By Madeline Goodman, D.O., Diplomate, American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology
Over the past few years, telehealth has transformed how we deliver psychiatric care—making it more accessible, convenient, and patient-centered. Understandably, many patients have asked me: “Will telehealth still be covered after the pandemic?” Now that the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE) has ended, there’s some confusion about what’s changing—and what’s here to stay.
I want to offer clarity and reassurance for my current and prospective patients throughout Maine.
✅ The Good News: Psychiatric Telehealth Is Here to Stay
Telehealth for behavioral health services, including psychiatry, is now permanently allowed under Medicare and most commercial insurance plans. This means you can continue to:
- Have psychiatric appointments from the comfort of your home
- Use video or audio-only (phone) for sessions if needed
- Receive care no matter where you live—no rural or in-office requirements
- Get help with medication management, therapy, or evaluations without needing to travel
This applies to:
- Initial psychiatric evaluations
- Follow-up medication management (E/M visits)
- Psychotherapy
- Substance use disorder treatment
⚠️ What Might Change—But Doesn’t Affect Psychiatric Care
There’s been talk about a “telehealth cliff” happening on September 30, 2025, when many of the temporary pandemic-era telehealth rules are scheduled to expire. This change could impact:
- General medical care via telehealth (like primary care or non-psychiatric specialty visits)
- Restrictions returning around where patients must be located (e.g., rural areas only)
- Limitations on which providers can bill via telehealth
But none of that applies to psychiatric services. Psychiatry and behavioral health are exempt from this rollback.
🧭 What This Means for You
If you’re receiving psychiatric care through my practice—or looking for a new provider who offers telehealth—you can feel confident knowing that this mode of care is fully supported and secure moving forward. I will continue offering virtual psychiatric care across the state of Maine, and I’ll always stay current with policy updates to ensure continuity of care.
💬 Have Questions?
If you’re unsure about your insurance coverage or whether a telehealth appointment is right for you, feel free to reach out. I’m happy to answer your questions and guide you through the process.
About Dr. Goodman
Madeline Goodman, D.O., is a board-certified psychiatrist offering personalized telepsychiatry services throughout Maine. Her practice focuses on compassionate, evidence-based care with flexible virtual access.
