PlushCare is a telemedicine platform that offers same-day appointments for primary, urgent, and mental health care. Services are available nationwide, making it convenient to access wherever you are. PlushCare has an optional $19.99 monthly membership fee, with therapy sessions costing $169 and initial psychiatry appointments costing $129. The first month of the membership is free for users. PlushCare also accepts many major insurance plans.
Plushcare at a Glance
Cost: $19.99 monthly (or $99 annually); $169/therapy session and $129/psychiatry session
Insurance Accepted? Yes
Pros & Cons:
Pros - Short wait times to connect with a provider
- Choose your own provider based on your specific preferences
- Accepts many commercial insurance plans
Cons - A membership is required to unlock all the services that are offered
- Limited number of clinicians available
Preview PlushCare
PlushCare offers virtual therapy and psychiatry services to individuals 18 years and older. Services are available across the US and you can choose from several different therapists based on various search criteria. PlushCare therapy costs $169 per 45-minute session, and psychiatry costs $129 per session.
Prefer a monthly subscription-based model for therapy? Talkspace and BetterHelp are two of our favorite online therapy services. Meanwhile, Brightside Health is a great alternative for both medication and therapy. PlushCare doesn’t work with kids or teens, so if you’re looking for therapy for folks under 18, Manatee or Brightline might be better choices.
Detailed Review of PlushCare
PlushCare is a telehealth platform that offers same-day appointments for those seeking primary, urgent, and mental health care. Mental health care services provide therapy and medication management to those 18 years and older. Costs range from $129 for psychiatry to $169 for a 45-minute therapy session. Insurance is accepted for all services except therapy.
Based on our quantitative multi-point scoring criteria, PlushCare scored 3.5 out of 5 stars during our most recent review. Our scoring criteria measure 30+ metrics across 13 categories, ranging from quality of user experience to therapist vetting and experience, and more.
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.
Quick & Accessible Healthcare
PlushCare’s website allows you to browse its online provider directory with ease. You may choose a therapist based on your preferences, like how long they’ve been practicing or their unique specialties. It is important to note that you must select a provider in the state you are physically located in, as providers can only see clients in the states in which they’re licensed.
After selecting the provider who best fits your needs, you can book an appointment through the site’s online portal based on your schedule. All 45-minute sessions are held on PlushCare’s platform and can be completed through a computer, tablet, or smartphone. You and your therapist will determine the frequency of sessions and your treatment plan. Your therapist may also refer you to one of PlushCare’s medical doctors for a psychiatry appointment to speak about medication management.
You may message your therapist through the site’s messaging center if you need to reschedule a session or contact your clinician. PlushCare can prescribe an array of medications for anxiety and antidepressants, including SSRIs, SNRIs, tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)—notably, practitioners cannot prescribe controlled substances through PlushCare. Prescriptions can be sent to a local pharmacy near you. You can sign up for a prescription discount card that can save up to 80% whether you use insurance or pay out-of-pocket.
Therapy
PlushCare offers virtual therapy appointments to individuals 18 years and older. Services are available nationwide and you can choose from several different therapists based on your criteria. A 45-minute therapy session costs $169.
PlushCare provides therapy from licensed mental health professionals. Picking a provider is easy and you only need to answer a few questions prior to booking your appointment. There is a three-question assessment to begin, which discusses past mental health related hospitalizations, thoughts about hurting or killing yourself, and if you are experiencing any physical symptoms of withdrawal when attempting to cut down on alcohol or drug use.
You will then get to select your therapist by choosing from several different criteria. The selection can be limited, so the drawback is there may not be a therapist who serves your area that meets all your specifications. If you feel your therapist is not the right fit, you can request a change.
Individual therapy sessions are approximately 45 minutes long. You and your therapist can speak and determine the frequency of sessions. Given that the site handles mostly non-urgent, less severe cases, you’ll likely see your therapist once a week or less, depending on what you both decide.
While I did not have an opportunity to use the platform myself, the website lays out pretty clearly how to begin therapy as soon as possible. Oftentimes there can be barriers to care, such as countless questions on forms or deciding on what provider to choose. The site does streamline many of these issues making it easy to get started right away.
