9 Best Online Psychiatrist Services: Cost, Medication Management, and…

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The best online psychiatrists can help people manage mental health conditions with medication. We researched the best options to try in 2024, which include Cerebral, Sesame, and Talkspace.
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A quick look at the best online psychiatry services
Best for communication options: Talkspace | Skip to review
Talkspace
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Best affordable online psychiatry: LiveHealth Online Therapy | Skip to review
LiveHealth Online Therapy
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Best for primary care collaboration: Amwell Online Therapy | Skip to review
Amwell Online Therapy
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Best for evening and weekend appointments: MDLIVE Online Therapy | Skip to review
MDLIVE Online Therapy
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Best online psychiatrist that takes Medicaid: Doctor on Demand Online Therapy | Skip to review
Doctor on Demand Online Therapy
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Best psychiatry subscription: Cerebral | Skip to review
Cerebral
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Best online psychiatry with no insurance: Sesame Care Telehealth | Skip to review
Sesame Care Telehealth
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Best psychiatry service with Crisis Care: Brightside Health | Skip to review
Brightside Health
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Best for insurance coverage: Talkiatry Online Psychiatry | Skip to review
Talkiatry Online Psychiatry
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Best online psychiatry services
Medical News Today editors have tried some of the products in this article. Reviewers may have received some products from the manufacturers for free, which does not influence their review. All opinions are their own.

Talkspace

Cost: $25 copay or less; starts at $69 per week for messaging; $99 per week for video and messaging; and $109 for video, messaging, and workshops
Services offered: talk therapy, couples therapy, individual therapy, psychiatry, teen therapy, LGBTQIA+ therapy, therapy for veterans
Therapy formats: text messaging, video chat, and audio messaging
Accepts insurance: yes
Use code “HEALTHLINE85” for $85 off.
SHOP NOW AT TALKSPACE
*Price may vary.

Talkspace offers desktop psychiatry sessions and an app for Android and iOS devices. It claims to connect a person with a licensed psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner in their state within a week.

Talkspace features include:
video, phone, and messaging appointments
help with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and more
anxiety
depression
bipolar disorder
24/7 access to psychiatrists
medication management

A person needs to fill out an online assessment before Talkspace matches them with a psychiatry provider. People will consult the same psychiatrist for each session they book unless they decide to change.

People can also access online therapy with Talkspace.

Read our brand review of Talkspace.
Read our brand review of Talkspace.

Without insurance, an initial appointment costs around $299. Follow-up appointments cost around $175.

Some insurance plans, including Aetna, Cigna, Optum, and Regence, may cover some of the cost of Talkspace appointments. People can also use a health savings account (HSA) or flexible spending account (FSA) to pay for their sessions. However, the company states that its services are unavailable through Medicare or Medicaid.

People can check their coverage on the Talkspace website, and the company provides an estimate of a person’s copay, which can be between $25 and $40.

People can also access online therapy with Talkspace.

Read our brand review of Talkspace.
Read our brand review of Talkspace.

Without insurance, an initial appointment costs around $299. Follow-up appointments cost around $175.

People can check their coverage on the Talkspace website, and the company provides an estimate of a person’s copay, which can be between $25 and $40.

“This was the first online mental health platform that I tried, other than telehealth with my traditional therapist and psychiatrist via the secure app they use (Blue Jeans).
“Sign-up was quick and easy. I felt that the survey asked the right questions about my mental health history and current status without getting long-winded or superfluous.
“The therapist I was matched with was in touch pretty quickly. I found her helpful in discussing the situation at hand (my partner’s new job transition). I will say that I got a lot of automated, copy-and-paste messages from her that I presumed she may have sent to all of her clients — things like she’d be unavailable for certain dates, etc.
“Those messages were frequent and made me feel a little bit like a number rather than her patient. But I understand if you are serving a large client or patient base that you may have to communicate in a way that is less personal.
“I also found the service to be pretty pricey, even compared to using mental health services with insurance. Paying $69 a week to message a therapist isn’t a lot, but the cost can be up to $165 a week, if not more. In using traditional, in-person mental health services with my insurance, I have paid anywhere from $50 to $185 per therapy session.
“I like that with traditional therapy you can schedule on your preferred frequency and pay as you go, such as one session every other week. With Talkspace, you do have scheduling freedom, but you will pay weekly for services. That’s not my preference (and it adds up quickly!), though it is great that you can have weekly sessions or daily messaging for when a deeper level of support is needed.
“Overall, I liked the flexibility of Talkspace, but I think because I am so used to a more traditional model, some of the features were not to my liking but could certainly work for others.”
— Christy Snyder, Healthline editor
“This was the first online mental health platform that I tried, other than telehealth with my traditional therapist and psychiatrist via the secure app they use (Blue Jeans).
“Sign-up was quick and easy. I felt that the survey asked the right questions about my mental health history and current status without getting long-winded or superfluous.
“The therapist I was matched with was in touch pretty quickly. I found her helpful in discussing the situation at hand (my partner’s new job transition). I will say that I got a lot of automated, copy-and-paste messages from her that I presumed she may have sent to all of her clients — things like she’d be unavailable for certain dates, etc.
“Those messages were frequent and made me feel a little bit like a number rather than her patient. But I understand if you are serving a large client or patient base that you may have to communicate in a way that is less personal.
“I also found the service to be pretty pricey, even compared to using mental health services with insurance. Paying $69 a week to message a therapist isn’t a lot, but the cost can be up to $165 a week, if not more. In using traditional, in-person mental health services with my insurance, I have paid anywhere from $50 to $185 per therapy session.
“I like that with traditional therapy you can schedule on your preferred frequency and pay as you go, such as one session every other week. With Talkspace, you do have scheduling freedom, but you will pay weekly for services. That’s not my preference (and it adds up quickly!), though it is great that you can have weekly sessions or daily messaging for when a deeper level of support is needed.
“Overall, I liked the flexibility of Talkspace, but I think because I am so used to a more traditional model, some of the features were not to my liking but could certainly work for others.”
— Christy Snyder, Healthline editor
offers licensed psychiatrists in all U.S. states
accepts a range of insurance
accepts HSA and FSA payments
flexible plan options
people can change their psychiatrist if necessary
expensive if insurance does not cover sessions
unavailable through Medicare or Medicaid
can take a week to match people with a psychiatrist
offers licensed psychiatrists in all U.S. states
accepts a range of insurance
accepts HSA and FSA payments
flexible plan options
people can change their psychiatrist if necessary
expensive if insurance does not cover sessions
unavailable through Medicare or Medicaid
can take a week to match people with a psychiatrist
Insurance coverage: Premera, Optum, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, and more; FSA/HSA also accepted
Privacy: HIPAA compliant and NCQA accredited
App availability: iOS and Google Play
Financial aid: discounts available for certain groups (i.e., parents, first responders, teachers, military, etc.) if you pay out of pocket
Insurance coverage: Premera, Optum, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, and more; FSA/HSA also accepted
Privacy: HIPAA compliant and NCQA accredited
App availability: iOS and Google Play
Financial aid: discounts available for certain groups (i.e., parents, first responders, teachers, military, etc.) if you pay out of pocket

