“LiveHealth Online is one of the most established, comprehensive and affordable health care resources on the internet today,” says Jeff Ditzell, D.O., a licensed psychiatrist in New York City. Dr. Ditzell is a fan of LiveHealth Online’s health news as well, which he says is a source of reliable medical information for the platform’s users. However, he does express concern about the privacy of users’ data on telehealth platforms in general.
“Generally, I like the idea of making health care—including therapy—more accessible to people,” says LaQuista Erinna, D.B.H., licensed therapist and owner of T.H.R.I.V.E. Behavioral Health & Consulting, LLC in New Jersey. However, Dr. Erinna says she doesn’t think users are given enough directions to help them select the right service for their needs.
For instance, anxiety and depression are listed as conditions that can be treated by both psychologists and psychiatrists. “Someone may want to discuss anxiety or depression and isn’t appropriate for medication but may book an appointment with a psychiatrist,” explains Dr. Erinna. “Booking an appointment with the wrong provider can lead to confusion, a delay in treatment and increased frustration for a person who is already overwhelmed,” she adds.
Before selecting a provider on this platform, Dr. Erinna recommends doing your due diligence by making a list of concerns you need help with and taking your time to go through a provider’s profile before selecting them as your care provider. “Find a profile that speaks to your specific needs, and don’t be afraid to ask for a new provider if it’s not a good fit,” she says.