Psychiatry
PlushCare offers virtual psychiatric appointments to individuals 18 years and older. Psychiatric appointments are covered under insurance and your plan will determine the copay for which you are responsible. If you are not using insurance, the cost is $129 for an initial session and $99 for follow-up sessions. It is important to note that only certain medications and conditions are treated with PlushCare—controlled substances such as stimulants, mood stabilizers, and antipsychotics are not prescribed.
Psychiatry appointments are set in 15-minute increments, and as they fall under medical appointments, they are covered under insurance with PlushCare. As is the case with other medical services, the insurance plan you have determines the cost of your required copay.
You can choose from several different doctors but it is likely that the clinician is not someone who specializes in psychotropic medication, as the site tends to use general practitioners. There was no option to choose a psychiatrist, but only someone in family or general medicine.
Sexual Health
In addition to its more general offerings, PlushCare also provides sexual health-related medications, including birth control, erectile dysfunction medication, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), and treatment for sexually transmitted infections. PlushCare hosts many providers with specializations in sexual health and can discretely and comfortably help with a wide range of sexual issues from the comfort and privacy of your home.
Weight Loss
PlushCare also offers care for weight loss management and other metabolic disorders. First, your PlushCare provider will work with you to make helpful behavioral and lifestyle changes. In addition to this counseling, PlushCare can prescribe weight loss medications, such as Wegovy, Ozempic, or Mounjaro, when it is deemed clinically appropriate.
Cost & Insurance
PlushCare costs $169 for a 45-minute therapy session. Psychiatry costs $129 for an initial appointment and $99 for follow-up appointments. PlushCare also offers a $19.99 monthly membership fee (or $99 annually) if you want to use the other services on the website, such as unlimited messaging with your care team and discounts on medication and lab work. Users who sign up get a free month of the membership.
Convenient Telehealth Visits - PlushCare
Get personalized, high-quality healthcare online. In-network with most major insurers, with a typical out-of-pocket cost of just $30. Free 30-day trial membership.
Who Does PlushCare Serve?
PlushCare serves adults over age 18 in any state in the US who are experiencing mild-to-moderate mental health symptoms. PlushCare does not prescribe medications for more severe mental health issues such as bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. Moreover, individuals who have several mental health concerns may need in-person or a local therapist should they require hospitalization.
Online appointments also limit what a medical doctor can do for a person concerning check-ups, as none of it is hands-on. An alternative would be to find local mental health providers or medical doctors should you require more intensive services.
User Reviews for PlushCare
Online user reviews for PlushCare are very positive overall. The consistent issues people face are problems with customer service and isolated billing issues. It seems a recurring theme that users are unhappy with PlushCare’s customer service team, especially when dealing with complicated issues.
It’s important to remember that, with PlushCare, user reviews may not specifically be focusing on mental health services exclusively, as PlushCare offers many medical services.
Reviews from Apple App Store | 4.9 out of 5 stars | 127k reviews
Positive reviews from the Apple App Store focus on the convenience that PlushCare offers, and many are entirely happy with the service they’ve received through PlushCare. Keep in mind that not all of these reviews will be specific to PlushCare’s therapy or psychiatry services.
Negative reviews from the Apple App Store are scattered and mostly focus on isolated issues with prescribers rather than criticizing the platform as a whole. A few reviews mentioned issues with customer service—users believed that PlushCare’s messaging system didn’t result in prompt customer service.
Reviews from Google Play | 4.7 out of 5 stars | 7.3K reviews
Positive reviews from the Google Play Store say that the platform was simple and easy to use, with quick appointment times. Many users stated that they were comfortable with their providers and were able to get labs, prescriptions, and the care they needed.
Negative reviews from the Google Play Store included users stating that the providers didn’t attend the appointments and felt that they were being overcharged for services. Other users complained about the app’s functionality.
Reviews from Trustpilot | 3 out of 5 stars | 2.2k reviews
Positive reviews on Trustpilot are similar to the app store reviews. They mainly focus on ease of access and very quick wait times. Many reviewers highlighted excellent experiences with their doctor and care team.
