Online mental health services have surged in popularity over the last few years, making mental health care more accessible than ever for people who have struggled to find in-person care. With telepsychiatry, patients can speak with a licensed psychiatrist who can evaluate, diagnose, and prescribe medications without the individual ever having to leave their home.
Finding the best online psychiatric services is only one piece of the puzzle; how much they cost is another critical component. Choosing an online platform that accepts your insurance can significantly reduce the costs, with many individuals paying co-pays as little as $0 to $50 per session.
“With the rising costs in healthcare and the increasing need for mental health support, being able to access a provider who accepts your insurance is valuable. Insurance coverage doesn’t always completely cover the cost of therapy but allows individuals to pay less for sessions. As a result, they may be able to access more frequent sessions to meet their needs for ongoing support.”
Rychel Johnson, MS, LCPC, Fortune Recommends Mental Health Advisor
We understand that navigating the healthcare and insurance systems can sometimes feel like it requires an advanced degree. That’s why our team set off to test an extensive set of telepsychiatry platforms so we could provide an easy-to-understand list of online psychiatry services that provide high-quality care while also widely accepting insurance plans as a form of payment.
Editor’s pick online psychiatrist that takes insurance
Brightside’s comprehensive mental health platform offers convenient, affordable psychiatry and therapy services. In addition to accepting many major commercial insurance companies, Brightside extends its care to the Medicare and Medicaid populations. Moreover, its cutting-edge prescribing tool brings more precision to medication management.
Our picks for the best online psychiatrist platforms that take insurance
- Best for anxiety: Brightside Health
- Best for depression: Talkspace
- Most comprehensive: Talkiatry
- Best for bipolar disorder: LiveHealth Online
- Best for PTSD: Doctor on Demand
- Best for substance use: Mindful Care
- Best for teens: Thriveworks
Compare online psychiatrists that take insurance
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| Brightside Health | Talkspace | Talkiatry | LiveHealth Online | Doctor on Demand | Mindful Care | Thriveworks | |
| Rating | |||||||
| Cost | $95+/month | $175-$299 | Varies | $80-$185 | $129-$299 | Varies | $150-$199 |
| Session type | Live video, messaging | Live video, audio, chat, messaging | Live video, messaging | Live video | Live video | Virtual, in-person | Video, phone, in-person |
| Subscription | Yes | Yes | Live video, messaging | No | No | No | No |
Best online psychiatrist that takes insurance for anxiety: Brightside Health
Key product features
What you should know
Brightside’s online telehealth platform offers nationwide psychiatry and therapy services provided by hand-selected, highly-qualified mental health providers. It uses a monthly subscription model that allows you to meet with your psychiatrist virtually to discuss medication management, with appointments available as soon as 24 hours.
- Psychiatrists employed by Brightside can prescribe more than 30 different medications, excluding controlled substances.
- While Brightside accepts many insurance plans, you can pay out of pocket for psychiatry services, starting at $95 monthly.
- The licensed mental health providers hired by Brightside can care for individuals experiencing a wide range of mental health concerns, including generalized anxiety, social anxiety, panic disorder, and OCD.
- The AI-powered prescribing tool helps pair you with the best medication and dosage.
Why we like Brightside Health as best for anxiety
Brightside Health’s network of experienced, licensed mental health providers offers personalized psychiatry and therapy services to help treat individuals experiencing a range of mental health conditions, including psychiatrists who specialize in anxiety disorders. Its unique medication prescribing model skips the guessing game and provides a more precise method for finding the proper medication and dosage combination for each individual.
Considering that over 30% of adults in the U.S. experience some form of anxiety at some time in their lives, having access to effective treatment is critical. ( 1 ) Brightside’s rigorous hiring process ensures you’re matched with highly credentialed licensed mental health professionals who specialize in treating patients with mild to severe anxiety symptoms.
With several plan options, Brightside accommodates the level of care each individual needs. Users can choose a psychiatry-only plan for medication management or add weekly sessions with a therapist. The therapists approach care using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) as a proven treatment model for anxiety. ( 2 )
Brightside also takes a unique approach to prescribing medications. With many different types of anxiety medications and multiple factors that impact their effectiveness, it can often be challenging to find the right solution. Instead of undergoing a lengthy trial-and-error process to see what works, Brightside developed an AI prescribing tool, PrecisionRx. It evaluates over 1,000 medication and dosage combinations to help providers predict the most tolerable and effective protocol.
The telehealth platform works with a vast network of commercial insurance plans, including Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, Allegiance, and more. Beyond that, Brightside also accepts Medicare and Medicaid in select areas. There is a known lack of behavioral health providers that offer services to enrollees in those programs. ( 3 ) We appreciate that Brightside is helping close that gap in care to ensure the older adult population and those with low income have access to care, making it one of the most affordable online therapy platforms .
During our review, we found engaging in Brightside’s therapy services seamless. You can participate on your desktop or download the app on your mobile device. The user-friendly interface makes scheduling appointments, refilling prescriptions, and engaging in self-paced lessons easy.
The sign-up process was the only sticky point. You must complete Brightside’s full assessment before checking your insurance eligibility, which can create a longer enrollment process.
