The 8 Best Online Psychiatry Services That Take Insurance, Tried and Tested

Psychiatric care can be expensive—up to$200 per session or moreout-of-pocket—which is why, even when people need mental health medication, they sometimes do not seek treatment. In fact, in the U.S., 55% of people living with a mental illness do not receive treatment.The good news is that if you have health insurance, you might be able to use those benefits if you find an in-network provider. “Psychiatric services can get expensive when you are paying out-of-pocket, andfinding someone who is in network with your plan can offset costs significantly,” saysAmy Marschall, PsyD, a licensed clinical psychologist atResiliency Mental Health.That said, it isn’t always easy to find a psychiatrist who takes insurance—even when looking online. According to one study, while about 89% of doctors in other specialties take insurance, only around 55% of psychiatrists do, making the search for psychiatric care that much more difficult.To help you find the very best online psychiatry platforms, we worked with three subject matter experts toevaluate 55 online therapy companies and 27 directories,surveying 100 users at each. We also tried and tested each service ourselves. Here are the ones we recommend that not onlyaccept different insurance plansbut also areflexible, inclusive, and family-friendly.

That said, it isn’t always easy to find a psychiatrist who takes insurance—even when looking online. According to one study, while about 89% of doctors in other specialties take insurance, only around 55% of psychiatrists do, making the search for psychiatric care that much more difficult.To help you find the very best online psychiatry platforms, we worked with three subject matter experts toevaluate 55 online therapy companies and 27 directories,surveying 100 users at each. We also tried and tested each service ourselves. Here are the ones we recommend that not onlyaccept different insurance plansbut also areflexible, inclusive, and family-friendly.

The 8 Best Online Psychiatry Services That Take InsuranceMost Comprehensive:TalkiatryBest for Depression:TalkspaceBest for Anxiety:BrightsideBest for Co-Occurring Conditions :Teladoc HealthBest for Bipolar Disorder:LiveHealth OnlineBest for PTSD:Doctor on DemandBest for Substance Use:Mindful CareBest for OCD:LifeStance Health

82Companies reviewed8,400Total users surveyed350Data points analyzedWe surveyed 100 users from 55 online therapy companies and 27 therapist directories to understand their experiences with these services. Then, we tested the services ourselves across multiple states, conducted comprehensive data collection research, and evaluated our results with the help of a licensed therapist.

82Companies reviewed8,400Total users surveyed350Data points analyzed

82Companies reviewed

Companies reviewed

8,400Total users surveyed

Total users surveyed

350Data points analyzed

Data points analyzed

Our Online Therapy MethodologyCurious about the extensive work we did to research and evaluate online therapy companies? Take a look at ouronline therapy methodology.

Our Online Therapy Methodology

Curious about the extensive work we did to research and evaluate online therapy companies? Take a look at ouronline therapy methodology.

The 8 Best Online Psychiatry Services That Take Insurance, Tried and TestedView AllThe 8 Best Online Psychiatry Services That Take Insurance, Tried and TestedOur Top PicksTalkiatryTalkspaceBrightsideTeladoc HealthLiveHealth OnlineDoctor on DemandMindful CareLifeStance HealthSee More (5)Compare ProvidersGuide to ChoosingAre Online Psychiatry Services Right for for You?FAQsMethodology

The 8 Best Online Psychiatry Services That Take Insurance, Tried and TestedView All

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The 8 Best Online Psychiatry Services That Take Insurance, Tried and Tested

Guide to Choosing

Are Online Psychiatry Services Right for for You?

FAQs

Methodology

Most Comprehensive:Talkiatry

Price:Depends on your insuranceIs Insurance Accepted?:Yes. BCBS, Optum, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, Medicare, and othersType Of Therapy:Individual Therapy, Medication Management, PsychiatryLearn More

Learn More

Why We Chose It

To fulfill its company mission of making psychiatry more accessible, Talkiatry works only with people whose insurance it accepts. Treating patients as young as 5, Talkiatry’s versatility and unique treatment model make it our most comprehensive service supporting almost anyone who needs psychiatric care.

