Struggling with ADHD?
We can help.

Yes––and virtual care is just as effective as in-person care. (Online care is what Talkiatry does.) No matter what, our goal is always to find you the best treatment plan. If for some reason virtual care isn’t right for you, we’ll let you know.

After you receive an ADHD diagnosis, your clinician will start to work with you on a treatment plan that might include medication. There are two main classes of medications used to treat ADHD. While they can both help with common symptoms like impulsivity, fidgeting, and forgetfulness, the ways these medications work are fairly different.

Stimulants are the most common type of prescription medication that health care providers use to treat ADHD. They work by increasing the levels of certain chemicals—known as neurotransmitters—in the brain. Neurotransmitters are the body’s chemical messengers, carrying signals from nerve cells to other cells in the body. Stimulants work on two neurotransmitters in particular—dopamine and norepinephrine—which play important roles in your ability to pay attention, think, and stay motivated.

Non-stimulant medications are prescription medications, but they are not controlled substances like stimulants. That means you are less likely to misuse them or become dependent on them. Most non-stimulants work by increasing levels of norepinephrine, though some medications, like Wellbutrin (bupropion) affect your dopamine levels and can also be beneficial in treating ADHD.

The main reason your doctor may prescribe non-stimulants instead is because of concerns about using a stimulant and its side effects, or because stimulants are not readily available. However your doctor may also suggests pairing both to increase effectiveness.

Your specific ADHD prescription will depend on your needs and you should always speak with a licensed medical provider before taking any medication.

Deciding to start prescription medication for a mental health condition can feel like a big deal. Know that we’ll be there for you every step of the way. Before prescribing any medication, we’ll provide a full ADHD evaluation. You’ll discuss your symptoms with a licensed healthcare professional who can provide a clear and accurate diagnosis. From there, they’ll work with you on an ADHD treatment plan, which can include medication. They’ll present your options (which could include either stimulant or non-stimulant medications) and walk you through any potential side effects. Once you start taking your medication, you’ll meet with your clinician regularly to track your progress and make any adjustments to your care plan.

Some of the common first line treatments for ADHD are stimulants, which are controlled substances. The ability for clinicians to prescribe controlled substances online varies from state to state. We encourage you to check the regulations in your state or to check with your clinician. (Note: Non-stimulant ADHD medications are usually not considered controlled substances.)

A lot of patients find that online treatment for ADHD is more convenient and expands their access to care.

Care from the comfort of your home

Online care allows you to get care from where your comfortable. It also means no commute or waiting room. This can make it easier to schedule (and stick with) care.

Access to more clinicians

Online care gives you access to clinicians across your state, not just who you can comfortably travel to. This allows you to search more broadly and can increase your chances of finding the best psychiatrist for you.

That's okay! In the first visit, your psychiatrist will ask you questions about your personal history, medical history, and symptoms to determine the best treatment for your needs. For people diagnosed with postpartum depression, treatment typically includes medication management and supportive therapy.

The short answer is that it depends on your state’s laws. All our psychiatrists (and all psychiatrists in general) are medical doctors. This means that they can prescribe any medications they believe are appropriate for your care. That’s simple.

Where it gets more complicated is with state laws. Certain states require you to have an in-person visit with your doctor before they can prescribe controlled substances. Since we’re a virtual practice, we can’t always meet this requirement.

The most common controlled substances used in psychiatry are benzodiazepines (like Xanax, Ativan, Klonopin, or Valium) and stimulants (like Adderall or Ritalin). In order to be prescribed any of these by a Talkiatry psychiatrist:

1. They have to believe these medications are appropriate for you after they provide an initial evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment plan. (If you’re interested in setting up a visit, start with our online assessment.)
2. Your state’s laws need to allow doctors to prescribe controlled substances without an in-person visit.  

If you’re currently taking a controlled substance, there’s no guarantee your Talkiatry clinician will agree with your past doctors on your condition or on the treatment plan you’re currently on. As medical practitioners, our doctors must provide their own examinations to determine what they recommend for you.

We're in-network with major insurers, including:

• Aetna
• Blue Cross Blue Shield
• Cigna
• Humana
• Medicare
• Oscar
• United Healthcare
• Optum
• Compsych

Even if your insurer isn't on the list, we might still accept it. Use the insurance eligibility checker in our online assessment to learn more.

Yes! Our team is made up of over 450 psychiatrists who represent a broad range of backgrounds and specialities. Psychiatrists are medical doctors that specialize in diagnosing, and treating mental health conditions with medication management and supportive therapy.

We take our responsibility to safeguard our patients' privacy incredibly seriously. This commitment applies throughout each patient's journey at Talkiatry and after they leave our practice.

We provide comprehensive evaluations from licensed healthcare providers trained specifically in psychiatry. Here’s what to expect in your online assessment:


Screening questions

We’ll ask you about your symptoms. Do you have trouble focusing or staying still? Do you notice that you fidget a lot? Do you struggle with inattention? How is this affecting your general well-being, your quality of life, or your self-esteem? If your clinician finds you meet the screening criteria, they’ll dig deeper and move into an evaluation.

Evaluation

If you meet the screening criteria, your clinician will provide a full evaluation. They’ll ask about your medical and family history. They’ll also delve further into your symptoms to see if you meet the diagnostic criteria for several types of ADHD. They’ll also try to rule out other conditions (like depression, anxiety disorders, or bipolar disorder) to make sure your diganosis fits your symptoms.

Treatment

If your clinician finds you’re experiencing ADHD, they’ll start to work with you to create a treatment plan. This can include medications and additional therapy, like CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy).

Follow-ups

We’ll continue to meet with you to discuss your progress and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan. In some cases, we’ll use questionnaires or clinical scales like the ASRS (Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale) to measure your progress.

We don’t have a pharmacy. Like many medical specialists we send your prescription to your preferred local pharmacy who will fill it for you.