Online Psychiatry for Adults Across Texas

Board-certified adult psychiatry by secure telehealth, available to any adult physically located in Texas. SLS Psychiatry is based in Southlake, TX and sees patients statewide by video.

Telepsychiatry, telehealth psychiatry, virtual psychiatrist — what’s the difference?

None, in practice. Telepsychiatry, telehealth psychiatry, online psychiatry, and seeing a “virtual psychiatrist” all describe the same thing: a real appointment with a licensed, board-certified psychiatrist conducted by secure video instead of in an exam room. In Texas, the requirements are the same either way — the psychiatrist must hold a Texas license, and you must be physically located in Texas at the time of the visit.

For adult outpatient care — evaluation, diagnosis, and medication management — research consistently finds telepsychiatry outcomes comparable to in-person care. And because SLS Psychiatry is based in the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex, patients in Dallas and Fort Worth can combine secure video visits with in-person appointments at our Southlake office whenever that is the better fit.

Conditions treated by telehealth

  • Initial psychiatric evaluation
  • Medication management & follow-up
  • Depression & mood disorders
  • Anxiety & PTSD
  • Adult ADHD evaluation & treatment
  • Sleep & insomnia
  • Women's mental health
  • Substance use support

Insurance accepted

  • UnitedHealthcare
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Cigna
  • Aetna
  • Medicare (all plans)
  • Curative (eligible plans)
  • Self-pay welcomed
  • Superbill on request

Requirements for a telehealth visit

  • Must be physically located in Texas at the time of appointment
  • Smartphone, tablet, or computer with camera and microphone
  • Quiet, private space for the duration of the visit
  • Adults 18 and older only

Important note on controlled substances

Most non-controlled psychiatric medications can be prescribed and managed by telehealth. Controlled substances — including stimulants, benzodiazepines, and certain sleep medications — are a case-by-case conversation determined after a careful evaluation, not guaranteed.

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to be in Texas for a telehealth appointment?

Yes — psychiatric licensing is state-bound. You must be physically located in Texas at the time of each appointment. Most patients are Texas residents, but someone traveling out of state temporarily would need to reschedule until they return.

Is an online psychiatrist as effective as seeing one in person?

For adult outpatient psychiatry — evaluation, diagnosis, and medication management — telepsychiatry has repeatedly been shown to produce outcomes comparable to in-person care. The visit is the same conversation with the same board-certified psychiatrist; only the room changes. We are also honest about the exceptions: situations that need a physical exam, higher-acuity care, or certain controlled-substance decisions may call for an in-person visit.

Can I get a prescription through telehealth in Texas?

Most non-controlled psychiatric medications — SSRIs, SNRIs, atypical antidepressants, mood stabilizers, non-stimulant ADHD medications, and others — can be prescribed and managed by telehealth for adults in Texas. Controlled substances (stimulants, benzodiazepines, certain sleep medications) are a separate conversation: whether they are appropriate at all, and whether they can be prescribed by telehealth in your specific situation, is decided after a careful evaluation. We are transparent about this upfront.

What technology do I need for a virtual psychiatrist visit?

A smartphone, tablet, or computer with a working camera and microphone is all you need. You will receive a secure link before your appointment — there is nothing to download or install. Most people use a phone or laptop from a private room at home or in their parked car.

Does insurance cover telehealth psychiatry in Texas?

Yes. We accept Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, Medicare (all plans), and eligible Curative plans for both telehealth and in-person visits, billed the same way. Self-pay is also available. You can verify your coverage online in about two minutes through our insurance verification form.

Can I switch between telehealth and in-person visits?

Yes. Many patients see us by telehealth for follow-up visits and come in person for an initial evaluation, or alternate based on schedule and preference. The Southlake office is off State Highway 114, accessible from Dallas, Fort Worth, and the surrounding DFW suburbs.

How long does an initial online psychiatric evaluation take?

Initial psychiatric evaluations are 60–75 minutes. We reserve this time to hear your full history, discuss symptoms in context, review medications and prior treatment, and build a plan together. Follow-up visits are typically 20–40 minutes depending on complexity.

I'm not near Southlake — can I still be seen?

Yes — that is precisely the point of telehealth. We see adults from across Texas: patients in Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, Austin, San Antonio, El Paso, Lubbock, the Permian Basin, and rural areas where outpatient psychiatry is in short supply. As long as you are in Texas and 18 or older, you can be seen.

How quickly can I see an online psychiatrist in Texas?

Initial evaluations are typically scheduled within one to two weeks of intake — often much faster than local waitlists, which in many Texas metros stretch to months. Follow-ups run every 1–3 months once stable, sooner during a medication change.