LiveHealth Online Therapy

Cost: therapist: $85 per visit, psychologist: $100 per visit, psychiatrist: $185 initial valuation and $80 per follow-up visit
Services offered: therapy, psychiatry, psychology
Therapy formats: virtual
Prescribes medication: yes
Accepts insurance: yes
SHOP NOW AT LIVEHEALTH ONLINE
*Price may vary.

LiveHealth Online offers online psychiatry appointments to people over the age of 18 years. It states its doctors can treat:
stress
stress
anxiety
anxiety
depression
depression
panic attacks
panic attacks
obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
bipolar disorder (BD)
bipolar disorder (BD)
post-traumatic stress disorder (PSTD)
post-traumatic stress disorder (PSTD)

They can also help a person manage their medication. The company claims all of its psychiatrists are board certified and have completed training in online psychiatry.

Individuals can choose which doctor they would like to speak with after reading profiles about their qualifications and experience.

LiveHealth Online says people can use its services and make appointments 24/7. However, the company warns that its psychiatric services are unsuitable for those experiencing suicidal thoughts or those in a mental health crisis.
suicidal thoughts

People can create an account with LiveHealth Online for free. However, without insurance, an initial consultation costs $175. Follow-up appointments cost $75 each, which is lower than many companies and makes LiveHealth Online one of the best affordable online psychiatry options available.

Anthem and BlueCross BlueShield health plans cover LiveHealth Online appoint.

They can also help a person manage their medication. The company claims all of its psychiatrists are board certified and have completed training in online psychiatry.

Individuals can choose which doctor they would like to speak with after reading profiles about their qualifications and experience.

Anthem and BlueCross BlueShield health plans cover LiveHealth Online appoint.

psychiatrists take specific online psychiatry training
users have 24/7 access to care
lower per-session cost than other companies
accepts insurance
it is unclear how many insurance providers it accepts
LiveHealth Online cannot prescribe controlled substances
it only accepts people aged 18 and over
psychiatrists take specific online psychiatry training
users have 24/7 access to care
lower per-session cost than other companies
accepts insurance
it is unclear how many insurance providers it accepts
LiveHealth Online cannot prescribe controlled substances
it only accepts people aged 18 and over
Insurance coverage: Most Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, Anthem Blue Cross, Blue Cross and Blue Shield Georgia, Empire Blue Cross, Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield
App availability: iOS, Android
Privacy: HIPAA compliant
Insurance coverage: Most Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, Anthem Blue Cross, Blue Cross and Blue Shield Georgia, Empire Blue Cross, Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield
App availability: iOS, Android
Privacy: HIPAA compliant

Amwell Online Therapy

Services offered: therapy, psychiatry, nutrition counseling, women’s health, breastfeeding support, pediatrics
Therapy formats: video
Cost: starts at $99 for therapy; starts at $199 for psychiatry, plus $109 follow-up visits
SHOP NOW AT AMWELL
*Price may vary.

People can use Amwell’s services to access a wide range of medical care, including psychiatry, urgent care, and nutritional counseling, online.

Amwell uses board certified psychiatrists, and the company writes that they can help treat many conditions, including anxiety, depression, eating disorders, insomnia, OCD, and PTSD.
eating disorders
insomnia

The company collaborates with a person’s primary care physician. This means duplicates of tests or medication are less likely to occur, and a person can find all their treatment information in one place.

People can book and manage their appointments via desktop or the free Amwell app, available on iOS and Android.

At present, Amwell only accepts customers over 18 years old.

