Our verdict: a legitimate cash-pay marketplace that suits the uninsured or high-deductible; providers set their own rates, so prices vary, 3.5 stars.
Sesame Care is a legitimate online healthcare marketplace, and we rated its psychiatric care 3.5 out of 5 stars after hands-on testing and consulting with a company representative. It suits people who are uninsured or have high-deductible plans, because Sesame does not accept any form of insurance and you pay each provider’s cash price upfront.
Sesame connects users with primary care doctors, nurse practitioners, and specialists for virtual and in-person care. While it’s technically available in all 50 US states, provider availability varies by location. Plus, providers set their own rates, so costs vary significantly across the platform, though most are lower than average.
Editor’s Notes
Since our last review, Sesame Care began offering a weight loss program, “Success by Sesame,” with a starting cost of $59 per month with an annual subscription (not including medication).
It also offers a plan called Sesame Plus, an optional subscription service that costs $10.99 monthly or $99 annually and gives patients access to cash discounts on virtual and in-person services.
Sesame at a Glance
Cost: Varies greatly by provider and service
Insurance Accepted: No
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Filter providers by price, gender, language, availability, & reviews
- Easy to switch providers
- Mental Health Rx for more affordable medication management
- Offers cash discounts through Sesame Plus
- Superbills available for out-of-network or HSA/FSA reimbursement
Cons
- Does not accept insurance
- Cannot prescribe controlled substances
- Prices vary by provider and service
- Provider availability varies across the US
- Site can be glitchy
Overview
Sesame Care offers psychiatry and therapy services alongside urgent care, weight loss, dermatology, and much more. It doesn’t accept insurance, and each provider sets their own rates, so costs vary significantly. As of October 2026, Sesame says visits start at $34, and Costco members pay $29 for a virtual primary care visit and $79 for a virtual therapy visit, though we found costs to be higher. For cash discounts on virtual and in-person care, plus one free lab test a year on the annual plan, you can join the optional Sesame Plus membership for $10.99 monthly or $99 annually.
When I sought a psychiatrist through the platform, the out-of-pocket cost for an initial consultation was $352, probably related to my location, which isn’t near a big city. I was somewhat reassured given that my doctor was a full MD, which isn’t always the case with online psychiatry platforms. Booking a next-day appointment was quick, and the virtual visit worked seamlessly on my iPhone. Most therapy providers in my state charged around $104 per session.
If you are looking for ongoing psychiatric care, Sesame offers Mental Health Rx., a $79 monthly subscription that includes video calls with a provider of the patient’s choice, unlimited provider messaging, and seamless access to prescriptions and refills for a range of mental health conditions.
Based on our experience, Sesame provides quality care, but its pricing can be steep depending on your location and what kind of care you need. If you have insurance coverage, you’ll likely be better served by an online therapy platform that accepts insurance. For alternative cash-pay options, try Brightside Health or BetterHelp, which offers financial aid for those who qualify.
Sesame Care vs. the alternatives we rate
| Platform | Cost | Insurance | What you get | Visit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sesame Care ★★★½☆ 3.5/5 |
Varies by provider and service, paid upfront | No | Cash-pay marketplace for psychiatry, primary and urgent care | Visit Sesame Care |
| Talkiatry ★★★★☆ 4/5Read our review |
Talkiatry states most patients pay $30 a visit after insurance; self-pay if your plan is not accepted | Yes | Psychiatry, with therapy for medication patients | Visit Talkiatry |
| Brightside Health ★★★★☆ 4/5Read our review |
$95 to $349 a month | Yes | Therapy, psychiatry or both; free assessment | Visit Brightside Health |
Prices and ratings as published in our reviews, checked October 2026. Links to our partners are sponsored.
Detailed Review
We gave Sesame Care 3.5 out of 5 stars. As a directory, it is available to anyone in the U.S., but clinician availability will vary depending on where you live. All providers set their own rates, so costs can also be difficult to predict, and Sesame does not accept insurance. In general, we appreciate the quality of care and prescribers on the platform, but its downsides, which we explore below, could be a deal-breaker for some users.
