Online Psychiatrist in Alexandria, VA

No. Our providers are licensed in Virginia, so you have to be in Virginia during the visit. Home in Alexandria works, and so does a private space at a Virginia workplace. A DC or Maryland office doesn’t.

Yes. We take Tricare, Sentara, Cigna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, UnitedHealthcare, Aetna and most other commercial plans. We don't take Medicare, Medicaid or Cardinal Care right now. Once you book, our team verifies your coverage and gives you an estimate of your copay.

Tricare covers telehealth when the care is medically and psychologically necessary, and it says most outpatient mental health care doesn't need a referral or pre-authorization. The exception is active-duty service members, who should start with their military clinic and need a referral and pre-authorization to see a civilian provider. Plans vary, so check yours with your Tricare contractor. We'll also verify your benefits when you book.

Most new patients are seen within one to two weeks. We aren’t set up for same-day or next-day visits, and we can’t handle emergencies. If you’re in crisis, call or text 988. In Alexandria, Community Services Board Emergency Services answers 24 hours a day at 703-746-3401 (for Alexandria residents). Call 911 for a life-threatening emergency.

You may see either one. Dr. Thad Garland is our psychiatrist, and our other prescribers are psychiatric nurse practitioners, who also evaluate, diagnose and prescribe. If you aren't sure who to pick, an intake coordinator can help you choose.

Depression and anxiety are our main focus. We also treat PTSD and trauma, OCD, insomnia and bipolar disorder. We're not the right place if alcohol use or an eating disorder is your main concern, or if you need urgent help.

Psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners evaluate and diagnose mental health conditions, and they can prescribe and manage medication. Therapists provide talk therapy. Plenty of people use both. We offer psychiatry and therapy, so you can start with whichever fits.

That's your provider's call after a full evaluation. If medication makes sense, they'll go over the options and side effects with you. Some medicines, such as controlled substances, have extra rules for telehealth, so ask our intake team about your situation before you book.

The federal clearance form (SF-86) says mental health counseling in and of itself is not a reason to deny or revoke a clearance, and your visits are covered by HIPAA. We can't give legal or clearance advice, so check with your security officer or Military OneSource about your own situation.

Our providers are licensed in Virginia, so visits have to happen while you're in Virginia. If a move or new orders are coming, tell your provider early so you can plan the next step together.