Doctor on Demand is an online healthcare platform offering access to primary care physicians who can offer urgent care, primary care, and mental healthcare from the comfort of home. When I signed up for Doctor on Demand, I was able to see a prescribing physician in under five minutes, and the platform makes it easy to connect with a therapist, psychiatrist, and a physician or physician’s assistant all in one place.
I gave Doctor on Demand 4 out of 5 stars after using its online psychiatry and therapy services for myself.
Doctor on Demand at a Glance
Cost: $99–$299 per session
Insurance Accepted: Yes
Pros & Cons of Doctor on Demand
Pros - Available in all 50 states
- Same-day appointments available
- The mobile app is easy to use
- Some commercial insurance plans accepted
- Medicare Part B accepted
Cons - No between-session provider messaging
- Costly for ongoing out-of-pocket sessions
- Strict time limit for sessions
Preview Doctor on Demand
Doctor on Demand is available for anyone ages 18+ in the United States and children age 1+, provided they have parental consent. Doctor on Demand is intended as a solution for adults and children experiencing mild-to-moderate mental health symptoms, such as stress, burnout, difficulty sleeping, anxiety, and depression.
Doctor on Demand is not suited for patients who need prescriptions for controlled substances such as benzodiazepines (e.g. Xanax, Ambien) and stimulants (e.g. Adderall, Ritalin).
It accepts many major insurance plans (as well as Medicare Part B) and makes it easy to check your coverage and out-of-pocket costs, something not all platforms do well. Without insurance, sessions range from $99 for a brief medical assessment to $299 for a 45-minute psychiatry appointment.
After a brief but comprehensive assessment, I was matched with therapy and psychiatry providers almost immediately. I completed multiple sessions with both. My therapist was punctual and professional, though sessions have strict time limits, which led to one call ending abruptly. Still, she followed up with a message to wrap things up. For psychiatry, I connected with a physician’s assistant in under five minutes who prescribed my SSRI and offered referrals to a psychiatrist or primary care provider if needed. Overall, Doctor on Demand felt like a comprehensive, convenient one-stop shop for both medical and mental health care.
Doctor on Demand is a strong option for anyone seeking comprehensive care on one platform or fast access to urgent care, including mental health medication (though not controlled substances like Xanax or Adderall). For more specialized mental health support, Talkiatry offers therapy and medication management for those with in-network insurance and may prescribe controlled medications when appropriate.
If you’re uninsured, Brightside Health provides affordable, mental health–focused care. And for therapy only, BetterHelp remains one of the most accessible and flexible options available that includes between-session messaging with your therapist, something Doctor on Demand does not offer.
Brightside - Therapy & Medication Using Your Insurance
Together, medication and therapy can help you feel like yourself, faster. Brightside Health develops personalized plans that are unique to you and offers 1 on 1 support from start to finish. United Healthcare, Anthem, Cigna, and Aetna insurance are accepted.
Detailed Review of Doctor on Demand
Doctor on Demand is a comprehensive telehealth platform connecting patients to primary care doctors, psychiatrists, physician’s assistants, and mental health professionals. Doctor on Demand is available to anyone in the U.S., however, individual clinicians may have restrictions on who they serve. Some insurance plans are accepted and prices may vary based on your plan; it’s easy to check on their website.
Review our scoring criteria for online psychiatry platforms here.
Review our complete editorial policies here.
Therapy
Doctor on Demand offers telehealth therapy to people of all ages across the U.S. and accepts many major insurance plans. Provider age requirements can vary, and without insurance, therapy costs $134 for a 25-minute session or $184 for 50 minutes. During sign-up, you’re shown a list of licensed therapists in your state; about 10 were available in mine.
One of the standout features is how easy it is to get started and quickly book a session. Each therapist has a photo, short bio, and listed availability, making it simple to choose someone who feels like the right fit.
The app is user-friendly and intuitive, but messaging is limited. I couldn’t message my therapist between sessions (only customer support), and I could only send one reply to any message she sent me.
I joined my sessions via desktop, and my therapist was professional and thorough, clearly explaining confidentiality and session expectations. One drawback is how abruptly sessions can end when the time runs out. This happened to me once, and although Doctor on Demand mentions an option to extend sessions for an extra fee, I wasn’t given that choice. My therapist followed up with a kind message afterward, but I was only able to send one reply, which felt limiting.
Psychiatry
Doctor on Demand’s psychiatry services are just as easy to schedule as therapy, with helpful filters for availability, gender, orientation, language (I was impressed by the range of options), and clinical focus. In my state, there were 11 providers to choose from. An initial 45-minute consultation costs $299, with 15-minute follow-up medication appointments priced at $129. Alternatively, you can opt for urgent care to see a prescribing physician. When I chose this route, I was connected with someone in under five minutes and it cost $99 without insurance.