An initial online consultation without insurance costs $199. Follow-up appointments cost $95. Amwell only accepts insurance for urgent care appointments, which does not include psychiatry.
However, it states that many of its partner providers now cover online psychiatry, and a person can check their plan to see if they have coverage.

People can use Amwell’s services to access a wide range of medical care, including psychiatry, urgent care, and nutritional counseling, online.

People can book and manage their appointments via desktop or the free Amwell app, available on iOS and Android.

At present, Amwell only accepts customers over 18 years old.

works with a person’s primary care medical professional
a person can also use Amwell for urgent care and other health conditions
available across the entire United States
does not provide medication delivery
does not provide services to individuals under the age of 18 years
does not always accept insurance for psychiatry
a person must check their specific plan for coverage
works with a person’s primary care medical professional
a person can also use Amwell for urgent care and other health conditions
available across the entire United States
does not provide medication delivery
does not provide services to individuals under the age of 18 years
does not always accept insurance for psychiatry
a person must check their specific plan for coverage
Insurance coverage: Academic Health Plan, Aetna, Anthem, APWU, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and 40 more
Privacy: HIPAA compliant
App availability: iOS and Google Play
Insurance coverage: Academic Health Plan, Aetna, Anthem, APWU, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and 40 more
Privacy: HIPAA compliant
App availability: iOS and Google Play

MDLIVE Online Therapy

Cost: $0 to $284 per visit, depending on insurance
Services offered: therapy, psychiatry, urgent care, primary care checkups, dermatology
Therapy formats: phone, video
Accepts insurance: yes
SHOP NOW AT MDLIVE
*Price may vary.

People can speak with MDLIVE board certified psychiatrists via phone or video chat 7 days a week, including evenings and weekends. This makes the service a flexible psychiatry platform for those who work or have other commitments during the day. Appointment times will vary according to the psychiatrist’s availability.

It claims that its doctors can help with hundreds of mental health conditions and have training in providing online care. It also offers appointments for people ages 10 to 17 years, making it suitable for families and younger individuals.

To start with MDLIVE, a person must create a free account and schedule an appointment. Users can look through the directory accessible online to choose a psychiatrist.

MDLIVE psychiatrists can send prescriptions to a person’s nearest pharmacy.

Depending on a person’s insurance coverage, initial appointments for telepsychiatry services cost $0 to $284. Follow-up appointments are $0 to $108 each.

MDLIVE states it accepts Cigna, Humana, BlueCross BlueShield, Aetna, and more.

To start with MDLIVE, a person must create a free account and schedule an appointment. Users can look through the directory accessible online to choose a psychiatrist.

MDLIVE psychiatrists can send prescriptions to a person’s nearest pharmacy.

Depending on a person’s insurance coverage, initial appointments for telepsychiatry services cost $0 to $284. Follow-up appointments are $0 to $108 each.

MDLIVE states it accepts Cigna, Humana, BlueCross BlueShield, Aetna, and more.

sends prescriptions to a person’s nearest pharmacy
provides access to counselors and psychiatrists
helps with a wide range of conditions and problems
is clear on which insurance providers it accepts
the availability of evening and weekend appointments will vary by doctor
higher price point for initial consultations than other companies
sends prescriptions to a person’s nearest pharmacy
provides access to counselors and psychiatrists
helps with a wide range of conditions and problems
is clear on which insurance providers it accepts
the availability of evening and weekend appointments will vary by doctor
higher price point for initial consultations than other companies
Insurance coverage: Regence, Cigna, Humana, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Independence, AvMed, and more; HSA, FSA also accepted
Privacy: HIPAA compliant
App availability: iOS and Google Play
Insurance coverage: Regence, Cigna, Humana, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Independence, AvMed, and more; HSA, FSA also accepted
Privacy: HIPAA compliant
App availability: iOS and Google Play

Doctor on Demand Online Therapy

Cost: $79 for a 15-minute consultation with a board certified clinician; $134 for a 25-minute video chat with a psychologist; $184 for a 50-minute video chat with a psychologist; $299 for an initial 45-minute assessment for medication management with a psychiatrist with follow-up visits at $129
Services offered: therapy, psychiatry, preventive health, urgent care
Therapy formats: video appointments
Accepts insurance: yes
SHOP NOW AT DOCTOR ON DEMAND
*Price may vary.

Doctor on Demand psychiatrists are available for video calls 24/7. The company also offers American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation and language translation.

Doctor on Demand writes that its psychiatrists can screen a person for mental health conditions and treat prediagnosed conditions. They can also prescribe medications, except for controlled substances, such as benzodiazepines and stimulants.
benzodiazepines

The main features of this service include:
video appointments
prescriptions sent to pharmacies
personalized care plans
24/7 access to support

To start with Doctor On Demand, a person must complete an online mental health assessment. They can then browse the company’s psychiatrist directory and schedule a video appointment with their chosen professional.

People can book and manage appointments on the free Doctor on Demand app for iOS and Android.

Without insurance, an initial 45-minute consultation costs $299. Fifteen-minute follow-up appointments cost $129, and people can extend their calls for an additional fee.

A person’s insurance, employer, or Medicare plans may cover some or all of the appointment costs for Doctor On Demand services. Individuals need to make an account to check whether they have coverage.

Doctor on Demand psychiatrists are available for video calls 24/7. The company also offers American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation and language translation.

The main features of this service include:
video appointments
prescriptions sent to pharmacies
personalized care plans
24/7 access to support

People can book and manage appointments on the free Doctor on Demand app for iOS and Android.

