Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I talk to a psychiatrist online?
A: Yes, sessions between a psychiatrist and a patient can held online via secure video or telephone call. For more details on how telemedicine works, please see our online psychiatry page.
Q: Can I be diagnosed by a psychiatrist online?
A: Yes, a licensed psychiatrist can assess a patient via an online session just like he or she would do in an office setting. The initial assessment appointment usually lasts up to 60 minutes and is based on standard criteria used in psychiatry. An online diagnosis is just as valid as one obtained in traditional settings.
Q: Can psychiatrists prescribe medications online?
A: Yes, psychiatrists and other medical doctors are able to prescribe medications electronically following an online visit. Regulations for some classes of medications, such as controlled substances, used to limit what could be prescribed during an online visit. These limitations have been lifted for the time being due to COVID-19.
Q: How much is an online psychiatrist?
A: Rates for online psychiatrists are comparable to rates for traditional office visits. In the case of Dr. Ibarra-Alos, rates range from $150 to $300 per visit.
Q: Are online psychiatrists "in-network"?
A: Just like psychiatrists in traditional office settings, some online psychiatrists are "in network" for some insurance plans and others are not. Dr. Ibarra-Alos is an "out of network" physician for all insurance plans. This means that patients are responsible for paying in full at the time of their appointment. To read more about our policies related to insurance and payments, please see our Fees & Billing page.
Q: What languages does Dr. Ibarra-Alos speak?
A: Dr. Ibarra-Alos is bilingual: she is fluent in English and Spanish. She was trained in medicine both in Mexico and in the Unites States.
Q: What is the difference between a psychiatrist and a psychologist / therapist?
A: A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in treating mental health conditions. She is able to prescribe medications and controlled substances as needed to treat mental health conditions. A psychologist is not a medical doctor and does not prescribe medications. He or she may hold a Master's degree or a PhD in psychology and will focus on talk therapy. If Dr. Ibarra-Alos determines that your treatment plan should include therapy, she will be able to recommend a psychologist, and you will be free to work with whomever you choose.
Q: What is HIPAA?
A: HIPAA stands for Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. It is a set of laws first passed in 1996 to protect patient privacy, among other things. All aspects of our practice are HIPAA-compliant as required by law.
Q: What age groups does Dr. Ibarra-Alos work with?
A: Dr. Ibarra-Alos works with patients of age 18 and over.
Q: Where does Dr. Ibarra-Alos practice?
A: Dr. Ibarra-Alos is licensed to practice online psychiatry in the states of Florida, Missouri and New Mexico. While she is based in Boca Raton, FL, telemedicine allows her to reach patients who wish to limit the chances of exposure to COVID-19, have difficulty accessing services, or just prefer to receive services while in the comfort of their home anywhere in the states listed above.