Top 3 Online Psychiatrist Platforms
If you’re suffering from a mental health issue like anxiety, depression or other concerns that may impact your daily life, an online psychiatrists is a great option. This type of telemedicine service allows you to talk with a qualified doctor via video-conferencing technology. It’s important to note that not all online psychiatry platforms are equal. Some are more expensive than others and can have long wait times. Fortunately, we’ve rounded up the best options for your needs and budget.
Talkspace is a psychiatry platform that offers a simple sign-up process that involves entering your insurance information, location and preferences for a psychiatrist. You can also select whether you want to pay out of pocket or use your insurance provider (if you have it). Once you’re set up with a clinician, an initial psychiatry session lasts 50 to 60 minutes and follow-up appointments last as long as necessary. Talkspace providers can prescribe non-controlled medications and encourage collaborative care with your primary care physician.
Online Psychiatry Platforms: A Review of the Top Services
Brightside focuses on helping you manage your anxiety with a combination of therapy and medication options (which the company says has up to a 60% higher chance of success). It’s also the only telemedicine company we reviewed that takes original Medicare, though you will need to meet your Part B deductible and pay a co-pay.
Thriveworks has one of the most flexible schedules for psychiatry sessions, offering same-day and next-day appointments in addition to evening and weekend hours. The service is also in-network with 21 different insurance companies and accepts FSA and HSA funds. It also has a public Ask-a-Coach chat feature, and its cancellation policy is more generous (23.5 hours) than most.