Review our scoring criteria for online psychiatry platforms here.
Review our complete editorial policies here.
Psychiatry
Sesame Care acts as a marketplace of psychiatrists and mental health medication providers. Prices are set by individual providers, and fees can vary significantly, depending on the specialty and your provider’s expertise. For example, in San Diego, CA, psychiatry consultations range from $120–$300+ for an initial consultation. As of October 2026, Sesame says visits start at $34, and Costco members can book a virtual primary care visit for $29.
We think users will get the most value out of the ongoing $79 monthly mental health subscription service, which includes same-day refills, ongoing video visits, and unlimited messaging with your chosen provider.
Convenient Live Telehealth Sessions
I joined my initial Sesame Health psychiatry session from my iPhone without any issues. What was scheduled as a 45-minute telehealth appointment lasted about 35 minutes, during which my psychiatrist discussed my background, present concerns, and medical history.
Together, we explored the most appropriate diagnosis for my situation. I shared my interest in gradually tapering off Sertraline, and my psychiatrist worked with me to create a plan to adjust the medication, providing resources for support along the way.
If prescribed medication, Sesame prescribers can route prescriptions to a local pharmacy for affordable generics, and patients receive a prescription savings card, sometimes offering lower prices than a typical co-pay, which is especially helpful for those without insurance.
My psychiatrist emphasized the importance of therapy alongside medication management and ordered lab work through Quest Diagnostics to better understand any biological factors affecting my symptoms. The labs included a complete blood count, lipid panel, and tests for vitamins and minerals, an extra step that reassured me of her holistic approach to care.
By the end of the session, we outlined a plan moving forward, agreeing to meet monthly, and scheduled my next appointment. Overall, I was impressed with my Sesame Care psychiatrist and found the platform supportive and easy to use.
Therapy
Sesame Health offers virtual therapy services via the same system it uses to offer psychiatry. Therapists sign up to join the Sesame network in the states they’re licensed in and set their own rates the same way that other Sesame doctors do. I only had five therapists in my area, and session costs in my area ranged from $100–$400+, depending on the clinician’s credentials and expertise. Depending on where you’re located, therapy appointments can start as low as $79 per session, which is the price Sesame lists for Costco members as of October 2026.
Physical Health
Like its mental health offerings, Sesame Care also offers virtual physical health services, including urgent care, weight loss, dermatology, pediatrics, and women’s health. All of these services fundamentally operate the same way as Sesame’s mental health services, with providers setting their own availability and rates.
In addition to virtual care, Sesame Health also works to link patients to in-person care such as dentist check-ups and MRIs. All in-person services are priced by appointment just as Sesame’s virtual care is.
Weight Loss Program
Sesame Care now offers a weight loss program called “Success by Sesame” that starts at $59 per month with an annual subscription, not including medication cost. The program includes unlimited messaging, comprehensive care, choice of provider, and labs. This initiative offers access to Wegovy, Zepbound, and Ozempic, and more, and for those with insurance, medication may be fully or partially covered.
Sesame Care Service Costs
Providers on Sesame Care set their own rates, so session fees can vary widely based on factors like credentials and location. Patients can view pricing upfront on provider bios before booking. As of October 2026, Sesame says visits start at $34, and Costco members pay $29 for a virtual primary care visit and $79 for a virtual therapy visit. Prices can be much higher than these starting rates, and the providers we looked through in our location charged more.
However, new providers are consistently joining, so it’s worth a quick search to see who’s available in your area and what your costs might be.
Sesame Plus
For $10.99 monthly or $99 annually (checked October 19, 2026), you can join Sesame Plus, which nets a few benefits that might be worthwhile for those who plan to use Sesame regularly.
