“Do I Really Need an Evaluation?” When Questions About Your Mental Health Keep You Stuck
Online therapy for all ages in MD, VA, GA, MI, and IL
What are telepsychiatry services?
Telepsychiatry services are a way to provide mental health care through secure video or phone appointments instead of in-person visits. This includes psychiatric assessments, medication management, follow-up care, and ongoing therapy—all done virtually.
An online psychiatric evaluation is often the first step in telepsychiatry. During this appointment, a licensed psychiatric provider meets with you to learn about your symptoms, history, and goals. From there, they can make a diagnosis, recommend treatment options, and, if appropriate, prescribe medication.
At Backpack Healthcare, our telepsychiatry services make it easier for kids, teens, and adults to access mental health care without the long wait times or the need to travel. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, ADHD, or mood disorders, an online psychiatric evaluation helps you begin treatment quickly and from the comfort of your home.
What are the problems with telepsychiatry?
While telepsychiatry has many advantages, it also comes with challenges. Some potential problems include:
Technology Barriers
Reliable internet and private space are essential for smooth sessions.
Insurance Coverage
Not all plans cover telepsychiatry equally, though access is improving.
Emergency Limitations
Telepsychiatry isn’t a replacement for immediate crisis or inpatient care.
Can telepsychiatry prescribe medication?
Yes. One of the biggest benefits of telepsychiatry is that providers can prescribe medications when clinically appropriate. After an online psychiatric evaluation, your provider may recommend medication as part of your treatment plan.
Through secure telehealth platforms, psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners are able to:
- Prescribe new medications.
- Refill or adjust current prescriptions.
- Monitor side effects and progress.
- Coordinate care with your therapist or primary care provider.
At Backpack Healthcare, our team is trained to ensure safe, effective prescribing practices. If medication is recommended, we combine it with therapy, coping strategies, and holistic support to give you the best chance at long-term wellness. An online psychiatric evaluation doesn’t just focus on medication—it looks at the whole picture of your mental health needs.
Which client may be the most appropriate candidate for telepsychiatry?
Telepsychiatry can benefit a wide range of people, but the most appropriate candidates are those who:
-
Have difficulty accessing in-person care due to distance, mobility challenges, or transportation issues.
-
Prefer the privacy and comfort of attending appointments from home.
-
Need flexible scheduling to balance school, work, or family responsibilities.
-
Struggle with conditions such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar disorder, or PTSD.
For many, an online psychiatric evaluation is the best way to start treatment quickly. Teens who feel anxious about meeting providers face-to-face often find virtual sessions less intimidating. Adults juggling work and family appreciate the convenience. Parents caring for kids can avoid long drives or missed school days.
However, telepsychiatry may not be the best option in every case. Individuals in immediate crisis or those requiring inpatient care may need in-person support. That’s why at Backpack Healthcare, we carefully evaluate each client during the online psychiatric evaluation to determine the safest and most effective path forward.
Real Help, Real Fast: How Backpack Healthcare Works
We believe getting help should be easy, effective, and inclusive. That’s why Backpack Healthcare offers:
Same-day appointments in MD, VA, GA, MI (and soon IL)
Virtual therapy you can access from home, school, or work
Support in over 250 languages
A self-care app powered by AI that helps between sessions
In-school therapy services (Maryland)
Clinicians who are employees, not contractors—so your care is consistent and connected
Coverage with Medicaid and most major insurances, including Aetna, Anthem, CareFirst, Evernorth, and MedStar
Evidence-Based Therapy That Actually Works
At Backpack, our licensed clinicians use clinically validated approaches tailored to the needs of each age group:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Helps clients of all ages identify unhelpful thought patterns, learn coping strategies, and make lasting changes in behavior and mindset.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Teaches emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal skills—especially helpful for teens and adults facing intense emotions or relationship challenges.
Parent Coaching & Family Therapy
Mental health affects the whole family. We offer support to parents and families to improve communication, boundaries, and connection.
Mindfulness and Somatic Strategies
Especially effective for teens and adults, these tools teach body awareness, grounding techniques, and emotional regulation.
Whether you’re feeling stuck, struggling to connect with your child, or simply want things to feel lighter—Backpack Healthcare is here to help.
Start online therapy today with Backpack Healthcare.
We’re fast, inclusive, and rooted in care that actually makes a difference.
Accepting Medicaid & most insurance
App + chat tools to support you between sessions
Same-day scheduling available
Serving MD, VA, GA, MI, and IL
In-Network
Insurances
Frequently Asked Questions
We have a diverse staff of specialists, including counselors, psychiatric nurse practitioners and social workers, who can address your child’s specific challenge. We also offer family counseling. Our goal is to make sure you get an appointment when you need it. – usually within 5 days.
We have the ability to diagnose disorders, provide cognitive talk therapy and prescribe medication. Whatever your child is struggling with, we have a specialist to help.
Yes. We provide cognitive talk therapy including medication management/psychiatry.
Medicaid will cover at 100% with no patient responsibility. Commercial insurance plans such as Aetna, Cigna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, United Healthcare and Tricare may apply a co-pay, deductible or coinsurance that you would be responsible for.
We are in-network with ALL Medicaid Managed Care Organizations such as Aetna Better Health, AMERIGROUP Community Care, CareFirst BlueCross Blue Shield Community Health Plan Maryland, Jai Medical Systems, Maryland Physicians Care, MedStar Family Choice, Priority Partners and United Healthcare Community Plan. If you have Maryland Medicaid and your insurance is not listed, please go to https://maryland.optum.com/ and search MCO for the updated list of accepted insurances. If you have Virginia Medicaid and your insurance is not listed, please go to https://vamedicaid.dmas.virginia.gov/provider/mco#gsc.tab=0 and search MCO for the updated list of accepted insurances. We also accept commercial insurance plans such as Aetna, Cigna, BlueCross BlueShield ( BCBS) United Healthcare ( UHC ) and Tricare East Region.
If your insurance is Out of Network, you are welcomed to pay at our reasonably priced self-pay rates and a HCFA-1500 claim form can be provided for you to submit to your insurance for reimbursement.
You have the choice to pay our reasonably priced self-pay rates at each individual or family session or you can save more by joining our discounted 3 Month Subscription plan. Please see rates and plan description HERE
Our counselors are licensed, trained, and experienced, and have the ability to make diagnoses, provide therapy and prescribe medication. All therapists are licensed in Maryland.
To give you faster access to care, all sessions are conducted remotely. You can choose a video conference through a secure patient portal or an audio phone call.
We believe in the power of telehealth — to help patients feel more comfortable, to make appointments more accessible, and to keep therapy on track. For that reason, in-office visits are not available. But we may revisit that decision over time.
Yes. Our model is designed so that you can get an appointment in less than 5 days through our scheduling portal. We are also available by text, email and our patient portal messaging.
Yes, however you can request to transfer to a different therapist if you’d like.
Our model is designed to give you faster access to care. Chances are you can get an appointment in less than 5 days. If you are in crisis, do not use this site. Please call 988 or use this resource to get immediate help.
We are available by remote video and audio sessions. Of course, your therapist is available via text, email and our patient portal messaging whenever you may need them.
We have a 24-hour cancellation policy. In the interest of providing fast, accessible care to all our patients, “no shows” may be charged a $50 fee.
Healing Starts Now
Three simple steps to get started.
Step 1. Fill Out The Form
Complete the form below and a member of our team will be in touch.
Step 2. Schedule Your Consultation
Begin your intake process and get matched with a provider.
Step 3. Feel Like You Again
Begin regular sessions with your provider and start your healing journey.