LifeStance Health is an online and in-person therapy and psychiatry service available in 33 US states. Uniquely, LifeStance offers help to adults, kids, teens, couples, and families. LifeStance accepts many insurance plans. In my LifeStance Health review, the company 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, and ultimate cash-pay costs vary by location and aren’t easy to find.
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LifeStance Health At a Glance
Cost: Varies depending on location
Insurance Accepted? Yes
Therapy & Medication? Yes
Pros & Cons
Pros - In-person and online therapy and psychiatry
- Offers services for kids, teens, adults, couples, & families
- Choose your own provider
- Accepts many insurance plans
- Offers a wide variety of services including neuropsychological testing
Cons - Out-of-pocket costs are not listed anywhere on the website
- Not available in all states
- Accepted insurance plans depends on the provider
Who Is LifeStance Health Right For?
- Those who want to use their insurance and are seeking in-person and online mental health services
- Those who need neuropsychological testing.
- Those who need more intensive care than other online providers can offer
Preview LifeStance Health
LifeStance is an online and in-person therapy and psychiatry company that offers a wide range of comprehensive mental health services for kids, teens, adults, families, couples, and more. LifeStance currently serves 33 states. Therapy and psychiatry costs depend on your location and the provider you choose. LifeStance is in-network with most commercial insurance providers. LifeStance’s out-of-pocket or cash-pay rates are not listed anywhere on the website or the provider profiles. You will need to contact customer service to determine your cash-pay rates.
LifeStance has a fairly large pool of providers to choose from, with most providers offering the option to attend appointments online, in-person, or through a combination of both. A consistent user complaint was how they were overcharged or charged for services they never received. I also experienced this and had to spend some time on the phone with LifeStance customer service to resolve an incorrect charge.
Overall, I would recommend using LifeStance Health if you are referred to the company by your primary care provider or if LifeStance is an in-network mental health provider with your insurance plan. However, I would not recommend LifeStance to those who want to pay out-of-pocket, as the cash-pay rates are costly for fully licensed therapists and psychiatric providers. As an alternative, Brightside Health has the best cash-pay costs for online psychiatry that we’ve found.
Why You Can Trust My Review
Over the past year, I have dedicated a considerable amount of time to researching, personally using, and reviewing online therapy platforms. I’ve personally used several online therapy providers for my own mental health journey. I’ve gone through sign-up processes, chosen or been matched with therapists, and worked with some great clinicians over the years. I have done a considerable amount of research into online therapy and psychiatry companies, and continue to utilize online therapy and psychiatry regularly myself. I’ve also helped develop scoring criteria and provided in-depth scoring for several of the most popular online therapy and psychiatry providers around. I am well-versed in what makes a solid option for online mental health care, as well as what to avoid, and feel confident in making reliable recommendations for this type of care
During my time using LifeStance Health, they scored highest in the “Clientele Served” category because they provide a wide variety of therapy types. However, LifeStance underperformed in the “Online Therapy Cost” category because out-of-pocket costs aren’t listed anywhere on the website and are not provided to you even after you make an appointment.
Review our scoring criteria for online therapy platforms here.
Review our complete editorial policies here.
Firsthand LifeStance Health Reviews
Full reviews and breakdowns of services are valuable, but sometimes you just want to hear a clear recommendation from somebody who’s used the service firsthand. Here are some firsthand experiences from people who have used LifeStance Health.
Caitlin Bell’s Experience with LifeStance Health
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What Is LifeStance Health?
LifeStance is an online and in-person therapy and psychiatry company that 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, couples, and more. Out-of-pocket costs vary depending on your location and the provider. However, all LifeStance providers are in-network with many commercial insurance plans.
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 offer a mobile app at this time, but everything runs very 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.
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. Which types of medications specifically prescribed are left to your provider’s discretion.
LifeStance Health: Detailed Review
LifeStance Health offers online and in-person therapy and psychiatry services. They are available in 33 states and treat kids, teens, adults, couples, and families. Therapy and psychiatry costs depend on your location and the provider you choose. LifeStance is in-network with most commercial insurance providers.
What Is Therapy Like with LifeStance Health?
Therapy with LifeStance was a somewhat complicated endeavor. While it was relatively easy to sign up for therapy, 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. 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 how much the cash-pay rate was for my state and I did feel a lot of sticker shock. Paying $325 out-of-pocket 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 and I felt very relieved. On the day of my live session, I did not get an email with a Zoom link and began to become worried. I checked the patient portal and could not find a link 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. This did earn LifeStance 1 star out of 5 in the “Extra Features and Resources” category of our online therapy scoring criteria. In my opinion, I felt like my experience with LifeStance was not terrible, but not the best I’ve ever had.
What Is it Like to See a LifeStance Health Psychiatrist?
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 Much Does LifeStance Health 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.
