Top 8 Online Psychiatry Services in 2022

A quick look at the top online psychiatry services in 2022

  • Best app-based service: Talkspace
  • Best for flexible scheduling: MDLIVE
  • Best for collaborative care: Amwell
  • Best to choose your psychiatrist: Doctor on Demand
  • Best for la carte appointments: LiveHealth Online
  • Best for local care: Teladoc
  • Best affordable option: Rethink My Healthcare
  • Best for medication delivery: Brightside

Like work meetings, fitness classes, and happy hours, psychiatry sessions can be held online now, too. Telemedicine is a safe and convenient way to seek mental health services in an increasingly virtual world.

If you’re considering seeing a psychiatrist but prefer to hold sessions remotely, online psychiatry may be an ideal arrangement.

Here are our top picks for online psychiatry services.

What is online psychiatry?

Online therapy and psychiatry fall under the umbrella of telehealth and telemedicine services.

Instead of driving to your clinician’s office and speaking with them in person, online mental health services allow you to communicate remotely.

Online therapy and online psychiatry differ in the same ways as face-to- face therapy and psychiatry. A licensed therapist can provide mental health counseling services, but they can’t prescribe medications. However, a psychiatrist can combine various forms of therapy with prescriptions.

How we chose

Learn more

We considered many criteria when choosing the best online psychiatry services, including quality, ease of use, and user ratings.

A team of mental health experts oversees ishonest’s vetting process. This process uses specific criteria to ensure we are making the best recommendations for you. Some examples of factors considered in the vetting process include:

  • whether the product or service is supported by evidence-based research
  • whether the brand meets industry standards
  • if there is a third-party certification
  • whether the brand meets appropriate federal or industry regulations
  • if any legal or regulatory action has been taken against the brand
  • how products made by the brand are sourced
  • whether the brand takes steps to ensure social equity and promote diversity

All the services recommended in this list offer a network of board-certified psychiatrists who offer telehealth appointments, so diagnoses and prescriptions can be arranged without setting foot in a doctor’s office.

ishonest’s picks for the 8 best online psychiatry services

Best app-based service

Talkspace

Being able to schedule and attend your psychiatric visits from your smartphone is one of the appeals of online therapy apps like Talkspace. Everything can be done at home from your fingertips — from the easy signup process to communicating via live video chat.

After filling out a brief assessment, Talkspace will match you with a licensed psychiatrist who can diagnose mental illnesses, prescribe medications, and conduct therapy sessions as needed. Talkspace psychiatrists can help with an array of mental health conditions, including anxiety disorders, depression, and more. You can also switch doctors at any time if you feel the match isn’t quite right.

  • Pros: Easy to use, and you can be matched with a provider that best suits your needs. It’s also easy to switch providers.
  • Cons: Text therapy may not work for you, and Talkspace cannot provide documentation for legal purposes or court-mandated treatments. Talkspace also does not permit their providers to prescribe a number of medications, like Adderall and Xanax.
  • How we chose: Talkspace was included on this list for the ease of use and flexibility offered by the service.
  • Price: Initial evaluations cost $199 and follow-up visits cost $125 each, but the price can vary depending on the service frequency.
  • Coverage: Talkspace is covered by some health insurance companies and employers. Refer to their full list of partners to see if you qualify for psychiatric care that’s covered in part or fully.

See a full review of Talkspace services here.

Best for flexible scheduling

MDLIVE

One of the pain points of scheduling doctor’s appointments is sticking to conventional business hours. MDLIVE’s online psychiatry services may appeal to those with tight schedules, since they offer appointments during the evenings and weekends. Doctors are on call 24/7 for around-the-clock mental health care.

Online appointments can take place over the phone or via video chat. If you don’t want to wait weeks for a psychiatric appointment, you can usually schedule an appointment through MDLIVE within days. Though your psychiatrist may live in a different city than you do, they’re able to send prescriptions to your local pharmacy for pickup.

