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 $15 monthly membership fee, with therapy sessions costing $169. Currently, PlushCare does accept select insurance plans.
Pros & Cons of PlushCare
PlushCare has advantages and disadvantages to its mental health care model to be aware of. The shorter wait times do allow you to see a provider quickly and you have the option to use your insurance. However, there are no in-person services whatsoever, and there is a membership required for the telemedicine offerings.
Key Takeaways of PlushCare
- PlushCare’s services are accessible and convenient through online appointments.
- The subscription service is a necessary part of the platform to obtain services and is an extra added expense of $15 a month. The service includes same-day appointments, prescription discount card, discounted labs, discounts on repeat visits if paying without insurance, in-app messaging with your Care Team
- Paying without insurance is reasonable and is an option for individuals uninsured or underinsured.
- Free 15-minute consultations allow you to meet with therapists to find one you mesh well with before paying for a full session.
- The prescription delivery program is $99 monthly and comparable in price to competitors like Cerebral or Brightside Mental Health. The program includes free home delivery of prescriptions.
Final Verdict on PlushCare
Overall, PlushCare is an average option for virtual care. It offers a variety of telemedicine services, but the site requires a subscription, and only some insurance plans are accepted. Additionally, only select medical and mental health conditions are treated by PlushCare. There are competitor platforms that are far more comprehensive in their approach and services.
I found the prescription delivery program pricey. In my opinion, there are far better options for those looking to get prescriptions shipped to their homes. Their online therapy is also on the pricier side when compared with other sites that offer more selections. There is no option to contact therapists outside of sessions. It seems best suited to someone who is in need of urgent care or who is relatively stable given the certain types of medications for mental health issues that can be prescribed. There are far better options for those looking for therapy and mental health medication.
PlushCare at a Glance
| Membership Fees? | $99 Annual membership OR $14.99 Monthly membership |
| Cost of Online Therapy | $169 per 45 minute therapy session |
| Age Limitations for Online Therapy | 18+ |
| Cost of Online Psychiatry | $129 initial session $99 follow-up appointments |
| Age Limitations for Online Psychiatry | 18+ |
| Additional Services Offered | General & Preventative Care, Urgent Care,and Prescriptions |
| Insurance Accepted? | Yes* *except online therapy |
| Self-Select or Matched with Provider | Self-Select |
| Can You Change Providers? | Yes |
| Speed to First Appointment | Same-day |
| Frequency of Appointments | Weekly |
| Messaging with Provider Between Appointments? | Yes |
How to Sign Up for PlushCare
To sign up, visit the PlushCare website. Click “Mental Health” at the top of the website and then “Book an Appointment.”
What Is PlushCare?
PlushCare is a telemedicine 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 $99 – $169, depending on which services you use. Insurance is accepted for all services except therapy.
PlushCare’s website allows you to browse their online provider directory with ease. You may choose a therapist based on your preferences, like how long they have been in practice or their specialties. It is important to note that you must select a provider in the state you are physically located in. Providers may only see patients in the state they are licensed in.
After selecting the provider who best fits your needs, you can book an appointment through the site’s online portal based on your schedule. You can schedule a free 15-minute consultation with a therapist to speak to them about your needs and goals. This is a good opportunity to see if you initially mesh with the therapist and would like to continue booking a session. You may have other consultations with other clinicians until you find someone that fits best.
All 45-minute sessions are held through PlushCare’s system 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 should you want it.
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 psychotropic medications, including SSRIs, SNRIs, tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). These are common medications for anxiety and medications for depression. 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. The prescription discount card can save up to 80% whether you use insurance or pay out-of-pocket.
Additional PlushCare Services
PlushCare’s additional services include same-day medical appointments, general and preventative care, urgent care, and prescriptions. A membership is available and necessary to fully access the site and its resources.
How Much Does PlushCare Cost?
PlushCare costs $169 for a 45-minute therapy session. There is a $15 monthly membership fee if you want to use the other services on the website. Psychiatry costs $129 for an initial appointment and $99 for follow-up appointments.
Does PlushCare Accept Insurance?
Yes, PlushCare accepts insurance for its medical services from companies like Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Anthem Blue Cross, Blue Shield of California, Humana, Medi-Cal, and United Healthcare PPO plans. They do not accept Medicare or Medicaid. However, PlushCare does not accept insurance for therapy services at this time.
Out-of-Network Benefits
PlushCare will not submit out-of-network claims and it is the responsibility of the patient to submit anything for potential reimbursement. You can ask your provider to supply a superbill.
Getting Started with Mental Health Care Services on PlushCare
PlushCare says that it is easy to start seeing a provider and that it takes just a couple of steps. As soon as you pay the membership, you can start reviewing clinicians and scheduling an appointment.
- Go to the PlushCare website and create an account.
- Choose a subscription option.
- Click on “Book Appointment.”
- Answer the initial questions such as paying with or without insurance and location.
- Choose the location you will be at the time of your appointment.
- Choose the therapist and a date and time for your appointment.
- Once the session is paid for, the session is scheduled.
PlushCare Online Therapy: Detailed Review
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. 45-minute therapy sessions cost $169. Before scheduling a session, you can book a free 15-minute consultation to ensure that you are finding the right fit for a therapist.
What Is Therapy Like with PlushCare?
