psychiatry visit cost

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What Is A Psychiatrist And How Much Does One Cost?

Whether you’re seeking mental health services for a mental health condition or are trying to find the best care for your loved one, you may be wondering how much you can expect to pay for certain care and services. The mental health world involves a variety of professionals, one of whom is a psychiatrist. Below, we’re going to cover what type of care psychiatrists provide and answer the question How much does a psychiatrist cost?

What is a psychiatrist?

A psychiatrist is a healthcare provider who is both a medical doctor and a mental health professional. They have the same training and knowledge as your general practitioner, but they chose psychiatry as their specialty. This means they focus on diagnosing and treating mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders.

While psychologists can also diagnose and treat mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders, they cannot prescribe medications in most states in the U.S.

Why would psychiatry be my best option?

If you’re struggling with mental health concerns, you may be referred to inpatient or outpatient mental health services where a psychiatrist can assess your symptoms and potentially diagnose you with an underlying medical condition. In addition to challenges associated with mental health, problems related to your physical well-being can arise out of a mental or behavioral disorder. Because of their training and expertise, psychiatrists can assess and treat both mental and physical health concerns, though they may work with other physicians to address the latter. 

After a psychiatric evaluation, a psychiatrist may prescribe medication, and they may refer you to a therapist or psychologist if they believe therapy will be helpful. They will work with you to create a comprehensive plan for treatment and recovery.

Psychiatric care may be appropriate for any number of mental health disorders, including depression and anxiety disorders, substance abuse, eating disorders, and behavioral disorders (as well as helping to address physical symptoms related to these). 

It’s important to note that different mental illnesses require different treatment plans. After a psychiatrist completes psychological testing and diagnoses a mental illness, they can help come up with the best treatment plan, whether that’s medication, psychotherapy, or a combination of both. Since medication isn’t always the best treatment option, a psychiatrist may also refer the patient’s care to another type of licensed mental health professional. 

If you’ve decided to pursue psychiatric services, you may be wondering, How much does a psychiatrist cost? In the next section, we’re discussing the potential cost of a psychiatrist visit. 

How much does a psychiatrist cost?

The cost of working with a psychiatrist will depend on where you live, your insurance, and your treatment requirements. In addition to an appointment fee, you may also need to pay for specific types of treatments, tests, and/or lab work. The average psychiatrist cost without insurance generally falls somewhere between $100 and $300 per appointment. You should expect to pay up to $500 for the initial consultation and roughly $100 an hour thereafter for follow-ups. Again, this is the out-of-pocket fee, without insurance.

If you want to work with a psychiatrist, you can call them beforehand and talk with their staff to figure out what your costs could be, including any tests you might need. In some cases, a psychiatrist may be able to work with you to make your visits more affordable. Speaking to your doctor ahead of time can also help you identify potential cost-saving treatment alternatives and/or develop a payment plan. If you’re well-prepared, you can find ways to save.

How can I afford a psychiatrist?

When you decide to visit a psychiatrist, remember the time and education they put into obtaining their professional license. Most psychiatrists spend four years completing a bachelor's degree, four years in medical school, and four years in a residency program. That means obtaining this care won’t be cheap. However, you can find ways to make visiting a psychiatrist more affordable.

Use your health insurance for a psychiatrist

If you have health insurance, make sure you check to see if your coverage includes a form of mental health coverage. In most cases, your insurance will require you to get a doctor’s referral for treatment from a psychiatrist. Referral costs are a common part of the healthcare continuum in the U.S. Also know that your plan may only cover a certain number of visits per year, and certain psychiatrists may not be covered under your plan. 

If your health insurance plan covers psychiatric visits, ensure the psychiatrist you choose is in your insurance network before scheduling an appointment. If you need help finding an in-network psychiatrist, you can contact your insurance provider.

Ask about sliding scales to reduce psychiatry costs

Unfortunately, not all health insurance plans cover psychiatric treatment. If your insurance coverage does not offer robust mental health care coverage, there are other options you can take to get the psychiatrist visits you need. Some community mental health clinics and the occasional psychiatrist will offer sliding scale fees. This means that the amount you are charged will depend on your income. Those with a higher income will pay a higher fee, and those with a lower income will pay a lower fee. If you’re worried that your income may not be adequate to afford services, ask your doctor about this option.

Look for reduced-cost mental health services in your area

In many places, there are clinics that operate at an overall reduced cost, so people with low incomes or no insurance can afford their services. Though they may offer low-cost appointments, you might have to wait to get on their schedule.

How you can save on your prescriptions

If your treatment plan requires a prescription, this can be another area where you can look to cut costs. Some people opt for less expensive generic versions of name brand medications. If you’re interested in opting for a generic version, make sure to talk to your doctor about this. 

There are also sites like GoodRx, which can show you how much your medication will cost at different area pharmacies, so you can compare costs and select an appropriate option. They also offer prescription discounts that aren’t connected with your insurance.

Consider working with other mental health professionals

While you may want to work with a psychiatrist to diagnose your condition and prescribe any necessary medication, you may consider working with other professionals after you receive your treatment plan. For example, if you’re living with a behavioral disorder like ADHD, a psychiatric nurse practitioner may provide more affordable—though no less comprehensive—services than a psychiatrist. 

Many psychiatrists will refer you to other mental healthcare providers, and often work with them by continuing to prescribe medication. If psychotherapy is part of the plan, you can explore working with a licensed professional counselor, licensed clinical social worker, or other appropriately trained professional. You can also explore online options to find a more affordable option.

Receive the help you deserve

Working through a mental health challenge and living with mental illness can be challenging. It’s important to recognize there is help out there, even if it takes some time to find a treatment option that’s right for you.

While working with a psychiatrist can be helpful, it’s not the only way to treat or manage mental illness.  Online therapy  could be a good option if the hassle of or cost of attending in-person appointments prohibits you from getting the help you need.

Research suggests that online cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be  just as effective  as in-person therapy for helping manage symptoms of depression. Additional studies suggest that therapy combined with medication is often a more  effective treatment  method for anxiety and depressive disorders than medication alone.

Below you can find examples of frequently asked questions to discuss with your counselor.

Do you need a referral to see a psychiatrist?

No. If you’re having mental health concerns and you would like to see a psychiatrist you don’t need a referral. Many people do end up getting referrals from their primary care doctors when mental health challenges are discovered during routine visits or checkups.

Can a psychiatrist prescribe medication on first visit?

Yes. A psychiatrist is a licensed medical professional that can prescribe medication. If your psychiatrist feels you need medication based on your session they will prescribe the best medication for you. This process is the same — even if this is your first visit.

What medications do psychiatrists prescribe for anxiety?

Psychiatrists and medical professionals prescribe antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications to treat anxiety and its related conditions. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are commonly prescribed medications for anxiety. Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors are another example of a class of drugs prescribed to treat anxiety and depression.

What would you see a psychiatrist for?

People visit psychiatrists for a variety of issues with moderate to severe mental illness. Psychiatrists prescribe medication for people who require it and make referrals for counseling and therapy as an extension of treatment.

What happens at your first psychiatrist appointment?

When you visit your psychiatric for the first time, your doctor will provide psychiatric support and advice in the form of a treatment plan. Your treatment plan outlines what methods, medications, and psychotherapy techniques will be used during the course of mental health treatment.

What does a psychiatrist do for anxiety?

When you visit a psychiatrist for anxiety, you can expect to receive a diagnosis, a recommendation for psychotherapy services, and medication if your condition is moderate or severe. Your psychiatrist will likely recommend therapy sessions with a licensed provider to help mitigate anxiety symptoms.

What happens during a psychological evaluation?

During a psychological evaluation, your mental health provider will ask you a series of questions about your history. Based on how you answer the questions about your life, history, experiences, and events, your provider will make an assessment or diagnosis.

Can a psychiatrist diagnose?

Yes. A psychiatrist is a licensed medical professional like a primary care physician who can diagnose and treat mental illness and other mental health-related issues. A psychiatrist is also licensed to write prescriptions for mental health medications.

When should I consult a psychiatrist?

How do I know I need psychiatric help? What should I tell my psychiatrist for the first time? What should I tell my first psychiatrist appointment? What are the 5 signs of mental illness? What are the 3 signs of a mental disorder? What are the 7 signs of a mental disorder?

• How Can I Find A Psychiatrist Near Me? Medically reviewed by Majesty Purvis , LCMHC
• Psychiatry Books By Famous Psychiatrists Medically reviewed by Melissa Guarnaccia , LCSW
• Relationships and Relations

Cost of psychiatrist visit by state

The following estimated costs are based on cash prices that providers have historically charged on average for psychiatrist visit and will vary depending on where the service is done. The prices do not include the anesthesia, imaging, and other doctor visit fees that normally accompany psychiatrist visit.

Need help to cover that price?

See how Sidecar Health insurance can help cover your medical needs.

What is the purpose of seeing a psychiatrist?

Visiting a psychiatrist can help you diagnose and treat your mental or behavioral disorder. You may need to see a psychiatrist for treatment if you’ve been diagnosed with a mental health condition or personality disorder, such as bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. Psychiatrists also treat people with behavioral problems, like eating disorders or substance abuse and addiction.

What can I expect at a psychiatrist appointment?

During your psychiatrist appointment, your doctor may check your vitals, run blood tests, or conduct psychological testing to help understand and treat your condition. After assessing your mental and physical conditions, your psychiatrist works with you to create a treatment plan to help manage your health problems.

Once you are diagnosed and a treatment plan is developed, you will receive treatment during your psychiatrist appointments. Depending on your needs, this may include prescribing medications, such as antidepressants, antipsychotics, sedatives or stimulants, and mood stabilizers.

Different medications are used to treat specific mental disorders. You may also receive psychotherapy during your appointment. It’s commonly used alongside medications to manage disorders.

How long is a typical psychiatrist appointment?

The first appointment with a psychiatrist is called an intake appointment. It may last over an hour so your doctor can learn about your medical and psychiatric history. They need to know the current medications you take and any psychiatric medications you have previously taken.

They will also ask you questions and perform physical tests. Your future appointments may be shorter depending on what treatments your psychiatrist recommends.

Do psychiatrists prescribe medication on the first visit?

Once a diagnosis is made, your psychiatrist develops a treatment plan for you that may include prescribing medications. Sometimes patients attend several appointments before they’re diagnosed and given medication, while others may receive medications sooner.

What does a psychiatrist do for anxiety?

A psychiatrist may use psychotherapy and SSRI medications to treat patients diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. These medications help block your body from reabsorbing serotonin, and the excess amount helps improve your mood and lower your anxiety levels.

Psychiatrists also prescribe benzodiazepine medications that provide short-term relief to patients experiencing acute anxiety attacks. These medications can be habit forming and are only intended for emergency use.

How do I know if I need psychiatric help?

If you’re suffering from a mental health condition that is impacting your life, you may need psychiatric help. This includes sudden changes, such as feeling intense panic or fear, or more chronic conditions like depression.

If life feels overwhelming or you don’t know how to deal with your mental health problems, visiting a psychiatrist can help.

* Savings estimate based on a study of more than 1 billion claims comparing self-pay (or cash pay) prices of a frequency-weighted market basket of procedures to insurer-negotiated rates for the same. Claims were collected between July 2017 and July 2019. R.Lawrence Van Horn, Arthur Laffer, Robert L.Metcalf. 2019. The Transformative Potential for Price Transparency in Healthcare: Benefits for Consumers and Providers. Health Management Policy and Innovation, Volume 4, Issue 3.

Sidecar Health offers and administers a variety of plans including ACA compliant and excepted benefit plans. Coverage and plan options may vary or may not be available in all states.

Your actual costs may be higher or lower than these cost estimates. Check with your provider and health plan details to confirm the costs that you may be charged for a service or procedure.You are responsible for costs that are not covered and for getting any pre-authorizations or referrals required by your health plan. Neither payments nor benefits are guaranteed. Provider data, including price data, provided in part by Turquoise Health.

The site is not a substitute for medical or healthcare advice and does not serve as a recommendation for a particular provider or type of medical or healthcare.

How much does a psychiatrist cost without insurance?

$250 – $500 average cost without insurance (initial evaluation), $80 – $250 average cost without insurance (follow-up visit).

Psychiatrist cost without insurance

The average cost of a psychiatrist visit without insurance is $250 to $500 for an initial evaluation and $80 to $250 for a follow-up visit. The cost to see a psychiatrist depends on your location, whether you see an MD or psychiatric nurse practitioner, and the treatment type and tests received.

Initial consultation & evaluation

An initial consultation with a psychiatrist costs $250 to $500 without insurance and lasts 45 to 90 minutes on average. During this visit, the psychiatrist will ask questions to learn more about your medical and family history, mental and physical symptoms, and concerns.

The psychiatrist may also prescribe lab work or additional psychological assessments to help them make an accurate diagnosis.

By the end of the first or second visit, the psychiatrist will provide a diagnosis and develop a treatment plan. The treatment may include medications, therapy, lifestyle changes, or a combination of these approaches. The psychiatrist may also refer you to other specialists if needed.

Follow-up visit

A follow-up visit with a psychiatrist costs $80 to $250 without insurance. These visits are typically shorter than the initial evaluation, lasting 15 to 30 minutes , depending on the treatment plan.

During follow-up appointments, you'll discuss how you're doing, how the medications are working, whether to change medications or adjust the dosages, and how any other prescribed treatment methods are progressing. The psychiatrist will make changes to the treatment plan if needed.

Additional costs

Depending on the diagnosis and treatment plan, you may also encounter additional costs for other testing or treatments, including:

Prescription medications

Lab work and other physical health tests

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Interpersonal Therapy (IPT), or behavioral therapy

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy

Biofeedback or neurofeedback therapy

Genetic testing

Psychiatrist cost with insurance

The cost of a psychiatrist visit with insurance depends on the insurance plan, coverage terms, and the individual psychiatrist's rates. These factors impact your out-of-pocket cost:

Co-pay – A co-pay is the flat fee you must pay to visit a healthcare provider. The amount varies from free to $100+ , depending on the insurance company, plan, and type of treatment or service.

Coinsurance – Some plans require patients to pay a coinsurance amount instead of a co-pay. The coinsurance amount is a percentage of the healthcare provider's total visit fee.

Deductible – A deductible is the minimum amount you must pay out of pocket before your insurance covers any medical costs. If you have not met your annual deductible, you'll be responsible for paying the full cost of the visit and any additional treatments the psychiatrist prescribes.

In-network vs. out-of-network – A visit with an in-network psychiatrist costs much less than seeing an out-of-network provider that doesn’t partner with your insurance company.

Referral – Some insurance plans require patients to get a referral from their primary care physician before seeing a specialist. If you need a referral to see a psychiatrist, you'll pay a standard co-pay or coinsurance fee to see your primary doctor first.

What is a psychiatrist?

A psychiatrist is a licensed medical doctor (MD) who specializes in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions, emotional disorders, and behavioral disorders. Psychiatrists can order a wide range of medical tests and psychological assessments to help them make a diagnosis and determine the best treatment approach.

When to see a psychiatrist

Consider seeing a psychiatrist if you're suffering from a mental health condition that negatively impacts your life, such as feeling sad all the time, experiencing panic attacks, having difficulty focusing, or dealing with an eating disorder.

Psychiatrists commonly diagnose and treat these conditions and more:

Depression or apathy

Thoughts of suicide or self-harm

Anxiety or panic attacks

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) / Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)

Eating disorders, including Binge Eating Disorder, Anorexia Nervosa, and Bulimia Nervosa

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Bipolar Disorder

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or Complex PTSD

Schizophrenia

Insomnia, nightmares, or other sleep problems

Substance abuse or addiction

What is the difference between a psychiatrist and a psychologist?

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor and can prescribe medication. A psychiatrist conducts an evaluation, makes a diagnosis, and develops a treatment plan that may include medication, therapy, or other approaches. However, many psychiatrists don't offer talk therapy and will refer you to a psychologist for that service.

In comparison, a psychologist is not a medical doctor and cannot prescribe medication. Psychologists and licensed therapists can diagnose disorders like depression, anxiety, eating disorders, or phobias and provide talk therapy, cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), and other psychotherapy treatments.

Most doctors recommend seeing both a psychiatrist and a psychologist to address your condition medically and through psychotherapy.

Factors that affect the cost of a psychiatrist visit

Insurance coverage has the biggest impact on the cost to see a psychiatrist. If you have insurance that covers psychiatric treatment, you'll be responsible for only the co-pay or coinsurance amount after meeting your annual deductible. Individuals without insurance must cover the entire cost out of pocket.

Other factors that impact the cost include:

Psychiatrist's experience – Psychiatrists with additional training and education or an established clinical practice often charge more than new psychiatrists due to the higher demand for their services.

Specialty – Psychiatrists who specialize in treating certain conditions often charge more but are more familiar with the symptoms and challenges that come with those conditions.

Psychiatrist vs. psychiatric nurse practitioner – Psychiatrists typically charge more than nurse practitioners. Both can make a diagnosis, prescribe medication, develop a treatment plan, and order lab work or other tests. However, some states require nurse practitioners to work under the supervision of a psychiatrist.

Location – Psychiatrists' hourly rates are highest in major metropolitan areas like New York City and Los Angeles. Though most psychiatrists now offer virtual appointments online, regulations limit doctors to treating patients located within states where they are licensed to practice.

How to find an affordable psychiatrist

Many healthcare providers offer other options to make psychiatric treatment more affordable. Look for these ways to save money:

Discounts & cash-pay prices – Ask if the psychiatrist offers reduced rates for uninsured patients or individuals with high-deductible insurance plans. Some psychiatrists offer discounts if you are paying out of pocket for the full cost of the visit.

Sliding-scale rates – Some mental health practitioners offer sliding-scale rates based on income for uninsured patients. Ask your psychiatrist about this option, as many practices offer it, but don't mention it on their website.

Prescription discounts – To save money on prescription costs, look for discount cards from the pharmaceutical company or opt for generic medications when available.