  • Pros: Unconventional scheduling and extended appointment times means that you can see a provider when it’s most convenient for you, and they can still prescribe a number of medications.
  • Cons: There are certain medications that your provider may not be able to prescribe through this service, and it can take time to find a time that works for both you and your desired provider.
  • How we chose: Despite the fact that you still might have to wait for an appointment, and there are still some restrictions on the type of care provided and prescriptions that can be written, MDLIVE offers some of the best flexibility in terms of appointments.
  • Price: Depending on your insurance, MDLIVE psychiatric care can cost up to $284 per initial visit and $108 per follow-up appointment.
  • Coverage: Some health insurance companies and employers cover MDLIVE psychiatric care. This can help cover some or all associated costs.

See a full review of MDLIVE services here.

Best for collaborative care

Amwell

Amwell isn’t just an online therapy and psychiatry service. They also cover other types of medicine, with board certified doctors available for direct-to- patient communication. If you’ve ever wished you could speak with your care team from the comfort of your own home, Amwell is one solution.

Amwell’s behavioral health services include a network of more than 100 board certified psychiatrists who specialize in medication evaluations and ongoing medication management. Amwell psychiatrists can address mental health conditions such as eating disorders, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, cognitive disorders, depression, insomnia, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and post- traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

While some online psychiatry services only offer mental health care, Amwell offers collaborative care so communication can occur between your psychiatrist and primary care doctor.

  • Pros: Amwell pairs psychiatry services with a number of other telehealth services to create a collaborative care platform that can meet all your health needs.
  • Cons: Not all health insurance providers work with Amwell, so there is a chance you could have to pay for your services out of pocket or find another venue for care.
  • How we chose: We chose to add Amwell to this list because of their scope of care and the opportunities the platform offers for collaboration with other healthcare providers.
  • Price: An initial consultation with a psychiatrist costs $279. Follow-up appointments last about 15 minutes and cost $109 each.
  • Coverage: A select list of health insurance providers covers Amwell visits. When signing up, you can enter your health insurance information to see if you qualify for partially or fully covered visits.

See a full review of Amwell’s services here.

Best to choose your psychiatrist

Doctor on Demand

If you want to bypass the process of being matched with a psychiatrist and choose your own instead, consider Doctor on Demand. The service’s total virtual care includes 24/7 access to doctors, psychiatrists, therapists, and other medical experts. This can offer you peace of mind that care is always available and easily accessible from a computer, smartphone, or tablet.

Though care is virtual, it’s still personal. Visits occur over a secure video connection. Your personal information will not be shared with anyone, including your primary care physician, unless explicitly requested.

  • Pros: This services offers care from mental health professionals as well as other providers, and may be covered by your insurance — at least in part.
  • Cons: Your choice of providers may be limited in certain areas, and which prescriptions you can have written can vary.
  • How we chose: This services allows you to view the qualifications and specialty areas of different mental health professionals and choose the right fit for you.
  • Price: Psychiatry appointments are available for $299 per initial consultation and $129 per follow-up appointment.
  • Coverage: Some employers and health insurance companies cover psychiatric care through Doctor on Demand. Follow the steps during registration to see if your health plan is supported.

See a full review of Doctor on Demand services here.

Best for la carte appointments

LiveHealth Online

People who need help with medication management may need to see a psychiatrist on a regular basis. If you’ve never seen a psychiatrist and would like an initial evaluation, LiveHealth Online is a good option, since the platform allows la carte appointments without requiring an ongoing subscription.

If you’re worried about the quality of online mental health services, telemedicine is LiveHealth Online’s specialty. All doctors are specifically trained to perform health visits online, so patients never feel they’re missing out on the face-to-face experience that in-person appointments offer.

  • Pros: You can choose from a variety of specialities, including mental health care, without signing on to a service or subscription plan.
  • Cons: It can take up to 2 weeks to secure an online visit with a psychiatrist, and LiveHealth providers do not prescribe controlled substances.
  • How we chose: Unlike many telehealth platforms, LiveHealth allows you to choose health services one at a time rather than requiring you to sign on to a plan or subscription.
  • Price: Before insurance, initial evaluations cost $175 and follow-up appointments are available for $75 per visit.
  • Coverage: Some health plans cover LiveHealth Online psychiatry visits. Without insurance, you are responsible for the full cost of your care.

