Teladoc is a comprehensive healthcare platform that provides mental health, psychiatric, and primary care services. Teladoc offers same-day or next-day availability in most states; it is available nationwide and covered through most commercial insurance plans. In my independent review, it earned 3.5 out of 5 stars.
Teladoc made it easy to find and see a therapist quickly. The platform’s intake process and overall design were positive. Unfortunately, my personal experience with the therapist I saw left a lot to be desired.
Teladoc at a Glance
Cash-Pay Cost: $119 therapy, $299 psychiatry intakes, $129 follow-ups
Insurance Accepted: Yes
Pros & Cons of Teladoc
- Most major insurance plans accepted
- Next-day appointments available
- Multiple therapists to choose from
- Phone and video options
- Expensive out-of-pocket costs for psychiatry
- No option to message therapist between appointments
- Medication management is limited
Preview Teladoc
Teladoc is a telehealth platform offering mental health therapy, psychiatry, and other forms of wellness care. Teladoc therapy costs $119 per session, and psychiatry costs $299 for an initial visit and $129 for follow-up appointments. Teladoc is designed to address mental health symptoms for people needing flexible, remote healthcare. The platform earned 3.5 out of 5 stars in our independent review.
When I used Teladoc, I felt the overall app interface was easy to use. Creating an account was simple and I enjoyed having multiple therapists to choose from based on my symptoms, availability, gender, and language preferences. Overall, I found it to be comprehensive and the platform seemed specially designed to treat symptom-specific concerns. While I had an unpleasant experience with the therapist I chose, the platform as a whole seems like a solution for finding accessible therapy.
While Teladoc has a lot to offer, there are a few groups it won’t work for. Teladoc is not designed for couples counseling or to treat children younger than 13 years of age. You may want to consider alternatives specifically designed for these populations. Regain is a great option for couples counseling. Meanwhile, Brightside Health could be a better choice for adults and teens needing comprehensive care, and Bend Health is a great starting point for finding care for your child. Interestingly, Teladoc owns BetterHelp, another decent alternative for those looking for cash-pay therapy services.
Brightside - Therapy & Medication Using Your Insurance
Together, medication and therapy can help you feel like yourself, faster. Brightside Health develops personalized plans that are unique to you and offers 1 on 1 support from start to finish. United Healthcare, Anthem, Cigna, and Aetna insurance are accepted.
Detailed Review of Teladoc
Teladoc provides comprehensive telehealth services for mental health, psychiatric, and primary care services across all 50 states. It accepts most commercial insurance plans, with no subscription fees. The cost of services depends on the type of care: Therapy costs $119 per session, psychiatry costs $299 for initial sessions and $129 for follow-ups, and general wellness visits cost $119 per session.
Review our scoring criteria for online therapy platforms here.
Review our complete editorial policies here.
Therapy With Teladoc
Teladoc therapy offers users access to licensed therapists for a variety of mental health issues such as stress, anxiety, and depression. Users can schedule sessions via their mobile app or the website portal based on availability, specialty, gender, and language preferences. Therapy can also be conducted via phone or video.
During my intake with Teladoc, I was prompted to add information about my health history, lifestyle, and medications. I was also given a questionnaire to assess my symptoms in the last two weeks.
A Disappointing First Session
When it was time for my first therapy session with Teladoc, connecting through the app was a breeze. I easily tested my microphone and camera before my therapist joined. Originally, I was in the living room with my toddler, but my therapist promptly advised me to move to a private space, arrange childcare, or reschedule the session. Fortunately, I was able to relocate and still stay within earshot, as I was the only one home at the time.
Part of my presenting concerns and stressors were related to being a special needs parent and the lack of support from the healthcare systems. I immediately felt unsupported at how quickly my therapist insisted that I go into another room or reschedule. Within the next five minutes, my therapist expressed that they did not feel they would be the best fit to help me with my concerns, as they primarily focused on “symptom management.”
Attempting to give them the benefit of the doubt, I started to speak using “therapist language,” sharing symptoms I was experiencing, rather than the intimate details of my stressors. I expressed that I had difficulty feeling motivated to get out of bed, was experiencing crying spells, and often felt hopeless. Based on their response, I felt they expressed a real lack of empathy.