Low-cost clinics – Clinics in some communities offer mental health care at a reduced price for uninsured or low-income residents.

Student health services – Many colleges and universities provide free or reduced-cost mental health services for students.

If your condition doesn't require medication, consider scheduling an appointment with a licensed professional counselor , therapist , or psychologist , as their hourly rates are lower than psychiatrists' rates.

Psychiatrist FAQs

Can a psychiatrist prescribe medication.

Yes, a psychiatrist can prescribe medication. Your psychiatrist will determine whether medication will be beneficial for your condition, and if so, will develop a treatment plan that includes ongoing medication management.

Many psychiatric medications require titration—starting at the lowest introductory dose and gradually increasing to an effective maintenance dose—along with regular monitoring. This requires periodic follow-up visits with the psychiatrist and may also involve lab work.

Do psychiatrists prescribe medication on the first visit?

After conducting an evaluation and making a diagnosis, a psychiatrist may prescribe medication on the first visit as part of a treatment plan. However, some patients require additional assessments or lab work before receiving a prescription.

How long is a typical psychiatrist visit?

A psychiatrist visit lasts 45 to 90 minutes for the initial consultation and evaluation. The psychiatrist may ask you to fill out questionnaires and complete online or written assessments before your scheduled appointment. Follow-up sessions last 15 to 30 minutes on average.

Do you need a referral to see a psychiatrist?

Most HMO insurance plans require you to get a referral from your primary care doctor to see a psychiatrist. Many PPO insurance plans allow you to see a psychiatrist without a referral from a general practitioner. Check with your insurance provider for details.

Is a psychiatrist more expensive than a therapist?

Seeing a psychiatrist usually costs more than a therapy session because psychiatrists are medical doctors with more extensive education and training. In comparison, therapy costs $100 to $250 per session with a psychologist, therapist, or licensed mental health counselor.

How to find a psychiatrist near you

When seeking mental health treatment, it's important to find a psychiatrist who makes you feel comfortable, respected, and understood. Follow these tips to find the best psychiatrist near you :

If you have specific mental health concerns—such as depression, attention deficit disorder, or an eating disorder—look for a psychiatrist who specializes in treating that condition.

Ask your primary care doctor for recommendations.

Read reviews from other clients on Thervo and Google.

Confirm the psychiatrist accepts your health insurance.

Ask about co-pays and other treatment fees.

Schedule an initial appointment to make sure you're happy with the psychiatrist's communication style and empathy.

Questions to ask a psychiatrist

Before establishing yourself as a patient, ask the psychiatrist these questions:

What are your qualifications and areas of expertise?

Have you treated other people with this condition successfully?

What treatment methods do you offer?

Will the treatment plan involve other specialists?

What improvements can I expect, and when?

Can you prescribe medication if needed?

What are the side effects of the medication?

What happens if I discontinue my medication abruptly?

Do you accept my insurance? If yes, do you bill the insurance company directly?

Do you offer discounted or sliding-scale rates for patients without insurance?

Do you offer virtual or telehealth appointments?

Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.

Need help? Call us at (833) 966-4233

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We’re in network with most major insurances – accepting 585+ insurance plans, covering 190 million people nationwide.

Thriveworks offers flexible and convenient therapy services, available both online and in-person nationwide, with psychiatry services accessible in select states.

Find the right provider for you, based on your specific needs and preferences, all online.

If you need assistance booking, we’ll be happy to help — our support team is available 7 days a week.

Discover more

How much does a psychiatrist cost without insurance? Understanding psychiatric provider rates and more

Our clinical and medical experts , ranging from licensed therapists and counselors to psychiatric nurse practitioners, author our content, in partnership with our editorial team. In addition, we only use authoritative, trusted, and current sources. This ensures we provide valuable resources to our readers. Read our editorial policy for more information.

Thriveworks was established in 2008, with the ultimate goal of helping people live happy and successful lives. We are clinician-founded and clinician-led. In addition to providing exceptional clinical care and customer service, we accomplish our mission by offering important information about mental health and self-improvement.

We are dedicated to providing you with valuable resources that educate and empower you to live better. First, our content is authored by the experts — our editorial team co-writes our content with mental health professionals at Thriveworks, including therapists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, and more.

We also enforce a tiered review process in which at least three individuals — two or more being licensed clinical experts — review, edit, and approve each piece of content before it is published. Finally, we frequently update old content to reflect the most up-to-date information.

• When seeking mental health services from a psychiatric provider, cost is an important factor for many individuals—and you may also be curious about whether your care will be covered by insurance.
• Psychiatric providers who are in-network with your insurance company will always be more affordable than one who isn’t.
• Typically, psychiatric providers will charge between $100-500 per hour for their services, but their rates will vary depending on their experience and the services they’re providing you.
• Compared with family doctors or psychologists, psychiatric providers may charge higher rates because they are typically considered specialists who often (but not always) work through referrals.
• Check with your insurance company, and reach out to your psychiatric provider’s office for more clarification on what you can expect to pay after your next visit.

When you seek out mental health services, inevitably the question of cost becomes a factor. How much will you end up paying? Will your insurance cover your visits? And if you don’t have insurance, you may wonder, “How much does a psychiatrist cost without insurance?” 

While getting an exact cost before your psychiatric appointment may not be completely possible, comparing psychiatric services to the rates of other mental health professionals can give you a rough estimate of what to expect. 

How Much Does a Psychiatrist Cost with Insurance? 

Working with a psychiatrist who accepts insurance is always going to be the more affordable option. So, if you have insurance, start by checking in with your insurance provider who may be able to provide an estimate. Or, call the office or contact number of the psychiatric provider, and, depending on the services you’re needing, they may be able to tell you. 

The exact cost will depend on insurance accepted by the psychiatrist vs. insurance coverage on your insurance policy. It’s also worth noting that telepsychiatry is often the same price as an in-person visit, as the only difference is the location of the appointment, not the actual services involved. 

How Much Does a Psychiatrist Cost Per Hour? 

Psychiatrist hourly rates will vary depending on: 

• The provider’s location
• Services they provide
• The provider’s experience level
• Whether your visit is covered by insurance
• And other unique variables

Typically, a psychiatrist or psychiatric provider will have self-pay rates around $100-500 with a median of $200 per hour on average. Providers with more experience and expertise often charge higher hourly rates. 

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Is a Psychologist Cheaper Than a Psychiatrist?

The rate for a psychologist is normally cheaper than a psychiatrist, yes. This is related to education and prescribing rights (the ability to prescribe antidepressants and other medication) that psychiatrists have over psychologists—but this is not always the case.

In some states, psychologists may also have the privilege to prescribe medications as needed. 

Why Do a Lot of Psychiatrists Not Take Insurance?

Certain psychiatrists and psychiatric providers do not take insurance for various reasons, including:

• The psychiatrist not being credentialed or approved by a particular insurance company 
• By choice due to the limits that some insurance companies place on care delivered by providers 

Those who are frustrated by psychiatric providers that are not in network with their insurance provider should consider whether it’s worth taking a little time to find one who is. 

Why Do Psychiatrists Charge More than Other Providers? 

Psychiatrists may have a higher rate when compared to medical or family doctors. This increase in cost is related to a psychiatrist being considered a specialist when compared to a medical or family practice doctor characterized as general practice. 

Specialists typically require a higher rate of pay. So if you’re paying out of pocket, give their office a call—and touch base with your insurance provider. 

Though psychiatric services may sound expensive, some providers (like Thriveworks ) do work with insurance companies to offer clients affordable care.

Published Apr 20, 2023

• Medical writer
• Editorial writer
• Clinical reviewer

Tamiqua Jackson is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) and Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) in the states of North Carolina and Tennessee. Tamiqua has over 8 years of experience in advanced practice. She enjoys working with patients who may be experiencing depression, anxiety, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), stress, sleep disorders, and other mental health issues that may affect everyday life. Tamiqua is compassionate and serves as a patient advocate.

Christine Ridley is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who specializes in adolescent and adult anxiety, depression, mood and thought disorders, addictive behaviors, and co-dependency issues.

Jason Crosby is a Senior Copywriter at Thriveworks. He received his BA in English Writing from Montana State University with a minor in English Literature. Previously, Jason was a freelance writer for publications based in Seattle, WA, and Austin, TX.

The information on this page is not intended to replace assistance, diagnosis, or treatment from a clinical or medical professional. Readers are urged to seek professional help if they are struggling with a mental health condition or another health concern.

If you’re in a crisis, do not use this site. Please call the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or use these resources to get immediate help.

How Much Does a Psychiatrist Cost Without Insurance? 7 Key Questions Answered

Team Curative

Apr 26, 2022

Not feeling your best mentally? Whether it’s a general lack of motivation or something more serious, rest assured that you’re not alone. Mental health problems are common amongst Americans, with  nearly one in five adults  having experienced some form of mental illness in 2020.

To get help with your mental health, you might be interested in seeing a psychiatrist—a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating mental health problems. But if you’re on a budget and you don’t have insurance, you may be wondering, “How much does a psychiatrist cost without insurance?”

This page answers that question and helps you understand the broader picture of the costs associated with seeing a psychiatrist. By the time you’re done reading, you’ll have all of the information you need to see a psychiatrist for as low of an out-of-pocket cost as possible.

In the future, be sure to work with a trustworthy insurance company that puts the mental well-being of the patient first. A streamlined digital-first approach to managing and accessing mental healthcare services means you can get the care you need, when you need it, and go back to living your best life as quickly as possible.

What Does a Psychiatrist Do?

Broadly speaking, a psychiatrist is a doctor who specializes in treating mental health problems. Specifically, some of the problems psychiatrists help solve include: 

Acute ones, such as suddenly experiencing panic attacks, intrusive thoughts of self-harm, or hallucinations

Long-term ones, such as depression, anxiety, or a general lack of everyday wellbeing

You don’t need to know exactly what’s wrong before you see a psychiatrist—the right psychiatrist will guide you through a step-by-step process to get you feeling better again.

When you visit a psychiatrist, they will ask you a series of questions about your problems to try and determine what the underlying cause of your mental health problems is.

Since psychiatrists are licensed doctors, they have many different types of tests at their disposal—both physical and mental. 

For example, if a male patient is getting older and finding himself experiencing a lack of motivation, the psychiatrist may perform a physical test on the patient’s testosterone levels. Other times, mental health tests may be conducted just by the two of you talking—also known as psychotherapy.

Once again, because psychiatrists are licensed doctors, they have a very wide variety of treatment options available for patients, no matter the severity of your mental health issues.

The most common type of treatment that is sometimes paired with other treatment options is psychotherapy, which, as covered, is when you and your psychiatrist talk about your problems to try and come to a solution. 

Psychotherapy may be conducted alone with just you and your psychiatrist. It may also be performed in groups, usually with loved ones who are close to you and have a major impact on your life, if your psychiatrist feels that method of psychotherapy will be more helpful than one-on-one sessions.

Other times, if your psychiatrist determines that your problem is more severe, they may make use of other treatment options, such as prescribing you medication, to help solve your problem. Common psychiatric prescriptions include antidepressants, antipsychotics, stimulants, sedatives, and mood stabilizers.

Regardless of the type of treatment your psychiatrist makes use of, similar to  dermatologist visits , it’s common to see your psychiatrist periodically so the two of you can review the state of your mental health and make adjustments to your treatment regimen as necessary.

How Is a Psychiatrist Different From a Psychologist?

Although the two types of mental health professionals perform similar duties (and their names even sound similar), they are not identical. Psychiatrists go through more training than psychologists and have a better understanding of the overall functions of the human body.

Another key difference is the type of treatment you will receive from each professional. Psychologists focus only on behavioral issues and make extensive use of psychotherapy (talking through problems). Psychiatrists do as well, but they are also able to prescribe other treatments like prescription pills due to their higher level of medical certification.

What Is the Cost of Visiting a Psychiatrist?

The cost of visiting a psychiatrist is variable depending on the scope of your visit and what the psychiatrist helps you with while you’re there.

To start, you’ll have to pay for the initial consultation. Unlike other industries where the initial consultation is sometimes free or discounted, a consultation with a psychiatrist is sometimes more expensive than follow-up visits. 

Then, you’ll have to pay for regular visitation to your psychiatrist. Your psychiatrist will be able to make recommendations on how frequently you should be visiting.

Another key expense when it comes to psychiatry is the treatment options that your psychiatrist may want to make use of. These treatment options are not included in the cost to visit the psychiatrist—they’re extra.

How Much Does a Psychiatrist Cost With Insurance?

Even with insurance, it’s possible that your visits to the psychiatrist could result in minimal out-of-pocket expenses.

For the initial consultation and follow-up visits, you will likely receive at least partial coverage from your health insurance company. In many cases, you will be responsible only for a  copay , which is a flat fee you pay for certain healthcare services.

Some healthcare plans may put restrictions on how many times you can visit your psychiatrist in a month or year if you wish to receive coverage. If you exceed this number of visits in the specified timeframe, you may be responsible for the entire fee, not just the copay.

Treatment beyond psychotherapy, such as prescription pills, is unlikely to be covered in the flat-fee copay. These treatments will likely be billed on a  coinsurance  basis, meaning your insurance company covers the majority of the expense and you pay for a smaller percentage of it.

Keep in mind that coinsurance rates usually kick in only after your annual deductible has been met. A  deductible  is a fixed dollar amount that you need to pay out of pocket before your health insurance company begins helping out with certain healthcare costs. 

If you have not met your deductible, you may be responsible for the full cost of additional treatment beyond psychotherapy.

How Much Does a Psychiatrist Cost Without Insurance?

Without insurance, you’ll be responsible for both the full fees of the psychiatrist visit and the full fees of any treatment options your psychiatrist thinks will be helpful for you.

Each visit could cost  between $65 and $250 .

The exact cost will likely depend on the cost of living in your area. For example, visiting a psychiatrist in Manhattan—a part of New York City with a very high cost of living—will likely cost more than visiting one in a more rural area of the country that has a lower cost of living.

Regarding treatment, how much does it cost to see a psychiatrist without insurance? The cost of treatment options varies greatly. For prescription pills, a common treatment option recommended by psychiatrists, a monthly supply can run into the hundreds of dollars. For example,  commonly-prescribed antidepressants  can cost between $5 and $10 per dose, which is multiplied by 30 for a full month’s supply.

How Can I Pay Less for Psychiatric Care?

Not all Americans can afford to spend hundreds of dollars every month on psychiatric care—especially if these individuals were unable to afford private health insurance in the first place.

Luckily, there are a few options available to you if you wish to visit a psychiatrist but are  having trouble affording  either the visitation fees or the treatment costs.

Compare prices. Even in the same geographic area with the same cost of living, certain psychiatrists will charge more than others. “Shop around” by inquiring about fees from multiple psychiatrists near you.

Ask for a discount. If you don’t have insurance, some psychiatrists may be willing to reduce their rates for you. It never hurts to ask.

Inquire about sliding scales . On a similar note, some psychiatrists will offer to bill you based on your income. In other words, if you earn less, you’ll pay less for psychiatric visits, though treatment costs will likely remain static.

Look for low-cost clinics. Mental health clinics in your area can offer professional care while charging a fraction of what a typical psychiatrist’s office would.

Reduce prescription costs. Services like RXSaver can help you save on prescriptions, even without insurance. Also, if your psychiatrist prescribes an expensive medication, see if it’s possible and appropriate to use a less expensive but comparable prescription.

Alternate payment methods for psychiatry, such as  medical credit cards , should ideally be used only as a last resort. Since psychiatry costs are generally recurring, either in the form of follow-up visits or prescriptions, moving the costs to a credit card can result in significant unwanted debt.

How Can I Get Insurance for Psychiatric Visits?

In the long-term, the best way to see a psychiatrist and get help with your mental health problems is by having health insurance. No matter who you are or what your income is, you likely have at least one option to choose from.

Public Health Insurance

Public health insurance  refers to health insurance plans that are subsidized by the federal government. There are three popular public health insurance programs in the United States.

Medicare . Medicare is generally used by individuals who are age 65 or older.

Medicaid . Medicaid is generally used by individuals who cannot afford private health insurance.

Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) . CHIP is generally used by families who earn too little to afford private health insurance, but too much to qualify for Medicaid. With CHIP, children in these families can receive free or discounted health insurance.

Private Health Insurance

Private health insurance refers to any non-public health insurance plan you enroll in. The most common type of private health insurance plan is a group workplace plan. A derivative of a group workplace plan is a small business health insurance plan. 

Not all private health insurance plans are the same. Some cost more than others, and some are more restrictive than others in regards to which professionals you can visit and how frequently you can visit them.

For example, a health maintenance organization (HMO) is usually the cheapest type of private health insurance plan you can enroll in. However, it’s also the most restrictive. You may be restricted to visiting only a few psychiatrists in your area. If you don’t get along with any of them, you may find your health insurance plan to be less useful than you had hoped.

A preferred provider organization (PPO) is another popular type of private health insurance plan where you have more flexibility regarding the psychiatrists you can see. In some cases, you can receive coverage even if you see a psychiatrist that is outside of the approved list of medical providers of your particular health plan, which allows you to test out many psychiatrists to see which one you get along with best. This increased flexibility usually comes at the cost of a higher monthly premium.

Learn more about enrolling in a new private health insurance plan to make sure you get the best deal for you in particular. 

Before you make your final decision, make sure you’re covered for psychiatric services, and it’s also wise to check to see which prescription medications you’re covered for, as those are common treatment options recommended by psychiatrists.

How much does a psychiatrist appointment cost without insurance? It depends on where you live, but in general, expect to pay between $65 and $250 for each appointment if you don’t have insurance, which is similar to the fees a chiropractor charges. 

Remember that you will also be responsible for paying for any additional treatment options, such as prescription pills, that are not covered in the cost of the actual visit to the psychiatrist.

