We recently revisited our review of Hims and stand by our original assessment. After testing the platform over the span of two years, we awarded it 3 out of 5 stars. While Hims offers a convenient, easy, and affordable way to prescribe and manage medication, it lacks direct, face-to-face communication with care providers via video or phone.
Hims remains best suited for those already established on a preferred medication, individuals struggling to access care through other platforms, or those whose fear of judgment may be a barrier to seeking help.
Hims At a Glance
Cost: $49 monthly (billed $147 quarterly)
Insurance Accepted: No
Services: Medication Management
Service Location: US
Pros & Cons
Pros - Fewer barriers to receive medication
- Affordable cash-pay
- Free medication delivery
- 24/7 provider messaging
- Available in all 50 States
Cons - Limited oversight of prescription services
- No formal follow-up appts.
- Does not accept insurance
- Does not offer therapy
Preview Hims
Hims—part of Hims & Hers Health, Inc.—treats various conditions affecting men. The platform advertises treatments for disorders that might feel embarrassing or hard for some men to talk about, like sexual health (e.g., premature ejaculation and erectile dysfunction), hair loss, weight loss, and mental health.
Medication prescriptions are written through Hims after you fill out an in-depth health questionnaire that is reviewed by a board-certified health practitioner from your state. The initial online assessment takes about ten minutes. The provider review is typically completed in less than 12 hours.
Hims costs $49 per month, billed quarterly at $147. While accessible and convenient, it doesn’t accept insurance, though discounts are available for the first prescription. Care relies on written assessments and chat with no live appointments. This may work for some but is not ideal for newcomers to medication, those needing intensive care, or anyone who wants to use insurance.
If you’re looking for a more comprehensive psychiatry provider, Talkiatry is our favorite option, but it’s only available to those with insurance in 43 US states, although they serve all ages (5+). Our go-to choice for cash-pay psychiatry is Brightside Health, which offers comprehensive care for adults on a monthly subscription basis. Check out our list of the best online psychiatry platforms for more options.
Detailed Hims Review
We gave Hims 3 out of 5 stars. They scored high for cost and we appreciated their ability to conveniently prescribe medication online. However, we didn’t like that they don’t accept insurance or offer therapy. Our main concern is the low-touch care model that limits direct, in-person interaction between the patient and the provider.
Continue reading for a detailed review of our experience, as well as our scoring breakdown below:
Review our scoring criteria for online therapy platforms here.
Review our complete editorial policies here.
Convenient Online Medication Management
Hims provides online psychiatry services for men aged 18 and older in the US, offering a quick and convenient way to access medication. While this speed may appeal to those seeking fast treatment, it might not be the best option for individuals looking for more in-depth, comprehensive care.
Intake Process
To get started, you simply need to fill out an intake questionnaire. Information collected includes basic medical history, depression, and anxiety assessments (the PHQ-9 and GAD-7, respectively), as well as personal and family history with mental health medication. Hims will keep you updated as one of its providers reviews all your information.
I finished up my intake on a Friday afternoon at home from my iPhone. I didn’t encounter any issues. I noted in my intake that I have been taking sertraline for about a year.
Getting a Prescription
The following Monday I was greeted with a message that my medication––which I had not officially agreed that I wanted yet–– was in the mail on the way to me. This took me by surprise. Didn’t I need to meet with a psychiatrist first? I reckoned that getting started on a maintenance dose must be easier than getting prescribed new medicine. But it still concerned me that Hims did not request verification from my previous doctor. The only documentation I was required to upload was a photo of my driver’s license and a selfie for identity verification.
We decided to have another member of our staff test out Hims, and see what would happen when they filled out the intake. This staff member has never been on mental health medication before. Hims still prescribed them medication without any sessions with a psychiatrist or follow-up appointments. The diagnosis and subsequent prescription seem to be entirely based on this one intake questionnaire.
Oddly, this time, the system didn’t ask for any kind of ID or driver’s license at all. Our staff member reached out in their provider portal to request a one-on-one meeting with a provider to discuss this further, but customer support stated that since this is not a legal requirement in the patient’s state, they are unable to offer it.
Unboxing My Hims Setraline Shipment
As I was unboxing my Hims medication shipment, I was struck by the quality and design of the packaging. It’s clear that Hims has spent a good deal of time and money optimizing its brand, including custom Hims medication bottles.
Regardless of the questionable beginnings of the prescription, the medication reached me very quickly, and the entire process was seamless from beginning to end. So, I can confidently say that Hims offers one of the most convenient ways of getting mental health medication. Whether that level of convenience is advisable depends on the personal situation of the user. Hims states that new patients complete an asynchronous check-in (meaning no via phone or video) with their provider about 30–60 days into treatment.