My therapist often shrugged their shoulders and repeated phrases such as, “You have to find things you like.” They also encouraged me to schedule with a different therapist for a follow-up session. At the 30-minute mark, my therapist gave me the option to continue for the remaining 15 minutes or end the session early. Feeling dismissed and invalidated, I chose to thank my therapist and end the session early.
My therapist followed up with a message containing 14 pages of scanned copies of coping skills and information about patterns of thinking and reflexive actions. Personally, I wish my therapist had reviewed some of these with me during the session instead of sending so many pages all at once without any explanation.
Finding a New Therapist
Despite my negative experience with the therapist, I still think Teladoc is a useful resource for finding care. When finding mental healthcare, it’s somewhat common to come across therapists who aren’t a good fit for you. It’s important to continue trying, and Teladoc makes it easy to schedule with a different therapist on the platform.
When you select a new therapist, your records and notes automatically transfer, providing them with easy access to your information.
No Between-Session Messaging
A major downside to Teladoc’s therapy program was the inability to message a therapist between sessions. While the Teladoc platform allows you to message your “care team,” this feature seems to route messages to a generic customer service chat instead of your therapist. This is in contrast to what we saw in our BetterHelp review. BetterHelp, a subsidiary of Teladoc, allows you to message your therapist directly in a dedicated chat room.
Psychiatry
Teladoc psychiatry requires an initial visit with a board-certified psychiatrist, either through video or a phone call. I did not schedule an appointment with a psychiatrist for the purposes of this review; however, the selection process is basically the same as finding a therapist, where you can filter based on symptoms, availability, gender, and language.
Similar to what we saw with Teladoc’s therapy system, you cannot message your prescriber directly within the app. Your messages seem to filter to a more general support line. The inability to message your provider directly can be concerning, as there may be private details you would like to share with them prior to your next sessions.
The message responses are automated and provide the number to call if you have any questions about your account or medications. It notes to call 9-1-1 if you are in a crisis. The automated message explicitly states a provider cannot answer medication questions through messaging, which reduces accessibility and support. Problems with medication are one of the common complaints about Teladoc from other users.
Wellness Care
In addition to therapy and psychiatry, Teladoc also provides other telehealth offerings, including general wellness, weight management, diabetes management, hypertension management, dermatology, sexual health, back and joint care, nutrition, and expert medical opinions. Teladoc seems to strive to be a one-stop shop for all of your healthcare needs.
In addition to being able to meet with a medical professional, Teladoc has an online library of resources available 24/7.
Cost & Insurance
Teladoc therapy costs $119 per session, psychiatry costs $299 for an initial session and $129 for follow-ups. General wellness care with Teladoc costs $89 per session. Teladoc accepts most commercial insurance plans, which could lower the cost of care, depending on your insurance plan. Teladoc accepts FSA/HSA cards, credit cards, and PayPal as payment methods.
Details about Teladoc pricing include:
- Teladoc Therapy: $119 per session
- Teladoc Psychiatry: $299 initial session; $129 follow-up appointments
- 24/7 Urgent Care: $89 per session
- Nutrition: $89 per session
- Dermatology: $89 per session
Who Does Teladoc Serve?
Teladoc serves individuals in all 50 states aged 18 and older, though less populated states may have fewer provider options. Parents are also able to make appointments for their teens aged 13–17. Teladoc addresses a number of mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, PTSD, and bipolar disorder. However, in my experience, online mental health platforms like Teladoc are often better equipped for symptom management rather than severe mental health concerns.
User Reviews
The majority of reviews for Teladoc speak to primary care providers and experiences related to physical health needs rather than mental health. Positive reviews often highlight the quick and easy access to a telehealth provider, the wide range of availability based on insurance and location, and the support received during sessions.
Negative reviews are mostly concerned with inaccurate charges, unexpected cancellations, and an overall lack of professionalism from both providers and customer service.