The best way to make use of psychiatric services is to have a reliable health insurance plan that covers psychiatric services, offers affordable copays, and provides coverage for a wide range of potential psychiatric treatments beyond psychotherapy. When you work with a trustworthy insurance company that puts the mental wellbeing of the patient above all else, it’s easy to find a psychiatrist you trust and get back to living the life you want to live.

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How Much Does A Psychiatrist Cost?

It’s not uncommon for people to use the labels “psychiatrist” and “psychologist” interchangeably, but these are two very different jobs with different responsibilities, educations, and professional scope. Understanding the difference between the two can help you know which professional may be right for you and be better suited for your mental health care.

What is a psychiatrist?

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor. For all intents and purposes, they have the same training and knowledge as your general doctor, but they chose psychiatry as their specialty. Because of their training and background, psychiatrists can prescribe medications to treat your condition.

This likely means psychiatrist visits will be more costly than when you choose other types of mental health professionals to work with and when you are considering how much does a psychiatric cost. They may include medication as part of your treatment plan, and they may refer you to another professional like a psychologist for talk therapy. Although medication is necessary in some instances, talk therapy offers more long-term treatments; this is why a psychiatrist often works alongside a psychologist or therapist.

Psychologist

Psychologists typically obtain their Ph.D. or PsyD in psychology. In general, psychologists tend to approach mental health treatment with psychotherapy and theories, so they can evaluate, assess, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions. Unlike psychiatrists, psychologists are not able to prescribe medication. For medication management, you will instead need to take advantage of psychiatric care.

Why would psychiatry be my best option?

If you’re struggling with mental health concerns, a psychiatrist will assess you for an underlying medical condition that could be causing your symptoms. They may prescribe medication, and they may refer you to a therapist or psychologist if they believe therapy will be helpful. They will work with you to create a comprehensive plan for your psychiatric treatment and recovery. You must take all these things into account when calculating how much does a psychiatrist cost and if the care is a good idea for you.

How much does a psychiatrist cost?

The cost of working with a psychiatrist will depend on where you live, your insurance provider, and your treatment requirements. In addition to their fee, certain psychiatric care, tests, and lab work all have various costs to consider. The average psychiatrist’s fee generally falls somewhere between $100 and $300 per appointment. You should expect to pay up to $500 for the initial consultation and roughly $100 an hour thereafter for follow-ups. This can fluctuate depending on the doctor and your health insurance. For this reason, how much does a psychiatrist cost is a question that has no definite answer.

If you want to work with a psychiatrist, be sure to visit or call them and have a talk with their staff to figure out what your costs could be, including any tests you might need. In some cases, a psychiatrist may be able to work with you to make your visits more affordable. Speaking to your doctor ahead of time can also help you identify cost-saving treatment alternatives where possible. If you’re well-prepared, you can find ways to save money. Keep in mind that they can provide you with professional medical advice, much like your physician. This is why their costs may be higher than with other mental health professionals.

How can I afford a psychiatrist?

While quality treatment won’t come cheap, there are options to help you make it more affordable for you. You can find a way to afford the in person care you need.

Use your health insurance

Your insurance provider is the easiest way to reduce the costs associated with getting treatment. Make sure you check to see if your insurance coverage includes a form of mental health coverage. In most cases, your health insurance will require you to get a doctor’s recommendation for treatment from a psychiatrist. This could lead to you having to pay referral costs. Also know that your plan may only cover a certain number of visits per year, and certain psychiatrists may not be covered under your plan. If you wish to mitigate costs via insurance, ensure the psychiatrist you choose is in your insurance in network providers before scheduling an appointment.

You should also be aware of the conditions of the Affordable Care Act , which was passed by the federal government that states that many healthcare providers must cover mental health problems, including things like substance abuse disorder services, and the in person care associated with treating them. If you don’t know the specifics of your plan, talk to your insurance provider about the outpatient mental health services that are available and what part you can expect the insurance cover. In some instances, you may qualify for financial assistance on mental health services as well. Check the details of your insurance coverage for the most detailed information or talk to your agent.

If you are trying to find a children’s health insurance program that offers behavioral health services or other mental health coverage options, you should talk to your health insurance company a out in network providers that provide services that are specifically for children.

Ask about sliding scales

Some community mental health clinics and the occasional psychiatrist will offer to price their psychiatric costs on a sliding scale. This means that the amount you are charged will depend on your income. Those who make more will pay more, so to speak. This may be beneficial if you are paying your psychiatrist cost without insurance. If you’re worried that your income may not be adequate to afford services, ask your primary care doctor about this option. They may be able to give you more details on how to save money when it comes to treating a mental health issue.

You may also talk to your employer about an employee assistance program, which may be useful in some fields or through certain companies. This type of program allows for you to take advantage of free or low cost mental health or behavioral health services when they are of a personal nature or work related.

Look for a reduced cost mental health clinic in your area

In many places, there are clinics that operate at an overall reduced cost, so people with low incomes or no insurance can afford their services. Though they may offer low-cost appointments, you might have to wait for a while to get on their schedule. These clinics may be a good idea if you are wondering how to pay a psychiatrist cost without insurance.

Try to save on your prescriptions

If your treatment turns out to require a prescription, this can be another area where you can cut costs. Some people opt for generic versions of the popular name brand medications. If you’re interested, make sure to ask for this at the outset if possible; you don’t want to switch medication during treatment unless you’re told to do so. There are also sites like GoodRx, which can show you the cheapest place to find your medication in your area. They’ll also offer discounts that aren’t connected with your insurance. This could also be handy for medication management.

Counselor reviews

“I have not been working with Andrea for long but I have found her to be compassionate and adaptable. I would recommend her to people who need help processing complex trauma and have found other talk therapy approaches unhelpful. She understands that while I practice and find merit in CBT type thought therapy, doing thought exercises while in the middle of a PTSD episode is unlikely to be possible. A person having flashbacks during an acute crisis is unlikely to be capable of doing thought exercises. Andrea seems to naturally understand something important that most medical professionals, in my extensive experience as both a worker and a patient, seem to miss these days: telling a person who is literally dying slowly and painfully that they should be able to meditate away that pain and carry on as normal without any medication or outside emotional support , is ridiculous. Andrea has been a breath of fresh air in that regard. She helped me realize that if a doctor or therapist isn’t able to empathize and they are approaching my problems cynically and with indiscriminate doubt, they cannot help me. Andrea is the first person in a long time that inspired me to hope they can help and trust that they will at the very least try.”

“I love working with Nancy! She’s been very empowering, very compassionate and very understanding. Whenever I text or even video call, I know she’ll be there for me and that she’ll provide me with an insight that will help me find my way. I’ve been really appreciative of this counseling services and I am so very glad I made the decision to do counseling. It’s an investment in ones health. I’ve been on psychotic meds for a whole decade and while medications numb the pain, they do not resolve it. Counseling does! I am definitely continuing to work with Nancy.”

The first step in dealing with mental health issues is acknowledging they exist. Then you can seek help. If that’s why you’re here, you’re already on the right path. Millions of others just like you have found effective treatments to heal from mental health issues. You can, too. Take the  first step today. Be sure that you are also considering all your options when it comes to taking advantage of psychiatric treatment or mental healthcare. There are options to consider when it comes to saving money or making the most of your health insurance coverage, including sliding scales, local clinics, and a related employee assistance program.

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Looking for a Psychiatrist? Try One of These 9 Best Online Psychiatry Services

Out of 80 tested companies, these are our top choices for online psychiatry

Jean is an experienced psychiatrist and writer who has extensive experience writing and commenting on mental health issues for the lay public, and also wide-ranging prior clinical experience in academic, military, and government settings. Jean is particularly interested in addressing broader concerns related to psychiatric illnesses, psychotherapy, psychodynamic sociocultural insights, stigma, women's health, and cross-cultural (especially Asian American) health issues.

Steven Gans, MD is board-certified in psychiatry and is an active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital.

Karen Cilli is a fact-checker for Verywell Mind. She has an extensive background in research, with 33 years of experience as a reference librarian and educator.

Finding a psychiatrist when you need one can feel like an impossible task. From bloated, weeks-long waiting lists to a lack of insurance acceptance, timely care can be hard to come by. Approximately half of all U.S. counties don’t have any psychiatrists and only 56% of psychiatrists are in-network with any insurance plan. What’s more, a May 2023 study found that only 19% of psychiatrists were accepting new patients and among those, the median wait time for an appointment was 67 days.  

Online psychiatry companies are stepping up to fill this huge gap in care. One of the biggest perks of online psychiatry is accessibility. These services offer access to a large network of pre-vetted, highly qualified psychiatrists, many of whom accept insurance, to anyone with internet access. Also, by offering flexible scheduling and reducing secondary costs of in-person visits, such as child care, time off work, and transportation, online care can allow even more people to get treatment.

Such services are skyrocketing in both popularity and availability. To help identify the best online psychiatry services out there, we tasked testers, experts, and our research team to put these companies to the test. We surveyed over 10,000 users at 80 online mental health companies and directories, had testers sign up for the services for at least a month, had three licensed therapists help us evaluate each company, and sent out questionnaires to each company. Given the variety of features and options on our list of top picks, we hope to take the sting out of finding high-quality, timely psychiatry.

9 Best Online Psychiatry Services, Tried and Tested in 2024

• Best for Availability: Teladoc Health
• Best for Alcohol Use Disorder: Monument
• Best for Anxiety and Depression: Brightside
• Best for Medication Management: Talkiatry
• Best for Patient Support: Talkspace
• Best for Ease of Use: Thriveworks
• Best for Flexible Scheduling: Doctor on Demand
• Best for Budget: LiveHealth Online
• Best for Provider Options: MDLIVE

When choosing an online therapy provider, we recommend that you read the company’s privacy guidelines before you sign up to better understand whether it is HIPAA-compliant and whether it shares any private information with third parties. There have been some online therapy concerns raised by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and several government officials about what user health information online therapy providers collect and what they do with any information they collect.

• Our Top Picks
• Teladoc Health
• Thriveworks
• Doctor on Demand
• LiveHealth Online
• See More (6)
• Compare Providers
• Key Considerations
• How to Choose
• Methodology

Best for Availability : Teladoc Health

• Price: $99 per therapy session, $209 for initial psychiatry appointment and $109 per follow-up
• Is Insurance Accepted?: Yes. 60 different insurance plans accepted
• Type Of Therapy: Couples Therapy, Individual Therapy, Medication Management, Psychiatry

Why We Chose It

Teladoc Health is the total package: It is highly accessible and easy to use, accepts insurance, and offers a broad network of well-qualified mental health providers. Among the 80 online mental health services we assessed, Teladoc stood out for its nationwide availability, flexible scheduling, acceptance of a high number of insurance companies, and incredibly high user approval ratings in our survey. With qualified therapists and psychiatrists available in all 50 states, appointments available seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. ET, and mental health services available for ages 13 and up, Teladoc couldn’t be more available.

Easy-to-use platform

Accepts 60 insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid in some states

Appointments available 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. ET seven days a week

Available in all 50 states

Live video talk therapy also available

Excellent provider network with good availability

Providers rated highly for caring, respectful attitudes

Can participate in video appointments via app or website

Psychiatry sessions can be costly without insurance coverage

No prescriptions of controlled substances (e.g. Xanax, Valium, Adderall)

Same-day appointments may not be available

Cannot see insurance plans accepted until sign-up

We assigned three people to sign up for and test mental health services at Teladoc from Missouri, Ohio, and Texas. We felt it was important to see how the service performed in different state markets, especially when it came to provider quality and availability. We had great experiences overall: All of the mental healthcare providers we interacted with at Teladoc were highly qualified, compassionate, and professional. Most importantly, they were helpful. They were good listeners who offered thoughtful insight and actionable advice.

One thing we especially appreciated was Teladoc’s simple online scheduling system. It was much more user-friendly than the ones at other online providers we looked at. Access to both licensed psychotherapists and board-certified psychiatrists is available seven days a week, from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.—which is a much wider range of times than most other online mental health companies offer. Every provider had many open appointment slots when we tested them, and we could schedule months in advance if needed.

However, we were disappointed that this wide availability of appointment times did not translate into being able to find appointments within a day or two. In general, we were able to schedule a visit with our providers of choice within a week. If you need an appointment more quickly than that, you may want to try another service that explicitly offers same-day or next-day appointments. Alternatively, you could try looking at the availability of several different Teladoc providers rather than waiting for an appointment with your first choice of provider. We feel confident that the high demand for Teladoc’s mental health providers reflects the high quality of the service.

Another way Teladoc stood out to us was in how many insurance plans it accepts. The service is in-network with 60 insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid in some states.

However, we would prefer that the full list of accepted insurance providers be available to potential patients before the sign-up process. Using insurance to cover the cost of in-network mental health care means you’ll only pay a copay, thereby making care more accessible.

We liked that our patient portal was accessible on the Teladoc website and app. We also appreciated that we could participate in our video appointments on the website or app, making care truly available from anywhere. The portal also has a messaging center where providers can send after-visit notes or care recommendations and patients can ask follow-up questions or contact customer service. 

Though the intake process at Teladoc was not as thorough as some other online therapy companies—consisting of filling out our personal information, insurance details, the reason for our visit, and short questionnaires about our medical and mental health—we believe this won’t be an issue for those accessing psychiatric services at the company since a full mental health and medications history will be collected by your psychiatrist at your initial intake appointment. Our user survey showed that most of the prescribers at Teladoc are psychiatrists rather than physician’s assistants or general practitioners. We believe this is very important since providers with specialized training and experience in psychiatry are better equipped than other types of doctors to diagnose and medicate mental health conditions. 

Given our research and experience, we feel Teladoc is a great option if you’re looking for online mental health care, both psychiatry and psychotherapy. However, there are some circumstances where it might not be the best fit. Like most online prescribers, Teladoc’s psychiatrists can’t prescribe controlled substances such as Xanax and Valium for anxiety disorders, or Adderall for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), so it is not ideal for people requiring those types of medications. Also, it does not treat psychosis, substance use, or eating disorders.

Teladoc is in-network with 60 insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid in some states. If you’re using insurance to access Teladoc’s services, you will only pay a copay for visits, which varies depending on your provider. If you’re paying out-of-pocket, the pricing is:

• $99 per session for all therapy visits
• $299 for the initial psychiatry consultation; $119 per session for follow-ups

Appointments are pay-per-visit, which may be costly if frequent sessions are required and/or if your insurance does not cover service. Payment is required upfront via credit card or PayPal.

Teladoc was the highest-rated company in our user survey, with an incredible 97% of the 105 users we spoke to rating the service as good, very good, or excellent overall. Its psychiatry and medication management services also received rave reviews, with over nine out of 10 users surveyed rating their experience with these services the same way.

Perhaps most importantly, Teladoc received very high ratings for responsive, caring, and respectful attitudes of psychiatric providers: 92% of users rated their prescriber’s bedside manner positively, which was significantly higher than the 73% average for all companies we reviewed. In addition, 94% of users rated prescriber qualifications positively; again, much higher than the 74% average for all companies. Users also praised its accessibility, provider availability, and insurance coverage. Finally, nearly nine in 10 users said they’d recommend Teladoc’s psychiatry and medication management services to a friend or family member.

Best for Alcohol Use Disorder : Monument

• Price: Starts at $15+ per month
• Is Insurance Accepted?: Yes
• Type Of Therapy: Group Therapy, Individual Therapy, Medication Management, Peer Support

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is one of the most common psychiatric disorders in America—it’s estimated that approximately 28.6 million U.S. adults have AUD. Unfortunately, due to treatment barriers and stigma, fewer than 1 in 10 people with AUD seek treatment. Because of its effectiveness in treating the condition, medication is considered a first-line treatment for AUD. But again, few people access these treatments: less than 2% of people with AUD were prescribed medications known to be effective in treating the disorder. This is why Monument’s service is so important. By offering specialized treatment of AUD that combines online psychotherapy and medication management, and by accepting insurance, Monument makes effective treatment accessible to more people. Among the 80 companies we assessed, few online mental health services treat AUD and fewer still prescribe the most effective medications.

Specialized focus on alcohol use disorder

All providers have experience treating substance use disorders

Accepts many insurance plans

Well-coordinated therapy and psychiatric services

Access to therapist-moderated support groups

Can prescribe medications shown to be effective in treating alcohol dependence

Only non-controlled anti-craving medications prescribed

No built-in referral network to inpatient rehab

Must pay $15 community membership fee, not covered by insurance

Therapists not as involved and supportive as other sites

Services not available in all states

Monument treats alcohol use disorder with medication and therapy, and while we could not assign someone to test out its medication services (we did not find it ethical to do so), we did test out the sign-up process and other aspects of the service, surveyed 105 users, extensively researched the company, and sought expert insight on it. 

Overall, we were impressed with Monument’s offerings and service model. First of all, simply offering high-quality treatment online is a boon to patients with AUD. For those concerned with the stigma, it may prove easier to seek care online. Plus, online treatment reduces other barriers to care, such as transportation and childcare, and ensures that people in areas without in-person care options can still receive much-needed treatment.

We also love how unique Monument is as a specialized telehealth platform for people with alcohol use disorder. The platform encourages a multidisciplinary team approach by assigning each client both a therapist and a physician for medication management.

The program emphasizes a limited set of non-controlled substances to help with alcohol cravings, such as disulfiram and naltrexone.

We thought one of Monument’s most impressive features was its providers. Unlike most other services, Monument’s therapists and prescribers all have experience and expertise in treating substance use disorders. This makes all the difference in ensuring exceptional-quality care that caters to those with AUD. Our user survey reflected this important point: Nearly all of the Monument users we surveyed (a whopping 97%) said the service was better than other similar services they had tried in the past. When citing the reason they believed Monument was a vast improvement compared to other online mental health services they’d previously used, 40% said its therapists have better qualifications, experience, and/or specialized training, and 51% said Monument’s website and patient interface was easier to use.