What customers are saying
Overall, users describe Brightside’s mental health professionals as caring, understanding, and compassionate. Many described the prescription process as easy and quick for receiving their medications.
“My husband found the Brightside app, and we were able to schedule a Zoom appointment within 36 hours. I provided a detailed history via the app before the appointment, which made the appointment much smoother. The gentleman my family member spoke to was calm, kind, and non-judgmental and agreed with our therapist’s recommendation. Within three hours, we had the medication in hand. “
“Mama Bear,” Trustpilot review
Reddit reviewer “North_Regular 1976” is new to the platform and shares their first-hand experience: “I had my first appointment with a Brightside psychiatrist today, and I was shocked at how smooth things went. He was extremely compassionate, understanding, and straightforward. My prescriptions were sent to the pharmacy while we were on video chat and are ready for pickup. It was a 10/10 experience.”
Unfortunately, the negative reviewers on Trustpilot and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) outweigh the positive ones. Most praise the care they received from their psychiatrists and therapists, but they had issues with billing that complicated their overall experience.
For example, Ali L describes their billing issues in their BBB review: “I signed up with a $40 out-of-pocket cost for sessions with a provider. Despite talking with the billing department, I was charged an additional $40 because my out-of-pocket cost is actually $80, which I never would have agreed to had I known this upfront. “
Specs
| Cost | Insurance co-pay or $95 monthly out-of-pocket |
| Insurances accepted | Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, Allegiance, Anthem, and more |
| Session type | Video, messaging |
| Ages | 13+ years old |
| Treatment options | Psychiatry, therapy |
| Platform | Online, mobile app |
Best online psychiatrist that takes insurance for depression: Talkspace
Key product features
What you should know
Talkspace’s nationwide network of licensed mental health providers offers high-quality mental health services, including psychiatry and therapy. Many of the psychiatrists specialize in diagnosing and treating depression, with services covered by most major insurance plans and Medicare in some areas.
- Individuals can easily manage their mental health medications through Talkspace’s online platform or mobile app.
- The average insurance co-pay for Talkspace’s psychiatric services is $30 per visit.
- While Medicare coverage is offered in only 11 states, Talkspace plans to extend it to all 50 states by the end of 2024.
- Talkspace matches you with one of its carefully vetted and highly trained providers within seconds of signing up.
Why we like Talkspace as best for depression
Talkspace employs a network of thousands of providers nationwide, including psychiatrists and nurse practitioners who specialize in diagnosing and treating depression. Its live video, messaging, and audio sessions make it easy to connect with licensed psychiatrists from anywhere at any time.
Getting an appointment with a local psychiatrist to help care for your mental health can often be difficult due to lack of provider availability, travel time, costs, and long wait times. ( 4 ) Talkspace offers immediate provider matching to help you get effective care quickly without traveling to a clinic or office.
Johnson adds that it’s hard to find a psychiatric provider who doesn’t have a long waitlist, causing individuals who could benefit from psychiatric services to avoid seeking them altogether. “In my community, therapists seem to be scrambling to find referral ideas for their clients who seek medication services. We need more convenient options for people.” Online psychiatry would open up options for people who want these services without needing to search high and low for a provider to see in person.
After a brief questionnaire, Talkspace matches you with several psychiatrists you can choose from to find the right fit. We love that you can easily see each provider’s availability and watch a brief introduction video to help you understand their personality and approach to care before choosing. This is a significant highlight, considering that the patient-provider relationship is one of the most critical factors for success in mental health care. ( 5 )
If your provider isn’t a good match, switching to a new one anytime is easy. You can simply enter your profile through the Talkspace website or app and select “Change provider”. After answering a few short questions to help understand your preferences, you’ll be matched with a new set of providers, from which you can choose the one that feels right for you.
With Talkspace, you can expand your care beyond medication management to include therapy. The versatility and convenience of having all your mental health care in one spot are why Talkspace tops our list as the best online therapy platform that takes insurance overall.
Regarding insurance, Talkspace partners with many major insurance companies, including Cigna, Optum, Aetna, and Anthem. In addition, they recently rolled out their services to Medicare patients across 11 states, with plans to expand to all 50 states by the end of 2024, including some Medicare Advantage plans. While your exact cost will depend on your benefits, the average patient co-pay is $30 per session.
Talkspace’s provider network includes licensed telehealth psychiatrists and nurse practitioners with an average of seven to 10 years of experience. While these providers can prescribe a broad range of evidence-based medications, it’s important to note that they can’t prescribe or manage controlled substances, stimulants, or sedatives. This was the case for most of the online psychiatry platforms we evaluated.
What customers are saying
Individuals using Talkspace rave about the quality of therapists and how easy everything is on the online app and platform. With more than 31,000 in the Apple App Store, it earns 4.8 stars overall.
“It’s a fantastic online therapy platform that accepts my insurance! I was paired with a phenomenal therapist, and I’m so grateful to have found “my person” right off the bat. The Talkspace app is also easy to navigate. Registration was a breeze, and booking and joining a session is easy-peasy.”
“Super Online Therapy Platform”, Apple App Store reviewer
Chrystal P. shares a similar experience in their Trustpilot review: “It was a very easy process to use my EAP from work and then switch to my insurance. I appreciate that Talkspace takes insurance and EAP so that I can be seen. It was also very quick to get in with a therapist versus finding someone in the community. My therapist has been great at helping me look at my behaviors and listening to me.”
