To get antidepressants online, start by finding an online psychiatry provider for an evaluation. For an in-person evaluation, your primary care provider may refer you to a prescriber who may offer a prescription for antidepressants.
If you’re looking for how to get antidepressants online, we have thoroughly reviewed platforms like Brightside, Talkiatry, and Circle Medical. These platforms can prescribe antidepressants and we have found them each to be a good place to get started with an evaluation.
Key takeaways
To get prescribed antidepressants online, start by getting an evaluation from an online provider who can prescribe these medications, such as Brightside Health, Talkiatry, or Circle Medical.
Several types of antidepressants are available. Those who need to avoid or don’t respond to a certain medication have multiple options.
Brand name antidepressants can be costly without insurance. Coupons, savings cards, and discounts may all help lower costs.
Online Psychiatry and Medication Management Covered by Insurance
Talkiatry can match you with a real psychiatrist who takes your insurance and is seeing new patients. They’re in-network with major insurers and offer medication management. Get started with a short online assessment
How to Get Antidepressants Online or In Person
To get prescribed antidepressants online or in person, you will first need an evaluation to determine whether it is a good fit for your depression symptoms. The process of getting a diagnosis and potentially prescribed antidepressants online or in person may vary for people of different ages.
It is important to find an online provider who can prescribe antidepressants. For in-person prescription options, a good place to start is with your primary care provider.
How to Get Antidepressants Online
Here is how to get prescribed antidepressants online in six steps.
Step 1: Book an Appointment With an Online Psychiatry Provider
The first step is to book an appointment with an online provider that can prescribe antidepressants, such as Brightside Health, Talkiatry, and Circle Medical. We have thoroughly reviewed these platforms, and in using the services ourselves, we have found them each to be a good place to get started with an evaluation.
Step 2: Get a Psychiatric Evaluation & Discuss Your Symptoms
Your provider will evaluate your overall health history, your mental health symptoms, and any treatments you may have tried in the past. They may also speak with others you interact with regularly, such as family members. This is important because you may show symptoms differently in various settings. This discussion will help the provider know whether antidepressants may be safe and appropriate for you.
Step 3: Get Treatment Recommendations
Your provider will develop a treatment plan to help improve your symptoms and quality of life. They may recommend behavioral therapy or antidepressants, or possibly both. If antidepressant medication looks like it could help you, your provider will discuss the risks, benefits, and how to take it.
Step 4: Fill Your Online Antidepressant Prescription
If offered, your prescriber will give you a prescription, which you may fill through their online platform. You may be able to get antidepressants delivered to your home, but it can vary widely depending on the state you live in. All online psychiatric platforms will deliver prescriptions to a local pharmacy.
Step 5: Schedule Follow-up Appointments
If prescribed antidepressants, your doctor will recommend regular follow-up appointments to monitor your symptoms and potential side effects, adjusting your medication as needed.
Step 6 : Discuss Prescription Refills With Your Provider
Talk to your prescriber about how frequently you may refill your antidepressant prescription. This timeframe may depend on how well you respond to the medication, if you experience side effects, or if you may need to consider another option. It may also depend on how the platform manages medication delivery, such as offering 90-day supplies.
How to Get an Antidepressant Prescription In Person
In six steps, here is how to get prescribed antidepressants in person.
Step 1: Book an Appointment With a Psychiatric Provider
A good place to start for an in-person psychiatric evaluation is with your primary care provider. This may be a physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant. If they determine it is needed, they can refer you or your child to a specialist, such as a psychiatrist. They can further evaluate whether to include antidepressants as a part of the treatment plan for you.
Step 2: Get an Evaluation & Discuss Your Symptoms
Your provider will evaluate your overall health history, your mental health symptoms, and any treatments you may have tried in the past. They may also speak with others you interact with regularly, such as family members. This is important because you may show symptoms differently in various settings. This discussion will help the provider know whether antidepressants may be safe and appropriate for you.
