Brightside is our Reviews Team’s pick for “Most Affordable” because of its comprehensive psychiatric care and flat fee of $15 for medications. The platform accepts insurance, including Medicare and Medicaid, which can help users save money.
5 Best Online Psychiatrist Options of 2024 | Tested & Reviewed
Key Takeaways
- Brightside offers affordable psychiatry and medication management, making it our top pick.
- Online psychiatry sessions can cost as little as $30 with insurance, or $75–$300 without it.
- Among patients who used telepsychiatry for the first time during the pandemic, including online and phone services, 50% stated they prefer to continue with telepsychiatry moving forward.
- Online psychiatrists can diagnose and treat many mental health conditions and prescribe medication.
Online therapy websites can provide a convenient way to access mental health care for a variety of conditions, including anxiety and depression, among others. But when talk therapy isn’t enough to address your symptoms, your therapist or primary care doctor may recommend seeing a psychiatrist for a more specialized treatment plan. Several of the best online therapy websites also offer online psychiatry. Whether you live in a remote area with a lack of psychiatrists nearby, or simply prefer communicating virtually instead of in person, we know the best online psychiatry platform can meet your needs right where you are. The American Psychiatric Association notes that online psychiatry can be a convenient and accessible option for getting a mental health evaluation, diagnosis, and organized treatment plan, including possible medication.American Psychiatric Association. What is Telepsychiatry? Found on the internet at https://psychiatry.org/patients-families/telepsychiatry
Our Reviews Team mystery shopped and researched several of the top providers and found Brightside, Talkspace,Talkiatry, Zocdoc, and Sesame to be the best online psychiatry options for 2024.
Our top online psychiatrist picks of 2024
- Brightside: Most Affordable Online Psychiatrist
- Talkspace: Best Online Psychiatrist for Accessibility
- Talkiatry: Best Online Psychiatrist for Personalized Care
- Zocdoc: Best Online Psychiatrist for Using Insurance
- Sesame: Best Online Psychiatrist for Prescriptions Without Insurance
Table 1, Compare the best online psychiatry platforms of July 2024
Cost | $95–$349 per month | $299 for initial visit, $175 for follow-ups | $30 average copay per session; varies by provider | Varies by provider | Varies by provider |
Accepts insurance | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
Offers a first-time discount | Yes | Yes | No | No | No |
Best online psychiatry platforms
What is online psychiatry?
Online psychiatry, or telepsychiatry, aims to mimic in-person psychiatry by meeting the same needs for mental health treatment in a more accessible way. Telehealth uses video, messaging, or audio formats to meet with patients online through a web browser or app. Whether they’re online or in person, psychiatrists can diagnose and treat mental health conditions by prescribing and managing medications. In the case of telepsychiatry, some platforms may deliver prescription medications to a patient’s home while others deliver to the patient’s preferred pharmacy.
Online psychiatrists may not be able to prescribe mental health medications that are classified as controlled substances. However, some platforms are authorized to prescribe from a limited list of controlled mental health medications, like stimulants for ADHD.
Telepsychiatry can help fill the gaps in mental health treatment In the United States, where health care worker shortages exist in counties in every state. Often called mental health deserts, the Health Resources and Services Administration, or HRSA, has identified shortages where the mental health needs of the population cannot be met, meaning there are no providers within a reasonable driving distance, existing providers have no availability for new patients, or the available services are not affordable. In rural areas, these shortages are more pronounced, and the HRSA has identified 3,426 rural areas with mental health care provider shortages in the United States.
Telepsychiatry can help fill those gaps, allowing individuals without adequate access to psychiatry to meet with a provider online. In addition to addressing shortages, online psychiatry is a good option for those who struggle with in-person visits or need the scheduling flexibility that online mental health treatment can provide. In some cases, underinsured or uninsured patients will find online psychiatry options to be more affordable than what is available in person.
How does online psychiatry work?
