I used and reviewed UpLift therapy, giving them 3.5 out of 5 stars. UpLift offers virtual therapy and psychiatry services for $125 – $145 per session and accepts several insurance plans. While I liked the user-friendly platform and range of services, my personal experience was marred by no-showing therapists. If you can match with a reliable therapist, UpLift seems like a great platform for those in-network with it.
UpLift At a Glance
Cost: $125- $145 per session
Insurance Accepted? Yes
Pros & Cons of UpLift
Pros - User-friendly website and portal
- Offers both therapy and psychiatry services
- Accepts several insurance plans
Cons - Only available in 11 U.S. states
- Cash-pay costs aren’t easy to find
- Cash-pay session prices are relatively high compared to competitors
- Therapists may be unreliable, in our experience
Who Is UpLift Right For?
- Therapy-seekers looking for both therapy and psychiatry
- Individuals with insurance who need in-network providers
Preview UpLift
UpLift is a mental health platform offering virtual therapy and medication management. During our review, sessions cost between $125 and $145 cash-pay, but many insurance plans are accepted which can lower the cost considerably. Designed for individuals seeking accessible mental health services, UpLift is available in 11 US states. Based on our review and experience using its therapy services, UpLift earned 3.5 stars out of 5 stars.
When I used UpLift, I found the platform easy to navigate, and the sign-up process was smooth. However, my experience with scheduling therapy sessions was less than ideal, as my providers did not show up for multiple appointments. While customer service was helpful and responsive, the need to involve them in scheduling an available provider felt like an extra step that would turn potential clients away. It remains to be seen whether my scheduling problems were indicative of most services with UpLift since individual therapists are mostly independent operators on this platform. If you are working with a reliable provider, UpLift has the bones to be a great and highly affordable mental health platform.
One downside to UpLift is its relatively high cash-pay prices. When I used UpLift, the website said cash-pay therapy prices were $125 – $145 per session. While UpLift is still a good choice when using insurance benefits, the prices are high compared to something like BetterHelp’s $260 – $360 monthly subscription which nets you weekly sessions. Either BetterHelp or Brightside Health offers more affordable cash-pay prices than UpLift for both therapy and psychiatry.
Why You Can Trust My Review
My review of UpLift is based on my personal use of their mental health platform, as well as expertise accumulated over 10 years of practicing therapy, and personal experience finding treatment online for my mental health. I signed up for UpLift, chose a therapist, and completed onboarding, but my experience was definitely hampered by two no-shows by therapists. I will say that UpLift’s customer service was responsive and helpful, but I felt customer service never should have been necessary to handle simple scheduling problems.
Based on our quantitative multi-point scoring criteria, UpLift 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 UpLift Therapy Reviews
Full, detailed reviews can offer a lot of insight, but sometimes you just want to see quick summaries from people who have used the service. Here are our firsthand experiences with UpLift.
Allison Lieberman's Experience with UpLift
Detailed UpLift Therapy Review – What is UpLift?
UpLift Therapy provides accessible and affordable virtual therapy, with a fast sign-up process that matches you with therapists based on your mental health needs. You have the option to choose from a list of recommended providers. UpLift costs $125 – $145 per session and is in-network with several major insurance plans.
UpLift Therapy
UpLift therapy offers virtual therapy sessions, providing an accessible and affordable option for mental health care. With costs ranging from $125 to $145 per session and availability for anyone with internet access, it’s designed to simplify finding and meeting with a therapist.
UpLift makes signing up easy. The intake process took me less than five minutes, and I answered a few questions about my mental health needs and preferences. I was then shown a list of recommended therapists who specialize in my areas of concern. The platform’s design made this process simple, and I appreciated the detailed profiles of each therapist, which included their specializations, experience, and approach.
The therapist-matching process was straightforward. After reviewing the recommended therapists, I selected one who seemed to fit my needs well. UpLift Therapy offers the flexibility to switch therapists if the initial match isn’t perfect, which is a huge plus. This feature highlights the platform’s commitment to finding the right therapeutic relationship for their clients, which is an important aspect of effective therapy.