Reviews from Apple App Store | 4.8 out of 5 stars | 633.9K reviews
Positive reviews from the Apple App Store include ease of use, quick access to healthcare professionals, and effective treatment options.
Negative reviews from the Apple App Store include occasional technical issues and difficulties with customer service. Reviewers indicated that Teladoc customer service is often slow and ineffective.
Reviews from Google Play Store | 4.4 out of 5 stars | 72.3K reviews
Positive reviews from the Google Play Store include praise for the platform’s convenience, helpful healthcare providers, and the app’s user-friendly interface.
Negative reviews from the Google Play Store include isolated technical issues on the Android version of the Teladoc mobile app and customer service delays.
Reviews from Trustpilot | 4.7 out of 5 stars | 34K reviews
Positive reviews from Trustpilot include appreciation for professionalism from providers and availability. Many users felt that Teladoc was a useful way of accessing healthcare online.
Negative reviews from Trustpilot include frustrations with customer service or instances of users feeling they had wasted money to get prescribed something that could be bought over the counter.
Reviews from BBB | 1.1 out of 5 stars | 380+ reviews
Positive reviews from BBB include satisfaction with appointments, providers, and appointment outcomes. Note: There were only six 5-star reviews out of 360. The remaining reviews were three stars or less. BBB reviews tend to skew negative.
Negative reviews from the BBB include complaints about inaccurate billing and charges for sessions, the provider’s lack of attention to detail and professionalism overall, as well as frequent back and forth with customer service to resolve concerns.
Alternatives & Competitors
Teladoc is a good solution for those who need quick access to therapy or psychiatry, but other competitors may be a better fit for some. BetterHelp is subscription-based and hosts a huge collection of therapists. Meanwhile, Brightside Health is one of the most affordable online psychiatry platforms we’ve tested. Talkspace is another great option, especially if you’re looking for teen or couples therapy
BetterHelp - Best for Cash-Pay Therapy
While it is actually owned and operated by Teladoc, BetterHelp is a good alternative if you don’t have insurance or are looking for a month-to-month subscription. BetterHelp doesn’t accept insurance like Teladoc does, but it has affordable cash-pay prices. Notably, BetterHelp offers financial aid.
It can be a good platform for getting help with anxiety and depression. It’s a great option for those who are looking for therapy and don’t have insurance.
Learn more in our thorough BetterHelp review.
Pros & Cons
- Fast, convenient, and affordable cash-pay therapy
- Has extra therapy resources and between-session messaging
- Monthly cost can vary by location
- Doesn’t accept insurance at all
Brightside Health - Best for Combined Therapy & Medication
Brightside Health is a good alternative to Teladoc, especially if your insurance plan covers the former but not the latter. For those without insurance, Brightside Health offers affordable cash-pay options for both therapy and psychiatry, which may be more affordable than Teladoc. Its cash-pay prices start at just $45 monthly for already-established psychiatric care, up to $349 monthly for combined weekly therapy and monthly psychiatric care.
Brightside Health could be a great option for those who are looking for medication or therapy and don’t have an insurance plan that’s in-network with Teladoc, or they need more affordable cash-pay services. It also offers services for teens in 38 states and counting, as well as a Suicide Prevention program for those needing higher-touch care.
Learn more in our full Brightside Health review.
Pros & Cons
- Accepts many insurance plans
- Offers affordable cash-pay options for therapy and medication plans
- Customer service takes several days to respond to requests
- Not available for kids or teens
Talkspace - Best for Insurance-Based Care
Where Teladoc is priced by appointment, Talkspace emphasizes ongoing care on a monthly subscription basis. Talkspace accepts many insurance plans but also offers cash-pay rates for both psychiatry and therapy, with therapy costing a flat rate of $396 monthly for weekly video and messaging therapy, or as low as $276 monthly for just messaging.
Psychiatry through Talkspace works similarly to Teladoc, with an initial appointment costing $299 and follow-up sessions at $175. Users can bundle several appointments at a time for a slight discount.
In addition to individual therapy and psychiatry, Talkspace offers couples therapy and mental health care for teens.
