the need for travel. You will be asked about your current emotional symptoms, potential factors contributing to these symptoms, your history, and what you would like to accomplish during your visit. Using this information, your psychiatrist will develop a thorough assessment and recommend a treatment plan. This will be an ongoing conversation that adapts as your needs change over time and your psychiatrist gets to know you better.

Is my online psychiatry visit private and secure?

Yes. We feel it is of utmost importance to maintain patient privacy and keep information secure. Amwell is designed to be a private, secure, HIPAA-compliant tool that allows you to safely and confidentially consult with a psychiatrist online.

Can I see a psychiatrist online if I am traveling or in another state?

Yes. Just make sure to select the state you’re in under ‘My Location’ and you’ll only see psychiatrists licensed to see you in that state. When using the app, you can choose to update your current state based on mobile geolocation, making it faster to find a physician whether you are home or on the go.

Can I see a psychiatrist if I am traveling outside of the United States?

No. At this time we operate only within the United States.

What kind of medication can be prescribed on Amwell?

Controlled substances cannot be prescribed via telehealth on Amwell.  If you require a controlled substance (i.e., benzodiazepines), the Amwell psychiatrist may be able to coordinate with your primary care physician to have them prescribe those medications based on the psychiatrist’s recommendations. Otherwise, all other psychiatric medications can be prescribed by your online psychiatrist.

Certain medications that are potentially addictive are considered “controlled”, and can only be prescribed by a provider who has met you in person first, as per the federal regulation, The Ryan Haight Act of 2008. Examples of controlled medications are:

Will my primary care provider be notified about my online psychiatry visit on Amwell?

You can choose to share the session notes with your primary care provider. You will be asked if you want a copy of your after-visit summary to be shared with your primary care provider. If you choose to share your after-visit summary, Amwell will electronically transmit your after-visit summary. You can also print the notes and save them for your own file or share with other healthcare professionals yourself. You may also decide not to share this information. The choice is yours.

What if I don’t like my psychiatrist?

Seeking support from a medical professional is a big step in caring for yourself, and your relationship with your psychiatrist is an important part of your success in treatment. Do not hesitate to interview more than one psychiatrist in order to find one that is the best fit for you. A good psychiatrist will respect your decision.

I have a question that isn't listed here. Can you help me?

Don’t see your question? Don’t worry. Just e‑mail customer.support@amwell.com or call [1-877-410-5548](tel: +18774105548). We have highly-trained health service specialists ready to take your call, 24/7.

Now is the time to try telemedicine!

We can help you feel better faster. Register now for access to our online doctors 24 hours a day.