Doctor on Demand psychiatry is billed as “medication consultation and management,” but there are important limitations to note. While prescriptions can be provided when appropriate (I was prescribed an SSRI without hassle while still answering all of my questions), their psychiatrists cannot prescribe controlled substances. This includes benzodiazepines (like Xanax or Ambien) and stimulants (like Adderall or Ritalin). If a prescription is needed, it will be sent to your preferred pharmacy for pickup.
Other commonly prescribed mental health medications include:
- SSRIs (e.g., Zoloft, Lexapro, Prozac)
- SNRIs (e.g., Cymbalta, Effexor)
- Wellbutrin, Buspar, Trazadone, Abilify, Strattera
Primary Care & Urgent Care
Doctor on Demand provides both primary care and urgent care services, with 24/7 access to doctors who can treat everything from colds and rashes to flu, eczema, and more. They also support ongoing management of chronic conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and thyroid disorders. I also liked that they highlight their ability to offer second opinions on medical concerns, a potentially valuable feature for those navigating complex or uncertain diagnoses, just to get another pair of eyes on it.
Sexual Health
In addition to its primary and urgent care services, Doctor on Demand provides treatment for a range of sexual health concerns for both men and women.
Conditions they address include:
- Erectile dysfunction
- Low libido and sexual desire issues
- Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
Doctor on Demand is a great option for managing sexual health, offering a discreet and comfortable way to discuss sensitive issues from the privacy of your home.
Cost & Insurance
Doctor on Demand is priced per session, with no additional subscription costs. You have the option of scheduling a 25- or 50-minute therapy session, however, an initial 45-minute session with a psychiatrist is required before scheduling 15-minute follow-up sessions. You can also schedule urgent care with a prescribing physician.
Doctor on Demand accepts some insurance plans, such as United Healthcare, Tricare, Wellmark, CDPHP, and Medicare Part B. You can find out if your insurance is accepted through the app or website or by calling Doctor on Demand’s customer support team directly at 1-800-997-6196.
Here’s an overview of out-of-pocket costs for Doctor on Demand:
- Everyday & Urgent Care: $99 for a 15-minute consultation
- Ideal for medication refills or restarting a previous prescription
- Therapy: $184 per 50-minute session, $134 per 25-minute session
- Choose based on your preference of time constraints; both options are available
- Psychiatry: $299 per initial 45-minute intro session, $129 for 15-minute follow-up per session
- Best for starting a new medication, tapering off, or managing more complex mental health needs
User Reviews
Overall, users are happy with the overall convenience of finding a therapist, and the wide availability of therapists on the platform. The negative reviews are directly related to billing and costs, lack of quality customer service, and issues with prescription refills. It appears that a handful of employers, like Walmart and some commercial airlines, have offered Doctor on Demand as part of their health benefits package, causing some confusion for patients who have tried to use its services.
Reviews from Apple App Store | 4.9 out of 5 stars | 148K reviews
Positive reviews from the Apple App Store mostly mention the convenience of connecting with a provider from the app. It appears most of the reviews are related to urgent care and medical appointments as opposed to therapy and psychiatrist visits.
Negative reviews from the Apple App Store include continued issues and discrepancies in billing and customer service. Users consistently reported issues with the customer support team responding in a timely or helpful way.
Reviews from Google Play Store | 4.8 out of 5 stars | >83K reviews
Positive reviews from the Google Play Store include praise from users about the convenience and accessibility of the platform, and the wide number of insurances that are accepted.
Negative reviews from the Google Play Store are mostly centered around isolated negative experiences with individual providers, including providers no-showing appointments or canceling frequently. Other reviewers had some complaints about the Android version of the app having issues loading or cutting them off during sessions.
Reviews from Trustpilot | 1.2 out of 5 stars | >400 reviews
Positive reviews mention the speed and ease of seeing a provider and getting a prescription filled. Multiple users highlight how quickly prescriptions were sent to their pharmacies after their visits.
Negative reviews from Trustpilot include issues with medication refills, billing, and lack of customer service. Some reviewers had problems with their individual providers, and others noted that the out-of-pocket expenses and lack of customer services made them seek services elsewhere.
Reviews from Reddit | r/depression, r/walmart
Positive reviews from Reddit about Doctor on Demand’s mental health services mostly focus on the convenience and cost. Many people have insurance plans that are in-network, making Doctor on Demand essentially free. Walmart employees get to use Doctor on Demand as a part of their benefits, so there were a few reports of Walmart employees having great experiences with their providers.
Negative reviews from Reddit about Doctor on Demand’s mental health services are mostly absent. Doctor on Demand appears to be relatively well-liked, but the handful of negative experiences I could find focused on isolated incidents with providers and customer service that likely wouldn’t apply to most people.
