1. Antidepressant Medications

Major depressive disorder isn’t just a condition — depression is also a common symptom of many mental health conditions, including bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, and even sometimes schizophrenia. Antidepressant medication can help treat depression in most people. Research shows that more than 13% of adults in the United States have recently taken depression medication. 

How it works

Antidepressants can help by balancing neurotransmitters in the brain. Neurotransmitters like norepinephrine and serotonin help you sleep better, regulate mood, improve the ability to focus and concentrate, and more. In short, antidepressants can help promote a more positive mood while stabilizing emotions.

“Individuals struggling with depression, or any disorder, often struggle with the symptoms so severely they deter them from daily functioning activities. This is when medication can be helpful, as it helps manage those symptoms to a level that can allow the individual to function. Antidepressants (or any psychotropic medications) do not ‘cure’ disorders.”

Talkspace therapist Minkyung Chung, MS, LMHC

It’s really important to highlight the fact that antidepressants prescribed for depression only treat the symptoms of depression, not the root cause. To be as effective as possible, these medications should almost always be used in conjunction with talk therapy with a mental health professional and other lifestyle changes that focus on self-care. 

There are various types of antidepressants, each with its own pros and cons. This is one reason why it’s so necessary for a psychiatrist who knows you and understands your condition and symptoms to prescribe and carefully monitor antidepressant medication. 

“Antidepressant medications have evolved to have more options for people struggling with depression. It’s important to remember that there is no one-size-fits-all for any medication; this applies to antidepressants.” 

Talkspace therapist Minkyung Chung, MS, LMHC

Types of antidepressants

• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs): The most commonly used and prescribed type of antidepressant.
• Serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs): Similar to SSRIs, but instead of working on only your serotonin levels, SNRIs work on both serotonin and norepinephrine. This can be a better combination for some people.
• Noradrenergic and specific serotonergic antidepressants (NaSSAs): Newer class of psychiatric medications that might be used when SSRIs haven’t been effective. 
• Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs): An older form of antidepressants, generally not the first drug that will be tried. It can have more severe side effects than most SSRIs or SNRIs but might be effective in cases of extremely severe depression or when other medications haven’t worked.
• Serotonin antagonists and reuptake inhibitors (SARIs): More commonly used to treat other conditions, but can be used to treat anxiety.
• Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs): Another older form of mental health medication, rarely used today. 

Some commonly-prescribed antidepressant psychiatric medications include:

• Nardil (Phenelzine)
• Prozac (Fluoxetine)
• Zoloft (Sertraline)
• Effexor (Venlafaxine)
• Wellbutrin (Bupropion)
• Celexa (Citalopram)
• Lexapro (Escitalopram)
• Cymbalta (Duloxetine)
• Anafranil (Clomipramine)
• Tofranil (Imipramine)

2. Anti-Anxiety Medication

Anxiety is another common symptom that’s associated with many mental health conditions. It’s also a diagnosable mental health condition on its own — generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) — and there are many other types of anxiety disorders as well. In fact, it’s estimated that almost 40 million adults living in the United States have an anxiety disorder.  

People who struggle with high anxiety may experience debilitating panic attacks and an overall, near-constant feeling that something bad is bound to happen. For these people, anti-anxiety medication might help. 

How it works

This class of anxiety medication works by increasing the activity of certain neurotransmitters in the brain that help you feel calm and relaxed.

Types of anti-anxiety medications

• Antidepressants (including some SSRIs, SNRIs, or TCAs)
• Benzodiazepines (also called “benzos”)
• Buspirone
• Hydroxyzine
• Beta-blockers

Some commonly-prescribed antianxiety psychiatrist medications include:

• Lexapro (Escitalopram)
• Zoloft (Sertraline)
• Paxil (Paroxetine)
• Cymbalta (Duloxetine)
• Wellbutrin (Bupropion)

3. Mood Stabilizers

Mood stabilizers are prescribed for people who live with dramatic mood swings and can’t regulate their moods on their own. This includes, but isn’t limited to, people with bipolar disorder and schizoaffective disorder. 

