Online psychiatry, sometimes called telepsychiatry, platforms offer medication management by phone, video, or secure messaging for a variety of mental health conditions. In some cases, online psychiatry may be more affordable than seeing an in-person provider. Some platforms offer monthly subscriptions, some offer pay-as-you-go, with others even accepting insurance.
Many companies make online psychiatry services accessible and affordable, with many also offering online therapy services, making a one-stop mental health shop. Below are our top picks in the online psychiatry space for 2023.
Best Online Psychiatry Services at a Glance
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Our Picks for Best Online Psychiatry
- Best Overall – Talkspace
- Best With Insurance – Talkiatry
- Best for Anxiety & Depression Treatment – Brightside Mental Health
- Best for On a Budget – LiveHealth
- Best for Kids & Teens – Brightline Health
- Best for Substance Use – WorkIt Health
- Best for Medication Refills – Hims & Hers
- Best for Busy Schedules – MDLive
- Best for Self-Selecting a Provider – Amwell
- Honorable Mention – Thriveworks
Detailed Reviews of the Best Online Psychiatry Services
Below are our top picks for the best online psychiatry companies.
- Price: $125 – $249 per service
- Insurance Accepted? Yes
- Age Limitations: 18+
Why We Chose It
Talkspace’s psychiatry services are available in all 50 states and you can even connect with a prescriber within 48 hours. They also accept most major insurance plans, making it a good overall option to try.
Pros & Cons
- Psychiatric services with medication management available in all US states
- Many major health insurance plans are accepted
- Quick and easy signup process
- No option to bundle therapy and psychiatry services into one package
- Psychiatry only available to individuals 18+ in the US
Cost
Talkspace Psychiatry costs $249.00 for an initial assessment and $125 for all follow-up appointments.
To learn about options to bundle follow-up appointments, please read our detailed review of Talkspace for more.
Overview
Talkspace offers psychiatry and medication management with licensed psychiatrists and nurse practitioners. Talkspace also offers subscription-based individual, teen, and couples therapy, which makes it a one-stop shop for many. Initial psychiatric evaluations cost $249, and each follow-up appointment costs $125 and most major insurance plans are accepted.
To get started with psychiatry services with Talkspace, you will fill out a short assessment of your symptoms and demographic information. This assessment helps Talkspace match you with a provider based on your preferences. If you are not satisfied with your provider, you can ask Talkspace to find a new provider that better meets your needs. The frequency of appointments depends on your treatment plan, something you develop with your provider during your initial evaluation.
Talkspace providers treat a range of mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), insomnia, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and borderline personality disorder (BPD). Online psychiatry is only available to adults ages 18 and older. Talkspace providers do not prescribe controlled medications like Xanax, Klonopin, Adderall, and Ritalin.
In Our Experience
Talkspace’s signup process for psychiatry was simple to understand and the costs we clearly laid out. There were no surprise fees and medications were available for local pickup.
- Price: Insurance Only
- Insurance Accepted? Yes
- Age Limitations: 6+
Why We Chose It
Talkiatry only works with patients who have in-network health insurance plans, which makes them an ideal choice for those wanting to use their mental health benefits.
Pros & Cons
- Treats children, teens, and adults ages 6 and older
- Offers treatment for ADHD
- Psychiatry appointments are 30-60 minutes long, longer than most online psychiatry platforms
- You can only sign up with Talkiatry if you have an in-network insurance plan
- There is no set cost; appointment fees depend on your location and insurance coverage
- Talkiatry is only available in 30 states at this time
Cost
Talkiatry costs largely depend on your insurance benefits and they currently only accept patients with in-network insurance coverage. Talkiatry does not accept FSA/HSA as a form of payment. To learn more about the sign up and insurance verification process, you can read our comprehensive review of Talkiatry.
Overview
Talkiatry prides itself on offering longer appointments than what is traditionally offered by other platforms and in-person psychiatrists. An initial evaluation is 60 minutes long and follow-up appointments are 30 minutes. Evening and weekend appointments are also available. Once you sign up, you can expect to schedule an appointment in approximately five days or less.