In our full review of Talkspace, we found it to be a good platform for getting both therapy and psychiatry, especially if you have an in-network insurance plan.
Pros & Cons
- Many major health insurance plans are accepted
- Individual, couples, and teen therapy available
- Not much control over initial therapist choice
- Provider matching process can take a few days
History & News About Teladoc
Year Founded: 2002
Founder: Byron Brooks, Michael Gorton
Publicly Traded: Yes
Notable Facts: Parent company of BetterHelp
Teladoc was founded in 2002 in Dallas, Texas by Byron Brooks and Michael Gorton. It became the largest telemedicine provider in the United States after acquiring Consult a Doctor and AmeriDoc in 2013 and 2014, respectively.1 Virtual mental health services were introduced in 2014, followed by psychiatry services in 2015.1
That same year, Teladoc was the only telemedicine company on the New York Stock Exchange available for public trading.2 Continuing its global expansion, Teladoc acquired Best Doctors in 2017 and later set out to merge with Livongo, a chronic condition management service. The merger with Livongo is one of the largest deals in digital healthcare at approximately $18.5 billion.3
There have been some lawsuits and allegations made against Teladoc as of 2022 by shareholder Jeremy Schneider, regarding the alleged misleading of investors by Teladoc representatives and the ongoing challenges faced with the integration of Teladoc’s latest acquisition, Livongo.4
Former CEO, Jason Gorevic stepped down in April 2024. Analysts and officials who worked closely with Gorevic reported to STAT News that Gorevic’s departure followed a series of missed financial projections, a sharp decline in Teladoc’s stock price, and an uninspired vision for its future.5 The new CEO, Charles “Chuck” Divita III, joined in June 2024, bringing significant insurance industry experience, which aligns with Teladoc’s increased focus on partnerships in that sector.6
On April 30, 2025, Teladoc acquired UpLift, a virtual therapy and psychiatry provider, in a deal valued at up to $45 million. UpLift offers payer partnerships covering over 100 million lives and a network of about 1,500 clinicians, enabling Teladoc and eventually its BetterHelp segment to offer more in-network mental health care. The acquisition is part of Teladoc’s strategy to counter recent revenue declines from BetterHelp and deepen its relationships with health insurance payers. The results of UpLift will be incorporated into the BetterHelp reporting segment going forward.7
In July of 2025, Teladoc announced the launch of its new employee assistance program, Wellbound, through which qualified employees can access BetterHelp, as well as psychiatry and medication management services.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Teladoc?
Teladoc is a telehealth platform that offers a wide range of virtual healthcare services, from mental health therapy to psychiatry, and wellness care, accessible through their mobile and web browser.
What is Teladoc’s Provider Vetting Process?
Teladoc’s vetting process includes a background check and ensures all healthcare professionals are board-certified and actively licensed in their field.
What is Teladoc’s Therapist Matching Process?
Teladoc’s therapist matching process allows you to choose from a selection of matching provider profiles, which will display information including gender, language, and specialties.
Can I Use My HSA/FSA for Teladoc?
Yes, you can use your FSA or HSA for mental health services rendered by Teladoc. Always double-check your health insurance plan for benefit details.
How Do I Cancel My Teladoc Subscription?
There are no subscription plans for Teladoc; however, you can cancel your visit on Teladoc.com or the Teladoc mobile app. Be mindful of their cancellation policy to avoid any cancellation fees.
Can I Pause My Teladoc Subscription?
Teladoc is a fee-for-service platform, so there are no ongoing subscription fees you would need to cancel.
Does Teladoc Issue Refunds?
You are only charged after your visit, or if you cancel less than 24 hours in advance.
Read more about Teladoc’s Cancellation Policy.
How Much Does Teladoc Cost?
Teladoc pricing varies based on your insurance plan and can start as low as $0 with insurance. Remember, not all insurance plans are in-network with the Teladoc platform, so double-check your benefits before scheduling.
How Much is Teladoc Without Insurance?
Teladoc pricing without insurance for therapy visits is $119, first-time psychiatry visits are $299 and follow-up psychiatry visits are $129 out of pocket.
Is Teladoc HIPAA-Compliant?