How it works

Mood stabilizers work by altering brain activity that’s abnormally high. They can be used to prevent both depressive and manic episodes. 

Types of mood stabilizer prescription medications

• Lithium
• Anticonvulsants

Some commonly-prescribed mood stabilizers psychiatrist medications include:

• Lithobid (Lithium)
• Depakote (Sodium Valproate)
• Lamictal (Lamotrigine)

How it works

Stimulants work by increasing dopamine levels in the brain. Dopamine is the neurotransmitter associated with happiness, pleasure, and motivation. For many people with ADHD, stimulant prescription medication results in increased focus and concentration. This type of ADHD medication also might reduce impulsive behaviors.

Some commonly-prescribed stimulant psychiatrist medications include:

• Adderall, Adderall XR (Amphetamine)
• Daytrana (Methylphenidate)
• Dexedrine (Dextroamphetamine)
• Vyvanse (Lisdexamfetamine )
• Concerta, Quillivant XR, Ritalin (Methylphenidate Hydrochloride)

5. Antipsychotic medications

Antipsychotics are used to treat people who have hallucinations, either auditory, visual, or both. This means they see or hear things that aren’t real, and they’re unable to differentiate the hallucination from reality.  Antipsychotic medications are also used off-label, sometimes, for the treatment of depression, bipolar disorder, and other diagnoses.

People who experience hallucinations may have been diagnosed with schizophrenia and some types of bipolar disorder. 

How it works

Antipsychotic medications work by blocking dopamine reception in the brain. 

Whereas some of the other medications we’ve discussed increase dopamine activity, antipsychotics act to block some communications within the brain, essentially reducing abnormal communications that may be causing delusions and hallucinations. Primarily used as a schizophrenia medication, it can be extremely helpful for managing symptoms.

Some commonly-prescribed antipsychotics psychiatrist medications include:

• Seroquel (Quetiapine)
• Zyprexa (Olanzapine) 
• Abilify (Aripiprazole)
• Geodon (Ziprasidone)
• Risperdal (Risperidone)

Seeking Help from a Psychiatrist

While a psychiatrist has  to go through medical school and complete medical training to become a licensed medical doctor, this doesn’t mean a therapist isn’t more than capable of treating mental health conditions with other forms of therapy. This is one reason why therapists and psychiatrists will work closely to provide thorough, complete mental health care for a patient struggling with mental health. In-person or online therapy can be incredibly effective in treating a condition.

“Some clients end up recognizing the need for psychiatric medication management to help cope with their diagnosis. It can happen in the course of talk therapy or even before therapy starts. The important factor to remember during mental health treatment is that medication isn’t always a cure but another way to manage symptoms. It helps just enough that talk therapy can be more beneficial for the client. In that respect, psychiatrists and mental health professionals work closely to help a client.”

Talkspace therapist Minkyung Chung, MS, LMHC

Most often, prescribing medication for any type of mental health condition will yield the best results when combined with some form of psychotherapy (talk therapy). It’s also important to understand that, unlike medications for most medical conditions, it can sometimes take several weeks for medication used to improve mental health to work. It also might be necessary to try a couple (or several) different types of psychiatric medications before you find the one that works the best.

Seeking mental health treatment as early as possible has proven to lead to the most positive and effective long-term outcomes. It’s also imperative that you stay with your psychiatrist recommended medication regime, even if you start to feel better. Abruptly stopping any prescription medication can cause severe and sometimes life-threatening side effects. Additionally, symptoms can return, sometimes even worse than before.

If you’re wondering how to find a psychiatrist and begin treatment, consult with your primary care physician. They should be able to recommend a mental health professional in your area who specializes in your mental health care needs. On the other hand, you can also explore how to find a psychiatrist online if that’s a more suitable option for you.

You don’t have to suffer from the symptoms of a mental health condition. Medication prescribed by a psychiatrist can help improve your quality of life. Don’t wait to get started. Get connected with an online psychiatrist at Talkspace today.

