Telehealth psychiatry in Pennsylvania

Telehealth psychiatry in Pennsylvania

I treat anxiety, depression, ADHD and related conditions by secure video for children 6 and older, teens and adults anywhere in Pennsylvania. Care starts with a full psychiatric evaluation, followed by medication management with supportive therapy during visits.

At a glance
Who I see
Children 6 and older, teens and adults located in Pennsylvania
Visits
Secure video. Initial evaluation about 60 minutes, follow-ups about 30 minutes
Payment
Insurance through Headway, or private pay: $360 initial evaluation, $185 follow-up
Languages
English and Russian
The short answer

Telehealth care for anxiety and depression anywhere in Pennsylvania

Clarity MindCare offers telehealth psychiatric services for anxiety and depression to people located anywhere in Pennsylvania, from Philadelphia and the surrounding counties to the Lehigh Valley, Harrisburg, Pittsburgh and Erie. I am Izabella Alpert, a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP-BC) based in Pennsylvania. I evaluate, diagnose and treat, and I coordinate with therapists and primary care providers when patients have them.

Insurance is accepted through Headway with plans including Independence Blue Cross, Highmark BCBS, Capital Blue Cross, Geisinger, Aetna, Cigna and UnitedHealthcare. Private pay is also available. Details are on Insurance & Fees.

How care works

From first visit to follow-up

All visits are by secure video, from home or anywhere private in Pennsylvania.

A full evaluation

The first visit is a psychiatric evaluation of about 60 minutes covering symptoms, history, past treatments, sleep, health and goals.

A plan that fits

The plan may include medication, supportive therapy during visits, sleep and lifestyle changes, and coordination with a therapist or primary care provider.

Regular follow-up

Follow-up visits are about 30 minutes. They are more frequent when starting or changing a medication and less frequent once things are stable.

Pennsylvania

What to know about care in Pennsylvania

Anxiety

Treatment for generalized anxiety, panic, social anxiety and related concerns usually combines medication, often an SSRI or SNRI, with practical skills and, when helpful, a referral for therapy. Benzodiazepines, when used at all, are prescribed only on an as-needed basis. More on anxiety treatment.

Depression

Depression care starts with a careful look at related conditions such as bipolar disorder, thyroid problems and sleep disorders, followed by medication management and regular follow-up. For people whose medications have not worked, GeneSight testing can add information. More on depression treatment.

ADHD

When clinically appropriate, stimulant medications for ADHD can be prescribed by telehealth in Pennsylvania, in line with federal and state law. Before prescribing controlled medications, I check Pennsylvania's prescription monitoring program as required. More on ADHD evaluation and treatment.

Teens

In Pennsylvania, teens 14 and older can consent to outpatient mental health treatment on their own, and a parent or guardian can also consent. Children under 14 need a parent's or guardian's consent. More detail is on Where I Practice.

Crisis lines in Pennsylvania
  • 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: call or text 988, 24/7
  • Pennsylvania Statewide Crisis Line: 1-855-284-2494
  • Philadelphia Crisis Line: 215-685-6440

More local lines are on Crisis Resources.

FAQ

Common questions about telehealth psychiatry in Pennsylvania

Where can I find telehealth psychiatric services for anxiety and depression in Pennsylvania?

Clarity MindCare provides telehealth psychiatric care for anxiety and depression to children 6 and older, teens and adults located anywhere in Pennsylvania. Visits are by secure video with Izabella Alpert, PMHNP-BC, and every visit is with the same provider. Insurance is accepted through Headway, and private pay is also available.

Do you accept insurance in Pennsylvania?

Yes, through Headway, with plans including Independence Blue Cross, Highmark BCBS, Capital Blue Cross, Geisinger, Aetna, Cigna and UnitedHealthcare. Private pay is $360 for an initial evaluation and $185 for a follow-up visit.

Can ADHD medication be prescribed by telehealth in Pennsylvania?

Yes, when clinically appropriate. Stimulant medications for ADHD can be prescribed by telehealth in Pennsylvania for children, teens and adults, in line with federal and state law. Non-stimulant options are also available.

Do I need to be in Pennsylvania during the visit?

Yes. Visits must take place while the patient is physically in Pennsylvania or in another state where I am licensed: New Jersey, Florida or Oregon.

Do visits include therapy?

Visits include supportive therapy alongside medication management. For people who want regular weekly therapy, I coordinate with their therapist or suggest options.

Are visits available in Russian?

Yes. Visits are available in English and Russian.

How do I get started?

Book an initial psychiatric evaluation with insurance through Headway or as private pay. The first visit covers symptoms, history, current treatments and goals, and ends with a plan.

Start care in Pennsylvania

Book with insurance through Headway or book a private pay evaluation online. For questions, call or text (215) 559-9962.

In crisis? Call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline), or call 911 / go to the nearest emergency room. This practice is not an emergency service. More crisis resources