Without insurance, an initial 45-minute consultation costs $299. Fifteen-minute follow-up appointments cost $129, and people can extend their calls for an additional fee.

“I signed up for psychiatry on demand via the Doctor on Demand app, which is easy to navigate and functions very well. I was able to select my provider from a grouping of five suggested psychiatrists. I chose an MD with experience to make sure I got the best care. I scheduled the appointment for a few weeks later.
“The day of the appointment, I received reminders via text and email. I went into the app ahead of what I thought was a video chat. I signed in and went into the ‘waiting room.’ The doctor came on, but it ended up being only an audio call. I would’ve much preferred (and thought I was getting) a video call.
“I did like that Doctor on Demand uses Optum Rx for prescription delivery. It was great not to have to go to the pharmacy and to receive a 90-day supply instead of 30.
“What I found out, though, is that I was prescribed the wrong dosage of one of my medications — it was literally 4 times what I told my doctor I was taking (400 mg vs. 100 mg). I didn’t know that until I received the medication and now have to make it work for the next few months by cutting the pills.
“Had I picked it up at a pharmacy, I would’ve had the opportunity to check the prescription before agreeing to pay for it and taking it home. So, that’s one issue — the doctor may have misheard me, or the pharmacy may have gotten it wrong, etc. I’m really not sure.
“I will say that I am switching back to Penn Psychiatry because I feel the sessions with them are much more secure.”

— Christy Snyder, Healthline editor
“I signed up for psychiatry on demand via the Doctor on Demand app, which is easy to navigate and functions very well. I was able to select my provider from a grouping of five suggested psychiatrists. I chose an MD with experience to make sure I got the best care. I scheduled the appointment for a few weeks later.
“The day of the appointment, I received reminders via text and email. I went into the app ahead of what I thought was a video chat. I signed in and went into the ‘waiting room.’ The doctor came on, but it ended up being only an audio call. I would’ve much preferred (and thought I was getting) a video call.
“I did like that Doctor on Demand uses Optum Rx for prescription delivery. It was great not to have to go to the pharmacy and to receive a 90-day supply instead of 30.
“What I found out, though, is that I was prescribed the wrong dosage of one of my medications — it was literally 4 times what I told my doctor I was taking (400 mg vs. 100 mg). I didn’t know that until I received the medication and now have to make it work for the next few months by cutting the pills.
“Had I picked it up at a pharmacy, I would’ve had the opportunity to check the prescription before agreeing to pay for it and taking it home. So, that’s one issue — the doctor may have misheard me, or the pharmacy may have gotten it wrong, etc. I’m really not sure.
“I will say that I am switching back to Penn Psychiatry because I feel the sessions with them are much more secure.”

— Christy Snyder, Healthline editor
offers 24/7 support
provides language translation and ASL interpretation
accepts Medicare
initial consultation fees are very expensive without insurance
people must pay for longer appointments
people must make an account to check their insurance coverage
offers 24/7 support
provides language translation and ASL interpretation
accepts Medicare
initial consultation fees are very expensive without insurance
people must pay for longer appointments
people must make an account to check their insurance coverage
Insurance coverage: covered by some insurance companies and Medicare Part B
Privacy: HIPAA compliant and NCQA accredited
App availability: iOS and Google Play
Financial aid: no
Insurance coverage: covered by some insurance companies and Medicare Part B
Privacy: HIPAA compliant and NCQA accredited
App availability: iOS and Google Play
Financial aid: no

Cerebral

Cost: up to $365 per month, depending on the plan
Services offered: coaching, coaching and medication, medication and care counseling (behavioral health counseling)
Therapy formats: virtual, one-on-one
Prescribes medication: yes
Accepts insurance: yes
Price: $49.00
SHOP NOW AT CEREBRAL
*Price may vary.
Cerebral is a company specializing in virtual appointments for mental health conditions.
This company operates a subscription service. The plans include Therapy, Therapy and Medication, and Medication.
Depending on a person’s plan, a subscription can include regular video or phone appointments with a prescribing professional and a care counselor or licensed therapist. It is important to note that some of Cerebral’s subscription plans are unavailable in certain states.
For a Medication-only plan, a person can expect to pay $99 per month. Plans that include therapy and medication management cost $365 per month. For those with insurance, the monthly cost for all plans starts at $30.
Some plans include prescription medication delivery to the client’s home at no extra cost.
Read our review of the Cerebral brand.
Read our review of the Cerebral brand.
The company accepts HSA and FSA payments and several major health insurance providers. Cerebral also bills a person’s prescription separately so they can use their insurance for medication.
However, people cannot use Cerebral if they receive support from Medicare, Medicaid, Tricare, Veterans Health Administration (VHA), or the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP).
Cerebral is a company specializing in virtual appointments for mental health conditions.
This company operates a subscription service. The plans include Therapy, Therapy and Medication, and Medication.
Depending on a person’s plan, a subscription can include regular video or phone appointments with a prescribing professional and a care counselor or licensed therapist. It is important to note that some of Cerebral’s subscription plans are unavailable in certain states.
For a Medication-only plan, a person can expect to pay $99 per month. Plans that include therapy and medication management cost $365 per month. For those with insurance, the monthly cost for all plans starts at $30.
Some plans include prescription medication delivery to the client’s home at no extra cost.
Read our review of the Cerebral brand.
Read our review of the Cerebral brand.
The company accepts HSA and FSA payments and several major health insurance providers. Cerebral also bills a person’s prescription separately so they can use their insurance for medication.
However, people cannot use Cerebral if they receive support from Medicare, Medicaid, Tricare, Veterans Health Administration (VHA), or the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP).
“Cerebral is a good fit for people looking for convenient, remote therapy options. Although some people may prefer meeting with their therapists in person, this is a great option for anyone looking for more accessible therapy without having to take extra time out of your day to commute.
“Some things I really liked about Cerebral were that it was easy to use, it gave me the option to choose between 10 different therapists, and it was easy to fit 45-minute virtual sessions into my day.
“Scheduling was also easy, as my therapist had plenty of availability. Although we usually scheduled our next sessions at the end of our conversations, I could also schedule sessions from the app or website.
“I also enjoyed working with my therapist. Because my anxiety is already under control, I was nervous that I wouldn’t have much to talk about with my therapist. However, she did a great job listening to me, understanding what motivates me, and creating a ‘treatment plan’ to guide our sessions.”