I attempted to schedule two separate therapy sessions with UpLift, but the provider did not show up either time. While customer service was responsive and helpful, it shouldn’t be necessary to involve customer service to resolve simple scheduling issues.
UpLift Psychiatry
UpLift psychiatry offers virtual psychiatric consultations, including prescription and medication management services. However, access to these services is available only through an internal referral from your UpLift therapist. Currently, the website does not provide detailed information about the costs of psychiatry sessions or allow direct engagement without a referral.
The intake process for UpLift psychiatry relies on a referral from your UpLift therapist. However, I was unable to schedule a psychiatry appointment because I couldn’t connect with a therapist in the first place. While customer service offered to help me schedule the psychiatry appointment, the platform is clearly not designed for sessions to be arranged through customer support, limiting its effectiveness.
Due to the challenges in connecting with a therapist, I was unable to proceed with a psychiatric session. This gap in coordination made it challenging to experience the full scope of UpLift’s services. Although the platform is user-friendly, the inability to independently manage therapy and psychiatry appointments highlights a significant flaw.
Overall, while UpLift psychiatry aims to offer valuable care through a coordinated therapist referral system, the lack of direct scheduling options and limited information on their psychiatry services can be a drawback. The platform’s lack of focus on confirming provider availability undercuts its intended purpose, making it less ideal for those seeking streamlined access to psychiatric care.
How Much Does UpLift Mental Health Cost?
UpLift therapy costs $125 to $145 per session and offers virtual therapy and psychiatry services, including prescription and medication management.
Details about UpLift pricing include:
- Therapy Sessions: Each therapist sets their own fee, therefore fees may vary dependent on therapist. Listed cash price is $125 – $145 per session
- Psychiatry Sessions: Available through internal referral, pricing not made public
- Insurance is accepted for therapy and psychiatry services.
- Costs are per-session, rather than a subscription
UpLift Therapy accepts a variety of insurance plans, making it easier for clients to afford their mental health care. Their insurance acceptance process is straightforward, and they work with major insurance providers to ensure broad access.
Insurance plans accepted by UpLift include:
- Aetna
- Anthem
- AmeriHealth Caritas DC
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- CareFirst
- Cigna
- Florida Blue
- Johns Hopkins Health Plans
- Kaiser MAS
- Medicare
- Optum
- United Healthcare
Who Does UpLift Therapy Serve?
UpLift Therapy primarily serves adults (18+) in 11 U.S. states, providing virtual therapy and psychiatric services for a range of mental health issues. It is ideal for those seeking convenient and affordable mental health care from the comfort of their home. UpLift Therapy addresses conditions such as anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, relationship issues, family dynamics, grief, sleep problems, burnout, and gender and sexual identity concerns.
However, UpLift Therapy isn’t suitable for children, adolescents, or individuals requiring in-person care. We’ve seen better psychiatric care online than what we’ve seen with UpLift. Talkiatry is our favorite online medication pick for those with insurance, meanwhile Brightside Health is a great choice for cash-pay psychiatry. For kids and teens, we recommend Bend Health and Teen Counseling, in addition to our best picks for online teen therapy.
UpLift therapy is available in the following U.S. states: California, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, Washington, DC.
UpLift Therapy Reviews From Users
User reviews for UpLift are limited and mixed. Positive feedback highlights the platform’s accessibility and ease of use, while negative reviews frequently mention billing issues and provider availability problems. I found a few sources for reviews, including the Better Business Bureau, and Reddit to provide an overview of customer experiences with the platform. However, with the limited number of reviews available, it’s currently difficult to get a clear picture of what most users think of UpLift.
Reviews from BBB | 1 out of 5 stars | 4 number of reviews
There are no positive reviews from the BBB. However, it’s important to remember that BBB reviews tend to heavily skew negative.
Negative reviews from the BBB include
- A client reported that UpLift failed to properly submit insurance claims for nearly ten months, leading to billing threats and the eventual departure of their therapist due to repeated errors.
- Another user mentioned receiving bills over a year and a half later for services already paid for, with demands for proof of payment.
- Some clients faced delayed billing, with one saying they were charged months after using the service, leaving them under the impression their insurance was covering sessions. The charges began automatically, contributing to their financial stress.