Another way Monument stood out to us was that peer support stands at the core of its treatment model. A wide body of research shows that group therapy is especially beneficial for those dealing with substance use disorders. It can reduce feelings of isolation and stigma, help increase interpersonal and communication skills, and allow people to share and practice coping strategies. Group therapy has comparable outcomes to individual therapy on the key points of treatment continuation, substance abstinence, and improved psychological symptoms.

A $15/month community membership buys you access to Monument’s many therapist-moderated support groups and 24/7 online community forum. This would be a great place to start for those beginning their journey with sobriety or moderation since community membership doesn’t require participating in therapy or medication management appointments.

Groups meet anywhere from twice a month to three times a week and are aimed at specific ages or identities, such as women, men, BIPOC people, LBGTQIA+ people, parents, or relatives, as well as topic-based groups such as mindfulness, codependency, and self-compassion. Although Monument’s therapists can help with some co-existing disorders, such as anxiety or depression, which are common in people with substance use disorders, its providers cannot prescribe medications to treat those conditions. They also cannot treat any co-occurring use of other substances. We were dismayed that Monument’s website did not mention referrals to more intensive levels of service, such as residential or inpatient treatment. 

Monument is not available nationwide. Currently, it is available to residents of Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Mississippi, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, Washington state, and Washington, D.C. Still, for those interested in seeking medication, therapy, and group support for AUD, we recommend Monument as a solid care option.

Monthly membership is required to access Monument’s services. Membership fees are not covered by insurance. 

Community membership costs $15/month, billed monthly, and grants access to: 

• Therapist-moderated virtual support groups 
• 24/7 anonymous community forum
• SMS-based drink tracker (coming soon)
• Daily affirmations

You can add on further services per your needs and budget. Programs you can add to your community membership include:

• Specialized therapy: Includes everything from community membership plus virtual appointments and chat-based messaging with a therapist
• Medication-assisted treatment: Meet with a licensed physician to discuss your medication options and get a prescription, if appropriate.

If paying out of pocket, these services cost:

• $100 each for physician appointments 
• $149 per month for therapy appointments every other week 
• $249 per month for weekly therapy appointments 

Therapy and medication services may be covered by insurance; check with your insurance provider to confirm coverage terms. Monument accepts Medicare, Aetna, Anthem, Cigna, Optum/UnitedHealthcare, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and other plans. Specific plan coverage varies by state. 

Most of the 105 users of Monument who we surveyed had generally positive experiences with the service, especially on the point of provider expertise. In all, 78% of users rated their overall experience at Monument as good, very good, or excellent, and three-quarters of users rated their experience with its psychiatry and medication management services the same way. In addition, 69% of users surveyed rated prescriber qualifications positively, and three-quarters rated prescriber bedside manner positively. Finally, 65% of users surveyed said they’d recommend Monument’s psychiatry and medication management services to a friend.

Best for Anxiety and Depression : Brightside

• Price: $95-$349 per month
• Type Of Therapy: Individual Therapy, Medication Management, Psychiatry

Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health conditions in America, affecting approximately 30% of adults at some point in their lives. As for depression, nearly 17% of U.S. adults will experience depression during their lifetime. That’s why we love Brightside Health. It specializes in treating anxiety and depression online by offering psychotherapy and psychiatry services. It provides streamlined, coordinated treatment plans for all types of anxiety and depression, and is available in all 50 states. In our research into 80 online mental health companies, Brightside stood out among the competition for its focus on tracking patient progress to ensure improvement. It has patients regularly fill out surveys to track their symptoms, allowing provider teams to see whether treatment is working or not and then make adjustments to medications or therapy approaches accordingly.

Coordinated platform for therapy and psychiatry/medication management

Primary focus on depression and anxiety

Access video appointments on website or app

Asserts 60 million Americans eligible to access services using health insurance

Uses evidence-based approaches of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and medication

Adults only (18 and over)

Excludes more severe psychiatric conditions

Provider is selected for you

Only video appointments

Short sessions

Our Experience

We had three people test out Brightside Health ’s mental health services from North Carolina, California, and New York, three different-sized markets in different areas of the country. Each time, we tried the service for at least a month and tested out at least two different providers to gauge provider availability and quality and the therapist-switching process.

We were consistently impressed by the high quality of the providers and the care we received at Brightside. Not only was every provider highly qualified—with a decade or more of experience in the field—but they were also personable and warm. 

One thing we liked about Brightside’s care model was that it offers coordinated psychiatry and psychotherapy services. What’s more, you can sign up for either service individually or purchase a bundle of both services at a discount. And while Brightside accepts most major insurance plans, we really love that even without insurance, its services are on the low end of the average cost of therapy . 

Brightside’s out-of-pocket prices for psychiatry services are especially low: For $95 a month, you receive one 15-minute psychiatric appointment, medication delivery ($15 per medication), and ongoing provider support, including medication adjustments. This is much lower than the national average for psychiatric care, where an initial evaluation can run as much as $500 and follow-up visits are in the neighborhood of $200 each. Since the potentially high costs of treatment can compound any pre-existing anxiety, Brightside’s relative affordability with or without insurance makes us feel particularly good about recommending the service.

One of the best things we found about Brightside’s psychiatric care was that most prescribers are psychiatrists rather than general practitioners or physician’s assistants. Medical providers who are specially trained in psychiatry are better qualified to diagnose and medicate mental health conditions than other providers.

In our survey, most Brightside users (60%) reported being seen by a psychiatrist, which was significantly higher than the average of 38% reported for all companies. We also appreciated that the service appears to have an appropriately conservative approach to psychotropic medications. To accurately diagnose a mental health condition and recommend the best potential medication often takes more than one appointment, so we were happy to see that most Brightside users (68%) said they were prescribed medication after two to four visits with their provider.

Another perk of Brightside is the user-friendly platform with streamlined sign-up and care, which is available via the website or the Brightside app.

After you complete the free assessment questionnaire and select a monthly flat-fee plan, you'll be assigned a treatment provider. Therapy is accessible via weekly video sessions and additional a la carte sessions (for an additional fee) as needed, as well as unlimited messaging with providers (with a 24- to 48-hour response time on weekends). 

Psychiatry is available via additional video sessions. Treatment is targeted toward modalities and medications that address anxiety and depression, including cognitive behavioral therapy , app-based exercises to use on your own, and symptom progress trackers. 

One of Brightside’s biggest weaknesses, though, is the short session length. Therapy sessions run 30 minutes, and after the initial psychiatric evaluation, follow-up psychiatry sessions are only 15 minutes long. Therapy sessions tend to run 45 minutes to an hour on average at other services, though—while a few companies offer 30-minute follow-up psychiatry appointments—15-minute follow-ups are pretty standard. In addition, controlled substances (such as Xanax or other benzodiazepines ) are not prescribed, so for more severe or specific diagnoses that require them, Brightside may not be ideal.

Brightside offers three plans, which all include a 12-week self-care syllabus.

• Medication only: $95/month for one 15-minute psychiatric evaluation, medication delivery, and ongoing provider support, including medication adjustments
• Therapy only: $299/month for unlimited messaging and four monthly sessions with your therapist; additional appointments available for $59 per session
• Therapy and medication: $349/month; includes everything in the two other plans

In addition to health savings account (HSA) and flexible spending account (FSA) payments, Brightside Health accepts the following insurance plans (may vary by state):

• Cigna/Evernorth
• Optum/UnitedHealthcare
• Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas
• Blue Cross Blue Shield of Montana

Brightside was rated highly by the 105 users we surveyed. Overall, 93% rated the medication management and psychiatry services as good, very good, or excellent, significantly higher than the 74% average for all companies whose users we surveyed. However, only 19% thought the psychiatric sessions were long enough for their needs. When asked what they liked about Brightside’s psychiatry and medication management services, 60% of users said their prescriber was available when they needed them. What’s more, 83% of users said they’d recommend Brightside’s psychiatry and medication management services to a friend, and the same percentage rated prescriber qualifications as good, very good, or excellent. Finally, three-quarters of users rated prescriber bedside manner as good, very good, or excellent.

Best for Medication Management : Talkiatry

• Price: Depends on your insurance
• Is Insurance Accepted?: Yes. BCBS, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, Tricare, Medicare, and others

Talkiatry is our top pick for virtual psychiatric medication management because it prioritizes quality patient care. Talkiatry not only specializes in psychiatry, but it’s also one of the few services that specifically emphasizes psychiatric care delivered by board-certified psychiatrists. At many other companies, psychiatric nurse practitioners, general practitioners, or physician’s assistants primarily provide medication management, but psychiatrists are the most highly trained in mental health care. Among the 80 companies we assessed, Talkiatry stood out for its ability to prescribe controlled substances. This means Talkiatry can treat a much wider array of mental health diagnoses than many other online services, such as bipolar disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and substance use disorder.

Therapy and medication management offered

Longer session times than most other services

Mostly highly trained psychiatrists on staff

Broad variety of diagnoses treated

Treats ages 5 and up

Network of more than 300 psychiatrists

Switching psychiatrists is easy

Can prescribe controlled substances

Accepts insurance

Only accepts patients via insurance

Doesn’t accept Medicaid

Not available in AK, DE, HI, ID, NM, ND, SD, or WY

Cannot treat more severe diagnoses

We had two people test Talkiatry from New York and both had good experiences using the company’s adult psychiatry services. 

We found the psychiatrists to be professional yet kind and conversational at our intake appointment and we loved feeling like we had plenty of time to ask any questions or give more information about our medical and mental health history. Those positive experiences, coupled with the thorough sign-up process, made us feel confident about the appropriateness and personalization of the treatment plan we were subsequently provided with. 

When it came to finding a provider, we loved how Talkiatry asked what we were looking for, like if we preferred they specialize in a certain condition or have specific cultural knowledge/sensitivity. Then we could select a provider from a list of those with availability or peruse suggested matches.

If you’re looking for same-day or next-day care, Talkiatry likely shouldn’t be your first choice: Most initial visits occur about a week from sign-up. But wait times to see an in-person psychiatrist are typically much longer, perhaps even several months, depending on your location.

What impressed us most was Talkiatry’s long sessions. The service’s appointments are double the length of most other online mental health companies: psychiatric intake sessions last 60 minutes and follow-up appointments last 30 minutes. We felt these longer sessions promoted a higher level of patient care because they gave us plenty of time to explain our situation and gave providers plenty of time to get all of the information they needed from us in order to form a complete picture of our mental health. 

We enjoyed being able to send direct messages to our prescriber anytime in Talkiatry’s Healow app and get a response within 48 hours. While many other online mental health companies allow you to message your therapist at any time, we’ve come across very few services that allow you to message your psychiatrist.

Happily, we found that making follow-up appointments or switching providers was simple. Talk therapy is also available on Talkiatry, but requires a referral from one of its psychiatrists. 

Another aspect of Talkiatry’s service that we love is that it treats children as young as age 5, a rarity among online psychiatry providers. Child psychiatry is another crucial care shortage area for mental health treatment. Because the need for care far exceeds its availability, child mental health was declared a national emergency by the American Academy of Pediatrics in October 2021. In the U.S., the average wait time to see a child psychiatrist is around seven and a half weeks. Talkiatry can go a long way in helping to fill this huge gap in service.

One area we had to investigate before recommending Talkiatry’s medication management services was its record of responsible prescribing practices. This is a particularly important concern when a service provides psychiatric care for young children. It’s not uncommon for telehealth companies to get into hot water for allegedly overprescribing certain psychiatric prescriptions.  

Given Talkiatry’s ability to prescribe controlled substances, such as stimulants for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or benzodiazepines for anxiety, we wanted to be especially prudent about assessing its provision of medications. Our research and testing show we can be confident about Talkiatry’s approach to medication and the appropriateness and general reliability of its prescribing practices. In our survey, three-quarters of Talkiatry users reported having between two and four appointments before being prescribed medication. This is good news since we prefer that psychiatrists see patients more than once before determining if medication is a good idea and which one might be the best fit.

One thing to be aware of with Talkiatry is that care is only available via health insurance—there is no self-pay option. Another downside is that the service is not available to residents of Alaska, Delaware, Hawaii, Idaho, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota, or Wyoming. 

We believe the high level of care provided by Talkiatry, coupled with its wide range of ages treated and its ability to treat a wider variety of conditions, make it a great psychiatric medication management provider. 

Talkiatry only accepts patients via health insurance. It takes most insurance plans and automatically screens for approval. To see an estimate of your copay before signing up, you can input your insurance information. Even with insurance, accessing in-person psychiatric care can be difficult due to limited and outdated network listings with long waiting lists. Talkiatry helps with that, although the service is not available in all states and some areas have fewer prescriber options. There are no subscription costs; the service uses a pay-per-visit model.

In our user survey, Talkiatry was one of the highest-rated companies when it came to whether users would recommend the service to a friend, with 87% of users saying it was likely or very likely they’d do so. This was much higher than the average for all companies of 71%. Nearly all of the 105 surveyed users reported having a positive experience with Talkiatry: 95% said their overall experience at Talkiatry was good, very good, or excellent, and nearly nine in 10 users rated its psychiatry and medication management services as good, very good, or excellent. In addition, 86% rated prescriber qualifications positively, and 85% rated prescriber bedside manner positively. Finally, nine out of 10 users were satisfied with the provider options in their state.

Best for Patient Support : Talkspace

• Price: $69-$109 a week for therapy, billed monthly; $65 for additional sessions
• Type Of Therapy: Couples Therapy, Individual Therapy, Medication Management, Psychiatry, Teen Counseling

Get $85 off your first month with code VERYWELL85 .

Talkspace emphasizes easy accessibility to its experienced mental health treatment providers by allowing you to contact your provider any time day or night with guaranteed responses five days a week, and offering text-only therapy for even more convenience. Access to care is one of Talkspace’s major strengths, with well-qualified therapists and psychiatric providers available within 48 hours after completing a brief assessment questionnaire. After you are assigned a provider, you can message your therapist anytime via the app. Talkspace has a particularly broad network of providers, which helps in terms of accessing more specialized care for certain diagnoses. Unlike many other online platforms, Talkspace can help with conditions such as eating disorders, bipolar disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

Easy to use, accessible platform

Treats wide range of mental health diagnoses

Large network of providers available in most states

Asserts 100 million Americans can access service via insurance

Can participate in appointments via the app or website

Can message providers between sessions

Text-based therapy is not ideal for everyone

Psychiatric services can be costly if you pay out-of-pocket

Provider assigned to you from a small number of preselected choices

Talkspace is one of the better-known online mental health services out there, boasting millions of users. That's due in part to its well-designed website, easy-to-use app, affordable care bundles, and well-funded ad campaigns featuring celebrity promoters. Because it’s so popular, we wanted to be sure to do our due diligence in putting its service to the test, so we had nine people from across the country test out Talkspace. 

Testers hailed from markets large and small: California, Florida, Indiana, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, New York, North Carolina, and South Dakota. We also instructed testers to try out at least two different providers at the service. Varied market sizes and meeting with multiple therapists allowed us to better assess Talkspace’s provider availability and quality. Overall, we had a positive experience. All of the providers we met with were warm, patient, and understanding.

Talkspace's online psychiatrists can help with a variety of conditions, such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), panic disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and insomnia. Like most telehealth services, Talkspace cannot prescribe medications deemed controlled substances. 

Although therapy services are available via video, phone call, live chat, or asynchronous text,  psychiatry services are only accessible via video visits—however, we love that you can message your provider at any time between visits, a rarity among telepsychiatry services. Talkspace truly makes mental health care accessible from anywhere by allowing you to schedule and participate in your appointments on the Talkspace app or website, and letting you be in contact with your psychiatrist anytime you need them helps Talkspace support its patients in a way few online therapy companies allow.

Another big perk of Talkspace is its acceptance of insurance. Many large, popular teletherapy platforms, such as BetterHelp, do not accept any type of insurance, making care financially out of reach for many. Talkspace asserts that 100 million Americans have access to its services—including psychiatry services—through their health insurance.

One thing of note that we found was that our second provider was often a better fit for our needs than the ones we were initially matched with. That wasn’t a problem given the many provider choices available to us and how easy it was to switch providers. 

In addition, while mainly text-based therapy is appealing for some, it can feel more impersonal and emotionally disconnected for many others and isn’t always the ideal standard for mental health care. Our experience reflected this dip in care quality with messaging. Therapists are required to respond once a day, but they often took 12 hours to respond.

The biggest issue was that the therapist’s text responses sometimes felt canned and impersonal, as if they had been copied and pasted from a script. So we only recommend therapy via asynchronous texting for mild concerns, short-term care needs, or as a complement to live therapy sessions and/or psychiatric services. 

While the service offers several tiers of therapy bundles of various prices based on how you want to communicate with your therapist, we wish it offered a money-saving bundle that included both therapy and psychiatry/medication management services, as Brightside Health does. As it is, Talkspace’s psychiatry services are not included in any of its subscription plans.

Given its wide insurance coverage, ability to treat a wider range of conditions than other platforms, availability of medication management and therapy services, and ability to message providers between sessions, we think Talkspace is a great option for online mental health care.

Talkspace’s psychiatry fees are higher than many other platforms and are not included in any therapy bundles. That means its psychiatric services may be out of reach for many due to cost. 

Talkspace offers three therapy plans:

• Messaging Therapy: From $69/week, includes unlimited messaging with daily therapist responses five days a week
• Live Therapy: From $99/week, includes four live therapy sessions a month via live chat, phone, or video
• Live + Messaging Therapy: From $129/week, includes messaging and four live sessions

There are no plans that include psychiatry. An initial psychiatric evaluation costs $249 and lasts between 20 and 90 minutes. Follow-up appointments are $125 each. If medication is prescribed, that will be an additional cost.

Talkspace was rated one of the easiest platforms to navigate in our user survey, with 82% of the 105 Talkspace users we surveyed saying it was easy or very easy, much higher than the 64% average for all companies. Plus, nearly all users said the company was better than other, similar services they’d tried in the past. It was also one of the highest-rated platforms for patients feeling much better afterward and for flexible scheduling. Also, this site had one of the best ratings for prescriber availability, and 93% of users rated prescriber qualifications highly. Of the users surveyed, nine out of 10 rated both their overall experience at Talkspace and the platform’s psychiatry and medication management services as good, very good, or excellent. Overall, 95% of users said they’d recommend Talkspace’s psychiatry and medication management services to a friend or family member.