— Sydney Hanan, Associate Director
“Cerebral is a good fit for people looking for convenient, remote therapy options. Although some people may prefer meeting with their therapists in person, this is a great option for anyone looking for more accessible therapy without having to take extra time out of your day to commute.
“Some things I really liked about Cerebral were that it was easy to use, it gave me the option to choose between 10 different therapists, and it was easy to fit 45-minute virtual sessions into my day.
“Scheduling was also easy, as my therapist had plenty of availability. Although we usually scheduled our next sessions at the end of our conversations, I could also schedule sessions from the app or website.
“I also enjoyed working with my therapist. Because my anxiety is already under control, I was nervous that I wouldn’t have much to talk about with my therapist. However, she did a great job listening to me, understanding what motivates me, and creating a ‘treatment plan’ to guide our sessions.”

— Sydney Hanan, Associate Director
accepts insurance, HSA, and FSA
offers a low monthly cost with insurance
people needing regular care may benefit from the subscription model
offers medication delivery
higher price point without insurance
does not operate in some U.S. states
only treats people over 18 years old
does not accept Medicare or Medicaid
accepts insurance, HSA, and FSA
offers a low monthly cost with insurance
people needing regular care may benefit from the subscription model
offers medication delivery
higher price point without insurance
does not operate in some U.S. states
only treats people over 18 years old
does not accept Medicare or Medicaid
Insurance coverage: Anthem, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Magellan Health, United Healthcare, Optum, HSA, FSA
App availability: iOS, Android
Privacy: HIPAA compliant
Insurance coverage: Anthem, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Magellan Health, United Healthcare, Optum, HSA, FSA
App availability: iOS, Android
Privacy: HIPAA compliant

Sesame Care Telehealth

Specialties: comprehensive, mental health, dental (symptom assessment), skin care, sexual health, and others
Prescriptions: yes
Service delivery: video
Price: $49.00
Accepts insurance: no
SHOP NOW AT SESAME CARE
*Price may vary.

Sesame is an online platform that offers psychiatry, individual, and couples therapy. Sessions can take place online or in person.

The main features of this service are:
the ability to filter doctors by specialism
varied costs
same-day appointments
$5 medication in some cases

People can look at Sesame’s full directory of medical professionals and filter to find those specializing in psychiatry. People can check when a doctor is next available and a review rating.

People do not need insurance to use Sesame. At the time of publication, psychiatry appointments for new customers based in New York City, NY, cost between $46 and $112. Prescription refill appointments cost from around $35. However, these prices will vary depending on the doctor and the customer’s location.

Sesame accepts HSA and FSA payments for appointments and medication. While its providers are out of network for appointments, Sesame writes that, depending on their plans, someone may be eligible for reimbursement.

Sesame is an online platform that offers psychiatry, individual, and couples therapy. Sessions can take place online or in person.

The main features of this service are:
the ability to filter doctors by specialism
varied costs
same-day appointments
$5 medication in some cases

People can look at Sesame’s full directory of medical professionals and filter to find those specializing in psychiatry. People can check when a doctor is next available and a review rating.

same-day appointments are possible
does not require insurance
accepts FSA and HSA payments
appointments are often reportedly cheaper than a person’s copay
unavailable for emergencies
couples therapy only available to people in the same location
varying prices may not suit everyone’s budget
same-day appointments are possible
does not require insurance
accepts FSA and HSA payments
appointments are often reportedly cheaper than a person’s copay
unavailable for emergencies
couples therapy only available to people in the same location
varying prices may not suit everyone’s budget
Insurance coverage: no
Subscription required: no
Insurance coverage: no
Subscription required: no

Brightside Health

Cost: $95 to $349 per month for membership
Services offered: therapy, medication management
Therapy formats: live video and messaging
Accepts insurance: yes
SHOP NOW AT BRIGHTSIDE
*Price may vary.

Brightside Health is a telehealth company that offers psychiatry services for people with anxiety, depression, panic disorders, and suicidal thoughts, among other conditions.

Brightside works with psychiatrists who can offer medication and therapy sessions.

It says its healthcare professionals use artificial intelligence to analyze over 100 personal data points to determine the best medication options for each person. Brightside states that 70% of people respond well to their first prescribed medication and that 75% experience remission from their condition within 12 weeks.

To start with Brightside, a person must complete an assessment before speaking with a psychiatrist, and the company says people can get appointments within 24 hours.

