Getting Medication Through BetterHelp Online Therapy
In recent years, online therapy platforms like BetterHelp have become increasingly popular alternatives to traditional in-office therapy. BetterHelp offers convenient and affordable access to licensed therapists through phone, video, and chat sessions. However, an important question for many considering online therapy is whether they can get medication through BetterHelp if needed.
BetterHelp itself does not provide medication services or prescriptions. It focuses entirely on providing online counseling and therapy. This means you cannot get psychiatric medications directly through BetterHelp. However, BetterHelp therapists can make recommendations and referrals to psychiatrists or other medical professionals who can prescribe medications if appropriate.
The Role of BetterHelp Therapists
When you sign up for BetterHelp, you are matched with a licensed therapist specializing in your areas of concern. Your BetterHelp therapist's role is to provide counseling, not medical care. They cannot diagnose medical conditions or prescribe medication through the platform.
However, BetterHelp therapists can still be very helpful if you think you may need psychiatric medication:
- They can discuss your symptoms and whether medication may help.
- They can recommend that you see a psychiatrist or doctor for an evaluation.
- They can provide referrals to psychiatrists and doctors who may be able to prescribe medications.
- They can coordinate care with your existing medical providers if you are already seeing a doctor.
So while BetterHelp itself does not provide medications, their therapists can guide you through the process of getting assessed for and accessing medication through external medical professionals.
Getting A Prescription Through Your Own Doctor
The most straightforward way to get medication for a mental health condition like depression or anxiety while using BetterHelp is through your existing doctor or a new doctor you find yourself.
Here are some options for getting medication through a medical provider while using BetterHelp online therapy:
- Your primary care physician: Some primary care doctors are comfortable diagnosing basic mental health conditions like depression and prescribing common medications like SSRIs. You can ask your primary care provider.
- A psychiatrist: For mental health medication, a psychiatrist is the best option. You can ask your BetterHelp counselor for a referral or find one yourself through an online search or doctor referral service.
- Other mental health specialists: In some areas, psychiatric nurse practitioners and psychiatric physician assistants can also prescribe mental health medication.
- Online psychiatry services: There are some online platforms like Cerebral and Brightside that provide online medication management and prescriptions for common mental health conditions.
Your BetterHelp therapist can coordinate care with any external provider you see for medication to ensure you have an integrated treatment plan.
What Kinds of Medications Are Used for Mental Health Conditions?
There are many different types of psychiatric and mental health medications that may be prescribed depending on your symptoms and diagnosis:
- Antidepressants: SSRIs like Zoloft, SNRIs like Effexor, and other antidepressants are commonly used for treating depression, anxiety, and other conditions.
- Anti-anxiety medications: Benzodiazepines like Xanax and Klonopin may be used for anxiety disorders and panic attacks.
- Mood stabilizers: Lithium, Depakote, Lamictal, and other mood stabilizers are often prescribed for bipolar disorder.
- Antipsychotics: Medications like Abilify, Seroquel, and Zyprexa help reduce psychotic symptoms in illnesses like schizophrenia.
- ADHD medications: Stimulants like Adderall and Concerta and non-stimulants like Strattera are used for ADHD.
- Others: Many other medications may be prescribed depending on your symptoms.
Your doctor or psychiatrist will determine which medications may be most appropriate for the symptoms and conditions you are experiencing.
Can a BetterHelp Therapist Prescribe Medications Online?
BetterHelp therapists cannot prescribe medications directly to users. They are licensed counselors and therapists, not medical doctors or psychiatrists. Here are some key reasons BetterHelp therapists cannot prescribe medications:
- BetterHelp therapists do not have medical degrees or prescribing authority.
- Prescribing medication requires an in-person medical evaluation, which BetterHelp does not provide.
- Online prescription of controlled substances like benzodiazepines has regulatory restrictions.
- BetterHelp focuses exclusively on providing counseling, therapy and coaching services.