Pros & Cons

ProsOnly takes new patients with insurance coverageAccepts a wide variety of insurance plansProvides care to children and teens ages 5 and upTreats a wide variety of mental health conditionsFirst visits are 60 minutes longConsNot available in every stateTherapy is only available with a referralDoesn’t treat eating disorders or schizophrenia

Only takes new patients with insurance coverage

Accepts a wide variety of insurance plans

Provides care to children and teens ages 5 and up

Treats a wide variety of mental health conditions

First visits are 60 minutes long

ConsNot available in every stateTherapy is only available with a referralDoesn’t treat eating disorders or schizophrenia

Not available in every state

Therapy is only available with a referral

Doesn’t treat eating disorders or schizophrenia

Our Testing

We asked two people to tryTalkiatryin New York to test its psychiatry services. Overall, we found it to be an excellent platform with unusually long session times and supportive clinicians who were responsive to our needs. It accepts a wide variety of insurance and in factonlyaccepts patients with insurance, making the process that much easier for those who need to use their insurance to pay for psychiatric services.We appreciate that intake sessions (one hour long) and follow-up sessions (30 minutes long) are double the length of other platforms. By ensuring clinicians take their time with patients, Talkiatry proves it’s a far cry from a pill mill. We had plenty of time to ask and answer questions, and some parts of the sessions even felt a little like therapy. It was nice that we could message our providers between sessions when we had concerns regarding side effects. Talkiatry impressed us with its ability to treat a wide range of conditions, fromPTSDtoinsomniato substance use disorder (SUD) and more. We feel confident recommending Talkiatry to our community.“I appreciated that my psychiatrist once again spent way longer (in this case triple the intake times at other companies we evaluated) getting to know me and my reasons for seeking psychiatric help before coming up with a treatment plan."-Talkiatry tester, who sought treatment after the death of her motherOur experience wasn’t perfect, though. We didn’t like that one of the psychiatrists was late to the session and a bit too clinical for our taste. He didn’t have the warmth and compassion we were looking for. We were able to switch providers, but we had to call customer service to do so, and there was a waiting period to get a match and an even longer wait for a session. We would also like to see Talkiatry ask more questions during intake to match us with the right person so there’s less of a chance of needing to switch.

We appreciate that intake sessions (one hour long) and follow-up sessions (30 minutes long) are double the length of other platforms. By ensuring clinicians take their time with patients, Talkiatry proves it’s a far cry from a pill mill. We had plenty of time to ask and answer questions, and some parts of the sessions even felt a little like therapy. It was nice that we could message our providers between sessions when we had concerns regarding side effects. Talkiatry impressed us with its ability to treat a wide range of conditions, fromPTSDtoinsomniato substance use disorder (SUD) and more. We feel confident recommending Talkiatry to our community.

“I appreciated that my psychiatrist once again spent way longer (in this case triple the intake times at other companies we evaluated) getting to know me and my reasons for seeking psychiatric help before coming up with a treatment plan."-Talkiatry tester, who sought treatment after the death of her mother

-Talkiatry tester, who sought treatment after the death of her mother

Our experience wasn’t perfect, though. We didn’t like that one of the psychiatrists was late to the session and a bit too clinical for our taste. He didn’t have the warmth and compassion we were looking for. We were able to switch providers, but we had to call customer service to do so, and there was a waiting period to get a match and an even longer wait for a session. We would also like to see Talkiatry ask more questions during intake to match us with the right person so there’s less of a chance of needing to switch.

Plans & Pricing

What Users Say

We surveyed 100 users of Talkiatry:86% rated Talkiatry as very good or excellent overall87% rated their therapist’s qualifications as very good or excellent96% said that most or all of their needs were met at Talkiatry95% are likely or very likely to recommend Talkiatry to a friend or someone like them33% said the psychiatric care they received at Talkiatry was better or significantly better than previous experiences with psychiatry/medication management

We surveyed 100 users of Talkiatry:

Best for Depression:Talkspace

Price:$276 to $436 per month for therapy subscriptionsIs Insurance Accepted?:YesType Of Therapy:Couples Therapy, Individual Therapy, Medication Management, Psychiatry, Teen CounselingLearn More

With over 5,000 providers available and many insurance plans accepted, Talkspace makes it easy to find a psychiatrist who you can afford. The platform features experienced providers who specialize in depression, and you can get both therapy and psychiatry at this company.

