Our reviewers tested over 30 online psychiatrist platforms. Based on their first-hand use and my clinical insight, we picked the seven best. These platforms help people manage mental health medications, including anti-anxiety meds and antidepressants. Whether your priority is flexible scheduling, affordability (with or without insurance coverage), or access to the most specialized clinicians, our list has something for you.
Our Favorite Online Psychiatrist Platforms
- Best Overall - Talkiatry | Read review
- Most Affordable - Brightside Health | Read review
- Best for Medication and Therapy - Talkspace | Read review
- Best for Occasional Check-ins - LiveHealth Online | Read review
- Most Comprehensive Telehealth - Doctor on Demand | Read review
- Best for Busy Schedules - MDLive | Read review
- Most Convenient Refills - Hims & Hers | Read review
At a Glance
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Accepts insurance, including some Medicare -
300+ expert psychiatrists -
Allows for longer-than-average sessions
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Does not accept cash-pay -
Therapy only for existing patients -
Not available in all 50 states
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Low-cost maintenance plan -
Accepts insurance or cash-pay -
Night and weekend sessions available
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Customer service can be slow -
Teen care not available in all states -
Some prescription limitations
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Can bundle psychiatry sessions for a discount -
Easy to switch provider/therapist -
Covered members pay ~$15 copay
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Without insurance, cash-pay is high -
Due to its size, quality of care is hit or miss -
Some prescription limitations
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Affordable per-session pricing -
Accepts some insurance -
Mental health & urgent care
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Provider profiles lack detail -
Some prescription limitations
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Everyday, urgent care, mental health care -
Accepts some insurance -
Night and weekend sessions available
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Cash-pay prices are a little high -
No provider messaging between sessions -
Some prescription limitations
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Accepts insurance, including Medicare/Medicaid -
Progress tracking & wellness tools -
Lets users continue with the same therapist or switch -
Night and weekends sessions available
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Some prescription limitations -
Does not treat ADHD
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Few barriers to receive medication -
Affordable cash-pay -
Free medication delivery
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Limited oversight of prescription services -
No formal follow-up appointments -
Does not accept insurance -
Some prescription limitations
Why Trust Us
300+
Companies Reviewed
2,350+
Hours of Testing
1,150+
Data Points AnalyzedThe reviews on ChoosingTherapy.com 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: ~$30 copay
Insurance: Yes, exclusively
Therapy: Only in addition to psychiatry
Location: 44 US states
Talkiatry accepts a wide range of insurance plans, including some Medicare plans. Even more impressive, it has 300+ psychiatric specialists in its practice. With specialized training and thousands of hours of clinical experience, these are the kinds of providers you want on your side. Depending on your state’s laws, they may be able to prescribe certain controlled medications like Adderall, Ritalin, or Xanax (only if clinically appropriate). You’ll find that most other platforms do not even consider prescribing these substances.
Pros & Cons
Pros - Accepts many insurance plans, including some Medicare
- Treats children (5+), teens, and adults
- Allots time for longer-than-average sessions
- Provides detailed, individualized care, including therapy when needed
- Has therapists on staff; also able to work with therapists outside of its practice
- Accepts HSA/FSA for payment
Cons - Only accepts in-network patients; no cash-pay clients
- Not available in all US states (44 and counting)
- Therapy not offered independent of psychiatric care
- Switching providers requires you to call or email
Cost
Talkiatry’s pricing depends on your insurance coverage. It does not accept cash payments or out-of-network patients, but HSA/FSA cards are accepted. If you’re in-network, you’ll typically pay a copay or coinsurance, usually around $30 per session. Costs may be higher if you have an unmet deductible.
Talkiatry is in-network with over 100 insurance plans, including Optum, United Healthcare, Aetna, Cigna, Humana, Anthem, and select Medicare plans
The billing process can take a week or more. Here’s how it works:
- You attend your session.
- Talkiatry bills your insurance directly.
- Your insurer determines your out-of-pocket cost.
- Your insurer tells Talkiatry how much to bill you.