Does LifeStance Health Accept Insurance?
Yes, LifeStance Health accepts many 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 Does LifeStance Health Serve?
LifeStance has more than 550 locations in 33 states. Other online psychiatry platforms, such as Talkiatry, are available nationwide and could be a great alternative for those with insurance. Meanwhile, if you’re seeking therapy specifically, then BetterHelp or Talkspace are great alternatives available nationwide.
LifeStance Health is available in these US States: Arizona, California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin.
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
How Do You Get Started with LifeStance Health?
To get started with LifeStance, navigate to the LifeStance website and click “Find a Provider.” Select your state and choose to book online or call the customer service line for further assistance.
To schedule an appointment online, follow these easy steps:
- Navigate to the LifeStance website and click “Find a Provider.”
- Choose “Find a Provider Online” and then “I’m New Here.”
- Enter your zip code to find a provider — you may be prompted to call LifeStance directly for help with the next steps.
- Select which type of care you are seeking, your date of birth, and your insurance information.
- Enter the directory and read the profiles of providers available in your area.
- Select the provider you like the best and view their availability.
- Choose a date and time that works with your schedule.
- Confirm your choice and verify your email address.
- Finish adding your personal information and complete the consent forms.
- On the day of your appointment, click the link in your email and attend your live session.
Top Rated Online Therapy Services
BetterHelp – Best Overall
“BetterHelp is an online therapy platform that quickly connects you with a licensed counselor or therapist and earned 4 out of 5 stars.” Take a free assessment
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. Start Free Assessment
LifeStance Health Vs. Competitors
LifeStance is considered a hybrid mental health provider, with appointments available in person or online. Thriveworks has a similar system that is also available in several in-person locations. While Grow Therapy has no in-person locations, it is a solid choice for finding in-network care in a directory-style format.
Cash-Pay Cost: Varies depending on location
Insurance Accepted? Yes
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In-person and online therapy and psychiatry -
Wide variety of services
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Out-of-pocket costs can be difficult to find and understand -
Not available in all states
Cash-Pay Cost: $99 – $349 per session
Insurance Accepted?Yes
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In-person services are available in select cities -
Kids, teens, couples, and family therapy available
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The sign-up process is not simple, with two patient portals to navigate -
Per session rates for therapy and psychiatry depend on the provider and your location
Cash-Pay Cost: $75 – $250+
Insurance Accepted? Yes
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Most providers accept major insurance plans -
Affordable cash pay options for 60-minute therapy sessions
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Small provider pool depending on which state you live in -
Some providers prefer Zoom and others use the built-in Doxy platform
LifeStance Health Vs. Thriveworks
LifeStance Health Vs. Grow Therapy
User Reviews of LifeStance Health
LifeStance currently has an “F” rating on the Better Business Bureau and a 2.7-star rating on Trustpilot from 585 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 | 2.7 out of 5 stars | 585 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 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.
Online & In-Person Therapy
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Who Might Want an Alternative to LifeStance Health?
While LifeStance is great for some, those outside the service area, seeking only online therapy, and those needing a specialized mental health program will need to seek an alternative.
Those Outside the Service Areas
- LifeStance currently serves 33 states. This is not ideal for those living in rural areas or in states outside the service area. We highly recommend checking out platforms like Cerebral or Brightside for those looking for online mental health services in all 50 US states.
- You can read more about cost, what each platform offers, and more in our comprehensive review of Cerebral and our Brightside Mental Health review.
Only Seeking Online Therapy
Attending in-person therapy may be difficult for some due to location or commuting times. Online therapy allows people greater flexibility in when and how their treatment happens. For those seeking a top-rated online therapy platform, we highly recommend reading our comprehensive list of the best online therapy services review. This comprehensive article will provide details on cost, who each platform is best for, and our pick for the best online therapy service overall.
LifeStance Review – Our Final Verdict
Overall, I recommend using LifeStance Health if you are referred to the company by your primary care provider or if LifeStance is an in-network mental health provider with your insurance plan. However, I would not recommend LifeStance to those who want to pay out-of-pocket, as the cash-pay rates are costly for fully licensed therapists and psychiatric providers.
Find A Psychiatrist
Grow Therapy enables you to find a psychiatrist who can diagnose your condition, prescribe appropriate medication, and monitor your reaction to medication. Learn More
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.
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 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.
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
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: 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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Additional Resources
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Online Therapy
BetterHelp – Get support and guidance from a licensed therapist. BetterHelp has over 30,000 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. Free Assessment
Medication + Therapy
Brightside Health – Together, medication and therapy can help you feel like yourself, faster. Brightside Health treatment plans start at $95 per month. United Healthcare, Anthem, Cigna, and Aetna accepted. Following a free online evaluation and receiving a prescription, you can get FDA approved medications delivered to your door. Free Assessment
Online Psychiatry
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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.