ProsAccepts a wide variety of insurance plansHas psychiatrists who specialize in depressionYou can get both therapy and psychiatryProviders have seven to 10 years of experience on averageEasy-to-use website and appCan schedule appointments up to three months in advanceConsCan’t prescribe controlled substancesPsychiatric care not available for childrenQuality of providers may vary

Has psychiatrists who specialize in depression

You can get both therapy and psychiatry

Providers have seven to 10 years of experience on average

Easy-to-use website and app

Can schedule appointments up to three months in advance

ConsCan’t prescribe controlled substancesPsychiatric care not available for childrenQuality of providers may vary

Can’t prescribe controlled substances

Psychiatric care not available for children

Quality of providers may vary

We asked 11 people to tryTalkspace’s individual, couples, and family (parent-child) therapy services in Indiana, Iowa, California, South Dakota, Kansas, Missouri, Florida, North Carolina, Minnesota, and New York. We recommend the platform because of the wide range of therapists and psychiatrists available who treat depression and the multitude of insurance plans it accepts.Overall, we had positive experiences with good-quality providers. Conversations flowed easily, and our therapists put us at ease when it was clear that we were uncomfortable. We often left sessions feeling optimistic and empowered, seeing our issues in a new light. Sessions usually included a mix of listening and support alongside practical tools and plans of action. While we didn’t try Talkspace’s psychiatry services, we appreciate that you can opt for psychiatry sessions, therapy sessions, or both. Having both options means that you could potentially approach depression from multiple angles, which may be more effective than just therapy or psychiatry alone.“I’ve found it extremely helpful. I have a place to work through hard relationships, process emotions, and break some unhealthy coping habits."—Talkspace tester, who sought treatment after experiencing traumaWe didn’t like that a few therapists were late to sessions or seemed distracted. Such an attitude made us feel reluctant to open up and trust the provider. In another case, our therapist seemed to actually talk over us instead of listening to us. The downside to a big platform like Talkspace is that not everyone will be the right fit. You might have to switch once or even a few times. Still, switching providers is pretty straightforward.

Overall, we had positive experiences with good-quality providers. Conversations flowed easily, and our therapists put us at ease when it was clear that we were uncomfortable. We often left sessions feeling optimistic and empowered, seeing our issues in a new light. Sessions usually included a mix of listening and support alongside practical tools and plans of action. While we didn’t try Talkspace’s psychiatry services, we appreciate that you can opt for psychiatry sessions, therapy sessions, or both. Having both options means that you could potentially approach depression from multiple angles, which may be more effective than just therapy or psychiatry alone.

“I’ve found it extremely helpful. I have a place to work through hard relationships, process emotions, and break some unhealthy coping habits."—Talkspace tester, who sought treatment after experiencing trauma

“I’ve found it extremely helpful. I have a place to work through hard relationships, process emotions, and break some unhealthy coping habits.”

—Talkspace tester, who sought treatment after experiencing trauma

We didn’t like that a few therapists were late to sessions or seemed distracted. Such an attitude made us feel reluctant to open up and trust the provider. In another case, our therapist seemed to actually talk over us instead of listening to us. The downside to a big platform like Talkspace is that not everyone will be the right fit. You might have to switch once or even a few times. Still, switching providers is pretty straightforward.

We surveyed 100 users of Talkspace:92% rated Talkspace as very good or excellent overall89% rated their therapist’s qualifications as very good or excellent95% said that most or all of their needs were met at Talkspace97% are likely or very likely to recommend Talkspace to a friend or someone like them56% of those using Talkspace for psychiatry/medication management said they were being treated for depression

We surveyed 100 users of Talkspace:

Read the FullTalkspace Online Therapy Review

Best for Anxiety:Brightside

Price:$95-$349 per monthIs Insurance Accepted?:YesType Of Therapy:Individual Therapy, Medication Management, PsychiatryLearn More

Brightside treats many different kinds of anxiety, including generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and social anxiety—all while in-network with some major insurance plans. It offers tools to help you track your symptoms and improve your lifestyle habits to reduce anxiety. Brightside also offers cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a great treatment for people with anxiety.