Sexual Health & Other Wellness
Prospective patients can use Hims to get treatment for sexual dysfunctions such as ED and premature ejaculation. The system operates in basically the same way, with a few variations to the intake questionnaire. Hims also offers medications that can help with skin health, regrowing hair after balding, and medically-assisted weight loss. Our full Hims ED review was written by a licensed pharmacist and provides more insight into how Hims can help with treating sexual dysfunctions.
Cost & Insurance
Hims costs $49 monthly but is billed as $147 every three months. All Hims pricing plans for mental health medication include ongoing messaging support with your prescriber and the cost of medication and shipping.
Hims does not accept insurance. It only accepts HSA or FSAs as a form of payment for their weight loss treatments.
Who Does Hims Serve?
Hims psychiatry is available for men ages 18+ in all 50 US states and D.C. Disorders that Hims treats include anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, stress and burnout, and more. Women can go to the sister company Hers for care.
Hims does not offer any kind of therapy services. If you’re looking for a provider that’s covered by insurance and offers both therapy and psychiatry, then Brightside Health or Talkspace are two of the best options.
User Reviews
Across multiple review sites, Hims tends to have positive feedback. Many feel that the services and products offered are genuinely helpful and affordable. Major issues brought up in negative reviews are customer service, billing, and critiques of the overall care model.
It’s worth noting that many positive reviews on third-party review websites tend to focus on hair loss treatment and sexual health, so those reviews may not be accurate in representing Hims mental health treatment.
Reviews from the Apple App Store | 4.8 stars out of 5 | 58K reviews
Positive reviews from the Apple App Store highlighted the convenience of getting medicine with minimal barriers, quickly and efficiently. Many felt that being able to get ED medication discretely and with minimal ongoing fuss was very convenient.
Negative reviews from the Apple App Store highlighted the unprofessional and “profit-driven” appearance of the Hims experience. Many decried the care model of receiving medication with minimal oversight. Multiple reviews outlined displeasure with customer service and billing.
Reviews from the Android App Store | 4.7 stars out of 5 | 11.1k reviews
Positive reviews from the Android App Store indicated many users enjoy the convenience and minimal interaction built into the Hims service.
Negative reviews from the Android App Store noted some technical issues with the Android app, as well as displeasure with the lack of medical oversight. Many stated they were frustrated by the difficulty in canceling or changing services and felt customer service was unhelpful.
Reviews from Trustpilot | 3 stars out of 5 | 5.9k reviews
Positive reviews from Trustpilot indicated that many users appreciated the ease of use that Hims offers, and felt that the medication and treatment they received were effective and helpful.
Negative reviews from Trustpilot highlighted similar themes to the app store reviews—many mentions of customer service problems, billing issues, and ineffective providers.
Alternatives & Competitors
Hims may be a practical choice in some situations, but it falls short for individuals seeking hands-on psychiatric care, those new to mental health medication, those experiencing severe symptoms, or those requiring specialized care. Alternatives like Brightside Health and Talkspace provide more comprehensive support, offering both therapy and medication services while accepting insurance. For medication management, Talkiatry stands out as a stronger option overall, though it’s only suitable for those whose insurance is in-network.
Best for Insurance - Talkiatry
Price: ~ $30 copay with insurance
Insurance Accepted: Yes, exclusively
Therapy: For existing patients only
Location: 43 US States
Unlike Hims, Talkiatry accepts insurance, making it accessible to a wider range of patients. Additionally, it provides therapy services for existing patients, ensuring continuity of care by addressing both medication management and therapeutic support in one platform.
Find more details on our full Talkiatry review.
Pros & Cons
Pros - Accept most major insurances
- Treats kids (5+), teens, & adults
Cons - Doesn’t accept cash-pay
- Therapy only for existing patients
Most Comprehensive - Brightside Health
Price: $95 – $349 monthly
Insurance Accepted: Yes
Therapy: Yes
Location: 50 US States
Brightside is a great option for comprehensive cash-pay services, though it also takes many insurance plans. It offers an integrated approach to mental health, combining therapy, medication management, and even crisis care, all tailored to your needs. With its evidence-based care and a focus on personalized treatment plans, Brightside was designed for anyone seeking high-quality, psychiatric support at an affordable price.
We discuss Brightside Health in depth in our review.
Pros & Cons
Pros - Accepts many insurance plans
- Offers affordable cash-pay options
Cons - Customer service can be slow
- Only available for those age 18+
Most Convenient - Talkspace
Price: $276 – $436 monthly
Insurance Accepted: Yes
Therapy: Yes
Location: US & International
With flexible plans, insurance coverage options, and the ability to connect with licensed therapists through messaging, video, or phone sessions, Talkspace provides a convenient and personalized approach to care. This makes it a strong choice for individuals seeking comprehensive mental health support beyond medication alone.