Talkspace seems to fall short in its customer service and billing departments. Many of the negative reviews we found were from users complaining about the amount they were charged for services and how challenging it is to speak with the support team.
“Customer service is non-existent,” says Trustpilot reviewer Michelle C. “They charged my credit card, but the email validation link never reached my inbox. The result is they charged me for services they haven’t provided. I contacted customer service by email, phone, and social media multiple times, but no one has responded.”
Specs
| Cost | Insurance co-pay or pay $299 out-of-pocket for initial session and $175 for follow-up sessions |
| Insurances accepted | Cigna, Optum, Aetna, Anthem, and more |
| Session type | Video, audio, chat, messaging |
| Ages | 18+ years old for psychiatry, 13+ years old for therapy |
| Treatment options | Psychiatry, therapy |
| Platform | Online, mobile app |
Most comprehensive online psychiatrist that takes insurance: Talkiatry
Key product features
What you should know
Talkiatry’s network of over 300 psychiatrists can treat individuals of all ages and with a broad spectrum of mental health conditions.
- Talkiatry bills per visit instead of requiring you to commit to a monthly subscription service, which makes it easy to discontinue care at any time.
- Talkiatry is only available to individuals who are in-network with their insurance.
- While many online platforms only offer psychiatry services to teens and adults, the medical professionals on Talkiatry can diagnose and treat patients as young as five years old.
- Psychiatrists available on Talkiatry can manage some controlled substances like stimulants commonly used to treat ADHD.
Why we like Talkiatry as most comprehensive
Talkiatry’s commitment to providing extensive telehealth psychiatry services was evident throughout our evaluation. Its virtual psychiatrists can treat individuals five years and older, the broadest age range we’ve seen throughout our assessment. Additionally, their scope of practice spans many mental health conditions, most notably ADHD, anxiety, depression, OCD, bipolar disorder, and PTSD.
When registering for Talkiatry, you don’t need to choose a subscription plan. Instead, you will be billed individually for each session you schedule. Many patients appreciate the flexibility that allows them to pause or cancel services easily. Additionally, you can only participate in Talkiatry’s services if your insurance is in-network—you can’t pay out-of-pocket.
Talkiatry’s website makes it easy to verify if your insurance is one of the more than 60 covered as in-network. However, you’ll also need to contact your insurance provider directly to get quotes for the exact cost of online psychiatry visits. Unlike many other online therapy platforms, Talkiatry doesn’t have a self-pay option for those who don’t qualify for coverage under their insurance.
Your first visit with your provider will be 60 minutes, which allows ample time for you to connect with them and help them create a detailed, individualized treatment plan. You can continue to meet with your provider with 30-minute follow-up sessions. If you feel you’d benefit from talk therapy alongside medication management, your psychiatrist can connect you with a Talkiatry therapist. You must seek care from a Talkiatry psychiatrist to participate in therapy services. If your provider doesn’t recommend medication for your treatment plan, you’ll need to look elsewhere for a service that offers standalone therapy, like one of the best online therapy services.
One of Talkiatry’s most distinctive characteristics is its approach to medication management. Of all the platforms we reviewed, it is one of the few that offers management of controlled substances, such as stimulants. This can significantly impact individuals seeking care for conditions such as ADHD. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, you typically had to have at least one in-person visit to receive a prescription for controlled substances. However, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) changed the rules to help increase access and prevent gaps in care during the pandemic and beyond. ( 6 )
What customers are saying
While most of Talkiatry’s reviews on Trustpilot earned only 1.5 stars, satisfied users had incredibly positive remarks about their experience.
“I’m shocked at the negative reviews! I have been using Talkiatry for both medication management and counseling for a few months now and have not encountered any of the scheduling, billing, or communication issues that others have experienced. I’m not trying to take their experiences away from them. I just wanted to note that they have some phenomenal doctors and therapists on staff!”
Brooke Woods, Verified Trustpilot reviewer
While Chris experienced billing issues similar to other users, they explained in their Trustpilot review that Talkiatry helped resolve them: “The therapist has been great to work with. Initially, there were some billing issues, but they were resolved after following up with Talkiatry.”
Most of the negative reviews cited billing issues and poor customer service. Many users feel they were overcharged for services or misled about how much their insurance covered.
“I saw the same provider twice, yet they are charging two different entities, and my bill is sky high after being promised 25 dollars per appointment,” says Jasmin Pittman on Trustpilot.
Specs
| Cost | Insurance co-pay |
| Insurances accepted | Aetna, Cigna, BlueCross BlueShield, Optum, UnitedHealthcare, and more |
| Session type | Video, messaging |
| Ages | 5+ years old |
| Treatment options | Psychiatry, therapy (only with psychiatry) |
| Platform | Online, mobile app |
Best online psychiatrist that takes insurance for bipolar disorder: LiveHealth Online
Key product features
What you should know
LiveHealth’s online telehealth platform offers various healthcare services, including medical care, psychiatry, and psychology. Users can connect with their mental health provider through video sessions on their computer, phone, or tablet.
