Is Sailor Health Legit? A Comprehensive Guide to Its Credibility

Nearly 14% of older adults are living with a mental health condition, but 70% aren't receiving the care they need. Sailor Health aims to address the gap in care.: Sailor Health provides compassionate, senior-focused mental health care through a virtual lens. A licensed clinical team, their Medicare provider status, and HIPAA compliance support their virtual mental health care service.

What is Sailor Health?

Sailor Health is a telehealth mental health provider that delivers virtual therapy designed with older adults in mind. They connect you with licensed clinicians who treat mental health conditions like anxiety and depression and address common mental health challenges related to aging. Their therapy service is delivered online or by phone, and is covered by Medicare. Every patient's care is personalized to their situation, personality, and treatment goals.

Sailor Health serves older adults covered by Medicare, in all 50 states. You can connect with your therapist by video call or a phone call (including landlines). You do not need a computer to get care.

Key indicators of legitimacy

Four factors back Sailor Health's telemedicine legitimacy, and each one is something you can check yourself.

Four primary factors back Sailor Health's telemedicine credibility:

• Medicare in-network status
• Licensed and state-credentialed providers
• HIPAA compliance and data security
• Transparent care model

The sections below explain what each means for you.

In-network Medicare status

Before delivering Medicare-covered therapy for seniors, Sailor Health had to enroll as an in-network Medicare provider. Doing so allows them to bill Medicare for your mental health services.

There are three key steps to becoming an official Medicare mental health provider:

• Get a National Provider Identifier (NPI) through the National Plan & Provider Enumeration System (NPPES)
• Complete the Medicare Enrollment Application
• Work with a Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC)

A provider's enrollment information must be kept up to date to ensure Medicare therapy billing privileges aren't revoked.

In-network status means Medicare pays its share of your sessions directly. Your out-of-pocket cost is usually small. Most Sailor Health Medicare patients have a $0 copay.

Being a Medicare in-network provider is a significant milestone. Medicare provides health insurance coverage for more than 70 million Americans, with nearly all beneficiaries being aged 65 and older. This federal health insurance program lowers the cost of mental health services, making it easier for older adults to access care.

In addition to standard Medicare enrollment, Sailor Health is recognized by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) as a participant in the federal ACCESS (Advancing Chronic Care with Effective Scalable Solutions) Model. This selection means our virtual care meets strict federal standards for quality, patient privacy, and clinical results.

Licensed & state-credentialed professionals

Another major component of Sailor Health's online therapy legitimacy is their team of licensed and state-credentialed mental health professionals. They have therapists and psychologists who bring decades of specialized experience to their platform.

They ensure each professional meets the legal requirements to deliver virtual senior mental health care in their practicing state(s) before working with you.

Sailor Health works with these license types: LCSW, LPC, LPCC, LMFT, LMHC, and PsyD. Your therapist must hold a license valid in the state where you live before you are matched.

Here's a breakdown of the telehealth credentialing and licensing requirements for each clinician:

Therapists (LCSW, LPC, LPCC, LMFT, LMHC):

• Master's degree in counseling or a related field
• Accrual of a specified number of hours (depending on the state) of giving direct and indirect services under clinical supervision
• Passing score of the National Counselor Examination (NCE) and the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE)

Psychologists (PsyD, PhD, EdD)::

• Doctoral degree in psychology or a qualifying related field (PsyD, PhD, or EdD)
• Passing score of the Examination for Professional Practice of Psychology (EPPP)
• Accrual of 1,000-6,000 supervised hours (depending on state)

HIPAA compliance & data security

HIPAA, or the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, sets national standards for protecting in-person and telehealth patient privacy. Sailor Health has a combination of administrative, technical, and physical safeguards in place to protect your private health information.

Their HIPAA-compliant telehealth company uses the following methods to keep your health data safe from unauthorized access, alteration, destruction, or disclosure:

• Encryption
• Secure patient portals
• Firewalls
• Intrusion detection systems
• Restricted access to personal data to authorized personnel only

These safeguards apply to your telehealth sessions and your records.

