Online depression treatment

When to call

From the first call to your first session

Admissions takes you through these steps between your first call and your first video session.

• 01

  You call, or send the form

  You tell admissions what is happening and whether you think virtual depression treatment might fit.

• 02

  We check your benefits

  With your permission, we contact your insurer and find out what your plan covers.

• 03

  You hear what it means

  Admissions explains your deductible, your copay and which level of care your plan supports, in plain terms.

• 04

  You decide

  If you want to go ahead, admissions walks you through what happens next.

• What is depression?

  Depression, or major depressive disorder, is a mental health condition in which persistent sadness or a loss of interest lasts for weeks. It affects sleep, work and daily functioning, and it can be treated.

• What are the symptoms of depression?

  Common symptoms of depression include feelings of sadness or emptiness, loss of interest, changes in sleep, changes in appetite or weight, and difficulty concentrating. Thoughts of death or suicide are a reason to call or text 988 right away.

• What causes depression?

  There is usually no single cause. Family history, stressful life events, medical conditions and substance use can all play a part in a depressive disorder.

• Can a clinician diagnose depression online?

  Yes. A licensed clinician can diagnose depression by video, using an interview about your symptoms, your medical history and your family history. A careful assessment also asks about bipolar disorder, because its low periods can look like depression and are treated differently.

• Can I get depression medication online?

  It depends. A psychiatrist has to evaluate you first and must be licensed in California, where you live. Nothing is prescribed through a web form, and admissions can tell you whether medication could be part of your plan.

• How can a psychiatrist help with depression?

  A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who can prescribe antidepressants and adjust them over time. At Enhance, a licensed psychiatrist handles medication management, while your therapist leads talk therapy.

• What are SSRIs?

  SSRIs, or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, are a common group of antidepressants. They can take several weeks to help, and a psychiatrist decides whether one fits you.

• Do I have to live in California?

  Yes. Virtual care at Enhance is for people who live in California, because your clinician must be licensed where you live. Admissions confirms this before you are scheduled.

• Does insurance cover virtual depression treatment?

  Many insurance plans cover mental health care by video, but benefits vary from plan to plan. Admissions checks your benefits and tells you your deductible and copay, and coverage is not guaranteed.

• Is online therapy as effective as being there in person?

  For many people who are safe at home, structured therapy by video is real treatment for depression. For people who are not safe at home, it is the wrong level, and the assessment helps decide which applies to you.

• When does depression require in-person care instead?

  Severe depression with thoughts of suicide, not eating, or not being able to get out of bed needs in-person care or an emergency room. If you are not sure, tell admissions how you are doing and they will help you decide.

• What happens if I'm in crisis during virtual treatment?

  Call or text 988, or go to the nearest emergency room, and tell your clinician afterward. A scheduled video consultation is not the right help during a crisis.

• What technology and privacy do I need for video sessions?

  You need a phone, tablet or computer with a camera, a steady internet connection, and a room where no one can overhear you. Sessions are confidential, and you get a video link before your first session.

• Can I switch from online to in-person depression treatment in Tustin?

  Yes. If video care stops being the right fit, admissions can move your care to in-person treatment at our Tustin office. Enhance treats depression and anxiety in person as well as by video.