- LiveHealth’s provider marketplace makes connecting with licensed psychiatrists in your state easy.
- While insurance co-pays vary, LiveHealth has some of the lowest out-of-pocket prices compared to other platforms, at $185 for an initial evaluation and $80 per follow-up visit.
- LiveHealth bills for individual sessions, with no additional monthly or subscription fees required.
Why we like LiveHealth Online as best for bipolar disorder
LiveHealth Online connects users with a vast network of mental health providers who specialize in treating bipolar disorder, among other mental health conditions. With some of the lowest out-of-pocket costs at $185 for your initial session and $80 for each session after, it offers affordable care with or without insurance.
Proper diagnosis and treatment of bipolar disorder are critical to help individuals live healthy, active lives. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, effective treatment plans for bipolar disorder typically include a combination of medication and talk therapy. ( 7 ) Seeking care from two providers—a psychiatrist and a therapist—can feel overwhelming, but LiveHealth Online makes connecting you directly with experienced, licensed providers easier.
“Even today, bipolar disorder can be a fairly stigmatized mental health issue, depending on where you live. People may still be nervous about seeking care from providers, particularly for in-person care. Additionally, therapy for bipolar disorder is distinct because it requires addressing the specific challenges associated with both depressive and manic/hypomanic episodes, focusing on mood stabilization, and often integrating medication management. It’s valuable to be able to collaborate with providers who specialize in treating bipolar.”
Rychel Johnson, MS, LCPC, Fortune Recommends Mental Health Advisor
Your location and the type of care you need determine your provider matches. Before choosing a provider, you can view their profile to review their experience, education, and treatment approach. While we love the option to select your provider, LiveHealth paired us with precisely one provider each time we tried to schedule an appointment. We experienced this whether seeking psychiatry or psychology services. While I appreciated having a provider for each available in my rural area, I was surprised that more options weren’t available when I switched to a prominent metropolitan location.
Signing up for the platform, which you can use on your computer or mobile device, is free. LiveHealth offers a pay-per-session model in place of subscription plans, so you won’t owe any monthly fees. Your per-session cost will depend on your insurance plan coverage. In addition to accepting many major insurance plans, users can pay out-of-pocket if they aren’t covered. In either case, you can see your exact cost upfront before scheduling an appointment. This is a crucial benefit, considering the billing issues we’ve noticed with other platforms.
Finally, the LiveHealth Online platform is also available in Spanish. With most online therapy services only offered in English, there’s a considerable gap in care for non-English speakers. For the Spanish-speaking population, LiveHealth’s ability to offer mental health care in their primary language can result in better outcomes. ( 8 )
What customers are saying
The LiveHealth Online app earns 4.9 stars overall in Apple’s App Store with over 82,000 reviews. Many reviewers love how convenient it is to receive care from professional, thorough providers in the comfort of their homes.
“What a wonderful therapist! They took the time to listen, asked questions, and provided some great ideas to help with my issues. It was exactly what I needed, and I am so grateful! Thank you!”
“SteveT0-67”, Apple App Store reviewer
Another Apple App Store reviewer, “Dragonflycollector88,” was equally impressed, writing, “This was the best session I have had in a very long time. I feel like I have a refreshed sense of purpose and new tools to address my concerns. I’m so happy I could use this platform to connect with a counselor.”
It seems many Trustpilot reviewers have had a different experience, with LiveHealth Online only earning 1.2 stars after 431 reviews. Many reviewers mention providers frequently canceling appointments and technical issues after recent updates to the online platform.
In their Trustpilot review, Dustin Halsyk says, “Pre-pandemic days, this service was awesome. It saved me from having to get to a doctor’s office a few times physically, and therapy visits were always on time, never rescheduled, and I never had technical issues. I’ve needed the service for the past several months, and it has been terrible. I’m experiencing what the other reviews say—rescheduling my appointment without me knowing when and after my provider was 30 minutes late to my last session, we lost connection. She said she would call me and never did.”
Specs
| Cost | Insurance co-pay or $185 out-of-pocket for initial session and $80 for follow-up sessions |
| Insurances accepted | Anthem BlueCross BlueShield, Anthem BlueCross, BlueCross BlueShield of Georgia, Empire BlueCross, and Empire BlueCross BlueShield |
| Session type | Live video |
| Ages | 18+ years old |
| Treatment options | Psychiatry, therapy |
| Platform | Online, mobile app |
Best online psychiatrist that takes insurance for PTSD: Doctor on Demand
Key product features
What you should know
Doctor on Demand supports an online marketplace that matches users with multiple mental health professionals in their area. Before scheduling, you can view detailed provider profiles and appointment availability, with many offering availability as soon as the next day.
- Registering for the platform was simple, and we could quickly see a vast list of providers and available appointments.
- The costs are clearly displayed before you schedule an appointment, whether using insurance or self-pay.
- You can also connect with psychologists for comprehensive care that includes therapy.
- You must complete registration before you can check insurance eligibility.
Why we like Doctor on Demand as best for PTSD
Doctor on Demand features an intuitive platform that makes connecting with licensed psychiatrists and psychologists in your state for virtual visits easy. During our testing, most of the clinicians we matched with specialized in treating trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder.
