Unfortunately, psychiatric care can be expensive—no matter what budget you’re working with. It can also be inconvenient, especially if you’re accommodating the schedule of a busy practitioner who only offers sessions during working hours. But thanks to the advancement of telehealth services, psychiatric care has never been more accessible. The best online psychiatry services address the issues of traditional in-person care by offering affordable virtual sessions. More impressive? Many of these services offer faster response times compared to traditional providers, yet they can still have prescribed medications shipped to your door. Plus, many of the outlets offer ongoing counseling services as well. Below, check out our selections of the best online psychiatry services that provide a range of caregivers. While seeking out the advice of a medical professional virtually can be slightly nerve-wracking—especially when factoring in privacy concerns—it’s actually regarded as an equally effective way to seek care. A review1 of telepsychiatry versus traditional care found no difference in accuracy or satisfaction by patients. Just remember that it’s important to understand the full scope of your psychiatrist’s care offerings. Some will lean into nutritional psychiatry, which looks at diet as a possible way to improve health, while others will focus on medication. The traditional range of services includes diagnosing mental health conditions, prescribing medications, and providing therapy. The service takes home the best overall title because of its speedy response times and convenient app, which also lets you message with therapists. Getting started is as easy as filling out an initial assessment with information on your current medications and needs. Cost: $249 for initial visit; $125 for follow-ups Of course, the real standout feature of Brightside is PrecisionRx, a proprietary tool that makes it easy for doctors to assess your current medications and determine what might work best going forward. Cost: $95 per month for medication management; $349 per month for therapy & medication; $15 or pharmacy copay per prescription The ease doesn’t end there; the company matches you with a doctor who accepts your insurance and even calls prescriptions into the pharmacy of your choice. It also offers fast access to different types of therapy, as well as coaching support around the clock. Cost: 25 minutes for $129; 50 minutes for $179; $299 for initial visit Teladoc also offers phone sessions, which could be great if you travel often and don’t want to be tethered to hotel Wi-Fi while speaking with your provider. There’s also a messaging service within the company’s easy-to-use app that’s perfect for asking your practitioner short questions or refilling a prescription when you’re out of town. While the service accepts insurance, it also provides options for those without with an initial consultation priced at $99. Cost: $99 for initial consultation; additional sessions depend on health plan but range from $0 to $299 While it’s likely not the best pick for those who are just starting psychiatric care—as it doesn’t offer any type of talk therapy—it’s a great pick for those familiar with their best treatment plan. Of course, if traditional psychiatric care is not feasible with your budget, you can rely on Minded’s independent medical team to help with your treatment, as all are qualified to prescribe medications for anxiety and depression. Cost: $10 for first month; $40 for monthly subscription
