Is Online Psychiatry Less Expensive Than In-Person Care?
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, telepsychiatry has revolutionized how we deliver and receive mental health care. What began as a necessary response to social distancing has evolved into a lasting, flexible, and often more affordable model of psychiatric support. But what exactly makes telepsychiatry both accessible and cost-effective compared to traditional in-person care?
At YOU Psychiatry Clinic, we’ve seen firsthand how virtual care can transform mental health treatment—removing barriers like transportation, time off work, and long waitlists. Our founder, Huong (Kimmie) Iodice, PMHNP-BC, FPA, APN, has been a passionate advocate for telepsychiatry since the early days of the pandemic. When the world was in lockdown, telepsychiatry became a lifeline—offering timely check-ins, medication management, and compassionate care while minimizing the risk of exposure to COVID-19.
First-Hand Impact Of Telepsychiatry
Kimmie experienced the impact of telepsychiatry not only as a provider but also on a deeply personal level. As a new mother navigating the postpartum period during the lockdowns, she carried the emotional burden of worrying about her parents, who were unable to return to their home country due to border closures, while also grieving the loss of a family member to COVID-19. Telepsychiatry provided her with a way to remain present and resilient for her patients during an incredibly difficult time, and she found strength in the very connections she was helping to create.
“Some of my patients were going through the darkest times of their lives. Telepsychiatry allowed me to be there with them—week after week—through every crisis and breakthrough. We built a connection that wasn’t dependent on being in the same room, but on consistently showing up. In the end, it is the human connection that’s therapeutic—and the technology that brings our distance closer.”
Many of the individuals Kimmie supported during that time continue their care today through telepsychiatry or a hybrid model—an alternating blend of virtual and in-person visits designed to meet patients where they are. Over the years, she has seen how this flexible approach can strengthen the therapeutic alliance and provide reliable, high-quality care to those who need it.
In this article, we’ll explore why telepsychiatry remains both affordable and accessible, and how it continues to deliver the same level of care as traditional in-person treatment—if not more—especially when guided by experienced providers.
What Is Telepsychiatry?
Telepsychiatry is a form of telemedicine that provides psychiatric assessment, therapy, medication management, and follow-up care through secure video conferencing. Sessions can be held from the comfort of your own home, reducing the need for physical office visits. For many patients, this flexibility not only saves time but also reduces the stigma often associated with seeking mental health care.
How Telepsychiatry Improves Affordability
1. Reduction in Indirect Expenses
While the actual billing rates for telepsychiatry services are typically similar to in-person visits, the real cost savings come from reduced indirect expenses:
• No Commuting Costs: Patients no longer need to spend money on gas, public transit, or parking.
• Less Time Off Work or School: Virtual appointments can be scheduled during lunch breaks or in between classes, reducing the need to take unpaid leave or rearrange daily responsibilities.
• Childcare Savings: Parents can attend appointments without needing to find or pay for childcare.
These savings add up quickly—especially for individuals requiring ongoing psychiatric care. Over time, avoiding these out-of-pocket expenses can significantly improve the affordability of care.
2. Insurance Coverage for Telepsychiatry
Thanks to federal and state-level legislation like the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act, many insurance plans are required to cover mental health services—including telepsychiatry—at the same rate as in-person visits.
At YOU Psychiatry Clinic, we accept most major insurance plans and also provide superbills for out-of-network coverage. However, insurance benefits can vary, so we encourage patients to contact their insurers directly for specific telehealth coverage details.
Patients should still expect to pay:
• Copays and Deductibles: These apply regardless of the service format.
• Out-of-Network Balances: For patients seeing providers outside their insurance network, submitting superbills can help recover some costs.
3. Flexible Pricing Options
Many clinics, including ours, offer sliding-scale fees and membership-based pricing models to accommodate individuals without insurance or those facing financial constraints.
Sliding Scale Fees: Adjusted based on income, making sessions more affordable for lower-income individuals.
Membership Models: Provide predictable monthly payments for a set number of sessions or services, ideal for those who need regular check-ins or medication management.
These alternative pricing models help make mental health care more financially accessible to a broader range of patients. In addition to our insurance-based approach, YOU Psychiatry Clinic also offers these payment options on a case-by-case basis to ensure that quality care is available to all.
How Telepsychiatry Enhances Accessibility
1. Geographic Barriers Are Removed
One of the most powerful aspects of telepsychiatry is how it bridges the gap for rural or underserved populations. Many individuals living outside metropolitan areas lack access to local psychiatric providers. Others may be homebound or have disabilities that make travel challenging.
Telepsychiatry brings care to these individuals—eliminating long travel times and connecting them with high-quality providers.
At YOU Psychiatry Clinic, we’re proud to serve patients from both urban and remote regions of Illinois and beyond, offering consistent and compassionate care no matter where they are located.