We found the website and mobile app provide an incredibly smooth experience. You must sign up before checking pricing and insurance eligibility, but the process usually takes a few minutes. Once that’s complete, you’ll have full visibility into your costs for each appointment before you schedule. If it’s a covered benefit under your insurance, you could pay as low as $0 per session. If it’s not a covered benefit for you, your cost would be $299 for an initial 45-minute visit and $129 for 15-minute follow-up sessions.
When scheduling an appointment, you must share your location with Doctor on Demand to ensure you connect with providers licensed in your state. While entering your address is standard on most online telepsychiatry platforms, some individuals may feel uncomfortable granting location-sharing permissions. However, Doctor on Demand is HITRUST ® certified and NCQA ™ and URAC ® accredited—all of which are gold standards in healthcare to ensure privacy and quality care.
Many individuals with PTSD live in rural areas where it can be challenging to find care without having to commute long distances and commit a lot of time to appointments. ( 9 ) Doctor on Demand matched me with nine providers, seven of which who indicated PTSD as one of their specialties. Even when I searched on a Friday, multiple psychiatrists offered next-day appointments that I could complete from home.
Reviewing my options, I found the platform felt bright, welcoming, and clean. I could view provider profiles that included a photo, extensive background, languages spoken, and their full calendar of available appointments. You can filter your search by specific preferences, like availability, focus area, gender, and language. The one thing missing was reviews from first-hand patient experience that could help better inform which provider to choose.
Doctor on Demand makes all your healthcare needs, including psychiatry, therapy, and urgent services, accessible through one platform. While medication management is a vital part of psychiatry services, it’s worth noting that Doctor on Demand clinicians cannot prescribe or manage controlled medications like Xanax ® , Lunesta ® , Adderall ® , and Ritalin ® . Typically, these medications require an in-person visit that allows the provider to do an in-depth assessment of potential risks and complications.
What customers are saying
Doctor on Demand earns high praise among mobile app users. Google Play Store has over 73,000 reviews with a 4.8-star rating, while Apple’s App Store includes over 100,000 reviews with a 4.9-star rating.
“I find the app extremely easy to navigate. It saves everything from past visits. They provide psychiatrists and therapists. You can even set an appointment by choosing a specific time and date or by booking with a specific provider. I have been using it for four years so far.”
Sarah Merin-Donahue, Google Play reviewer
“This app has changed my mental health experiences for the better! Between struggling to make it to appointments physically and being consistent, the Doctor on Demand app helped for a few reasons,” writes Apple App Store user “punkpal666”. “With my current health insurance, I’m saving money because I don’t have a co-pay to use this app, whereas seeing my psychologist and psychiatrist in person was $20 per visit. Also, I can see them in the comfort of my own home. I can also read doctors’ bios and schedule with those who seem like the best fit for me. One time, I had a poor Wi-Fi connection, and my appointment wasn’t very successful – the Dr on Demand customer service was receptive, easy to get in touch with, and empathetic and patient. I cannot recommend this app and service enough to friends, family, and strangers in the Apple App Store.”
Reviewing the negative reviews on Trustpilot, we found that many users complain about billing issues and have difficulty resolving them through customer service.
Trustpilot reviewer “LPS” explains their experience, saying, “I have found great care from a therapist, and using her through the platform has been five stars. However, I would give their customer service a negative star if there are any back-end problems with billing or mistakes. Everyone is excellent and cordial when you talk to them, but nothing gets resolved. “
Specs
| Cost | Insurance co-pay or $299 out-of-pocket for initial session and $129 for follow-up sessions |
| Insurances accepted | BlueCross BlueShield, Wellmark, Regence, Humana, UnitedHealthcare, Optum, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, and more |
| Session type | Video |
| Ages | All ages |
| Treatment options | Psychiatry, therapy |
| Platform | Online, mobile app |
Best online psychiatrist that takes insurance for substance use: Mindful Care
Key product features
What you should know
Mindful Care offers same-day psychiatry, therapy, and addiction recovery services through virtual and in-person appointments. Its carefully selected network of licensed mental health professionals offers one-on-one psychiatry and therapy sessions, group therapy, or both.
- It’s the only platform we reviewed that offers medication-assisted addiction recovery treatment.
- Mindful Care accepts over 75 major insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid.
- Currently, the services are only available in seven states: CT, FL, IL, MI, NJ, and NY.
- All new patients must enroll in a 12-week urgent care program with five sessions.
- Mindful Care ensures high-quality care by connecting you with providers who have undergone a diligent hiring process, verifying their qualifications, experience, and motivation to provide exceptional care to all patients.
Why we like Mindful Care as best for substance use
Mindful Care offers quick access to medical and mental health care services offered by its meticulously curated network of medical professionals. The urgent care program provides same-day appointment availability for psychiatry, therapy, and addiction recovery treatment, making it easy for individuals to receive care when needed.
One of the most unique characteristics of this telehealth platform is that it offers substance use treatment for those experiencing addiction to substances like alcohol, opioids, or cannabis. With stigma, lack of access, and cost-related issues as common barriers to receiving care, teletherapy and psychiatry can provide an accessible solution for effective, affordable care. ( 10 , 4 ) Mindful Care’s clinicians can provide medication-assisted treatment to help you find the path to recovery. Additionally, you can pair that with one-on-one therapy and group therapy.