Best for Ease of Use : Thriveworks

• Price: $160 - $240 per therapy session, $300 - $375 for initial psychiatry/medication management session, $210 - $300 for follow-ups
• Type Of Therapy: Couples Therapy, Family Therapy, Group Therapy, Individual Therapy, Medication Management, Psychiatry, Teen Counseling

If you’re looking for an online mental health service with the convenience and ease of use of a large company, but the feel of a boutique private practice, look no further than Thriveworks. Many companies claim to offer a variety of services, but once you get to the website you can’t see how to sign up for that specific offering. At Thriveworks, things couldn’t be more simple or straightforward. Thriveworks is a comprehensive online psychiatry and therapy platform that offers access to a vast network of well-qualified providers. Simply click on which service you need—psychiatry, individual therapy, family therapy, child therapy, or couples counseling—and you’ll see a list of provider options and their next available appointment slots. Best of all, it doesn’t hide tons of info behind a member paywall, so you can peruse provider profiles, insurance details, prices, and appointment availability without signing up.

Wide range of appointment times

Easy scheduling

Can see provider bios, prices, insurance info, and available appointments before sign up

Can choose your provider

Q&A coach available 24/7

Accepts most major insurance plans

Online psychiatry available to ages 14 and up

Individual therapy for children and adults, couples therapy, and family therapy available

Psychiatry/medication management not available in all states

Platform more disjointed when coordinating with med management

Providers for teen/child services not as plentiful as adult services

The four people who tested Thriveworks —from Kansas, Kentucky, Missouri, and Massachusetts— signed up for various services, including child therapy, adult therapy, and couples counseling. One of the most common words in our testers’ reports of their Thriveworks experience was “easy.” From signing up, finding information on the website, and getting ahold of customer service to scheduling sessions, switching providers, or adding a psychiatrist to your care team—you name it, we found it easy. 

Provider availability was a key feature of Thriveworks, both in our testing and survey of 105 Thriveworks clients. It’s no wonder since appointments are available seven days a week.

Our testers found that therapy appointments were often available within 48 hours, and Thriveworks asserts it will do its best to get you an appointment with a therapist within three to five days of signing up. As for psychiatry services, Thriveworks says most users can see a provider within seven days of signing up. We found that if you live in a larger state, you will likely be able to find an appointment within three to five days.

Providers are available at a range of hours and for frequent sessions, though appointments outside of typical business hours will tend to fill up first. 

Therapy services are available to children (any age) and adults, while psychiatry services are available to anyone age 14 and up. In our experience, though, provider availability for adult services was much more robust than for child/teen services. In many areas, filtering our search for providers who offered teen/child therapy or psychiatry dramatically reduced our list of provider options. 

When asked what they liked best about Thriveworks’ psychiatry services, 68% of users we surveyed said their prescriber was available when they needed them. This was much higher than the 37% average for all companies whose users we surveyed. There were several other things users noted appreciating, with more than one-third reporting they felt like prescribers were responsive to their questions and medication needs, cared about their well-being, and respected their wants and needs regarding medication. This high level of satisfaction with Thriveworks’s providers and a sense that they truly cared about us and our issues may partly be because the service’s psychiatry appointments are 30 minutes long—double the industry norm of 15 minutes for most follow-up psychiatry sessions.

We were impressed to find that most of the prescribers at Thriveworks are psychiatrists, rather than general practitioners or physician’s assistants. Providers with specialized training in psychiatry are better equipped to diagnose mental health conditions and prescribe the appropriate medications. In our survey, nearly two-thirds of users reported their prescriber was a psychiatrist.

One caveat is that the network of psychiatrists is smaller and limited to 26 states and the District of Columbia.

While therapy services are available in every state except Vermont, psychiatry services are only available to residents of Arizona, Arkansas, California Connecticut, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, Washington, and Washington D.C.

We feel confident that Thriveworks’ ease of use, coupled with its highly qualified providers, insurance acceptance, and range of appointment times, make it a great choice for people who don’t want the task of finding the mental health care they need to turn into yet another complicated, time-consuming project. 

Thriveworks’ providers all accept different insurance plans, which sounds annoying until you hear that you can filter therapists by which insurance plans they accept. Among the accepted plans are:

• Blue Cross Blue Shield
• Cigna | Evernorth

If you’re paying out of pocket, prices also vary by provider: for example, you may pay $200 for a first-time therapy session and then $160 for subsequent sessions. For psychiatry/medication management, initial intake sessions start at around $300, with follow-ups at around $210. Each provider’s rates can be found on their profile page.

Nine out of ten users reported overall satisfaction with their Thriveworks experience. The company’s psychiatry and medication management services were especially beloved by those surveyed: Nearly all users rated these services as good, very good, or excellent, 93% rated prescriber bedside manner as good, very good, or excellent, and the same percentage said they’d recommend these services to a friend or family member. In addition, 88% rated prescriber qualifications as good, very good, or excellent. Thriveworks also scored higher than average on the points of ease of sign-up and ease of finding a provider.

Best for Flexible Scheduling : Doctor on Demand

• Price: $134-$184 per therapy session; $299 for psychiatric consultation: $129 per psychiatric follow-up
• Type Of Therapy: Individual Therapy, Medication Management, Psychiatry, Teen Counseling

Doctor on Demand is a large telehealth site that offers medical as well as mental healthcare services, including therapy and medication management. The company stood out among the 80 other services we assessed for having same-day and next-day appointments available in many areas, offering night and weekend appointments, and providing 24/7 coaching services. Doctor on Demand also boasts an impressively broad selection of highly qualified providers, high customer satisfaction ratings, and a collaborative care model that allows your therapist and psychiatrist to work together. Also notable is that the company offers treatment for a wide array of psychiatric diagnoses and can treat children as well as adults. With simple scheduling and acceptance of most major insurers—including Medicare—Doctor on Demand makes it simple to find affordable care quickly.

Most prescribers are psychiatrists rather than physician’s assistants or nurse practitioners

Evening and weekend appointment times available

Same-day or next-day appointments may be available (depending on location)

Mental health services available to children ages 1 to 17 (with guardian participation)

Checks insurance coverage and shows your copay during sign-up

Accepts over 300 insurance plans, including Medicare

Available nationwide

Can schedule and participate in appointments via web portal or app

Controlled substances not available

Only video sessions

Can be pricey if out of network

Only search filters for provider identity are gender and languages spoken

Can’t see list of accepted insurance plans until during sign-up

Must create an account to see providers and appointment availability

Can’t contact providers between sessions

We assigned two testers to sign up for mental health services at Doctor on Demand. One was an adult from North Carolina and the other tried out both Doctor on Demand’s teen psychiatry services and individual adult therapy services from Pennsylvania. Each time we were seeking treatment for anxiety, and each time we had a great experience. 

We love that the service offers appointments during a much wider timeframe than most other companies.

We found open time slots for mental health sessions from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET, seven days a week. And we found that psychiatrist appointment openings were far more plentiful than therapy sessions.

Doctor on Demand offers one of the fastest initial access times for a mental health provider: You may be able to score an appointment within a few hours, depending on your location and schedule. So if you’re looking for same-day or next-day service, this may be the site for you. 

This wide appointment availability comes with caveats, of course. If you live in a smaller state or have a very limited timeframe for when you can schedule appointments, finding an appointment quickly may prove more difficult. Alternatively, if you have a pretty open schedule and can snap up the soonest available appointment, you may be seeing a provider that day or the next. In addition, if you prefer to choose an appointment by the provider rather than by the soonest opening, we typically find that a good provider match can be worth the wait of a few more days. In most cases, you should be able to find an appointment within a week.

We also loved how easy it was to sign up. Simply create an account by providing your personal details and insurance information (if applicable). Then you’ve got access to a portal where you can request an appointment, complete a mental health screening questionnaire, add family members, see your visit history, or message customer support. We really appreciated that as soon as we entered our insurance information, we were shown our copays for various visit types. This was helpful to have before we booked any appointments. 

When making a mental health appointment, we could specify whether we were looking for a therapy or psychiatry session.  

While we weren’t required to fill out a mental health screening before requesting an appointment, it’s best to do so since it gives the provider a better picture of your mental health going into the appointment. After filling out the screening, we received recommendations for treatment as well as a list of providers to choose from and their appointment availability for the coming weeks.

When searching for a provider, we could filter the list of provider options based on their availability, specialty/focus area, gender, and language; however, one thing we didn’t like was that we couldn’t filter based on our preferences for provider race, religion, or sexuality. We were also concerned that there was nothing denoting “LGBTQIA+ ally” or “BIPOC cultural sensitivity” on provider bios. Explicitly designating themselves as culturally aware and/or queer-affirming is increasingly important for mental health providers. While we felt it was important for potential patients to be aware of these lacking features, please note that we have no reports of Doctor on Demand providers being intolerant, and the company backs up its commitment to diversity with data about the identities of its providers.

We really appreciated the quality of Doctor on Demand providers: they were understanding, approachable, and offered helpful insights into our issues. We felt heard and understood and never rushed.

We love that Doctor on Demand fosters communication and collaboration among the members of your care team, a rarity at most large telehealth services. That means if you’re seeing both a therapist and a psychiatrist at the company, they work together to share notes about your case to improve the overall care you’re receiving.

We feel confident in recommending Doctor On Demand. It allows patients access to specialized care with insurance during a wider range of times than most other services.

At Doctor on Demand, there are no subscription fees: you pay per appointment. The service accepts insurance, but if you’re paying out of pocket, you can use a credit card, PayPal, an HSA, or an FSA. The out-of-pocket cost for psychiatry sessions is $299 for the initial 45-minute intake appointment; subsequent 15-minute follow-up sessions are $129 each. You can extend the sessions for an additional fee if needed. For therapy, you have the choice between a 25-minute session for $129 or a 50-minute session for $179. Note that the system automatically signs you up for the 50-minute therapy session; you have to go in and change the session length if you want the shorter option.

Overall, Doctor on Demand had high satisfaction ratings across several categories including ease of use of platform, responsive providers, and generally feeling all needs were met. Of the 105 users we surveyed, an incredible 94% said they were satisfied with their overall experience at Doctor on Demand, and 84% rated its psychiatry and medication management services as good, very good, or excellent. In addition, nine out of ten users rated prescriber qualifications highly, and 85% rated their prescriber’s bedside manner as good, very good, or excellent. Users especially found their prescribers to be caring and conscientious: Three-quarters of users said their provider took plenty of time to evaluate them, and 69% said their provider really listened to them. Finally, 81% said it was likely they would recommend Doctor on Demand’s psychiatry and medication management services to a friend or family member. The same percentage said the service was better than other, similar services they’d tried in the past.

Best for Budget : LiveHealth Online

• Price: $80-95 per therapy session; $175 or less for an initial psychiatry session; $75 per follow-up
• Type Of Therapy: Children's Therapy, Couples Therapy, Family Therapy, Individual Therapy, Medication Management, Psychiatry, Teen Counseling

One of the biggest barriers to mental health care is high out-of-pocket costs. That’s why we love LiveHealth Online. It offers one of the widest networks of highly qualified providers at one of the lowest costs, with an easy-to-use, comprehensive platform. Among the 80 companies we assessed, LiveHealth Online stood out for its low out-of-pocket prices. After the initial $175 psychiatric intake appointment, follow-up visits with a psychiatrist are just $75 each. These prices are less than half the national average for psychiatric care, which is around $500 for an initial session and $200 for follow-up sessions. As for talk therapy sessions at LiveHealth Online, those cost $80 per visit with a therapist or $95 per visit with a psychologist, on the lower end of the national average cost. Even better, you don’t need to pay a membership fee or pre-pay for a large bundle of sessions to enjoy these low rates. Plus, LiveHealth Online is incredibly transparent about its pricing. The cost of each service is clearly listed on its webpage, not hidden somewhere in the FAQs or held back until sign-up, as is frequently the case on other telehealth platforms.

Per-visit out-of-pocket costs lower than most other services

Covers most common psychiatric conditions

Talk therapy also available for ages 10 and up

Can schedule and participate in appointments via website or app

LGBTQ-affirming providers denoted with “ally” rainbow flag on profile

Doesn't take as many insurance plans as some other companies

Initial psychiatry visit may be up to a two-week wait

Psychiatric care only for ages 18 and up

Not all providers LGBTQ+ affirming

Provider availability during nights and weekends may be limited

LiveHealth Online is a well-organized, easy-to-use telehealth site offering virtual medical and mental health services in all 50 states. We assigned two people to test its mental health services, one from California and one from Ohio, and had a mix of good and not-so-good experiences. We appreciated that at the beginning of appointments, therapists laid out clear expectations for the session and detailed their expertise and availability. While we found that most of our providers were helpful and easy to talk to, one used antiquated, offensive language concerning trans people despite being identified as an LGBTQIA+ ally on their profile. If you or someone you love is a member of this group, another site may be a better fit. Still, the low out-of-pocket prices at LiveHealth—with an initial psychiatric assessment costing $175 and follow-up sessions costing $75, which are prices almost unheard of in the psychiatry industry—made it stand out as a good resource for those who cannot afford the usual exorbitant prices of psychiatric services.

In addition to affordability, we loved that LiveHealth Online makes care more accessible by allowing you to participate in video appointments via its website or phone app. That means you can truly access care from just about anywhere.

The fact that LiveHealth Online’s providers receive additional training on how to deliver care virtually really showed in our experience. It was clear that providers had experience and expertise in delivering mental health care online. This is a special skill that we have discovered not all online providers possess.

We also appreciated that the video call experience was more intuitive and much less glitchy than many other online therapy platforms we’ve tried. In addition, the app was easy to navigate and the in-app sound and video quality were great. 

Evening and weekend appointments are available, and there is a provider on call 24/7 if you have an urgent issue or question, such as a problem with medication or side effects. Unfortunately, though, we found that it may take longer to get an appointment at LiveHealth Online than at some other telehealth services. The company states you should be able to find an appointment within 14 days. While that’s still a lot sooner than most in-person services, if you need care more quickly, another service might serve you better. The longer wait time likely reflects LiveHealth Online’s popularity with customers who appreciate the low cost of service. If paying out of pocket, the affordability and overall quality make LiveHealth Online worth the wait.

LiveHealth Online didn’t match us with a provider but showed us a curated list based on provider availability, and then we got to choose one by reading their profiles.

In California, we looked specifically for a provider who was an LGBTQIA+ ally since we would be discussing our relationship with a trans man. LGBTQ-affirming providers are denoted on the site by an “ally” rainbow flag appearing on their profile picture. Of the two dozen provider options we were offered in this state, only three openly identified themselves as allies. 

While that doesn’t mean all of the others would be hostile or disapproving of LGBTQIA+ identities, it does mean they didn’t find it important enough to include on their profile. Of those three options, the soonest appointments for two of them were seven or eight months away; they actually didn’t have any appointment openings for the rest of the calendar year. We hoped these rainbow-flagged providers would prove a safer option for us as a queer therapy-seeker, but unfortunately, the “ally” therapist we worked with (the only one with availability) turned out to be anything but. They even repeatedly misgendered our trans partner. 

While people aged 10 and up can participate in talk therapy at LiveHealth Online, a drawback of the platform is that psychiatric services are only available to adults.

Like several other telehealth platforms, LiveHealth cannot prescribe controlled substances, so it is not ideal for people whose conditions may benefit from them. Psychiatric intake appointments last about an hour while your psychiatrist gathers information about your symptoms, previous diagnoses, and medical and medication history. Follow-up appointments will be much shorter, 15 to 30 minutes. Overall, we recommend LiveHealth Online for low-cost, accessible adult psychiatry, though we advise LGBTQIA+ people to tread carefully.

LiveHealth Online follows a pay-per-visit model with no monthly fees. It also accepts several major insurance companies, although not as many as some other large telehealth platforms. Most plans from Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Anthem Blue Cross, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia, Empire Blue Cross, and Empire Blue Cross Blue and Shield are accepted. It also has some of the lowest out-of-pocket pricing per visit. 

Out-of-pocket, you’ll pay:

• $80 to $95 for talk therapy sessions, depending on your therapist’s level of experience
• $175 for an initial consultation with a psychiatrist; $75 for each subsequent visit

LiveHealth Online was rated highly by users on many survey questions. Our 105 users especially appreciated LiveHealth Online’s affordability, convenience, and psychiatrist availability. Overall, 87% of users rated its psychiatry and medication management services as excellent, very good, or good, and the same percentage said they would recommend the company to a friend or family member. The platform also had one of the higher ratings for respectful providers and ease of connecting to a therapist. It was also one of the sites with the highest number of patients using insurance coverage at 69%. LiveHealth Online users were also impressed with its prescribers, with 89% rating prescriber qualifications as excellent, very good, or good, and 83% rating prescriber bedside manner as excellent, very good, or good.

Best for Provider Options : MDLIVE

• Price: Up to $108 for therapy; up to $284 for psychiatry
• Type Of Therapy: Individual Therapy, Medication Management

As one of the largest telehealth companies in the U.S., MDLIVE makes connecting with an experienced, credentialed prescriber much more convenient and accessible. MDLIVE is an easy-to-use telehealth platform offering comprehensive mental health services. MDLIVE stood out among the 80 companies we looked at for its abundance of well-vetted provider options across most of the country. In our survey of 105 MDLIVE users, 82% reported being satisfied with the service’s provider options, making it one of the highest-rated companies in this category and scoring much higher than the average for all companies we assessed (69%). When asked to rate the number of quality providers available in their state, MDLIVE was on the higher end again, with 82% of users rating the options as good, very good, or excellent.