Yes, Teladoc outlines its HIPAA compliance on its Notice of Privacy Practices and Privacy Policy pages.
Is Teladoc Legit?
Teladoc is a legitimate online platform for general wellness and acute mental health services.
What Ages Do Teladoc Providers See?
Teladoc mental health services are available for adults 18+ and for children aged 13-17 with a consenting parent or caregiver.
ChoosingTherapy.com strives to provide our readers with mental health content that is accurate and actionable. We have high standards for what can be cited within our articles. Acceptable sources include government agencies, universities and colleges, scholarly journals, industry and professional associations, and other high-integrity sources of mental health journalism. Learn more by reviewing our full editorial policy.
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Trigg, M. (2016, November). How the North Texas telemedicine revolution began. D Magazine. Retrieved from https://www.dmagazine.com/publications/d-ceo/2016/november/how-the-north-texas-telemedicine-revolution-began/
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Fierce Healthcare. (2024, April 17). Teladoc taps GuideWell executive Chuck Divita as new CEO. Retrieved from https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/health-tech/teladoc-taps-guidewell-executive-chuck-divita-new-ceo
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Fierce Healthcare. (2022, January). JPM22: Teladoc projects $2.03B 2021 revenue, up from previous guidance after stock. Retrieved from https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/digital-health/jpm22-teladoc-projects-2-03b-2021-revenue-up-from-previous-guidance-after-stock
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MobiHealthNews. (2023, April 17). Teladoc may face second class action lawsuit from investors. Retrieved from https://www.mobihealthnews.com/news/teladoc-may-face-second-class-action-lawsuit-investors.
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STAT. (2024, April 17). Teladoc CEO departure: Jason Gorevic’s legacy. Retrieved from https://www.statnews.com/2024/04/17/teladoc-ceo-departure-jason-gorevic-legacy/.
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CNBC. (2024, April 5). Teladoc CEO departs the company, CFO to serve as interim head. Retrieved from https://www.cnbc.com/2024/04/05/teladoc-ceo-departs-the-company-cfo-to-serve-as-interim-head.html.
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Teladoc Health. (2025, April 30). Teladoc Health Acquires UpLift, Expanding Consumer Access to Mental Health Care Services Through Covered Benefits. Retrieved from: https://www.teladochealth.com/newsroom/press/teladoc-health-acquires-uplift-expanding-consumer-access-to-mental-health-care-services-through-covered-benefits
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Olsen, Emily. (July 15, 2025). Teladoc to launch employee assistance program. Healthcare Dive. Retrieved from: https://www.healthcaredive.com/news/teladoc-launches-employee-assistance-program-eap-wellbound/752978/
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Church, Matthew. (March 12, 2025). BetterHelp Review: Cost, Pros & Cons, & My Experience. ChoosingTherapy.com. Retrieved from: https://www.choosingtherapy.com/betterhelp-review/
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Church, Matthew. (March 18, 2025). Brightside Health Review: Pros & Cons, Cost, & My Experience. ChoosingTherapy.com. Retrieved from: https://www.choosingtherapy.com/brightside-health-review/
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Church, Matthew. (March 14, 2025). Talkspace Review: Pros & Cons, Cost, & My Experience. ChoosingTherapy.com. Retrieved from: https://www.choosingtherapy.com/talkspace-review/
We regularly update the articles on ChoosingTherapy.com to ensure we continue to reflect scientific consensus on the topics we cover, to incorporate new research into our articles, and to better answer our audience’s questions. When our content undergoes a significant revision, we summarize the changes that were made and the date on which they occurred. We also record the authors and medical reviewers who contributed to previous versions of the article. Read more about our editorial policies here.
Author: Lena Suarez-Angelino, LCSW (No Change)
Medical Reviewer: Kristen Fuller, MD (No Change)
Primary Updates: Added information about Teladoc’s acquisition of Uplift. Updated the formatting of the article to be in line with our new standards. Fact-checked and edited entire article for readability and clarity.
Author: Lena Suarez-Angelino, LCSW
Medical Reviewer: Kristen Fuller, MD
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