Online psychiatrists offer the same care as in-person psychiatrists, aside from physical evaluations. According to the American Psychiatric Association, online psychiatrists can:
- Evaluate you for mental health conditions
- Diagnose you with issues such as depression or anxiety
- Formulate a treatment plan
- Perform therapy, where they counsel you through your problems and issues
- Educate you on skills or tools that can help you manage your condition
- Provide medication management, including mental health medication if it is deemed safe and appropriate
When you see an online psychiatrist, most platforms require that you have a videoconference with them using your computer or smartphone. With Sesame and Brightside, you will log in to their platforms for your visit. With Zocdoc, your provider may choose to use the Zocdoc platform or a third-party tool like Zoom.
Do Medicare and Medicaid cover online psychiatry?
Some Medicaid programs cover telemedicine, but coverage varies by state. Medicaid.gov. Telemedicine. Found on the internet at https://www.medicaid.gov/medicaid/benefits/telemedicine/index.html You can use the Medicaid website to check your state profile and see if you’re eligible for Medicaid and if it covers telemedicine, which includes online behavioral health services like telepsychiatry.Medicaid.gov. State Profiles. Found on the internet at https://www.medicaid.gov/state-overviews/state-profiles/index.html
Original Medicare, also called Medicare Part B, covers telehealth visits, including psychiatric evaluations and medication management. Medicare.gov. Telehealth. Found on the internet at https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/telehealthYou will first need to meet the Part B deductible and then pay 20% of the Medicare-approved cost for telehealth service. If you want to use Medicare to pay for an online psychiatrist or psychiatry platform, always check with your Medicare program to confirm your final costs.
Does insurance cover online psychiatry?
Some online psychiatry platforms accept health insurance, and some don’t. For example, Brightside, Talkiatry, and Zocdoc accept insurance, but Sesame doesn’t. Even if the platform does accept insurance, it may not be in-network with your provider. If you plan on using insurance, check with your insurance carrier to verify coverage before you schedule an appointment with an online psychiatrist.
How to find an affordable online psychiatrist
To make online psychiatry as affordable as possible, consider following one of these three tips:
- Use your insurance benefits. Choosing an online psychiatry platform or provider who is in-network with your insurance can save you the most money, since you will only be responsible for paying the copays, coinsurance, and deductibles your plan requires. Brightside is in-network with a variety of insurance plans, and Zocdoc can help you find a provider who works with your specific insurance plan, as well as Medicare and Medicaid.
- Find a psychiatrist or online psychiatry platform within your budget. Before deciding on a telepsychiatrist, look at your monthly budget to see how much you can afford for online psychiatry and potential medication. Brightside offers the most affordable psychiatry services, starting at $95 per month without using insurance. Your exact cost with insurance will depend on the details of your insurance plan.
- Look for low-cost prescription refill services. If you’ve been prescribed mental health medication before, Sesame may be your best option for online prescription renewals and refills. Participating Sesame providers can send prescriptions to your local pharmacy.
Is online psychiatry effective?
There is evidence that online psychiatry is just as effective as in-person treatment. According to the APA, both online therapy and online psychiatry can be an effective way to receive care while also increasing access to treatment.
A 2020 review of 14 studies looked at the efficacy of telepsychiatry in the treatment of major depressive disorder, with a majority of the studies finding telepsychiatry to be as effective or more effective than in-person treatment. Participants in these studies also reported no difference in satisfaction between online and in-person treatment or greater satisfaction with telepsychiatry.
Variables—like the mental health condition being treated, the number and frequency of sessions, and the relationship that develops between a patient and the psychiatrist—can also dictate the efficacy of online psychiatry.
Pros of online psychiatry
- Improved accessibility
- Options for scheduling appointments with your preferred method of communication (video, audio, or chat)
- Eliminates commute times to and from the psychiatrist’s office
- Greater pool of psychiatrists from which to choose
Cons of online psychiatry
- May pose technical difficulties, especially for people who aren’t experienced with technology
- Not appropriate for those who are newly diagnosed with depression, those with serious mental illness, or people with certain behavioral symptoms
- Not an option for people in crisis or at risk of self-harm
Who should use online psychiatry?
