Our team tested over 30 platforms to find the best online psychiatry services. These top five medication management providers tackle big challenges like quick refills, flexible scheduling, and affordable care. Whether you’re seeking medication, therapy, or both, these psychiatrist platforms make getting help easier and more accessible—with or without insurance.
Our Favorite Online Psychiatrist Platforms
- Best Overall - Brightside Health | Read review
- Best Insurance Coverage - Talkiatry | Read review
- Most Affordable - LiveHealth Online | Read review
- Best for Busy Schedules - MDLive | Read review
- Best for Medication Refills - Hims & Hers | Read review
Top Companies At a Glance
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Accepts many insurance plans -
Offers flexible payment options -
Also offers talk therapy
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Teen care not available in all states
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Accepts many insurance plans -
Talk therapists on-staff -
Longer session times
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Doesn’t accept cash-pay
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Low cash rates -
Also has therapists and psychologists
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Not in-network with many insurance plans
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Same-day appointments often available -
Offers general medical care and therapy -
Accepts many insurance plans
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No discounts for bundling therapy and medication
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Extremely quick access -
Very affordable
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No live sessions -
Providers are often generalists
Why Trust Us
300+
Companies Reviewed
2,350+
Hours of Testing
1,150+
Data Points AnalyzedChoosing Therapy’s reviews are fair, honest, thorough and based on firsthand experience. To date, we’ve reviewed mental health solutions offered by more than 300 companies. That has involved more than 2,350 hours of firsthand use and consideration of over 1,150 data points. Our editorial policies outline a rigorous review process, but they all boil down to this: produce reviews that our own friends and family can rely on. Learn more here.
Detailed Company Reviews
Here are our top picks for the best online psychiatry companies.
Price: $95 – $350 monthly
Insurance? Yes
Therapy? Yes
Brightside Health offers online mental health medication management for anyone 13+ across the U.S., combining medication management, therapy, and crisis care into one seamless platform. With affordable pricing and broad insurance acceptance, Brightside takes the stress out of getting high-quality mental health support. We think it’s a standout choice for ongoing, comprehensive online psychiatry care.
Pros & Cons
Pros - Accepts many insurance plans, including some Medicare/Medicaid
- Flexible payment options for cash-pay
- Also offers therapy and crisis case management
Cons - Teen care not available in all states
- Doesn't prescribe controlled medications
Cost
Brightside Health’s costs range from $95 to $349 monthly, depending on the plan you select. Additional fees apply for extra therapy visits ($59 per session) and medication shipping ($15 each, unless covered by insurance).
Brightside Health offers three subscription options for cash-pay members:
- Psychiatry ($95 monthly) – Includes an initial consultation with a psychiatrist and ongoing care.
- Therapy ($299 monthly) – Offers four live video sessions with a therapist each month.
- Psychiatry + Therapy ($349 monthly) – Combines both psychiatric care and therapy sessions for comprehensive support.
For more insight on pricing, visit our full Brightside Health review.
Overview
Brightside Health is a subscription-based platform offering online psychiatry and therapy to anyone age 13+ across the US. Cash-pay prices range from $95 to $349 monthly, making Brightside a very accessible option for common mental health concerns like depression and anxiety. For those with insurance, Brightside accepts many plans – including Medicare and Medicaid – which can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs for finding mental health medication online.
Brightside’s medication appointments are usually 15-30 minutes, depending on need, with initial appointments often being longer. For an additional $15 per medication, Brightside also ships prescriptions directly to you. Shipping may be covered by your insurance, if you’re in-network. Brightside will not prescribe controlled medications such as Ritalin or Adderall.
Beyond medication management, Brightside stands out with its comprehensive care. In addition to talk therapy, it offers a unique Crisis Care program for people with elevated suicidal risk. This combination of psychiatric care, therapy, and emergency support makes Brightside a valuable and cost-effective option for many people seeking online mental health services.
Learn more about our team’s experience in our full Brightside Health review.