Talkiatry is also one of the few online psychiatry platforms that treats children and teens. Many other well-known online psychiatry platforms, such as Brightline Mental Health, only provide medication management to existing therapy clients. With Talkiatry, children as young as six years old can meet with a psychiatrist via telehealth with their parent or guardian’s consent. Many parents with young children have a hard time finding providers that specialize in child psychiatry, but Talkiatry makes this possible.
To find out how your child could benefit from talk therapy, you can read our comprehensive review of Brightline Mental Health.
In Our Experience
A great feature of Talkiatry is their 60 minute initial evaluations and 30 minute follow-up appointments. This will allow your provider to get to know you much better than platform who offer shorter appointments.
- Price: $95 – $349 monthly
- Insurance Accepted? Yes
- Age Limitations: 18+
Why We Chose It
Brightside offers a wide range of treatments for anxiety and depression, like generalized anxiety disorder, phobias, panic disorder, major depressive disorder, postpartum depression, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, and more.
Pros & Cons
- Online psychiatry and therapy available in all US states
- Three monthly subscriptions to choose from
- Brightside Health accepts some health insurance plans
- Only available to individuals over the age of 18
- You are matched with a provider and cannot choose your own
- Treatment is exclusively focused on anxiety and depression
Cost
Brightside Health costs $95 – $349 monthly depending on the subscription plan you choose. There are additional fees for purchasing more therapy visits and for medication shipping. For more information about what subscriptions are available, please read our detailed review of Brightside Mental Health.
Overview
Brightside Health is a subscription-based mental health platform that offers online psychiatry and therapy to individuals 18+ throughout the US. Brightside costs $95 – $349 monthly depending on which subscription plan you choose. Currently, Brightside accepts select insurance plans which could lower your out-of-pocket costs.
With Brightside, there are three monthly subscription plans you can choose from: a medication-only plan, a therapy-only plan, or a combination medication and therapy plan. Brightside providers are able to treat generalized anxiety disorder, phobias, panic disorder, major depressive disorder, postpartum depression, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, and more. Brightside is one of the only online mental health treatment platforms to treat people with elevated suicidal risk through its Crisis Care program.
Brightside’s medication management plans connect you with a licensed prescriber in your state. They can prescribe medications for depression, like antidepressants, and medications for anxiety, however, they do not prescribe controlled medications. Medication visits are typically 15 minutes long and during this time, you and your provider will discuss how you are doing, talk about your care plan, and answer any questions. Brightside can ship your medication to you for an additional $15 fee per medication.
In Our Experience
Brightside’s website and app are very user friendly and the sign up process is quick. Medications can be shipped to you for an additional fee or you can pick up your medications from a local pharamacy.
- Price: $75 – $175 per service
- Insurance Accepted? Yes
- Age Limitations: 18+
Why We Chose It
LiveHealth has the lowest out-of-pocket costs for an initial psychiatry session compared to its competitors, with savings of $73-$124. This is great for people needing to stick to a strict budget but want quality online psychiatric care.
Pros & Cons
- Choose your own provider
- Medications delivery to your door or picked up at pharmacy
- Available in all US states
- No extra features available, like a journal or educational resources
- Can take up to two weeks for first appointment
- You must attend a live appointment for medication refills
Cost
LiveHealth costs $175 for an initial evaluation and $75 for follow-up appointments with a psychiatrist. Medication costs are not included. LiveHealth does offer therapy, which costs $80 per 45-minute session with a licensed masters-level therapist, or $95 per 45-minute session with a licensed psychologist. Services with LiveHealth are FSA/HSA eligible.
Overview
LiveHealth Online is a telemedicine platform that offers psychiatry, therapy, medical, and allergy services. Psychiatry with LiveHealth costs $175 for an initial evaluation and $75 for follow-up appointments. Currently, LiveHealth only offers psychiatry services to those 18 years and older. Select insurance plans are accepted, which could lower your out-of-pocket costs.
LiveHealth allows you to select your own provider, some of whom are available evenings and weekends. The frequency of visits depends on your individualized treatment plan. Talk therapy can also be provided by licensed masters-level therapists or psychologists. LiveHealth Online psychiatry can treat symptoms of stress, anxiety, depression, panic attacks, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Bipolar Disorder, Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and more.
