LifeStance offers therapy and online psychiatry services to adults, kids, teens, couples, and families. In my review, it earned 3.5 out of 5 stars based on our in-depth scoring criteria. I was impressed with the variety of services that LifeStance offers but thought it fell short when it comes to usability. Cash-pay costs also vary by location and are difficult to find.
LifeStance Health At a Glance
Cost: Varies depending on location
Insurance Accepted: Yes
Therapy & Medication: Both
Location: 33 US states
Pros & Cons
Pros - In-person and online therapy and psychiatry
- Offers services for kids, teens, adults, couples, & families
- Choose your own provider
- Accepts most commercial insurance providers
Cons - Out-of-pocket costs not listed on the website
- Does not have its own app
- Not available in all states
- Insurance acceptance depends on provider
Preview LifeStance Health
With over 7,200 providers, LifeStance offers online, in-person, and hybrid appointments for individuals, families, and couples across 33 states. Costs vary by location and provider, and while LifeStance accepts most commercial insurance plans, cash-pay rates are not listed online. To determine out-of-pocket costs, users need to contact customer service or reach out directly to a provider.
I recommend LifeStance Health if you’re referred by your primary care provider or if they are in-network with your insurance. However, for those paying out-of-pocket, LifeStance’s rates for fully licensed therapists and psychiatric providers can be high. As an alternative, Brightside Health offers some of the most affordable cash-pay rates for online psychiatry and therapy and also accepts insurance. Talkiatry is available nearly nationwide and could provide more specialized and affordable psychiatric care for those with insurance.
Would You Like to Try Therapy?
BetterHelp has over 30,000 licensed therapists who provide convenient and affordable online therapy. BetterHelp starts at $65 per week and is FSA/HSA eligible by most providers. Take a free online assessment and get matched with the right therapist for you.
Detailed Review of LifeStance Health
LifeStance earned 3.5 stars overall during our comprehensive review of their services. LifeStance offers a wide range of comprehensive mental health services for kids, teens, adults, families, and couples; however, they scored low on user experience, extra features, and online therapy cost.
Review our scoring criteria for online therapy platforms here.
Review our complete editorial policies here.
What is Therapy Like With LifeStance Health?
Therapy with LifeStance was somewhat complicated. While it was relatively easy to sign up, none of the providers accepted my insurance. When I finished reading through therapist profiles and found one I felt would be a good fit, I did not see her cash-pay rate anywhere either. I sent a message from the patient portal to LifeStance, and it took about two business days for them to respond to me.
The customer service representative who emailed me ended up calling me because she needed my payment information. There was nowhere in the patient portal to add payment, which I found unusual. After she took my payment information, I learned the cash-pay rate for my state was $325 out-of-pocket. This was not something I had budgeted for at all, but luckily the customer service rep was able to offer a solution.
She told me I could see a student therapist who was under supervision by a fully licensed therapist. The costs were significantly lower at $85 per session. I felt very relieved. On the day of my live session, I did not get an email with a Zoom link. I checked the patient portal and could not find a link there either. After 10 minutes or so, the office manager emailed me a link to my session and I was able to enter it without any issues.
The student therapist I was matched with spent time getting to know my medical background and my family situation. She asked me questions about what I wanted to work on in therapy and what my goals were. I felt that she was just as knowledgeable and compassionate as any of the fully licensed therapists I have met with in the past.
Unfortunately, there were no extra features in the patient portal and the therapist never sent me any additional resources to use after our session. My experience with LifeStance was not terrible, but not the best I’ve ever had.
Due to the extraordinary out-of-pocket costs in my state, $425 for an initial psychiatry appointment, I did not see a LifeStance psychiatrist. However, the booking process, client forms, and live appointments work exactly like they do with therapy.
If your provider recommends medications, they will send your prescriptions to your local pharmacy for you to pick up. If you need medication like Xanax or Adderall, you may be asked to attend an appointment in person. This is why it is important that you live within 60 miles of a physical LifeStance location.
How to Find a Provider That Suits Your Needs
It is easy to check if you are eligible for mental health services with LifeStance by clicking the “Find Provider” button on the main website. LifeStance does not have a mobile app at this time, but everything runs well on a mobile browser.
Once you select your state and zip code, you will be sent to the provider directory with numerous therapists and psychiatric providers available in each state. Reading provider profiles can feel time-consuming, but it’s important to do because it gives you the opportunity to find what you think might be your perfect match.
Scheduling an Appointment with LifeStance
LifeStance uses AdvancedMD for its HIPAA-compliant platform, and it is fairly easy to use. There are sections for adding payment information, changing or making new appointments, and sending your provider a message. You will also be able to view and sign all your patient forms in this portal.
It is not clear what out-of-pocket or cash-pay costs with LifeStance are, and you must reach out to customer service for answers. For my location, therapy costs $325 for a fully licensed therapist, with student therapists available for $85. Psychiatry services cost $425 for an initial, 60-minute appointment.
According to LifeStance, if you attend a medication management appointment, your provider can prescribe medication for anxiety and medication for depression. The type of medication is left to your provider’s discretion.
How Much Does it Cost?