Step 3: Get Treatment Recommendations
Your provider will develop a treatment plan to help improve your symptoms and quality of life. They may recommend behavioral therapy or antidepressants, or possibly both. If antidepressants look like they could help you, your provider will discuss the risks, benefits, and how to take it.
Step 4: Choose Where to Get Your Antidepressant Prescription Filled
If offered, your prescriber will give you a prescription that you may fill at your preferred local pharmacy or an online platform. You may be able to get antidepressants delivered to your home, but it can vary widely depending on the state you live in. All online psychiatry platforms will deliver prescriptions to a local pharmacy.
Step 5: Schedule Follow-up Appointments
If prescribed antidepressants, your doctor will recommend regular follow-up appointments to monitor your symptoms and potential side effects, adjusting your medication as needed.
Step 6: Discuss Prescription Refills With Your Provider
Talk to your prescriber about how frequently you may refill your antidepressant prescription. This timeframe may depend on how well you respond to the medication, if you experience side effects, or if you may need to consider another medication.
Popular Choices for Online Psychiatry
Talkiatry – Safe, virtual mental health care from doctors who take insurance. Most psychiatry visits cost patients $30 or less* Take a short assessment.
Circle Medical – anxiety and depression treatment. Meet with an online doctor today! All prescriptions are based on necessity determined by a medical professional. Diagnosis and prescription over video. Insurance accepted. No membership or hidden fees. Same day appointments. Visit Circle Medical
*Includes copayment, deductible, coinsurance, and $0 Visits. Excludes no shows. **On average. Actual appointment times vary by state and individual patient.
How Much Do Antidepressants Cost?
Several factors may impact the cost of your antidepression prescription, including your choice of pharmacy, any available discounts or coupons, and the specific dosage prescribed by your healthcare professional. Using generic medications with a coupon or prescription savings program may reduce costs.
Does Insurance Cover Antidepressants?
Your insurance policy may cover your prescription, depending on the company. It is important to note that policies can change coverage at any time and some may only cover a prescription for generic medications. Requirements for medication coverage may vary for Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE, and commercial insurance policies. Contact your insurance provider directly to understand your medication coverage.
Here are online psychiatric platforms that accept insurance:
- Circle Medical takes insurance and offers same-day or next-day appointments for non-emergency mental health needs.
- Brightside Health accepts many major insurance plans, offering online medication management at affordable prices across most of the United States.
- Talkiatry is only available to those with insurance, but it makes using insurance for online psychiatry services simple.
Who Are Antidepressants a Good Fit For?
An evaluation from a medical provider can determine whether getting a prescription for antidepressants may be a helpful treatment for you. Many people feel down from time to time, but some people experience a persistently low mood and negative thoughts.
There are different types of depressive disorders, including major depression, seasonal affective disorder, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). If your depression is enough to cause you distress and interfere with your life, then you may have a depressive disorder.1
Below are signs you may benefit from a prescription for antidepressants:2
- Feeling sad or irritable
- Sleeping too much or too little
- Eating too much or too little
- Feeling tired and unmotivated
- Struggling to pay attention or make good choices
- Thinking a lot about death, dying, and suicide
- Finding little pleasure in activities that used to be fun
Antidepressants are not only a medication for depression. Professionals may offer these medications as treatment for people who struggle with the following: 3
- Anxiety
- Pain
- Sleeping problems
- Attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Trauma-related disorders
Your prescriber may use standard diagnostic assessments to determine whether antidepressants are the best treatment option for your symptoms, or they may simply listen to your medical history and current symptoms and prescribe based on their judgment.
Therapy vs Medication for Depression
Therapy is typically recommended for depressive disorders, but the type of therapy that is most helpful depends on the specific disorder. Mild to moderate depression symptoms may be treated with therapy or antidepressants.4
Depression that is more severe and affects a person’s functioning is better treated with both medication and therapy.4 The type of medication that is right for you will depend on what kind of depressive symptoms you are experiencing.