Choose your provider from an easy-to-use directory based on profiles and availability

Accessible services, including 24/7 customer support

24/7 medical appointments available 365 days a year

Mental health services available to ages 10 and up

Transparent pricing

Can message provider anytime in patient portal

Costs lower than other services, even without insurance

No controlled substances prescribed

Full list of accepted insurance plans not available until signing up

May have technical issues with video appointments

Certain diagnoses are not treated, such as ADHD

Among our four MDLIVE testers from Connecticut, Missouri, Michigan, and Florida, what impressed us most was the wide range of providers available. MDLIVE asserts that its clinical network is the largest in the nation. Plus, the company is available in all 50 states, Washington DC, and Puerto Rico. Thanks to its large network of vetted, licensed, and board-certified providers, MDLIVE offers access to psychiatric treatment for a wide array of diagnoses, typically within a week.

For example, our testing found 24 therapists available in New York, with six of those having an open appointment within the next two days; California boasted an especially long list of providers (both therapists and psychiatrists), though the wait for appointments was closer to weeks than days.

We appreciated that evening and weekend appointments were available, as well as 24/7 access to customer service. Even better, MDLIVE’s mental health services are available for children and teens ages 10 and up, a rare offering at most telehealth companies.

We were also impressed by the providers’ experience levels and varying types of expertise. Most providers had at least several years of experience. You can choose your provider directly from an easy-to-navigate index when you register.

Being able to read provider profiles and choose one for ourselves based on their specialties, attributes, and availability meant we were sure to find a good match for our needs and situation. The providers who treated us were equal parts helpful and compassionate, professional and approachable: a perfect balance. In fact, we had such a great experience with these highly skilled providers that we would consider continuing treatment with them should we need it.

MDLIVE follows a similar general telehealth model of other large national companies, offering virtual medical care as well as comprehensive therapy and psychiatric services via an easy-to-use platform. Outside of live video appointments, we liked being able to message our provider anytime through the patient portal on the MDLIVE website or phone app. This is a less common offering at many comparable platforms. Similarly, we love how accessible MDLIVE makes mental health services by allowing users to attend appointments either on the website or its phone app.

Another area where MDLIVE stood out was employee satisfaction. The therapists we interviewed at the company said they’ve had a great experience working with the service. They love that MDLIVE doesn’t micromanage their provision of care and that it pays them well for their services compared to other telehealth companies. 

Among the downsides we discovered at MDLIVE were technical issues with video sessions. During one of our sessions, the screen suddenly froze multiple times, then cut out before the appointment was supposed to be over.

Because our session lacked a smooth ending, we felt this glitch affected our ability to develop a good rapport with our provider. Another area of potential concern is whose interests the company prioritizes. Cigna now owns MDLIVE and insurance companies are known to guard their bottom line above all else. Given that, our experts felt users should be on alert for any behavior that seems to be prioritizing the concerns of the company over those of the patient. 

Like most telehealth services, MDLIVE does not prescribe controlled substances. In addition, the company does not treat certain conditions such as ADHD, acute psychosis, active substance use requiring detox, and moderate to severe autism.

While provider and appointment availability varies by state (as with all services), we believe that compared to other large telehealth companies, MDLIVE offers exceptional access to a high number of qualified providers. 

MDLIVE offers therapy as well as psychiatry and medication management services via a pay-per-session model. Several major insurance plans are accepted, including Cigna, Humana, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, and even Medicare and Medicaid in some areas. The company asserts that 62 million Americans have access to MDLIVE as a covered benefit through their health insurance plans. Out-of-pocket, therapy appointments cost $108; psychiatry appointments cost $284 for the initial evaluation, then $108 for subsequent sessions.

In our survey, users rated MDLIVE as one of the top three platforms in terms of ease of navigation. It was also rated the highest among all companies for responsiveness of providers. While just over nine out of ten users rated their overall experience at MDLIVE positively, only 73% of users rated the platform’s psychiatry and medication management services positively. Still, 90% of users rated prescriber qualifications as good, very good, or excellent, and 88% rated prescriber bedside manner as good, very good, or excellent. In addition, 80% of users said they’d recommend MDLIVE’s psychiatry/medication management services to a friend or family member, which was much higher than the average of 63% of users for all companies.

Compare the 9 Best Online Psychiatry Services, Tried and Tested in 2024

Key considerations for choosing the best online psychiatry service.

There are a variety of factors to consider when choosing which online psychiatry service is best for you:

• Price: Cost and insurance coverage are clearly important factors (as reported on our user survey), so it’s important to review fees and insurance plans accepted before signing up for any service. Know your monthly budget and whether or not you want to pay per session or pay a monthly fee for a set of recurring services. Also, decide whether you’re OK with paying a membership fee in addition to service fees. Consider the length of appointments, provider qualifications, and additional perks (like the ability to message your therapist) when calculating the value for money.  
• Treatment area: The focus of an online psychiatry service is also important: does it specialize in care that includes your particular diagnosis or age group? (For example, certain sites specialize in care for ADHD or depression and anxiety but not much else.) Can it treat multiple issues that you may have (such as additional co-occurring conditions like substance use)? Do you have access to a therapist in addition to a psychiatrist/prescriber? How broad is the service's network of providers where you live, and what are their qualifications? If you’re looking to find out whether or not you’re experiencing a diagnosable condition and what that is, you’ll want to start with a more general online psychiatry service.
• Medication options: The particular medications/prescribing services available are important to check. Most companies are not allowed to prescribe controlled substances. Some may have less experience or comfort with certain types of medications or diagnoses. Access for refills or discussing urgent side effect issues should also be considered. Also, check if medication is a separate charge or included in the service fees.
• Scheduling: Scheduling is one of the best potential advantages of online psychiatry companies, but only if the service actually has good availability for a wide range of times, and with the same provider each time instead of a more worrisome random provider approach. Ease and accuracy of scheduling is also important. If you have a specific need for appointments that fall outside of normal business hours, look for services with the widest range of scheduling options. And be sure to consider if you’re willing to wait a bit longer for service in order to secure appointments at a specific time.
• Financial assistance: Most online psychiatry services accept insurance, and many try to make services affordable even without insurance. Still, some service fees may be able to be waived or reduced, and some psychiatrists may offer sliding scale pricing. It’s always worth emailing customer service to inquire about making services within your financial reach.  
• Ease of switching therapists: You’ll want to be sure the service has a relatively easy way to switch to a different provider in the event you don’t feel that the first one is a good match. Look for services that ensure easy access to customer support for technical issues (such as video signal problems) or billing concerns.

How Do I Choose an Online Psychiatrist?

An array of smiling faces and random facts can be daunting to navigate at first; what are the important things to consider when choosing your mental healthcare provider ?

• Credentials: Did the provider attend well-established or well-known academic training programs? Are they actively board-certified, and in what specialties? Do they have any particular focus or experience in an area related to your condition, or training in a specialized therapy modality (such as CBT or psychoanalysis ) you might benefit from or prefer?
• Experience: How many years out of training is the clinician? Older providers may be more seasoned in some ways but may also sometimes be less up-to-date with the latest treatments and medications. 
• Identity or cultural background: Is it similar to your own? There may be some advantages and comfort in discussing issues with someone from your own background, but in many cases, providers from all backgrounds should be able to provide competent care as long as their approach is empathetic and open. 
• Availability and schedule: You may have found the provider of your dreams, but will their schedule match up with yours? 

What If I'm Having Thoughts of Harming Myself?

Online psychiatry services are typically not intended for people in severe distress or crisis. Anyone with thoughts, urges, or plans of suicide or self-injury, or mental health symptoms that endanger their own or others’ well-being, should seek in-person emergency care ASAP by calling the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or going to their nearest or preferred hospital emergency room. Other free mental health resources include:

• Crisis Text Line : Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a trained volunteer crisis counselor.
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator : Find resources and treatment centers near you for help with substance abuse and other mental health issues. 
• The Trevor Project : LGBTQ youth and young people ages 13-24 can reach a trained crisis counselor by chat, text, or phone, 24/7—no questions asked.

Frequently Asked Questions

What conditions can online psychiatrists help me with.

Psychiatrists are physicians with medical training, (i.e., MD or DO degrees, which take four years to complete) as well as psychiatric residency training, which takes another four years. They can treat a wide array of mental health conditions and are trained to diagnose patients and treat them using both psychotherapy and psychopharmacology. Some specialize or have additional board certification in particular diagnoses (like mood and anxiety, alcohol use, or eating disorders) or age groups (like child/adolescent or geriatric). Online psychiatrists often cannot treat more severe mental health conditions or prescribe controlled substances. For these services, in-person psychiatry would be necessary.

Are All Prescribers of Mental Health Medication Psychiatrists?

People with different qualifications and training are also permitted to prescribe medications, such as primary care physicians, psychiatric nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and, in a few states, psychologists. These other prescribers usually do not have the same amount of rigorous time and training regarding human physiology and pharmacology in combination with psychiatric expertise as psychiatrists, but some have sufficient experience to prescribe medications for routine or mild mental health conditions.

What Is the Difference Between Teletherapy and Telepsychiatry?

Teletherapy is a more general term referring to psychotherapy conducted remotely online. There are numerous licensed and trained specialists who can provide teletherapy, such as licensed mental health therapists, social workers, psychologists, and psychiatrists. Telepsychiatry refers to the practice of psychiatry conducted remotely online and usually refers to services provided specifically by a psychiatrist who does an initial history-taking and diagnostic biopsychosocial assessment, followed by recommendations for treatment involving psychotherapy and/or medication. Psychiatrists are trained in and can also conduct psychotherapy, but a more common treatment model is to split care with a designated psychotherapist and have the psychiatrist focus on medication management.

How Do You Know Online Psychiatrists Are Qualified?

Even if the telehealth platform asserts it screens provider credentials, before making an appointment, you should conduct a quick online search to see whether they have an active medical license in your state, active board certification from the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, and no signs of unusual medical board complaints or legal issues.

Do I Need to Currently Be Seeing a Psychiatrist to Receive Medication?

As with any medication, it’s important to receive periodic follow-ups from your qualified prescriber to make sure continuation of your medication at its current dosage is the appropriate plan. For psychiatric conditions, psychiatrists are best able to determine with you what the right medication and the most appropriate follow-up period is. Sometimes if a medication is very stable, routine prescribing can be continued by a primary care provider instead.

Do Online Psychiatrists Accept Insurance?

This depends on the psychiatrist and the platform. Some may screen and validate that your insurance is in-network ahead of time; others may not accept insurance up front and make you do paperwork and send out-of-network billing instead, which can be time-consuming and have higher upfront copays or fees. All of the telepsychiatry services listed in this roundup accept several health insurance plans.

How We Tested and Reviewed Online Therapy Services

We evaluated 80 online therapy companies and therapist directories in order to compile this list.

Firsthand Experience

As part of our research, we signed up for talk therapy at all 55 online therapy companies we reviewed. We tested each company's therapy services, and if the company offered other services (such as couples therapy and kid or teen therapy) we tested those too. Our testers are located all across the United States and abroad, meaning we have extensive information about each company's services in a variety of areas.

User and Brand Surveys

In addition, we surveyed more than 10,000 therapy users: 105 at each of the 55 online therapy companies and 180 at each of the 25 therapist directories. We collected over 100 different data points in which we asked users to evaluate each company's services, from their therapist's qualifications to whether they found a therapist who met all their needs to how they'd rate the company overall. We also sent questionnaires to each company we considered, asking for their perspectives on the services they provide, and we interviewed former patients and therapists at the companies where possible.

In addition to the extensive research we performed on each of the 55 online therapy companies we reviewed, we also researched dozens of therapy directories. We tested each by searching for appropriate therapists for 37 hypothetical scenarios that might lead someone to search for a mental health provider across 18 ZIP codes. We then rated the results by how well the therapists we found in each directory could address each scenario, looking into whether it listed competent, licensed therapists who were qualified to treat these issues.

Expert Recommendations

Once we completed this testing and these surveys, we evaluated our findings with the help of three licensed therapists— Amy Marschall , PsyD; Nic Hardy , PhD, LCSW; and Hannah Owens , LMSW—in order to make our recommendations. These therapists provided extensive insight into the ethics and efficacy of online therapy as well as information about relevant therapeutic modalities and approaches.

VERY WELL MIND / Amelia Manley

Beck AJ, Page C, Buche J, Rittman D, Gaiser M. Estimating the distribution of the U.S. psychiatric subspecialist workforce . University of Michigan School of Public Health: Behavioral Health Workforce Research Center.

Bishop TF, Press MJ, Keyhani S, Pincus HA. Acceptance of insurance by psychiatrists and the implications for access to mental health care . JAMA Psychiatry . 2014;71(2):176-181. doi:10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2013.2862

Sun CF, Correll CU, Trestman RL, et al. Low availability, long wait times, and high geographic disparity of psychiatric outpatient care in the US . Gen Hosp Psychiatry . 2023;84:12-17. doi:10.1016/j.genhosppsych.2023.05.012

National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. Alcohol use disorder (AUD) in the United States: Age groups and demographic characteristics . 

Mintz CM, Hartz SM, Fisher SL, et al. A cascade of care for alcohol use disorder: Using 2015–2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health data to identify gaps in past 12‐month care . Alcoholism Clin Exp Res . 2021;45(6):1276-1286. doi:10.1111/acer.14609

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Group therapy in substance use treatment . Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Mental health and substance use co-occurring disorders .

American Psychiatric Association. What are anxiety disorders? .

American Psychiatric Association. What is depression? .

Association of American Medical Colleges. A growing psychiatrist shortage and an enormous demand for mental health services .

U.S Department of Health and Human Services. Protecting youth mental health: The Surgeon General's Advisory .

American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. What is child and adolescent psychiatry? .

U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. DEA serves order to show cause on Truepill Pharmacy for its involvement in the unlawful dispensing of prescription stimulants .

Association of American Medical Colleges. Exploring barriers to mental health care in the U.S .

By Jean Kim Jean Kim, MD, MA, is a psychiatrist and writer from the Washington, DC area.

Olivia Campbell is a health and parenting editor at Dotdash Meredith. She is the author of the New York Times bestseller “Women in White Coats: How the First Women Doctors Changed the World of Medicine.”

Simone is the health editorial director for performance marketing at Verywell. She has over a decade of experience as a professional journalist covering mental health, chronic conditions, medicine, and science.

Online Psychiatrist and Medication Management

Online Psychiatry

Get evaluated and review treatment options with top-rated psychiatrists who can help determine if medication would be the most effective treatment for your mental health. We accept most insurance plans.

For: Men, Women, Ages 18+ (Under 18 with parental consent)

Online psychiatry, evaluations & medication management

Online psychiatry is ideal for patients who want a prescription refill , a psychiatric evaluation, or even an initial diagnosis.  Our diverse and top-rated psychiatrists can help build a plan for ongoing therapy,   medication management, and work to deliver the best possible outcome for your mental health.

Doctor On Demand is a covered benefit for over 98 million Americans. If you're covered by your employer or insurance, then you could pay $0.

For patients who do not have insurance, psychiatry visits start at $299 per initial 45 minute consultation and $129 for 15 minute follow-ups.

Minimum wait time

Make an online appointment with us and we’ll connect you with a psychiatrist within a few days.

We accept most insurance plans; however, it’s not necessary to have insurance. Virtual appointments are generally less expensive than face-to-face appointments.

Qualified and highly rated

Our licensed psychiatrists have over 15 years of experience on average with an app store rating of 4.9 out of 5.

Diverse & compassionate psychiatrists

Our mental health professionals provide an inclusive care environment.

Specialty psychiatrist

Find a doctor who specializes in specific issues like anxiety, depression, relationship issues, PTSD, trauma, stress, and more.

Get psychiatry anywhere, anytime—from your phone, tablet, or computer.

Custom treatment plan

Get the right treatment option and prescription for your unique care needs.

We are HIPPA compliant , adhere to strict confidentiality codes, and keep your information safe and secure.

Our psychiatrists can prescribe evidence-based medications including:

• SSRIs (such as Zoloft, Lexapro, Prozac).
• SNRIs (such as Cymbalta, Effexor).
• Wellbutrin, Buspar, Trazodone, Abilify, Strattera.
• Any medication that is determined by your psychiatrist to be appropriate for your symptoms and is not a controlled substance. 

Please note: our online psychiatrists are not able to prescribe controlled substances. Common controlled substances include Xanax, Klonopin, Lunesta, Adderall, Ritalin, and more.

What do we treat

Our psychiatrists can help diagnose your symptoms and assist with medication management. They also treat common mental health conditions including: 

anxiety & depression

bipolar disorder

borderline personality disorder

eating disorders

and more. 

Set up your account by downloading our app.

Once you finish registering, you’ll be able to see the cost of your visit, browse clinicians, book a visit, and more.

Schedule an online psychiatry consultation.

Find a time that works best for you with doctors available seven days a week.

Begin treatment with an online psychiatrist.

Meet with one of our board-certified psychiatrists who will diagnose your symptoms and offer a custom treatment plan. Be sure to set up a follow-up visit, so you can stay on track with your plan.

This is a great service, it uses my insurance so I'm only paying like 4 dollars for a visit to get care and certain prescriptions and its even better for psychiatric care much cheaper than in-person and allows you to get treatment without going into major debt to get help. They even have counseling on here as well. I highly recommend it and others in my household use it and with their insurance it's free. I very much appreciate the people who made this app and put the work into it because it has helped me a lot both physically and financially and mentally.

—Emma F.

Doctor On Demand has been incredibly helpful. From counseling and psychiatric appointments, to cold/flu and maintenance medication refills. Being able to set an appointment and meet over the phone has saved me a lot of time and pay I would have lost sitting in waiting rooms. Drs have all been fantastic and very kind! Highly recommended Doctor On Demand!

—F. Mcallen

I use Doctor On Demand for my Mental Health Care. I see an awesome Psychiatrist, Dr. Audrey Jain and a wonderful therapist Carolyn Morgan. They are both excellent providers. I had a long, hard time finding mental health care. I struck gold with Dr. Jain and Carolyn. They are compassionate and caring.