- Talkiatry sends you a statement.
For more information, check out our full Talkiatry review.
Overview
Talkiatry is a top tier provider of insurance-friendly online psychiatry. Working exclusively with in-network patients makes it cost-effective for those whose insurance plan includes mental health benefits, but if you’re uninsured, you may want to consider options like Brightside Health instead.
Notably, Talkiatry’s network of providers is made up of 300+ psychiatric specialists, which is not always a given when it comes to remote treatment. These folks are not the only type of clinician who can prescribe and manage medications (e.g., some primary care doctors and physicians’ assistants), but they are the most clinically qualified.
Another standout feature is Talkiatry’s allowance for longer-than-average appointment times, if needed. Your initial intake session lasts 60 minutes (or 75 minutes for children), giving you plenty of time to discuss your mental health history, goals, and treatment plan. Follow-ups range from 30 to 45 minutes—longer than most platforms—ensuring more personalized care.
According to the website, Talkiatry specializes in:
- Anxiety
- Bipolar disorder
- Child and adolescent care
- Depression
- OCD
- Pregnancy and postpartum care
- PTSD
- ADHD
Our reviews team is consistently impressed by Talkiatry’s detailed and personalized approach to psychiatric care. Instead of trying to do a little bit of everything when it comes to virtual health, they are mastering the niche of online psychiatry. For a deeper look, check out our full Talkiatry review.
Price: $45 – $349 monthly (before insurance)
Insurance: Yes
Therapy: Yes
Location: US (treats adults in 50 states; teens in 38)
Brightside Health is another top pick for online psychiatry, specializing in anxiety, depression, and panic disorders. It provides high-quality care at an affordable price (with or without insurance), serving adults nationwide and teens (13+) in 38 states and counting. Brightside offers online mental health medication management and therapy, and has a unique Suicide Prevention Program that we haven’t seen elsewhere. With wide insurance acceptance and medication maintenance plans for just $45 monthly, quality ongoing care with Brightside is budget-friendly.
Pros & Cons
Pros - Accepts cash-pay or insurance, including some Medicare/Medicaid
- Night and weekend sessions available
- Anytime messaging with provider between sessions
- Can ship medication directly to you
- Uses AI technology, PrecisionRx, to effectively prescribe
- Has a cool progress tracking tool that lets you visualize your wellness over time
- Accept HSA/FSA cards
Cons - Teen care not available in all states (38 and counting)
- Some prescription limitations (no stimulants or benzodiazepines)
- Customer service can be a little slow
Cost
Brightside Health’s cash-pay costs range from $45 to $349 monthly, depending on the plan you select. Additional fees apply for and medication shipping ($15 each, unless covered by insurance).
Here are the subscription options:
- Psychiatry Only ($95 monthly): Includes an initial consultation with a psychiatrist and ongoing care.
- Psychiatric Maintenance Plan ($45 monthly): After becoming established with your prescriber for 90 days, you can opt for a maintenance plan that includes unlimited prescriber messaging and a monthly online check-in. If an additional video consultation is required, it costs $50 per appointment
- Therapy Only ($299 monthly): Offers four live video sessions with a therapist each month. Extra sessions cost $59 per session.
- Psychiatry + Therapy ($349 monthly): Combines both psychiatric care and therapy sessions for comprehensive support.
Brightside does accept a wide variety of insurance plans, including some Medicare and Medicaid. Other plans it accepts include Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna, United Healthcare, and Anthem.
For more insight on pricing, visit our full Brightside Health review.
Overview
Brightside Health is a subscription-based platform, meaning it provides ongoing access to its services for a recurring fee. It offers online psychiatry and therapy to adults (and teens in many states) across the US. Cash-pay prices range from $45 to $349 monthly. For those with insurance, Brightside accepts many plans—including some Medicare and Medicaid—which can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs for mental health medication online.
Brightside’s medication appointments are usually 15-30 minutes, with initial appointments at around 45 minutes. 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.