Who Should Avoid Antidepressants?
Every person is different, and while several medications are FDA-approved for treating depression symptoms, they may not be right for everyone. Potential side effects, drug interactions, and other personal factors can impact the decision process.
People who should take extra caution before using antidepressants include:*
- Pregnant and breastfeeding parents
- Those taking other medications or supplements
- Those with other mental health conditions, especially bipolar disorder
- Those with a history of bleeding disorders
- Those with pre-existing liver conditions
*All medications can cause side effects and other risks which can be mild or serious. This is not a comprehensive list of all possible risks. You should talk with your doctor about any questions you have and to understand the potential risks and benefits of any medication.
Types of Antidepressants
All types of antidepressants can help reduce depression symptoms, though potential risks and benefits may vary. Brightside Health, Talkiatry, and Circle Medical are reliable online psychiatric providers that offer antidepressants.
SSRI and SNRI Antidepressant Medications
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are considered the safest and most effective antidepressants available. These medications include SSRIs such Prozac, Celexa, Zoloft, and Paxil. Commonly used serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) include Cymbalta and Effexor.
Other Antidepressant Medications
Having alternatives is important for those who aren’t able to use SSRIs or SNRIs. Atypical antidepressants, which include Wellbutrin and Remeron, work differently to improve symptoms and don’t fit into a formal category.
Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are older medications with more side effects. However, they may be helpful for those who need to avoid or aren’t responding to other types of antidepressants.
Generic Antidepressants
Generic antidepressant medications may be prescribed as an alternative to the brand name for several reasons. They contain the same active ingredient as brand-name medications. The generic form also has the same treatment benefits as brand name medications at a lower cost.
Over-the-Counter Antidepressant Options
There are several over-the-counter antidepressant alternatives, such as supplements and medications, that claim to help with the treatment of depression and anxiety. However, none of these are FDA-approved. Quality studies are limited and have yet to show that such treatments improve depression and anxiety symptoms.
Some of these treatments can also interact with other medications you may be taking. Check with reputable sources and your healthcare providers before taking any supplements.
Online Psychiatry and Medication Management Covered by Insurance
Talkiatry can match you with a real psychiatrist who takes your insurance and is seeing new patients. They’re in-network with major insurers and offer medication management. Get started with a short online assessment
Questions to Ask Your Provider
If you believe getting an antidepressant prescription may be helpful for your treatment plan, one place to start is by talking to your primary healthcare provider. They know your health history and may be able to prescribe medication for your condition, if needed. Antidepressants are FDA-approved for treating depressive disorders and other mental health conditions such as anxiety in children and adults.
And if they think a specialist would be helpful, such as a psychiatrist, they may make a referral. Alternatively, if you do not have a primary healthcare provider, an online psychiatry provider is a good place to start.
To prepare for your first appointment, collect important information about your condition. Write down your main symptoms, how they affect your daily life, and what good symptom relief would look like. Describe your treatment goals as well as your questions and concerns about using medications.
Questions to ask your care team about getting an antidepressant prescription include:
- What type of antidepressants are best to treat my symptoms?
- Will antidepressants interact with other medications I take?
- What are the risks of taking this medication?
- How long can I expect to take antidepressants for my symptoms?
- Do antidepressants have any effects on appetite? How can I manage these if they occur?
- How often should I come for checkups?
- How long does it take for antidepressants to start working?
- What should I do if antidepressants do not work for me?
- What can I expect if I need to stop taking this medication?
- Is it advisable to use alcohol while taking antidepressants?
- For how long will antidepressant side effects last?
- Is it safe to use over-the-counter alternatives to antidepressants?
Frequently Asked Questions
What Antidepressants Are Available?