Price: ~$20 – $50 copay per session
Insurance? Yes
Therapy? Yes
Talkiatry stands out for accepting a wide range of insurance plans. Along with some of the most personalized online psychiatry care our team has used, it’s the best option for those seeking insurance-friendly online psychiatry – but it doesn’t offer care for those without insurance.
Pros & Cons
Pros - Accepts many major insurance plans
- Treats children, teens, and adults ages 5 and older
- Psychiatry appointments are 30-60 minutes long
- Provides detailed, individualized care plans
- Also offers talk therapy
Cons - You can only sign up with Talkiatry if you have an in-network insurance plan
- Not available in all US states
Cost
Talkiatry costs vary based on your insurance benefits. If you’re in-network, you’ll only pay your copay or coinsurance, which is often under $50 per session. Since details depend on your plan, it’s a good idea to confirm coverage with your insurance provider.
Talkiatry doesn’t accept cash pay, so it’s not an option for those without insurance. However, HSA and FSA cards can be used to cover copays.
For more information, check out our full Talkiatry review.
Overview
Talkiatry is an online psychiatry platform designed for those seeking insurance-friendly mental health care. It connects you with licensed psychiatrists or nurse practitioners for comprehensive virtual treatment. Unlike many online services, Talkiatry exclusively works with in-network insurance, making it a very cost-effective choice for those whose insurance plans offer favorable mental health benefits. However, this does mean that those who don’t have insurance will need to look for care elsewhere.
One thing that sets Talkiatry apart from other online psychiatrist platforms is its generous session durations. Initial intake appointments for adults are 60 minutes, providing ample time to discuss your mental health history, goals, and treatment options. For children, intake sessions are even longer at 75 minutes. Follow-up visits are also longer than many competitors, typically ranging from 30 to 45 minutes. This additional time helps ensure a more personalized and effective treatment experience.
Our team has been consistently impressed by Talkiatry’s detailed and personalized approach to psychiatric care. For a deeper look into this online psychiatrist that takes insurance, check out our full Talkiatry review.
Price: $80 – $185 per session
Insurance? Yes
Therapy? Yes
LiveHealth Online is a nationwide medical provider that offers affordable online psychiatry and therapy. With the lowest out-of-pocket costs for initial psychiatry sessions among its competitors, it’s an excellent choice for those seeking budget-friendly care.
Pros & Cons
Pros - The lowest cost for cash-pay psychiatry
- Medication delivery available
- Also has therapists and psychologists
Cons - No extra features available, like a journal or educational resources
- Can take up to two weeks for first appointment
- Not in-network with many insurance plans
Cost
LiveHealth Online psychiatry services start at $185 for an initial evaluation, with follow-up visits priced at $80 each, well below the average cost for most psychiatry sessions.
LiveHealth also offers therapy sessions for $85 per visit with a licensed therapist or $100 per visit with a psychologist.
While LiveHealth accepts some insurance plans, its network is more limited compared to competitors. However, they do accept HSA and FSA cards, providing additional flexibility.
Overview
Our team found LiveHealth Online to be one of the most cost-effective platforms for online psychiatry. With pricing at $185 for an initial evaluation and just $80 for follow-up visits, it offers exceptional value for those paying out of pocket. Select insurance plans are accepted, which could reduce costs further, though LiveHealth’s network is not as broad as some other platforms we’ve used. Despite this, the platform stands out for making psychiatric care affordable to individuals with or without insurance.
Therapy on LiveHealth Online is equally straightforward, with both Masters-level therapists and psychologists available for $85 and $100 per session, respectively. Unlike some competitors, therapy and psychiatry are priced separately, so there aren’t any bundled discounts for combining services. While it doesn’t offer some common care programs or interactive exercises, its affordability and transparency make LiveHealth Online a practical option for anyone seeking simple, budget-friendly mental health care.
LiveHealth Online has an updated and easy-to-use website that makes it clear how potential patients sign up. They also had some of the best prices for a cash-pay, single session, initial psychiatric evaluation we could find.
