We tried and tested Hims psychiatry, using the medication management services, engaging with multiple providers, following treatment plans, receiving medication, and testing out all the features Hims offers over the last two years. Hims psychiatry earned 3 out of 5 stars in our independent review. Overall, Hims offers one of the most convenient ways to access mental health medication management.
We don’t recommend Hims mental health for most people. The care isn’t very comprehensive and lacks the detail you get with most psychiatry services. However, it might be a good option for those already established on medications or who have difficulties accessing care otherwise.
Hims At a Glance
Cost:$49 monthly (billed $147 quarterly)
Insurance Accepted? No
Offers Therapy? No
Pros & Cons of Hims
Pros - Extremely convenient
- Relatively affordable cash pay option
Cons - Hims will prescribe medication with no live visits with a provider
- Does not accept any insurance
- Doesn’t offer therapy
Preview Hims
Hims is an online telemedicine platform that treats various conditions affecting men. The platform specifically advertises treatments for disorders that can be embarrassing or hard to talk about, like sexual health, including genital herpes, mental health, and hair loss. Prescriptions are written through Hims after filling out an in-depth health questionnaire that is then reviewed by a board-certified health practitioner from your state. The initial sign-up process and evaluation take no more than 30 minutes to complete. Hims treats sexual disorders for men including premature ejaculation and erectile dysfunction. Learn more in our review of Hims ED services.
Hims mental health costs $49 monthly but is billed every 3 months at $147. Hims does not accept insurance but discounts are available on your first prescription. While it’s quite accessible and convenient, a major downside of Hims is that in many states, they are not required to offer live appointments, so most of the time all of Hims medical care is based on written assessments and chat. This might be an acceptable solution for those already established on a psychiatric treatment plan, but it’s not a good care model for people new to mental health medications, those who need more intensive care, or anyone looking to use their insurance benefits.
If you’re looking for a more comprehensive psychiatry provider, Talkiatry is our favorite option, but it’s only available to those with insurance. Our go-to pick for cash-pay psychiatry is Brightside Health which offers much more comprehensive care than Hims on a monthly subscription basis. Check out our list of the best online psychiatry platforms for more excellent options.
Why You Can Trust My Review
Review our scoring criteria for online psychiatry platforms here.
Review our complete editorial policies here.
Firsthand Experiences with Hims
Below, we’ve presented a deep dive into everything Hims offers, but sometimes you just want to hear a clear recommendation from somebody who’s used the service firsthand. Here are our firsthand experiences with Hims:
Matthew Church, MS
Emily Guarnotta, PsyD
Detailed Review of Hims
Hims offers telehealth psychiatry to men 18+ in the US. Hims does not accept insurance. Its cash pay cost for psychiatry is $49 monthly (billed as $147 quarterly). Hims no longer offers therapy services.
Convenient Online Medication Management
Hims offers one of the fastest ways of getting medication, which may be the right fit for some, but not a great choice for others. To get started, you simply need to fill out an intake questionnaire.
Completing the Intake
Information collected by the intake questionnaire 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. After you submit your intake questionnaire, 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 the past 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 – was in the mail on the way to me. This took me aback. 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.
So, 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 our staff member medication, without any follow-up or sessions with a psychiatrist. 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, then they are unable to offer it.
Unboxing My Hims Sertraline 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 definitely say that Hims offers one of the most convenient ways of getting mental health medication. As to whether or not that level of convenience is advisable would be highly dependent on the personal situation of the user of the service. Hims states that new patients complete an asynchronous check-in with their provider about 30 or 60 days into treatment.
Sexual Health & Other Wellness Services
Hims’ original main offering was its services for erectile dysfunction (ED) and other male sexual disorders, as well as medicines for hair growth and skin health.
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.
Hims Cost & Insurance
Hims costs $49 monthly but is billed as $147 every 3 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.
Hims does not accept insurance and does not accept HSA or FSA as a form of payment and has stated that they will not provide superbills for insurance reimbursement.
Who Does Hims Serve?
Hims psychiatry is available for men ages 18+ in 48 US states. 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 psychiatry is not available in Alaska or Arkansas.
Hims does not offer any kind of therapy services. If you’re looking for therapy with a similar convenience to Hims, then BetterHelp is a great option. For those seeking joint or couples therapy, you can look to Regain. Hims mental health treats general psychological issues, and OCD is covered under this to a degree, but if you’re seeking a specialist to help with OCD-related symptoms, then NOCD is your best bet. Meanwhile, 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 for Hims
Across multiple review sites, Hims tended to have positive feedback overall. Many felt that the services and products offered were genuinely helpful and affordable. Major issues outlined in negative reviews mainly concerned issues with customer service, billing, and critiques of the overall care model.
It’s worth noting that many positive reviews that are found on third-party review websites tend to skew toward 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 | 28k 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 | 4.6 stars out of 5 | 4k 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 | 3.1 stars out of 5 | 5.1k 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.
Who May Want an Alternative to Hims?
Hims might be a sensible option in some situations, but those seeking hands-on psychiatric care, those new to mental health medication, those struggling with severe symptoms, or those with concerns that require specialty care should look elsewhere.
Those Seeking Hands-On Psychiatric Care - Learn Why
Hims has a very hands-off approach to mental health medication. If you’re looking to work together intensively with a psychiatrist or medication provider to find the best fit for you, then Hims isn’t the best option. Brightside Health offers a good alternative, but Talkspace and Talkiatry are also good if your insurance is in-network with them.
