March 27, 2025
Julia Lopez
Dr. Arif Noorbaksh
Comprehensive Telehealth should not mean quickie medicine. Our thorough approach ensures plenty of face-time with your provider.
In the rapidly expanding field of telemedicine, the accessibility of mental health care has dramatically improved.
However, with this convenience comes a risk: the oversimplification of treatment for complex conditions like major depression and anxiety.
Dr. Arif Noorbaksh, founder of Therapath Mental Health, a group practice based in Dallas, Texas, emphasizes the critical need for thorough, expert-led care in this evolving landscape.
The trend towards brief virtual consultations and fast-tracked prescriptions has become increasingly common. While these approaches may offer immediate solutions, they often fail to address the deeper issues at play. Dr. Noorbaksh notes, "15-minute med checks are great for business metrics like revenue, but not for outcomes." This perspective highlights a growing concern within the mental health community: the prioritization of efficiency over the well-being of patients.
Therapath Mental Health was established to counteract this trend, offering a model of care that is both ethical and thorough. The practice integrates psychiatry and therapy, providing a more holistic approach to treatment. As Dr. Noorbaksh explains, "Medications can be a helpful tool in recovery, but we primarily heal through dialogue – with our clinical care team, our loved ones, and most of all, with ourselves." This philosophy underscores the importance of personalized care that goes beyond the prescription pad.
The convenience of telehealth has, unfortunately, led to concerning practices in medication management. Dr. Noorbaksh has observed cases where patients have been prescribed high doses of medications, such as ketamine, without appropriate oversight. "I’ve seen some fairly egregious prescribing of at-home ketamine by telehealth services and other providers," he notes. The risks associated with such practices are significant, including severe side effects and withdrawal symptoms.
This issue raises important ethical questions about the responsibility of telehealth providers. At Continuity Mental Health, there is a strong commitment to evidence-based practices and patient safety. Dr. Noorbaksh’s critique of the current state of telehealth prescribing highlights the need for greater scrutiny and regulation in the field: "Patients are definitely being harmed. We definitely are not fully capturing that harm."
Continuity Mental Health represents a shift towards more integrated care in the telehealth space. By combining psychiatric services with therapeutic support, the practice offers a comprehensive approach to mental health treatment. This model recognizes that effective care requires more than just medication; it involves understanding the patient’s unique circumstances and providing tailored support.
The collaboration between psychiatrists and therapists at Continuity Mental Health ensures that treatment plans are well-rounded and consider all aspects of a patient’s well-being. This approach aligns with Dr. Noorbaksh’s belief in the healing power of dialogue, both within the clinical setting and in the patient’s broader life context.
Access to mental health care in Texas is further complicated by the challenges of working with insurance. While large online telehealth companies often negotiate rates at high volumes, this approach can sometimes prioritize efficiency over the well-being of both providers and patients. Quick appointments may be more cost-effective for insurers, but they can lead to high caseloads, provider burnout, and ultimately, compromised care.
At Continuity Mental Health, we believe in a more balanced approach. We proudly partner with major insurance providers like Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare, and Blue Cross Blue Shield, but we do so with a firm commitment to the well-being of our providers and patients. By negotiating fair and sustainable reimbursement rates, we ensure that our providers are adequately compensated. This allows them to focus on delivering high-quality care, rather than feeling rushed or overburdened by back-to-back appointments.
Our approach benefits patients as well. When providers have the time and energy to truly listen and engage with their patients, the quality of care improves. Patients receive the thorough, expert attention they deserve, leading to better outcomes and a more satisfying healthcare experience.
Dr. Arif Noorbaksh emphasizes that this collaborative and thoughtful approach to mental health care is essential for treating major depression and anxiety effectively. As telehealth continues to evolve, we remain committed to fostering partnerships that prioritize both provider well-being and patient care, ensuring that our services are both effective and ethical.