Regardless of your chosen services, all new patients must enroll in a 12-week urgent care program that includes five sessions over that period. You’ll work with a provider to stabilize your symptoms and develop a treatment plan during that time. Once completed, you may transition to the ongoing care plan for appointments at the cadence you and your provider feel most appropriate.
We found Mindful Care’s prescribing model intriguing, which uses a tool called GeneSight to help inform medication treatment. After a quick cheek swap, you will be matched with the medication options most compatible with your DNA makeup. Since your DNA affects how your body uses and breaks down medications and which side effects you may experience, this method helps pair you with ones that are most likely to be effective and well-tolerated. ( 11 )
Another significant highlight is Mindful Care’s group-based services. You can participate in virtual group therapy sessions with a variety of focuses offered, like anxiety, trauma, depression, teen connection, and ADHD. While those come with an affordable fee, you can also join the free support group that meets every six weeks and is guided by a licensed therapist.
“Being able to collaborate with peers who have similar experiences is validating and can offer valuable insight as individuals pursue healing,” Johnson says.
Mindful Care’s platform does come with some stipulations that are worth considering. One of the biggest downfalls is its lack of nationwide coverage. Currently, services are available only in seven states: Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. This puts its convenient, affordable services out of reach for much of the U.S. population. Additionally, you can’t choose your provider. Instead, Mindful Care matches you with one based on your location and the provider’s availability. Finally, follow-up psychiatry and therapy sessions are merely 20 minutes long, which some users found too short to engage fully and receive the support they needed.
What customers are saying
The limited number of independent reviews on Mindful Care are fairly evenly divided between positive and negative. We found users on Reddit and the BBB who shared their excitement about the quality and accessibility of care, while Trustpilot’s five reviews focus on poor billing experiences.
“I’m a month into using Mindful Care, and I’m happy to report they’re solid! They provide medication-assisted treatment for opiate use disorder as well as traditional psych meds. It’s the first telehealth dual diagnosis program I’ve ever found.”
“lets_get_lifted,” Reddit user
Stephanie H. shared in their BBB review how thankful they were to have access to quality care while living in a rural community: “I live in a tiny town where mental health is hard to come by. Mindful Care has helped me greatly, from my bipolar depression to my marriage. I’m so grateful. My therapist encourages and sends me worksheets to help me refocus and remain positive. With my busy schedule, I just need to hop on Zoom to meet with her. If I need an emergency appointment, I can be seen ASAP. Even better, it’s all covered by my insurance, with no hidden costs or membership fees. I highly recommend this company!”
However, Catherine Douglass shared that their experience with insurance coverage didn’t go as smoothly, explaining that they received a surprise bill after nine months of care indicating an outstanding balance. “I thought it was a mistake, but they truly hadn’t bothered to follow up with my insurance, which did not cover their visit,” Catherine said. “I specifically chose Mindful Care because they told me they took my insurance when I called to ask about using them. But they didn’t, and they never bothered to tell me there was any problem with my insurance until I asked what was going on. I even asked for the invoice since they only sent me a link to put in my credit card information.”
Specs
| Cost | Insurance co-pay and self-pay costs vary by type of service |
| Insurance accepted | Cigna, Optum, Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, United Healthcare, Humana, Medicare/Medicaid, and more |
| Session type | Virtual, in-person |
| Ages | 12+ years old |
| Treatment options | Psychiatry, therapy, addiction recovery |
| Platform | Online |
Best online psychiatrist that takes insurance for teens: Thriveworks
Key product features
What you should know
Thriveworks partners with carefully selected psychiatrists who can offer psychiatry and therapy for the whole family. The comprehensive provider bios allow individuals to choose a psychiatrist who meets their mental health needs and personal preferences.
- You need only your email address to register, making it one of the quickest registration processes for online psychiatry platforms.
- Thriveworks accepts hundreds of insurance plans, with most co-pays between $0 and $50.
- Thriveworks vets its providers through a rigorous selection process, ensuring the highest quality service.
- While therapy is offered in 49 states and D.C., psychiatry services are limited to only 23 states.
Why we like Thriveworks as best for teens
While Thriveworks has a history of providing quality mental health care to patients of all ages over the last 16 years, its network of psychiatric nurse practitioners specifically includes adolescent medication managers. These providers specialize in evaluating, diagnosing, and treating teens.
One of the things we like best about Thriveworks is its dedication to hiring highly qualified mental health providers. When I spoke with customer service, they kindly explained how each provider undergoes a rigorous selection process to verify their licensure, experience, and approach to providing care. During my provider search, I also noticed a diverse selection that included providers of different genders, ethnicities, races, sexual orientations, and age ranges.
When selecting your provider, you can view a snapshot of their profile and availability from the scheduling screen or click to view the full details. The Thriveworks provider bios are the most in-depth profiles we’ve seen on any platforms we’ve reviewed. They include the provider’s specialties, years of experience, in-network insurance plans and self-pay costs, a lengthy bio and “Get to Know Me” section, and much more. With the provider-patient relationship at the heart of success, teens can understand which clinician they might connect with best. ( 12 )
Other critical factors for mental health care in teens are appointment availability and the type of session. While browsing available appointments, I found availability every day of the week except Sunday, with some as early as the same evening or the next day. Providing evening and weekend appointments can help teens fit sessions into their schedules that are often packed with school, activities, and social events. Additionally, many providers offer the choice between video or in-person sessions, allowing adolescents to connect using the most comfortable method.