- Other users reported technical difficulties, such as frequently interrupted sessions and last-minute cancellations, with little support from customer service and a lack of therapist communication.
Reviews from Reddit | r/healthinsurance
Positive Experience: A Reddit user shared a positive experience with UpLift, appreciating the convenience of accessing therapy services that accept their insurance (Aetna). However, they later encountered confusing billing and out-of-network issues despite their therapist being in-network. The user expressed frustration at the unclear billing and claims process, leading to concerns about owing a significant amount.
Who May Want an Alternative to UpLift?
UpLift Therapy may not be a good fit for individuals seeking in-person care, children, adolescents, or those needing more consistent provider availability. Those who require specialized, hands-on treatment or psychiatric services without first connecting with a therapist may also find the platform limiting. Alternatives like BetterHelp, Teladoc, GrowTherapy, or local in-person therapy may be more suitable for these groups.
People Without Insurance
UpLift’s cash-pay prices are slightly higher than what you find elsewhere. For instance, BetterHelp costs $260 – $360 monthly, averaging out to $65 – $90 per session. Or, Brightside Health’s therapy program costs $299 monthly, coming in a good $25 – $45 less per session than UpLift.
Learn more in our full review of BetterHelp and our Brightside Health review.
People Seeking Direct Access to Psychiatry
UpLift’s psychiatry services are only accessible through a therapist referral, which limits options for individuals seeking immediate or stand-alone psychiatric care. Clients looking for direct access to psychiatric consultations or medication management without the need for a prior therapist session should consider alternatives.
Talkiatry is our favorite online psychiatry platform, but it only works with clients who have insurance. Brightside Health is a better alternative for cash-pay psychiatry.
Children and Adolescents
UpLift primarily serves adults (18+), which means children and teenagers will not find the services they need here. Teens, in particular, often require therapists who specialize in youth mental health issues. Platforms like Teen Counseling or Brightline would be more appropriate for adolescents, offering tailored support and expertise for younger clients.
People Seeking In-Person Therapy
UpLift Therapy only offers virtual therapy, making it unsuitable for individuals who require face-to-face interaction. In-person treatment can be essential for clients who benefit from nonverbal communication or need a more structured and controlled environment for their mental health treatment. Local in-person therapists or clinics would be better options for those who prefer or need physical presence during sessions. Grow Therapy is a mental health platform that offers in-person care in select cities.
Learn more in our full review of Grow Therapy mental health.
UpLift Vs. Competitors
UpLift might be a good choice if you live in the service area and have insurance that’s in-network. BetterHelp is one competitor worth considering for therapy on an affordable monthly subscription. Talkspace offers a variety of services with tons of insurance options. Meanwhile, Brightside Health offers great comprehensive care at one of the most affordable cash-pay prices in the industry.
Price: $125 – $145 monthly
Insurance Accepted? Yes
-
Accepts many insurance plans -
Offers both therapy and psychiatry
-
Cash-pay prices are relatively high -
Not available for kids or teens
Price: $260 – $360 monthly
Insurance Accepted? No
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Huge selection of 30k+ therapists -
Fast and convenient to use
-
Doesn’t accept insurance -
No medication management
Price: $276 – $436 monthly
Insurance Accepted? Yes
-
Many major health insurance plans are accepted -
Individual, couples, and teen therapy available
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Not much control over initial therapist choice -
Provider matching process can take a few days
Price: $95 – $349 monthly
Insurance Accepted? Yes
-
Accepts many insurance plans -
Offers affordable cash-pay options
-
Customer service takes several days to respond to requests -
Not available for kids or teens
UpLift Vs. BetterHelp
UpLift Vs. Talkspace
UpLift Vs. Brightside Health
Our Final Verdict – Is UpLift Therapy Worth it?
“Based on my experience with UpLift, it could be worth it for individuals who need quick access to therapy and are on the fence about psychiatry, especially those with insurance, given the platform’s affordability and ease of use. It’s well-suited for people seeking virtual mental health services and who prefer a streamlined platform that combines therapy and medication management.
