average cost of psychiatrist visit with insurance

What Is A Psychiatrist And How Much Does One Cost?

Whether you’re seeking mental health services for a mental health condition or are trying to find the best care for your loved one, you may be wondering how much you can expect to pay for certain care and services. The mental health world involves a variety of professionals, one of whom is a psychiatrist. Below, we’re going to cover what type of care psychiatrists provide and answer the question How much does a psychiatrist cost?

What is a psychiatrist?

A psychiatrist is a healthcare provider who is both a medical doctor and a mental health professional. They have the same training and knowledge as your general practitioner, but they chose psychiatry as their specialty. This means they focus on diagnosing and treating mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders.

While psychologists can also diagnose and treat mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders, they cannot prescribe medications in most states in the U.S.

Why would psychiatry be my best option?

If you’re struggling with mental health concerns, you may be referred to inpatient or outpatient mental health services where a psychiatrist can assess your symptoms and potentially diagnose you with an underlying medical condition. In addition to challenges associated with mental health, problems related to your physical well-being can arise out of a mental or behavioral disorder. Because of their training and expertise, psychiatrists can assess and treat both mental and physical health concerns, though they may work with other physicians to address the latter. 

After a psychiatric evaluation, a psychiatrist may prescribe medication, and they may refer you to a therapist or psychologist if they believe therapy will be helpful. They will work with you to create a comprehensive plan for treatment and recovery.

Psychiatric care may be appropriate for any number of mental health disorders, including depression and anxiety disorders, substance abuse, eating disorders, and behavioral disorders (as well as helping to address physical symptoms related to these). 

It’s important to note that different mental illnesses require different treatment plans. After a psychiatrist completes psychological testing and diagnoses a mental illness, they can help come up with the best treatment plan, whether that’s medication, psychotherapy, or a combination of both. Since medication isn’t always the best treatment option, a psychiatrist may also refer the patient’s care to another type of licensed mental health professional. 

If you’ve decided to pursue psychiatric services, you may be wondering, How much does a psychiatrist cost? In the next section, we’re discussing the potential cost of a psychiatrist visit. 

How much does a psychiatrist cost?

The cost of working with a psychiatrist will depend on where you live, your insurance, and your treatment requirements. In addition to an appointment fee, you may also need to pay for specific types of treatments, tests, and/or lab work. The average psychiatrist cost without insurance generally falls somewhere between $100 and $300 per appointment. You should expect to pay up to $500 for the initial consultation and roughly $100 an hour thereafter for follow-ups. Again, this is the out-of-pocket fee, without insurance.

If you want to work with a psychiatrist, you can call them beforehand and talk with their staff to figure out what your costs could be, including any tests you might need. In some cases, a psychiatrist may be able to work with you to make your visits more affordable. Speaking to your doctor ahead of time can also help you identify potential cost-saving treatment alternatives and/or develop a payment plan. If you’re well-prepared, you can find ways to save.

How can I afford a psychiatrist?

When you decide to visit a psychiatrist, remember the time and education they put into obtaining their professional license. Most psychiatrists spend four years completing a bachelor's degree, four years in medical school, and four years in a residency program. That means obtaining this care won’t be cheap. However, you can find ways to make visiting a psychiatrist more affordable.

Use your health insurance for a psychiatrist

If you have health insurance, make sure you check to see if your coverage includes a form of mental health coverage. In most cases, your insurance will require you to get a doctor’s referral for treatment from a psychiatrist. Referral costs are a common part of the healthcare continuum in the U.S. Also know that your plan may only cover a certain number of visits per year, and certain psychiatrists may not be covered under your plan. 

If your health insurance plan covers psychiatric visits, ensure the psychiatrist you choose is in your insurance network before scheduling an appointment. If you need help finding an in-network psychiatrist, you can contact your insurance provider.

Ask about sliding scales to reduce psychiatry costs

Unfortunately, not all health insurance plans cover psychiatric treatment. If your insurance coverage does not offer robust mental health care coverage, there are other options you can take to get the psychiatrist visits you need. Some community mental health clinics and the occasional psychiatrist will offer sliding scale fees. This means that the amount you are charged will depend on your income. Those with a higher income will pay a higher fee, and those with a lower income will pay a lower fee. If you’re worried that your income may not be adequate to afford services, ask your doctor about this option.

Look for reduced-cost mental health services in your area

In many places, there are clinics that operate at an overall reduced cost, so people with low incomes or no insurance can afford their services. Though they may offer low-cost appointments, you might have to wait to get on their schedule.

How you can save on your prescriptions

If your treatment plan requires a prescription, this can be another area where you can look to cut costs. Some people opt for less expensive generic versions of name brand medications. If you’re interested in opting for a generic version, make sure to talk to your doctor about this. 