LiveHealth Online providers do not prescribe controlled medications of any kind. The most commonly prescribed medications on online platforms are sertraline (Zoloft), citalopram (Celexa), paroxetine (Paxil), escitalopram (Lexapro), and fluoxetine (Prozac), to name a few.
In Our Experience
LiveHealth Online has an updated and easy to use website that makes it clear how potential patients signup. They also had some of the best prices for a cash-pay, single session, initial psychiatric evaluation we could find.
- Price: $70 – $270 per service
- Insurance Accepted? Yes
- Age Limitations: 6-17
Why We Chose It
Brightline offers medication support in conjunction with their therapy services. Your child will receive a consultation, medication evaluation, and treatment plan as part of their medication support service.
Pros & Cons
- Services available nationwide, including Alaska and Hawaii
- Insurance is accepted
- No subscription required, everything is available per session
- Limited insurance plans accepted
- No in-person services available
- Must be therapy client to qualify for psychiatry services
Cost
Brightline costs $270 for a 60 – 90 minute initial evaluation with behavior therapy costing $225 per 55-minute session and medication support costing $190 per 30-minute session. Brightline even offers parent coaching sessions which costs $70 per 30-minute session.
It is important to note that your child can only receive medication support in conjunction with Brightline’s behavior therapy services. Medication follow-up appointments are scheduled based on need and the medication prescribed but are typically monthly or at 3-month intervals.
Overview
Brightline Health is an online platform that offers kids and teens behavior therapy and medication management services. Brightline will see kids as young as 18 months up to age 17. Brightline costs $270 for an initial evaluation with per-session rates ranging from $190 – $225, depending on which service you choose. Insurance is accepted and superbills are available to those out-of-network.
Brightline is the only platform on our list that exclusively treats kids, teens, and offers parent support. With Brightline, they believe that medication management works best combined with behavior therapy, which is why your child must be enrolled in therapy to receive medication support. This practice ensures that families are getting more than just medication, they are also learning various tools and strategies to manage day-to-day stressors.
While costs may seem steep for Brightline, they do accept almost all nationwide insurance plans which could greatly decrease your out-of-pocket costs. All medication providers with Brightline are psychiatric nurse practitioners (PMHNP) and are really focused on family-centered care, which makes for more warm and engaging appointments. The types of medications prescribed will vary depending on your children’s symptoms, but controlled medications are not available with Brightline.
To learn everything about this pediatric mental health platform, please read our comprehensive review of Brightline Mental Health.
In Our Experience
We loved that Brightline makes therapy the first step before medication support, which is great when it comes to kids and teens. Ensuring kids and teens are treated as a whole person, rather than symptoms, is essential.
- Price: Location Based
- Insurance Accepted? Yes
- Age Limitations: 18+
Why We Chose It
Workit Health is an online medication-assisted treatment (MAT) platform for substance use disorders. Treatment plans may include medication, therapy, one-on-one coaching, and access to online peer support groups.
Pros & Cons
- Makes medication-assisted treatment for several addictions accessible
- Offers treatment for co-occurring mental health conditions, like depression or anxiety, or physical conditions, like HIV or HepatitisC
- Takes a “whole-person” approach including therapy and MAT
- Out-of-pocket costs depend on your location and provider availability
- Only available in select states
- Not available to patients under 18
Cost
WorkIt Health costs depend on your customized treatment plan, your location, and your insurance provider. Workit Health offers weekly payment plans for those paying out of pocket, but this varies by state. Medication costs will depend on your insurance plan.
To learn more, like what insurance plans are accepted, please read our in-depth review of Workit Health.
Overview
Workit Health is an online medication-assisted treatment (MAT) platform for substance use disorders. The MAT program is available in select states and recovery coaching is available nationwide. Clinicians monitor patients’ progress through routine drug tests, which can be completed through the app. The cost of care will depend on your location, treatment plan, and insurance provider.
Workit Health’s MAT program is available in Alaska, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, and Washington. They make treatment and therapy available through their website’s patient portal or the Workit Health app. A great perk to WorkIt Health is they also treat any co-occurring conditions and disorders in addition to substance use disorders.