LifeStance Health costs entirely depend on your location. In the state of Texas (where I conducted this review), out-of-pocket therapy costs $325 per 60-minute therapy session and $425 for an initial psychiatry appointment. A student therapist was available for $85 per 60-minute therapy session. LifeStance does not publicly disclose pricing, so you must contact LifeStance customer service to get a range of prices in your area.
Insurance
LifeStance Health accepts most major commercial insurance plans like Aetna, Cigna, Humana, Magellan, Optum, and several more. However, not all providers are required to accept the same plans and acceptance does vary.
Out-of-Network Benefits
LifeStance providers can create a superbill to send to your insurance for possible reimbursement. However, whether or not your insurance plan will reimburse for this cost isn’t guaranteed.
Who Do They Serve?
LifeStance has more than 550 locations in 33 states. They treat adults, kids, teens, couples, and families with therapy and psychiatry services, as well as neuropsychological and psychological evaluation and testing.
Talkspace - Online Therapy With or Without Insurance
Your therapist can help you process thoughts and feelings, understand motivations, and develop coping skills. Covered by most major insurance plans. Talkspace also accepts Medicare in some states. The average copay is $15, but many people pay $0. Try Talkspace
User Reviews
LifeStance currently has an “F” rating on the Better Business Bureau and a 3.5-star rating on Trustpilot from 1,012 reviews. While some users share they have effective therapists with great treatment plans, the negative reviews are numerous. A common complaint was inconsistencies with billing – an issue that was echoed in my review since I had to spend over 30 minutes on the phone with LifeStance customer service to dispute an incorrect charge.
Reviews from Trustpilot | 3.5 out of 5 stars | 1,012 reviews
Positive reviews from Trustpilot include users noting that they’ve had great experiences with LifeStance both on Therapy and medication specifically with their assigned therapists. Users tend to believe that treatment plans are effective, and LifeStance therapists are high-quality.
Negative reviews from Trustpilot include reports of problems with billing and customer service. Billing issues appear to be common with customers consistently being overcharged or charged for services they never received. My own experience echoed this as I had to contact customer service to dispute an incorrect charge.
Reviews from BBB | 1 out of 5 stars | 216 reviews | F rating
Positive reviews from the BBB include users expressing their great experiences with their therapists. According to a client, her therapist went above and beyond to ensure her progress in therapy and was available to guide her throughout the process.
Negative reviews from the BBB include reports of users experiencing fraudulent billing practices and bad customer service resulting in users quitting therapy.
Reviews from Reddit | r/mentalhealth, r/therapy
Positive reviews from users on Reddit about LifeStance point to the therapists on the app being of great quality – as long as you are matched with one that meshes well with you.
Negative reviews from users on Reddit about their cancellation policy being very difficult to work around and issues with rescheduling. Some users reported problems with billing and unexpected charges – an issue that pops up several times in user reviews for LifeStance.
Alternatives & Competitors
LifeStance is considered a hybrid mental health provider, with appointments available in person or online. The virtual psychiatry platform, Talkiatry, is available nearly nationwide (43 US states) and offers more specialized care for those with insurance.
If you’re seeking therapy specifically, then Grow Therapy is extremely affordable with insurance. If you don’t have insurance BetterHelp provides therapy with financial assistance for those who qualify. Our readers also get 20% off their first month with the code “choosingtherapy.”
Best For Specialized Psychiatric Care - Talkiatry
Price: ~ $30 copay with insurance
Insurance Accepted: Yes, exclusively
Location: 43 US states
Therapy & Psychiatry: Yes
Talkiatry provides medication management for individuals ages five and up. It is available in more states than LifeStance and offers more specialized psychiatric care. If you opt to work with Talkiatry, you know you are working with a certified psychiatrist, whereas with Lifestance, your provider may be more generalized.
Since Talkiatry only accepts in-network patients, those with insurance can typically access quality care at a lower cost. Interestingly, neither platform has its own mobile app, although Talkiatry partners with the HIPPA-complicant Healow app. Its availability could increase convenience for users who prefer to access care through their phone.
For more information, read our full Talkiatry Review
Pros & Cons
Pros - Longer psychiatry appts. than competitors
- Provides detailed, comprehensive care from psychiatrists
Cons - No therapy independent of psychiatry
- Only accepts in-network patients
Most Transparent Pricing - Grow Therapy
Price: $75 – $250+
Insurance Accepted: Yes
Location: US
Therapy & Psychiatry: Yes
LifeStance and Grow Therapy both offer in-person and online therapy and psychiatry, but Grow Therapy is more user-friendly with transparent pricing, easy self-service, and responsive providers and customer service. I ended up paying just $75 for a fully licensed therapist, making it my most affordable session all year.
While neither platform includes extras like journals or mental health activities, my Grow Therapy therapist emailed me helpful third-party resources after our first session—something my LifeStance provider did not. Choosing between them will likely depend on insurance coverage and provider availability.
Our full Grow Therapy Review can provide more information.