Without insurance, the Psychiatry plan costs $95 per month, and the Psychiatry and Therapy plan costs $349 per month.

There is also a Crisis Care and Psychiatry plan. This telehealth service is for people at a higher risk of suicide, including those who have attempted suicide, currently feel suicidal, and those who need follow-up care after being in the hospital. However, it is only available in certain states. People can only pay for this service through insurance.

Brightside is open to anyone, no matter what their health insurance status. People can pay with HSA and FSA.

Brightside accepts insurance and lists Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare, Anthem, and Blue Cross Blue Shield Texas as some of its partners. However, it notes that insurance coverage can vary depending on the state.

Brightside Health is a telehealth company that offers psychiatry services for people with anxiety, depression, panic disorders, and suicidal thoughts, among other conditions.

Brightside works with psychiatrists who can offer medication and therapy sessions.

To start with Brightside, a person must complete an assessment before speaking with a psychiatrist, and the company says people can get appointments within 24 hours.

Without insurance, the Psychiatry plan costs $95 per month, and the Psychiatry and Therapy plan costs $349 per month.

Brightside is open to anyone, no matter what their health insurance status. People can pay with HSA and FSA.

appointments can be available within 24 hours
the psychiatry-only plan is affordable compared with competitors
Brightside accepts insurance
offers a Crisis Care plan for those with severe mental health conditions
the therapy and psychiatry plan is expensive
people cannot choose their psychiatrist
the Crisis Care plan is not available in all states
appointments can be available within 24 hours
the psychiatry-only plan is affordable compared with competitors
Brightside accepts insurance
offers a Crisis Care plan for those with severe mental health conditions
the therapy and psychiatry plan is expensive
people cannot choose their psychiatrist
the Crisis Care plan is not available in all states
Insurance coverage: Aetna, Anthem, United Healthcare, and more
App availability: iOS and Android
Privacy: HIPAA compliant
Financial aid: no
Insurance coverage: Aetna, Anthem, United Healthcare, and more
App availability: iOS and Android
Privacy: HIPAA compliant
Financial aid: no

Talkiatry Online Psychiatry

Cost: $25 to $414 per appointment, depending on your insurance coverage
Services offered: psychiatry, medication management
Therapy formats: virtual visits
Accepts insurance: yes
SHOP NOW AT TALKIATRY
*Price may vary.
Talkiatry is an online psychiatry platform that provides online appointments and medication management. Some of the conditions they offer therapy for include:
anxiety
depression
OCD
bipolar disorder
sleep disorders such as insomnia
PTSD
ADHD
A person must complete an online assessment and provide details on their medical history. They will then be matched with a psychiatrist based on availability and required services.
Talkiatry currently services 43 U.S. states and is compatible with numerous insurance providers. Adolescent psychiatry is available but requires parental supervision.
Talkiatry is an online psychiatry platform that provides online appointments and medication management. Some of the conditions they offer therapy for include:
anxiety
depression
OCD
bipolar disorder
sleep disorders such as insomnia
PTSD
ADHD
A person must complete an online assessment and provide details on their medical history. They will then be matched with a psychiatrist based on availability and required services.
Talkiatry currently services 43 U.S. states and is compatible with numerous insurance providers. Adolescent psychiatry is available but requires parental supervision.
“I originally started Talkiatry because I was recently diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder. I had been taking medication for depression, but the dose was pretty low, and I didn’t have a psychiatrist I talked to — it was through my doctor.
“I had recently been feeling very anxious (manifesting physical symptoms), and I thought I would need to update my dose, so I decided to speak with a psychiatrist to see if that drug could work for my anxiety as well or if I needed a new one.
“The sign-up process was pretty standard, and I was able to schedule a meeting with my psychiatrist pretty easily. I had a couple unique experiences that I’d like to share, though.
“First, I changed insurance in the new year. I was hesitant to join right before the holidays because of this, but Talkiatry sent an email to me 2 weeks before the new year that started with, ‘Has your insurance information changed?’
“I was worried my appointment would be cancelled if my insurance card didn’t come on time. Talkiatry said in its email that you need to send in the photos at least 3 days ahead of your visit. It was pretty simple to provide them with the pictures. I took pictures of the front and back, they got back to me within 2 days, and everything was set.
“Another experience I had was when I was visiting my parents out of state. I had an appointment scheduled while I was away, and I didn’t think twice before I logged on. Five minutes in, I mentioned I was with my parents, and my psychiatrist remembered they lived out of state.
“She let me know that due to regulations and New York state law, they’re not allowed to practice if their client or they are out of state, so we rescheduled. She was relaxed about it, and I learned something! But it’s definitely something to keep in mind while scheduling.
“Other things of note: If you log in to the Healow app before your appointment, it’ll take you through an intake form. It’ll ask you for information about prescription changes, any symptoms of note, and then ask you for your blood pressure, weight, height, etc.
“It was a bit surprising the first few times, then annoying, but now I know to log in a bit earlier so I can get that out of the way before starting the session.
“Messaging with your psychiatrist is pretty straightforward, and joining the calls is simple. Everything else worked like a normal therapy session.
“The medication management itself is still pretty good. She gives me a refill after each session we have that goes to my pharmacy. Any other symptoms I mention, she makes a note of them and gives me advice on how to manage them. In conjunction with consistent talk therapy, I think I definitely see a difference in how I manage my anxiety and my daily life.
“Overall, I’d give the service an 8 out of 10.”

