Although online mental health care has never been more accessible, many people still feel confused about how to choose the best online psychiatry service for their needs.
Grow Therapy’s Mental Health Benefits Confidence Report found that only about two-thirds (64%) of Americans feel at least somewhat confident choosing insurance coverage for their mental health needs. Additionally, one in five (20%) have delayed or avoided therapy because of challenges with health insurance or open enrollment.
Rising demand and low confidence make it more important than ever to understand your options. Fortunately, online psychiatry is helping close that gap.
Today, more than 180 million insured Americans can access Grow Therapy and see a provider in as little as two days. With shorter wait times, insurance-friendly pricing, and flexible scheduling, online psychiatry platforms make it easier to connect with licensed providers who can diagnose conditions, prescribe medication, and support ongoing treatment.This guide breaks down the best online psychiatry services of 2026, what each platform offers, and how to choose the right fit based on your needs. If you’re new to mental health care, this overview of therapy is a helpful starting point as you consider your options.
Best online psychiatry comparison chart
| Takes insurance | Payment model | Digital tracking tools | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grow Therapy | ✓ (Accepts 100+ insurance plans) | Pay-per-session | ✓ (Progress monitoring, AI journal) |
| Talkiatry | ✓ (In-network only) | Pay-per-session | ✗ |
| Brightside Health | ✓ (limited) | Subscription | ✓ (Progress monitoring, self-guided therapy content) |
| Talkspace | ✓ | Subscription | ✗ |
| Doctor On Demand | ✓ | Pay-per-session | ✗ |
| MD Live | ✓ | Pay-per-session | ✗ |
| Teladoc Health | ✓ | Pay-per-session | ✗ |
| Thriveworks | ✓ | Pay-per-session | ✓ (Mood tracking, progress monitoring) |
| Cerebral | ✓ | Subscription | ✗ |
| Sesame | ✗ | Pay-per-session | ✗ |
1. Grow Therapy
Grow Therapy provides in-network online psychiatry with short wait times and the ability to choose your own clinician. With more than 25,000 psychiatric and mental-health providers nationwide, clients can filter by specialty, experience, language, identity, availability, and insurance to find someone who fits their specific needs.
Grow Therapy is also designed for accessibility. Ninety percent of clients find a provider who meets their criteria, and the platform works with 100+ insurance plans, including major commercial and government options in many states. Pricing is pay-per-session, not subscription-based, so clients only pay for the care they receive, with no monthly bundles or hidden add-on fees.
Cost and insurance
- Cost with insurance: Most clients pay ~$21 per session; some pay as little as $0 (depending on plan)
- Typical out-of-pocket range: $75-$250+ per session (depending on provider’s credentials and location)
- Accepts 100+ insurance plans, including Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, Medicaid, and Medicare (availability varies by state)
Key features
- Online and in-person appointments
- Robust search and filtering tools to find the right provider (e.g., by speciality, language, insurance, etc.)
- Low-stress scheduling with quick availability
- Transparent per-session pricing
Who it’s a good fit for
Grow Therapy is a strong option for people who want psychiatry, medication management, therapy, or all three in one place. This can be especially helpful for those starting therapy for anxiety, depression, or trauma-related symptoms. Coordinated care across therapists and psychiatric providers helps clients make progress more efficiently.
| What people like | Where it may not be the best fit |
|---|---|
| • Broad insurance acceptance • Large, diverse provider network with filters for personalized matching • Short wait times • Therapy, psychiatry, and medication management in one place | • Pricing varies by provider • Availability depends on region |
2. Talkiatry
Talkiatry offers insurance-covered online psychiatry. They work exclusively with a network of board-certified psychiatrists who provide comprehensive evaluations, follow-up visits, and medication management — without long wait times. The service is entirely virtual, offering a streamlined onboarding experience that helps you find a psychiatrist who best fits your preferences and insurance.
Cost and insurance
- Majority of visits cost $30 or less after insurance
- Typical out-of-pocket range: $30-$500 per session (in-network only)
- Accepts many major insurance providers, including Medicaid and Medicare in some states
Key features
- Psychiatrist-only network
- Personalized medication management
- Consistent provider relationships
Who it’s a good fit for
Talkiatry is a good fit for people seeking medication-focused psychiatric care and prefer to work directly with a psychiatrist. If you’re preparing for treatment for the first time, this guide to therapy and medication can help you know what to expect.
| What people like | Where it may not be the best fit |
|---|---|
| • Psychiatrist-only network • Strong continuity of care • Good for medication-focused treatment • Insurance-friendly | • No therapy services • Not ideal for holistic or dual-treatment planning • Doesn’t accept self-pay patients |
3. Brightside Health
Brightside Health offers structured online psychiatry with intensive symptom tracking and data-driven treatment plans. The platform provides measurement-based treatment plans for conditions like anxiety, depression, panic disorders, and insomnia. However, it does not prescribe controlled substances, which may be important for some clients.
