Brightline Health is an online mental health platform available nationwide for kids and teens that provides coaching, therapy, and medication services. Brightline mental health services can be offered to kids as young as 18 months old, with therapy and medication management available for ages 6 – 17. Two of our experienced reviewers tested Brightline mental health services, and it earned 4 out of 5 stars overall in our latest review. Brightline Health costs $270 for an initial medication evaluation and $70 – $225 per follow-up therapy and coaching sessions, depending on which service you choose, and also accepts several insurance plans.
Brightline Health At A Glance
Brightline Health Pros & Cons
- Accepts major insurance plans
- Coaching, therapy, and medication management available
- Services available nationwide, including Alaska and Hawaii
- No subscription required, everything is available per session
- Out-of-pocket costs can quickly add up if insurance plan is not accepted
- Limited insurance plans accepted
- No app available for Google play devices
Overview
Brightline offers virtual mental health care specifically for kids and teens. During our independent review of Brightline mental health services, they earned 4 out of 5 stars overall. Services, which include coaching, therapy, and medication management, can be offered to kids as young as 18 months old, with therapy and medication management available for ages 6 – 17.
Brightline costs $270 for a 60-90 minute initial evaluation and $70 – $225 per session after, depending on which service you choose. Several insurance plans are accepted which could lower these costs and there are superbills available to those out-of-network.
When I tried Brightline’s mental health services, I found it to be easy to navigate and easy to find therapists who can support adolescent mental health. Due to these features, Brightline Health is well-suited for those with adolescents seeking therapy. Brightline is also well-suited for families to be involved with their child’s care.
While Brightline Therapy allows for families to be part of the therapy sessions, family members might want a more comprehensive care plan. If you are interested in having a care team for your child’s care, you can check our full review of Bend Health. Teen Counseling is BetterHelp’s offering for teens and adolescents and is great if your child is interested in text-based therapy. If Brightline isn’t a good choice for your family, Manatee may be a great alternative since it incorporates parent/guardian support programs.
Why You Can Trust My Review
Review our scoring criteria for online therapy platforms here.
Review our complete editorial policies here.
Firsthand Brightline Therapy Reviews
Full reviews and breakdowns of services are valuable, but sometimes you just want to hear a clear recommendation from somebody who’s used the service firsthand. Here are some firsthand experiences from people who have signed up and used Brightside Mental Health.
Bend Health - Online Therapy & Coaching (ages 1 -17)
More Than Therapy! Bend Health is a virtual mental healthcare provider caring for kids, teens, and their families. Bend’s unique model includes coaches, therapists and psychiatrists who work with your entire family. For parents, Bend offers monthly progress updates and a peer support community. Many insurance plans are accepted. Learn More
Detailed Review of Brightline
Brightline Health is an online mental health care platform available nationwide that focuses on supporting kids, teens, and their families. Brightline provides therapy, coaching, medication support, and on-demand learning resources. If your family is interested in having psychiatric medications for the child, an initial 60-90 minute assessment can be done for $270. All other services cost $70 – $225 depending on what your family needs. Brightline does accept select insurance plans, which could lower your out-of-pocket costs.
Brightline Health Service Offerings
After an initial evaluation, Brightline offers five services:
- Coaching: For $70 per 30-minute session, you will have a video visit with a behavioral health coach who will help build skills for everyday challenges. There are program modules available to help families with anxiety, stress, sleep issues, and more.
- Behavior Therapy: For $225 per 55-minute session, you will have video visits with a licensed therapist or psychologist with personalized care for conditions like anxiety, depression, ADHD, and more. Medication support is available if needed.
- Psychiatric Medication Support: For $270 per 30-minute session, your child will receive a consultation, medication evaluation, and treatment. Ongoing medicine support is $190 a session.
- Caregiver Sessions with a Coach: For $70 per session, parents/guardians can receive coaching feedback from their child/adolescent’s coach.
- Caregiver Check-in with Therapist: This would cost parents/guardians $170 a session to speak with their child/adolescent’s therapist.
At this time, Brightline offers services across all 50 states, including Alaska and Hawaii. After you complete the sign-up process and the evaluation, you are assigned a coach and you will begin texting with them right away so they can better understand what support your family needs. Anytime your coach sends you a message, you will receive an email notification making it less likely you miss something important.
The treatment length for behavioral therapy depends on the level of need and severity of symptoms. Therapy is individualized and will be discussed with your child’s therapist in the first couple of sessions. Behavioral therapy and medication support are provided to children ages 6-17, but therapy can begin with children as young as 18 months. Brightline Coaching programs are tailored to specific topics relevant to the age of the child, therefore for younger children aged 3-5, the coaching is more directed toward parents and caregivers.
Typically, parents will be involved in the first session with their child’s therapist and then find out the frequency of checking in after that. The younger the child is, the more parent involvement there will be. Brightline also offers a Member Support team that can help you switch therapists if you do not feel the first therapist is a good fit. Additionally, Brightline’s website offers great extra features like Brightline Connect, which has self-guided resources and interactive exercises to manage day-to-day challenges.