During Workit Health’s onboarding process, you’ll answer a few questions about the addictions, behaviors, or mental health conditions you’d like to address. You’ll also state your personal goals, like if you’d prefer to just cut back or quit your addiction entirely. If you’re interested in medication-assisted treatment, you’ll be matched with a clinician who will conduct a medical evaluation to see if it’s right for you. If so, a prescription will be sent to your local pharmacy for pick-up. Patients receiving medication-assisted treatment will be required to take drug tests so clinicians can monitor their progress and modify medications as needed. Workit Health makes it easy to complete drug tests via the app.
In Our Experience
Workit Health takes a whole-person approach to recovery and provides several additional resources beyond medication-assisted treatment. Clinicians can also provide diagnosis and treatment for co-occurring mental health conditions that often appear alongside addiction.
- Price: $85 monthly
- Insurance Accepted? No
- Age Limitations: 18+
Why We Chose It
Hims & Hers offers medication management appointments with a psychiatric provider through secure text messaging. This is ideal for those already on medications and seeking quick and easy refills on their existing medications.
Pros & Cons
- Fast and convenient medication management service
- More affordable medication management than face-to-face treatment and other online mental health platforms
- Specializes in women’s and men’s mental health issues
- No face-to-face contact with a psychiatric provider
- Does not accept health insurance
- Profiles offer limited information about the medication providers
Cost
Hims and Hers medication management subscriptions cost $85 monthly. Therapy is also available for $99 per 50-minute session and there are free support groups you can attend anonymously.
Hims & Hers does not accept FSA/HSA for payment. Credit cards are the only acceptable form of payment.
For more information about everything these platforms offer, you can read our in-depth review of Hims or our Hers review.
Overview
Hims and Hers is a subscription-based telemedicine platform offering text-based psychiatry services in addition to men’s and women’s health. Psychiatry with Hims & Hers costs $85 monthly, including medication costs. While Hims and Hers does not accept insurance, the platforms have the most affordable subscription option for text-based psychiatry services.
Hims & Hers provides treatment for certain medical conditions and mental health disorders like anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, stress, and burnout. After you complete the online questionnaire, Hims and Hers will match you with a provider. Medication management appointments with a psychiatric provider are offered through secure text messaging only.
Generally speaking, Hims & Hers is ideal for those already on medications and seeking quick and easy refills on their existing medications. If you are brand new to psychiatry, we highly recommend you have an initial appointment with someone face-to-face. Hims & Hers do not prescribe controlled medications. All medications are delivered right to your door, and the cost is included in your monthly subscription.
A great perk to Hims & Hers is the option to attend free support groups, which are on a variety of topics. These groups allow you to anonymously communicate with a mental health professional through messaging.
In Our Experience
Hims & Hers both offered a quick and easy sign up process that allows us to connect with a licensed medication manager in as little as two days. This was a great way to get refills on non-controlled anxiety and depression medications delivered right to your door.
- Price: $108 – $248 per service
- Insurance Accepted? Yes
- Age Limitations: 10+
Why We Chose It
MDLive allows you to choose from a wide range of days and times when it comes to scheduling. This is great for people with busy, hectic, or changing schedules.
Pros & Cons
- You can browse the directory of providers in your state and select one of your choosing
- Available in all US states and Puerto Rico
- Appointments can be scheduled in as a little as 24 hours
- Psychiatry not available to children under 10
- No discounts or bundles if you want therapy and psychiatry
- No extra features or educational resources
Cost
MDLive costs $108 – $248 per live session depending on if you want a therapy session or a psychiatry appointment. If you have health insurance, your costs may be less depending on your coverage. MDLive verifies your insurance benefits for you and advises you of your costs before you schedule your appointment. You also have the option of using your FSA or HSA funds toward your visit.
To learn more, please read our detailed and comprehensive review of MDLive.
Overview
MDLive is a leading telemedicine platform available in all US states and Puerto Rico. They offer psychiatry, therapy, primary care, urgent care, and dermatology. MDLive costs range from $108 – $248, depending on which service you choose, and they accept many major health insurance plans.
MDLive providers treat a range of mental health disorders, including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and OCD. The benefits of this platform include fast scheduling, the ability to view a large directory of providers and select your own, and affordable fees. The frequency of meetings depends on your treatment plan and costs are generally less than traditional face-to-face treatment, allowing you to see a provider much more quickly at your convenience.