Alternatives & Competitors
While Doctor on Demand is a solid option, it might not be the best fit for everyone. If you’re looking for long-term therapy with the same provider week after week, the platform’s availability can sometimes be limiting. It’s also not ideal for those who prefer texting or asynchronous messaging with their therapist. See more options below if any of those are deal-breakers for you.
Best for Complex Mental Health Needs - Brightside Health
- Price: $45–$349 monthly
- Insurance Accepted: Yes
- Therapy & Psychiatry: Yes
Doctor on Demand and Brightside Health are similar but have a different focus and approach to virtual care. While Doctor on Demand is primarily a general healthcare platform that also offers care for mental health issues, Brightside Health is exclusively focused on mental health. It even offers online intensive outpatient programs for more intensive mental health needs, and provides care via an ongoing subscription model vs. the pay-per-session model that Doctor on Demand uses.
During our review of Brightside Health, we found that it’s an excellent platform for both therapy and medication management. The company accepts insurance from a number of plans and has affordable cash-pay prices.
Pros & Cons
Pros - Accepts many insurance plans
- Offers affordable cash-pay options too
Cons - Customer service can be a little slow
- Therapy and medication sessions are limited to 30 minutes
Best for Prescription Options - Talkiatry
- Price: ~ $30 copay
- Insurance Accepted: Yes, exclusively
- Therapy & Psychiatry: Yes
Doctor on Demand is able to prescribe medication, but Talkiatry can prescribe a wider variety, including controlled substances like Adderall, when clinically appropriate. Other differences include payment structure: Doctor on Demand is paid per session through insurance or cash-pay and users select their desired provider from a directory. Talkiatry, on the other hand, only accepts in-network insurance plans, not offering cash pay at all. Additionally, a company representative will work hands-on to match you with a psychiatrist (and a therapist if needed) rather than choosing from a directory.
Based on our experience during our review of Talkiatry, we think it offers a higher level of mental health care. If you’re looking to form a long-term relationship with a psychiatrist, it may be the better choice.
Pros & Cons
Pros - Treats children (5+), teens, and adults
- 300+ psychiatric specialists
Cons - Only accepts in-network patients
- Therapy only for existing psychiatry patients
Best for Provider Messaging - Talkspace
- Price: $276–$436 monthly
- Insurance Accepted: Yes
- Therapy & Psychiatry: Yes
While Doctor on Demand is more of an ad-hoc directory where you choose a provider and schedule with them individually, Talkspace is designed to link you with a provider based on specific preferences and needs. Messaging features are more robust with Talkspace too, allowing you to message your provider with questions at any time, rather than just once like you see with Doctor on Demand.
Read our full Talkspace review for more information.
Pros & Cons
Pros - Accepts many health insurance plans, including Medicare
- Also offers therapy for couples and teens
Cons - A bit pricey without insurance
- Sessions are limited to 30 minutes
Why You Can Trust My Review
“As an LCSW, I’ve spent years providing mental healthcare to a variety of clients, so I know what to look for when considering online care. I used Doctor on Demand first-hand, not just as a reviewer, but as a patient who needed therapy and a prescription refill. After a brief but comprehensive intake, I was quickly matched with both a therapist and a psychiatry provider. I completed multiple sessions with each, giving me a well-rounded view of the platform’s strengths and limitations. This experience allows me to offer insights that go beyond surface-level impressions, grounded in what it’s actually like to use the service for your mental health.”
History & News
Year Founded: 2013
Founders: Phil McGraw Ph.D., Adam Jackson, Jay McGraw JD, & Pat Basu MD
Parent Company: Included Health
Headquartered In: San Francisco, California
Doctor On Demand was founded in 2013 by entrepreneur Adam Jackson, television personality Dr. Phil McGraw, and his son Jay McGraw. The platform was created to provide telemedicine services, connecting patients with licensed doctors and healthcare providers through video visits.
In 2014, Doctor On Demand raised $21 million in Series A funding from Venrock, Google Ventures, Shasta Ventures, and Sir Richard Branson. The company expanded into mental health services in 2015 and secured $50 million in Series B funding. It then raised $74 million in Series C funding in 2018 to grow its virtual primary care.
The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 accelerated its growth. In 2021, Doctor On Demand merged with Grand Rounds Health, becoming Included Health, which it still operates under today. During this time, the platform was recognized as a “Fierce 15” Company and was named “Best Overall Digital Health Company” in the MedTech Breakthrough Awards Program.1,2 It continues to increase availability and pursue its mission of expanding quality health care.3,4
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Doctor on Demand legit?
Yes, Doctor on Demand is a legitimate company. It is a healthcare company that provides same-day appointments with board-certified physicians or next-day appointments with psychologists and psychiatrists from any device with a front-facing camera such as a smartphone, tablet, or computer. We have personally used Doctor on Demand and felt that it would be worthwhile for many people.