When I used Brightline Health, I found their onboarding and web application user-friendly. I appreciated their fast responses to my questions and thorough assessment regarding my child’s needs. I especially enjoyed having the opportunity to inquire about medication services with a medical professional within Brightline as opposed to looking elsewhere.
Cost & Insurance
Brightline’s pay structure is broken down by the different features a family can utilize. Brightline’s Behavioral and Coaching costs per service are:
- Coaching: $70 per session
- Caregiver sessions with coach: $70 per session
- Therapy: $225 per session
- Caregiver check-in with therapist: $170 per session
- Initial Medication Evaluation: $270 per session
- Ongoing Medication Support: $190 per session
Brightline does accept insurance from major health insurance companies such as Premera, Aetna, Blue Cross and Blue Shield. If your health plan is not in-network, health plans will reimburse our coaching and care sessions if your out-of-network benefits apply. Brightline can provide you with a monthly superbill for reimbursement by your health plan. You can use FSA or HSA for mental health services provided by Brightline.
Brightline Health is a platform meant to help parents/guardians of children by building social-emotional skills and helping deal with behavioral or mental health challenges like low self-esteem, ADHD, anxiety, or depression. If you’re seeking a specialist to help with your own mental health issues, then Talkiatry would be a great platform to connect you with a therapist who can help guide you though the road of parenting. BetterHelp is also an option to connect you to a therapist who can help you with your mental well-being.
User Reviews for Brightline
While Brightline is still a newer company, there have been some mixed reviews online. Their Facebook page has some reviews, mostly discussing poor information in regards to their child’s therapist no longer working for Brightline. There are no reviews on Better Business Bureau and TrustPilot for Brightline.
Reviews from Apple App Store - 4.9 stars out of 5 | 90 ratings
- Positive reviews of Brightline included an easy-to-use interface, quick service with their respective therapist, and a simple platform to receive all the care necessary for the child seeking therapy.
- Negative reviews of Brightline included poor communication with certain therapists, no notices of cancellations for therapy and coaching sessions, and expensive costs for Brightline services.
Reviews from Reddit | r/Parenting | r/SocialWork
- Negative reviews of Brightline included poor communication with certain therapists, lack of engagement from therapists, and expensive services for the quality of work.
- Negative reviews of Brightline Mental Health on Reddit also gave feedback from the therapist’s perspective of the company. This included devaluing the work of the therapist, the low pay packages, and the lack of work-life balance.
Who May Want an Alternative to Brightline?
While Brightline Health has many great features, there are always other options available to consider that may be able to meet the needs of your family. Older teens, those in high-risk or crisis situations, and couples looking to work on their relationship will need to seek an alternative.
Older Teens Turning 18 - Learn Why
Brightline offers behavioral therapy services for kids and teens ages 6 – 17 years old. If you are just shy of turning 18, you may want to consider beginning your mental health journey with companies that are geared towards young adults instead, like Joon Care. If your teen plans on attending college, most campuses offer free or low-cost therapy and counseling onsite. This may be a better alternative and a great way to build support in their next chapter.
High-Risk Crisis Situations - Learn Why
It is common that most online services, and even private practices, aren’t intended to be used as 24/7 crisis hotlines or high-risk support. If you, your child, or someone you know is in crisis, call 911, go to the nearest emergency room, or call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255) or by dialing 988. You’re never alone.
Couples Who Want to Improve Their Relationship to Help Their Child - Learn Why
While Brightline can help parents deal with certain issues through coaching services, they are not intended to be used as couples counseling. The relationship parents and caregivers have with one another can affect the mental health of their children. For those seeking in-person couples counseling, you can browse an online therapist directory to search for a good fit. Or if you’d prefer the convenience of online couple counseling, you may want to consider a platform like Regain.
Brightline Vs. Competitors
Brightline is great for families with adolescents and teens interested in therapy. If you’re looking for other therapy options for kids and teens, Manatee is a great option. Meanwhile, teenagers looking for individual therapy might be well served by Teen Counseling. If you’re looking for comprehensive care that collaborates with the adolescent’s primary care provider, Bend Health is your best bet.
Brightline Vs. Manatee
Brightline Vs. Teen Counseling
Brightline Vs. Bend Health
Brightline Review – Our Final Verdict
Frequently Asked Questions
How are Brightline’s Therapists Vetted and What are Their Credentials?
Brightline’s therapists are all independently licensed therapists and psychologists who have expertise in delivering child and teen-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Medication prescribers with Brightline are generally independently licensed Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners. All clinical services are provided by licensed physicians and clinicians practicing within independently owned and operated professional practices.
How are Therapists Matched on Brightline?
All matching is done via the Care Matching assessment and based on the areas of support you selected earlier. You can always request to speak 1:1 with your care team if you feel that you have not been able to express yourself fully. Additionally, you will be provided with a bio to read about your coach or therapist.
Can I Choose a New Therapist on Brightline?
While you cannot change providers with the click of a button, you can simply chat with your coach or Member Support about making the request to get matched again. This may feel intimidating for some, but the general goal of any mental health service provider is that you find the care that is the right fit for you.
