What is online psychiatry?
Online psychiatry, sometimes called telepsychiatry, is a consultation with a psychiatrist over secure video. You get a specialist assessment, diagnosis and treatment plan without leaving home.
What does a psychiatrist do?
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who has specialised in mental health. Because they are doctors, psychiatrists can:
- Assess your symptoms and make a diagnosis
- Prescribe and review medication
- Consider how physical health, other medicines and mental health affect each other
- Write to your GP and recommend next steps, including talking therapies
This is different from a psychologist or counsellor, who provide talking therapies but do not usually prescribe. Happy Clinic provides psychiatric assessment and medication management, not psychological therapy. Read our guide to who to see.
Online psychiatry is often a good fit if you:
- Want an adult ADHD or autism assessment
- Have anxiety or depression that is not improving
- Would like a second opinion on a diagnosis
- Want your current medication reviewed
- Are facing a long wait for an NHS appointment
- Find it hard to get to a clinic in person
Benefits of seeing a psychiatrist online
Shorter waits
Private appointments are usually available within days. You do not need to wait for a referral.
No travel
Specialist psychiatrists are not available in every town. Online, where you live does not limit who you can see.
Fits around your life
Flexible appointment times mean less time off work and no childcare to arrange for a trip across town.
Easier when you are struggling
Anxiety, low mood or ADHD can make travelling to a clinic hard. Being in a familiar place helps many people talk openly.
Private
No one sees you in a waiting room. Consultations take place over a secure, encrypted video platform.
Full medical care
The same assessment, diagnosis, prescribing and follow-up as a face-to-face private appointment.
What you need for a video consultation
- A smartphone, tablet or computer with a camera and microphone
- A stable internet connection
- A quiet, private room where you will not be overheard
- A list of your current medicines and any previous diagnoses or letters
If the call drops, the clinic will try to reconnect with you. You can ask for a family member, partner or carer to join, where this is clinically appropriate.
Is online psychiatry safe?
Yes. Happy Clinic is registered with the Care Quality Commission, and all psychiatrists are GMC-registered with a licence to practise. Your information is handled in line with UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018.
Some medicines, including stimulant medication for ADHD, need extra checks before they can be prescribed. These can include identity verification, physical health checks such as blood pressure, and regular monitoring.
Ready to speak to a psychiatrist?
Book a secure video consultation with a GMC-registered Consultant Psychiatrist at Happy Clinic. No GP referral needed.