ProsAccepts insurance and FSA/HSA paymentsTreats many types of mild, moderate, and severe anxietyProvides self-care resources you can use at your own paceOffers crisis care in certain statesIncludes a detailed intake to match you to the right providerCan choose medication management services, therapy, or bothTherapy and psychiatry available to teens and adults

Accepts insurance and FSA/HSA payments

Treats many types of mild, moderate, and severe anxiety

Provides self-care resources you can use at your own pace

Offers crisis care in certain states

Includes a detailed intake to match you to the right provider

Can choose medication management services, therapy, or both

Therapy and psychiatry available to teens and adults

Doesn’t treat children under age 13

We had four people, from North Carolina, New York, and California, tryBrightside Healthfor individual therapy and found the platform to be an excellent resource for people with anxiety. While we didn’t test the medication management or psychiatry services ourselves, we found the overall quality of clinicians to be outstanding, and we’re thrilled that Brightside specializes in anxiety.“After having panic attacks for the first time, I finally decided to try therapy. I like how convenient [Brightside] is in terms of scheduling, and being able to do it remotely allowed me (a busy working mom) to easily make time for this."—Brightside Health tester, who sought treatment for anxietyOur providers were experts in anxiety disorderslikegeneralized anxiety disorder,obsessive-compulsive disorder,social anxiety, andpanic disorder. All had demeanors that made us feel safe, comforted, and cared for. Brightside offered helpful tools like quizzes to track our progress and symptoms, which was a great motivator and helped us learn what affected our mental health and manage those lifestyle habits more clearly. We appreciate that Brightside offerscognitive behavioral therapy(CBT), a proven method for treating anxiety, in addition to psychiatry. This therapeutic approach resonated with us, as it helped us break down thought patterns that may trigger anxious responses.We weren’t happy, however, about prepaying for sessions and then having our provider booked for weeks. Switching clinicians wasn’t a fast process either, and when you’ve got anxiety, long delays can really impact your mental well-being. Another time, a provider was late to a session and seemed distracted. Unfortunately, both issues aren’t all that uncommon across mental health platforms.

“After having panic attacks for the first time, I finally decided to try therapy. I like how convenient [Brightside] is in terms of scheduling, and being able to do it remotely allowed me (a busy working mom) to easily make time for this."—Brightside Health tester, who sought treatment for anxiety

—Brightside Health tester, who sought treatment for anxiety

Our providers were experts in anxiety disorderslikegeneralized anxiety disorder,obsessive-compulsive disorder,social anxiety, andpanic disorder. All had demeanors that made us feel safe, comforted, and cared for. Brightside offered helpful tools like quizzes to track our progress and symptoms, which was a great motivator and helped us learn what affected our mental health and manage those lifestyle habits more clearly. We appreciate that Brightside offerscognitive behavioral therapy(CBT), a proven method for treating anxiety, in addition to psychiatry. This therapeutic approach resonated with us, as it helped us break down thought patterns that may trigger anxious responses.

We weren’t happy, however, about prepaying for sessions and then having our provider booked for weeks. Switching clinicians wasn’t a fast process either, and when you’ve got anxiety, long delays can really impact your mental well-being. Another time, a provider was late to a session and seemed distracted. Unfortunately, both issues aren’t all that uncommon across mental health platforms.

We surveyed 100 users of Brightside:88% rated Brightside as very good or excellent overall94% rated their therapist’s qualifications as very good or excellent93% said that most or all of their needs were met at Brightside99% are likely or very likely to recommend Brightside to a friend or someone like them71% of those using Brightside for psychiatry/medication management said they were being treated for anxiety

We surveyed 100 users of Brightside:

Best for Co-Occurring Conditions:Teladoc Health

Price:Up to $119 per therapy session, $299 for initial psychiatry appointment and $129 per follow-upIs Insurance Accepted?:YesType Of Therapy:Couples Therapy, Individual Therapy, Medication Management, PsychiatryLearn More

Teladoc Review

Teladoc is a telehealth company that accepts a wide range of insurance plans and offers talk therapy, psychiatric care, and primary care from highly qualified providers who specialize in a variety of mental and physical health issues. This makes Teladoc a good fit for people with co-occurring conditions who need to use their insurance to pay for services.