According to its website, it specializes in the following:
- Panic disorder
- Insomnia
- Bipolar
- PTSD
- Social anxiety disorder
- Generalized anxiety disorder
- Major depressive disorder
- Postpartum depression
- Premenstrual dysphoria
- Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
- Phobia
- OCD
Brightside’s AI-powered tool, PrecisionRx, helps providers analyze personal data and over 1,000 medication and dosage combinations to predict the most effective and tolerable prescription. According to Brightside, 70% of patients respond well to their first prescribed medication using this technology.
Learn more about our team’s experience in our full Brightside Health review.
Price: $175 – $299 per session (before insurance)
Insurance: Yes
Therapy: Yes
Location: US & International
I’ll start by saying, if you aren’t insured or in-network with Talkspace, we recommend Brightside or one of the options below. But if you do have insurance that Talkspace accepts, it is a fantastic option to get both medication and therapy in one convenient place. Our reviewers really appreciate the overall Talkspace user experience, including its platform, app, and umbrella of services, which also includes therapy for teens and adults, couples counseling, and Talkspace Go, a cheaper, self-directed alternative to one-on-one therapy.
Pros & Cons
Pros - Accepts many insurance plans, including some Medicare
- Users can bundle services for a discounted price
- Covered members pay an average $15 copay
- Providers are psychiatrists and specialized nurse practitioners
- Users can switch therapists seamlessly to find the right fit
- User can pay with HSA/FSA
Cons - Without insurance, cash-pay prices are high
- Due to sheer size, quality of care can vary
- Some prescription limitations (no stimulants or benzodiazepines)
Cost
Talkspace accepts many insurance plans, including Cigna, Carelon, Aetna, TRICARE, some traditional Medicare, Regence, and Anthem.
Cash-pay prices for psychiatric care are per-session with discounts for bundling:
- Initial evaluation: $299
- Follow-up sessions: $175 per session
- For new members – Initial evaluation + 1 follow-up: $435
- For new members – Initial evaluation + 3 follow-ups: $725
- For existing members – 3 follow-ups: $475
- For existing members – 6 follow-ups: $890
- For existing members – 9 follow-ups: $1,260
For more information, including cost of therapy, read our Talkspace review.
Overview
Talkspace offers therapy and psychiatry services for anyone 13+ in the U.S. and internationally, treating individuals, couples, and those seeking online mental health medication management. It’s a well-known company that has grown quite a lot over the years. The sheer size of it makes it difficult to ensure that every provider will knock it out of the park. For this reason, care can be hit or miss.
Something we love about Talkspace is that it makes it extremely easy to switch therapists, so you can basically shop around for the right provider, trying new ones till you find the right match. When one of our reviewers tried Talkspace, they had a great experience for this very reason.
Here’s what you can expect from an interaction with Talkspace’s remote psychiatrists:
- After answering a few questions online, you’ll schedule a video assessment with a psychiatric provider who is licensed in your state.
- During this appointment, your provider is able to diagnose and prescribe (if appropriate).
- The prescription will be sent to your pharmacy; you’ll follow-up with them every three months.
Learn more in our review of Talkspace.
Price: $80 – $185 per session (before insurance)
Insurance: Yes
Therapy: Yes
Location: US
LiveHealth Online is a nationwide provider offering affordable online psychiatry, therapy, and urgent care. While it is not our choice for the best online therapy, and we don’t recommend it for therapy in general, its low out-of-pocket costs for both initial and follow-up sessions make it a great choice for those seeking one-off or occasional virtual psychiatrist check-ins that don’t break the bank.
Pros & Cons
Pros - Affordable per-session pricing
- Accepts some insurance
- Medication delivery available
Cons - Provider profiles lack detail
- No extra features available (e.g., journal or educational resources)
- Some prescription limitations (no stimulants or benzodiazepines)
- Can be a little slow between sign-up and first appointment
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 somewhat limited. It does accept HSA and FSA cards, providing additional flexibility.
Read our LiveHealth Online review.