Sources:

1. Brody, M.P.H. D, Gu, M.D., Ph.D. Q. Antidepressant use among adults: United States, 2015–2018. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Center for Health Statistics. https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db377.htm. Published 2020. Accessed June 10, 2022.  

2. Facts & Statistics | Anxiety and Depression Association of America, ADAA. Adaa.org. https://adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/facts-statistics. Published 2021. Accessed June 10, 2022.

Addiction Psychiatry

An addiction psychiatrist specializes in diagnosing and treating individuals with substance abuse and addiction issues. They work with people who have substance, behavior, or impulse-related addictions. They’re also trained to treat the many mental health conditions that often accompany  addiction (most commonly depression and anxiety). While most people associate “addiction” with alcohol and drugs, addiction psychiatrists are also trained to treat sex, gambling, food, shopping, internet, and any other addiction. 

Treatment for addiction will include examining the underlying root causes from where a specific addiction is stemming. It helps people learn to identify, process, and manage the reasons why they might be dealing with addiction. 

Psychiatrists trained in addiction can also prescribe medication if someone experiences withdrawals or if they need help managing their coexisting mental health conditions.

“An addiction psychiatrist has an additional training specialization fellowship in substance abuse disorders. They treat patients with conditions of drug, alcohol abuse, or other addiction problems that can complicate the primary diagnosis of depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder.”

Talkspace Psychiatrist Dr. Muhammad Munir.

Adolescent and Child Psychiatry

As the name implies, an adolescent and child psychiatrist deals with mental health conditions  that affect teens and children. While extremely severe mental health conditions are rarer in children, the need for mental healthcare for today’s youth is great. 

Research shows that at least 20% of children and adolescents 9 – 17 years old are living with a diagnosable mental health condition that causes some form of mild impairment, and 10% have a condition that results in significant impairment. 

Nearly 50% of serious adult mental health conditions begin by the time someone is 14, and we know that early intervention is a key predictor in reducing symptom frequency and severity. 

Child psychiatrists usually limit their practice to those aged 18 years and younger. This specialization can be challenging, as many medications commonly used to treat symptoms of some disorders in adults are not approved for use with children. Common conditions in children include mood, anxiety, behavior, and attention disorders. 

“A child and adolescent psychiatrist has additional training, research, and fellowship in child mental health disorders and behaviors, learning the early developmental challenges and different disease states. A child psychiatrist has specialized skills to take care of mental health problems in young children as well as address family conflict and issues.”

Talkspace Psychiatrist Dr. Muhammad Munir

Forensic Psychiatry

Forensic psychiatrists specialize in criminal cases and courtroom matters involving mental health issues. This type of psychiatrist can also work with inmates of correctional facilities and testify in courtroom cases. 

A forensic psychiatrist might evaluate a suspect to determine if they’re competent to stand trial. They can also assist law enforcement in working up a suspect profile to aid in an arrest or to support prosecution.

“A forensic psychiatrist has additional training and fellowship to address the legal implications of mental health disorders addressing the challenges of the legal system for a person or a family with mental health challenges.”

Talkspace Psychiatrist Dr. Muhammad Munir.

Geriatric Psychiatry

A geriatric psychiatrist specializes in mental health issues in older people, generally defined as those aged 60 and older. This type of psychiatrist often works with people who’ve been diagnosed with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.  

A primary function of geriatric psychiatry to help prevent, evaluate, and diagnose emotional and mental conditions in elderly patients. They help prevent cognitive decline as people age, and they commonly treat mental health conditions  like chronic depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions that might relate to chronic illness or aging.

Neuropsychiatry

A neuropsychiatrist deals with mental illnesses and disorders that have resulted from brain injuries and/or diseases of the brain and nervous system. They have in-depth training in how the brain itself, and brain issues, can contribute to mental health conditions. The difference between a neurologist and psychologist is one deals with physiological and the other with psychological disorders.