Price: $0 – $299 per session
Insurance? Yes
Therapy? Yes
We love MDLive for its same-day appointments, making it an excellent choice for busy schedules. Offering both online psychiatry and therapy, it’s a convenient option for those needing immediate access to care. Flexible scheduling and fast availability set MDLive apart from its competitors.
Pros & Cons
Pros - Same-day appointments are often available
- Offers general medical care and therapy in addition to psychiatry
- Accepts many insurance plans
Cons - No discounts for bundling therapy and medication
Cost
MDLive costs range from $0 to $299 per session, depending on the service and your insurance coverage. As a large platform partnered with many major insurance providers, MDLive can make care significantly more affordable assuming you have coverage. If you’re in-network, you’ll only need to pay your copay—though exact costs vary by plan.
For cash-pay users, psychiatry sessions cost up to $299, while therapy sessions range up to $179.
To learn more, visit our full review of MDLive.
Overview
MDLive is a telemedicine platform available nationwide, offering psychiatry, therapy, primary care, urgent care, and even dermatology services. This makes it a solid option for those looking to consolidate their healthcare needs under one roof. MDLive’s costs vary depending on the service, with psychiatry and therapy priced up to $299 per session for cash-pay users. Many major insurance plans are accepted, often reducing out-of-pocket expenses significantly.
What sets MDLive apart is its quick scheduling and convenience. You can often find same-day or next-day appointments, a rarity among online psychiatric providers and almost non-existent with in-person facilities. The platform doesn’t prescribe controlled medications like benzodiazepines or stimulants, but it does cover a wide range of mental health needs, including treatment for depression, anxiety, and other common conditions suitable to online treatment.
We were impressed by MDLive’s platform and its broad scope of services. The ability to combine mental health care with primary or urgent care in one platform adds significant value.
View more about our experience in our full MDLive review.
Price: $49 monthly (billed quarterly)
Insurance? No
Therapy? No
Hims & Hers is the best option for quick, hassle-free medication refills if you already have an established diagnosis and treatment plan. Their low-touch care model is efficient for managing ongoing prescriptions, but not for starting or adjusting treatment in more detail. It’s a convenient, affordable choice for maintenance care, but it’s not ideal for patients new to treatment.
Pros & Cons
Pros - Quick access to refills of established medications
- Very affordable
Cons - Doesn’t offer live sessions with an ongoing prescriber
- Not suitable for new prescriptions
- Providers are not always psychiatric specialists
Cost
Hims and Hers medication management subscriptions cost $49 monthly but are billed every 90 days at $147. Subscription costs include medication and delivery. Hims & Hers does not accept insurance.
For more information, you can read our in-depth review of Hims or our Hers review.
Overview
Hims & Hers is a telemedicine platform that specializes in convenient, subscription-based care for mental health and other wellness needs, like men’s and women’s health. Their mental health services focus on providing medication management through text-based consultations, making it easy for people with an established diagnosis to refill prescriptions for non-controlled medications. At $59 per month (billed quarterly), it’s one of the most affordable options available, but the platform does not accept insurance and the care is not nearly as comprehensive as many competitors.
From our experience, Hims & Hers is best suited for patients who already have a clear understanding of their mental health needs and an established treatment plan. The platform prioritizes speed and accessibility, with an easy signup process and medication delivery in as little as two days. However, the lack of live appointments or robust diagnostics makes it a poor fit for anyone starting their mental health journey or requiring more detailed care.
While Hims & Hers offers an affordable and efficient solution for managing ongoing prescriptions, we view it as a supplemental option rather than a strong option for comprehensive care.
Visit our full review of Hers and our review of Hims for more details.
