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

We had five people sign up for and test mental health services at Teladoc from Missouri, New York, Ohio, and Texas. 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. ET—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.

We had great experiences overall: All of the mental healthcare providers we interacted with at Teladoc were highly qualified, compassionate, and professional. They were good listeners who offered thoughtful insight and actionable advice. However, in one case, the provider we selected kept the camera off for video sessions, which we found disappointing. Despite this, the conversation was comfortable, and there were good observations that were helpful.

A downside is that the wide availability of appointment times did not translate into being able to find appointments within a day or two. Plus, evening and weekend appointments were much more limited than options during standard business hours. But in general, we were able to schedule a visit with our providers of choice within a week. Also, Teladoc does not treat psychosis, substance use, or eating disorders. 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.

• Insurance Accepted: Accepts many insurance plans, including major providers like Aetna, UnitedHealthcare, and some Medicare and Medicaid plans
• Subscription Required: No, pay-per-session service
• Out-of-Pocket Costs: Varies by insurance; If you’re paying out of pocket, the pricing is up up to $299 for the initial psychiatry consultation and up to $129 per session for follow-ups; therapy appointments are up to $119 per session

We surveyed 100 users of Teladoc:

• 94% rated Teladoc as very good or excellent overall
• 89% rated their therapist’s qualifications as very good or excellent
• 94% said that most or all of their needs were met at Teladoc
• 98% are likely or very likely to recommend Teladoc to a friend or someone like them
• 30% said they were using Teladoc for psychiatry or medication management services
  

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 100 users, extensively researched the company, and sought expert insight on it. Overall, we were impressed with Monument’s offerings and service model for AUD.

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 treatment. The $15 per month community membership also buys you access to therapist-moderated support groups and a 24/7 online community forum. There are support groups 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 also 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.

• Insurance Accepted: Monument is in-network with the following insurance companies (specific plan coverage varies by state): Aetna, Cigna, Oxford Health Plans, and Oscar; accepts Medicare; accepts FSA/HSA payments
• Subscription Required: Yes
• Out-of-Pocket Costs: Community membership is $15 per month (not covered by insurance); treatment costs vary by insurance; if paying out-of-pocket, these services cost $100 each for physician appointments, $149 per month for therapy every other week, and $249 per month for weekly therapy appointments.

We surveyed 100 users of Monument:

• 84% rated Monument as very good or excellent overall
• 94% rated their therapist’s qualifications as very good or excellent
• 98% said that most or all of their needs were met at Monument
• 95% are likely or very likely to recommend Monument to a friend or someone like them
• 23% said they were using Monument for medication management services

We had four 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. 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. Treatment is targeted toward modalities and medications that address anxiety and depression, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), app-based exercises to use on your own, and symptom progress trackers. 

We were consistently impressed by the high quality of care we received at Brightside. Not only did we find highly qualified providers, but they were also personable and warm. 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 and much lower than the national average for psychiatric care. Brightside’s medication-only plan is $95 a month, and you receive one 15-minute psychiatric appointment and ongoing provider support, including medication adjustments. Since the high costs of treatment can compound any pre-existing anxiety, Brightside’s relative affordability makes us feel particularly good about recommending it.

One of Brightside’s biggest weaknesses, though, is the short session length. After the initial psychiatric evaluation, follow-up psychiatry sessions are only 15 minutes long (although this is pretty common in online services). Therapy sessions tend to run 30 to 45 minutes (instead of 45 minutes to one hour at other services). 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.

• Insurance Accepted: Cigna (all states except Minnesota), Aetna, Allegiance, UnitedHealthcare, Ambetter (all states, except Connecticut, Hawaii, Maine, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Vermont, Wisconsin), Anthem CA, Blue Shield of CA, Blue Cross Blue Shield (of Montana, Illinois, Texas only), PEHP (Utah only), Florida Blue, Meritain; accepts Medicare and Medicaid in some states; accepts HSA/FSA payments
• Subscription Required: Yes
• Out-of-Pocket Costs: Varies by insurance; medication-only plan is $95 per month plus your pharmacy co-pay; therapy-only plan is $299 per month, which includes one session per week; additional therapy sessions can be purchased for $59 each; medication and therapy plan is $349 per month

We surveyed 100 users of Brightside:

• 88% rated Brightside as very good or excellent overall
• 94% rated their therapist’s qualifications as very good or excellent
• 93% said that most or all of their needs were met at Brightside
• 99% are likely or very likely to recommend Brightside to a friend or someone like them
• 21% said they were using Brightside for psychiatry or medication management services
  

We had two people test Talkiatry from New York and both had good experiences using the company’s adult psychiatry services. Talkiatry also 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 2021. 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. 