For these reasons, medication management lies outside the scope of BetterHelp's services. The platform focuses on online counseling and therapy rather than medical care and prescriptions. However, your BetterHelp therapist can be a valuable partner in accessing medication from an external provider if needed.
Comparing BetterHelp and Other Online Therapy Providers
When considering getting mental health medication alongside online therapy, it can be helpful to compare options to find the right platform:
BetterHelp
- No medication prescribing through the platform
- Therapists can refer out to doctors and psychiatrists
- Weekly live sessions with licensed therapists
- Messaging, phone, video options
- From $60-$90 weekly
Cerebral
- Prescriptions provided by affiliated medical providers
- Monthly prescription/therapy package costs
- Primarily for common conditions like depression, anxiety
- Short weekly therapist sessions
- Starting at $129/mo with quarterly and annual pricing
Brightside
- Psychiatrist available for medication management
- Psychiatrist consults and meds start at $95 first month
- Monthly package pricing available
- Therapist sessions separate from med management
- Virtual and in-person options
Talkspace
- No medication prescribing through platform
- Can refer to outside doctors and psychiatrists
- Messaging therapy with video options
- Packages start at $65-$99 weekly
While BetterHelp itself does not provide psychiatric medications, partnering with a psychiatrist or doctor allows you to get medication while using BetterHelp for therapy. Comparing online therapy platforms can help you find the right fit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my primary doctor prescribe me anxiety or depression medication?
Many primary care doctors are comfortable diagnosing straightforward mental health conditions like anxiety and depression and can prescribe common medications used to treat them like SSRIs and SNRIs. You can ask your primary care provider if they are able to assess you for and prescribe psychiatric medications.
What kind of mental health professionals can prescribe medication?
Psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, and psychiatric physician's assistants can prescribe mental health medications. Additionally, primary care doctors may be able to prescribe for more common conditions. See a psychiatrist for the widest range of treatment options.
How do online psychiatry platforms work?
Some online platforms connect you with a psychiatrist or doctor via telehealth services for medication management. After an evaluation, they can prescribe and send common mental health medications by mail. Most also offer some level of counseling or therapy services as well.
Can my therapist share information with my doctor?
Yes, with your consent and signed release of information, your therapist can coordinate care with your doctors and psychiatrists by sharing relevant treatment details, reports, and recommendations. This helps ensure integrated care.
How long does it take to get a psychiatry referral?
It depends, but your BetterHelp therapist can usually provide you with a referral to a psychiatrist within 1-2 weeks. However, wait times to get an actual appointment with a psychiatrist may be several weeks or longer in some areas due to high demand.
The Bottom Line
While BetterHelp itself does not prescribe psychiatric medications, you can absolutely access prescription medications through providers like your primary care doctor or a psychiatrist while using BetterHelp for online counseling. Your BetterHelp therapist can be an invaluable resource in connecting you with doctors who can assess your need for and prescribe appropriate medications as part of a comprehensive mental health treatment plan.
FAQs
What are some downsides to online psychiatry platforms?
Some downsides include less thorough evaluations than in-person, not ideal for complex conditions, harder to build rapport without face-to-face interaction, and regulatory restrictions on controlled substances.
How do I choose between BetterHelp, Cerebral, Talkspace, etc?
Compare the therapists, specialities, functionality, price, medication options, and reviews. Consider what is most important - meds, therapy focus, costs, etc. Pick one that aligns with your needs.
What telehealth therapy platforms prescribe medications?
Platforms like Cerebral, Brightside, and MDLIVE partner with doctors and psychiatrists to provide medication along with online therapy and counseling services.
How do you get prescription stimulants through telehealth?
It can be very difficult to get stimulants like Adderall prescribed online due to regulations and risks for diversion or misuse. An established in-person psychiatrist is recommended.
Is online therapy or medication management better?
For most mental health conditions, a combination approach using both therapy and medication together is more effective than either alone. Online options make this more accessible.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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