The Sesame Plus plan includes:
- $10 discount on all Sesame telehealth appointments
- $10 discount on in-person specialty visits
- Exclusive access to additional discounts
- One free lab or blood test a year with an annual membership ($65 value, not available in Washington State)
- Access to Sesame concierge, a service that helps you identify the right provider at the best price
Other Services Available Through Sesame
Here are the additional subscription services Sesame Care offers as of October 2026:
- Everyday Rx: $29 monthly with an annual plan or $59 month-to-month, with more than 350 common medications for $1 each
- Skincare Rx: $59 monthly
- Mental Health Rx: $79 monthly
- Menopause program: $59 monthly
- PCOS program: $59 monthly
- Weight loss program: Starts at $59 monthly with an annual subscription
Is There a Sesame Promo Code?
No, there is no Sesame promo code that anyone can use as of October 2026, and Sesame has no coupon or promotions page. Its discounts come through other routes instead.
You can get 20% off your first visit by signing up for Sesame’s emails, and a friend who already uses Sesame can send you $10 off your first visit or $50 off your first month of Mental Health Rx. Sesame Plus, Costco member pricing, and Sesame at Work codes from participating employers (up to 20% off) lower prices further (checked October 19, 2026).
Does Sesame Work With Costco?
Yes, Sesame works with Costco, and Costco members get Sesame’s lowest published prices once they verify their membership through their Costco.com account. As of October 2026, members pay $29 for a virtual primary care visit, $79 for a virtual therapy visit, and $65 a month for the mental health medication subscription.
Costco members also get 10% off other Sesame services, including in-person appointments. You book and pay on Sesame’s own site, and one Costco membership covers bookings for the whole family under a single Sesame account.
Insurance & Out-of-Network Benefits
Sesame is not an online therapy provider that accepts insurance. You can download a superbill from the patient portal and use it to claim out-of-network reimbursement from your insurer, or reimbursement from your HSA or FSA. If your employer has signed up for Sesame at Work, you will get an access code from them for reduced pricing. (Confirmed by Sesame, September 2026.)
How Sesame Compares to Zocdoc and Similar Apps
Sesame is one of several apps for booking care online, and the closest match for you depends on whether you plan to use insurance. Sesame shows upfront cash prices, while apps built around insurance help you find in-network care.
Zocdoc vs. Sesame
The main difference between Zocdoc and Sesame is how you pay. Zocdoc helps you find and book doctors who are in-network with your insurance, while Sesame lists providers at upfront cash prices and does not take insurance.
Zocdoc is free for patients, and you can filter its search by insurance plan and by doctors who offer video visits, according to its website (checked October 19, 2026). If your plan covers the visit, Zocdoc is the better place to start. If you are uninsured or have a high deductible, Sesame shows the full price before you book.
What Apps Are Similar to Sesame?
Apps similar to Sesame for mental health care include Brightside Health, Talkiatry, and BetterHelp. Brightside bundles psychiatry and therapy into a monthly plan and accepts many insurance plans, Talkiatry offers psychiatry mainly through insurance, and BetterHelp is a therapy subscription with financial aid for those who qualify.
If you want a booking marketplace like Sesame that works with insurance, Zocdoc and Grow Therapy are the closest matches. We compare Sesame with Talkiatry, Brightside, and BetterHelp in more detail in the alternatives section below.
User Reviews
There aren’t many independent user reviews for Sesame Care available online. Trustpilot is the only source of aggregated user reviews for Sesame. For the most part, user reviews are positive. Users appear to appreciate the convenience and wide range of services that Sesame offers. Still, there are a handful of negative reviews that are mostly concerned with isolated clinician issues.
Sesame Care Reviews from Trustpilot | 4.6 out of 5 stars | >4.5k reviews
Positive reviews from Trustpilot indicate that users appreciate the convenience Sesame offers, as well as the very wide range of services offered. Some mentioned that being able to conveniently access mental healthcare has been helpful due to social anxiety. Others noted that having access to urgent care services no matter where they are is very helpful.
Negative reviews from Trustpilot are mostly centered around isolated issues with individual providers; however, some reviews noted displeasure with the clarity of services offered. Some reviews mentioned that providers were unwilling to prescribe medications that they expected them to and were displeased that they were not issued a refund.