This type of psychiatrist offers the types of specialized treatment people with brain-related mental health conditions need. Neuropsychiatrists can also treat people with conditions that stem from brain development, such as autism, ADHD, and Tourette’s syndrome (TS).

Occupational Psychiatry (or Organizational Psychiatry)

Occupational psychiatry (also known as organizational psychiatry) deals with grief, stress, and mental challenges found in the workplace. This subspecialty of psychiatry focuses on organizational and workplace behavior, and how vital  a mentally-healthy environment is for both the people at an organization and the organization itself, too. 

Often, these types of psychiatrists work in industries with many risks, such as law enforcement. Occupational psychiatrists can help companies create policies and procedures to promote good mental health. They can also assist in training management on policies that promote positive mental health for employees.

Psychosomatic Medicine

This relatively new field of psychiatry explores the relationship between psychiatric care and other fields, such as traditional medicine, sociology, psychology, and behavioral science. Also known as consultation-liaison (C-L) psychiatry, psychosomatic medicine seeks to improve a patient’s quality of life by treating related mental and physical ailments and complaints. 

Many physical conditions, such as stress, are believed to have a mental component or cause. Examples of psychosomatic disorders or conditions can include stress that causes migraines, impotence, ulcers, or respiratory ailments. Psychosomatic medicine blends the lines of traditional medicine and psychiatry. C-L psychiatry can involve diagnosing, therapy, and research. 

Finding the Right Psychiatrist for You

Knowing the different types of psychiatrists is essential to finding the right doctor to best help you with your mental health. 

To find a psychiatrist in the right field, you can start with your primary care physician. They can likely recommend a mental health professional with expertise in the area of psychiatry that best applies to you.

You can also search for online therapy and support groups that offer recommendations for specific types of psychiatrists in your area. The most important thing to understand is that help is out there for any mental health condition you’re dealing with, and you deserve to find it. 

Sources:

1. Mental Illness. National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/mental-illness#part_2539. Published 2022. Accessed June 6, 2022.

2. Mental Health Disorders in Adolescents. Acog.org. https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/committee-opinion/articles/2017/07/mental-health-disorders-in-adolescents. Published 2017. Accessed June 6, 2022.

3. Kessler R, Berglund P, Demler O, Jin R, Merikangas K, Walters E. Lifetime Prevalence and Age-of-Onset Distributions of DSM-IV Disorders in the National Comorbidity Survey Replication. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2005;62(6):593. doi:10.1001/archpsyc.62.6.593. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15939837/. Accessed June 6, 2022.

Tip 3: Avoid Self-Diagnosis

It doesn’t matter if you researched and think you’ve determined the name of the condition that’s affecting you. Even though it may be tempting, this can be a dangerous practice. You’re free to take a mental health test to better understand your symptoms but be cautious of declaring yourself as someone with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder unless you have a real diagnosis.

“Don’t judge yourself — we all have our share of struggles and issues at certain points of our life.”

Talkspace psychiatrist Muhammad Munir, MD, DFAPA

In order to get the most from your appointment, it’s important to let the psychiatrist lead the process. They’re trying to assess your condition so they can create the best treatment plan possible for you. For now, give the psychiatrist the opportunity to diagnose you, as they were trained to make these assessments.

Maybe you’ll continue therapy beyond your first psychiatric appointment, and if so, you might bring up the conditions you’ve self-diagnosed then. For now, slow down and try to be patient. Talking to a psychiatrist is the best way you can get the medication and treatment you need.

Tip 4: Don’t Expect Miracles

Healing takes time. Your psychiatrist may not get the perfect treatment plan in place the first time you see them. Together, however, you can find a plan that works. 

Be open to the idea that you’ll need to be patient while the process works. You may need to change medications or begin talk therapy sessions with a psychologist or therapist before you start seeing a difference in how you think, feel, and act. It’s not always easy, and psychiatrists aren’t miracle workers, but together, you can find a plan that’s as effective as possible in treating your condition. 

One important caveat: If the first appointment with your new psychiatrist doesn’t resonate with you, then you may want to consider finding someone else.  

