online psychiatrist are a convenient, accessible way to get help for mental health issues. But with so many options to choose from, finding the best one for you can be overwhelming. That’s why we’ve tested and reviewed the top online psychiatry platforms to help you make an informed decision.
The first appointment on all the online psychiatry sites we reviewed is focused on getting to know you and your history. During this session, your healthcare provider will ask questions about your medical and mental health history, symptoms, and medications you are taking. They will then provide a treatment plan, including prescription medications, as appropriate.
The Benefits of Online Psychiatry: A Comprehensive Guide
Some online psychiatry services offer real-time video sessions while others use other communication tools, like text messaging or video calls. We ranked each service on their availability, ease of signing up, and ability to connect you with a mental health professional quickly. We also analyzed whether each platform accepted your insurance and whether they provided the option to pay using a flexible spending account or health savings account.
The following online psychiatry services accept health insurance and are in-network with most major carriers, but they may not all be in-network with your specific plan. You can filter the list of available providers by their in-network status during the signup process, or contact a company directly to see what’s covered. Thriveworks, for example, offers same-day or next-day appointments and evening and weekend hours. If you’re prescribed medication, the provider will send it to your pharmacy or coordinate care with your primary care doctor to ensure your prescriptions are filled correctly.