ProsAccepts many major insurance plansHas providers with expertise in a wide range of conditionsBoth talk therapy and psychiatry availableAll psychiatric providers are board-certified psychiatristsWorks with some Medicaid and Medicare plansFlexible schedulingConsNo psychiatry or medication management for kids or teensCan’t treat certain serious mental illnesses such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorderCan’t see which insurance is accepted before signing up

Accepts many major insurance plans

Has providers with expertise in a wide range of conditions

Both talk therapy and psychiatry available

All psychiatric providers are board-certified psychiatrists

Works with some Medicaid and Medicare plans

Flexible scheduling

ConsNo psychiatry or medication management for kids or teensCan’t treat certain serious mental illnesses such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorderCan’t see which insurance is accepted before signing up

No psychiatry or medication management for kids or teens

Can’t treat certain serious mental illnesses such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder

Can’t see which insurance is accepted before signing up

We asked five people to tryTeladocfor individual therapy from Missouri, New York, Texas, and Ohio and found it to be a great resource for experienced, professional mental health providers. While we didn’t try Teladoc for psychiatry, we’re comfortable recommending the platform because of its high clinician quality, flexible scheduling, and the fact that it offers both mental and physical healthcare options—making it perfect for people who need treatment for both kinds of conditions.

“I liked that [my therapist] was straightforward, action-based, and observant. Even during the intake, it felt like a comfortable conversation. She made good observations that helped me look at my situation differently."—Teladoc tester, who sought treatment for anxiety

—Teladoc tester, who sought treatment for anxiety

The selection of providers at Teladoc was impressive. We loved that we could choose our own, and after going through several filters, we saw a pretty wide range of experienced providers. Having the ability to be super-specific with our needs and yet have a wide range of clinicians to choose from could be very helpful for people struggling with the complexities of co-morbid (co-occurring) conditions. You can receive psychiatric help for concerns likedepression,ADHD, anxiety disorders,phobias,adjustment disorders,trauma,PTSD, and OCD. Outside of mental health, the company’s offerings include primary care, pediatric care, dermatology, and nutritional counseling. This means that people with comorbid or chronic conditions—whether mental, physical, or both—can work with Teladoc to access ongoing care in a variety of areas.

We surveyed 100 users of Teladoc:94% rated Teladoc as very good or excellent overall89% rated their therapist’s qualifications as very good or excellent94% said that most or all of their needs were met at Teladoc98% are likely or very likely to recommend Teladoc to a friend or someone like them30% said they were using Teladoc for psychiatry or medication management services

We surveyed 100 users of Teladoc:

Best for Bipolar Disorder:LiveHealth Online

Price:$85-100 per therapy session; $185 or less for an initial psychiatry session; $80 per follow-upIs Insurance Accepted?:YesType Of Therapy:Children’s Therapy, Couples Therapy, Family Therapy, Individual Therapy, Medication Management, Psychiatry, Teen CounselingLearn More

LiveHealth Online

LiveHealth Online offers high-quality psychiatric care to people with bipolar disorder, a mental health condition that most online therapy companies cannot treat. This—coupled with the fact that it accepts several insurance plans, including Medicaid (which is also unusual with telehealth companies)—makes this platform stand out.

ProsProviders with expertise in treating bipolar disorderFlexible availability, including nights and weekendsOffers talk therapy and urgent care visits in addition to psychiatryCan choose your own providerAffordable pricesAccepts MedicaidConsOnly offers psychiatric care to adultsNo live chat support availableNot available outside the U.S.

Providers with expertise in treating bipolar disorder

Flexible availability, including nights and weekends

Offers talk therapy and urgent care visits in addition to psychiatry

Can choose your own provider

Affordable prices

Accepts Medicaid

ConsOnly offers psychiatric care to adultsNo live chat support availableNot available outside the U.S.

Only offers psychiatric care to adults

No live chat support available

Not available outside the U.S.

We tested individual therapy at LiveHealth Online from California and Ohio and found it to be a great resource with highly experienced providers, many with over a decade of experience, within an easy-to-use, intuitive platform. The company stands out because of its network of providers who can treat complex conditions and mood disorders, including bipolar disorder.Unlike many competing online psychiatry platforms, LiveHealth Online has board-certified psychiatrists who specialize in diagnosing and treating people withbipolar I or II. You can choose your own provider, which makes it easier to connect with someone who has directly relevant experience. And LiveHealth Online works with some major insurance providers and health plans and accepts Medicaid, making specialized treatment for those living with bipolar disorder that much more accessible and affordable.We liked that the website was exceptionally user-friendly and that we could schedule right from the app anytime we wanted. Providers were trained in delivering online care, which made the video experience seamless and free from the technical errors found on other platforms that can sometimes disrupt sessions. It was great to see night and weekend availability for many providers, but unfortunately, those spots were hard to snag and required scheduling weeks in advance.