—T. Cape

“I love Doctor on Demand! I work full time and am a mom of two. I find it hard to schedule in-person doctor visits due to conflicting schedules and finding childcare, but Doctor On Demand makes it so convenient and simple for me to schedule appointments for myself. Because of Doctor On Demand, I am able to have primary care, therapy, and psychiatry visits all at the tips of my fingers!” —Kelcey

“I use Doctor On Demand whenever I feel like I need guidance on my medical care or a prescription for a temporary problem that would otherwise send me to urgent care. This is the second time I’ve had the same doctor; they are helpful, friendly, honest and have a great bedside manner. I use them for therapy as well when I need to check in. Highly recommended and good in a pinch! —Dayna

How much does an online psychiatry visit cost? 

It can cost anywhere between $0 and $299, depending on your insurance. If you’re covered by your employer or insurance, you could pay $0. Sign up now to find your cost.

Psychiatrist appointments without insurance:

• $299 for initial 45 min consultation
• $129 for 15 min follow-up

How long are the online psychiatrist sessions?

An online psychiatrist initial session is 45 minutes. There are 15 minute follow-up appointments also available.

Am I able to switch my psychiatrist?

Yes, of course. Let Doctor On Demand know that you’d like to switch to another psychiatrist, and we can find you another psychiatrist who’s right for your needs.

Can an online psychiatrist prescribe medication?

Yes, our online psychiatrists can prescribe the full range of psychiatric medications such as Zoloft, Lexapro, Prozac; however, they are not able to prescribe controlled substances such as Xanax, Lunesta, Adderall, Ritalin, and more.

What are common types of online psychiatry visits?

Some common types of psychiatry visits include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy, dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), humanistic/experiential therapy, and more. Sometimes a c mbination of therapy and medication works best. In that case, patients see a psychiatrist for medication management and a therapist for talk therapy. If you’re not sure, start with a therapist who can help you figure out what treatment may be best for you.

What types of mental health providers are available?

The Doctor On Demand behavioral health practice includes psychiatrists, psychologists,  and masters level therapists. Psychologists and psychiatrists both have doctoral degrees, usually a PhD or PsyD for  psychologists and an MD or DO for psychiatrists. Our masters level therapy clinicians have masters degrees in social work or family and marital counseling.

3 Important Elements of a Good Therapist Relationship

What is the Difference Between Therapy and Psychiatry

7 Benefits of Using Online Therapy for your Mental Health

Fortune Recommends™ Health is editorially independent. We may earn affiliate revenue from links in this content. Learn more .

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The 8 best online psychiatry services of 2024, according to mental health professionals

By Saya Des Marais, MSW

Expert Contributor Rychel Johnson, MS, LCPC

Reviewed by Stephanie Hope

Fact Checked by Krista Manning

Written by Saya Des Marais, MSW, Fortune Recommends Mental Health Writer

How we test.

Our mental health experts thoroughly examined each online psychiatry provider on this list. We signed up for each platform, investigated available providers, and extensively reviewed patient experiences to come up with this list.

.st0{clip-path:url(#SVGID_00000046340743257271907690000000964648354283835324_);} Trusted experts

This review of the best online psychiatry services has been thoroughly reviewed by an experienced fact-checker and a practicing therapist to ensure quality and accuracy throughout.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 16% of U.S. adults take prescription medication for their mental health. ( 1 ) If you take or are interested in taking medication, you’re definitely not alone, and there’s nothing to be ashamed of. Medication is one of the most effective treatments available for many different mental health conditions, including anxiety ( 2 ), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), ( 3 ) depression ( 4 ) and more.

Therapist Rychel Johnson, who works with individuals living with anxiety and depression, says, “Many people who have one or more mental health conditions could benefit from a combination of therapy and medication to most effectively treat their symptoms. Medication can be helpful long-term or to help achieve a sense of stability for shorter-term concerns.”

Many choices on this list are not an online mental health platform but an online marketplace that lists providers available to you. They facilitate access to therapists; they do not directly provide the best online therapy services . This distinction ensures users have broader access to qualified mental health professionals, enhancing overall availability and choice. While it’s not appropriate for every situation, using an online psychiatry provider—also called telepsychiatry ( 5 )—can often be more affordable and convenient than finding an in-person psychiatrist. Many online psychiatrists accept your insurance plan and offer same-day appointments. If you need rapid care or you’re dealing with mild to moderate symptoms, then telepsychiatry could be a good option for you.

Best online psychiatrist overall

Brightside Health offers online psychiatry services for an out-of-pocket cost of $95 per month. You can also use your insurance plan to cover the cost.

Our picks for the best online psychiatrist

• Best overall: Brightside Health
• Easiest onboarding: Talkspace
• Best for using insurance: Talkiatry
• Best for no insurance: Sesame
• Best for choosing your provider: Zocdoc
• Best budget: LiveHealth Online
• Best app: Doctor on Demand
• Best for kids: MDLive

Compare online psychiatrists

Best online psychiatrist overall: brightside health.

Best overall online psychiatry service

Brightside health, key product features.

What you should know

Brightside Health is an online mental health platform that provides both psychiatry and therapy services.

• Brightside’s psychiatrists prescribe medications to aid in the treatment of depression and anxiety. They do not prescribe any controlled substances.
• Brightside’s psychiatry-only subscription costs $95 per month. You can also use insurance to lower the cost.
• Brightside’s services are available for people who live with a wide range of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, and more.
• Its unique AI prescribing tool, PrecisionRx, evaluates 1000+ medication/dosage combinations to find the right medication for you.
• Brightside accepts Medicare and Medicaid in select states.

Why we like Brightside as best overall

Brightside’s psychiatry services are a step above the rest. Typically, psychiatric medication and dosage are chosen through a trial-and-error process. Many medications have been shown to be helpful, but what’s effective for one person may not be effective for another. In addition, some people are more tolerant of side effects than others. This can make finding the right medication and dosage a confusing and lengthy process for many.

Brightside has developed its PrecisionRx artificial intelligence model to combat this, which tracks over 100 patient pain points and reviews 1000s of medication and dosage combinations to find the right fit for every patient. According to Brightside, this takes the guesswork out of prescribing.

One study found that this prescribing model helped 75% of Brightside’s patients achieve remission from anxiety and depression. It should be noted that all four of the study’s authors are associated with Brightside itself. ( 6 )

Brightside’s online psychiatry services are also more affordable than other options on this list. If you only need psychiatry services, you can get access for just $95 a month out-of-pocket; going through insurance can bring this price down further. Brightside is also the only option on this list that accepts Medicaid (select states only), which makes its online psychiatry services affordable even to low-income individuals.

By addressing systemic inequalities, Brightside is able to help address the additional strain placed on individuals dealing with financial limits.

“Living with low income can severely impact one’s physical and mental health. It’s crucial that people have access to care through a platform like Brightside.”

Rychel Johnson, Therapist and medical reviewer

Brightside Health isn’t perfect—many former patients report being overcharged in online reviews—but in terms of cost and effectiveness, it is superior to many other online psychiatry providers.

What customers are saying

Overall, Brightside users say that being prescribed medication is simple and quick. One Reddit user with the username “Glitch_beast” states, “I signed up for it. I had a video conference consult to discuss my problems, background, and history. Then he mailed out a script the next day.”

“I went to my PCP, who had been prescribing my medication, and told her it’s time to get back to a psychiatrist. Unfortunately, the waitlist is months, if not a year, away. I was reluctant to see an online psychiatrist, but I couldn’t wait. [Brightside] connected me to someone within three days. “

“Riles216”, Apple Store App user

Many negative reviews about Brightside Health are about individual providers. For example, one former patient reports a negative experience with a Brightside psychiatrist who was late to their appointment. According to Apple App Store user “Cosmo Nation”: “I had a meeting with my provider—I waited 15 minutes—then she finally joined the meeting—by this time, I was aggravated that she couldn’t join at the appointment time… If I am expected to join the meeting on time, is it wrong to have the same expectation for them?”

In addition, some people state that they were over- or mistakenly charged for Brightside’s services. Joseph G. on Trustpilot says: “I was told I would not be charged for a short consult by the psychiatrist because I refused medication. The therapist did nothing. I paid for the therapist and canceled. [I was] billed again seven months after service cancelled. Making my mental health worse.”

Easiest onboarding online psychiatrist: Talkspace

Easiest onboarding online psychiatrist

Talkspace accepts most commercial insurance plans, so receiving the psychiatric support you need is easy and affordable.

• Talkspace offers both therapy and psychiatry services that are covered by insurance.
• The average copay for covered patients is less than $30. Out-of-pocket costs are much higher for people without insurance.
• Talkspace’s providers prescribe medications for depression, anxiety, and more. They do not prescribe any controlled substances (stimulants or sedatives).
• You will work with the same provider throughout your treatment.

Why we like Talkspace as easiest onboarding online psychiatrist

Talkspace is mostly known as an online therapy provider; many may not know that, since 2018, it’s also provided psychiatry services. If you’re using your insurance plan to pay for psychiatric support, then Talkspace may be your best bet.

Talkspace connects you with psychiatric providers that can prescribe medications for depression, anxiety, OCD, bipolar disorder, and more. Note that, like most other providers on this list, they do not prescribe any medications on the controlled substances list, including stimulant ADHD medications. If you need medication to manage ADHD, then Talkspace may not be a good choice for you.

Talkspace accepts most commercial insurance plans, including Aetna, Cigna, Optum, and more. The average copay for its covered users is $30, and some people can even receive psychiatry services for free.

However, we found its out-of-pocket pricing information to be confusing. Some pages on its website state that out-of-pocket monthly costs range from $60 to $100, but others clearly list the price for an initial psychiatric evaluation as $299 ($175 for follow-up sessions). Because of these inconsistencies, it’s best to go through insurance when using Talkspace. On top of psychiatry, Talkspace also offers individual and couples therapy and teen counseling. Research shows that a combination of therapy and medication is the best treatment for most mental health disorders ( 7 ), so if Talkspace is covered by your insurance plan, consider taking advantage of all of its services.

Many people are happy with their Talkspace experience, especially when matched with a competent provider. Most say they enjoy the comfort and ease of connecting with Talkspace providers, with one patient saying that Talkspace has been a “game-changer” for them.

“Having this level of access so quickly was a truly life-changing experience. I have recommended Talkspace to my primary care doctor to share with any other patients who may be struggling to make their way up the waitlist or find someone who is accepting new patients.”

Erin T., Trustpilot reviewer

Others, however, state that the Talkspace platform and billing system are difficult to use.

Trustpilot reviewer April L. states, “My time with Talkspace proved to be more stressful and financially draining than beneficial. The platform’s shortcomings in scheduling, insurance coverage, and therapist reliability make it an unreliable option for individuals with busy lifestyles.” Many others claim that they were made to believe their insurance covered Talkspace services when, in reality, they did not.

Best online psychiatrist for using insurance: Talkiatry

Best online psychiatrist for using insurance

Talkiatry is an online platform that can connect you with hundreds of board-certified psychiatrists across the country.

• People with ADHD and other mental health disorders can get prescriptions for controlled substance medications, including Adderall ® and Xanax ® , through Talkiatry.
• Its services are covered by 60+ commercial insurance plans. It does not accept uninsured patients.
• Talkiatry is only available in 43 states.
• Child and adolescent psychiatrists are available for kids over the age of five.

Why we like Talkiatry for best online psychiatrist for using insurance

Unlike many other options on this list, Talkiatry providers offer prescriptions for all types of medications, including those listed as “controlled substances,” for those who need them.

Research shows that these medications are the most effective treatments for certain conditions. For example, the most effective treatments for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), by far, are stimulant medications like Adderall ® and Ritalin ® . ( 8 ) Unfortunately, people without these disorders frequently abuse these medications, which has led many online providers to be unable to ethically prescribe them.

Prescribing controlled substances online is, understandably, a fraught issue in the medical field, with many experts stating it should never be done. On the other hand, if you live with ADHD and need a medication refilled, this can put you in a tight spot.

“Some of my clients have had to miss work or school because of withdrawal effects they experienced from not having access to a refill. Online psychiatry can be helpful, provided that screening for safe use of medications is involved.”

It’s outside of the scope of this article to decide whether it’s ethical or not, but we think it’s important for users to know that they can access needed medication on the Talkiatry platform. Keep in mind that, especially if you’re looking for an ADHD assessment and diagnosis, it’s best to speak to a local psychiatrist who specializes in ADHD.

Talkiatry is available in 43 states across the U.S. and accepts over 60 commercial insurance plans. No private pay option is available, so if you don’t have insurance, you won’t be able to use this service.

Most Talkiatry users appear to be happy with the service itself. Many say they made a positive connection with their assigned providers.

“I had my first appointment mid-October, and it truly could not have gone better. I’m unsure if I was lucky in my psych selection, but he listened to every concern I had and empathized with my difficulty finding a provider who would listen to me. He ran through the basics to reconfirm, and we reviewed my medical history. He sent me on my way, and we made a plan for medication management.”

“CheeseNDrinks”, Reddit user

Many users also state that they received a thorough assessment before being prescribed ADHD medication, with some users reporting that their initial appointments were an hour long.

Most of the negative reviews concern the billing and customer service departments. On Trustpilot, Talkiatry has earned a meager 1.5/5 star rating. One reviewer, Peyton G., provides a possible explanation for the poor reputation: “Before signing up with them I called to confirm they took my insurance and were ‘in-network’, as they widely claim all over their website. However…it turns out the doctor is in network but apparently Talkiatry is out of network. I’m appealing the claim but they are giving me the run-around.”

Best online psychiatrist without insurance: Sesame Care

Best online psychiatrist without insurance

Sesame Care providers offer psychiatry, individual and couples therapy, and other health services for those without insurance.

• Costs vary depending on your chosen provider, but a subscription to Sesame Plus gets you a discount.
• Providers on Sesame Care do not accept insurance.
• You can also connect with urgent care and weight loss providers on Sesame.
• Although the website states that individual and couples therapy are available, reviewers found a lack of providers in several states for these services.

Why we like Sesame Care for those without insurance

Sesame Care is an online marketplace of health providers, including psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners, who can assess and prescribe medications. Many psychiatry providers offer appointments within 24 hours, and you can see reviews and ratings from past patients for each provider.

None of the providers accept insurance. The out-of-pocket cost for Sesame Care varies widely because each provider sets their own rates. Our reviewers found psychiatry providers with per-session costs ranging from only $43 (the minimum rate on Sesame Care) to over $200.

Because Sesame Care is a marketplace, your experience will depend greatly on your chosen provider. However, the website is simple to use and makes up-front costs easy to understand. Most providers we found listed same-day appointments; many even offered sessions within the next hour. Many of the providers offer very reasonable rates, making psychiatric care accessible to those without insurance.

Sesame Care lists therapy providers as well as psychiatrists. However, it’s important to note that providers are limited in some areas. When we searched across several states, we found zero therapists, individual or couples, available. Sesame may not be a good option for you if you need all-around care, but it could be helpful in a pinch when you need a psychiatric prescription quickly.

For general healthcare, people appear to be happy with the affordability and efficiency of Sesame. Patients love being able to see a medical provider right away (often within an hour), and many state that it’s one of the most affordable online health services out there. People especially love Sesame when they need a prescription refill and their regular doctors don’t have any appointments available. From what we see, almost no one uses Sesame for long-term care. Perhaps this patient, Peter H. on Trustpilot, describes it best: “Each provider was helpful, attentive, a good listener, and good at diagnosing. Some medical and medication things that confront us clearly do not require “in-person” visits; some do. For the former category, I like this company.”

Best online psychiatrist for choosing your own provider: ZocDoc

Best online psychiatrist for choosing your own provider

ZocDoc is an expansive marketplace of health providers, including physicians, nurse practitioners, psychiatrists, licensed counselors, and more.

• You can pay for ZocDoc sessions through private pay or filter providers by the ones who accept your insurance.
• Pricing varies by provider. There are no upfront or membership fees for using the platform.
• Finding a provider is easy; simply enter your zip code and the type of service you’re looking for (in this case, “psychiatry”) and get immediate access to providers in your area.
• Many providers have same-day availability. A vast majority of them are available within one or two days.
• Unlike other platforms on this list, ZocDoc had plentiful provider options for psychiatry and therapy.

Why we like ZocDoc for choosing your own psychiatrist

ZocDoc shows you all of the providers in your area and allows you to choose between them. If you’re looking for a psychiatrist, simply type in “psychiatrist” and your zip code; ZocDoc’s easy-to-use platform will show you appropriate providers with upcoming availability.

Feel free to browse through available providers to choose the one that feels like the best fit for you and your needs. You can look through previous patients’ reviews of them, easily check to see if they’re in-network with your insurance plan and browse their calendars to choose a convenient time. You can also see providers’ full names before booking, which allows you to perform perfunctory Google searches to look for additional reviews.

ZocDoc also lives up to its claims; while searching in various areas, we could see that providers were plentiful for both psychiatry and therapy. Some providers on ZocDoc may also be willing to prescribe controlled ADHD medications, although you should ask each individual provider to be sure.

ZocDoc’s platform is easy to navigate, but you’ll have to do some digging to see each provider’s rates. Click on the provider’s name; after scrolling down, you’ll see a section titled “Out-of-pocket fees and assistance,” where rates will be published. Some providers offer sliding scale sessions, which will also be indicated in this section of the website.

Like other marketplace-based services, your experience with ZocDoc will depend greatly on the provider you choose—so read reviews thoroughly and schedule a time with a provider whom you feel confident about.

Like Sesame, most people seem to use ZocDoc for simple physical health concerns, not mental health needs, when they can’t get into their primary care physician.

Many people love ZocDoc’s flexibility and the wide availability of their providers.