Best for local care

Teladoc

Communicating through phone, video, or text may make it seem as though your psychiatrist is on the other side of the planet. Through Teladoc appointments, your psychiatrist is closer than you think. Teladoc gives you the option of selecting a professional local to your area.

According to Teladoc, the service offers access to the top 5 percent of specialists in the world and a 90 percent satisfaction rate. Their quality care professionals can review your mental health history and treatment plan to customize care to your needs.

Teladoc psychiatrists can prescribe medications, except for controlled substances or medications for the treatment of bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. This is because prescriptions for these drugs require in-person care and ongoing monitoring. However, people with these conditions can still use the service for guidance or other medications. Teladoc psychiatrists are able to offer prescriptions for antidepressants, some anti-anxiety medications, and some antipsychotics.

  • Pros: You are able to choose a care provider from a list of mental health professionals that match your needs. You can select someone in your area to allow you flexibility in scheduling both online or in-person visits.
  • Cons: Treatment for conditions like schizophrenia and bipolar disorders may not be offered through telehealth services because of the medications required. Certain conditions and medications can only be treated or offered at in-person appointments.
  • How we chose: The ability to choose a local provider that you can see either online or in person earned Teladoc a spot on this list.
  • Price: Psychiatric visits cost $175 for the first visit and $75 for each follow-up visit.
  • Coverage: Depending on the type of care you’re requesting, some health insurance plans cover the full cost of Teladoc visits.

Best affordable option

Rethink My Healthcare

Psychiatric visits are typically more expensive than therapy sessions since psychiatrists undergo specialized education that allows them to prescribe medications. Without health insurance, these costs can add up quickly. Rethink My Health is an affordable online psychiatry service that makes mental health care accessible to people with varying budgets.

The service’s monthly subscription includes ongoing access to primary care physicians, therapists, and psychiatrists for collaborative care. Care is primarily provided via video as best practice for behavioral health sessions, but phone visits are also available as a secondary option.

The network of psychiatrists is able to give ongoing medication management services for eating disorders, anxiety, depression, OCD, PTSD, and more. If you’re interested in bundling your telemedicine and telehealth needs, Rethink My Healthcare can help.

  • Pros: A relatively low cost subscription to this service allows you access to a variety of healthcare professionals, including psychiatrists.
  • Cons: This platform is designed to bypass insurance companies, so you cannot use your existing coverage to pay for services or care.
  • How we chose: While this option may not work for everyone, people without insurance or those looking for low cost care can get comprehensive services with a basic subscription.
  • Price: Rethink My Healthcare offers 24/7 access to virtual primary care and $0 copay for virtual therapy and psychiatry appointments for a $99 monthly subscription.
  • Coverage: Rethink My Healthcare doesn’t accept health insurance. They offer simple, affordable payment terms so patients can seek care without relying on insurance companies.

Best for medication delivery

Brightside

Well known telehealth platform BetterHelp partnered with Brightside to deliver prescription medications to patients who need them. This is great for people with anxiety and depression, though people with other mental health conditions can seek treatment with Brightside.

Members get unlimited messaging to professionals who specialize in anxiety and depression treatment. Treatment plans also include monthly video sessions with a licensed therapist and regular communication with your psychiatrist.

  • Pros: Brightside offers an easy-to-use platform to maintain care and get prescriptions to manage your depression or anxiety.
  • Cons: This service is not available everywhere or to everyone. Brightside focuses on treating depression, and you might have to seek alternative care for other conditions. Locations are limited, too. Therapy is available in 40 states, and medications can only be prescribed in 41 states and in Washington, D.C.
  • How we chose: We selected this service for their ease of use for depression and anxiety, two very common reasons people seek psychiatric care.
  • Price: Brightside offers three plans: Medication, Therapy, and Medication & Therapy. The plan to provide both therapy and medication costs $349 per month plus $15 per prescription.
  • Coverage: Brightside doesn’t accept health insurance, though they do accept health savings account (HSA) and flexible spending account (FSA) payments.

