Does Health Insurance in Texas Cover Telehealth for Psychiatry?

Many psychiatrists and psychiatric care professionals offer their services via Telehealth – using secure video technology to offer consultations and help support patients no matter where they live. AvemaPsych & Medical PLLC offers many of our services via Telehealth, and many of our patients come not only from the Rosenberg and Sugar Land area, but from all throughout the state of Texas.

“Texas, as a whole, has embraced Telehealth for psychiatric coverage” says Lauren, an insurance agent in Conroe, TX. “While individual plans may vary and everyone’s individual coverage may be different, many forms of private insurance welcome the idea of obtaining psychiatric care through Telehealth.”

Telehealth is covered by a large number of insurance policies, which means that no matter where you are in, you can get access to the treatment you need.

Why Has Texas Embraced Video Psychiatry?

There are many reasons that Texas – and insurance agencies in the state – have chosen to accept TeleHealth coverage. One reason is that the state of Texas is enormous, and many regions of the state have limited access to psychiatric care. 185 counties did not have access to a psychiatrist according to this 2015 article by the Hogg Foundation. Telehealth opens the door for this type of coverage, without requiring a psychiatrist move to these remote locations.

In addition, Telehealth can help insurance agencies save money. There are many factors that go into the cost of medical care and medical coverage, including the cost of an office, staff, and more. Insurance agencies typically have to pay less when a patient chooses to receive their medical care via video psychiatry, saving them money while also improving access to patient care.

Why Have We Embraced TeleHealth?

While we do see patients in person here at AvemaPsych & Medical PLLC, we have embraced Telehealth ourselves. We believe that patients benefit from this style of support, because it offers:

• More Comfort – Honestly and thoroughness is important for better mental health care, and since patients are at home, they tend to find it easier to be honest and forthright.
• Less Distress – When you do not have to run to an office, it is easier to make it to all your appointments and feel comfortable as soon as the appointment is over.
• Faster Care – For patients that need more urgent support, it is generally easier to schedule a time for TeleHealth than in-person care.

AvemaPsych & Medical PLLC continues to offer psychiatric services in the Houston region. For more information about our mental health services, please contact us, today.