Negative reviews on Trustpilot center mainly on customer service issues. Many reviewers believe PlushCare’s customer service team is not effective, especially with complex insurance problems. Other negative reviews noted issues canceling subscriptions and being charged repeatedly without being able to access PlushCare customer service easily.
Reviews from BBB | 2.11 out of 5 stars | 397 reviews | B-rating overall
Positive reviews on BBB are limited (people don’t usually go to BBB to leave good reviews), but they generally focus on praise for individual providers and ease of accessing services.
Negative reviews on BBB focus primarily on customer service and billing issues. Many presented stories of poor customer service and an inability to get things straightened out. Others noted long wait times.
Alternatives & Competitors
Amwell and MDLive both offer a wide range of medical services similar to PlushCare. However, Amwell has more of a focus on mental health and has more psychiatrists, whereas PlushCare’s offerings are mainly general practitioners. MDLive often has same-day availability, making it a convenient option for general healthcare services. Brightside Health could also be a great option for someone seeking mental health care, including therapy and psychiatry, emergency services, IOPs, and more.
Amwell
Price: $109–$279 depending on service
Insurance Accepted? Yes
Amwell has a variety of video medical services available, including therapy, psychiatry, breastfeeding support, nutrition counseling, pediatrics, women’s health, prescriptions, and second opinions. Unlike PlushCare, Amwell does not have a subscription model. The cost of therapy is $109–$129 per 45-minute session depending on the type of provider. An initial 45-minute psychiatric evaluation is $279 and 15-minute follow-up appointments are $109. Amwell accepts major health insurance plans which could likely lower your costs.
Amwell appears to accept more insurance plans than PlushCare but still does not accept Medicare or Medicaid. Amwell is likely a better option for general medical care as it covers a far-ranging list of medical issues.
To learn more about what Amwell offers, read our comprehensive review of Amwell.
Pros & Cons
Pros - Therapy and psychiatric medication available
- Select your own provider from a directory
Cons - Psychiatry is only available for individuals 18-years and older
- No text-based therapy available
MDLive
Price: $108–$248 monthly
Insurance Accepted? Yes
MDLive is a comprehensive telemedicine company that covers more mental health and general health care conditions than PlushCare. Patients ages 10 and up can be seen for psychiatry or therapy appointments. There is no subscription model and the costs vary based on your insurance coverage.
MDLive’s urgent care visits are $89 or less, depending on your insurance. The same is true for dermatology and counseling at $95 and $179, respectively. An initial psychiatric visit is $299, with follow-ups at $159. Insurance is accepted for all visits.
To learn even more about this telemedicine platform, read our in-depth review of MDLive.
Pros & Cons
Pros - Offers a range of services, including online psychiatry, therapy, and medical visits
- Appointments can be scheduled in as little as 24 hours
Cons - Psychiatry and therapy are not available to children under the age of 10
- No discounts or bundles available if you want therapy and psychiatry
Brightside
Price: $95–$349 monthly
Insurance Accepted? Yes
Brightside Health is a subscription-based online therapy and psychiatry service that serves adults over 18 in all 50 states, and teens in select areas. Appointments for psychiatry or therapy are typically available within 48 hours.
Brightside Health also offers a unique crisis care program for those who are eligible. It’s one of the better options for more intense symptoms while maintaining the accessibility of virtual visits.
Read more in our Brightside Health review.
Pros & Cons
Pros - Accepts a wide range of insurance plans
- Same-day appointments are often available
Cons - Customer service can be slow to respond
- Cash-pay services are more expensive than some other platforms
Why You Can Trust My Review
“Over the last year, our team has learned a lot about PlushCare while also collectively testing and reviewing multiple other online therapy providers. I was able to conduct comprehensive research into PlushCare and all that the company offers, meet with a therapist and psychiatrist, seek treatment through the platform, and test out all the features that are offered.
Overall, PlushCare would be an adequate platform for many. It’s particularly well-suited to those looking for quick care for urgent situations or those looking for affordable ongoing medication maintenance. The cash-pay prices tend to be a little higher than the competition, so PlushCare is best if you have an in-network insurance plan.”