You can learn more about their telehealth security standards by visiting the privacy policy page and terms of service, or by reading this article about privacy in online therapy.

Transparent care model

Sailor Health offers virtual psychotherapy to address mental health conditions that impact older adults.

These include:

• Anxiety and depression
• Aging and loneliness
• Sleep troubles
• Cognitive decline
• Life transitions
• Relationship issues
• Mood disorders
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and trauma
• Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Self-esteem
• Caregiver burnout
• Family dynamics
• Chronic (or long-term) health conditions
• Grief and loss

Sailor Health clinicians do not treat dementia or schizophrenia.

Costs can often be a barrier to seniors seeking mental health care. Sailor Health believes that care should be accessible to everyone, so they work to ensure they deliver quality and affordable services.

Because Sailor Health is an official Medicare Provider, their virtual counseling for seniors is more cost-efficient for beneficiaries.

Here's a breakdown of costs for each type of Medicare plan:

• Original Medicare: $0-$30 per session.
• Original Medicare and Supplemental: $0 per session.

Not sure if you're eligible for low-cost Medicare psychotherapy services? They have a built-in tool where you can select your state and Medicare type to see if you have coverage.

Value of a transparent care model

Research links openness in care to better experiences. Telehealth can improve patient-provider relationships by building trust and allowing more frequent communication between sessions. Continuous follow-up care can also improve health outcomes, especially if you manage several chronic conditions.

Reviews from Sailor Health patients

Here's what patients have to say about the care they're receiving at Sailor Health:

"I used to lie awake with my mind racing. Now, after talking things through in therapy, I'm finally sleeping better and feeling more at peace." - Debra

"I honestly didn't think therapy would do much for me at this stage of life. But I'm so glad I gave it a chance - it's helped more than I ever expected." - Amanda

"What I like most is how they work with me. My therapist always finds a way to fit around my doctor visits and how I'm feeling." - Daniel

How to verify a health website's credibility

When searching for credible senior mental health care, a company's website can help you verify if they're legitimate. This matters because you deserve to know who is treating you.

Below is a checklist to help you determine if you’re on a credible health website:

<table><thead><tr><th>Checkpoint</th><th>Reason</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>☐ Website address</td><td>Confirm whether a website's purpose is to inform or sell products or services. Look at the website's URL (e.g., .edu, .gov, .org, or .com) to help you identify who owns the site.</td></tr><tr><td>☐ Authors</td><td>Most websites list authors or contributors. As you perform mental health platform reviews, ensure the content is written and/or reviewed by licensed health professionals.</td></tr><tr><td>☐ Contact information</td><td>Credible health websites will also have contact information. Look for an email, phone number, and physical address listed at the bottom of the page or on a separate "Contact Us" page.</td></tr><tr><td>☐ Content updates</td><td>There are always new updates in health care. Any information on a company's website should be reviewed and updated frequently to avoid misinformation.</td></tr><tr><td>☐ Privacy policy</td><td>Mental health telehealth reviews should also involve looking for a company's privacy policy. A legitimate website will have a privacy policy page that discusses how it protects your information.</td></tr></tbody></table>

Follow these steps to check any telehealth provider:

1. Confirm the provider accepts your insurance. For Medicare, use the provider's eligibility tool or contact your plan administrator.
2. Ask for your therapist's license type and state, and confirm it matches your state.
3. Read the privacy policy and look for named safeguards such as encryption and HIPPA compliance.
4. Look for a working phone number and email. Sailor Health support can be found at +1 800 995-8255 and support@sailorhealth.com.
5. Be wary of anyone who pressures you to pay up front.

At Sailor Health, they ensure that you're aware of their mission and services upfront, and protect your private data when using their virtual mental health services.

Note: Online scammers often target older adults, as they are less likely to report fraud. If you or a loved one has been scammed, please report it to the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 833-372-8311.