Compare the Best Companies
| Price | $95 - $350 monthly | ~$20 - $50 copay per session | $80 - $185 per session | $0 - $299 per session | $49 monthly (billed quarterly) |
| Insurance? |  |  |  |  |  |
| Therapy? |  |  |  |  |  |
| Age Range | 13+ | 5+ | 18+ | 18+ | 18+ |
| Price | ||||
| $95 - $350 monthly | ~$20 - $50 copay per session | $80 - $185 per session | $0 - $299 per session | $49 monthly (billed quarterly) |
| Insurance? | ||||
 |  |  |  |  |
| Therapy? | ||||
 |  |  |  |  |
| Age Range | ||||
| 13+ | 5+ | 18+ | 18+ | 18+ |
Final Verdict
“The best online psychiatrist platform for you depends on your specific needs. Brightside Health offers very comprehensive care at a great value, while Talkiatry is ideal if you have insurance. For affordable cash-pay options, LiveHealth Online is the way to go. MDLive shines for same-day appointments, and Hims & Hers is best for quick medication refills.”
More Psychiatrist Platforms to Explore
While our list of the best online psychiatry services addresses a wide range of needs, certain populations might find better fits with other options. Online mental health medication management providers like Cerebral, Thriveworks, and Brightline offer a lot of value, depending on your needs.
Price: $299 initial; $175 follow-ups
Insurance? Yes
Therapy? Yes
Learn MoreShow less
Talkspace is an online psychiatric provider available for anyone age 13+ in the US and internationally. Talkspace makes it easy to access insurance-covered or cash-pay psychiatry from almost anywhere. Sign-up is quick and painless, and you’ll be matched with a provider within hours.
For a look into our experience, visit our full Talkspace review.
Price: $120 – $300+ per session
Insurance? No
Therapy? Yes
Learn MoreShow less
Sesame is an online healthcare provider that offers online psychiatry services and therapy. Sesame is the only psychiatry platform that called in labs for our team members to get a bigger picture of their overall health. With the restrictions posed by using a remote model of care, every little detail helps.
Visit our full review of Sesame Care for more on our experience.
Price: $95 - $365 monthly
Insurance? Yes
Therapy? Yes
Learn MoreShow less
Cerebral is an online psychiatrist platform that accepts insurance, offers therapy services, and provides flexible pricing options to suit various budgets. It supports medication management for individuals and therapy services for both individuals and couples.
Visit our full review of Cerebral for more on our experience.
Price: $199 - $299 per service
Accepts Insurance? Yes
Therapy? Yes
Learn MoreShow less
Teladoc is a large telehealth platform that offers treatment for medical and mental health conditions. Visits are held by video on the company’s own app. The cost of psychiatry with Teladoc is $299 for an initial evaluation and $199 for follow-up visits with a psychiatrist as needed. Medication is not included in the cost. Teladoc also offers therapy which costs $99 for a 45-60 minute session.
With Teladoc, you have the opportunity to choose your own provider by searching through the company’s directory. The frequency of appointments is dependent on the treatment plan you establish with your provider. Teladoc does not offer prescriptions for controlled medications.
Visit our review of Teladoc for more information.
Price: $99 – $349 depending on provider
Accepts Insurance? Yes
Age Range: 13+
Learn MoreShow less
Thriveworks is a mental health provider available nationwide that offers online and in-person mental health services for kids and teens, individuals, couples, and families. Thriveworks has one of the best online directories we’ve seen with detailed filtering. Plus, Thriveworks is one of the few online psychiatry services that offers in-person locations.
Learn more in our full Thriveworks review.
Price: $49 monthly
Accepts Insurance? No
Age Range: 18+
Learn MoreShow less
K-Health is a telemedicine platform that offers medication management, urgent care, primary care, and pediatric treatment. K-Health offers a monthly membership service that includes unlimited consultations with a provider for $49 per month or $39 per visit. K-Health does not accept any health insurance plans, but with such an affordable cash-pay rate, it’s still a great option for many. Medication costs $12 to be shipped to your door.
To learn even more about this platform, you can read our comprehensive review of K Health.
Price: $70 – $270 per service
Accepts Insurance? Yes
Age Range: 6-17
Learn MoreShow less
Brightline is an online psychiatry and therapy platform designed specifically for the needs of kids and teens aged 6-17. Brightline offers medication support in conjunction with its therapy services. Your child will receive a consultation, medication evaluation, and treatment plan as part of their medication support service, making care with Brightline very comprehensive.