Overview
Our team found LiveHealth Online to be one of the most cost-effective options for adult online psychiatry. At $185 for an initial evaluation and $80 for follow-ups, it has some of the best value for those paying out of pocket. While it accepts select insurance plans, its network isn’t as extensive as some competitors. However, LiveHealth stands out for making pay-per-session psychiatric care accessible, whether or not you have insurance. This platform is best for adults seeking psychiatric care for non-controlled medication management.
Learn about our reviewer’s experience in the full LiveHealth Online review.
Price: $129 – $299 per session (before insurance)
Insurance: Yes
Therapy: Yes
Location: US
Doctor on Demand gives users the ability to connect with psychiatrists, therapists, and primary care doctors all in one app. In other words, it’s great for a little bit of everything when it comes to health, a veritable “one stop shop;” however, it’s not the best for treating severe psychiatric illness or prescribing certain controlled medications, including Adderall or Xanax. It’s a better resource for quick, relatively low-cost comprehensive care, including psychiatry.
Pros & Cons
Pros - One-stop-shop for virtual healthcare (everyday, urgent, & mental health)
- Accepts some insurance
- Night and weekend sessions available
- Has cheaper 15-minute follow-up sessions for medication management
- Accepts FSA/HSA for payment
Cons - Has strict appointment time limits
- No provider messaging between sessions
Cost
Doctor on Demand is priced per session. It accepts some insurance plans, such as Blue Cross Blue Shield, Wellmark, Regence, Healthnet Federal Services, and Humana Military. Patients can choose to schedule either a 25-minute or 50-minute therapy session; however, an initial 45-minute session with a psychiatrist is required before scheduling cheaper, 15-minute follow-up sessions.
Details about Doctor on Demand pricing for out-of-pocket costs include:
- Psychiatry: $299 for an initial 45-minute session; $129 per 15-minute follow-up
- Therapy: $184 per 50-minute session; $134 per 25-minute session
If your plan is in-network with Doctor on Demand, costs will vary depending on your coverage, copays, and deductible.
Explore our Doctor on Demand review in detail.
Overview
Doctor on Demand is a one-stop shop for many healthcare needs, and unique in its offering both mental health and primary care services. It is a good choice for those looking to receive all of their care on one platform. If you’re looking for a provider that’s more specific to mental health, Talkiatry is a better medication and therapy solution for anyone with an in-network insurance plan. Those who need medication and therapy but don’t have insurance would be better served by Brightside Health.
When our reviewer used Doctor on Demand, they felt that it was very easy to onboard and they found a provider with almost immediate availability. Their experience during the initial consultation was good except for a somewhat abrupt ending. They later learned that each session on Doctor on Demand has a strict time limit.
Read our Doctor on Demand review in its entirety.
Price: $0 – $299 per session
Insurance: Yes
Therapy: Yes
Location: US & Puerto Rico
Our team loves MDLive for its same-day appointments, making it an excellent choice for anyone with a busy schedule. Offering both online psychiatry and therapy, it’s a convenient option for those needing near-immediate access to care. Flexible scheduling and fast availability set MDLive apart from its competitors, as well as its integrated progress tracking and wellness tools.
Pros & Cons
Pros - Accepts many insurance plans, including some Medicare/Medicaid
- Night and weekend sessions available
- Integrated support through progress tracking & wellness tools
- Users can continue care with the same therapist or switch
- Treats people 10+ & offers family and couples counseling
Cons - Some prescription limitations (no stimulants or benzodiazepines)
- Cash-pay costs are a bit higher
- Does not treat ADHD
Cost
MDLive verifies your insurance benefits and shares information about cost before you schedule your appointment.
Out-of-pocket MDLive costs are:
- Therapy: $179 for an initial therapy appointment; $140 per follow-up.
- Psychiatry: $299 for an initial psychiatry appointment; $159 per follow-up.
MDLive works with a large selection of insurance payors, which could significantly reduce your costs as low as $0 per session.
To learn more, visit our full review of MDLive.