Cost and insurance
- Typical out-of-pocket plans range: $95/month (psychiatry only) to $349/month (psychiatry + therapy combined)
- Average copay $15-$30 with insurance
- Accepts many major insurance providers, including Medicaid and Medicare in some states
Key features
- Coordination of therapy, psychiatry, and medication management
- Measurement-based care and symptom tracking
- Suicide prevention program
Who it’s a good fit for
Brightside is a good option for people with moderate to severe symptoms who benefit from structured oversight and frequent progress monitoring. Clients complete regular check-ins through the app, helping providers use data to adjust treatment plans in real time. It works well for those who want therapy and medication management in one place.
| What people like | Where it may not be the best fit |
|---|---|
| • Highly structured treatment plans • Strong focus on anxiety & depression • Weekly check-ins for ongoing adjustments | • Limited insurance acceptance • Does not prescribe controlled substances • No in-person care |
4. Talkspace
Talkspace offers flexible, messaging-based therapy alongside online psychiatric services. Clients can find a psychiatrist online for evaluations and ongoing medication management without long wait times. Talkspace also provides specialized treatment for couples, teens, and LGBTQIA+ members.
Cost and insurance
- Typical out-of-pocket range: $276-$436 per month
- Accepts many major insurance providers and EAP programs
Key features
- Video-based psychiatric evaluations
- Specialized therapy for couples, teens, and LGBTQIA+
- Messaging therapy options
Who it’s a good fit for
Talkspace is a good fit for people who want ongoing communication between visits or who prefer text-based therapy paired with psychiatric care. It’s also well-suited for clients who want multiple therapy options in one platform.
| What people like | Where it may not be the best fit |
|---|---|
| • Broad insurance coverage • Full ecosystem of therapy and psychiatry • Good option for ongoing communication via messaging | • Some providers have limited availability • No in-person care options • Pricing and services vary widely by plan |
5. Doctor On Demand
Doctor On Demand offers a medical-first approach to mental health care. The platform provides psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and clear treatment pathways for conditions such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and PTSD. For those seeking fast access to telemedicine psychiatry, Doctor On Demand typically offers same-week availability.
Cost and insurance
- $0-$299 per visit, depending on insurance plan
- $299 initial psychiatry (uninsured)
- $129 follow-ups
- Broad insurance acceptance, including employer-sponsored plans
Key features
- Psychiatric evaluations and medication management
- Integrated medical and mental-health care
- Same-day urgent care options
Who it’s a good fit for
As a full-service virtual medical platform offering urgent and primary care, Doctor On Demand works well for people who want mental-health treatment within a broader medical system. This integrated model is a solid option for people who prefer a medical-first approach with easy access to other health care services.
| What people like | Where it may not be the best fit |
|---|---|
| • Easy to manage multiple medical needs on one platform • Strong insurance partnerships • Clear treatment pathways | • Availability isn’t as fast as other platforms • Therapy options may be limited • Costs can be high without insurance |
6. MD Live
MD Live provides flexible telehealth psychiatry services — also available to children and teens ages 10-17 — without insurance coverage barriers that can limit access to in-person care. The platform connects clients with board-certified psychiatrists who offer evaluations and ongoing support for conditions such as anxiety disorders, depression, and insomnia.
Cost and insurance
- $0-$179 for therapy
- $0-$299 for psychiatry with insurance
- Typical out-of-pocket range: $140-$180 per session
- Accepts many major insurance providers, including Medicaid and Medicare in some states
Key features
- Psychiatric evaluations and medication management
- Care available for children and teens ages 10-17
- Mobile-first platform
Who it’s a good fit for
MD Live is a solid option for people who want integrated behavioral health services across therapy and psychiatry with flexible appointment times. It’s especially helpful for families and individuals seeking multiple treatment options without subscription fees. Its mobile-first platform makes scheduling, reminders, and follow-up communication easy.
| What people like | Where it may not be the best fit |
|---|---|
| • Wide insurance acceptance • Easy same-week scheduling • No membership fees | • No measurement-based tracking • Therapy and psychiatry billed separately • Not ideal for people needing intensive psychiatric care |
7. Teladoc Health
As a long-standing player in virtual care, Teladoc Health offers comprehensive psychiatric services alongside primary care and other specialty services. The platform helps clients find a psychiatrist online with broad insurance coverage and consistent follow-up visits, making it a reliable choice for ongoing medication management.