Unlike many competing online psychiatry platforms, LiveHealth Online has board-certified psychiatrists who specialize in diagnosing and treating people withbipolar I or II. You can choose your own provider, which makes it easier to connect with someone who has directly relevant experience. And LiveHealth Online works with some major insurance providers and health plans and accepts Medicaid, making specialized treatment for those living with bipolar disorder that much more accessible and affordable.

We liked that the website was exceptionally user-friendly and that we could schedule right from the app anytime we wanted. Providers were trained in delivering online care, which made the video experience seamless and free from the technical errors found on other platforms that can sometimes disrupt sessions. It was great to see night and weekend availability for many providers, but unfortunately, those spots were hard to snag and required scheduling weeks in advance.

We surveyed 100 users of LiveHealth Online:90% rated LiveHealth Online as very good or excellent overall94% rated their therapist’s qualifications as very good or excellent98% said that most or all of their needs were met at LiveHealth Online98% are likely or very likely to recommend LiveHealth Online to a friend or someone like them33% of those using LiveHealth Online for psychiatry/medication management said they were being treated for bipolar disorder

We surveyed 100 users of LiveHealth Online:

Best for PTSD:Doctor on Demand

Price:$129 - $299 per sessionIs Insurance Accepted?:YesType Of Therapy:Individual Therapy, Medication Management, Psychiatry, Teen CounselingLearn More

Doctor on Demand offers psychiatric and medication management services that can be tailored specifically to treat people with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Specialists in PTSD provide comprehensive care while remaining in network with many insurance plans, making PTSD treatment more accessible.

ProsPsychiatrists with expertise in PTSD availableAccepts insuranceProviders have 15 or more years of experience on averageCan select your own providerTreatment available for kids and teensAmerican Sign Language (ASL) and language interpretation available upon requestConsCan’t message your provider between sessionsOut-of-pocket costs are relatively highCan’t see which insurance is accepted before signing up

Psychiatrists with expertise in PTSD available

Accepts insurance

Providers have 15 or more years of experience on average

Can select your own provider

Treatment available for kids and teens

American Sign Language (ASL) and language interpretation available upon request

ConsCan’t message your provider between sessionsOut-of-pocket costs are relatively highCan’t see which insurance is accepted before signing up

Can’t message your provider between sessions

Out-of-pocket costs are relatively high

We testedDoctor on Demand’s individual therapy services and teen psychiatry services from Pennsylvania, as well as individual therapy services from North Carolina and New York. We found our clinicians to be experienced and compassionate, both critical qualities for someone treatingpost-traumatic stress disorder(PTSD). Plus, clinicians used a variety of techniques that would be helpful for those struggling with PTSD.We loved that our providers were on time, prepared, and attentive, something we don’t always see on other platforms. We also appreciated our teen’s provider’s transparency, as they let us know right away that they didn’t specialize in kids (since our son was 15, it wasn’t a big deal to us). That sort of openness goes a long way in building trust. Clinicians offered emotionally sensitive support alongside practical advice that we could use in daily life. We appreciate this strategy of empowering patients with tools they can use when symptoms arise.“Appointments are psychiatrist-driven but patient-centric. One big thing that stood out to me was our provider’s interest in the mental health and medications of my son’s family members, and how they used that information to help shape their course of action in developing a diagnosis and prescription plan for him."—Doctor on Demand tester, whose teenage son was receiving psychiatry servicesIt was great to see clinicians using a wide range of techniques, including breathing exercises, to calm symptoms like anxiety (which can often crop up when living with PTSD). Education can help assure those living with PTSD that what they’re experiencing is normal, while breathing techniques are among the most effective and simple techniques for healing PTSD’s hallmark nervous system dysregulation.

We loved that our providers were on time, prepared, and attentive, something we don’t always see on other platforms. We also appreciated our teen’s provider’s transparency, as they let us know right away that they didn’t specialize in kids (since our son was 15, it wasn’t a big deal to us). That sort of openness goes a long way in building trust. Clinicians offered emotionally sensitive support alongside practical advice that we could use in daily life. We appreciate this strategy of empowering patients with tools they can use when symptoms arise.

