Effective insomnia treatment begins with a psychiatric evaluation. Here’s how Talkiatry makes it easy to connect with a qualified provider online.
The first step is to take our quick online assessment, so we can learn more about you and what you’re looking for. Based on your symptoms and needs, you’ll be matched with one of our expert psychiatrists and can have your first appointment in days.
During your evaluation, your psychiatrist will review your sleep quality, sleep habits, symptoms, and medical history. They may suggest testing for underlying conditions like anxiety. Keeping a sleep diary beforehand can help. Based on your symptoms, they may diagnose insomnia and guide you toward effective care.
You’ll collaborate with your psychiatrist on the best way to manage symptoms of insomnia. This may include a combination of sleep medicine, therapy, and recommendations for lifestyle changes. If medication is appropriate, you’ll discuss your options, including the benefits and potential side effects of each medication
There are a range of medications available to treat sleep problems. It's important to work closely with a qualified healthcare professional, like a psychiatrist, who can monitor your response to a given medication and make changes to your treatment plan as needed.
Benzodiazepines calm the nervous system for fast relief from anxiety symptoms. Although they are effective, they are controlled substances with a risk of dependence and are typically recommended for short-term or as-needed use.
Common medications:
“Z drugs” have a different chemical structure than benzodiazepines, but work similarly to enhance the effects of GABA. They tend to be quicker-acting and don’t last as long in the body as benzodiazepines.
Common medications:
Sedating antidepressants or antiseizure medications can also be prescribed to treat insomnia and poor sleep, especially if you have other conditions like depression or restless leg syndrome.
There are two types of insomnia: Primary insomnia, which occurs on its own, and secondary insomnia, which is a symptom or side effect of another condition, such as anxiety or depression. Secondary insomnia is often treated by treating the original condition.
Our clinicians take time to understand your sleep problems and work with you to recommend the best treatment for your needs.
Insomnia often doesn’t exist in isolation. Our clinicians look beyond symptoms to explore underlying causes like anxiety, depression, or trauma, and build a plan tailored to your needs.
Talkiatry is in-network with 100+ insurance plans, and we offer virtual appointments that you can attend from home. It’s expert care without out-of-pocket surprises, waiting rooms, or commutes.
Your first visit is a full 60-minute evaluation so you and your psychiatrist can discuss your goals, sleep issues, and mental health in depth.
If your psychiatrist recommends medication, they’ll walk you through your options. Our goal is always to help you make informed choices about your treatment.
If your insomnia is rooted in another mental health condition such as anxiety, your psychiatrist may recommend cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or another supportive therapy. In some cases, we can even refer you to a therapist within Talkiatry.
Your psychiatrist will check in regularly to see what’s working and adjust your treatment as needed to help you get consistent, restful sleep.
With over 300 licensed psychiatrists—many specializing in sleep disorders—our team has the expertise to help. We’ll match you with the right provider for your needs.
“I recommend Talkiatry to anyone that will listen. The benefits this network has provided me in such a short time are priceless and immeasurable.”
Nancy L., Ohio
“She is very relatable. She is mindful of cost of my medications.”
Joseph D., Colorado
“Great experience! Provider was ready early which was amazing and honestly never happens. Really appreciate honoring a patient’s time.”
Jennifer C., Texas
ADHD diagnoses are complex and need to come from a qualified clinician.
Yes. Licensed psychiatrists can prescribe many insomnia medications through a secure telehealth visit, just like in-person care. After a comprehensive evaluation, your clinician will determine if medication is appropriate and develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs. However, some state laws require an in-person visit for certain prescription medications including benzodiazepines.
There’s no single “safest” option—sleep medications work differently for each person. Your psychiatrist will consider factors like your age, health history, symptoms, and other medications you’re taking to recommend the safest and most effective option for your needs.
Chronic or long-term insomnia is insomnia that occurs at least three nights a week, lasts more than three months, and cannot be explained by another health problem. Acute or short-term insomnia can last for a few days to a week. It often has an identifiable cause, like a particular stressor or change in your environment or schedule. We take the same comprehensive approach for all types of insomnia, starting with a thorough 60-minute evaluation and continuing with regular follow-ups, but treatment options can vary by insomnia type.
You’ll spend about 60 minutes talking with a licensed psychiatrist. They’ll ask about your sleep habits, daily routines, stress levels, mental health history, and overall well-being. The goal isn’t just to treat symptoms—it’s to understand the whole picture of your overall health so your treatment is safe, effective, and tailored to you.
Yes. There are a variety of causes of insomnia, and symptoms are often linked to conditions like anxiety, depression, and chronic pain—and treating those underlying medical conditions can lead to significantly better sleep. Our psychiatrists are trained to identify and treat both sleep disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions, so you get care that addresses the root of the problem.