For many people in Arizona, the hardest part of getting mental health care is not deciding to ask for help. It is finding an appointment that does not collide with a shift, a commute, school pickup, or a boss who notices every empty desk. If most clinics close at 5 PM and you work until 5 PM, care can start to feel out of reach.

That is a common problem, and it is one reason Living Hope Behavioral and Mental Health Care offers evening and Sunday telepsychiatry appointments for adults, teens, and families across Arizona. This article looks at why scheduling is such a real barrier, how after-hours online care works, and how to make the most of an evening visit.

Time is one of the biggest barriers to mental health care

Mental health conditions are common. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, an estimated 59.3 million adults in the United States, about 23.1% of adults, lived with a mental illness in 2022. Only about half of them (50.6%) received mental health treatment that year.

Why do so many people go without care? In SAMHSA’s 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, adults with a mental illness who felt they needed treatment but did not get it were asked why. Nearly half (48.9%) said they did not have enough time for treatment. About 29% said they had problems with things like transportation, childcare, or getting appointments at times that worked for them.

In other words, many people are not avoiding care because they do not want it. Their calendar simply does not have room for a weekday appointment plus travel time.

How evening and Sunday telepsychiatry helps

Telepsychiatry means meeting with a psychiatric provider by secure video instead of in an office. The National Institute of Mental Health notes that virtual visits do not require travel, can make appointments easier to fit into a busy schedule, and can reach people who cannot easily get to in-person care, such as people who do not drive or who live in remote areas. NIMH also notes that virtual care can be effective for treating conditions such as anxiety, ADHD, depression, and PTSD.

When you combine video visits with after-hours scheduling, a few practical things change:

No time off work. An evening visit can happen after your workday ends, so you do not have to explain an absence or use paid leave.
No commute. You can join from home, which matters a lot if you live in a rural part of the state or far from the nearest clinic.
Easier for parents. Evenings and Sundays can be simpler for families coordinating a teen’s appointment around school and activities.
Consistency. A regular time slot you can actually keep makes it easier to show up for follow-up visits, which is where steady progress usually happens.

At Living Hope, appointments are available Monday through Thursday starting at 6 PM, and Sundays starting at 8 AM, Arizona time. Visits are by video from anywhere in Arizona, whether you are in Phoenix, Tucson, Flagstaff, or a small town in between. You can see the full list on our areas we serve page.

What an evening visit can help with

After-hours appointments are full psychiatric visits, not a lighter version of care. People commonly reach out for help with:

Ongoing worry, restlessness, or panic (see our anxiety care page)
Low mood, loss of interest, or feeling stuck (see depression care)
Trouble with focus, organization, or follow-through (see ADHD care)
Sleep problems, stress, grief, or the effects of trauma

Your provider will talk with you about your history and what you are experiencing, and work with you on a plan that fits your needs.

Tips for making the most of an after-hours appointment

Pick a private spot. A parked car, a bedroom with the door closed, or a quiet corner works. Headphones help if others are home.
Test your device earlier in the day. Check your camera, microphone, and internet connection so the visit starts on time.
Jot down notes during the week. Evenings can be tiring. A short list of symptoms, questions, and changes since your last visit keeps the conversation focused.
Protect your wind-down time. If your visit runs into the evening, give yourself a few minutes afterward before screens or chores so you can rest.
Keep a recurring slot. If Thursday evenings or Sunday afternoons work for you, ask to book follow-ups at the same time.

Evening care is not emergency care

Scheduled appointments, even late ones, are not a substitute for crisis support. If you or someone you love is struggling or having thoughts of suicide, call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, free and confidential. In a life-threatening emergency, call 911.

Ready to find a time that works?

You should not have to choose between your job, your family, and your mental health. Living Hope offers evening and Sunday telepsychiatry across Arizona, and patients with insurance can book online. Book an appointment and choose a time that fits your life.

This article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always talk with a qualified health care provider about your specific situation. If you are in crisis, call or text 988, or call 911 in an emergency.

Sources

National Institute of Mental Health. Mental Illness statistics.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Key Substance Use and Mental Health Indicators in the United States: Results from the 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health.
National Institute of Mental Health. Getting Mental Health Support Virtually (revised 2025).
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. 988lifeline.org.