Online Mental Health Support: What to Expect from Telepsychiatry
Online mental health consultations β with therapists, psychologists, and psychiatrists β have become one of the most evidence-supported applications of telemedicine. This guide explains what to expect, what therapies are available, and what the research says about effectiveness.
Last updated 2026-04-24 Β· 7 min read
Medical Disclaimer: GeraClinic provides access to qualified clinicians. This guide is informational only. If you are in crisis, call Samaritans on 116 123 (UK) or contact your local emergency services. GeraClinic Emergency Teleconsultation is available 24/7 for mental health crises.
Why online mental health care works
For decades, mental health care suffered from a painful paradox: the conditions that most needed treatment β anxiety, depression, agoraphobia, social anxiety, PTSD β were precisely those that made attending a clinic most difficult. Online therapy removes this barrier entirely.
The research has followed the practice. A 2021 meta-analysis published in JAMA Psychiatry reviewing 48 trials found that videoconference-based psychotherapy produced outcomes equivalent to face-to-face therapy across anxiety, depression, and PTSD. The therapeutic alliance β the quality of the clinician-patient relationship, widely considered the strongest predictor of therapy outcomes β is equally achievable via video.
Additional benefits include no commute time, lower cost (or no cost above the consultation fee), access for patients in rural areas, the ability to attend from a trusted personal space that may facilitate openness, and flexible scheduling including evenings and weekends.
Who provides online mental health care?
Psychiatrist
A medical doctor specializing in mental health. Can diagnose mental health conditions, prescribe medications (antidepressants, antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, anxiolytics), and provide psychotherapy. Best for: medication management, complex diagnoses, dual diagnosis.
Clinical Psychologist
A doctoral-level specialist in psychological assessment and treatment. Provides evidence-based therapies (CBT, EMDR, DBT, schema therapy). Cannot prescribe medication but may work alongside psychiatrists. Best for: complex trauma, personality disorders, psychological testing.
Psychotherapist / Counselling Psychologist
Provides talking therapies and psychological counselling. Training varies considerably β look for BABCP accreditation (CBT), EMDR Europe accreditation (EMDR), or BACP/UKCP membership. Best for: anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, life adjustment.
Mental Health Nurse (PMHN)
Specialist nurses trained in mental health assessment and CBT delivery. Often provide structured psychological therapies, medication monitoring, and crisis support. Best for: CBT delivery, medication reviews, structured support programmes.
Evidence-based therapies available online
| Therapy | Best for | Typical duration |
|---|---|---|
| Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) | Anxiety, depression, OCD, phobias, health anxiety, PTSD | 8-16 sessions |
| EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation & Reprocessing) | PTSD, trauma, single-incident trauma | 8-12 sessions |
| Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) | Borderline personality disorder, emotional dysregulation, self-harm | Typically 6-12 months |
| Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) | Depression, grief, relationship difficulties | 12-16 sessions |
| Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) | Chronic pain, anxiety, depression, health conditions | 8-12 sessions |
| Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) | Recurrent depression, anxiety | 8-week structured programme |
What to expect at your first online mental health appointment
The first appointment is typically an assessment session rather than a treatment session. Your clinician will:
- β’Take a detailed history of your current difficulties β what you are experiencing, for how long, and how it is affecting your life.
- β’Ask about your psychiatric history, previous treatment, medications, and family history.
- β’Conduct a risk assessment to understand if you are experiencing thoughts of self-harm or suicide.
- β’Administer validated questionnaires (PHQ-9 for depression, GAD-7 for anxiety, PCL-5 for PTSD) to baseline your symptoms.
- β’Discuss their formulation β their understanding of your difficulties and contributing factors.
- β’Recommend a treatment approach and agree a plan with you.
Psychiatric medications online
GeraClinic psychiatrists can prescribe psychiatric medications after appropriate assessment. These include antidepressants (SSRIs, SNRIs, tricyclics), anxiolytics (buspirone, hydroxyzine), mood stabilizers (lithium, valproate, lamotrigine), and antipsychotics.
Controlled substances including benzodiazepines (diazepam, lorazepam), Z-drugs (zopiclone, zolpidem), and stimulants for ADHD (methylphenidate, lisdexamfetamine) are subject to stricter prescribing protocols and typically require multiple consultations and monitoring before prescription.
Mental health crisis: what to do
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 999 (UK) or your local emergency number.
- UK Samaritans: 116 123 (free, 24/7)
- Crisis Text Line UK: Text SHOUT to 85258
- GeraClinic Emergency Teleconsultation: Available 24/7 for mental health crisis assessment and safety planning
GeraClinic's emergency teleconsultation service can provide immediate mental health triage, safety planning, and connection to crisis services. However, if you are in immediate danger of harming yourself or others, please call emergency services first.
Preparing for online mental health therapy
- Private space: Find somewhere you will not be overheard. Headphones can help.
- Write down your concerns: It is common to feel emotional and forget key points in the moment. Notes help.
- Be honest: Your clinician is there to help, not judge. Accurate information leads to better care.
- Know your goals: Think about what you want to achieve from therapy β symptom reduction, better functioning, understanding yourself better.
- Bring relevant history: Any previous diagnoses, medications tried, and previous therapy experience.
- Have a plan for after: Therapy sessions can bring up difficult emotions. Arrange something gentle for the hours after your appointment.
Book an online mental health consultation
Therapists, psychologists, and psychiatrists available. Same-day appointments from Β£45.