— Sabi (she/they)
“I originally started Talkiatry because I was recently diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder. I had been taking medication for depression, but the dose was pretty low, and I didn’t have a psychiatrist I talked to — it was through my doctor.
“I had recently been feeling very anxious (manifesting physical symptoms), and I thought I would need to update my dose, so I decided to speak with a psychiatrist to see if that drug could work for my anxiety as well or if I needed a new one.
“The sign-up process was pretty standard, and I was able to schedule a meeting with my psychiatrist pretty easily. I had a couple unique experiences that I’d like to share, though.
“First, I changed insurance in the new year. I was hesitant to join right before the holidays because of this, but Talkiatry sent an email to me 2 weeks before the new year that started with, ‘Has your insurance information changed?’
“I was worried my appointment would be cancelled if my insurance card didn’t come on time. Talkiatry said in its email that you need to send in the photos at least 3 days ahead of your visit. It was pretty simple to provide them with the pictures. I took pictures of the front and back, they got back to me within 2 days, and everything was set.
“Another experience I had was when I was visiting my parents out of state. I had an appointment scheduled while I was away, and I didn’t think twice before I logged on. Five minutes in, I mentioned I was with my parents, and my psychiatrist remembered they lived out of state.
“She let me know that due to regulations and New York state law, they’re not allowed to practice if their client or they are out of state, so we rescheduled. She was relaxed about it, and I learned something! But it’s definitely something to keep in mind while scheduling.
“Other things of note: If you log in to the Healow app before your appointment, it’ll take you through an intake form. It’ll ask you for information about prescription changes, any symptoms of note, and then ask you for your blood pressure, weight, height, etc.
“It was a bit surprising the first few times, then annoying, but now I know to log in a bit earlier so I can get that out of the way before starting the session.
“Messaging with your psychiatrist is pretty straightforward, and joining the calls is simple. Everything else worked like a normal therapy session.
“The medication management itself is still pretty good. She gives me a refill after each session we have that goes to my pharmacy. Any other symptoms I mention, she makes a note of them and gives me advice on how to manage them. In conjunction with consistent talk therapy, I think I definitely see a difference in how I manage my anxiety and my daily life.
“Overall, I’d give the service an 8 out of 10.”

— Sabi (she/they)
accepts a wide range of insurance
reasonable copy with insurance coverage
over 300 psychiatrists available to choose from
some states not covered
high cost without insurance
adolescent appointments require parental supervision
accepts a wide range of insurance
reasonable copy with insurance coverage
over 300 psychiatrists available to choose from
some states not covered
high cost without insurance
adolescent appointments require parental supervision
Insurance coverage: accepts over 60 major insurance providers
Privacy: HIPAA compliant
App availability: available through third party app Healow
Insurance coverage: accepts over 60 major insurance providers
Privacy: HIPAA compliant
App availability: available through third party app Healow
Comparing the best online psychiatry services
The table below compares each of the online psychiatry services in this article. Prices reflect the cost of services without insurance coverage at the time of publication.
How we chose the best online psychiatry services
Medical News Today has independently vetted over 145 mental health products and services, including the psychiatry services in this article. We consider the quality, accessibility, and cost of each service before recommending them in a medically-reviewed article.
We chose the best online psychiatry services based on the following criteria:
Certifications: MNT only features psychiatry services that use board certified mental health professionals.
Trust: MNT includes companies that operate transparently regarding their products, services, and leadership. Also, where relevant, MNT selects companies with certifications from reputable, third-party organizations.
Business standards: MNT selects psychiatry providers that follow safe and ethical business and marketing practices.
Reputation: MNT chooses companies without warnings from governing bodies or unresolved lawsuits.
Cost: MNT chooses psychiatry services that suit a range of budgets. We also provide information on insurance coverage.
Reviews: We look at genuine reviews on trustworthy third-party websites, including the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Trustpilot, to provide accounts of customers’ real-world experiences with a service. We offer balanced reviews and highlight when services exceed or fall short of customer expectations.
Better Business Bureau (BBB)
Trustpilot
Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more about our vetting process.
Learn more about our vetting process.
What is online psychiatry?
Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in treating mental health conditions, including prescribing medication. Online psychiatrists frequently hold appointments via a video or phone call. Some may even offer messaging services.
Psychiatrists
mental health
People may wish to consider how frequently they would use psychiatry services to determine the most cost-effective plan.
Learn more about psychiatrists.
Learn more about psychiatrists.
Psychiatrists can help treat several mental health conditions, including:
including
anxiety
depression
bipolar disorder
schizophrenia
schizophrenia
OCD
addiction
addiction
eating disorders
insomnia
thoughts of suicide or self-harm
self-harm
PTSD
Some psychiatrists may also help people with long-term or terminal physical health conditions.
Psychiatrists can help individuals manage the symptoms of their conditions through medication and other forms of treatment, such as psychotherapy.
psychotherapy
Learn more about the services that online psychiatrists offer.
the services that online psychiatrists offer
If you know someone at immediate risk of self-harm, suicide, or hurting another person:
Ask the tough question: “Are you considering suicide?”
Listen to the person without judgment.
Call 911 or the local emergency number, or text TALK to 741741 to communicate with a trained crisis counselor.
Stay with the person until professional help arrives.
Try to remove any weapons, medications, or other potentially harmful objects if it’s safe to do so.
If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, a prevention hotline can help. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24 hours a day at 988. During a crisis, people who are hard of hearing can use their preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988.