As an accessible option offering flexible mental health treatment, online psychiatry is a great fit for many people with mental health conditions. The online treatment format works well for people with busy schedules or limited access to mental health care where they live. Uninsured or underinsured patients may find telehealth more affordable than in-person options in their area.
Telepsychiatry is typically a good treatment option for depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and post traumatic stress disorder. Online care for ADHD is more limited since not all platforms are authorized to prescribe stimulants.
More severe mental health conditions requiring intensive or crisis-focused care, including addiction, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and suicidal ideation, are better treated with in-person psychiatry.
How to choose an online psychiatrist
Choosing an online psychiatrist requires careful consideration to ensure you find the right fit for your mental health needs.
Here are some key factors to consider when choosing an online psychiatrist:
- Licensing: Ensure the psychiatrist you’re considering is licensed to practice in your state or country. Look for a medical license, board certification in psychiatry, and other accreditations to ensure they have the necessary qualifications and follow professional standards.
- Availability: Determine if the psychiatrist offers flexible appointment times that accommodate your schedule. Additionally, consider the platform or software they use for online sessions and ensure it’s user-friendly and secure.
- Reviews: Gauge the psychiatrist’s reputation and effectiveness by reading reviews and testimonials from past clients. Recommendations from family, friends, or health care professionals can also guide your decision.
- Cost and insurance coverage: Understand the cost of sessions and whether the psychiatrist accepts your insurance, if applicable. Some online psychiatrists may offer sliding scale fees or other financial assistance options. Clarify their platform’s payment methods and cancellation policies to avoid billing surprises.
- Specialization: Some psychiatrists specialize in areas such as depression, anxiety, trauma, or substance abuse. Look for someone with relevant experience and expertise in your specific concerns.
Do online psychiatrists prescribe medication?
Online psychiatrists licensed in your state can diagnose mental health conditions—including depression, bipolar disorder, and anxiety—and prescribe medications for treatment. There are restrictions for online prescriptions in some states. It can be helpful to check with your state medical board to learn more about online prescription requirements and restrictions.
Types of medication online psychiatrists prescribe
Common medications prescribed through online psychiatry platforms include SSRIs, anti-anxiety medications, and mood stabilizers.
Most online psychiatrists cannot prescribe controlled substances such as Xanax or Adderall. The Drug Enforcement Administration strictly regulates controlled substances because of their potential for abuse.
The process of getting medication from an online psychiatrist
To get an online prescription, you must first have an initial telehealth consultation with a psychiatric provider. You can have this first session as soon as you complete the sign-up and scheduling with your respective platform. Just like during an in-person visit, providers will only prescribe medication if it is deemed safe and appropriate for you.
If you’re prescribed medication, the online psychiatrist or psychiatry platform you choose will determine how you receive your prescriptions. They will either mail it to you directly or send it to your local pharmacy for fulfillment so you can pick it up in person.
What is the difference between a psychiatrist, psychologist, and therapist?
While these titles are often confused, the biggest difference between psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists is that psychiatrists can prescribe medication. That’s because these professionals are doctors with medical degrees and have at least 12 years of post-secondary education and training, according to the American Psychiatric Association. They tend to focus on the kind of mental health conditions that require a more involved treatment plan.
Psychologists have a doctoral degree and must complete both national and state exams following at least a year in supervised practice to become licensed. These professionals, which include licensed clinical social workers, licensed mental health counselors, and licensed marriage and family therapists, offer therapy and treatments designed to address mental health issues, according to the American Psychological Association. In certain states, psychologists who have specialized training may also prescribe medications.
Like psychologists, therapists are licensed professionals who use therapy to treat mental health conditions. Before becoming licensed to practice, they must earn a master’s degree and complete supervision training.
How to prepare for your first meeting with an online psychiatrist
Before your first session with an online psychiatrist, ensure that you have a quiet, private place to sit and that all of your equipment, such as your camera, microphone, and internet connection, are in working order. Make a list of questions you have for your psychiatrist, as well as any topics you’d like to discuss, including your goals for your treatment. It may also be helpful to track potential triggers and emotions you’re experiencing so that you can share them with your psychiatrist. If you’ve taken or are currently taking medications, add that to your list as well.