Read more on our comprehensive Talkspace review.
Pros & Cons
Pros - Accepts many health insurance plans
- Psychiatry & teen therapy (13+) available
Cons - Exact monthly costs vary
- Can be pricey without insurance
Why You Can Trust My Review
“Our team reviewed Hims by completing the intake process, receiving a prescription, and testing their telehealth and pharmacy services. This firsthand experience, which ultimately spanned over two years, allowed us to evaluate the platform’s usability and quality of care. In general, our review process combines independent research, user feedback analysis, first-hand testing, and expert interviews. All reviews are fact-checked, edited, and medically reviewed for accuracy and reliability.
We rated Hims 3 out of 5 stars. While it offers accessible medication management services and a smooth intake process, improvements like the ability to accept insurance and provide therapy would enhance its overall value.”
History & News
- Company: Hims & Hers, Inc.
- Year Founded: 2017
- Founders: Andrew Dudum, Jack Abraham, & Hilary Coles
- Publicly Traded? Yes
- Headquarters: San Francisco, CA
Hims & Hers Health, Inc. was founded in 2017 by Andrew Dudum as a direct-to-consumer telehealth and wellness company. Initially, the company launched as Hims, a brand targeting men’s health concerns, specifically hair loss, erectile dysfunction, and skincare. The business gained traction, capitalizing on a demand for discreet healthcare solutions.1
In 2018, Hers was introduced as a complementary brand catering to women’s health, expanding the company’s services to include birth control, mental health support, and dermatology treatments.2, 3 Over the years, Hims & Hers expanded its offerings beyond sexual health and hair loss to include mental health services, weight management, primary care, and dermatology. It’s worth noting that it has faced scrutiny for prescribing medication with limited oversight. More recently, it was accused of promoting non FDA-approved weight loss drugs.
By 2021, Hims & Hers went public through a SPAC merger with Oaktree Acquisition Corp., a move that valued the company at approximately $1.6 billion. In the same year, Hims & Hers acquired Apostrophe, a personalized acne treatment startup, for $190 million, aiming to strengthen its dermatology segment. Additionally, the company expanded its mental health services, providing access to therapy; however, it ultimately backed away from providing therapy services.3
Between 2022 and 2024, Hims & Hers continued expanding its presence in weight loss and metabolic health, capitalizing on the demand for GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy. However, in early 2025, the company faced challenges when the FDA declared semaglutide was no longer in shortage, restricting its ability to offer compounded versions of the medication. This regulatory shift led to a stock decline and the eventual discontinuation or reduced prescription of compounded semaglutide prescriptions.4
In March 2025, the company shut down Apostrophe, integrating its dermatology services into the core Hims & Hers platform. Around the same time, Hims & Hers made two key acquisitions: a U.S.-based peptide facility in California, aimed at strengthening domestic supply chains and innovating in metabolic health, and Trybe Labs, an at-home lab testing company. This move is in line with a push for more personalized healthcare and may accelerate the platform’s AI developments related to MedMatch.5, 6
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hims Legit?
Yes, Hims is a legitimate and relatively large provider of psychiatry and other medical services. Hims vets and verifies its providers and is fully HIPAA-compliant.
How are Hims Providers Vetted and Verified?
All Hims providers have valid licenses to practice medicine within the United States. They have obtained board certification in various fields of specialization, including family medicine, internal medicine, psychiatry, and more.
How are You Matched with Hims Providers?
Matching on Hims happens automatically based on your answers from the assessment and preferences you selected during the sign-up process.
How Do I Change Providers on Hims?
To change your medication provider through Hims, reach out to customer service. If you’re already a member, you can send a request through Hims’ help center, or email customer service at [email protected] or by calling 1-800-368-0038.
What Does Hims Prescribe for Anxiety?
According to the Hims website, Hims may prescribe a variety of antidepressants or antianxiety medications in the treatment of anxiety, including SSRIs such as sertraline (Zoloft) or fluoxetine (Prozac). Other types of medications including bupropion (Wellbutrin) or Buspirone (Buspar) might be prescribed, depending on your needs. Hims does not prescribe controlled substances such as Xanax or Adderall.
Does Hims Prescribe Anxiety Medication?
Yes, Hims does prescribe anxiety medication. Medications that Hims might prescribe for anxiety include SSRIs such as sertraline (Zoloft) or fluoxetine (Prozac), among other classes of medication. Hims does not prescribe controlled substances such as Xanax or Ritalin.
