8 Best Online Psychiatry & Therapy Services Like Cerebral Reviewed

Overview of Online Psychiatry Services

In recent years, online psychiatric services have grown rapidly in popularity. These virtual platforms connect patients to licensed psychiatrists, therapists, counselors, and other mental health professionals via video chat, phone, or messaging. This allows people to access care conveniently from home.

Online therapy removes many barriers that prevent people from seeking help, like lack of providers in rural areas, inability to take time off work for appointments, lack of childcare or transportation, and more. Virtual sessions also tend to cost less than traditional in-office therapy.

There are many advantages to online mental healthcare. However, finding the right virtual psychiatrist can be challenging. With so many options out there, how do you choose?

We've researched and reviewed the top online psychiatry platforms to help you find the best service for your needs. Here are our top picks for websites like Cerebral:

Brightside

Brightside makes mental healthcare simple and affordable. Their psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners conduct medication management appointments via phone or video chat. They treat conditions like depression, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, bipolar disorder, and more.

Brightside accepts insurance, including Medicare and Medicaid. For uninsured patients, appointments cost a low flat rate of $99 per month. Prescriptions are free. There are no hidden fees or surprise billing.

Pros:

• Low monthly cost, prescriptions included
• Accepts insurance, Medicare, and Medicaid
• Easy online booking
• Medication and treatment tailored to your needs

Cons:

• Does not provide therapy, only medication management
• Currently only available in select states

Talkspace

Talkspace connects you with licensed therapists, psychologists, and psychiatrists through text, voice, and video messaging. It offers convenient, affordable mental health treatment without ever needing to sit in a waiting room.

You're matched with a mental health professional based on your preferences, diagnosis, and treatment needs. Packages start at $65 per week for messaging therapy or $79 per month for psychiatric medication management.

Pros:

• HIPAA-compliant communication
• Hundreds of specialists across all 50 states
• Flexible packages and payment options
• Convenient access 24/7

Cons:

• No in-person appointments
• Requires a smartphone, tablet, or computer

Amwell

Amwell connects you with board-certified psychiatrists for medication management, diagnosis, and treatment. Appointments take place through live video visits or phone calls. Prescriptions can be sent to your preferred pharmacy.

Health insurance plans like Aetna, Cigna, and UnitedHealthcare are all accepted. For uninsured patients, appointments start at $79. Amwell has financial assistance programs to make care affordable.

Pros:

• Works with most major insurance providers
• Quick access to appointments
• Prescription assistance available
• Can share medical records from your doctor

Cons:

• Does not offer traditional in-person therapy
• Psychiatrists may change frequently

MDLive

MDLive has a national network of board-certified psychiatrists who provide virtual medication management and mental health treatment. Appointments take place by phone or secure video chat.

MDLive accepts all major health insurance plans. Uninsured therapy costs $82 for a 25-minute visit. Prescription costs vary depending on pharmacy coverage.

Pros:

• Works with most insurance providers
• Schedule within days of requesting an appointment
• Prescriptions sent electronically to your pharmacy
• Multilingual providers available

Cons:

• No in-person therapy option
• Limited appointment availability in some states

BetterHelp

BetterHelp matches you with a licensed counselor, therapist, psychologist or psychiatrist for convenient online therapy. You can communicate by live chat, phone, video, or secure messaging.

Without insurance, pricing starts at $40 - $70 per week plus one-time matching and session fees. Financial aid is available. BetterHelp works with some EAP and insurance providers for potential reimbursement.

Pros:

• Choose your provider's experience and specialties
• Flexible scheduling
• Affordable even without insurance
• Support groups available

Cons:

• Quality of therapists can be inconsistent
• Matching process takes some trial and error

Teladoc

Teladoc Health provides 24/7 access to virtual psychiatry and mental healthcare. Licensed psychiatrists conduct video or phone appointments to diagnose conditions, prescribe medications, and develop treatment plans.

Many major insurance plans like Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, and UnitedHealthcare are accepted. Uninsured visits start at $175 per visit including medication management.

Pros:

• Works with many insurance providers
• Diagnose and treat mental illnesses
• Prescriptions sent electronically to your pharmacy
• Multilingual providers available

Cons:

• No traditional in-person therapy option
• Appointments subject to psychiatrist availability

Headway

Headway provides online therapy, psychiatry, and coaching for any issue big or small. They match you with a licensed provider based on your needs and preferences. Options include video, phone, messaging, and more.

Pricing starts at $149 per month for weekly psychotherapy and psychiatric services. Coaching starts at $59 per month. Financial assistance and EAP benefits accepted.

Pros:

• Coordinated therapy and psychiatry
• Flexible scheduling
• Choose from hundreds of providers
• Financial assistance available

Cons:

• No in-person therapy sessions
• Higher cost than some competitors

Thriveworks

Thriveworks provides online therapy and psychiatry using secure video chat, phone, and messaging. Their physicians can prescribe medications digitally to your pharmacy. Therapists treat conditions like anxiety, depression, trauma, relationships issues, and more.

The cost is $79 - $99 per week without insurance depending on provider selection. Many major insurance plans are accepted. First appointments happen quickly.

Pros:

• Hundreds of licensed providers across states
• Easy online booking and scheduling
• Accepts many insurances
• Financial assistance available

Cons:

• No in-person therapy option
• Cost can be high without insurance

Pride Counseling

Pride Counseling provides online counseling, psychotherapy, and psychiatry to LGBTQ+ people. Their licensed mental health professionals offer an inclusive,

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.