Find a doctor who you can be yourself around and feel comfortable with. It’s true you may not see results on day 1, but you should feel like you’re talking to a psychiatrist you can relate to and trust. If that’s not there, and you don’t see yourself getting there, then you might need to think about finding someone else. You want someone who’ll listen to you, especially when you get to the point that you’re discussing how your medication is working in the future. 

Tip 5: Trust the Process

Your psychiatrist is going to become a trusted confidant to your innermost secrets, feelings, and emotions. They need to be someone you can trust and open up to completely without reservation. 

When you work with the right person, you’ll find that (albeit sometimes slowly), you’ll make progress. Trust the process, and trust in your doctor’s ability. You’re doing difficult work — honor that dedication by being patient with yourself and knowing that your efforts, and your treatment plan, will pay off. 

“It’s not easy, it’s not fast, but you will get better and overcome the struggles.”

Talkspace Psychiatrist Muhammad Munir, MD, DFAPA

Learning how to talk to a psychiatrist is important if you’re getting ready to start on your journey towards healing. You’re brave, confident, and have already taken the first huge step — making the appointment. Now, you’re ready to get there. You’ve got this.  

When it comes to insurance, premiums, medical bills, and anything else that’s healthcare-related, many people feel confused and overwhelmed. While yes, things can be convoluted and confusing, most of the time you just need a quick, simple, and easy-to-understand explanation to make sense of it all. This is true when it comes to the idea behind a Superbill, too. If you’ve heard the term, but you still find yourself asking what is a Superbill, keep reading. 

We’re explaining what a Superbill is, how it works with your insurance plan, and how you can submit one if you’re looking to be reimbursed for out-of-pocket costs to on-site or online therapy or psychiatry. Are you a therapist or psychiatrist who needs help creating a Superbill? We’ll look at that, too. 

Read on for the ultimate guide to Superbills. 

Superbill Definition

A Superbill definition is simple to understand. Superbills are essentially just receipts for therapy or other healthcare services you get from an out-of-network therapist, psychiatrist, counselor, or doctor. Therapy and psychiatry Superbills are created so you can submit an official receipt of your qualified expenses to your health insurance company for reimbursement. Once the insurance company receives your Superbill, they’ll determine how much, if any, the money you’re entitled to. 

How do Superbills work?

Superbills can also be referred to as a claim form, fee ticket, encounter ticket, invoice, receipt, or statement of service. They differ from normal claims because of how they’re handled by insurance companies. 

Normally, a therapist or psychiatrist would submit a claim to an insurance company, which would then pay them directly for their services. With a Superbill, however, you’re paid by your insurance company as reimbursement for services you’ve already paid to the therapist or psychiatrist. Most often, you would have paid them at the time of your appointment in order to protect the therapist or psychiatrist and guarantee that they’re compensated. 

If an insurance company gets a Superbill, they generally assume the health care provider has been paid and that the amount submitted on the Superbill should be paid out to you. 

For specific information regarding Superbills for Talkspace services, refer to this article.

Why are Superbills used for therapy and psychiatry?

Sometimes therapists and psychiatrists want to use Superbills because the process can be quicker and easier than becoming an in-network provider. Of course, actually being on an insurance provider panel can be great — it allows therapists and psychiatrists to be more accessible to those who have insurance or to those who can’t afford to pay out-of-pocket for therapy or psychiatry. 

“Superbills can be a great way to be fully or partially reimbursed for the cost of your out-of-pocket therapy and psychiatry expenses. Therapy can often be a luxury reserved for those with the privilege to afford it; however, the option of using a superbill can truly make therapy completely affordable to all.”

Talkspace Therapist Ashley Ertel, LCSW, BCD, CDBT

The process to get on an insurer’s provider panel isn’t always as easy as it could be. It can take a long time, and it can be complicated. Especially if there are multiple insurers in the area. Each provider panel requires a separate and individual application. Superbills let therapists and psychiatrists take insurance from patients even if they’re not on a preferred provider in-network list. 