Overview
MDLive offers psychiatry, therapy, primary care, urgent care, and even dermatology services. This makes it another solid option for those looking to consolidate their healthcare needs under one virtual roof. What really 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, and says it does not treat ADHD, but it covers a wide range of mental health needs, including treatment for depression, anxiety, and other common conditions suitable for online treatment. It also has some great built-in CBT-based tools.
View more about our experience in our full MDLive review.
Price: $49 monthly (billed $147 quarterly)
Insurance: No
Therapy: No
Location: US
Hims & Hers is good for quick, hassle-free medication refills, especially if you already have an established diagnosis or treatment plan. While it’s a convenient, affordable choice for maintenance care, with little to no face-to-face communication with providers, it’s not ideal for patients who are new to treatment or require more care and attention.
Pros & Cons
Pros - Quick refills for established medications
- Medication delivered in days
- Very affordable
Cons - No face-to-face interaction with providers
- Doesn't accept insurance
- Providers are not always psychiatric specialists
- Some prescription limitations (no stimulants or benzodiazepines)
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
From our experience, Hims & Hers is best suited for patients who already have a clear understanding of their mental health needs, anyone struggling to access care through other platforms, or those whose fear of judgment may be a barrier to seeking the care they need. 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 getting medication refills or managing ongoing prescriptions, we view it as a supplemental or temporary option rather than a strong pick for ongoing care.
Visit our full review of Hers and our review of Hims for more details.
Compare the Best Companies
| Price | $45 - $349 monthly | $175 - $299 per copay | $175 - $299 per session | $85 - $185 per session | $129 – $299 per session | $108 – $248 per session | $49 monthly; $147 quarterly |
| Accepts insurance |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Therapy |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Location | US | 44 US states | US & International | US | US | US & Puerto Rico | US |
| Price | ||||||
| $45 - $349 monthly | $175 - $299 per copay | $175 - $299 per session | $85 - $185 per session | $129 – $299 per session | $108 – $248 per session | $49 monthly; $147 quarterly |
| Accepts insurance | ||||||
 |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Therapy | ||||||
 |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Location | ||||||
| US | 44 US states | US & International | US | US | US & Puerto Rico | US |
Final Verdict
“Finding the best online psychiatrist platform ultimately depends on your specific needs. The top three on our list, Talkiatry, Brightside, and Talkspace, are really the best of the best. Talkiatry is ideal if you have insurance, and it will consider prescribing controlled medications (e.g., Adderall and Xanax) when clinically appropriate. Brightside offers high-quality care at a great value whether you have insurance or not. Talkspace brings an all-around positive in-network user experience to the table, with lots of options for both therapy and medication and an easy in-app option to switch providers. Other companies on our list that you should consider are LiveHealth Online, Doctor on Demand, MDLive, and Hims & Hers.”
More Psychiatrist Platforms to Explore
While our list of the best online psychiatry services addresses a wide range of needs, some people might want to see a few more options. Online mental health medication management providers like Klarity, Cerebral, Sesame, Thriveworks, and Brightline offer a lot of value, depending on your needs.
Price: $80 – $150 per session
Insurance: Yes
Therapy & Psychiatry: Yes
Location: US
Learn MoreShow less
As a nationwide healthcare directory, Klarity connects users with independent, licensed professionals for psychiatry, mental health, primary care, therapy, weight loss treatment, and more. It offers both online and in-person services, with competitive pricing that varies based on the provider. Klarity primarily serves adults but may treat patients 12+ on a case-by-case basis. While available in all 50 states, provider availability varies, and some areas have limited coverage.
Read our Klarity review for more.
Price: $120 – $300+ per session
Insurance: No
Therapy & Psychiatry: Yes
Location: US
Learn MoreShow less
Sesame’s marketplace connects users with primary care doctors, nurse practitioners, and specialists for virtual and in-person care. While it’s technically available in all 50 US states, provider availability varies by location. Designed for uninsured individuals or those with high-deductible plans, Sesame does not accept insurance.
For those who are looking for affordable ongoing medication management, Sesame also offers Mental Health Rx: a $79 monthly subscription that includes video calls with a provider of the patient’s choice, unlimited provider messaging, seamless access to prescriptions and refills for a range of mental health conditions, and more.