Sesame Care Reviews from BBB | 3.89 out of 5 stars | 128 reviews
Positive reviews from BBB mentioned that Sesame Care provides an easy process, reasonable rates, professional and responsive staff, making it a great option for individuals without insurance.
Negative reviews from Trustpilot include reports of some providers not showing up or being late to appointments. This has caused users frustration and disappointment and they do not want to continue the process.
Reviews from Reddit | r/telehealth
Positive reviews from Reddit include users expressing contentment on receiving fast and easy medication refills from Sesame Care.
Negative reviews from Reddit involve isolated reports of incorrect medications being sent to clients.
Sesame Care is a great option for people seeking mental healthcare online or in-person, but if you have trouble finding a provider in their marketplace, or you found one but they are out of your price range, you might consider an alternative. BetterHelp makes it really easy to get started with therapy, and offers financial aid for those who qualify. Brightside Health is another one of our favorite services for bundling therapy and psychiatry services. It offers top-notch care, affordable cash-pay prices, and accepts many insurance plans. If you want the opportunity to receive controlled medication, including Adderall or Xanax, Talkiatry is able to prescribe them when clinically appropriate, though it works mainly through insurance. Price: ~ $30 copay with insurance If you’re in-network with Talkiatry, it’s a smart place to start. You’ll receive high-quality care with access to more medications. Sesame and Talkiatry offer similar services, but their focus sets them apart. Talkiatry specializes in mental health, prioritizing psychiatry with therapy available as needed for existing patients. In contrast, Sesame Care provides a broader range of telehealth services, including mental health, weight loss, and preventative care. Another key difference is that Talkiatry works mainly through insurance. It now offers self-pay to patients whose insurance it does not accept, though not to Medicare or Medicaid members, and it does not publish self-pay prices (checked October 2026). So, if you don’t have insurance, Sesame’s upfront cash prices are easier to plan around. To learn more about the differences between Sesame and Talkiatry, check out our full Talkiatry review. Price: $95–$349 monthly Brightside Health, like Sesame, offers psychiatry and therapy, but through a subscription model rather than pay-as-you-go appointments. This subscription can be beneficial for those seeking ongoing support, predictable costs, and regular access to care. Brightside also offers several unique programs, including dedicated Teen Care and intensive outpatient programs for higher-needs mental health and substance use concerns. To learn more, visit our full review of Brightside Health. Price: $280 to $400 monthly BetterHelp offers therapy and Sesame Care can connect you with therapy, but they differ in key ways. BetterHelp has a larger directory of therapists and operates on a subscription basis, with financial aid available for those who qualify. In contrast, Sesame Care uses a pay-as-you-go model, giving users flexibility to book individual sessions—though they offer a Mental Health Rx subscription for medication management at $79 per month, whereas BetterHelp does not prescribe any medications. If you’re in an area where you can find low-cost mental health care with Sesame, go for it; it’s worth exploring. Otherwise, learn more about BetterHelp in our review.Alternatives & Competitors
More Medication Access - Talkiatry
Insurance Accepted: Yes (self-pay offered, prices not published)
Location: 45 US statesPros & Cons
Pros
Cons
Best for Subscription Care Model - Brightside Health
Insurance Accepted: Yes
Location: USPros & Cons
Pros
Cons
Best Financial Aid for Cash-pay - BetterHelp
Insurance Accepted: Yes, commercial plans (varies by state, plan and therapist)
Location: US & InternationalPros & Cons
Pros
Cons
Why You Can Trust My Review
“I personally signed up for Sesame Care, navigating the system and attending a psychiatry consultation. Despite the relatively small pool of providers in my area, I was impressed by the platform’s quick turnaround time: I was able to secure an appointment just two days after signing up. That level of speed and accessibility is a rare find, especially compared to traditional in-person care.