“Appointments are psychiatrist-driven but patient-centric. One big thing that stood out to me was our provider’s interest in the mental health and medications of my son’s family members, and how they used that information to help shape their course of action in developing a diagnosis and prescription plan for him."—Doctor on Demand tester, whose teenage son was receiving psychiatry services

—Doctor on Demand tester, whose teenage son was receiving psychiatry services

It was great to see clinicians using a wide range of techniques, including breathing exercises, to calm symptoms like anxiety (which can often crop up when living with PTSD). Education can help assure those living with PTSD that what they’re experiencing is normal, while breathing techniques are among the most effective and simple techniques for healing PTSD’s hallmark nervous system dysregulation.

We surveyed 100 users of Doctor on Demand:88% rated Doctor on Demand as very good or excellent overall91% rated their therapist’s qualifications as very good or excellent95% said that most or all of their needs were met at Doctor on Demand97% are likely or very likely to recommend Doctor on Demand to a friend or someone like them34% said they were using Doctor on Demand for psychiatry or medication management

We surveyed 100 users of Doctor on Demand:

Read the FullDoctor on Demand Online Therapy Review

Best for Substance Use:Mindful Care

Price:$50-$175 for substance use; Individual therapy: $50 for 20-minute sessions, $100 for 40-minute sessions; $35 per group session; $75-$175 for psychiatry sessionIs Insurance Accepted?:YesType Of Therapy:Group Therapy, Individual Therapy, Medication Management, Psychiatry, Teen CounselingLearn More

Mindful Care

ProsTreatment specific to substance use disorders available for adultsAccepts insuranceUrgent appointments availablePsychiatric care offered to kids and teens ages 12 and upOffers medication-assisted treatment (MAT)Offers group and individual therapy alongside psychiatric careConsMany providers are nurse practitioners and certified physician assistantsOnly available in six statesCan’t always select your own provider

Treatment specific to substance use disorders available for adults

Urgent appointments available

Psychiatric care offered to kids and teens ages 12 and up

Offers medication-assisted treatment (MAT)

Offers group and individual therapy alongside psychiatric care

ConsMany providers are nurse practitioners and certified physician assistantsOnly available in six statesCan’t always select your own provider

Many providers are nurse practitioners and certified physician assistants

Only available in six states

Can’t always select your own provider

We appreciate that Mindful Care offers same-day appointments and has very responsive providers. The last thing someone needs when they’re in the midst of a craving is to have long session delays or wait for days to get a provider response. The vibe in the group therapy sessions was really nice—it felt like a safe space to share our struggles confidentially.

We love that Mindful Care has an online Mindful Recovery program with group therapy, care navigation, and MAT for people with alcohol use disorder or opioid use disorder. We didn’t like our microtherapy sessions (20 minutes long), however, as they were too rushed, and we don’t recommend them for those struggling with addiction.

We surveyed 100 users of Mindful Care:83% rated Mindful Care as very good or excellent overall86% rated their therapist’s qualifications as very good, or excellent90% said that most or all of their needs were met at Mindful Care96% are likely or very likely to recommend Mindful Care to a friend or someone like them12% said they were seeking treatment from Mindful Care for substance use issues

We surveyed 100 users of Mindful Care:

Best for OCD:LifeStance Health

LifeStance Health provides targeted treatment for OCD with a wider range of treatment options than many other telepsychiatry platforms, including child and adolescent psychiatry and medication management services both online and in person, all while operating in-network with most major insurance plans (including, in some areas, Medicare and Medicaid).

ProsHas providers who specialize in OCD treatmentAccepts insuranceChild and adolescent psychiatry availableWide variety of mental health care approaches offeredOffers both in-person and online treatmentMedicaid often acceptedConsOnly available in 33 statesPrices not completely clear at first glanceWebsite can be confusing to navigate

Has providers who specialize in OCD treatment

Child and adolescent psychiatry available

Wide variety of mental health care approaches offered

Offers both in-person and online treatment

Medicaid often accepted

ConsOnly available in 33 statesPrices not completely clear at first glanceWebsite can be confusing to navigate

Only available in 33 states

Prices not completely clear at first glance

Website can be confusing to navigate

We asked six people to testLifeStance Healthin Illinois, New York, Florida, Oregon, Missouri, and Ohio and found it to be a solid platform with professional, confident, and empathetic counselors who treat a wide variety of needs. Given that it has providers who are trained to treat more complex disorders, we recommend it for people withobsessive-compulsive disorder(OCD).