Visit our full review of Sesame Care for more on our experience.
Price: $95 – $365 monthly
Insurance: Yes
Therapy & Psychiatry: Yes
Location: US
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. However, it no longer prescribes controlled substances, including stimulants like Adderall.
Visit our full review of Cerebral for more on our experience.
Price: $129 – $299 per service
Insurance: Yes
Therapy & Psychiatry: Yes
Location: US
Learn MoreShow less
Teladoc is a large telehealth platform that offers treatment for medical and mental health conditions. The cost of psychiatry with Teladoc is $299 for an initial evaluation and $129 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: $0 – $50 copay
Accepts Insurance: Yes
Therapy & Psychiatry: Yes
Location: US
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Generally, medication management with Thriveworks is available to those 18 years and older in 22 US states. Select providers are able to prescribe medication to teens starting at age 13. Thriveworks has one of the best online directories we’ve seen, namely for its detailed filtering. It is also one of the few online psychiatry services that offers in-person locations.
Additionally, Thriveworks provides online therapy to kids, teens (13+), individuals, couples, and families in 49 US states, plus D.C. The only state it doesn’t provide online therapy in is Vermont.
Learn more in our full Thriveworks review.
Price: $70 – $270 per service
Accepts Insurance: Yes
Age Range: 6-17
Location: US
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, also known as telepsychiatry, is a form of telehealth that allows you to connect with a mental health medication management provider from anywhere with internet access.1 It includes services such as screening, assessment, medication management, prescription refills, and crisis support. Some platforms may also offer full diagnostic evaluations or talk therapy options.
Research shows that online psychiatry is an effective form of care, offering the same quality of treatment as in-person visits for many mental health conditions. Its convenience and accessibility make it especially valuable—you can skip the commute and expand your search beyond local providers, connecting with licensed professionals across your entire state.
Online Psychiatry Vs. Online Therapy
Psychiatry is a form of mental healthcare provided by specially trained medical professionals, such as psychiatrists—who are physicians—or nurse practitioners. Psychiatric care often focuses on diagnosing mental health conditions, prescribing medications, and offering ongoing support. While some psychiatrists are also trained in talk therapy, therapy itself is typically provided by non-physician mental health professionals, such as psychologists or Master’s and Doctoral-level therapists.
If you’re ready to start a talk therapy journey, explore our guide to the best online therapy services. If you’d prefer to find an online psychiatrist, use this guide as a starting place, and remember, it’s essential to find a provider who aligns with your needs, preferences, and treatment goals.
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 your home. You can then schedule follow-up appointments for refills and ongoing medication monitoring.
Is Telepsychiatry Effective?
Telepsychiatry/online psychiatry is effective. Research shows that virtual psychiatrist appointments can be just as accurate for diagnosis as in-person visits. Many patients find online psychiatry convenient and comfortable, while psychiatrists recognize its value in treating a wide range of mental health conditions
One analysis of several studies on whether online therapy works found that there was no difference in outcomes 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 generally have a positive view of telepsychiatry, as it offers significant benefits to a wide range of individuals.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.
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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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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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/
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Church, M. (March 14, 2025). “Talkspace Review: Pros & Cons, Cost, & My Experience.” Retrieved from: https://www.choosingtherapy.com/talkspace-review/
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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 (No change)
Medical Reviewer: Kristen Fuller, MD (No change)
Primary Changes: Updated MDLive’s logo and price.
Author: Melissa Boudin, PsyD (No change)
Medical Reviewer: Kristen Fuller, MD (No change)
Primary Changes: Updated where necessary to improve factual accuracy and readability; reconsidered/made changes to the recommendations list based on research and product testing; made Talkiatry Best Overall and Brightside Most Affordable; added Talkspace as Best for Medication + Therapy and Doctor on Demand as Most Comprehensive Telehealth; added Klarity and Sesame to Other Companies to Consider and removed K-Health.
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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