MDLive providers do not prescribe any controlled medications, medicinal marijuana, detox medications, sleeping medicines, and anything with a potential for abuse or which would require routine lab monitoring.
MDLive accepts a number of insurance plans and you really can choose from a wide range of days and times when it comes to scheduling. This is great for people with busy, hectic, or changing schedules. You can sometimes see a provider in as little as 15 minutes.
In Our Experience
MDLive’s provider list was really easy to navigate and we found select providers with availability the same day. This would be great for last minute appointment needs.
- Price: $109 – $279 per service
- Insurance Accepted? Yes
- Age Limitations: 18+
Why We Chose It
Amwell allows you to self-select a provider and that provider places a strong emphasis on working with your other providers, including your primary care physician. This coordination of care allows you to receive a high level of care.
Pros & Cons
- Psychiatry available as per session costs
- Self-select your own provider
- Coordination of care between psychiatrists and your in-person primary care provider
- Psychiatry only available for those 18+
- No medication delivery available
- No discounts or bundles if you want therapy and psychiatry
Cost
Amwell costs $279 for a 45-minute, initial evaluation and $109 for all 15-minute follow-up appointments with a psychiatrist. They also offer therapy sessions that range from $109-$129, depending on the level of education the therapist has. Medications are not included in the per-session rates for psychiatry.
Amwell will let you use your FSA or HSA funds to pay for services.
To learn more about costs and insurance plans accepted, please read our in-depth review of Amwell.
Overview
Amwell is a telemedicine platform that offers a wide range of mental health and primary care services. Amwell’s psychiatric services include an initial assessment, follow-up appointments, and medication management. The cost of seeing a psychiatrist with Amwell is $279 for an initial 45-minute evaluation and $109 for follow-up appointments.
With Amwell, you can choose a provider that fits your preferences. Once a provider is selected, you can work with them on developing a treatment plan and determining how often you should meet for follow-up appointments. Amwell’s team of psychiatrists treats conditions like depression, generalized anxiety, social anxiety, panic disorder, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, and more.
Amwell emphasizes the importance of coordinating patient care with other providers, like your physician. You can choose to send your session notes or summaries to your other providers or save them for yourself. Coordinating care in this way is better for the patient and increases safety when controlled medications are prescribed.
While Amwell psychiatrists don’t prescribe controlled medications, they will contact your physician to discuss whether this medication can be prescribed if they feel you could benefit from it. No other platforms seem to prioritize coordination of care quite like Amwell does, not even on platforms that provide therapy, psychiatry and/or PCP services in one.
In Our Experience
The Amwell provider directory allows you to filter for gender, language spoken, and education level. Each providers has their own profile which includes their schedule and treatment approach.
- Price: $99 – $349 depending on provider
- Insurance Accepted? Yes
- Age Limitations: 13+
Why We Chose It
Thriveworks is a mental health franchise available in 40 US states that offers online and in-person mental health services for kids and teens, individuals, couples, and families.
Pros & Cons
- Available in over 40 US States
- In-person or online services available
- Early morning, evening, and weekend appointments available
- Per session rates depend on your location and on the provider you choose
- Psychiatry not available at every in-person location
- Somewhat complicated signup process
Cost
Thriveworks psychiatry services cost $99 – $349, with exact costs depending on the provider and your location. Initial psychiatry sessions are 60 minutes and follow-up appointments are 30 minutes long. Psychiatric care is generally available online but only available at select, in-person locations.
Thriveworks also accepts FSA/HSA plans as a form of payment. For even more information about insurance and out-of-network benefits accepted, you can read our comprehensive review of Thriveworks.
Overview
Thriveworks is great if you are interested in attending therapy sessions online as well as in person. Some providers will even see kids 13 years and older with parent/guardian consent. It is very easy to see what age group and specialties the psychiatric providers offer through their directory profiles. You can then simply choose the provider that best matches your current situation.
