My family calls it "the blues". But by the time I hit my 20s, I knew it's far more complicated than that. So, a few years ago, I broke with my family's mindset and started seeing a psychiatrist. I can honestly say it changed my life.

Lately, going to my prescriber's office for my in-person check-ins was getting really inconvenient. They'd switch my appointment at the last minute, and move it two weeks out. And it took forever - a 35-minute drive - 15 minutes in the waiting room - then 35 minutes home. All this for a 10-minute consult?

I do not have that kind of time anymore. I asked my friend Dael for advice and she told me that I should try online psychiatry. She's been working remotely with a prescriber from Talkspace Psychiatry, an online platform that might be an exceptional option for me. I asked her how that works?

Dael said that their psychiatry sessions happen through live video sessions on the Talkspace platform. I could use the super convenient Talkspace app to get specialized psychiatric treatment from a licensed prescriber when I need them.

That took me back a bit - how could remote care through Talkspace be as effective as a face-to-face check-in? Wouldn't it be kind of alienating? Dael urged me to look into Talkspace. She said it could really help my personal mental health journey in a safe, supportive way.

My first hurdle was privacy, but Talkspace's platform is HIPAA-compliant and ensures confidentiality by using industry-standard technology that safeguards my personal details.

What kind of prescribers do they work with? I was pleased to see that all are trained in mental health care, prescription management, as well as the Talkspace remote environment.

Another hesitation was affordability. In-person appointments can be pretty pricey and I don't want to empty my FSA. But Talkspace charges on a per session basis. The initial evaluation is $199 and follow-ups are $125. That's awesome.

Plus, Talkspace currently accepts Optum, Cigna, and Premera. With other insurance plans, just submit your claims and you may receive 50-90% reimbursement. Turns out, Talkspace accepts my company's plan, so I was completely sold!

I was worried the sign-up process would be complicated and anxiety-provoking. But, truthfully, I was pleasantly surprised - it's as simple as 1-2-3:

First - I live-chatted with a Matching Agent who answered all my questions and then connected me with a licensed psychiatric prescriber in my state who will address my needs.

Second - Once I was matched with my prescriber - a mental health professional - I scheduled a Live Video Session for an initial evaluation the following week!

Third - I couldn't believe that I could get such quick access to my prescriber, we clicked immediately. My first video session was far from alienating. What a friendly, encouraging way to start my remote consults. Then she personalized my treatment, which includes medication, follow-ups, and ongoing prescription management. And I'm even able to pick-up it from my local pharmacy. It's literally that easy.

And if for any reason, I want to switch prescribers, I can do that without any disruptions in treatment.

Lately, my life feels far less harried and so much more balanced. Because Talkspace Psychiatry brings me expert mental health treatment to the privacy and comfort of my home.

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A New Way To Access Mental Healthcare

We found a platform that's here for you.

2020 has been a rough year all around and everybody has been struggling in their own way.

Our editors were looking for mental health care that takes the next step, and we found Talkspace: an online platform for 24/7 counseling and therapy.

While some people find therapy to be their solution, we noticed that others were looking for a little more help (and there's nothing wrong with that).

Talkspace Psychiatry lets users grow their personal mental health journey in a safe, comfortable way.

The key difference between therapy and psychiatry is that therapists focus on "talk therapy" while psychiatrists can prescribe medication to treat mental health conditions. Both are great resources and thankfully Talkspace provides both.

Talkspace has created the digital environment for you to receive expert medical care without leaving the comfort of your home. As an online platform, their professionals are not only licensed but also trained by Talkspace on how to communicate with patients in the digital landscape.

All of the sessions are live video and super convenient thanks to their app. It's easy to prioritize your mental health when you don't have to worry about rearranging your busy days to get to a doctor's office.

Sometimes the hardest step is getting out the door to see a prescriber but now you can do it right from your couch. We loved speaking with a Matching Agent, which relieved the stress of reading reviews and reaching out to a prescriber on our own. Being matched with a licensed psychiatric prescriber took so much weight off our shoulders.

After the initial call, your prescriber provides personalized treatment which varies and could include medication and follow-ups. However, if you don't click with your first match, Talkspacecan easily connect you with a different prescriber without setting you back in your treatment.

Whenever we think of healthcare, cost is a major concern. Talkspace charges on a per session basis. The initial evaluation is $199 and follow-ups are $125 which is significantly cheaper than a typical in-person appointment. They currently only accept Premera and Cigna insurance (Optum will also be accepted by November) but those with other benefits can submit claims and receive 50-90% of the cost of Talkspace back.

Talkspace is now more than just a space to talk; Talkspace Psychiatry is here to help those that want to move forward with their mental health, but on a different path. There's no one way to take care of yourself and Talkspace recognizes that, so you're not alone.

We love Talkspace Psychiatry for creating a judgment-free zone where we can get the help we need and still feel in control.