Superbills can be an effective option for therapists and psychiatrists who: 

• Are busy and don’t have time to get on a provider panel
• Don’t have any interest in joining a panel
• Haven’t been accepted to a provider panel yet
• Don’t want to join every provider panel
• Would like to be on multiple panels, but don’t have the resources or time to join them all

What’s Included in a Superbill?

A Superbill receipt (also known as a statement) will have a few key pieces of information, including:

• Date or dates of service or services 
• Fee for services
• Information about the therapist, psychiatrist, or practice
• Information about the person receiving treatment
• A formal CPT code or codes — based on the American Medical Association code; used to identify and treat medical procedures and illnesses
• A diagnosis code or codes — ICD-10 code; DX
• Information about a referring doctor (if any) 
• Total amount billed 
• The therapist’s or psychiatrist’s

How to interpret one as a client

If you’re getting a Superbill from your therapist or psychiatrist, there’s some important patient information that needs to be included. All the above must be present, along with specific demographic information that your therapist may or may not have about you. 

Keep in mind, if they don’t take insurance, a therapist or psychiatrist might not have all the necessary patient information from you to completely fill out the Superbill. Make sure that your Superbill has your first and last name, address, phone number, date of birth, and ICD-10 code.

If you need a Superbill from your therapist or psychiatrist, know that many don’t openly offer them. It’s perfectly fine for you to request one, though. Once you have the Superbill and you’ve verified all the information is there, you can easily submit it to your insurance. It is important to note that a Superbill does not guarantee reimbursement from your insurance company. Reimbursement depends on several factors, including your insurance provider policies.

“Medical documentation can sometimes feel overwhelming. Think of your superbill as a receipt for the services you have paid for. It will include the dates of your sessions along with the billing codes and the price paid. It will also include contact information for your therapist or psychiatrist in case the insurance company has additional questions.”

Talkspace Therapist Ashley Ertel, LCSW, BCD, CDBT

How to make one as a therapist or psychiatrist

Once you understand the Superbill definition, making one for a client isn’t hard. You can find software that makes the process incredibly simple. If you go this route, be sure that the software’s designed with privacy protection safeguards in place. Any name brand, good quality software will do this, but it’s something to be aware of when you’re looking. 

You can also make your own Superbill template easily. To create this document for insurers, you just need to list some detailed, specific information about the services you’ve provided. You will want to include some or all the following information.

Information about you and your services:

• Your first and last name
• Your business name
• Your mailing address and other contact information (email and phone number)
• Your Employer Identification Number (EIN) or Federal Tax ID Number
• Your license number authorizing you to practice in your state
• Your signature

Information about your client:

• Your client’s first and last name
• Your client’s date of birth
• The diagnosis code (ICD-10 Code)

Information about the services:

• Date of service
• The Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) to accurately describe services — note the codes for psychological services can be different
• A detailed description of services
• Charges for services
• The Place of Service Code — commonly used codes for therapists are:
  • 2 (telehealth)
  • 11 (office)
  • 12 (home)

Note some of the following additional tips:

• You might also include details about diagnoses
• You’ll likely need to submit individual Superbills for each session
• Be sure you’re issuing ICD-10 Superbills using the latest versions of diagnostic codes

Does Insurance Cover Superbills? 

Either you or your provider might submit a Superbill. Regardless of who does so, the insurer will remit payment to the client. They’ll assume that it’s for reimbursement of services you’ve already paid. Your insurer will verify any healthcare benefits you have to determine any amount that’s due. 

Your insurance will consider the following:

• If you have a copayment: If you have a copayment due for mental health care services, the reimbursement will be factored by subtracting whatever that amount is from the total amount you paid your therapist or psychiatrist.
• If you have any deductible: Any deductibles need to be met before reimbursements are made. After the deductible amount is surpassed, your insurance will begin to reimburse you for additional payments.
• How timely the Superbill was filed: Insurance companies allot a certain timeframe for Superbills to be turned in. If you submit a Superbill past that deadline (for example, it could be 90 days after the date of service), your healthcare claim will be denied. 