Cost and insurance
- As low as $0 with insurance
- Typical out-of-pocket range: $119 per session
- Broad acceptance across employer-sponsored plans
Key features
- Psychiatry evaluations with integrated medical care
- Digital tools and resources
- Extensive provider network
Who it’s a good fit for
As one of the more widely accepted employer-supported platforms in the U.S., Teladoc is ideal for people who want psychiatry covered through their insurance or workplace benefits. It’s a practical choice for clients who prefer a clinical, medical-first platform with access to multiple types of health care services.
| What people like | Where it may not be the best fit |
|---|---|
| • Robust insurance support • Interactive tools for extra support • Flexible availability | • Some areas have limited psychiatric availability • Navigation can feel “medical” versus mental-health specific • No in-person options |
8. Thriveworks
With both in-person and online care, Thriveworks provides quick scheduling and broad specialty coverage. Through its national network of local clinics, the platform gives clients support for a wide range of mental health concerns.
Cost and insurance
- Accepts 360+ insurance plans
- Copays as little as $0
- Typical out-of-pocket range: $160-$240 per session
- Accepts many major insurance providers
Key features
- Psychiatry, psychology, and therapy
- Online and in-office options
- Long-term treatment models
Who it’s a good fit for
Thriveworks benefits people who want access to multiple types of providers and value the flexibility to switch between virtual and in-office care. This mix benefits people navigating more complex needs or deciding which type of provider is right for them.
| What people like | Where it may not be the best fit |
|---|---|
| • Great for people who want online and in-person flexibility • Broad range of specialties • Insurance-friendly | • Pricing can be higher than other platforms • Availability depends heavily on location • Not all providers offer medication management |
9. Cerebral
Cerebral offers a subscription-based mental health platform that appeals to clients seeking predictable monthly costs. While Cerebral operates nationwide, the availability of prescribers and specific services can vary by state, so options may differ based on location. Also, Cerebral does not prescribe certain controlled substances, which may affect care options.
Cost and insurance
- $180/3 months (medication plan)
- $175/session (therapy) or $365/month (combined)
- Typical out-of-pocket range: $30-$250 per session (varies by plan)
- Some insurance accepted (Aetna, Cigna, BCBS, Optum, UHC); varies by state
Key features
- Evidence-based approach
- Regular progress check-ins
- App-based tracking
Who it’s a good fit for
Cerebral is a good match for people who want a budget-friendly model with frequent touchpoints. It also works well for clients treating anxiety, depression, and related conditions. Clients will appreciate weekly check-ins from licensed providers and care coordinators, which can be especially helpful for people navigating telemedicine psychiatry for the first time.
| What people like | Where it may not be the best fit |
|---|---|
| • Predictable monthly pricing • Frequent communication • Good for anxiety/depression treatment | • Limited therapy options • Controlled substances may not be available • Varies significantly by location |
10. Sesame
Sesame offers direct-pay psychiatry services, making it an affordable option for short-term care. Clients can browse available clinicians, compare prices, and book same-week appointments without traditional insurance networks. Because Sesame is a medical marketplace, the experience can vary depending on the provider you select.
Cost and insurance
- $79/month Mental Health Rx subscription
- Does not accept insurance
Key features
- Transparent marketplace pricing
- Direct-pay services
- Good for quick access to care
Who it’s a good fit for
Sesame is ideal for people who want fast, affordable psychiatric care without navigating insurance. The transparent pricing and flexibility are good for budget-conscious clients seeking short-term medication support or quick evaluations from qualified telehealth professionals.
| What people like | Where it may not be the best fit |
|---|---|
| • Very affordable for self-pay clients • Transparent pricing • Fast scheduling | • No insurance acceptance • Experience varies by provider • Limited continuity of care |
Get therapy and psychiatry in one place with Grow Therapy
Finding the best online psychiatry service depends on your needs, preferences, and insurance — but choosing a platform that offers both therapy and medication management in one place can make the entire process smoother. Grow Therapy offers this kind of coordinated care, giving clients access to licensed therapists and psychiatric providers through one streamlined platform.
If you’re ready to begin, Grow Therapy’s search filters make it simple to find a provider who fits your needs, accepts your insurance, and has availability that works for you. With quick scheduling and a wide range of clinicians, Grow Therapy offers a comprehensive online psychiatry experience for people who want coordinated care without long wait times.