History & News About PlushCare
Year Founded: 2015
Founders: Dr. James Wantuck and Ryan McQuaid
Headquartered In: San Fransisco, CA
Parent Company: Accolade
PlushCare is a telehealth platform that was founded in 2015 by Dr. James Wantuck and Ryan McQuaid.1 Their mission was to modernize the healthcare system by providing quality, affordable care in a more accessible way. PlushCare was acquired by Accolade, a health tech company, in 2021.2
Frequently Asked Questions
What Credentials Do PlushCare Providers Hold?
PlushCare has doctors who are licensed to practice in all 50 states. All physicians are board-certified physicians and have an average 15 years of experience while training in a top 50 U.S. medical school. All therapists are licensed and their degrees and licenses will vary.
How Do I Choose a Provider with PlushCare?
You self-select a provider after creating an account and choosing which subscription model you prefer. You can choose a therapist based on several different factors, such as specialty, gender, length of practice, and availability.
Can I Switch to a New PlushCare Provider?
Yes, picking a new provider is as easy as picking your original one. Simply go back to the site, pick a new provider, and schedule a time to meet.
Who Is Eligible for Medication Through PlushCare?
PlushCare psychiatric services are for individuals over the age of 18.
What Medications Are Available on PlushCare?
Psychotropic medications such as SSRIs, SNRIs, tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are available. PlushCare does not prescribe controlled substances.
How Do I Get My Medications With PlushCare?
Prescriptions can be sent to a local pharmacy near you, or there is a medication delivery program for $99 per month which includes free shipping and free follow-up appointments.
Can I use my FSA or HSA Funds With PlushCare?
Yes, FSA and HSA can be used for mental health services on PlushCare.
How Can I Cancel My Membership With PlushCare?
To cancel your Plushcare membership, log into your account and visit your profile. Go to the Payment and Insurance tab. Click the cancel your membership link and complete the process. Be sure to cancel before your next billing cycle. Complete the cancellation process at least one calendar day before your membership is set to renew so you are not charged.
Does PlushCare Offer Refunds?
Yes, PlushCare can offer refunds and you must contact the company for refunds. The Care Team reviews refund requests. You can reach customer service by calling 1-800-221-540 or emailing [email protected].
Is PlushCare HIPAA Compliant?
Yes, PlushCare is HIPAA compliant and its electronic medical records are held in a private electronic health records system. The PlushCare team has gone through extensive training to ensure that patient information is thoroughly protected. All databases or web platforms that are used are also HIPAA compliant. All questions can be directed to the Care Team.
You can learn more by reading Plushcare’s Privacy Policy or Plushcare’s Terms and Conditions.
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.
-
About Us. (n.d.) PlushCare. Retrieved from https://plushcare.com/about/
-
Primary care comes to Accolade with PlushCare acquisition. (June 9, 2021). Accolade. Retrieved from https://www.accolade.com/blogs/plushcare-primary-care-acquisition-close/
-
Liu, M. Amwell Review 2024: Pros & Cons, Cost, & My Experience. (March 22, 2024). ChoosingTherapy. Retrieved from https://www.choosingtherapy.com/amwell-review/
-
Liu, M. MDLive Review 2024: Pros & Cons, Cost, & My Experience. (March 14, 2024). ChoosingTherapy. Retrieved from https://www.choosingtherapy.com/mdlive-review/
-
Church, M. Brightside Health Review 2025: Pros & Cons, Cost, & My Experience. (February 11, 2025). ChoosingTherapy. Retrieved from https://www.choosingtherapy.com/brightside-health-review/
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: David Tzall, PsyD (No change)
Medical Reviewer: Benjamin Troy, MD (No change)
Primary Changes: Updated pricing to include the $99 yearly subscription option. Re-formatted to match the new review style. Fact-checked and edited for readability and clarity.
Author: David Tzall, PsyD (No change)
Medical Reviewer: Benjamin Troy, MD (No change)
Primary Changes: Fact-checked and edited for improved readability and clarity. Updated cost section to reflect membership fee of $19.99.
Author: David Tzall, PsyD (No change)
Medical Reviewer: Benjamin Troy, MD (No change)
Primary Changes: Updated article to new review format, added summary block and all related page features.
Author: David Tzall, 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. :)