I also took a close look at what Sesame Care offers beyond appointments. While I found its selection of extra resources, like educational videos or interactive content, to be limited, I understand that the focus is currently on providing a wide array of healthcare services rather than diving deeply into supplementary mental health tools. Additionally, its current direct-pay model means that it doesn’t work with insurance networks, which may be a deal-breaker for some, though it aligns with the founder’s healthcare philosophy.
Ultimately, my review reflects both the strengths and limitations I encountered. If you can find a provider in your area who fits your budget, Sesame could be a great option for psychiatry or therapy. However, if you have in-network choices available through your insurance, it’s worth exploring those first.”
History & News
Year Founded: 2018
Founders: David Goldhill, Michael Botta, John Fontein
Business Structure: Privately-Held
Headquartered In: New York, New York
Sesame Care, founded in 2018 as EasyCare Health by David Goldhill, Michael Botta, PhD, and John Fontein, aims to make healthcare more accessible and affordable by connecting patients directly with providers, removing intermediaries that can drive up costs.1, 2
David Goldhill has been an active voice in healthcare reform since 2009, notably publishing an essay in The Atlantic titled “How American Healthcare Killed My Father” and authoring several books on the topic.3
In 2022, Sesame raised $27 million in Series B funding led by GV (formerly Google Ventures) and launched “Sesame @ Work,” an employer-focused program designed to lower healthcare costs.4, 5
The company partnered with Costco in September 2023, offering members virtual primary care visits for $29 and online mental health therapy for $79. That same year, Sesame was named a “Fierce 15” company by Fierce Healthcare.6, 7
In August 2024, Sesame introduced “Success by Sesame,” a direct-to-consumer weight loss program providing eligible patients access to compounded semaglutide, a GLP-1 medication, without retail markup.8
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sesame Care Legit?
Yes. Sesame Care is a legitimate provider of psychiatry and therapy services, as well as other telemedicine offerings. We have personally used Sesame’s platform and recommend it to those who might benefit from it.
Can Sesame Care Prescribe Controlled Substances?
No. According to Sesame Care’s website, the company does not prescribe any kind of controlled substance.
How Much Does Sesame Care Cost?
All Sesame Care doctors and providers set their own rates, so overall costs vary greatly depending on your location and your provider’s credentials. Sesame does not accept insurance of any kind, though you can download a superbill from the patient portal for out-of-network or HSA/FSA reimbursement.
How Does Sesame Care Work?
Sesame Care is a marketplace or directory of doctors and healthcare providers, including psychiatrists and therapists. If you’d like to start seeing a mental health provider through Sesame, you simply enter your current location and search for relevant professionals that service your area.
All Sesame Care doctors and providers set their own rates, so cost varies. For virtual visits, Sesame has a built-in video platform. There is also a full patient dashboard to view your records, set new appointments, and more.
Does Sesame Care Issue Refunds?
Sesame Care may issue refunds on a case-by-case basis. If you’d like to reach out to Sesame for more information about a refund, you can contact Sesame Care customer service by email at support@sesamecare.com, by phone at +1 (877) 947-6411, or by submitting a ticket through your Sesame account.
Is Sesame Care HIPAA-Compliant?
Yes. Sesame Care is a fully HIPAA-compliant platform.
How Much Is Sesame Care a Month?
Sesame Care has no required monthly fee, because most care is paid per visit. Optional subscriptions include Sesame Plus at $10.99 a month and Mental Health Rx at $79 a month (as of October 2026).
Visits start at $34, Costco members pay $29 for a virtual primary care visit and $79 for virtual therapy, and initial psychiatry consultations run $120 to $300+ depending on your market and clinician. Prices are set by individual providers, so the same service can vary widely by city.
How Much Does Sesame Care Cost for Weight Loss?
Sesame’s weight loss program, Success by Sesame, starts at $59 per month with an annual subscription. That covers the clinical program; medication costs are separate and depend on what your clinician prescribes.
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.
