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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, 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. [1]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.
| Platform | Cost | Accepts insurance | Offers a first-time discount | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $95–$349 per month | Yes | Yes | Visit Site | |
| $299 for initial visit, $175 for follow-ups | Yes | Yes | Visit Site | |
| $30 average copay per session; varies by provider | Yes | No | Visit Site | |
| Varies by provider | Yes | No | Visit Site | |
| Varies by provider | No | No | Visit Site |
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.
Brightside offers three subscription plans—one is only for medication, one is for therapy only, and one is for online therapy plus medication. If you use insurance, you will be responsible for paying any copays, coinsurance, deductibles, and prescription costs detailed by your plan, but your insurance will cover the rest as long as it considers Brightside an in-network provider.
Here are the details of each plan, with the prices reflecting the total monthly cost without using insurance:
Brightside is the most affordable online psychiatry platform on our list with plans starting at $95 per month. Every subscription includes a comprehensive initial video evaluation, personalized treatment plan, and unlimited messaging with your psychiatric provider. You can also request video follow-up appointments at any time after the initial evaluation. Brightside Health also accepts insurance, including plans with Aetna, Cigna, and United Healthcare, which may further reduce your cost. You can use its coverage checker to determine whether Brightside is in-network with your insurance. In October of 2023, the platform announced that it would begin accepting Medicare and Medicaid.
Brightside’s psychiatric providers include psychiatrists, doctors, and psychiatric nurse practitioners. When you register, Brightside will assign you a provider who is licensed to practice in your state. You are matched with your provider based on your responses to the initial questionnaire and your specific needs. All providers have access to Brightfinder, a unique technology that recommends the most suitable medication to address your symptoms based on your overall mental health history. If your psychiatric provider determines that medication is right for you, your cost for medication will be $15 or your pharmacy copay if using insurance. Brightside prescribes a 30-day supply of generic versions of anxiety and depression medications. Brightside can ship your medication to your door or send it to your local pharmacy for pickup for no additional charge. Brightside lists some of its most commonly prescribed medications on its website. Its providers do not prescribe controlled substances, such as alprazolam (generic Xanax), clonazepam (generic Klonopin), or lorazepam (generic Ativan). Your provider will follow up with you as they deem necessary, as it depends on whether you’ve been on the medication before, how you’re feeling on the medication, and how you’re tolerating potential side effects. Since your subscription includes unlimited video follow-up appointments, you can request an appointment to talk about your treatment plan at any time. Brightside may be able to help individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), Bipolar II, phobias, and Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Brightside is not meant to treat individuals with substance use disorders, eating disorders, Borderline Personality Disorder, ADHD, Bipolar I, schizophrenia, or those with a risk of self-harm.
You can get in touch with Brightside customer service via:
When our Reviews Team contacted support over email, we received a reply within one business day.
Brightside accepts Visa and Mastercard, as well as FSA and HSA cards. You will be billed monthly on the day you registered for your plan. You can cancel at any time. Brightside determines whether users are eligible for refunds on a case-by-case basis. Brightside accepts insurance from Cigna, Aetna, United Healthcare, and certain regional insurance carriers. Use its coverage checker or call your insurance carrier to verify coverage. If you don’t use insurance, you can enter the code “NCOA60” at checkout for a $60 discount on your first month.
Brightside is not accredited with the BBB. To be accredited, a business must apply for accreditation and meet BBB accreditation standards, which include making a good-faith effort to resolve any consumer complaints. As of December 2023, Brightside has responded to 45 customer complaints in the last 12 months. It has an A- rating overall, with 1.29 out of 5 stars based on 28 reviews. On Trustpilot, Brightside Health has 1.5 out of 5 stars based on 82 reviews, a “Bad” rating. These low review scores may not accurately reflect the experience of a majority of customers. Positive reviews mention good experiences with individual providers and a good experience with the medication-only plan. The negative reviews for Brightside mention problems with certain providers canceling or not showing up for appointments and issues with how the service was billed through their insurance. Our Reviews Team contacted Brightside directly to ask how the company responds to customer complaints and negative online reviews. Brightside stated that they “welcome feedback across these platforms and also encourage our clinicians and members to share feedback with us directly. We take all online reviews of our company very seriously and address each one individually—as well as seek out any patterns to improve our processes. While we strive to offer the highest quality care and experience, we recognize there is always room for improvement.”
Zocdoc accepts insurance, and most providers also accept Medicare and Medicaid. If you aren’t sure they’ll take your plan, you can use the platform’s insurance checker, making it our pick for “Best for Using Insurance.”
Zocdoc does not offer subscriptions.
Zocdoc makes it easy to find online psychiatrists who accept your insurance, including Medicare and Medicaid. According to Healthcare.gov, using in-network providers will save you the most money on your health care, especially for specialty services like psychiatry. [2] HealthCare.gov. Why health insurance is important. Found on the internet at https://www.healthcare.gov/why-coverage-is-important/pay-less-before-meeting-deductible/ Whenever you search for a provider on Zocdoc, your search results will prioritize those in-network options.
If you don’t know your exact insurance plan name, you can upload a photo of your insurance card to the Zocdoc insurance checker. Once it scans your card, it will help you understand your benefits and what’s covered under your plan.