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 time to get all of the information they needed from us to form a complete picture of our mental health. We found the psychiatrists to be professional yet kind and conversational and we loved feeling like we had enough time to ask questions. Those positive experiences, coupled with the thorough sign-up process, made us feel confident about the appropriateness and personalization of the treatment plan that was provided.

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.  Also, 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. Talk therapy is also available on Talkiatry, but it requires a referral from one of its psychiatrists. 

• Insurance Accepted: Accepts plans from five of the biggest health insurance providers: Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna, Optum, United Healthcare, and more; accepts some Medicare plans
• Subscription Required: No, pay-per-session service
• Out-of-Pocket Costs: Varies by insurance; you can input your insurance information before signing up to get an estimate of your copay 

We surveyed 100 users of Talkiatry:

• 86% rated Talkiatry as very good or excellent overall
• 87% rated their therapist’s qualifications as very good or excellent
• 96% said that most or all of their needs were met at Talkiatry
• 95% are likely or very likely to recommend Talkiatry to a friend or someone like them
• 42% said they were using Talkiatry solely for psychiatry or medication management

We had 11 people from across the country test out Talkspace, hailing from California, Florida, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, New York, North Carolina, and South Dakota. Given its wide insurance coverage, ability to treat a wider range of conditions than other platforms, availability of both medication management and therapy services, and the ability to message providers between sessions, we think Talkspace is a great option.

Overall, we had a positive experience and the providers we met with were warm, patient, and understanding. 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.

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. Talkspace’s psychiatry fees are also higher than many other platforms and may be out of reach for many due to cost. And, like most telehealth services, Talkspace cannot prescribe controlled substances, so it may not be a great fit in certain cases.

• Insurance Accepted: Accepts plans from most major insurers, including Aetna, Cigna, Optum, UnitedHealthcare, Carelon, and Regence; accepts some Medicare plans; doesn’t accept Medicaid
• Subscription Required: No subscription for psychiatry, which is pay-as-you-go; subscription required for therapy
• Out-of-Pocket Costs: Varies by insurance; psychiatry/medication management costs $299 for an initial evaluation and $175 for a follow-up session; psychiatry bundles include an initial evaluation and three follow-up sessions for $725 (new members only); follow-up session psychiatry bundles also range from $140 per session for nine sessions to $159 per session for three sessions; a messaging-only therapy subscription plan starts at $69 per week; live therapy plan starts at $99 per week and includes messaging and four live sessions a month; and couples therapy starts a $109 per month.

We surveyed 100 users of Talkspace:

• 92% rated Talkspace as very good or excellent overall
• 89% rated their therapist’s qualifications as very good or excellent
• 95% said that most or all of their needs were met at Talkspace
• 97% are likely or very likely to recommend Talkspace to a friend or someone like them
• 19% said they were using Talkspace for psychiatry or medication management

The five people who tested Thriveworks—from Kansas, Kentucky, Missouri, Massachusetts, and New York— signed up for various services, including child therapy, adult therapy, and couples counseling. And although we did not test its psychiatry services specifically, the fact that one of the most common words in our testers’ reports of their Thriveworks experience was “easy” makes us confident that searching for a psychiatrist is also simple. 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. 

Therapy services are available to children (any age) and adults, while psychiatry services are available to anyone age 14 and up. 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. 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. 

One caveat is that the network of psychiatrists is smaller and more limited at Thriveworks than its network of therapists. We found that provider availability for adult therapy was much more robust than for psychiatry or 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. 

• Insurance Accepted: Different providers accept different insurance plans, but you can filter therapists by the insurance plans they accept; Thriveworks accepts major insurance plans such as BlueCross, Anthem, Optum, UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, Cigna, Humana, and many others
• Subscription Required: No
• Out-of-Pocket Costs: Varies by insurance and provider (rates can be found on provider bio pages); self-pay options start at $300 for a first psychiatry/mediation management session and $210 for subsequent sessions; therapy starts at $200 for a first session and $170 for subsequent sessions
  

We surveyed 100 users of Thriveworks:

• 88% rated Thriveworks as very good or excellent overall
• 90% rated their therapist’s qualifications as very good or excellent
• 96% said that most or all of their needs were met at Thriveworks
• 96% are likely or very likely to recommend Thriveworks to a friend or someone like them
• 24% said they were using Thriveworks for psychiatry or medication management

We tested Doctor on Demand's teen psychiatry services and individual adult therapy services in Pennsylvania, as well as adult therapy in North Carolina. We sought treatment for anxiety as well as support with navigating difficult family dynamics, and overall we had positive experiences. We love that the service allows patients access to specialized care with insurance and offers appointments during a much wider timeframe than most other companies. And we found that psychiatrist appointment openings were far more plentiful than therapy sessions.