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CBInsights. (n.d.). Sesame company profile. CrunchBase Insights. Retrieved from: https://www.cbinsights.com/company/sesame-1
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Sesame. (n.d.). The Sesame team: We’ve quietly built a new healthcare system. Retrieved from: https://sesamecare.com/team
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Goldhill, D. (2009). How American healthcare killed my father. The Atlantic. Retrieved from: https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2009/09/how-american-health-care-killed-my-father/307617/
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Azevedo, M.A. (June, 2022). Sesame closes on $27M in funding to grow its pay-per-visit healthcare marketplace. TechCrunch. Retrieved from: https://techcrunch.com/2022/06/14/sesame-closes-on-27m-in-funding-to-grow-its-pay-per-visit-medical-care-marketplace/
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Sesame. (Nov. 2022). PR Newswire. SESAME UNVEILS “SESAME @ WORK,” THE ONLY CURE FOR THE PAIN OF HIGH-DEDUCTIBLE HEALTH PLANS. Retrieved from: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sesame-unveils-sesame–work-the-only-cure-for-the-pain-of-high-deductible-health-plans-301678565.html
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Japsen, B. (Sept. 2023). Costco Is Latest Retailer To Offer Doctor Visits Via Online Partner. Forbes. Retrieved from: https://www.forbes.com/sites/brucejapsen/2023/09/25/costco-latest-retailer-to-offer-doctor-visits-via-online-partner/?sh=365b44312ded
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Landi, H. (Jan. 2023). Fierce Healthcare’s Fierce 15 of 2023. Fierce Healthcare. Retrieved from: https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/special-reports/fierce-healthcares-fierce-15-2023
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Sesame. (n.d.). Online weight loss medication with or without insurance. Retrieved from: https://sesamecare.com/service/online-weight-loss-program
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Church, Matthew. (January 21, 2026). Talkiatry Review: Pros & Cons, Cost, & My Experience. ChoosingTherapy.com. Retrieved from: https://www.choosingtherapy.com/talkiatry-review/
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Rueger, Abigail. (December 17, 2025). Brightside Health Review: Pros & Cons, Cost, & My Experience. ChoosingTherapy.com. Retrieved from: https://www.choosingtherapy.com/brightside-health-review/
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Rueger, Abigail. (December 4, 2025). BetterHelp Review: Cost, Pros & Cons, & My Experience. ChoosingTherapy.com. Retrieved from: https://www.choosingtherapy.com/betterhelp-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: ChoosingTherapy editorial team
Medical Reviewer: Kristen Fuller, MD (No change)
Primary Changes: Added a scorecard strip with 1 CTA under the table of contents, a 3-row comparison table (Sesame Care vs. Talkiatry and Brightside Health) after the At a Glance block, and a mobile CTA bar; no review text changed (conversion template, TEAM-364 batch 1).
Author: Matthew Church, M.S. (No change)
Medical Reviewer: Kristen Fuller, MD (No change)
Primary Changes: Updated Sesame’s starting prices, Sesame Plus, Costco pricing, Trustpilot rating and the Talkiatry comparison to what each company publishes today, and added sections on Sesame promo codes, Costco, Zocdoc vs. Sesame and similar apps.
Author: ChoosingTherapy.com Editorial Team
Primary Changes: Added Frequently Asked Questions entries answering the top live People Also Ask queries, using the page’s verified facts.
Author: Matthew Church, M.S (No Change)
Medical Reviewer: Kristen Fuller, MD (No Change)
Primary Changes: Updated costs of therapy sessions, weight loss, and extra services like PCOS and menopause subscriptions; Updated information regarding the weight loss plan, Success by Sesame; Updated user reviews; Updated image captions; Updated FAQs; Fact-checked and edited entire article for readability and clarity.
Author: Matthew Church, M.S (No Change)
Medical Reviewer: Kristen Fuller, MD (No Change)
Primary Changes: Revised for clarity and accuracy: added information about the new weight loss service, including pricing; mentioned the upcoming Superbill tool; clarified cost details, including Sesame Plus, which provides discounts, and the Mental Health Rx subscription at $79 per month; and updated the News & History section and Sources.
Author: Matthew Church, M.S
Medical Reviewer: Kristen Fuller, MD
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