How Telehealth Psychiatry Works in Massachusetts
Psychiatric evaluation, therapy and medication management by secure video, anywhere in the state, with the same clinician every visit.
Questions first? Call 617-858-8276. Booking and intake run through our secure, HIPAA-compliant patient portal.
Clinically reviewed by Joseph Lavoie, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC · Last reviewed
The short answer
Telehealth psychiatry in Massachusetts means seeing a licensed psychiatric provider by secure video instead of in an office. At Journey Psychiatric Care, Joseph Lavoie, PMHNP-BC, a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner, does every visit by video. You need a device with a camera, a private space, and to be in Massachusetts during the visit.
How video visits work
A telehealth visit covers the same ground as an office visit. Joseph asks about your symptoms, your history, your sleep, your health and what you want to change. You can ask questions, talk through options and leave with a plan. The only difference is that you are at home, in your car on a lunch break, or anywhere else private.
Visits run on a secure, HIPAA-compliant platform. Booking and intake forms go through the practice’s patient portal, so your health information never passes through this website.
Because the practice is telehealth only, there is no waiting room and no commute. For many people in Massachusetts that is the difference between getting care and putting it off. A 30-minute visit does not have to cost half a day of driving and parking.
What you can do by telehealth
Psychiatric evaluation
A full first visit to understand what is going on and get the diagnosis right. About evaluations.
Medication management
Follow-ups to see how a medication is working, adjust it and handle side effects. About medication management.
Psychotherapy
Talk therapy with the same clinician, alongside or instead of medication. About therapy.
ADHD evaluation
A careful assessment, then treatment including medication when appropriate. About ADHD care.
Kids and teens
Care for children and teens, with a parent or guardian involved from the start. About child and teen care.
Coordination
With your OK, Joseph can work with your therapist or primary care provider.
What you need for a video visit
- A device with a camera. A phone, tablet or computer all work.
- A steady internet connection. Wi-Fi is best. If video drops, Joseph can call you to finish.
- A private place to talk. A closed room, a parked car or a quiet spot where no one can overhear.
- To be in Massachusetts. You must be physically located in Massachusetts at the time of each visit, because that is where Joseph is licensed.
Our guide on how to prepare for a telepsychiatry appointment has a short checklist.
Is telehealth right for you?
For most outpatient psychiatric care, it works well. People use it for anxiety, depression, ADHD, sleep problems, mood disorders, grief and stress. Research and federal health agencies treat video visits as a standard way to deliver mental health care.
Telehealth is not the right fit for everything. It is not emergency care, and it cannot replace a hospital stay or a crisis team. Some situations also need in-person care, such as a physical exam or certain lab work. If that comes up, Joseph will tell you and help you arrange it close to home.
If you are in crisis, do not wait for a video appointment. Call or text 988 or call 911. See Massachusetts mental health crisis resources.
Anywhere in Massachusetts
Because visits are by video, it does not matter whether you live in Boston, Worcester, Springfield, Lowell or on the Cape. Patients join from all over the state. See the areas we serve, including Boston, Cambridge and Somerville and Worcester.
How to start
- Check your insurance. Journey Psychiatric Care is in-network with 7 commercial plans and offers invoices for out-of-network reimbursement.
- Book online. Pick a time on the secure patient portal. You can also call 617-858-8276 with questions first.
- Fill out intake forms. The portal sends your forms before the first visit.
- Join your video visit. Your first visit is a full psychiatric evaluation. Follow-ups are shorter.
Conditions treated by telehealth
Insurance
In-network with Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna and Evernorth, Oscar Health, Oxford, Point32Health and UnitedHealthcare. Contact us for current self-pay rates.
Frequently asked questions
Is telehealth psychiatry as good as in-person care?
For most outpatient psychiatric care, video visits cover the same questions, the same evaluation and the same treatment planning as an office visit. Many people find it easier to be honest from their own space. If something needs an in-person exam, Joseph will tell you.
Can a telehealth provider prescribe medication in Massachusetts?
Yes. Joseph Lavoie, PMHNP-BC, is licensed in Massachusetts and can prescribe after an evaluation. Prescriptions go electronically to the pharmacy you choose. Some controlled medications have extra federal and state rules, and Joseph follows them.
Does insurance cover telehealth psychiatry?
Most commercial plans cover telehealth mental health visits. Journey Psychiatric Care is in-network with 7 plans. Call the number on your card to confirm your telehealth behavioral health benefits. See does insurance cover telehealth psychiatry.
What if I am traveling outside Massachusetts?
You need to be in Massachusetts during each visit, because that is where Joseph is licensed. If you will be away, reschedule or plan the visit for when you are back. Call the practice if you are unsure.
Do I have to download an app?
Booking and intake run through the secure patient portal in your web browser. You will get instructions for joining the video visit before your appointment.
Can my teen do telehealth visits?
Yes. Journey Psychiatric Care sees teens and adults, and younger children case by case. For patients under 18, a parent or guardian completes intake and joins the first visit.
Take the next step in your journey.
Same clinician every visit. Telehealth anywhere in Massachusetts.
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