Benefits of choosing a legitimate telehealth provider

Here are the benefits of using a credible telehealth provider like Sailor Health for mental health care:

• Cost and accessibility: Teletherapy removes barriers like transportation and other expenses that can make mental health care feel out of reach. Plus, if you have Medicare, using providers like Sailor Health can make sessions as low as $0. This matters because 70% of older adults living with a mental health condition aren't receiving the care they need.
• Continuity of care: Telemedicine allows providers to continuously monitor and deliver follow-up care to patients. This is crucial for older patients who may be managing multiple chronic diseases, as continuous care can help catch changes early. In one long-term study of Medicare beneficiaries, 85% developed at least two chronic conditions, highlighting the complexity of managing health as people age. Medicare coverage helps you keep attending regular sessions.
• Better patient-provider relationship: Telehealth mental health can improve patient-provider relationships by increasing accessibility, fostering trust, and allowing more frequent communication between sessions. Sailor Health adds to this by matching you with a therapist who specializes in mental health for older adults.

How to get started with Sailor Health

If you're ready to seek quality, affordable mental health care designed with you in mind, here are the steps you'll need to take:

• Click "Get Started" and start entering your information:
• Select your state.
• Select the type of Medicare plan you have.

Pick a date and time for a quick 15-minute call with Sailor Health's Care Coordination team. Be prepared to discuss your treatment needs, preferences, and what you're seeking in a therapist.

From there, you'll get matched with a therapist and can start your first session promptly, with no long waiting list.

What to expect from your first Sailor Health session

Your first session with a Sailor Health therapist will act as an introductory meeting. The therapist will ask questions to learn more about you and how you both can work together effectively. You may be asked to share why you came to therapy, your life experiences, relationships, and other relevant topics.

We recommend attending this session alone in a quiet space to ensure focus and privacy. This session is typically around 55 minutes, but you can confirm the length with your therapist beforehand.

The thought of a first session may be intimidating, especially if you're new to therapy, so remember to be yourself, ask questions, and be patient with your progress.

Take the first step towards finding relief

With countless mental health platforms available, it's understandable to want to know if a company is valid before enrolling in care. Sailor Health's in-network Medicare status, licensed clinical team, and HIPAA compliance support its legitimacy as a telemedicine provider. If you or a loved one is seeking elder mental health care, you can expect us to deliver quality, affordable, and confidential care.

If you're an older adult facing mental health challenges, know that you're not alone, and recovery is in reach. Sailor Health offers virtual mental health services via computer, phone, or landline. Plus, most Medicare patients have a $0 copay. We're here to support you on your journey to better mental health. Get started today.

FAQs about Sailor Health

Here are some commonly asked questions about senior mental health care at Sailor Health:

Is Sailor Health legitimate?

Yes. Sailor Health encompasses a team of licensed and credentialed mental health professionals and is an in-network Medicare Provider.

How does Sailor Health ensure privacy and confidentiality?

Sailor Health uses a secure, HIPAA-compliant platform to ensure that your personal health information is kept confidential.

Can I access Sailor Health without a computer or smartphone?

Yes. Sailor Health offers therapy by video or phone, including traditional landlines. You don't need a computer, smartphone, or video connection to speak with your therapist.

How can I verify that my Sailor Health therapist is licensed?

Sailor Health only works with licensed therapists and psychologists who meet the requirements to practice in your state. You can verify your therapist's license through your state's professional licensing board.

How do I know if a therapist is the right fit for me?

Sailor Health ensures that you're matched with a therapist who aligns with your personal preferences and treatment goals. If you're not satisfied with your clinician, we'll take the necessary steps to find the right fit for you.

Can family members help an older adult get started with Sailor Health?

Yes. Family members can help an older adult explore Sailor Health's services, check Medicare coverage, and navigate the process of getting started. They can also help set up technology for video sessions or arrange a quiet, private space for phone therapy. Therapy sessions themselves are confidential, and your loved one's therapist will need their permission before sharing information about their care.

References

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9. How to find reliable health information online. (2023, January 12). National Institute on Aging. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/healthy-aging/how-find-reliable-health-information-online
10. National Elder Fraud Hotline. (n.d.). Office for Victims of Crime. https://ovc.ojp.gov/program/stop-elder-fraud/providing-help-restoring-hope
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