How to Submit a Superbill

To submit a Superbill, you need to understand the specific requirements set forth by your insurance company. You should call your insurer directly to verify your benefits and submit the Superbill. To contact your insurance, check the back of your membership card and look for the number listed for “Member Services” or “Members.”

Frist, you’ll want to verify:

• What your out-of-network insurance benefits for therapy are
• How you should submit your Superbill
• That the insurance company has your home address — this is very important if you’ll be receiving a check for your reimbursement

Next, you should ask: 

• Do you need pre-authorization?
• Do you have a co-payment?
• Do you have a deductible? If so, what is it?
• How much have you earned toward your deductible this year?
• Do you have co-insurance?
• How long do you have to meet the “timely filing” window?
• What is the proper fax number and/or mailing address to submit the Superbill?
• Does the insurance company have a portal you can use to electronically submit Superbills? If so, how can you gain access to it? You might need an invite.

*NOTE: You may want to review the above questions with your insurance provider before you have your first appointment so you’ll be able to estimate what your therapy will cost you. 

To submit the Superbill:

You might be able to submit your Superbill in the following ways:

1. Fax the Superbill with a cover letter to your insurance company
2. Mail the Superbill to your insurance company
3. Upload the Superbill to the insurance company’s portal

“For my clients who have been able to utilize a superbill for reimbursement, it was as simple as faxing the required documentation to their insurance company for reimbursement. The first step is to call your insurance provider to determine how they would like to receive the superbill and if they have any additional requirements.”

Talkspace Therapist Ashley Ertel, LCSW, BCD, CDBT

With the help of a Superbill, you may be able to more affordably start getting the therapy you need and start seeing a therapist or psychiatrist who can help you change your life for the better. If you’re looking for online therapy that takes insurance, get connected at Talkspace and check your eligibility today.

Sources:

1. Are You a Covered Entity? | CMS. Cms.gov. https://www.cms.gov/Regulations-and-Guidance/Administrative-Simplification/HIPAA-ACA/AreYouaCoveredEntity. Published 2021. Accessed December 4, 2021.

2. ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines For Coding And Reporting FY 2020. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services; 2020. https://www.cms.gov/Medicare/Coding/ICD10/Downloads/2020-Coding-Guidelines.pdf.  Published 2020. Accessed December 4, 2021.

3. CPT – CPT Codes – Current Procedural Terminology – AAPC. Aapc.com. https://www.aapc.com/resources/medical-coding/cpt.aspx. Published 2021. Accessed December 6, 2021.

How Would a Psychiatrist Help?

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in the assessment, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of mental, behavioral, and emotional disorders. It takes about 10-12 years of training to become a psychiatrist. The path is intense, and it requires university studies, medical school, the completion of a field residency, and the passing of board exams to achieve this Doctorate of Medicine (MD) credential. In order to specialize in certain areas like child and adolescent psychiatry, substance-abuse, geriatrics, and forensic psychiatry, additional years of specialty training is required.

A psychiatrist is qualified to not only make an accurate mental diagnosis, but their medical school training also enables them to assess physical aspects that may be contributing to a patient’s psychological concerns. Another important role of a psychiatrist is they’re able to prescribe medication to treat mental health conditions. Note this is a primary difference between a psychiatrist and a clinical psychologist. A mental health medication is commonly taken along with appropriate therapies to alleviate symptoms and/or alter negative emotions, unrealistic thinking, or consequential behaviors. Research has proven over years that combining medication and therapy leads to much more effective, long lasting and beneficial outcomes than any of the treatment alone.

It can be difficult for some people to know when to see a psychiatrist. Determining if you’re overburdened and just need to take a mental health break, or if something deeper is going on can feel overwhelming. 

“It’s never too late to take care of yourself. Don’t wait, delay, or ignore anything that might improve your mental wellbeing.”