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Find more links and local resources.
Find more links and local resources.
Can psychiatrists prescribe medication?
Yes, psychiatrists can prescribe medication for mental health conditions. This can include antidepressants, anti-anxiety medication, and drugs that stabilize a person’s mood.
However, depending on their state, some people may have to have an in-person psychiatry appointment before a psychiatrist can prescribe them medication.
According to the Ryan Haight Act of 2008, a psychiatrist can only prescribe a controlled substance if they conduct an in-person medical evaluation.
Ryan Haight Act of 2008
This means that online psychiatrists cannot prescribe controlled substances.
However, a psychiatrist could prescribe controlled substances if they have an agreement with someone’s primary care provider who consults with the patient in person.
How online psychiatry differs from in-person psychiatry
Online and in-person psychiatry appointments are likely to be very similar.
In the first session, the psychiatrist may:
verify the person’s identity
explain how their service works
request information on their medical history
ask about current medication
talk about the person’s expectations and goals for the sessions
discuss therapy and other treatment options
explain what to do in a mental health emergency
In later sessions, a person can discuss how their treatment affects them, whether it has improved their symptoms, and talk about how to manage side effects from medication. The psychiatrist can then amend a person’s prescription as necessary.
Online psychiatry allows individuals to communicate with a psychiatrist via video chat or phone call. Some may also offer messaging services. Online psychiatrists may benefit people who cannot see a psychiatrist in person due to their finances, location, or health.
During in-person visits, psychiatrists can perform a physical exam and measure the individual’s blood pressure, especially if they offer a medical plan. This may not be possible through online psychiatry services.
Those companies with messaging services may allow individuals to reach out to their psychiatrist more frequently than those who have in-person sessions.
Psychiatrists specialize in working in psychiatry with people with phobias, schizophrenia, and depression, among other mental health conditions.
phobias
schizophrenia
depression
According to the United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS), they can prescribe medications or recommend counseling.
National Health Service (NHS)
A therapist is a licensed doctor who can provide mental health care sessions. They can also be counselors or psychologists.
They assess people’s past and recent life events and relationships to help them work through their problems. They also find the causes holding individuals back from moving further in their lives.
How much does online psychiatry cost?
A person’s insurance coverage will affect how much psychiatry will cost.
The cost of using online psychiatry platforms can range from $30 to $365, depending on insurance coverage, location, and the psychiatrist’s qualifications. An initial consultation is often more expensive than follow-up appointments.
Most insurance companies will have a level of coverage for mental health services, including psychiatry. Some insurance providers may cover the full cost of the service, while others may only partially cover it.
In some cases, an insurance provider may cover medication costs but not the psychiatry session itself.
A person should check their insurance plan and which partners the service they want to use works with. Some online psychiatry services claim they can lower costs by not accepting insurance.
Is online psychiatry effective?
An increasing number of people are seeking and receiving video-based psychiatric consultations.
Research from 2022 suggests that telepsychiatry is a reliable and effective substitute for in-person therapeutic consultations. Studies within this work indicate that telepsychiatry and face-to-face psychiatric care have comparable clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction levels.
Research from 2022
However, there is also evidence that people communicate differently on videoconferencing calls. This may lead to ethically relevant changes in the relationship between a person and their psychiatrist and therapy results.
When to consult an online psychiatrist
The American Psychiatric Association recommends that individuals consult a therapist if they have any of the following:
American Psychiatric Association
nervousness
increased absenteeism in school or at work
mood changes
reduced interest in performing tasks
nervousness
If the symptoms interfere with the individual’s life, making it difficult to focus on work or hobbies, they may have a mental health condition.
Frequently asked questions about online psychiatry
Online psychiatry can be just as effective as in-person psychiatry, although it is typically an expensive service to use.
just as effective
Online psychiatry can be just as effective as in-person psychiatry, although it is typically an expensive service to use.
just as effective
Doctors on the Talkiatry platform may be able to prescribe someone Adderall if they think it is medically appropriate and it is legal to do so in their state without seeing the person face to face.
Talkiatry notes that there is no guarantee that a Talkiatry clinician will agree with a person’s past diagnoses or treatment plans.
Doctors on the Talkiatry platform may be able to prescribe someone Adderall if they think it is medically appropriate and it is legal to do so in their state without seeing the person face to face.
Talkiatry notes that there is no guarantee that a Talkiatry clinician will agree with a person’s past diagnoses or treatment plans.

Online psychiatrists cannot prescribe Xanax as it is a controlled substance. According to the Ryan Haight Act, a federal law, psychiatrists cannot prescribe controlled substances to people they have not met in face-to-face appointments.
Xanax
Ryan Haight Act

Although an online psychiatrist could agree to prescribe controlled substances if a person has seen their primary care provider in person and they have discussed it with the primary care provider, Talkspace says it cannot prescribe controlled substances.
Amwell cannot prescribe Xanax as it is a controlled substance.
Amwell cannot prescribe Xanax as it is a controlled substance.
Summary
Psychiatrists can diagnose and treat mental health conditions. They may prescribe medication or recommend other treatments, such as psychotherapy.
Various online companies offer virtual appointments with a licensed psychiatrist. Many of these psychiatrists can also prescribe medication.
Companies either require payment for each appointment or offer a subscription service. However, in many cases, they accept health insurance to help cover the costs of their services.

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