Online Psychiatrist in Bellingham, WA
Care provided by Samuel Omolade, PMHNP-BC, a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner licensed in Washington.
Bellingham is about 90 miles from Seattle, and Whatcom County has nowhere near enough psychiatric prescribers for its size. Waits for a first appointment can stretch for months. Samz Mental Health sees Bellingham adults by secure video, usually the same day or the next, for evaluation, diagnosis and medication management. No referral is needed.
Usually same day or next day
Secure video, anywhere in Washington
$120 first visit, $90 follow-ups
Aetna, Cigna, UHC, Optum, Carelon
Who We See in Bellingham
Western Washington University is the heart of Bellingham, and many of our patients here are students who arrived on a medication from home or developed anxiety and depression during the school year. We also see Whatcom Community College and Bellingham Technical College students, and university and hospital staff.
Bellingham also draws remote workers and retirees who moved for the mountains and the water, then discovered how long the local psychiatry waitlists are. The dark, rainy winters bring a seasonal rise in depression. Because the Canadian border is close, note that visits must take place while you’re in Washington.
What We Treat
Visits cover psychiatric evaluation, diagnosis and medication management for adults. Common reasons people book:
- Anxiety and panic attacks
- Depression, including postpartum depression
- PTSD and trauma and OCD
- Bipolar disorder and insomnia
- Medication management and prescriber transfers
- ESA letter evaluations in Washington
Crisis and Mental Health Help in Whatcom County
Whatcom County is part of the North Sound region. Its 24/7 regional crisis line, run by Volunteers of America, is 800-584-3578. WWU students can also contact the university counseling center. Anyone can call or text 988 at any hour, and in an emergency, call 911. Telepsychiatry is for ongoing care and isn’t a substitute for emergency services.
Bellingham Neighborhoods and Nearby Communities
We see patients across Bellingham, including Downtown, Fairhaven, Sehome, York, the Lettered Streets, Barkley and Cordata, and in Ferndale, Lynden, Blaine, Everson and the Mount Baker foothills. Any location in Washington works, as long as you’re in the state when the visit starts.
Cost and Insurance
Self-pay is $120 for the first visit and $90 for follow-ups, and HSA and FSA cards are accepted. We’re in-network with Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, Optum and Carelon Behavioral Health, so insured patients usually pay their specialist copay. We don’t accept Medicaid or Medicare. See insurance and pricing details.
How a First Visit Works
- Book a time in the online portal, often for the same day. No referral is needed.
- Fill out a short intake form about your symptoms, history and medications.
- Meet by secure video from a private spot in Washington.
- If medication fits your plan, it’s sent to your pharmacy. Follow-ups take 15 to 30 minutes.
Bellingham Patient Questions
Can WWU students book?
Yes, if you’re in Washington during the visit, with an in-network plan, including a parent’s employer plan, or self-pay.
I’m in British Columbia part of the week. Can I do a visit from there?
No. You need to be in Washington when the visit starts, so schedule visits for when you’re on the U.S. side of the border.
Do you treat seasonal depression?
Yes. Depression that worsens during the dark, wet Northwest winters is common and treatable.
Do you see patients in Ferndale, Lynden and Blaine?
Yes. Visits work anywhere in Washington.
Who do I call in a crisis in Whatcom County?
Call or text 988 any time. The North Sound regional crisis line, run by Volunteers of America, is 800-584-3578. In an emergency, call 911.
Book a Video Visit from Bellingham
Same-day appointments are often available. No referral needed.