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. Doctor on Demand often 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, insurance, and schedule. This wide appointment availability comes with caveats, of course. If you live in a smaller state, have a limited timeframe for when you can schedule appointments, or prefer to choose an appointment by the provider rather than by the soonest opening, it can take significantly longer. This can add days or even weeks (we waited three weeks for a first appointment in one case) in order to schedule with a preferred provider.

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.

• Insurance Accepted: Doctor On Demand accepts most major insurance plans, including BlueCross BlueShield, UnitedHealthcare/Optum, Humana, and Medicare; FSA/HSA accepted
• Subscription Required: No
• Out-of-Pocket Costs: Varies by insurance; an appointment with a psychologist is $134 for a 25-minute session and $184 for a 50-minute session; it's $299 for an initial 45-minute consultation with a psychiatrist and $129 for 15-minute follow-ups.

We surveyed 100 users of Doctor on Demand:

• 88% rated Doctor on Demand as very good or excellent overall
• 91% rated their therapist’s qualifications as very good or excellent
• 95% said that most or all of their needs were met at Doctor on Demand
• 97% are likely or very likely to recommend Doctor on Demand to a friend or someone like them
• 34% said they were using Doctor on Demand for psychiatry or medication management
  

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. An initial psychiatric assessment costs $185 and follow-up sessions are $80, which are prices almost unheard of in the psychiatry industry. 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.

We had a mix of good and not-so-good experiences with LiveHealth Online's services. 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 made it stand out as a good resource for those who cannot afford the usual exorbitant prices of psychiatric services. 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 its services. If paying out of pocket, the affordability and overall quality make LiveHealth Online worth the wait. But, as with several other telehealth platforms, LiveHealth's providers cannot prescribe controlled substances, so it is not ideal for people whose conditions may benefit from those medications.

• Insurance Accepted: Yes, including most Anthem BlueCross and BlueShield, Anthem BlueCross, BlueCross and BlueShield of Georgia, Empire BlueCross and Empire BlueCross Blue and Shield health plans
• Subscription Required: No, pay-per-visit model with no monthly fees
• Out-of-Pocket Costs: Varies by insurance; out-of-pocket costs are $185 for an initial consultation with a psychiatrist and $80 for each subsequent visit; talk therapy sessions are $85 to $100, depending on your therapist’s level of experience.

• 90% rated LiveHealth Online as very good or excellent overall
• 94% rated their therapist’s qualifications as very good or excellent
• 98% said that most or all of their needs were met at LiveHealth Online
• 98% are likely or very likely to recommend LiveHealth Online to a friend or someone like them
• 24% said they were using LiveHealth Online for psychiatry or medication management

Among our five MDLIVE testers from Connecticut, Missouri, Michigan, Iowa, 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. 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. 

We were impressed by the providers’ experience levels and varying types of expertise. Most providers had at least several years of experience. We also found that MDLIVE’s mental health services are available for children and teens ages 10 and up, a rare offering at most telehealth companies. You can choose your provider directly from an easy-to-navigate index when you register. Most providers who treated us were equal parts helpful and compassionate, professional and approachable. However, in one case we found the provider cold and it seemed like they were more interested in taking notes than engaging with us. Still, overall we found that being able to read provider profiles and choose one for ourselves based on their specialties, attributes, and availability meant we were usually able to find a good match for our needs.

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. We also had some difficulties putting in insurance and having scheduled appointments disappear, which was frustrating. 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.

• Insurance Accepted: Yes, including Cigna, Humana, BlueCross BlueShield, Aetna, and Medicare in some areas
• Subscription Required: No
• Out-of-Pocket Costs: Varies by insurance; out-of-pocket psychiatry appointments cost up to $299 for the initial evaluation, then up to $159 for subsequent sessions; therapy appointments cost up to $179 for an initial appointment, then up to $140 per session

• 88% rated MDLIVE as very good or excellent overall
• 89% rated their therapist’s qualifications as very good or excellent
• 100% said that most or all of their needs were met at MDLIVE
• 97% are likely or very likely to recommend MDLIVE to a friend or someone like them
• 24% said they were using MDLIVE for psychiatry or medication management