Furthermore, Thriveworks offers complimentary wellness videos you can access anytime on your dashboard. These videos are available as soon as you register, regardless of what type of care you seek or whether you make any appointments.
With over 500 accepted insurance plans, many individuals can access services as a covered cost through their health plan. The average co-pay through insurance is between $0 and $50 per session. Thriveworks also offers the option to self-pay. While the exact cost varies by state, I found the costs in Wisconsin are $300 for an initial session and $210 for follow-ups.
Unfortunately, Thriveworks’ most significant shortcoming is its lack of accessibility across the U.S. Psychiatry services are only available in 23 states and may be further limited in rural areas within those states.
What customers are saying
Thriveworks earns subpar reviews on Trustpilot or Better Business Bureau. However, most negative reviews highlighted quality therapists but poor customer service and billing practices.
“My provider has been excellent to work with. She understands my goals and has provided transparency on next steps and feasibility.”
Jennifer Phipps, Verified Trustpilot reviewer
Another Trustpilot reviewer, Chris Windley, describes a similar experience: “I appreciate my provider taking the time to understand why I started counseling sessions, my needs, and a plan moving forward.”
As an example of the billing complaints, Perry explains the pricing discrepancies they experienced after being charged for a recent session. “I was made aware that I would have a $30.00 co-pay only to get a bill for $117.00,” they write.
Specs
| Cost | Insurance co-pay or $199 out-of-pocket for initial session and $150 out-of-pocket for follow-ups |
| Insurances accepted | Aetna, UnitedHealthcare, Optum, Cigna, Humana, Medicare, and more |
| Session type | Video, phone |
| Ages | Replace |
| Treatment options | Psychiatry, therapy |
| Platform | Online |
How we test online psychiatrists that take insurance
Our team performs a thorough evaluation process to curate our list of the best online psychiatrists that take insurance, including first-hand testing by experienced mental health reviewers. We couple that with highly credible clinical research. Additionally, each Fortune Recommends teletherapy review undergoes a meticulous fact-checking and review process by qualified mental health experts. Read our full teletherapy testing methodology here.
Therapist quality—30%
High-quality teletherapy goes beyond basic service to provide a professional and personalized experience. Users should be matched with qualified and experienced mental health professionals. Here’s what we look for:
- Expertise
- Personalization
- Interaction quality
Accessibility and convenience—30%
Online therapy should help make it possible for individuals to seek, engage with, and benefit from mental health services. Everyone faces unique barriers, such as lack of transportation or the inability to see a mental health professional in person. Teletherapy should help break down those barriers. We evaluate several factors to ensure the teletherapy services we recommend provide convenience, like:
- Ease of use
- Availability
- Platform reliability
Cost and value—20%
With or without insurance, cost remains a significant obstacle for many who seek mental health services. While the importance of mental health care is being recognized now more than ever, it’s also becoming increasingly more expensive. That’s why we make it an essential part of our review process to assess the cost-effectiveness of teletherapy services.
Here’s what we factor into a teletherapy’s cost and value rating:
- Pricing transparency
- Insurance and coverage
- Value for money
Support and resources—10%
Good mental health care isn’t only about what happens during each session. It’s a practice that we continue every day. The therapeutic experience can be significantly enhanced when additional resources are available. Clients can build on their therapy sessions by learning additional coping strategies, deepening their understanding of mental health issues, and continuing the work they’ve been engaging in with their therapist.
Our factors in this rating include:
- Supplementary materials
- Customer support
- Aftercare
Privacy and security—10%
As is valid with any online practice or service, the convenience of teletherapy also comes with some risks. We recognize that a quality teletherapy platform offers confidentiality and data security. During teletherapy sessions, clients trust their therapist and technology tools with their sensitive information, stories, and vulnerabilities. It’s pivotal that these platforms act responsibly to protect such information.
Here’s what we’re looking for:
- Compliance with HIPAA and data protection laws
- Encryption and security measures
- Anonymity options
What is online psychiatry?
Online psychiatry involves using technology to receive remote mental health care from a licensed psychiatrist. It’s often also referred to as telepsychiatry or virtual psychiatry. Sessions are typically conducted through video, but some may include phone calls, synchronous or asynchronous messaging, and additional educational resources. These services can be pivotal in helping reduce the common barriers to care, such as lack of transportation or childcare, mobility limitations, and shortage of providers in remote locations.
Online psychiatrists can provide a range of support, including mental health evaluations, diagnosis, and medication management. Additionally, many platforms offer the option to pair psychiatry with talk therapy sessions to help provide comprehensive care.
Psychiatrist vs. therapist
Understanding the difference between psychiatry and therapy is vital to ensure you get the necessary care. While psychiatrists and therapists are both experts in supporting individuals with mental health treatment, they differ in provider qualifications and treatment approach.