However, UpLift is still a small company that’s only avaiable nationwide and may not be as consistent and reliable as some larger competitors. My experience with them was marred considerably by therapists missing appointments, but if you find a reliable provider, it might still be a good platform overall. UpLift’s pricing definitely favors those covered by insurance since it’s cash-pay pricing is a bit higher than competitors.
In short, UpLift works well for those seeking convenience and insurance-covered care, but others might be better served by platforms with more established systems.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is UpLift?
UpLift Therapy is a platform offering virtual therapy and psychiatric services for adults, providing convenient and affordable mental health care in 12 states. It connects clients with licensed providers for issues such as anxiety, depression, and stress.
Is UpLift Legit?
Yes, UpLift Therapy is a legitimate platform that connects clients with qualified mental health professionals and accepts major insurance plans to ensure accessible and affordable care.
How Much Does UpLift Cost?
UpLift Therapy costs between $125 and $145 per session cash-pay for therapy services; however, the price is dependent on the provider’s set price. Pricing for psychiatry services is not specified and requires a referral from an UpLift therapist. Prices are reduced for those with insurance.
Does UpLift Accept Insurance?
Yes, UpLift Therapy accepts various major insurance plans, including Aetna, Anthem, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Optum, and United Healthcare.
Can I Use My HSA/FSA for UpLift?
Yes, you can use your HSA (Health Savings Account) or FSA (Flexible Spending Account) for UpLift services. Simply enter the card details at checkout as you would with a debit or credit card. Consider reaching out to your plan first to ensure UpLift is a covered expense.
Does UpLift Accept Medicare?
Yes, UpLift Therapy accepts some forms of Medicare, including Medicare Original, UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage, Optum Medicare Advantage, and CareFirst Medicare Advantage, with plans to expand coverage.
Does UpLift Issue Refunds?
No, UpLift does not issue refunds as the services are considered provided once the session is completed. Learn more in UpLift’s Terms of Use.
What States Is UpLift Available In?
UpLift Therapy is currently available in 11 states, including California, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, and Washington, DC. They are working to expand their availability to additional states.
Is UpLift HIPAA-Compliant?
Yes, UpLift is HIPAA-compliant, ensuring that client information is protected and secure during virtual therapy and psychiatric sessions.
History & News About UpLift Therapy
- Date Founded: 2020
- Founder: Kyle Talcott
- Headquartered in: Tampa, Florida
Kyle Talcott started UpLift in 2020 to make mental health care easier by connecting therapists, doctors, and insurance companies in one system.1 Based in Tampa, UpLift Therapy offers virtual access to therapists and mental health providers who are covered by insurance. In 2023, the company raised $10.7 million, bringing its total funds to $22 million to help it grow.
UpLift has made big changes, including in November 2023, when it acquired Minded, which focuses on women’s mental health. This deal helped UpLift expand into major states like California, New York, Texas, Illinois, and Pennsylvania.2 Then, in March 2024, UpLift bought TAO Connect, a platform made for colleges and universities. This gave UpLift tools to help students manage their mental health and get access to therapy.3
With these new services, UpLift now works with over 170 businesses and more than 120 colleges across the U.S. and Canada.4 It reaches more than four million people, including two million students. By combining TAO’s digital mental health tools with its own therapy and psychiatry services, UpLift makes it easier for students to get help during and after graduation. UpLift is growing fast and is focused on making mental health care more affordable and accessible, especially for students and women who need it most.
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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About uplift. About UpLift. (n.d.). https://www.joinuplift.co/about-us
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Mental health platform uplift acquires women-focused company minded | MobiHealthNews. (n.d.). https://www.mobihealthnews.com/news/mental-health-platform-uplift-acquires-women-focused-company-minded
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Gonzales, M. (2024, March 11). Behavioral Health Provider UpLift branches out to colleges with acquisition of Tao. Behavioral Health Business. https://bhbusiness.com/2024/03/11/behavioral-health-provider-uplift-branches-out-to-colleges-with-acquisition-of-tao/
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Plescia, M. (2024, April 1). UpLift acquires higher Ed Mental Health Company. MedCity News. https://medcitynews.com/2024/03/higher-education-mental-health-acquisition/
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Additional Resources
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