Talkspace Psychiatrist Dr. Muhammad Munir

If you’re wondering, “Do I need a psychiatrist?” considering some key indicators below can help you come to a decision. Each of these are signals that it might be time to look for help. Mental health conditions do not indicate a personal failure. Rather, they can be directly linked to several factors that can be environmental or lifestyle. Some of the main reasons people may decide to seek help from a psychiatrist or mental health provider can include:

• Genetics (hereditary)
• Environmental stressors
• A chemical imbalance within the brain
• An undiagnosed brain trauma or brain infection
• Alcohol and/or drug abuse
• Prenatal or fetal brain damage during birth
• Postpartum depression 
• Poor nutrition 
• Exposure to toxins

Reasons to Consult With a Psychiatrist

Answering the question: Do I need a psychiatrist?

Remember: it’s not a sign of weakness, but a show of both strength and humility if you’re willing to reach out for help. Continuing negative behaviors or thought patterns can be detrimental and have long-lasting consequences. Early intervention and a willingness to get a mental health professional’s guidance is the best thing you can do for yourself and your loved ones.

The following signs may indicate it’s time to seek professional help:

• Difficulty regulating emotions or thought patterns
• Trouble controlling your emotions
• Unexplained or sudden health issues or physical illness
• Not performing efficiently or effectively at work or school
• Sudden changes in sleep patterns or appetite
• Excessive fears or extreme and constant worry
• Struggling to build and maintain relationships
• Unhealthy changes in sex drive or treatment of the opposite sex
• Engaging in risky behavior
• Nightmares 
• Detachment from reality, delusions, paranoia, or hallucinations
• A life-changing trauma (assault, car accident)
• Loss of interest in activities 
• Increased self-isolation
• Grieving (that immobilizes for a long period)
• Increased substance abuse to alleviate symptoms (drugs, alcohol)
• Having suicidal thoughts or self-harm
• Continuous or frequent anger (for periods longer than six months)
• Excessive worry and/or anxiety
• Threats to self or others

The list above can help you determine whether you should decide to see a psychiatrist or mental health professional. But sometimes things aren’t always so clear. You might also be experiencing general life circumstances that are naturally difficult to handle. For example, relationships with people who have specific personalities (like introverts), who have no living family relations, who have extremely low self-esteem, or who’ve experienced childhood trauma, can all affect your own mental health.

Regardless of the reason you might be thinking of seeking help from a psychiatrist, there is absolutely no shame in doing so. You should be proud of yourself for focusing on self-care and recognizing your own mental health needs. 

How to Find a Psychiatrist in Your Area

Knowing when to see a psychiatrist shouldn’t be stressful or hard, and knowing how to find a psychiatrist can be simple, too. Ways to find a psychiatrist in your area include:

• Asking friends and family members for a recommendation
• Searching online for a psychiatrist near you
• Calling and interviewing potential psychiatrists 
• Having a clear idea in your mind about what you want to accomplish in therapy
• Not being afraid to meet with multiple providers so you can find the right fit 

If meeting in person makes getting help more difficult, you still have options. Both a diagnosis and treatment can be delivered via online therapy. However, if it’s a child showing symptoms of mental health problems, you will need to research what a child psychiatrist is and where to find one.

Today, online mental health providers make it easy for you to get the help you need and deserve. Being in the comfort of your home when speaking to a psychiatrist has many benefits. Online mental health treatment is:

• More accessible for those with physical limitations
• Convenient for busy schedules
• Private and confidential for those who feel hesitant to talk about their condition
• Affordable — many now even accept insurance

According to the American Psychological Association (APA), there’s a growing wave of online mental health therapy providers that offer both flexibility and affordability in treatment. In the past, online therapy may have once been time- or cost-prohibitive. Similar to telemedicine, telepsychology services can be delivered by phone, webcam (videoconferencing), FaceTime, smartphone, email, or text messaging. Nowadays, psychiatry costs are more affordable, making mental health more accessible.

If you’d rather find a psychiatrist to physically visit in your area, a good place to start is with a referral from your primary care doctor or insurance company. And of course, you can always do a quick internet search to find local options for the mental health provider serving your community online, within a hospital setting, or in a private office.