Growing numbers of people are turning to online therapy for help with mental health issues like anxiety or depression. In that process, one common question that comes up is whether teletherapists can prescribe medication. We’ll explore this and other related questions, starting with what a teletherapist does….
What Is a Teletherapist?
Teletherapists are like traditional therapists, except they provide mental health services over the Internet. Online therapy allows individuals to talk to a psychologist or counselor from the comfort of their own home from just about any location with Internet capability. During the COVID-19 pandemic, teletherapy use skyrocketed due to lockdowns and widespread anxiety over the pandemic. Even since the pandemic has waned, teletherapy has remained in demand, especially among those who face challenges attending in-person sessions and prefer the privacy of home-based therapy.
Teletherapists offer the following types of therapy:
- Individual Therapy: One-on-one counseling sessions to address a wide range of mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, phobias, and behavioral disorders.
- Couples Therapy: Couples experiencing relationship difficulties or seeking to improve communication and intimacy can turn to a teletherapist for help.
- Family Therapy: Family members may use Zoom or other teleconferencing platform to speak to a teletherapist about relational dynamics, conflicts, and other issues.
- Assessment and Evaluation: Licensed teletherapists can conduct online assessments to diagnose mental health conditions or evaluate treatment progress.
Therapists are licensed professionals who provide therapy and other similar treatments to help people deal with mental and emotional health problems. They have a master’s degree and have completed supervised training before becoming licensed to practice.
Therapists who have earned a master’s and doctoral degree (Ph.D. or PsyD.) work as psychologists. Psychologists generally spend a year in supervised practice and must pass a national exam and additional state exams to become licensed to practice.
Can a Teletherapist Prescribe Medication?
No, teletherapists typically cannot prescribe medication unless they have earned the level of medical training required to be able to prescribe medication. In most states, prescribing medication is limited to licensed medical professionals such as psychiatrists, nurse practitioners, or physicians. However, teletherapists who cannot prescribe medication will often collaborate with medical professionals to ensure clients receive the comprehensive care and medication they need.
Licensing requirements to prescribe medication for mental health disorders vary depending on state laws and the type of medication being prescribed. In most cases, the following professionals have the authority to prescribe medication for mental health disorders:
Psychiatrists: Psychiatrists specialize in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions. They can prescribe any type of medication for mental illnesses, including psychotropic medication for schizophrenia and other psychoses.
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners (PNPs): Psychiatric nurse practitioners are advanced practice registered nurses with specialized training in psychiatric care. Depending on the state in which they work, psychiatric nurse practitioners may be able to prescribe psychiatric medications such as antidepressants, antipsychotics, and mood stabilizers.
Physicians: Primary care physicians can prescribe medications for depression and anxiety but typically refer patients whom they suspect are suffering from more serious disorders to psychiatrists for further evaluation.
Obtaining a Diagnosis From a Teletherapist
Teletherapists often require one or two sessions with their clients before they make a diagnosis. Early sessions typically involve the teletherapist asking the client questions to gain an understanding of their mental health concerns. Teletherapists will want to know more about the specific symptoms that led a client to seek teletherapy, their current lifestyle choices, and their overall medical history.
Once the teletherapist has enough information to provide a valid diagnosis, they will develop a personalized treatment plan and explain what happens going forward. This plan may include different therapeutic interventions, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, exposure therapy, or motivational interviewing, and how to use coping strategies to alleviate anxiety or depression.
If your teletherapist thinks you would benefit from medication, they may either collaborate with or refer you directly to a psychiatrist or physician who is licensed to prescribe medication. With your permission, the teletherapist can share their assessment of your symptoms with the licensed prescriber and obtain the prescriber’s input on medication choices. Teletherapists must get the permission of their clients before they can consult with another professional about a client’s personal information.
Once the psychiatrist or physician determines that medication is necessary, they will prescribe the appropriate medication and dosage. The teletherapist can monitor the client’s response to medication during therapy sessions and provide feedback to the prescribing provider. Depending on how the client reacts to the medication, dosage amounts could be increased or reduced until optimal results are achieved.
Should You Trust the Diagnosis Provided by a Teletherapist?
Unlike traditional face-to-face therapy sessions that allow therapists to read non-verbal cues and body language, teletherapy relies primarily on verbal communication and facial expressions. This could potentially impact diagnostic accuracy.
The trustworthiness of an online diagnosis also depends on the competence and credentials of the teletherapist. Be sure to confirm that a prospective provider has the appropriate licensure, credentials, and experience to diagnose your
These considerations notwithstanding, numerous studies suggest that teletherapy can yield roughly the same level of diagnostic accuracy that traditional in-person consultations offer. A 2022 study found that “remote (teletherapy) treatment is a viable alternative to in-person therapy” as both remote and in-person subjects of the study experienced improved quality of life and reduction of symptoms. There is also evidence that retention rates are higher with teletherapy than with face-to-face therapy. However, researchers note that continuous advancements in telehealth technologies will be essential to consistently improving diagnostic reliability.
Teletherapy Isn’t For Everyone
For individuals new to teletherapy, talking to someone on a screen about sensitive issues like anxiety or depression may feel a bit awkward. The absence of in-person interaction may, for some, intensify feelings of depression or anxiety. For those living alone, the opportunity to leave their home and spend time with another person helps reduce feelings of isolation and alienation.
Teletherapy may also have to compete with distractions at home, from children or pets clamoring for your attention to household tasks like folding clothes and the termite inspector at the door. These interruptions can interfere with your focus and engagement during teletherapy.
Continue Seeking Help When Teletherapy Isn’t Working
While teletherapy offers the convenience of immediate, in-home counseling, it is up to the person seeking treatment to determine whether virtual therapy is helping. Sometimes, in-person counseling can provide that face-to-face interaction which some people need to experience a deeper, more authentic connection with their therapist and more peace of mind that their needs are being met.