SSRIs and SNRIs antidepressants are considered safe and effective, and are typically the first medications considered for treating depression. Atypical antidepressants, which include Wellbutrin and Remeron, work differently and can be an alternative to SSRIs or SRNIs. TCAs and MAOIs are older medications with more risks, but can be effective for treatment-resistant symptoms.
Where Can I Get Depression Medication?
You can get a prescription for antidepressants filled at a local pharmacy, or you may be able to fill it via an online psychiatry platform.
Can You Get Antidepressant Prescription Online?
Online platforms such as Brightside Health, Talkiatry, and Circle Medical provide psychiatric evaluations and may offer you a prescription for antidepressants if they determine they are a fit for you.
Who Can Prescribe Antidepressants?
Antidepressants or beta blockers, can be prescribed by a licensed healthcare provider. These providers may be primary care physicians, psychiatrists, nurse practitioners, or physician assistants.
Can You Get Antidepressants Without Therapy?
Yes, you can use antidepressants without therapy.
Can I Get Antidepressants Delivered to My Home?
You may be able to get antidepressants delivered to your home, but this service may vary depending on the state you live in. All online psychiatry platforms will deliver prescriptions to a local pharmacy.
Can You Get Antidepressants From a Walk-in Clinic?
An urgent care clinic cannot prescribe antidepressants. These providers are not able to monitor and follow up with patients long-term for treatments like these. If you have a prescription already, contact your primary provider or local pharmacy for help. If you do not have a prescription, you will need a full psychiatric evaluation first. Providers at an urgent care or walk-in clinic are not able to provide this type of evaluation.6
How Much Do Antidepressants Cost Without Insurance?
Several factors may impact the cost of your antidepressant prescription, including the pharmacy you choose, discounts or coupons, and the specific dosage prescribed to you.
How Can I Get Antidepressants Without Insurance?
Online psychiatry platforms such as Brightside Health and Circle Medical can provide psychiatric evaluations and, if needed, may offer a prescription for antidepressants. Both platforms accept cash pay if you don’t have insurance. Talkiatry can prescribe antidepressants, but this platform is only available to those with an insurance plan that is in-network.
Can You Get Antidepressants Over the Counter?
The antidepressants discussed in this article are only available with a prescription. There are over-the-counter options that claim to help depression, but they are not FDA approved.
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.
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National Institute of Mental Health. (2018). Depression. Retrieved from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression
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U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (November 18, 2019). Depression Medicines. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/consumers/free-publications-women/depression-medicines
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National Institute of Mental Health. (October, 2016). Mental Health Medications. Retrieved from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/mental-health-medications
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Gelenberg A. J. (April 22, 2010). The American Psychiatric Association Treatment Guideline for Major Depressive Disorder: process and content. Annals of General Psychiatry, 9(Suppl 1), S46. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1186/1744-859X-9-S1-S46
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FDA Requiring Boxed Warning Updated to Improve Safe Use of Benzodiazepine Drug Class. September 23, 3023). FDA.gov. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-requiring-boxed-warning-updated-improve-safe-use-benzodiazepine-drug-class
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Spencer, Aiden. (May 19, 2016). What Type of Medication Can an Urgent Care Doctor Prescribe? AJMC.com. Retrieved from https://www.ajmc.com/view/what-type-of-medication-can-an-urgent-care-doctor-prescribe
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: No Change
Reviewer: No Change
Primary Changes: Added Key Takeaways feature. Updated formatting, edited for clarity. Consolidated sections called “Do I Need Antidepressants?” and “What Can I Expect When Getting an Antidepressant Prescription?”, retitled as “Who Are Antidepressants a Good Fit For?”; Revised and retitled sections titled “How to Get Prescribed Antidepressants Online & In Person”, “Questions to Ask Your Provider”, “Types of Antidepressants” with additional subsections “Other Antidepressants Medications”, “Generic Antidepressants”, and “Over-the-Counter Antidepressant Options”. Created additional FAQs, updated sources as needed.
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Best Online Psychiatry Services
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. 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.