Does Hims Prescribe Xanax?
No. Hims does not prescribe any sort of controlled substance, including Xanax.
How Much Does Hims Cost?
Hims costs $49 monthly, billed every 3 months at $147. All Hims mental health medication plans include 24/7 messaging support with your prescriber and the cost of medication and shipping. Hims does not accept insurance.
Does Hims Accept Insurance?
No, Hims does not accept any sort of insurance for its services.
How Much Is Hims Without Insurance?
Hims does not accept insurance. They offer one subscription option for mental health medication management: 3-Month Plan ($147 quarterly) – Advertised as $49 monthly.
Does Hims Offer Therapy?
No. Hims does not offer therapy services.
Can I Use My HSA/FSA for Hims?
No, for the most part, you cannot use your FSA or HSA to pay for expenses with Hims. The only exception is weight loss treatment.
How Do I Cancel My Hims Subscription?
To cancel your Hims subscription, simply log into your account, navigate to the “Subscriptions” tab in the mobile app or website, and scroll down to select “Edit upcoming orders.” You’ll be able to modify or cancel your Hims plan from this page.
If you have further questions about canceling your account, you can chat with support through your account, or contact Hims support by email at [email protected] or by phone at 1-800-368-0038.
Does Hims Issue Refunds?
Hims may offer refunds on a case-by-case basis. You can contact Hims support through your account, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 1-800-368-0038.
Is Hims HIPAA-Compliant?
Yes, Hims has policies consistent with HIPAA standards and states on its website that it is fully HIPPA-compliant. Please visit Hims Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions for more information.
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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Brown, K., De Vynck, G. (2020, October 20). Hims built a $1.6 billion online empire by pushing prescriptions. Bloomberg.com. Retrieved from: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2020-10-30/how-hims-built-an-online-prescription-drug-empire-on-outdated-oversight
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Khazan, O. (2019, June 6). You can buy prescription drugs without seeing a doctor. The Atlantic. Retrieved from: https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2019/06/hers-online-medicine/591121/
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Torrence, R. (March 7, 2025). Hims and Hers Bought a Skincare Startup for $190 Million 4 Years Ago. Today it Shut it Down. https://www.businessinsider.com/hims-and-hers-shut-down-dermatology-business-apostrophe-2025-3
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Reader, R. (2021, July 1). Hims & Hers’ latest telehealth offering: online therapy sessions. Fast Company. Retrieved from: https://www.fastcompany.com/90651750/hims-and-hers-teletherapy
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S.K., Senha. (Feb. 2025). Hims & Hers warns it may stop selling compounded weight-loss drugs. Reuters.
https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/hims-hers-warns-its-supply-compounded-weight-loss-drugs-could-be-constrained-2025-02-24/ -
(Feb. 2025). Hims & Hers expands capabilities to ultimately include affordable at-home testing for subscribers. Hims & Hers. https://news.hims.com/newsroom/hims-hers-acquires-at-home-lab-testing-facility-expanding-capabilities-to-ultimately-deliver-integrated-offerings-that-include-at-cost-whole-body-testing-personalized-care-for-subscribers
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(n.d). About Us. Hims. Retrieved from: https://www.hims.com/about
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: Matthew Church, MS (No change)
Medical Reviewer: Benjamin Troy, MD (No change)
Primary Changes: Fact-checked all information; updated where necessary to improve factual accuracy and readability; added FAQ, “Is Hims Covered by Insurance?;” updated data in User Reviews; added recent company news and updated sources to reflect that.
Author: Matthew Church, MS (No change)
Medical Reviewer: Benjamin Troy, MD (No change)
Primary Changes: Fact-checked all information; updated where necessary to improve factual accuracy and readability.
Author: Matthew Church, MS (No change)
Medical Reviewer: Benjamin Troy, MD (No change)
Primary Changes: Reviewed entire article and revised where necessary to improve factual accuracy, clarity, and enhanced readability. Updated Hims mental health pricing to reflect new pricing information provided by Hims ($49 monthly, billed quarterly).
Author: Matthew Church, MS (New author)
Medical Reviewer: Benjamin Troy, MD (No change)
Primary Changes: Added Nurx as a recommended alternative to Hims.
Author: Matthew Church, MS (New author)
Medical Reviewer: Benjamin Troy, MD (No change)
Primary Changes: Conducted new review of Hims mental health, restored editorial rating based on changes, added new review summary and features, fact checked and edited for improved readability and clarity. All new content was written by Matthew Church, MS and medically reviewed by Benjamin Troy, MD.
Author: Emily Guarnotta, PsyD
Medical Reviewer: Benjamin Troy, MD
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