2. More Inclusive for Young Adults and Gen Z
Our founder, Huong (Kimmie) Iodice, PMHNP-BC, FPA, APN, has a deep passion for supporting college students, young adults, Gen Z populations, and the neurodiverse community. These groups often find digital communication more comfortable, and telepsychiatry meets them where they are—online, offering a sense of connection when they need it most.
In Huong’s words:
“I’ve found that telepsychiatry is incredibly effective in engaging young people. They’re so accustomed to digital platforms and truly appreciate the convenience. Many college students wouldn’t have had consistent access to mental health care without this option. For many, it’s easier to open up and communicate when they’re in the safety and comfort of their own space.”
During the height of the pandemic, telepsychiatry was not just a backup for Kimmie—it was a lifeline. It allowed patients to continue their treatment without interruption, stay consistent with their medications, and receive the emotional support they desperately needed during an uncertain time.
Many of those patients, including those in the neurodiverse community, continue to prefer virtual sessions today because of the flexibility, comfort, and the ability to communicate at their own pace. The first step toward healing is often finding the courage to seek help. Once patients begin to respond positively to therapy and/or medication, they feel empowered to take small steps outside their comfort zones. This newfound confidence allows them to engage in life outside their homes, no longer weighed down by the fear or shame often associated with their mental health struggles.
3. Reduction in Stigma and Anxiety
For many individuals, stigma remains a major barrier to seeking mental health support. The ability to connect with a provider from home or a private setting significantly reduces anxiety and the fear of being seen entering a clinic.
Telepsychiatry offers a more discreet and less intimidating entry point to treatment—especially for those seeking help for the first time.
As patients begin to see improvements, they often feel more empowered to continue therapy or explore additional treatment options, both psychiatric and medical.
4. Flexible Scheduling Options
One of the most common challenges in accessing mental health care is scheduling. Traditional in-office visits often require a half or full day off from work or school.
Telepsychiatry allows:
• Evening and weekend appointments
• Shorter appointment windows
• Fewer cancellations due to travel conflicts or weather
This flexibility makes it easier for people to stick with their treatment plans, leading to better long-term outcomes.
The Role of Evidence-Based Treatment
Research consistently demonstrates that telepsychiatry is just as effective as in-person care for a wide range of mental health conditions—when delivered by experienced and well-trained providers. The success of telepsychiatry depends not only on the technology used, but more importantly on the clinical expertise of the provider and their ability to adapt evidence-based psychiatric practices to a virtual setting.
At YOU Psychiatry Clinic, our providers bring extensive experience in both clinical psychiatry and telepsychiatry implementation, ensuring high-quality care regardless of the format—virtual, in-person, or a hybrid model. Our clinicians are skilled in managing a wide spectrum of psychiatric conditions through telepsychiatry, including but not limited to:
Anxiety Disorders
Depression
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Bipolar Disorder
Insomnia and Sleep Disorders
Neurodevelopmental Conditions, such as Autism Spectrum Disorder and Learning Disabilities
Psychotic Disorders
In addition, therapeutic interventions like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) have shown comparable outcomes when delivered virtually. Numerous studies have validated that virtual CBT can lead to significant improvements in symptoms, functioning, and quality of life for individuals dealing with anxiety, depression, and other mood disorders.
What matters most in any treatment setting is the therapeutic relationship—the connection and trust between patient and provider—and the provider’s ability to deliver care in a flexible, patient-centered way. At YOU Psychiatry Clinic, we take pride in offering personalized, compassionate care that is not only clinically sound but also adapted to meet each patient’s needs and preferences, whether that’s through telepsychiatry, in-person sessions, or an alternating hybrid model.
Our goal is to make quality mental health care accessible, effective, and sustainable—no matter where our patients are located or what challenges they face.
Choosing the Right Care Model for You
While telepsychiatry offers significant benefits, it’s not always the right fit for everyone. Factors to consider include:
• Personal Preference: Some patients still prefer face-to-face interactions.
• Clinical Complexity: More severe psychiatric conditions may require in-person assessments or crisis support.
• Technology Access: A stable internet connection and a private space are essential for effective virtual care.
That’s why YOU Psychiatry Clinic offers multiple formats:
• Telepsychiatry
• In-Person Appointments
• Hybrid Models
We believe in tailoring care to the individual—not the other way around.
Final Thoughts: Why Telepsychiatry Is Here to Stay
Telepsychiatry has redefined what accessible and affordable mental health care can look like. For millions, it removes obstacles and creates opportunities for healing and growth.
At YOU Psychiatry Clinic, we’re proud to be at the forefront of this transformation. Whether you’re a college student balancing exams, a parent juggling responsibilities, or someone living in a rural area with limited access—we’re here for you.
Our clinic’s mission is simple: to provide high-quality, culturally competent, and accessible mental health care to all, especially underserved communities. We accept insurance, offer flexible payment models, and most importantly, we listen and adapt to your needs.
Need Help Deciding?
If you’re considering telepsychiatry or wondering whether it’s right for you, we’re here to help.