We surveyed 100 users of LifeStance Health:77% rated LifeStance Health as very good or excellent overall84% rated their therapist’s qualifications as very good or excellent95% said that most or all of their needs were met at LifeStance Health89% are likely or very likely to recommend LifeStance Health to a friend or someone like them61% said they were a parent or guardian31% said they were using LifeStance Health for psychiatry or medication management services

We surveyed 100 users of LifeStance Health:

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Guide to Choosing the Best Online Psychiatry That Takes Insurance

Online psychiatry can help children, teens, and adults with mental health conditions control or diminish their symptoms using psychotropic medication. “Psychiatry is an important component of mental health treatment for many,” says Dr. Marschall. “Psychiatric appointments are typically shorter than therapy sessions and focus on medication management.”

People who are experiencing difficulties with stress, anxiety, grief, anger, or trouble focusing may benefit from seeing an online psychiatrist. If you face barriers to psychiatric care, such as a busy schedule or financial stress, telepsychiatry might be right for you, especially if you need to use insurance to pay for care.

What If I’m Having Thoughts of Harming Myself?

If you are in severe distress or are having thoughts of harming yourself or someone else, online psychiatry is not the right option for you. Instead, call the U.S. Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or go to the nearest emergency room.

The following resources may also help you or someone you know:

Frequently Asked Questions

Online psychiatry refers to psychiatric care and/or medication management services delivered virtually, typically via video. Your provider may be a board-certified psychiatrist or another licensed prescriber, such as a psychiatric nurse practitioner. They may prescribe medication, which can be delivered to your home or a local pharmacy.

Research suggests that online psychiatry can be helpful for people with a wide variety of mental health conditions. For example, telepsychiatry has been found to be effective in treating selected patients with depression, anxiety,psychotic disorders, andautism spectrum disorder(ASD).Also, studies suggest that online psychiatry can be effective for geriatric (older) patients as well as children and teens facing mental health concerns.

There is evidence that online psychiatry can help to overcome many barriers to mental health care. These barriers may include:High costsPhysical inaccessibilityMental health stigmaTransportation difficultiesLiving in a remote areaCommunication differencesBusy schedules

There is evidence that online psychiatry can help to overcome many barriers to mental health care. These barriers may include:

With insurance, your copayment will vary, but may be in the range of$20 to $40 per visit.

Yes, qualified online psychiatrists can prescribe controlled substances to treat medical conditions, including mental health conditions. However, not all online mental health platforms allow their providers to prescribe controlled medications, so availability may be limited.Examples of controlled substances used to treat mental health conditions include:Hypnotics, such asAmbien(zolpidem)Stimulants, such asAdderall(mixed amphetamine salts) andRitalin(methylphenidate)Benzodiazepines, such asAtivan(lorazepam) andXanax(alprazolam)

Examples of controlled substances used to treat mental health conditions include:

An online psychiatry session works similarly to a face-to-face session with a psychiatric care provider. Usually, you’ll sign in through a secure online portal and meet with your provider at an appointed time via video. Your psychiatrist may ask you about your current symptoms, your medical history, and any medications you’re taking, as well as what you’d like to get out of your session.

To compile this list, we researched, evaluated, and tested 55 different online therapy and psychiatry companies, specifically focusing on which companies offered psychiatric services as well as which accepted insurance. We further evaluated these companies based on specialty (treatment for specific mental health concerns or specific demographics), the number of insurance plans accepted, availability (number of states), flexibility in scheduling, which medications can be prescribed (such as controlled substances for anxiety or ADHD), and the type of provider available.

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Psychiatrist taking notes while listening to female patient

Article Sources

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Mental Health America.2023 State of Mental Health in America Report.

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Our Online Therapy Methodology#

Most Comprehensive:Talkiatry#

Best for Depression:Talkspace#

Best for Anxiety:Brightside#

Best for Co-Occurring Conditions:Teladoc Health#

Best for Bipolar Disorder:LiveHealth Online#

Best for PTSD:Doctor on Demand#

Best for Substance Use:Mindful Care#

Best for OCD:LifeStance Health#

Guide to Choosing the Best Online Psychiatry That Takes Insurance#

What If I’m Having Thoughts of Harming Myself?#

Frequently Asked Questions#