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Does Talkiatry work? We did the research.

Does Talkiatry work? We did the research.

We fielded a study and the results are in: Most patients with anxiety or depression saw improvement or even clinical remission after an average of just five visits.

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Talkiatry staff
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January 11, 2024
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Key takeaways

Talkiatry was founded to expand access to quality mental health care. We do that in a few ways. One of the most important is making care available virtually. We also offer longer appointments (and follow-ups) that give our patients the chance to develop a therapeutic alliance with their doctors to improve outcomes. But how effective is it? We fielded a study and the results are in: Most patients with anxiety or depression (among the most common conditions psychiatrists treat) no longer reported clinically significant symptoms after an average of just five visits.

Does Talkiatry work?

Key results

In our research, one figure stood out. In patients with anxiety or depression, 65% no longer reported clinically significant symptoms.* (That asterisk will lead you to a long citation that we’ll explain in the next section.)

How we got those numbers

We conducted this study using the same rigorous standards that govern all high-quality medical research. An outside Institutional Review Board approved our hypothesis and research methodology. Then we took anonymized data from a large population of Talkiatry patients (1,826 to be exact) who were diagnosed with either anxiety or depression. We measured if they felt better, and by how much.

To do that we use what are called ‘clinical scales.’ (If you’re a patient, you may already be familiar with these from the surveys we send you to check in.) They’re short, standardized questionnaires that give patients the chance to document how they feel. For anxiety, the most common clinical scale is the GAD-7. For depression, it’s the PHQ-8.  

We measured the change in patients’ self-reported scores over the course of their treatment. Sixty-five percent saw a reduction to scores that were below 10, meaning a patient reported either no symptoms or mild symptoms.

Treatment at Talkiatry

We’re incredibly proud of that figure, and what it means for our patients. We commend our psychiatrists, therapists, and other clinicians for their dedication to their patients’ health and well-being. We believe our approach gives people a meaningful way to prioritize their mental health and get the care they deserve. Here’s what that looks like:

Virtual visits: Virtual visits allow patients to receive care from home or any private place they feel comfortable. No commute time. No waiting room. This flexibility makes it easier for people to schedule and continue their care.  

Time to talk: We believe that building trust between the patient and doctor leads to better outcomes. Our visits are longer to provide time for patients and doctors to ask questions and collaborate on care.  

Medication management: Medications can be incredibly effective at helping alleviating the symptoms of mental health conditions so that patients can better cope with daily life. Every patient at Talkiatry gets an initial hour-long evaluation (longer for minors) so their doctor can provide the most accurate diagnosis and treatment plan, including any medications they believe could benefit the patient.  

Getting started at Talkiatry

If you think Talkiatry might be right for you, the best way to get started is with our online assessment. It takes about 10 minutes to complete. We’ll ask you about how you’re feeling and your medical history. Based on your answers, we’ll match you with a psychiatrist who’s the best fit for you. All our doctors take insurance, and you can schedule your first visit in just days.  

*Person C, O'Connor N, Koehler L, Venkatachalam K, Gaveras G; Evaluating Clinical Outcomes in Patients Being Treated Exclusively via Telepsychiatry: Retrospective Data Analysis; JMIR Form Res 2023;7:e53293; URL: https://formative.jmir.org/2023/1/e53293; DOI: 10.2196/53293.

Outcomes data based on retrospective study of de-identified data from 1,826 Talkiatry patients who completed GAD7 or PHQ8 at their first visit and one subsequent visit. The first visit was between 2/1/23 and 5/26/23. ‘Not clinically significant' defined as a GAD7/PHQ8 score less than 10.

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Frequently asked questions

Does Talkiatry take my insurance?

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.

Can I get an estimate of my visit cost?

The best way to get a detailed estimate of your cost is to contact your insurance company directly, since your cost will depend on the details of your insurance.  

For some, it’s just a co-pay. If you have an unmet deductible it could be more.  

Call the number on your insurance card and ask about your plan’s coverage for outpatient psychiatric services.

How does Talkiatry compare to face-to-face treatment?

For most patients, Talkiatry treatment is just as effective as in-person psychiatry (American Psychiatric Association, 2021), and much more convenient. That said, we don’t currently provide treatment for schizophrenia, primary eating disorder treatment, or Medication Assisted Treatment for substance use disorders.

What kind of treatment does Talkiatry provide?

At Talkiatry, we specialize in psychiatry, meaning the diagnosis and treatment of mental health conditions. Your psychiatrist will meet with you virtually on a schedule you set together, devise a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs and preferences, and work with you to adjust your plan as you meet your goals.

If your treatment plan includes medication, your psychiatrist will prescribe and manage it. If needed, your psychiatrist can also refer you to a Talkiatry therapist.

What's the difference between a therapist and psychiatrist?

Psychiatrists are doctors who have specialized training in diagnosing and treating complex mental health conditions through medication management. If you are experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, or similar, a psychiatrist may be a good place to start.  

Other signs that you should see a psychiatrist include:  

  • Your primary care doctor or another doctor thinks you may benefit from the services of a psychiatrist and provides a referral    
  • You are interested in taking medication to treat a mental health condition  
  • Your symptoms are severe enough to regularly interfere with your everyday life

The term “therapist” can apply to a range of professionals including social workers, mental health counselors, psychologists, professional counselors, marriage and family therapists, and psychoanalysts. Working with a therapist generally involves regular talk therapy sessions where you discuss your feelings, problem-solving strategies, and coping mechanisms to help with your condition.

Who can prescribe medication?

All our psychiatrists (and all psychiatrists in general) are medical doctors with additional training in mental health. They can prescribe any medication they think can help their patients. In order to find out which medications might be appropriate, they need to conduct a full evaluation. At Talkiatry, first visits are generally scheduled for 60 minutes or more to give your psychiatrist time to learn about you, work on a treatment plan, and discuss any medications that might be included.

About
Talkiatry staff

Our team of professional healthcare writers work closely with our clinical staff and are trained in scientific research methods. As a medical practice, we adhere to principles of evidence-based medicine and are dedicated to bringing you accurate, accessible, and up-to- date information.

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