Telehealth psychiatry anywhere in Texas, with clear rules up front

Telehealth can help people who live far from Conroe, have limited mobility, care for young children, work demanding schedules or simply prefer to meet from home. It offers the same unhurried approach as in-person care: a 75-minute initial evaluation, a written roadmap and follow-ups that include therapy and lifestyle coaching when needed.

Video visits are not right for every situation. Some evaluations benefit from an in-person meeting, certain medications or monitoring may require one, and people who are in crisis or need close supervision may need a higher level of local care. If telehealth is not a good fit, the office will say so and suggest options.

Healthcare licensing follows where the patient is physically located during the visit, not where they live or where the clinician sits. Sarah Allison, PMHNP-BC, provides care to patients who are physically in Texas. If you are traveling out of state on the day of an appointment, contact the office to reschedule or convert to an in-person visit after you return.

In Texas, psychiatric nurse practitioners diagnose, provide therapy and prescribe within a physician-delegation framework required by state law. This structure is standard and does not change the care you receive in visits, but it does shape certain prescribing rules described below.

Most psychiatric medications, including many antidepressants, mood stabilizers, non-stimulant ADHD medications and medications for sleep or anxiety that are not controlled substances, can be prescribed after an appropriate telehealth evaluation. Prescriptions are sent electronically to a Texas pharmacy you choose.

Ongoing prescriptions require regular follow-up so effects, side effects and any needed labs can be reviewed. Request refills through the office's approved process several days before you run out, and let the office know about pharmacy shortages or substitutions rather than changing medications on your own.

Controlled substances such as stimulants, benzodiazepines and some sleep medications are regulated by both the federal Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Texas law. Federal telemedicine flexibilities currently allow DEA-registered practitioners to prescribe Schedule II-V medications by video without a prior in-person exam, and are scheduled to run through December 31, 2026. These rules have changed several times and may change again.

Texas law also limits when nurse practitioners may prescribe Schedule II medications, a category that includes many ADHD stimulants, in outpatient settings. Because of these federal and state rules, a telehealth visit cannot guarantee any specific controlled prescription. Ask the office how controlled medication needs, including continuing a current stimulant, are handled before you book, so there are no surprises.

When lab work is clinically indicated, orders can typically be completed at a commercial laboratory location near you, with results reviewed during follow-up. Lab charges are billed separately by the laboratory. Existing results from your primary care clinician are welcome and may avoid repeat testing.

Records can be faxed to 833-457-1669 with appropriate authorization. With your permission, care can be coordinated with your primary care, obstetric or therapy clinicians wherever they are in Texas.

Choose a private space where you can speak freely, use headphones if others are nearby, and test your camera and connection in advance. Have your medication list, pharmacy information and questions ready. Teens 15 and older can be seen by telehealth, with parent participation and confidentiality discussed up front.

Fees are the same as in person: $315 for the 75-minute initial evaluation, $150 for a 25-minute follow-up and $250 for a 50-minute integrated follow-up. Superbills are available, and telehealth services may be coded differently for insurance. Call or text 281-938-8777 to schedule.