Telehealth Psychiatric Care for Patients in Maryland

Who can use telehealth with us in Maryland?

Our Maryland care is for people who want outpatient psychiatric care and can join a video visit while they are in the state. You might be in Baltimore, Columbia, Silver Spring, Rockville, Frederick, Annapolis or Hagerstown, or in a smaller town on the Eastern Shore or in Western Maryland. The visit works the same way.

There is one firm rule: you need to be physically located in Maryland during every visit. Our only office is in Texas, and Maryland care is by video only, so you are not expected to travel. The clinic sees patients ages 5 to 65.

Video care is outpatient care. DanShalom Behavioral Clinic is not an emergency service. If you are in crisis, call or text 988, or call 911 if you or someone else is in immediate danger.

What can be done by video, and what may need an in-person visit?

Most of what we do fits a video visit. Care usually begins with a psychiatric evaluation, a conversation about your symptoms, health history, current medications, family history, daily life and goals. We share our impressions and talk through options with you. Follow-up visits check how the plan is working, and brief psychotherapy, short-term and focused talk therapy, can be part of them.

If medication comes up, any decision is made together with you after the evaluation. Not every medication can be prescribed at every kind of visit, and some may require an in-person visit. We explain what applies to you, and our medication management page describes how follow-up works. Please do not start, stop or change a medication on your own: talk with your prescriber first.

Some situations are better served in person. A provider may not be able to reach a diagnosis without examining you, a lab test may be needed, or you may need more support than outpatient visits can give. When that happens, we tell you plainly and explain your options, including care nearer to you in Maryland.

How does a video visit work from start to finish?

1. 1Send a requestUse the short appointment request form or call (346) 855-6216, and choose Maryland as the state you will be in for your visits.
2. 2We check your coverageBefore the first visit, we review your insurance benefits or talk with you about self-pay.
3. 3Confirm the timeWe agree on a date and time in your local Maryland time and explain how to join the secure video visit.
4. 4Join from a private spotConnect from a quiet place in Maryland where you can talk freely. Your provider is the same person at every visit.
5. 5Plan the next step togetherAt the end, we go over what was discussed and what happens next, such as a follow-up visit.

How should I get ready, and how is my privacy protected?

A video visit needs a smartphone, tablet or computer with a camera and microphone, plus an internet connection steady enough for video. A weak connection or a device that misbehaves can interrupt a session, so a short test the day before helps.

• Have a list of your current medications and any past mental health records you can find.
• Pick a spot where people nearby cannot see or overhear you. Headphones help.
• Use your own device and a private network rather than public Wi-Fi if you can.
• Never join a visit while driving.
• Keep our number, (346) 855-6216, handy in case the video drops.

Who will I see, and what does a psychiatric nurse practitioner do?

Your visits are with Victor Onodjacha, MSN, PMHNP-BC, who is licensed as an advanced practice registered nurse in Maryland. His licence number and the Maryland Board of Nursing lookup are listed on this page and on his page. You can read more about Victor.

A psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner is an advanced practice registered nurse with a master's or doctoral degree, national certification and state licensure. Nurse practitioners in this specialty assess, diagnose and treat mental health conditions, and their work can include medication treatment and psychotherapy. Our page on how a PMHNP differs from a physician who specializes in psychiatry explains the two roles.

Will my insurance cover a video visit?

The clinic accepts many major insurance plans and offers self-pay. Telehealth coverage varies by plan and by state, so we check your benefits before your first visit instead of assuming. See our insurance page for current details, and tell us when you request care that you are in Maryland.

Where can I get crisis help in Maryland?

We cannot send help to your location. The Maryland Department of Health directs people in a behavioral health crisis to 988. These are available at any hour:

• 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: call, text or chat 988. Press 1 for the Veterans Crisis Line or 2 for Spanish. The Maryland Department of Health says 988 can also send a mobile crisis team.
• 211 Maryland: call 211 for referrals to local mental health services and other support. For immediate help, 211 Maryland directs people to 988.
• Immediate danger: call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.