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 requires a $19.99 monthly membership fee, with therapy sessions costing $169. The first month of the membership is free for users. PlushCare also accepts many major insurance plans.
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.
Plushcare At a Glance
Cost: $19.99 monthly; $169 per therapy session; $99 – $129 for psychiatry
Insurance Accepted? Yes
Pros - Short wait times to connect with a provider
- Free 15-minute consultations with therapists
- Convenient access to mental healthcare
- Accepts many commercial insurance plans
Cons - A membership is required to unlock all the services that are offered
- Limited number of clinicians available
- Those who need flexible scheduling options
- People with relatively stable and mild mental health symptoms
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. Psychiatry sessions cost $129 – $99 per session, along with the require membership fee of $19.99 monthly. Notably, PlushCare allows you to schedule a free 15-minute consultation with a therapist to get a feel for their style and methods to ensure they’re a good fit for you.
Prefer to work with a monthly subscription pay system 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.
Why You Can Trust My Review
Our review of PlushCare is based on first-hand experience using their therapy services by David Tzall, one of our experienced reviewers. David was able to conduct deep 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 on the platform. Over the last year, we’ve learned a lot about PlushCare while also collectively testing and reviewing multiple other online therapy providers.
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.
Review our scoring criteria for online therapy platforms here.
Review our complete editorial policies here.
Firsthand PlushCare Reviews
We’ve conducted a full editorial review of PlushCare, but sometimes you just want to hear a direct insight from someone who’s used the product. Below are our firsthand experiences with PlushCare.
David Tzall, PsyD
Detailed Review of 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.
Quick and Accessible Healthcare
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.
Sexual Health with PlushCare
In addition to its more general offerings, PlushCare also provides sexual healthcare for things like 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 help with many different sexual issues you might be experiencing discretely and comfortably.
Weight Loss with PlushCare
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.
PlushCare 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. 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, so those looking for the best couples therapy providers will need to look elsewhere. Consider our Regain review and our review of Talkspace Couples for more options.
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 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, 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.
PlushCare 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 now requires all users to have a monthly membership, which costs $19.99 monthly. This membership does include unlimited messaging with your providers, discounts on lab work, and same day appointments. 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 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.
Thriveworks offers in-person services in many major cities, so it’s a great alternative for those who prefer in-person care. Meanwhile, Brightside Health has 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.
PlushCare doesn’t work with kids or teens, so if you’re looking for therapy for your child, you’ll have to look elsewhere. Bend Health offers great comprehensive care for families, plus Manatee and Brightline are good too but aren’t available nationwide.
PlushCare Vs. 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, which is a great benefit.
Cost: $19.99 monthly; $169 per therapy session; $99 – $129 for psychiatry
Insurance Accepted? Yes
-
Short wait times to connect with a provider -
Free 15-minute consultations with therapists
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A membership is required to unlock all the services that are offered -
Limited number of clinicians
Price: $112 – $279 depending on service
Insurance Accepted? Yes
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You can pay per appointment, as needed -
Prenatal, postpartum, and menopause counseling available
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Psychiatry is only available for individuals 18 years and older -
No text-based therapy available
Price: $108 – $248 monthly
Insurance Accepted? Yes
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Offers a range of services, including online psychiatry, therapy, and medical visits -
Appointments can be scheduled in as little as 24 hours
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Psychiatry and therapy are not available to children under the age of 10 -
No options for text therapy
PlushCare Vs. Amwell
PlushCare Vs. MDLive
User Reviews for PlushCare
Online user reviews for PlushCare are very positive overall. The main takeaways are problems with customer service which repeat several times across multiple sources 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 for 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 | 116K reviews
Positive reviews from the Apple App Store are overwhelmingly positive. The majority of reviews focus on the convenience that PlushCare offers and 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 did not displeasure with customer service – users believed that PlushCare’s messaging system didn’t result in prompt customer service.
Reviews from Google Play | 4.6 out of 5 stars | 6.8K reviews
Positive reviews from the Apple App 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 | 2.9 out of 5 stars | 2,095 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 that they have had issues canceling subscriptions and were charged repeatedly without being able to access PlushCare customer service easily.
Reviews from BBB | 2.08 out of 5 stars | 401 reviews | B-rating overall
Positive reviews on BBB are quite scant (people don’t usually go to BBB to leave good reviews) but the positive reviews present focus on praise for individual providers and ease of accessing services.
Negative reviews on BBB focus on customer service and billing issues primarily. Many presented stories of poor customer service and an inability to get things straightened out. Others noted long wait times.
Who May Want an Alternative to PlushCare?
PlushCare isn’t ideal for individuals who prefer in-person therapy, kids and teens needing mental health services, or people struggling with severe mental health problems.
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. Thriveworks is a unique platform that offers both virtual and in-person care in many major cities.
Kids Needing Mental Health Services
PlushCare doesn’t work with kids or teens. Out of the best online therapy options for kids and teens, one of the most comprehensive options is Bend Health. Meanwhile, BetterHelp subsidiary Teen Counseling is great for teen therapy on a subscription basis. Brightline is the best pick for online psychiatry and medication management for kids and teens.
People Struggling with Severe Mental Health Symptoms
Online therapy is not ideal for those suffering from severe mental health symptoms such as suicidal ideation, hallucinations, or psychosis. Those suffering from severe mental health symptoms should seek in-person care.
If you currently have severe mental health symptoms and need immediate help, you should dial 911, visit the nearest emergency room, or call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255) or by dialing 988.
Brightside Health has a unique crisis care program to help those that are suffering from chronic suicidal thoughts and crises, but the enrollment requirements are somewhat strict.
PlushCare Review – Our Final Verdict
“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 insurance plan that’s in-network with it.”
Frequently Asked Questions
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 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?
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 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 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.
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
Additional Resources
To help our readers take the next step in their mental health journey, Choosing Therapy has partnered with leaders in mental health and wellness. Choosing Therapy is compensated for marketing by the companies included below.
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Plushcare There are many effective medications for anxiety and depression, including Zoloft and Lexapro, which a Plushcare doctor can prescribe. In as little as 15 minutes, you can speak with a board-certified doctor from PlushCare to receive anxiety or depression treatment. Plushcare DOES NOT prescribe controlled substances. Visit Plushcare
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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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Leadership: Ryan McQuaid. (n.d.) Accolade. Retrieved from https://www.accolade.com/leadership/ryan-mcquaid/
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Primary care comes to Accolade with PlushCare acquisition. (June 9, 2013) Accolade. Retrieved from https://www.accolade.com/blogs/plushcare-primary-care-acquisition-close/
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: 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
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