What Is Telepsychiatry?
Telepsychiatry is psychiatric care delivered by live, secure video. You meet with your provider face to face on a screen, from home or another private location, instead of traveling to the office. It can be a convenient option for people with busy schedules, limited transportation, or mobility challenges, and for families who live outside the Lexington area.
Who Can Use Telepsychiatry at North Star?
Telepsychiatry is available for established and new patients who are physically located in South Carolina at the time of the visit. Providers are licensed in South Carolina, so we cannot provide telepsychiatry if you are in another state during the appointment, even if you live in South Carolina. Whether video is right for you is a clinical decision, and our providers may recommend an in-person visit when it is the better choice.
What Care Is Available by Video?
- Psychiatric evaluations, when clinically appropriate
- Follow-up visits and medication management
- Care for conditions such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, and bipolar disorder
- Visits for children and teens, with a parent or guardian available
How a Telepsychiatry Visit Works
- Register as a new patient, or request an appointment through the patient portal if you are already registered.
- Choose a video visit when scheduling. Our office confirms your appointment and explains how to join.
- Prepare. Find a quiet, private place, test your device and connection, and have your medication list nearby.
- At the start of the visit, your provider confirms your identity and your physical location, and gets a phone number and an emergency plan in case the connection drops or you need urgent help.
- Meet with your provider, just as you would in the office, and leave with a plan for next steps.
Privacy and Security
Video visits are held on a secure platform designed to protect health information, and we do not record visits without your consent. You can help protect your privacy by using a private room, a secure internet connection rather than public Wi-Fi, and headphones if others are nearby. See our Privacy Policy for more.
Limits of Telepsychiatry
- It is not for emergencies. If you are in crisis, call or text 988, call 911, or go to the nearest emergency room.
- Some care is better done in person, such as when a physical measurement or lab test is needed or when the provider feels an in-person visit is safer.
- Prescribing of controlled medications is governed by federal and state rules, which may require in-person visits in some cases.
- Insurance coverage for video visits varies by plan, so please check your benefits.
In-Person Visits in Lexington
Prefer to meet in person? Our office is at 949 E Main Street, Suite B, Lexington, SC 29072, open Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Many patients combine both, for example an in-person first visit with video follow-ups. See our contact page for directions and hours.
Ready to get started?
Register as a new patient and our office will confirm your appointment. Questions first? Call (803) 956-9508, Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you offer telepsychiatry in South Carolina?
Yes. North Star offers telepsychiatry by secure video to patients who are physically located in South Carolina at the time of the visit, as well as in-person visits in Lexington.
Can I have a telepsychiatry visit if I am traveling out of state?
Not usually. Because our providers are licensed in South Carolina, you must be physically located in South Carolina during the visit. If you will be out of state, please contact our office to plan around your travel.
What do I need for a video visit?
A smartphone, tablet, or computer with a camera and microphone, a reliable internet connection, and a private place to talk. Our office will explain how to join your visit.
Is telepsychiatry as effective as in-person care?
For many patients and conditions, telepsychiatry is a good option and allows the same kind of conversation as an office visit. Your provider will tell you if an in-person visit would be better for you.
Can I get a new patient evaluation by telehealth?
Often, yes, when it is clinically appropriate. Some patients are asked to come in person for the first visit or for certain medications. Our office will tell you what applies to you.
Does insurance cover telepsychiatry?
Many plans cover video visits, but coverage varies. Check your benefits, and see our Insurance and Payment page for accepted plans and self-pay information.
Is a telepsychiatry visit private?
Yes. Visits use a secure platform designed to protect health information, and we do not record visits without your consent. You can protect your privacy further by choosing a private space and a secure internet connection.
Start your registration
New to North Star? Complete New Patient Registration. Already a patient? Open the Patient Portal to request an appointment.