Psychiatric providers with Thriveworks are psychiatrists and PMHNPs and you will be able to choose who you want to see. During your initial appointment, you and your provider will go over your medical and mental health history together. This will help your provider decide if you need to be prescribed medication, how often you will need follow-up appointments, and if they feel talk therapy would be beneficial to your treatment goals. All online sessions are conducted through the secondary website, Advanced MD/AdvancedTelemedicine, and Zoom.
In Our Experience
Thriveworks has a great customer service team that can help guide you through the signup process, find you a great therapist, add payment information, and much more.
Compare the Best Online Psychiatry Services of 2023
Talkspace | Talkiatry | Brightside | LiveHealth Online | Brightline Health | Workit Health | Hims & Hers | MDLive | Amwell | Thriveworks | |
Age Limitations | 18+ | 6+ | 18+ | 18+ | 6-17 | 18+ | 18+ | 10+ | 18+ | 13+ |
Costs | $125 - $249 per service | Insurance Only | $95 - $349 monthly | $75 - $175 per service | $70 - $270 per service | Depends on Location | $85 monthly | $108 - $284 per service | $109 - $279 per service | Depends on Location |
Accepts Insurance | | | | | | | | | | |
Service Area | All US States | 30 US States | All US States | All US States | All US States | 18 US States | All US States | All US States | All US States | 40 US States |
Medication Delivery | | | | | | | | | | |
Provider Type | Psychiatrists & PMHNPs | Psychiatrists & PMHNPs | Psychiatrists & PMHNPs | Psychiatrists | PMHNPs | MDs, PAs, and NPs | Psychiatrists & PMHNPs | Psychiatrists & PMHNPs | Psychiatrists | Psychiatrists & PMHNPs |
In-Person Services | | | | | | | | | | |
Talkspace | Talkiatry | Brightside | LiveHealth Online | Brightline Health | Workit Health | Hims & Hers | MDLive | Amwell | Thriveworks |
Age Limitations | |||||||||
18+ | 6+ | 18+ | 18+ | 6-17 | 18+ | 18+ | 10+ | 18+ | 13+ |
Costs | |||||||||
$125 - $249 per service | Insurance Only | $95 - $349 monthly | $75 - $175 per service | $70 - $270 per service | Depends on Location | $85 monthly | $108 - $284 per service | $109 - $279 per service | Depends on Location |
Accepts Insurance | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | |
Service Area | |||||||||
All US States | 30 US States | All US States | All US States | All US States | 18 US States | All US States | All US States | All US States | 40 US States |
Medication Delivery | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | |
Provider Type | |||||||||
Psychiatrists & PMHNPs | Psychiatrists & PMHNPs | Psychiatrists & PMHNPs | Psychiatrists | PMHNPs | MDs, PAs, and NPs | Psychiatrists & PMHNPs | Psychiatrists & PMHNPs | Psychiatrists | Psychiatrists & PMHNPs |
In-Person Services | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | |
Additional Companies to Explore
Below are additional companies that offer online psychiatry services. Some are not available in all 50 US states or some may not accept insurance at this time. However, it is important to know you have many choices when it comes to selecting an online psychiatrist and you should explore as many options as possible to make the best choice for yourself and your family.
Price: $70 - $85 monthly
Insurance Accepted? No
Age Limitations: 18+
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Ro Mind is a monthly membership service that offers video sessions, medication delivery, and access to mental health education starting at $15 for the first month and $70-$85 afterward. Ro Mind is available in all 50 states and is mainly geared towards males. You will be matched with a prescriber who you will see one-on-one for appointments and prescribe medications if needed. While this is a fairly affordable out-of-pocket cost, Ro Mind does not accept insurance or FSA/HSA funds for services.
Ro Mind does not offer therapy services at this time. The main branch of Ro Mind is called Roman. Roman is a telemedicine platform offering a range of services for men. They most notably offer sexual health treatments, like ED treatment. You can learn all about costs and what medications are provided by reading our in-depth review of Roman ED Treatment.
Price: $129 - $299 per service
Insurance Accepted? Yes
Age Limitations: Depends on location
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Doctor on Demand is a telemedicine platform that offers medical and mental health care for people of all ages. Their mental health services include video visits for medication management and therapy. Doctor on Demand psychiatry costs $299 for an initial, 45 minute session and $129 for 15 minute follow up appointments. Several insurance plans are accepted and you can use your FSA/HSA funds.