Who should sign up for online psychiatry?

Many people put off seeing a psychiatrist out of fear or nervousness. If you’re unsure whether you should sign up for online psychiatry, consider your health history and any sudden changes in the way you feel physically and mentally.

“Individuals that are experiencing changes in their mood, sleep, and appetite, or have thoughts of harming themselves or other people, should consider seeing a psychiatrist,” explains Tamir S. Aldad, MD, psychiatrist and CEO of Mindful Urgent Care.

“If the patient feels that their symptoms are mild, starting with a therapist might be appropriate. Combining talk therapy with treatment involving medication has been shown to have better outcomes for some patients,” Aldad says.

Scheduling an online psychiatry appointment can also be a good fit if you need a psychiatric diagnosis, prescription medication, or second opinion.

What to look for in an online psychiatrist?

When considering the help of a psychiatrist, you may first want to consider why you are seeking help. Psychiatrists may provide general care, but some specialize in certain areas of therapy, like:

  • anxiety disorders
  • attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
  • bipolar disorder
  • major depression
    • PTSD
  • schizophrenia
  • substance use disorders

Learn more

Your primary care doctor may offer you suggestions for selecting a psychiatrist, or even refer you to a local provider. If you are looking for online services or a telehealth provider, the list above can be a good starting point.

Frequently asked questions

Choosing a counselor, therapist, or psychologist is a very personal decision. Everyone has different needs when it comes to psychological help. Below are some things to consider when making your choice.

How does online psychiatry work?

Online psychiatry works a lot like online therapy. In addition to talk therapy through mediums like video calls, phone calls, and text, online psychiatrists can help with medication management.

To get started, you’ll need to sign up for an online psychiatry service. This may require entering your health insurance information (if you have it) and choosing a psychiatrist.

Once you’re all signed up, you can set up appointments to speak with a psychiatrist from the comfort of your own home.

You’ll just need a secure internet connection and a computer, smartphone, or tablet to attend the appointments virtually.

Is online psychiatry effective?

Existing research suggests that online psychiatry can be an effective, affordable, and accessible alternative to face-to-face sessions.

In a 2015 study, some researchers even suggest that younger patients actually prefer telepsychiatry to traditional in-person psychiatry visits. The evidence from these studies says that telepsychiatry is especially effective for the treatment of PTSD, depression, and ADHD.

According to a 2015 review, the growing body of evidence suggests online psychiatry services are effective, feasible, and comparable to conventional care in terms of patient and clinic satisfaction.

Can online psychiatrists prescribe controlled substances?

Traditionally, there have been limits to the types of medication online medical professionals — including psychiatrists — could prescribe. Some types of medications, like controlled substances, could require an in-person visit, but the COVID-19 pandemic prompted the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration to loosen some of these rules. Now, online providers can prescribe controlled substances without an in-person visit, but this only applies to emergency situations.

Are online psychiatrists legit?

This is an important and valid question to ask when considering an online psychiatry service — or any psychiatry service, for that matter. Check the credentials of any healthcare professional, making sure they received the appropriate training, degree, and licensure to provide the care you are seeking. There are also a number of organizations that certify or accredit professionals in different specialties. In psychiatry, one example of this is the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. These organizations administer tests or require certification that a provider performs a certain level of care.

Checking the credentials and training of providers is a part of ishonest’s vetting process, and was considered in the creation of this list.

What is the difference between teletherapy and telepsychiatry?

Whether they are offered online or in person, therapy and psychiatry services differ in two key ways. Therapy usually refers to psychological services like counseling. These services are provided by a trained therapist, counselor, or psychologist. These professionals are trained to perform certain types of therapies, but cannot prescribe medications. Psychiatrists, whether online or in person, are specially trained to make a medical diagnosis and prescribe medications to treat various mental health conditions.

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