Keep a pen and notebook close by so that you can take notes about any homework your psychiatrist may assign between sessions. Remember to be honest and open about what you’re feeling, and don’t expect improvement overnight. Your treatment is a process that takes time, so make an effort to stick with it.
How we chose the best online psychiatry platforms
Based on our independent research and consultations with mental health experts, our Reviews Team determined the following factors to be important when looking for online psychiatry:
- Overall cost
- Total value of the proposed services
- Whether it accepts insurance
- Potential discounts or financial aid
- Transparent billing practices
- Whether the technology is easy to use
- Whether you can filter therapists or psychiatrists by preferences or specialties
- Ease of scheduling appointments
- Accessibility across different ZIP codes
- Reliability of customer service
- Ability to switch providers
We also consulted with independent mental health professionals for their insights into the benefits and drawbacks of online psychiatry to aid our reviews.
Bottom line
Psychiatrists are mental health professionals who perform mental health evaluations, make diagnoses, and formulate treatment plans, including prescribing medication if it’s safe and appropriate for you. Online psychiatry can be an affordable and convenient alternative to in-person psychiatry, especially if you do not live close to a provider or don’t have the time to commit to in-person appointments. If you want to find the best online psychiatrist for you, our Reviews Team’s top recommendations are Brightside, Talkspace, Talkiatry, Zocdoc, and Sesame.
What to do if you are in crisis
Online therapy is not right for those in crisis. Anyone experiencing thoughts of suicide or self-harm should call the 988 Suicide Prevention Lifeline or 1-800-662-HELP (4357) for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSA) National Helpline to connect to more immediate help and then get connected to local mental health services.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, online psychiatry can be just as effective as in-person psychiatry for mental health care. The effectiveness of online psychiatry depends on several factors, including the condition being treated, the frequency of sessions, and the quality of the patient-psychiatrist relationship. One advantage of online psychiatry is its convenience, allowing patients to access care from the comfort of their homes. Additionally, online platforms often provide greater accessibility at a lower price point, which may allow users to have an easier time keeping up with appointments.
No. At this time, Talkspace doesn’t prescribe sedatives, including Xanax, Valium, or Klonopin.
Based on our research, Talkiatry is a good place to receive online psychiatric care for ADHD. In fact, Talkiatry specializes in ADHD, as well as anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, OCD, insomnia, and PTSD.
Psychologists, psychiatrists, and therapists are all health care professionals trained and certified to treat mental health conditions, but there are distinct differences between their roles. A therapist can provide treatment through the use of talk therapy, and they may be a licensed clinical social worker, a licensed professional counselor, or a licensed mental health counselor with a master’s level education. Some therapists are psychologists, who have a doctorate level education, and they can both diagnose mental health conditions and treat them using psychotherapy. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who can diagnose mental health conditions and prescribe medication for treatment. Psychiatrists do not offer therapy services, but may recommend them as part of a treatment plan.
Online psychiatrists can prescribe medications if they diagnose you with a mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder. Keep in mind that some states have restrictions for online prescriptions, so it’s a good idea to check with your state’s medical board to learn more about online prescription requirements.
Whether or not you need a referral to see an online psychiatrist depends on the platform you choose, your location, and your insurance coverage. Many online platforms offer direct access to psychiatrists and therapists without requiring a referral from a primary care physician or another health care provider. For example, you do not need a referral to see a psychiatrist on Talkspace, Brightside, and Sesame, but Zocdoc and Talkiatry may ask for a referring physician in some cases.
Referral requirements may vary, so check with the platform directly or review their policies to confirm whether a referral is necessary.
Online psychiatrists are medical doctors, which means they have the experience and authority necessary to diagnose mental health conditions. According to the American Psychiatry Association, in-person psychiatry and telepsychiatry have similar rates of diagnostic accuracy.
Online psychiatrists can subscribe to many anxiety medications, but most online psychiatry services do not offer prescriptions for controlled substances because of FDA regulations.
Have questions about this review? Email us at reviewsteam@ncoa.org.
Sources
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