By Chet Hughes, PMHNP-BC | Mosaic MindCare
When people think of mental health care, many still picture a traditional office setting — a waiting room, a clipboard, maybe a couch. But the world is changing, and so is the way we access care. At Mosaic MindCare, I offer 100% virtual psychiatric services for a simple reason: because it works — and it works well. Whether you’re new to mental health support or exploring new options, here are the most common questions I hear about telepsychiatry, answered one at a time.
💬 Why do people avoid in-person appointments in the first place?
There are so many reasons people delay getting help — and they’re often more practical than emotional. For some, it’s the drive. Maybe you live in a more rural area, or traffic and time off work just make it too hard to fit an appointment in. Others struggle with social anxiety or sensory overload and find waiting rooms or unfamiliar offices overwhelming. Some people worry about running into someone they know, or they just feel vulnerable walking into a mental health clinic. And for many parents or caregivers, finding childcare for a quick visit can be nearly impossible.
Telepsychiatry removes almost all of these barriers. With a private space, a phone or computer, and an internet connection, you can get the care you need — without rearranging your life to do it.
💻 Can I really connect with a provider over video?
Absolutely. One of the biggest myths about virtual care is that it feels distant or impersonal. In reality, most of my patients find that they open up more easily from the comfort of their own space. Being in a familiar environment — your living room, your kitchen, even your car — can help reduce anxiety and build trust more quickly.
In our sessions, I’m focused on you — not a waiting room full of other patients. We’re looking each other in the eye, having real conversations, and building a relationship the same way we would in person. The connection is still there; it just comes through a different screen.
🧠 Is telepsychiatry as effective as in-person care?
Yes, and research backs that up. Numerous studies have shown that telepsychiatry is just as effective as in-person treatment for a wide range of mental health conditions — including anxiety, depression, PTSD, ADHD, and more. Medication management, psychiatric evaluations, and ongoing check-ins can all be done virtually, without sacrificing quality.
The key isn’t the format — it’s the relationship. If you feel safe, heard, and understood, the care will be effective. That’s what I focus on, regardless of where you are physically.
🕒 What are the benefits of virtual visits?
Aside from accessibility, telepsychiatry offers flexibility and privacy. You don’t need to take time off work, sit in traffic, or spend time in a waiting room. You can have your session during a lunch break, after dropping your kids at school, or even while sitting in a parked car if that’s where you feel most comfortable. For people with physical disabilities, limited transportation, or busy schedules, this kind of care can be life-changing.
It also means you don’t have to live nearby to get quality care. Whether you’re on Long Island, upstate New York, or anywhere else in the state, I can meet you where you are — emotionally and geographically.
🌱 What inspired you to go fully virtual?
After many years working in high-pressure inpatient psychiatry and emergency care settings, I witnessed firsthand how many people needed support but faced real barriers to accessing it. Long wait times, travel challenges, stigma, and inflexible schedules often kept people from getting the consistent, compassionate care they deserved. I saw that even when help was available, the system itself could feel overwhelming, impersonal, and exhausting — making recovery harder than it needed to be.
I created Mosaic MindCare with the goal of reshaping mental health care into something more human, personal, and accessible. Going fully virtual allows me to focus entirely on each individual without the distractions or limitations of a busy clinic setting. It means I can meet you where you are — whether that’s at home, at work, or anywhere else you feel comfortable — and provide steady, reliable care even during life’s unpredictable moments like bad weather, illness, or hectic schedules.
More than anything, virtual care helps break down the barriers that keep people from reaching out. It makes mental health support feel possible, approachable, and tailored to your life — not the other way around. For me, it’s about honoring your time, your space, and your story, so together we can build a care experience that truly fits you.
📲 What does a virtual appointment actually look like?
A virtual session with me is designed to be simple, supportive, and as effective as an in-person visit — no matter where you are in New York State. Before your appointment, you’ll receive a secure, private link through our HIPAA-compliant telehealth platform, ensuring your information and conversations remain confidential and safe.
At your scheduled time, you can log in from wherever you feel most comfortable — whether that’s your home, office, or another private space. This flexibility means you don’t have to worry about travel, parking, or waiting rooms.
During our session, we’ll connect much like we would in an office setting. You can share how you’ve been feeling, what’s been helping, what challenges you’re facing, and together we’ll discuss the next steps in your care. I’ll listen closely, offer guidance, and collaborate with you to tailor your treatment plan.
There’s no rushing through appointments or feeling pressured. This is your time to be heard, supported, and empowered. Whether it’s your first session or your fiftieth, you can expect a consistent experience of respect, kindness, and professionalism — all within a space that feels safe and private.
Virtual care also allows for greater consistency, helping you maintain treatment through busy schedules, bad weather, or unexpected life events. It’s about making mental health care accessible and approachable, so getting help feels possible no matter where you live in the state or what your day looks like.
🧭 Final Thoughts
Telepsychiatry isn’t a shortcut — it’s a better path for many people. It allows us to strip away the layers of stress and distraction so we can focus on what really matters: you, your story, and your healing. At Mosaic MindCare, I’m proud to offer care that’s flexible, thoughtful, and deeply compassionate — no matter where you are.
If you’ve been thinking about reaching out but didn’t know where to start, consider this your invitation. The door is open — even if it’s virtual.