Patient Guide
How Telepsychiatry Works
Psychiatric care without the commute, the waiting room, or the time off work, anywhere in California.
How It Works
Three Steps From Booking to Treatment
Book Online
Pick a time in our secure IntakeQ portal. Fill out short intake forms from your phone or computer. No referral is needed.
Meet by Video
At your visit time, click the link in your email. You meet by private, encrypted video from any quiet spot in California.
Start Treatment
Leave with a clear plan. Prescriptions go to your pharmacy electronically the same day, and follow-up visits keep your progress on track.
Telehealth Benefits
Convenience comes first. You join from your own space, with no commute and no time lost in traffic. Visits run Monday to Sunday, by appointment only, which adds real flexibility. Many people also find it easier to open up in a familiar place.
Telepsychiatry is also more private. There is no clinic parking lot and no shared waiting room. There is no chance of running into someone you know.
Is telepsychiatry as good as in-person care?
For evaluation, medication management and therapy, studies show telehealth works as well as in-person care for most patients. People also tend to miss fewer visits when they do not have to travel.
Emergencies are the exception. A crisis always needs 911 or 988 right away. See our crisis resources for more places to get help.
What You Need
- A phone, tablet or computer with a camera and microphone
- A quiet, private space
- An internet or cellular data connection
- To be physically in California at the time of your visit
Preparing for Your Video Visit
A few minutes of setup makes the visit go smoothly. Charge your device, close other apps and test your camera and microphone. Sit facing a window or lamp so your face is easy to see, and use headphones if others are nearby.
Have a list of your current medicines ready, along with your pharmacy name and address. Write down your top questions so nothing is missed. If a parent, partner or caregiver is joining, decide ahead of time which parts of the visit you want to have alone.
Privacy and Security
Your visit runs on encrypted video built for health care, and you fill out forms in a secure patient portal. You control the room you are in. A closed door, a parked car or a white noise machine outside the door can help you speak freely.
Medical privacy law protects your records. Because we are private pay, no insurance claims are sent about your care. Our Notice of Privacy Practices explains how your information is handled, and you can ask about privacy at any visit.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the video visit private and secure?
Yes. Visits run through encrypted video built for health care. No part of your session is recorded.
Can prescriptions really be sent without an office visit?
Yes. E-prescriptions go straight to your California pharmacy. That includes controlled medicines when clinically appropriate and allowed under current telehealth rules. Your prescriber decides what fits your care.
What if my connection drops?
We reconnect or switch to a phone call to finish the visit. A tech problem never costs you your appointment.
Can a family member join my visit?
Yes, with your consent. They can join from the same room or from a separate link. This is common for child, teen and senior visits.
Can I have my video visit from my car or my office at work?
Yes, as long as you are in a private spot where you can talk openly. A parked car works well for many people. Never join a visit while driving.
What if I am traveling outside California on the day of my visit?
You must be physically in California at the time of every visit, even if you live here. If you will be out of state, please reschedule with at least 48 hours of notice. That way you are not charged a late fee.
Will I need lab work if I am seen online?
Some medicines call for lab tests or basic health checks before or during treatment. If yours does, your prescriber will explain what is needed and why. They will also tell you how to arrange it.
How do I test my camera and microphone before the visit?
Open your camera app to check the picture, and record a short voice memo to check the sound. Make sure your browser is allowed to use both. Joining a few minutes early gives you time to fix any problems.