Can I Use My HSA/FSA for Doctor on Demand?
Yes, you can use FSA or HSA funds to pay for services from Doctor on Demand. However, you may want to confirm with your insurance if the cost will be covered or not. In most cases, you have to provide a receipt of payment to submit to your insurance provider.
How Much is Doctor on Demand?
Details about Doctor on Demand pricing for out-of-pocket costs include:
- Everyday and Urgent Care: $99 for a 15-minute consultation.
- Therapy: $184 per 50-minute session, $134 per 25-minute session
- Psychiatry: $299 per initial 45-minute intro session, $129 for 15-minute follow-up per session
Does Doctor on Demand Take Insurance?
Doctor on Demand takes several major insurance plans. You can go visit the Doctor on Demand website, sign into your account, and navigate to “Payment & Insurance” to see if Doctor on Demand is in-network with your insurance plan. It is important to note that insurance coverage and reimbursement are not guaranteed. It is best practice to confirm all details with your insurance plan.
Does Doctor on Demand Issue Refunds?
No, there is a 24-hour cancellation policy for scheduled appointments and patients are responsible for a fee equal to all or a portion of the fees of your session cost.
If you believe you should be entitled to a refund, please contact Doctor on Demand customer service by calling 1-800-997-6196, or emailing [email protected].
Is Doctor on Demand HIPAA-Compliant?
Doctor on Demand is HITRUST certified and NCQA and URAC accredited. Doctor on Demand does not share your personal health information (PHI) information with anyone unless you explicitly request a record of your visit be sent to your primary care physician. Read more by visiting Doctor on Demand’s privacy policy and terms of service.
Does Doctor on Demand Use AI?
Yes, Doctor on Demand uses an AI Scribe to take notes; however, at the beginning of each session, your provider should give you the option to opt out.
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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Willumson, R. (2021, January 11). Fierce Healthcare names Doctor on Demand one of its 2021 “Fierce 15” companies. Business Wire. Retrieved from: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210111005408/en/Fierce-Healthcare-Names-Doctor-On-Demand-One-of-Its-2021-Fierce-15-Companies
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Smith, C. (2021, May 6). Doctor on Demand named “best overall digital health company” in 2021 MedTech breakthrough awards program. Business Wire. Retrieved from: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210506005468/en/Doctor-On-Demand-Named-Best-Overall-Digital-Health-Company-in-2021-MedTech-Breakthrough-Awards-Program
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Lagasse, J. (2021, October 19). Doctor on Demand, Grand Rounds Health rebrand as Included Health. Healthcare Finance. Retrieved from: https://www.healthcarefinancenews.com/news/doctor-demand-grand-rounds-health-rebrand-included-health
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No author. (June, 2024). “Doctor on Demand Business Model And Revenue Analysis.” Retrieved from: https://appscrip.com/blog/doctor-on-demand-business-model/
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Rueger, A. (December 2025). Brightside Health Review: Pros & Cons, Cost, & My Experience. ChoosingTherapy.com. Retrieved from: https://www.choosingtherapy.com/brightside-health-review/
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Church, M. (October 2025). Talkiatry Review 2025: Pros & Cons, Cost, & My Experience. ChoosingTherapy.com. Retrieved from: https://www.choosingtherapy.com/talkiatry-review/
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Rueger, A. (December 2025). Talkspace Review: Pros & Cons, Cost, & My Experience. ChoosingTherapy.com. Retrieved from: https://www.choosingtherapy.com/talkspace-review/
We regularly update the articles on ChoosingTherapy.com to ensure we continue to reflect scientific consensus on the topics we cover, to incorporate new research into our articles, and to better answer our audience’s questions. When our content undergoes a significant revision, we summarize the changes that were made and the date on which they occurred. We also record the authors and medical reviewers who contributed to previous versions of the article. Read more about our editorial policies here.
Author: Lena Suarez-Angelino, MD (No Change)
Medical Reviewer: Kristen Fuller, MD (No Change)
Primary Changes: Updated user reviews; Removed weight loss information (no longer highlighted on the site); Updated FAQs; Fact-checked and edited for readability and clarity.
Author: Lena Suarez-Angelino, MD (No Change)
Medical Reviewer: Kristen Fuller, MD (No Change)
Primary Changes: Fact-checked and edited for clarity; changed cost range from $134 – $299 to $99 – $299; added information about first-hand use of psychiatry services and updated scoring to reflect this; added new logo and pictures in Psychiatry section; added FAQ, “Does Doctor on Demand Use AI?”
Author: Lena Suarez-Angelino, MD
Medical Reviewer: Kristen Fuller, MD
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