Choosing care · Telehealth in Washington
Local telehealth practice vs. national mental health apps
Medically reviewed by Dr. Iman Yunis, DNP, PMHNP-BC · Last reviewed October 31, 2026
How a Washington-based psychiatric practice compares with large national platforms, and the questions to ask any service before you book.
New patients typically seen within 2–3 days
- ✓ Same provider every visit
- ✓ No subscription
- ✓ Washington-licensed
The short answer
Both can deliver good care by video. The biggest differences are continuity, local knowledge, and cost structure. At Peak Psychiatry and Wellness you see the same Washington-licensed provider, Dr. Iman Yunis, DNP, PMHNP-BC, at every visit, with no subscription fee and coordination with your local care team. National platforms can suit people who move between states often.
Side by side
How to compare your options
| What to compare | Peak Psychiatry and Wellness | What to ask any service |
|---|---|---|
| Who treats you | The same provider, Dr. Iman Yunis, DNP, PMHNP-BC, at every visit. | Ask whether you keep the same clinician, and what happens if they leave the platform. |
| First visit length | About 60 minutes for the initial evaluation. | A rushed first visit makes a wrong diagnosis more likely. Ask how long the evaluation is. |
| Local knowledge | Washington-licensed and focused only on Washington patients, health plans, and local resources. | A provider who knows your state’s plans, crisis services, and referral network can coordinate faster. |
| Insurance | In network with major Washington plans, with benefits verified before your first visit. Self-pay $300 initial, $150 follow-up. | Ask whether you will be billed as in network, and whether there is a separate membership fee. |
| Subscription | No subscription or membership fee. You pay per visit through insurance or self-pay. | Some services charge a monthly fee on top of visits. Ask for the total yearly cost. |
| Care coordination | With your permission, we share plans with your therapist, primary care provider, OB, or midwife. | Medication works best alongside therapy and medical care that talk to each other. |
| ADHD and controlled medications | Evaluation first. Medication, if any, is decided after a thorough assessment. | Be cautious of any service that promises a specific medication before an evaluation. |
| Who it fits | Teens 13 and up and adults in Washington who want an ongoing relationship with one provider. | National platforms can be a good fit if you move between states often or need a provider in another state. |
Why it matters
Three things that make the biggest difference
1. Continuity with one clinician
Psychiatric care is a relationship. When the same provider follows you over months, they notice patterns, remember what you have tried, and adjust treatment faster. Ask any service whether you will keep the same clinician.
2. A full evaluation before treatment
A thorough first visit looks at your history, medical conditions, sleep, substance use, and other diagnoses that can look alike. That is how treatment fits the right problem. Learn what a full evaluation includes.
3. Clear, predictable cost
Compare the total cost for a year, not just the first visit. Check whether the service bills your insurance in network and whether there is a membership fee. See what care costs at Peak.
Is Peak a fit?
Peak may be right for you if
- You live in Washington and want one provider who gets to know you
- You want an unhurried evaluation before starting or changing medication
- You want your psychiatric provider to work with your therapist, primary care provider, or OB
- You are a teen 13 and up, or an adult, and prefer video visits from home
Peak may not be the right fit if you need emergency care, inpatient care, or a provider outside Washington.
FAQ
Common questions
Is a local telehealth practice better than a national mental health app?
It depends on what you need. A local practice like Peak offers the same provider at every visit, knowledge of Washington health plans and resources, and coordination with your local care team. A national platform can make sense if you move between states often. Either way, look for a full evaluation, clear pricing, and continuity with one clinician.
Is telehealth psychiatry as effective as in-person care?
For most outpatient psychiatric care, including evaluation and medication management, research has found video visits to be comparably effective to in-person visits, with high patient satisfaction.
Do I have to pay a subscription at Peak?
No. There is no membership or subscription fee. You pay per visit through your insurance or at the self-pay rate of $300 for the initial evaluation and $150 for follow-ups.
Will I see the same provider every time?
Yes. Dr. Iman Yunis sees every patient at Peak, so you do not have to retell your story to a new clinician.
What if I am in crisis?
Peak is not an emergency service. Call or text 988 any time, or call 911 if you are in immediate danger.
See a Washington provider who knows you
New patients typically seen within 2–3 days. Book online or call (425) 477-9272.
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