Doctor on Demand treats conditions like stress, anxiety, depression, PTSD, postpartum mood and anxiety disorders, and grief and loss. Providers include board-certified psychiatrists for medication management and licensed psychologists for talk therapy. You can choose your own provider by browsing their online directory and attend appointments as needed.
Price: $199 - $299 per service
Insurance Accepted? Yes
Age Limitations: Unsure
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Teladoc is a large telehealth platform offering medical and mental health treatment. 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 appointment frequency depends on the treatment plan you establish with your provider. Teladoc does not offer prescriptions for controlled medications.
Teladoc is the owner of BetterHelp, which was awarded our Best Online Therapy Platform for 2023.
Price: $95 monthly
Insurance Accepted? No
Age Limitations: 25+
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Lemonaid Health is a subscription-based telemedicine platform that offers medical and psychiatric care for $95 per month for those 25 years and older. Visits are held monthly and includes a monthly video visit, unlimited communication with your provider, and medication shipped directly to your door. Unfortunately, you cannot use FSA/HSA for payment and insurance is not accepted at this time.
Treatment with Lemonade is available in all 50 US state and offers services for anxiety, depression, insomnia, and smoking cessation. After you complete an online assessment, Lemonaid’s medical team will review it and follow up with any questions. You will be able to schedule a video visit with a provider of your choosing.
Price: $79 - $99 monthly
Insurance Accepted? No
Age Limitations: 6+ (CA Only)
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Remedy Psychiatry is a monthly membership-based service that offers medication management for ages six years and older in California. The first month of the service ranges from $179-$199 and subsequent months cost $79-$99. Remedy Psychiatry is not in-network with any insurance companies, but can assist you in using out-of-network benefits.
Remedy Psychiatry providers treat a range of mental health conditions, including depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, sleeping disorders, and ADHD. You have the ability to choose your own provider, and will discuss your treatment plan and frequency of meetings with them. The membership fee does include unlimited confidential messaging with your provider. The monthly service fee does not include the cost of medication.
Price: $150 - $300 per service
Insurance Accepted? Yes
Age Limitations: Depends on Provider
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SohoMD offers telepsychiatry, teletherapy, and a telerecovery program in 17 US states. Initial evaluation appointments with SohoMD start at $300 with follow-up appointments starting at $150. SohoMD is one of the more expensive out-of-pocket options, but they do accept insurance.
SohoMD also has a unique telerecovery program for substance use disorders that offers medications to help manage addiction cravings and therapies like motivational interviewing, EMDR, and EFT tapping. Additionally, SohoMD providers treat anxiety, depression, and ADHD. They offer a range of therapeutic approaches, like motivational interviewing, EMDR, and couples therapy. With SohoMD, you are able to select a provider of your choosing. Session frequency depends on the treatment plan that you develop with your provider.
Price: $85 - $325 monthly
Insurance Accepted? Yes
Age Limitations: 18+
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Cerebral is a subscription-based online mental health platform that offers therapy and psychiatry to individuals 18 years and older throughout the United States. With Cerebral, you will be able to choose from several subscription plans as well as select your own provider after you sign up. Depending on which plan you select, costs range from $99 – $325 monthly. Cerebral does accept insurance.
Cerebral’s mental health subscriptions include:
- Medication and Care Counseling: $85 per month, includes ongoing video or phone visits with a prescriber, unlimited messaging, medications sent directly to your door, and 30-minute visits once a month with a “care counselor” (not a therapist, but someone who provides support and checks in on progress)
- Medication and Therapy: $325 per month, includes ongoing video or phone visits with a prescriber, unlimited messaging, medications sent directly to your door, and four 45-minute sessions with a licensed therapist
- Therapy Only: $259 per month, includes four, weekly 45-minute sessions with a licensed therapist
The subscription fees listed above include the cost of medication being sent directly to you by mail, but it does not include the actual cost of medication. Cerebral offers discounts on your first month. You can also use your FSA/HSA to pay for treatment with Cerebral. To learn even more, you can read our in-depth review of Cerebral.