Pros & Cons
Pros - Most providers accept major insurance plans
- Over 15k therapists available nationwide
Cons - Some states have fewer providers
- Cash-pay prices may vary by provider
Best Therapy With Financial Aid - BetterHelp
Price: $260 – $400 monthly
Insurance Accepted: No
Location: US & International
Therapy & Psychiatry: Therapy
BetterHelp is a reliable mental health platform where people can receive online therapy. At first glance, their prices may look too expensive, but they offer financial assistance for those who qualify. This could help you figure out whether they’re the right fit for you without breaking the bank. And don’t forget to use our code “choosingtherapy” for an additional 20% off your first month.
For more, check out our BetterHelp review.
Pros & Cons
Pros - 30k licensed therapists to choose from
- Offers financial aid for therapy
Cons - Does not accept any insurance
- Does not offer medication management
Why You Can Trust My Review
“For over four years, I’ve reviewed meditation apps, mood journals, and teletherapy platforms, helping people find effective, affordable mental health tools. I pay close attention to fine print, privacy policies, and usability—because when we invest in our well-being, we deserve transparency and ease, not frustration.
My review of LifeStance reflects this commitment. I struggled to get started due to high cash-pay rates and limited in-network options. While I eventually had a great session with a student therapist, billing issues required significant time to resolve. LifeStance offers flexible provider selection and in-person/online therapy, but pricing transparency and insurance consistency are lacking.
Mental health tech is evolving fast, and I believe in evaluating platforms honestly—highlighting what works, what doesn’t, and what truly supports people on their mental health journeys.”
History & News of LifeStance Health
Year Founded: 2017
Founders: Michael Lester, Danish Qureshi, Gwen Booth
Headquarters: Scottsdale, Arizona
Publicly Traded? Yes
LifeStance Health was founded in 2017 by Michael Lester, Danish Qureshi, and Gwen Booth. In 2022, Ken Burdick became LifeStance’s new CEO and Chairman.1 According to LifeStance, the company was founded with a mission to improve access to mental health services and better support clinicians and staff in the mental health space. In 2021, LifeStance went public and is now a publicly-traded company (NASDAQ: LFST). The company released a second round of public funding in May 2024 which raised $125 million.2
Frequently Asked Questions
What Credentials Do LifeStance Health Providers Hold?
LifeStance providers are licensed therapists, psychiatrists, advanced practice nurses, and psychologists.
How Do I Choose a Provider?
You can choose your own provider from either the LifeStance provider directory or you can complete the sign-up process and choose one after. Either way, you can read the profiles of providers and select one you feel may best suit your needs. Visit their providers page to search for practices near you.
Can I Switch to a New Provider?
Yes, you can switch to a new provider if needed. You must call LifeStance to ask them to switch providers for you.
Who Is Eligible for Medication?
LifeStance provides medication management to those six years and older.
What Medications are Available?
LifeStance providers can prescribe a variety of medication types based upon the unique needs of the patient. If you are seeking controlled medication, you may be required to attend an in-person appointment.
Where Is Medication Management Available?
Medication management is available in all states that LifeStance services.
How Do I Get My Medications?
All prescription medications will be sent to your local pharmacy for pick-up. Costs will depend on what your copay is for medication.
Can I use my FSA or HSA Funds?
Yes, LifeStance accepts FSA or HSA funds for mental health costs.
How Can I Cancel My Appointment with LifeStance Health?
To cancel an appointment, you must call at least 48 hours in advance. If you do not cancel before this period, you will be charged up to $150.
Does LifeStance Health Offer Refunds?
Refunds depend on the individual provider. Your best bet for a possible refund is to contact your provider or LifeStance for assistance.
Is LifeStance Health HIPAA Compliant?
Yes, LifeStance uses a HIPAA-compliant platform called AdvancedMD. All patient forms, payment information, and scheduling functions happen inside this portal. We were unable to find LifeStance’s terms of use, but you can view the LifeStance Privacy Policy for more information on how they protect your information.
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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FAQs. (n.d.) LifeStance. Retrieved from: https://lifestance.com/faq/
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Fraser, T. J. (2024, May 29). LifeStance Health Group closes on $125 Million secondary public offering. Ropes & Gray. Retrieved from: https://www.ropesgray.com/en/news-and-events/news/2024/05/lifestance-health-group-closes-on-secondary-public-offering
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: Caitlin Bell, MA (No change)
Medical Reviewer: Benjamin Troy, MD (No change)
Primary Changes: Fact-checked all information; updated where necessary to improve factual accuracy and readability; updated formatting.
Author: Caitlin Bell, MA (No change)
Medical Reviewer: Benjamin Troy, MD (No change)
Primary Changes: Fully fact-checked article and made revisions where necessary. Updated introduction, pros & cons, cost, competitors, and final verdict section based on latest fact-check information. Added “Firsthand Experiences” section and “Who Does LifeStance Serve” section. Reformatted entire article to new style. Reviewed and revised article for factual accuracy, clarity, and enhanced readability.
Author: Caitlin Bell, MA (No change)
Medical Reviewer: Benjamin Troy, MD (No change)
Primary Changes: Added article summary, “Why Trust Our Review” section with editorial rating breakdown, and all related page features.
Author: Caitlin Bell, MA
Medical Reviewer: Benjamin Troy, MD
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