The term therapist encompasses a broader range of health professionals who specialize in mental health and typically receive a master’s degree or higher. These professionals can include licensed social workers, counselors, family and marital therapists, and psychologists. These professionals focus on helping individuals understand their feelings, thoughts, behaviors, and choices. Additionally, they work with patients to develop healthy strategies to cope with challenging situations and break through negative patterns.
Psychiatrists are medical doctors—M.D. or D.O.—who focus on diagnosing, preventing, and treating mental health conditions. In addition to providing therapy, psychiatrists can also prescribe medications (often referred to as medication management) and order lab or imaging tests. Depending on the provider, therapy may or may not be provided alongside medication services. Additionally, some psychiatric providers are not medical doctors but are nurse practitioners who specialize in mental health treatment–APRN, NP–and provide similar services to a psychiatric M.D. or D.O.
Who should try online psychiatry?
Online psychiatry can be appropriate for individuals of all ages who may be experiencing mild to severe mental health symptoms. During an online visit, a psychiatrist can help provide a mental health diagnosis, develop a treatment plan, and prescribe medications if necessary. Some of the common conditions addressed during telepsychiatry appointments include:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- ADHD
- Bipolar disorder
- OCD
- Insomnia
- PTSD
While these services have generally been offered through in-person visits, online psychiatry opens care to more individuals who have struggled to receive care. Accessing appointments from anywhere can help those who are busy caring for kids or other family members, live in rural areas, lack transportation, or experience limitations due to aging or mobility. Additionally, some individuals feel uncomfortable going into a psychiatrist’s office and prefer to receive treatment in the privacy of their homes.
How to choose the best online psychiatrist for you
Your relationship with your psychiatrist is critical to the care you receive and the success of your treatment. ( 13 ) How will you know which psychiatrist is best for you? We’ve included some critical considerations below to help guide you in your search for the right psychiatrist.
Provider quality
It may be evident that finding a high-quality psychiatrist is vital. However, knowing what to look for may be more complex. We recommend thoroughly vetting each therapist by reviewing their qualifications, credentials, specialties, and treatment approach. Additionally, you may consider their personal beliefs, values, and other qualities that typically help you connect with people. Finding compatibility and trust in your provider can make a considerable difference.
Reading reviews from other users with first-hand experience with each provider and the online therapy platform can be especially helpful.
Insurance coverage
Cost is often one of the most significant barriers to receiving mental health care, with over 55% of individuals saying they couldn’t afford the care they needed. ( 14 ) Finding an in-network provider with your insurance can help considerably lower the costs. We’ve included some of the major insurance plans accepted by each online psychiatry platform on our list. However, contacting your insurance plan can clarify which services are covered and what you’ll owe.
Communication method
We all have different communication preferences. Before choosing your provider, consider if you feel most comfortable with video sessions, phone calls, or in-person visits. Moreover, some platforms allow users to message their provider between sessions, which can be valuable if that’s important to you.
Availability
Of course, getting the care you need will be challenging if you can’t sync up with the provider. Many online platforms let you view the provider’s availability before you schedule an appointment, which can help you determine if their schedule will work with yours.
FAQs
Is online psychiatry that takes insurance effective?
Online telehealth services have become a significant means for seeking care since the COVID-19 pandemic hit, and online psychiatry is no exception. Fortunately, research shows that telepsychiatry often proves as effective as in-person visits regarding patient satisfaction, diagnostic reliability, and symptom improvement. ( 1 5 , 1 6 )
However, even with a high success rate, online psychiatry isn’t appropriate for everyone. Individuals with more severe cases of mental health conditions may benefit more from specialized care provided by a local mental provider that can offer in-person visits.
What are the benefits of online psychiatry that takes insurance?
Online psychiatry offers a solution to many common barriers to care individuals experience when seeking care. Flexible appointment times and remote connection through a computer or mobile device provide easier access to care for individuals in rural locations, those with mobility or transportation difficulties, and people who struggle to make time in busy schedules. Moreover, some patients feel more comfortable opening up through virtual communication methods, like phone, messaging, and video sessions.
What is the cost of online psychiatry that accepts insurance?
When using insurance to pay for online psychiatry services, your cost will vary based on your insurance plan, the type and experience level of the provider you see, the platform you use, and your location. Insurance co-pays can cost as little as $30 per session, while out-of-pocket costs range from $80 to $300.
Our experts
Rychel Johnson, M.S., LCPC
Rychel is a licensed clinical professional counselor in Kansas. She owns a private practice specializing in anxiety treatment and social skills development. Rychel also enjoys extensive road trips and spending time with her husband, daughter, and two cats.
Krista Manning
Krista Manning is an accomplished medical copy editor and fact-checker who stands out in the pharmaceutical, health, and wellness domains. With a meticulous eye for detail and a command of medical language, Krista ensures the accuracy and clarity of content. Beyond her professional expertise, Krista is an advocate for mental health awareness. Recognizing the crucial intersection of psychological and physical well-being, she actively contributes to projects that promote mental health awareness within the healthcare narrative. Krista’s commitment extends beyond the pages she edits, emphasizing the holistic nature of health communication.
Corey Jungwirth, NBC-HWC
Fortune Recommends Staff Writer