Price: $49 monthly
Insurance Accepted? No
Age Limitations: 18+
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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.
When you sign up with K-Health, you will be asked to complete a free assessment. Based on your answers, you will be given a diagnosis and matched with a provider. When you join K-Health, you have the opportunity to message your provider as often as you need to. Correspondence is done via messaging over the company’s app.
Note that they cannot treat children for mental health issues such as depression or anxiety, or patients with more severe behavioral health conditions including, but not limited to, severe depression, suicidal ideation, bipolar disorder/mania, substance abuse, schizophrenia, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), eating disorders, and/or ADD/ADHD.
K-Health does not offer any prescriptions for controlled medications. To learn even more about this platform, you can read our comprehensive review of K Health.
Price: Location Based
Insurance Accepted? Yes
Age Limitations: Depends on Provider
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Lifestance provides telehealth as well as in-person treatment for a wide range of mental health conditions, and sees children and teens. Their services include psychiatry and therapy in 32 states, so if you’re looking for a combination of online and in-person mental health care and live in the states they serve, this could be a great option.
LifeStance Health costs greatly depend on your location. In the state of Texas, out-of-pocket therapy costs $325 per 60-minute therapy session and $425 for an initial psychiatry appointment. A student therapist was available for $85 per 60-minute therapy session.
With Lifestance, you have the option of choosing a provider and scheduling an appointment either via video or in-person since they have offices in most states and major cities. Because Lifestance also offers in-person services, there are no restrictions to what kinds of medications they can prescribe.
Price: $45 - $95 monthly
Insurance Accepted? Yes
Age Limitations: 18+
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Minded is an affordable, subscription-based online psychiatry platform that includes a personalized treatment plan, unlimited appointments and messages, on-demand medication adjustments, and ongoing refills for $95 for the first month and then $45 for the months afterward. Minded accepts select insurance and the company can help you verify benefits.
Minded is only available in California, Florida, Illinois, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Texas. You can meet your Minded provider once a month, or as often as you like, since the monthly membership allows for unlimited visits and messages. A provider is selected for you based on your location and concerns. All that is required for your initial prescription is an online questionnaire and assessment and a virtual visit with a provider.
Minded providers treat depression, anxiety, and insomnia. Commonly prescribed medications include fluoxetine (Prozac), escitalopram (Lexapro), sertraline (Zoloft), and buspirone (Buspar).
You can read more about this platform by checking out our detailed review of Minded.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Online Psychiatry?
Online psychiatry, or telepsychiatry, is a form of telehealth or telemedicine that allows you to meet with a provider anywhere that you can access technology.1 It covers services like screening, assessment, medication management, refills, and crisis support.2
Online psychiatry can be especially helpful because of its convenience and accessibility to both urban and rural individuals. You do not 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.
How to Choose an Online Psychiatrist
Choosing an online psychiatrist that is right for you may take some dedicated effort. There are a couple of key factors to keep in mind as you begin shopping around.
Some of these factors are:
- Cost
- Locations Served
- Conditions Treated
- Scheduling
- Providers Available
- Medications Available
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.
Online Psychiatry Vs. Online Therapy: The Differences
Online therapy and online psychiatry are both virtual forms of mental health treatment. The difference between online therapy and psychiatry is that psychiatric providers (i.e., psychiatrists, and psychiatric nurse practitioners) can prescribe medications and provide a diagnosis. On the other hand, therapists (psychologists, counselors, and social workers) offer talk therapy and cannot provide prescriptions.
If you are looking for a great online therapy platform to start a talk therapy journey, you can check out our best online therapy services review.
How Does Online Psychiatry Work?
Online psychiatry allows 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, telepsychiatry 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?
Online psychiatrists and nurse practitioners are required to be licensed in the state that 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 Accept Insurance?
Whether an online psychiatrist accepts insurance depends on the provider. 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 insurance is accepted. Oftentimes, you can reach out to the company directly for further help figuring out if your insurance is accepted.
Final Verdict
In recent years, mental health treatment has expanded to include many online psychiatry and therapy services. With so many choices, it can feel overwhelming to find the one that is right for you. This comprehensive list of some of the most well known online psychiatry services can help you find one that matches your needs so you can start getting help today.