People New to Taking Mental Health Medication - Learn Why
Hims doesn’t provide as much support as other psychiatry platforms like Brightside Health. If you’re new to mental health medication and are looking for more comprehensive care, then Hims isn’t a good option.
Those With Mental Health Concerns Requiring Specialty Care - Learn Why
Hims might be a good option for relatively low-acuity maintenance medication care, but those with more specialized concerns are still better served by other providers. For instance, our favorite therapy provider for OCD symptoms is NOCD. Folks suffering from eating disorders are best served by Equip Health. Meanwhile, if you’re looking for treatment for alcohol use disorder or opioid use disorder, you might look to Workit Health or Bicycle Health, respectively.
People Struggling with Severe Mental Health Symptoms - Learn Why
Online psychiatry is not ideal for those suffering from severe mental health symptoms such as suicidal ideation, hallucinations, or psychosis. Those suffering from severe mental health symptoms should seek in-person care. If you qualify, Brightside Health offers a unique virtual crisis care program for those suffering from severe symptoms.
Hims Vs. Competitors
Hims could be a great option for those seeking maintenance care or who highly value convenience, however, if you’re looking for more personalized, hands-on care, then Brightside Health and Talkspace could be better alternatives – plus both of them offer therapy and accept insurance. Meanwhile, Talkiatry is a better medication option than Hims overall, but it’s only a viable option for those in-network with it.
Cost: $49 monthly (billed as $147 quarterly)
Insurance Accepted? No
-
Very convenient -
Relatively affordable for cash-pay psychiatry
-
Live sessions with a provider are not guaranteed -
Care is very hands-off, with minimal oversight from a psychiatrist
Price: $95 – $350 monthly
Insurance Accepted? Yes
-
Accepts many insurance plans -
Excellent, hands-on care from providers
-
Not as convenient as some competitors -
Cash-pay is more expensive than competitors
Price: Initial session $299, follow-ups $175
Insurance Accepted? Yes
-
Accepts many insurances -
Also offers therapy
-
Psychiatry is very expensive without insurance -
Fewer psychiatrists on platform than therapists
Price: In-Network Only
Insurance Accepted? Yes
-
Very affordable if you’re in-network -
Treatment plans are in-depth and comprehensive
-
You can only use Talkiatry if you have an in-network insurance plan -
No set cost; copays will vary based on your location and other factors
Cost: $59 initially, then $69 monthly, plus ~$25 monthly for medicine
Insurance Accepted? No, for sessions; Yes, for medicine
-
Convenient and accessible -
Asynchronous appointments are available
-
Care is not comprehensive and lacks detail -
Does not offer therapy
Hims Vs. Brightside Health
Hims Vs. Talkspace
Hims Vs. Talkiatry
Hims Vs. Nurx
Hims Review – Our Final Verdict
Overall, Hims offers an incredibly convenient way of getting mental health medication. While this could be valuable for those seeking maintenance care for medications they’ve already been prescribed in the past, the hands-off care wouldn’t be ideal for people who are new to mental healthcare or looking for in-depth, personalized, and holistic care. I was unimpressed with the quality of care that Hims offers, despite its affordability and ease of use.
Other online psychiatry services such as Brightside Health or Talkiatry offer more comprehensive treatment, with some only being marginally more expensive than Hims cash-pay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hims Legitimate?
Yes, Hims is a legitimate well-known, 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 therapists on Hims are licensed and accredited psychologists, licensed marriage and family therapists, licensed clinical social workers, or licensed professional therapists. Medication providers are either medical doctors or psychiatric nurse practitioners.
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 or therapist through Hims, you must 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 cost is $49 monthly, billed every 3 months at $147. All Hims mental health medication plans include ongoing 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, so the costs are the same.
Hims offers 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 any longer.
Can I Use My HSA/FSA for Hims?
Yes, you can use your FSA or HSA for therapy expenses with Hims. You will simply enter your HSA/FSA card information as your payment type.
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 by logging into your account, by email at [email protected], or by phone at 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.
History & News About Hims
- Company Name: Hims & Hers Health, Inc.
- Year Founded: 2017
- Founders: Andrew Dudum, Jack Abraham, & Hilary Coles
- Publicly Traded? Yes
- Headquartered In: San Francisco, California
Hims began its life in 2017 after it was founded by Andrew Dudum, Jack Abraham, and Hilary Coles. The company initially focused on selling erectile dysfunction medication, hair growth products, and over-the-counter personal care goods.1 Hims went public in 2020 after generating massive amounts of funding and value during the COVID-19 pandemic, while simultaneously generating quite a bit of controversy. Many have criticized the company for risky medical practices and showy marketing that is perceived as promoting sexual and body shame in men and women.1,2
Notably, in 2020, Hims began offering group therapy, and later one-on-one therapy,3 however, according to Hims customer service in 2024, the company no longer offers therapy services.
Choosing Therapy 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.
-
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
-
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/
-
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
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: 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
Your Voice Matters
Leave your own reviews!
Have you used an online therapy company? Have you tried an online psychiatry service? Do you use a meditation or mindfulness app? We’d love to hear about your experience!
We want to hear about the companies you love and the companies you wish you never used.
Leave your feedback for our editors.
Share your feedback on this article with ChoosingTherapy.com’s editors. If there’s something we missed or something we could improve on, we’d love to hear it.
Our writers and editors love compliments, too. :)