“[It’s] absolutely wonderful having this app. I love that I can choose any doctor that I want, just based on their availability. There is absolutely nothing worse than having to Google ‘doctors near me’ and having to call each individual one to find out who can or has time to see you immediately,”

“JLavin4,” Apple App Store user

In terms of psychiatry services specifically, opinions start to falter. One ZocDoc psychiatry user on Reddit with the username “Goose_therapist” writes that the provider they were matched with was “the world’s worst psychiatrist,” explaining: “As soon as she started the session (after being 30 minutes late, mind you), not even saying her name or hello, she goes, ‘Are you looking for medication or a diagnosis or what?’… Very judge-y, no assessments or questionnaires, and hardly asked me any questions about myself.”

Best budget online psychiatrist: LiveHealth Online

Best budget online psychiatrist

Livehealth online.

LiveHealth Online offers an affordable, insurance-friendly online platform for psychiatry and other medical services, but its shorter initial consultations may not suit those seeking a new mental health diagnosis.

• You can view the website or app in Spanish and be connected to Spanish-speaking providers
• LiveHealth Online’s rates for psychiatry are significantly lower than those of other platforms.
• The platform accepts many different commercial insurance plans.
• Its website states that initial psychiatry consultations are 45 minutes long; however, many online reviews state that initial appointments are only 20 minutes long.
• Signing up for LiveHealth Online is free, and there are no additional fees.

Why we like LiveHealth Online for best budget online psychiatrist

You can filter through different providers on LiveHealth Online, including psychiatrists, therapists, urgent care doctors, and allergy specialists. It also has a Spanish language program; you can view the website or app in Spanish and be connected to Spanish-speaking providers.

LiveHealth Online’s rates for psychiatry are significantly lower than those of other platforms. Without insurance, you can expect to pay $185 for an initial psychiatry evaluation and $80 per session for follow-up visits. Signing up for LiveHealth Online is free and there are no additional fees.

The platform also accepts many commercial insurance plans. You can input your insurance information to filter providers in this way.

Its website states that initial psychiatry consultations are 45 minutes long; however, many online reviews state that initial appointments are only 20 minutes long. Keep in mind that 20 minutes is typically not long enough to make an accurate assessment of your mental health, so if you’re looking for a new diagnosis, it may be best to use another platform.

According to therapist Johnson, an appropriate session length for an accurate assessment is at least 1-2 full sessions, at 45 minutes or more each. She says, “The reality of a mental health diagnosis is that it can evolve over time, particularly if more than one mental health issue is present. More time may be needed to understand your symptom presentation and all the factors contributing to your concerns.”

Overall, LiveHealth Online is a reliable and affordable online psychiatry option, especially for those needing refilled medication. This platform may not provide enough support for those at the very beginning of their psychiatry journeys.

Although people agree that LiveHealth’s services are affordable, many have had negative experiences with the platform, resulting in a 1.2-star rating out of 5 on Trustpilot.

One Trustpilot reviewer, Sarah, states, “My provider for psychiatry was extremely rude. She told me she wouldn’t help me because I had too much going on. I was charged $40 to see her for five minutes, just for her to hang up on me. I tried to call customer service to at least try and get my $40 back, but both times I’ve called, they tell me they can’t even find the appointment on my account, so there goes my money.”

On the other hand, other reviewers advise being realistic about what an online psychiatry provider generally can and can’t do.

“People need to understand that this service is for minor/easily diagnosable medical needs. All these complaints are from people trying to use this service for severe medical conditions. Of course, the doctors will tell them they must be seen in person!”

Jacqueline, Trustpilot reviewer

Best online psychiatry app: Doctor on Demand

Best online psychiatry app

Doctor on demand.

Doctor on Demand’s easy-to-navigate app offers select psychiatry appointments with local providers.

• Although the list of available providers is not as extensive as other platforms, our testing found enough providers in most areas. However, provider availability may be limited in your area.
• An initial psychiatric consultation costs $299, and 15-minute follow-up appointments cost $129.
• You can bring down the cost by going through your insurance provider.
• Signing up is easy, but you must first take a short assessment before seeing available mental health providers.
• Compared to other platforms, there are fewer providers with same- or next-day availability.

Why we like Doctor on Demand for best online psychiatry app

Doctor on Demand is a website and app (iOS, Android) that makes it easy to schedule virtual visits with various medical providers, including psychiatrists. Signing up is easy; you only need your name, phone number, location, and insurance information (if you plan to pay with insurance).

After you’ve signed up, you can easily see your area’s psychiatric providers, their available appointment times, and profiles. Unlike some other marketplace apps, Doctor on Demand has consistent pricing across all providers. The initial 45-minute consultation costs $299 for psychiatry appointments, and 15-minute follow-up sessions cost $129. This is higher than some of the other options on this list but still lower than in-person visits.

Although the app is easy to navigate, it’s unfortunate that Doctor on Demand doesn’t include patient reviews of its providers. This makes it difficult to choose which provider you want to work with. However, each provider has an extensive portfolio describing their areas of expertise and treatment approach. We also noticed a greater number of MD psychiatrists on Doctor on Demand versus psychiatric nurse practitioners on other sites.

Keep in mind that you cannot get stimulant ADHD medication through this app; it doesn’t prescribe controlled substances.

Overall, if you’re looking for a simple and convenient approach to psychiatric treatment, Doctor on Demand can be an affordable option—especially if you’re paying with insurance.

People who have used Doctor on Demand for mental health services (including psychiatry) have generally had good experiences.

“I use Doctor on Demand for both my psychiatrist and my psychologist. My psychiatrist can give me the Rx for the meds that I need and has been really great at finding the best combination of meds and doses. My psychologist has been amazing at helping me cope with everything.”

“​​Independent_Art_3214,” Reddit user

Unfortunately, Doctor on Demand only has 1.3 stars on Trustpilot, mostly due to issues with billing. One patient, Janeya T., states on Trustpilot that these billing issues make the app not worth it: “Billing has always been an issue… They’re terrible and it sucks so bad because I absolutely love my therapist, but their customer service and billing make it not worth working with them anymore.”

As for the app itself, Doctor on Demand’s iOS app has earned an impressive 4.9-star rating on the Apple store.

Best online psychiatrist for kids: MDLive

Best online psychiatrist for kids

MDLive is an online health platform that can connect you and your child to a wide range of medical providers, including psychiatrists and counselors.

• MDLive can connect you or your child with psychiatrists who can prescribe medication for depression, anxiety, OCD, and more. Controlled substance prescriptions are not available.
• An initial psychiatric consultation appointment on MDLive costs $284, and follow-ups cost $108.
• Children aged 10 and up can receive psychiatric support from MDLive providers.
• You can use commercial insurance or some Medicare plans to pay for MDLive appointments.
• From our review, most psychiatrists had availability within 2-3 days.

Why we like MDLive as best online psychiatry for kids

Online psychiatry can offer life-saving support for children who suffer from mental health conditions (and their parents). According to the CDC, nearly 10% of American children aged 5 to 17 take medication for their mental health. ( 9 ) The administration of psychiatric medications for children is common enough that having resources to support accurate diagnosis and prescription services is crucial. While many platforms on this list do not serve minors, MDLive provides psychiatric support for children over the age of 10.

When using MDLive for your child, you must be present with your child at the beginning of the initial session to give your consent. The provider may ask you to step away for the remainder of the session to protect your child’s confidentiality.

MDLive psychiatrists can offer prescriptions for medications used to treat pediatric depression, anxiety, OCD, and more. If your child needs ADHD medication, keep in mind that MDLive providers cannot prescribe controlled substances like Adderall ® or Ritalin ® .

After signing up, which is a relatively simple process, you can choose a psychiatric provider from the list. Our testing found that the availability wasn’t extensive, but most metropolitan areas have at least a few providers. Unfortunately, MDLive doesn’t offer patient reviews for its providers, but you can read their profiles. If you choose not to go through insurance, the cost for an initial consultation is $284 and follow-up appointments are $108, which is comparable to or less than other options on this list.

Generally, if your child is struggling with their mental health, it may be best to talk to their pediatrician and get a referral. Online psychiatry options may not be thorough enough to adequately assess their needs. But if your child is having a mental health emergency or if they need a refill on their previously prescribed medication, then MDLive can be a convenient option.

Clients have had varied experiences with MDLive for psychiatry based on where they live and the availability of providers in their area. One patient on Reddit with the username “Unyx” states that, overall, it’s been a positive experience: “I see my psychiatrist through MDLive, and it’s been great. I did see a therapist through it for a while, although I don’t currently. The platform itself is fine, but I didn’t have a ton of options for therapists. It probably varies based on what state you live in, though.”

“It’s hard to beat the convenience of seeing a therapist from home, not to mention the fact that there’s no copay. At least in my state, Florida, there are a ton of therapists available with appointments on weekdays, weekends, and nights.”

“Ctnnb1-Dad,” Reddit user

Other users stated that their evaluations were not thorough enough to diagnose them. Another Reddit user, “WalterTheHedgehog,” says, “I paid almost $300 out of pocket for an evaluation. It took 20 minutes… I do NOT feel this was sufficient time to accurately diagnose someone. It could be very dangerous. It felt pretty rushed, and she asked me very little.”

Especially when it comes to your child, it’s important to connect with a psychiatric provider who you feel was thorough about their evaluation and diagnosis, regardless of the platform you choose. In addition, many reviews of MDLive say that despite claiming to treat children, many providers were reluctant to prescribe them medication and sent them to the emergency room or in-person providers instead.

Our online therapy services testing methodology

Every Fortune teletherapy review features in-depth analyses conducted by reviewers with first-hand mental health experience. Qualified mental health experts then review the information to check for accuracy. All the claims are backed by scientific evidence. Read more about Fortune’s teletherapy testing methodology here .

Therapist quality—30%

A top-notch teletherapy service should feel both personal and professional, not impersonal or generic. It should connect users with certified and experienced therapists, not unqualified individuals. Here’s what we look for:

• Personalization
• Interaction quality

Accessibility and convenience—30%

Teletherapy directly impacts an individual’s ability to seek, engage with, and benefit from mental health services. Everyone’s situation is different, whether it’s a scheduling issue, lack of transportation, or being physically unable to see a therapist in person. With the convenience of teletherapy being a significant advantage, we evaluate:

• Ease of use
• Availability
• Platform reliability

Cost and value—20%

Unfortunately, mental health services are not a financial privilege for most people who don’t have insurance that covers it. In an era where mental health care is more necessary, yet often more expensive than ever, assessing the cost-effectiveness of teletherapy services becomes not just relevant but essential.

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%

Having additional support and resources is invaluable for clients seeking to deepen their understanding of mental health issues, learn additional coping strategies, or continue therapeutic work in between sessions. Beyond the therapy sessions, additional support can enhance the therapeutic experience.

Our factors in this rating include:

• Supplementary materials
• Customer support

Privacy and security—10%

While teletherapy is an incredibly convenient way to seek mental health, it poses some risks. Maintaining client confidentiality and data security is paramount in teletherapy. As clients entrust teletherapy services with their mental health information, stories, and vulnerabilities, the responsibility of these platforms to protect such information is paramount.

Here’s what we’re looking for:

• Compliance with HIPAA and data protection laws
• Encryption and security measures
• Anonymity options

How does online psychiatry work?

Seeing an online psychiatrist is just like seeing a psychiatrist in person. The only difference is that, with online psychiatry, you’ll log on to a secure virtual platform for your appointment. For in-person psychiatry, you visit the provider’s physical office space or medical clinic.

The above online psychiatry platforms make scheduling an appointment with a psychiatrist easy. Some platforms match you with a psychiatrist, while others allow you to choose. Before your appointment, you will be given clear instructions about logging in.

During the initial consultation, your online psychiatrist will ask you questions about your medical history, mental health symptoms, and any other psychiatric medications you may have taken before. They will ask you whether you’re allergic to any medications and if you’ve ever experienced any side effects with past medications.

When they have enough information, your online psychiatrist will write you a prescription for the psychiatric medication that they believe will work best for you. Typically, you’ll start your medication on a lower dose that will be increased over time. This helps you tolerate the medication with as few side effects as possible.

Do Medicare and Medicaid cover online psychiatry?

Medicare Plan B covers many of the online psychiatry providers on this list. The only platform covering Medicaid (in some states) is Brightside Health, our pick for the best online psychiatry program.

This doesn’t necessarily mean that no other online psychiatry providers accept Medicaid. The best way to find covered providers is to speak to your Medicaid office or social worker. They can give you information on online psychiatry services that may or may not be covered.

How to choose an online psychiatrist

It’s important to choose an online psychiatrist that can provide you with what you need. For example, if you’re looking for medication specifically, then keep in mind that only medical providers (like psychiatrists, physician’s assistants, and psychiatric nurse practitioners) can prescribe medication for you. In addition, many online psychiatrists don’t prescribe controlled substances like Xanax ® or Adderall ® .

You can also consider looking for an online psychiatrist specializing in the areas where you need support. You’ll see that many online psychiatrists claim to specialize in every area of behavioral health. However, the more specific their area of expertise is, the more tailored the services may be. For example, if you’re looking for ADHD support, then it’s best to work with an online psychiatrist who specializes in ADHD.

Research shows that online mental health support is as effective as in-person support. ( 10 ) Not only is it just as effective, but it can also be more convenient and affordable. However, keep in mind that it typically takes some time, and often some dosage or prescription changes, to see the effect of psychiatric medication.

Yes. Online psychiatrists, like in-person psychiatrists, perform evaluations for the primary purpose of prescribing medications. Some online psychiatrists may not prescribe all types of medication; for example, many online psychiatrists aren’t able to prescribe controlled substance medications, like stimulants (like Adderall ® ) or sedatives (like Xanax ® ).

Yes. According to research, online mental health care is as effective as in-person support.

You can benefit from online psychiatry if you struggle with mental health symptoms like depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, insomnia, and more. If you experience severe symptoms, have been hospitalized for mental health concerns in the past, or are having thoughts of hurting yourself or others, it’s best not to wait for an online psychiatry provider and contact emergency services instead.

Typically, you don’t need a referral for an online psychiatrist. You can use any of the options on our list without a referral. Depending on your insurance coverage, you may need a referral for some online psychiatrists.

Our experts

Rychel Johnson

Rychel Johnson, M.S., LCPC, 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.

Saya Des Marais, MSW

Fortune Recommends Mental Health Writer

Cost to see a psychiatrist (Australia)

Psychiatrists are specialist medical doctors. They are experts in diagnosing and treating mental illness.

Psychiatrists first complete a medical degree and then enter the training program for psychiatry. This program covers a range of training experiences over a 5 year period.  Once their training is complete, a psychiatrist becomes a Fellow of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (FRANZCP).

You can expect a high level of skill in the services a psychiatrist provides.

More about psychiatrists 

How much does it cost to see a psychiatrist?

If you see a psychiatrist for a private appointment (in their rooms), you may have to pay a fee on top of the rebate you may receive from Medicare. This is sometimes called a gap fee or out-of-pocket cost.

If you see a psychiatrist in a public hospital or public community health service, you generally won’t have to pay.

Psychiatrists, like other medical specialists, set their own fees.

The Australian Medical Association (AMA) provides guidance to medical practitioners about fees. The RANZCP does not provide advice on or set psychiatrists’ fees.

• Make sure you have a valid referral before making an appointment.
• Check fees by contacting the clinic or checking the psychiatrist’s website before your appointment.
• Check if a cancellation fee applies if you cannot attend your appointment.
• You need to pay the full amount for the appointment on the day.

Can I get a Medicare rebate when I see a psychiatrist?

If you are eligible for Medicare and have a valid referral, Medicare will refund part of your fee.

The amount you receive from Medicare will depend on:

• the type of appointment
• how long the appointment is
• whether you need services not covered by Medicare (for example, insurance or NDIS reports).

*The fees listed here are examples only. Please contact your psychiatrist’s clinic to find out about their fees.   

More information on estimated costs for all types of appointments, and in different areas of Australia, can be found on the Australian Government’s Medical Costs Finder website . 

The Australian Medical Association (AMA): Informed Financial Consent – a collaboration between doctors and patients provides further information on how to discuss costs with your doctor. 

Do psychiatrists bulk-bill?

Some psychiatrists may bulk-bill. This means Medicare covers the cost of the appointment and you have no out-of-pocket fee.

Each psychiatrist has their own criteria for whom they will bulk-bill.

Check the requirements for bulk-billing by calling the clinic before your appointment.

Can I use my private health insurance?

Private health insurance covers you for consultations during hospital admissions.

Appointments with a private psychiatrist (outside a hospital stay) are not covered by private health insurance. This is the same for all medical specialists.

More about private health insurance and mental health

Going to hospital

How many times will I see my psychiatrist?

You may only need to see your psychiatrist once or twice per year.

In other cases, you may need regular appointments to manage a long-term illness. The Medicare safety nets are there to help you cover ongoing gap fee costs.

I’m having trouble paying – what options do I have?

• Discuss options with your psychiatrist.
• Speak to the clinic receptionist – payment plans may be available.
• Medicare Safety Net.

Medicare Safety Net

The Medicare Safety Net provides extra rebates once your out-of-pocket medical costs reach $531.70 in a calendar year. This means your gap payment may be less.

Extended Medicare Safety Net

The Extended Safety Net provides more rebates on top of the standard Safety Net.

If you have a concession card or receive Family Tax Benefit A, you qualify when your out-of-pocket medical costs reach $770.30

For people who don’t have a concession card, the threshold is $2414.00

More about Medicare Safety Nets

• Psychiatrists are specialist medical doctors. They are experts in diagnosing and treating mental illness. You can expect a high level of skill in the services they provide.
• Call the psychiatrist’s clinic to ask about fees before your first appointment.
• Medicare will cover some of the cost of psychiatrist appointments.
• There are options if you are having trouble paying to see a psychiatrist.

You might also be interested in:

This is a general guide only, and does not replace individual medical advice. Please speak to your doctor for advice about your situation. The RANZCP is not liable for any consequences arising from relying on this information. Subject matter experts, people with lived experience of mental illness and carers all contributed to this fact sheet.

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