Learn more in our full Brightline review.
What Is Online Psychiatry?
Online psychiatry, or telepsychiatry, is a form of telehealth or telemedicine that allows you to meet with a mental health medication management provider anywhere you have internet access.1 It covers services like screening, assessment, medication management, refills, and crisis support.2 Some platforms may also offer full diagnostics or talk therapy services, as well.
Online psychiatry can be especially helpful because of its convenience and accessibility. You don’t have to worry about transportation or commuting time, and rather than just searching for providers in your local area, you can expand your search to your entire state, giving you access to more providers.
Online Psychiatry Vs. Online Therapy
Psychiatry is a form of mental healthcare provided by a specially trained physician called a psychiatrist or other medical provider such as a nurse practitioner. In psychiatry, the provider usually prescribes medications and offers support. Some psychiatrists may also be trained in talk therapy. Therapy is the process of While some psychiatrists may also be therapists, others may be non-physician Master’s or Doctoral level providers including psychologists.
If you’re looking for therapy instead of psychiatry or medication management, check out our online therapy platform to start a talk therapy journey, you can check out our best online therapy services.
What to Expect at Your First Online Psychiatry Appointment
Online psychiatry appointments can have many similarities to online therapy appointments. One of the biggest differences you may notice is how much more in-depth a psychiatry appointment can be when it comes to your physical health. Typically, your initial evaluation with a psychiatric provider will take between 30 and 60 minutes.
Your provider will generally spend the first part of the appointment asking you questions about your health background and family history. They will gather information about any prior mental health diagnoses and medications you have tried, your experiences with other types of mental health treatment, and your goals. This will help them assess you for mental health symptoms, possible diagnoses, and what medications may be the best fit for you.
Prior to your first online psychiatry appointment, it is beneficial to have anything you may need close at hand. This includes water, tissues, your medical history, your family history, and some patience. Your provider has to get a good sense of you as a whole person before they begin helping you work on your symptoms.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Does Online Psychiatry Work?
Online psychiatrist platforms allow providers and patients to meet over video, phone, or through secure messaging. The first appointment with an online psychiatrist is typically an evaluation, where they gather background information and assess your symptoms. They then discuss a treatment plan with you, which may include medication.
Depending on the service you use, medications may be sent to your local pharmacy or by mail to your home. You can then schedule follow-up appointments for refills and ongoing medication monitoring.
Is Telepsychiatry Effective?
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, telepsychiatry was relatively uncommon. Since then, online mental health medication management has expanded exponentially. Because it is a newer treatment, more research is needed to fully establish its effectiveness. However, research to date shows promising results.
One analysis of several studies on whether online therapy works found that there was no difference between teletherapy and face-to-face therapy.3 Another analysis found that several different forms of telehealth, including telepsychiatry, were effective and did not differ from in-person treatment.4 Both patients and providers view telepsychiatry positively, making it a convenient and beneficial option for many people.5
Are Online Psychiatrists Legit?
Yes, online psychiatrists are legit. Online psychiatrists and nurse practitioners are required to be licensed in the state where they are working and seeing patients. All of the online psychiatry services described above require that their psychiatric providers maintain a valid license to practice. You can also verify a provider on your state’s psychiatry licensing board.
Can Online Psychiatrists Prescribe Controlled Substances?
Controlled medications are a group of medications that can potentially be abused and cause addiction in people who take them.6 They include benzodiazepines like Xanax and Valium, and stimulants like Adderall and Ritalin.
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, providers were not able to prescribe controlled medications via telehealth. However, since the pandemic, legislation allows providers to temporarily prescribe controlled medications during telehealth visits.7 Some online psychiatry platforms allow providers to prescribe these medications, while others do not. Platforms that do allow it leave it up to the discretion of the provider.
Do Online Psychiatrists Take Insurance?