Does Brightline Accept Health Insurance Plans?
Yes, Brightline accepts health insurance plans such as Premera, Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and many more. The Member Support team can help verify whether Brightline is covered by your insurance. If Brightline isn’t covered by your insurance, your family can still access all that Brightline has to offer.
Their Member Support team can provide you with a superbill to submit to your insurance. Call 888-224-7332 to speak with a Member Support Specialist.
What Ages Do Brightline Therapists See?
Brightline offers services to those 6-17.
How Much Does Brightline Cost?
Brightline’s pay structure is broken down by the different features a family can utilize. Brightline’s Behavioral and Coaching costs per service are:
- Coaching: $70 per session
- Caregiver sessions with coach: $70 per session
- Therapy: $225 per session
- Caregiver check-in with therapist: $170 per session
- Initial Medication Evaluation: $270 per session
- Ongoing Medication Support: $190 per session
Can I Use My HSA/FSA for Brightline?
Brightline Health should be able to accept HSA or FSA for mental health services rendered by Brightline.. Keep in mind that HSA/FSA plans differ, so it’s likely wise to check with your plan to ensure Brightline will be covered. Keep all receipts for your records in case you need to submit them to insurance later.
How Do I Cancel My Brightline Account?
If you do wish to cancel or delete your Brightline Health account I would recommend that you contact Member Support via chat, phone, or email. Brightline phone: (888) 224-7332 and email: [email protected].
Does Brightline Issue Refunds?
Brightline services are only paid before having the session, versus a monthly payment. If you feel you should receive a refund, you can contact Brightline directly via phone: (888) 224-7332 or email: [email protected] to share your concerns.
Who is Eligible for Medication on Brightline?
Medication support begins for children as young as six years old after meeting with a Brightline therapist. Any child over six is eligible to help manage symptoms of anxiety, depression, ADHD, and more. You will be able to discuss with your Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner as well as the rest of your care team to see if medication is the best option for your child.
What Medications Are Available on Brightline?
There are a lot of different types of anxiety medication and depression medication and finding the one that works best for your child can take time and patience. To learn more about the types of medications available, request to meet with a therapist and PMHNP-BC to learn more. Depending on the different state regulations, the ability to prescribe controlled substances may vary.
Is Brightline HIPAA Compliant?
Brightline Health is HIPAA compliant and you can read more in Brightline’s Privacy Policy, Brightline’s Privacy Practices, and Brightline’s Terms of Service.
Brightline Health History & News
Year Founded: 2019
Founder of Brightline: Naomi Allen
Naomi Allen, co-founder, and CEO of Brightline identified the barrier to mental health services for children and their families. Brightline describes itself as a family-centered, pediatric-focused behavioral health solution. Brightline identifies that children are not just small adults, and they need a platform that is designed specifically for them to gain access to care. The idea that Brightline is your one-stop shop for in-house services really helps bring ease and reliability to families. Their secure web-based platform allows exercises and the ability to track progress in between sessions.
Brightline continues to grow, as stated on their About Us, “As the need for flexible care grows, Brightline will continue to leverage virtual care to support more and more families across the country. Everything Brightline does is to move families forward to reach their bright future.”
Brightline, formerly Emilio Health, has recently received another round of funding totaling $219 million according to Crunchbase and recently closed $10 Million Extended Series C Financing from Northwell Health.1,2 At this time, there are sixteen investors and Brightline continues to make headlines in its ability to provide virtual behavioral health services to children and their families.
Brightline has been able to begin accepting all major insurance plans and partner with employers to help make their services more accessible to families. Brightline no longer offers speech therapy services to younger children, and instead focuses more on mental health and behavioral health.
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Brightline – Crunchbase Company Profile & Funding. (n.d.). Crunchbase. Retrieved January 12, 2023 from https://www.crunchbase.com/organization/emilio-health
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Brightline Closes $10 Million Extended Series C Financing from Northwell Health as Demand for Family Behavioral Health Care Soars. (2022, July 12). Cision PR Newsire. Retrieved January 12, 2023 from https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/brightline-closes-10-million-extended-series-c-financing-from-northwell-health-as-demand-for-family-behavioral-health-care-soars-301584441.html
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Author: Michelle Liu, MPH (New Author)
Reviewer: Kristen Fuller, MD (New Reviewer)
Primary Changes: Upgraded pricing and new information for Brightline. Added new first-hand experience from reviewer. Added additional user review content from Reddit. New images and availability diagram added to Brightline review.
Author: Lena Suarez-Angelino, LCSW (No change)
Reviewer: Benjamin Troy, MD (No change)
Primary Changes: Added review summary and features.
Author: Lena Suarez-Angelino, LCSW (No change)
Reviewer: Benjamin Troy, MD (No change)
Primary Changes: Reassessment of Brightline Health; Updated cost; Updated screenshots/images; Added first-person point-of-view; Style updates throughout.
Author: Lena Suarez-Angelino, LCSW
Reviewer: Benjamin Troy, MD
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