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 an individual in 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, once a week will likely be how often you see your therapist. Family and couples therapy are not options at this time, however.
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 begin with someone right away. The sooner you start, the more likely you’re going to be motivated and adhere to further sessions.
PlushCare Online Psychiatry: Detailed Review
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, sessions cost $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 and medications including stimulants, mood stabilizers, and antipsychotics are not prescribed.
What Is Medication Management Like With PlushCare?
Psychiatry appointments are much like general doctor visits and there is no pre-set time for sessions like there is for therapy. As they also 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 for the session as the copay is based on your insurance.
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. Not having psychiatrists is likely the main reason that only certain medications and conditions are treated for there are no medical personnel on staff that specialize in more severe conditions that require substantial medications that need oversight, a chance of abuse or harm, and have side effects.
Who Is PlushCare Right For?
The PlushCare model will be ideal for a select group of individuals given its strengths and limitations. It will benefit those with flexible schedules and value accessibility and those with relatively stable mental health symptoms.
Flexible Schedules & Accessible
You can book an appointment based on your schedule no matter if it is during the day or evening. All the appointments are virtual so there is no need to leave your house or go to an office.
Stable Mental Health Symptoms
This platform is best if you have stable mental health needs that do not require hospitalization or substantial medication. Mood stabilizers and antipsychotics are not prescribed and, as a result, PlushCare works for more stable and less intense mental health issues.
Who Might Want an Alternative to PlushCare?
It’s important to know that PlushCare is not for everyone. Groups that would benefit from an alternative include those wishing to see their provider in person, children and teens, and those who require a high level of care and medication.
Individuals Who Prefer In-Person Therapy
Online virtual therapy can be an easy, accessible way of receiving therapy. However, some enjoy an in-person vs online therapy model more or the option of having a hybrid of both in-person and online services. If you wish to see an in-person provider, you can browse an online therapist directory to find care close to where you live.
Kids & Teens Needing Mental Health Services
PlushCare’s mental health services are for those 18 and older. Children and teenagers would need to find other means of care. Parents seeking mental health care for their kids and teens may want to explore our detailed review of the Best Online Therapy Services for Teens.
Individuals Requiring a Higher Level of Care
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 be in need of in-person or a local therapist should they require hospitalization. Online appointments also limit what a medical doctor can do for a person with regard to 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.
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Online-Therapy.com – Great Alternative
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PlushCare User Reviews
Not all users have been pleased with PlushCare and have written their displeasure on sites such as the Better Business Bureau. The themes that continued to stick out to me were poor customer service, issues with insurance covering appointments, and inadequate care.
Poor Customer Service
Patients found that the company has poor communication practices with patients, not being upfront with their costs, and speaking to clients with scripted answers that do not resolve the matter. Clients also felt they were lied to about insurance not covering procedures only to find out they paid out of pocket for that which would be covered by insurance.
Insurance Issues
Some clients shared that they were told their appointments or services would be covered only to find out they were not. This resulted in patients having to pay out-of-pocket and feeling that they were cheated.
Inadequate Care
Several people reported that their doctor was late, with others reporting they had short sessions. Some even shared they were being told to go to other providers because their issues could not be well managed by PlushCare.
PlushCare Vs. Competitors
PlushCare is not the only option out there, and below you’ll find a summary comparing PlushCare with its top competitors.
PlushCare Vs. Amwell
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.
Amwell has a variety of video medical services available, such as therapy, psychiatry, breastfeeding support, nutrition counseling, pediatrics, women’s health, prescriptions, and second opinions. Amwell does not have a subscription model, unlike PlushCare. 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.
To learn more about what Amwell offers in comparison to PlushCare, you can read our comprehensive review of Amwell.
PlushCare Vs. MDLive
MDLive is a comprehensive telemedicine company that covers more mental health and general health care conditions than PlushCare. Patients age 10 and up can be seen for psychiatry or therapy appointments. There is no subscription model and the costs range based on your insurance information.
MDLive’s urgent care visits are $82 or less, depending on your insurance. The same is true for dermatology and counseling at $95 and $108, respectively. An initial psychiatric visit is $284, with follow-ups at $108. Insurance is accepted for all visits.
PlushCare costs $169 for a therapy session. MDLive out-of-pocket costs for therapy is $108 per 45–60 minute session, whereas AmWell out-of-pocket costs for therapy are $109–$129. Both MDLive and Amwell accept insurance for therapy sessions which can decrease these out-of-pocket costs. Given PlushCare does not accept insurance for therapy, their plan will likely cost a consumer more money than the other two telehealth options.
To learn even more about this telemedicine platform, please read our in-depth review of MDLive.
How PlushCare Has Evolved
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. They were acquired by Accolade, a health tech company, in 2021.2
Frequently Asked Questions About PlushCare
What Credentials Do PlushCare Providers Hold?
PlushCare has doctors that 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?
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 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?
PlushCare services are for individuals over the age of 18.
What Medications Are Available?
Psychotropic medications such as SSRIs, SNRIs, tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are available.
Where is Medication Management Available?
Medication management is available in 50 states.
How Do I Get My Medications?
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?
Yes, FSA and HSA for mental health can be used.
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 their electronic medical records are held in a private electronic health records system. Their 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.