There are several options for finding an online psychiatrist that takes insurance. In general, you can expect many providers to accept insurance, but it is important to read through provider profiles and online psychiatry websites to verify your specific plan is accepted. Often, you can reach out to the company directly for further help figuring out if your insurance is accepted. Also, be sure to verify coverage with your plan directly to avoid unexpected costs.
Choosing Therapy 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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American Psychiatric Association. (2021). Telepsychiatry. Retrieved from: https://www.psychiatry.org/psychiatrists/practice/telepsychiatry
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Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2021). Telehealth for the treatment of serious mental illness and substance use disorders. Retrieved from: https://store.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/SAMHSA_Digital_Download/PEP21-06-02-001.pdf
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Greenwood, H., Krzyzaniak, N., Peiris, R., Clark, J., Scott, A. M., Cardona, M., … & Glasziou, P. (2022). Telehealth versus face-to-face psychotherapy for less Common mental health conditions: Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. JMIR Mental Health, 9(3), e31780. https://mental.jmir.org/2022/3/e31780
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Snoswell, C. L., Chelberg, G., De Guzman, K. R., Haydon, H. H., Thomas, E. E., Caffery, L. J., & Smith, A. C. (2021). The clinical effectiveness of telehealth: A systematic review of meta-analyses from 2010 to 2019. Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare, 1-16. DOI: 10.1177/1357633X211022907
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Li, H., Glecia, A., Kent-Wilkinson, A., Leidl, D., Kleib, M., & Risling, T. (2021). Transition of mental health service delivery to telepsychiatry in response to COVID-19: A literature review. Psychiatric Quarterly, 1-17. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11126-021-09926-7
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U.S. Department of Justice. (n.d.). Controlled substance schedules. Retrieved from: https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/schedules/
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Health Resources & Services Administration. (2021). Prescribing controlled substances via telehealth. Retrieved from: https://telehealth.hhs.gov/providers/policy-changes-during-the-covid-19-public-health-emergency/prescribing-controlled-substances-via-telehealth/
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Church, M. (October 2024). Brightside Health Review: Pros & Cons, Cost, & My Experience. Retrieved from: https://www.choosingtherapy.com/brightside-health-review/
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Church, M. (October 2024). Talkiatry Review: Pros & Cons, Cost, & My Experience. Retrieved from: https://www.choosingtherapy.com/talkiatry-review/
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Liu, M. (March, 2024). MDLive Review: Pros & Cons, Cost, & My Experience. Retrieved from: https://www.choosingtherapy.com/mdlive-review/
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Church, M. (October, 2024). Hims Review: Pros & Cons, Cost, & My Experience with Hims Mental Health. Retrieved from: https://www.choosingtherapy.com/hims-mental-health-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: Melissa Boudin, PsyD (New author)
Medical Reviewer: Kristen Fuller, MD (No change)
Primary Changes: Complete rewrite of article. Fact-checked all information and reconsidered/made changes to the recommendations list based on research and product testing. Updated where necessary to improve factual accuracy and readability. Companies removed from list: Talkspace, Sesame Care, Thriveworks, Brightline. Companies added to list: None.
Author: Matthew Church, MS (New author)
Medical Reviewer: Kristen Fuller, MD (New medical reviewer)
Primary Changes: Complete rewrite of list with new rankings and entries, added new firsthand experiences and insights from most recent product reviews, updated list to a new format, fully fact-checked and verified for accuracy, and rewrote for clarity and readability. New content was written by Matthew Church, MS, and medically reviewed by Kristen Fuller, MD.
Author: Emily Guarnotta, PsyD (No change)
Medical Reviewer: Benjamin Troy, MD (No change)
Primary Changes: Complete revamp of overall style; updated logos for all companies.
Author: Emily Guarnotta, PsyD (No change)
Medical Reviewer: Benjamin Troy, MD (No change)
Primary Changes: Updated for readability, and fact-checked all prices, and offerings. Updated “Best of” categories, FAQ, and Other Online Psychiatry Options to Try.
Author: Emily Guarnotta, PsyD
Medical Reviewer: Benjamin Troy, MD
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