As you narrow down your options, you can also look for psychiatrists available at certain dates and times that work with your schedule, including appointments before 10 a.m. and after 5 p.m. If you need specialty care, you can narrow your search by filtering for providers who specialize in certain conditions, such as anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, and panic attacks. You can also search for the type of psychiatric provider you want, whether that’s a psychiatrist, nurse practitioner, physician assistant, or adult psychiatric and mental health nurse practitioner. Finding the right mental health professional for your needs is very important to the success of your treatment.
As you view your Zocdoc search results, you will be able to see details such as whether the psychiatrist is accepting new patient appointments, their appointment slots for the next two weeks, and their average patient rating. You can read each individual review, too. If you see a label on a provider’s profile that says “Loyal patients,” that provider has at least four patients who have monthly recurring visits with them.
To get help with your appointments or more information about Zocdoc, you can do so via:
When our Reviews Team called this number, we were connected within a minute to a helpful customer service representative.
If you submit a customer support ticket or send an email to service@zocdoc.com, you can expect a response within 24 hours.
All billing is done through your selected psychiatrist’s office. After scheduling your appointment on Zocdoc, expect an email or phone call within one to two business days to confirm your appointment and get your payment information. Your payment options will be limited to what your provider’s office accepts.
Zocdoc is a full-service telemedicine platform, so its reviews refer to mental health services as well as services such as urgent care and dermatology visits.
Zocdoc is an A+ accredited business with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). It has a score of 4.76 out of 5 stars based on more than 1,600 reviews. On Trustpilot, Zocdoc is rated “Excellent,” with 4.6 out of 5 stars and more than 9,000 reviews.
Positive reviews mention the ease and efficiency of finding in-network psychiatrists and scheduling appointments. Negative reviews cite problems with Zocdoc overbooking appointment slots.
Sesame doesn’t accept insurance, so the pricing is straightforward, and you know what you’ll be paying from the start. And with a Sesame Plus membership, users can get more savings and free lab work every year.
For $99 per year or $10.99 per month, you can join Sesame Plus to save on all of your telehealth visits. With this membership, you will receive:
Similar to Zocdoc, Sesame is a telehealth platform that offers a variety of virtual health care services that include psychiatry. Although the platform doesn’t accept insurance, it offers some benefits that Zocdoc doesn’t, including upfront pricing.
To find a psychiatric provider on Sesame, you can either use the menu on the left-hand side of the home screen or use the search bar at the top of the screen. In the search bar, you can enter your symptoms, the type of care you’re looking for, or the name of any medication you need a prescription or refill for. The left-hand menu also lets you search by common life situations like, “I am traveling,” “I just moved,” or “My job status has changed.”
If you’re a new patient to Sesame, your psychiatric provider may want to meet with you after 30 days on the medication and before they authorize your next refill. These types of visits may be more affordable with a Sesame Plus membership, which gives you $10 off of every telehealth visit. A Sesame Plus membership costs $99 per year or $10.99 per month. The price you pay for Sesame Plus does not include the cost of medication.
If you need to contact customer service, you can reach them via:
Sesame accepts Visa, Discover, Mastercard, and American Express credit cards, as well as HSA and FSA cards.
While Sesame does not accept insurance, you can submit your Sesame Care bill of services to your insurance for possible reimbursement. The exact amount of reimbursement will depend on your out-of-network insurance benefits.
Since Sesame is a telemedicine platform that offers services such as online therapy, dermatology, dentistry, primary care doctors, and prescription refills, its reviews cover more than online psychiatry and medication management services alone.
Sesame has a B+ rating on BBB and is not accredited. It has 3.84 out of 5 stars based on 90 reviews. On Trustpilot, Sesame has 4.3 out of 5 stars, with more than 1,200 reviews.
Positive reviews mention great experiences with providers, quick and helpful customer service, easy-to-navigate technology, and affordable pricing. Negative reviews cite some providers not showing up for appointments or acting unprofessional. They also mention problems with billing.
You can learn more by reading our Reviews Team’s full Sesame review.
Online psychiatrists offer the same care as in-person psychiatrists, aside from physical evaluations. According to the American Psychiatric Association, online psychiatrists can:
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.
Some Medicaid programs cover telemedicine, but coverage varies by state. [3]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. [4]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. [5]Medicare.gov. Telehealth. Found on the internet at https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/telehealth You 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.
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.
To make online psychiatry as affordable as possible, consider following one of these three tips:
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
We also consulted with independent mental health professionals for their insights into the benefits and drawbacks of online psychiatry to aid our reviews.
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 try telepsychiatry, our Reviews Team’s top recommendations are Brightside, Talkspace, Talkiatry, Zocdoc, and Sesame.
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.
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.
Most online therapy platforms allow you to easily switch providers if you are unhappy with the online psychiatrist you are first matched with. The process of switching to another online psychiatrist will depend on the platform you choose. For example, if you wish to switch to a different provider from Brightside, you will log in to your Brightside account and contact the customer support team directly to request a change.
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.
Talkiatry and Talkspace both offer medication management and therapy options. Talkiatry requires you to have insurance and payment per session, but at Talkspace, multiple sessions can be purchased without insurance.
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.
Have questions about this review? Email us at reviewsteam@ncoa.org.