There are also sites like GoodRx, which can show you how much your medication will cost at different area pharmacies, so you can compare costs and select an appropriate option. They also offer prescription discounts that aren’t connected with your insurance.

Consider working with other mental health professionals

While you may want to work with a psychiatrist to diagnose your condition and prescribe any necessary medication, you may consider working with other professionals after you receive your treatment plan. For example, if you’re living with a behavioral disorder like ADHD, a psychiatric nurse practitioner may provide more affordable—though no less comprehensive—services than a psychiatrist. 

Many psychiatrists will refer you to other mental healthcare providers, and often work with them by continuing to prescribe medication. If psychotherapy is part of the plan, you can explore working with a licensed professional counselor, licensed clinical social worker, or other appropriately trained professional. You can also explore online options to find a more affordable option.

Receive the help you deserve

Working through a mental health challenge and living with mental illness can be challenging. It’s important to recognize there is help out there, even if it takes some time to find a treatment option that’s right for you.

While working with a psychiatrist can be helpful, it’s not the only way to treat or manage mental illness.  Online therapy  could be a good option if the hassle of or cost of attending in-person appointments prohibits you from getting the help you need.

Research suggests that online cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be  just as effective  as in-person therapy for helping manage symptoms of depression. Additional studies suggest that therapy combined with medication is often a more  effective treatment  method for anxiety and depressive disorders than medication alone.

Below you can find examples of frequently asked questions to discuss with your counselor.

Do you need a referral to see a psychiatrist?

No. If you’re having mental health concerns and you would like to see a psychiatrist you don’t need a referral. Many people do end up getting referrals from their primary care doctors when mental health challenges are discovered during routine visits or checkups.

Can a psychiatrist prescribe medication on first visit?

Yes. A psychiatrist is a licensed medical professional that can prescribe medication. If your psychiatrist feels you need medication based on your session they will prescribe the best medication for you. This process is the same — even if this is your first visit.

What medications do psychiatrists prescribe for anxiety?

Psychiatrists and medical professionals prescribe antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications to treat anxiety and its related conditions. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are commonly prescribed medications for anxiety. Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors are another example of a class of drugs prescribed to treat anxiety and depression.

What would you see a psychiatrist for?

People visit psychiatrists for a variety of issues with moderate to severe mental illness. Psychiatrists prescribe medication for people who require it and make referrals for counseling and therapy as an extension of treatment.

What happens at your first psychiatrist appointment?

When you visit your psychiatric for the first time, your doctor will provide psychiatric support and advice in the form of a treatment plan. Your treatment plan outlines what methods, medications, and psychotherapy techniques will be used during the course of mental health treatment.

What does a psychiatrist do for anxiety?

When you visit a psychiatrist for anxiety, you can expect to receive a diagnosis, a recommendation for psychotherapy services, and medication if your condition is moderate or severe. Your psychiatrist will likely recommend therapy sessions with a licensed provider to help mitigate anxiety symptoms.

What happens during a psychological evaluation?

During a psychological evaluation, your mental health provider will ask you a series of questions about your history. Based on how you answer the questions about your life, history, experiences, and events, your provider will make an assessment or diagnosis.

Can a psychiatrist diagnose?

Yes. A psychiatrist is a licensed medical professional like a primary care physician who can diagnose and treat mental illness and other mental health-related issues. A psychiatrist is also licensed to write prescriptions for mental health medications.

When should I consult a psychiatrist?

How do I know I need psychiatric help? What should I tell my psychiatrist for the first time? What should I tell my first psychiatrist appointment? What are the 5 signs of mental illness? What are the 3 signs of a mental disorder? What are the 7 signs of a mental disorder?

• How Can I Find A Psychiatrist Near Me? Medically reviewed by Majesty Purvis , LCMHC
• Psychiatry Books By Famous Psychiatrists Medically reviewed by Melissa Guarnaccia , LCSW
• Relationships and Relations

How Much Does A Psychiatrist Cost?

It’s not uncommon for people to use the labels “psychiatrist” and “psychologist” interchangeably, but these are two very different jobs with different responsibilities, educations, and professional scope. Understanding the difference between the two can help you know which professional may be right for you and be better suited for your mental health care.

What is a psychiatrist?

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor. For all intents and purposes, they have the same training and knowledge as your general doctor, but they chose psychiatry as their specialty. Because of their training and background, psychiatrists can prescribe medications to treat your condition.

This likely means psychiatrist visits will be more costly than when you choose other types of mental health professionals to work with and when you are considering how much does a psychiatric cost. They may include medication as part of your treatment plan, and they may refer you to another professional like a psychologist for talk therapy. Although medication is necessary in some instances, talk therapy offers more long-term treatments; this is why a psychiatrist often works alongside a psychologist or therapist.

Psychologist

Psychologists typically obtain their Ph.D. or PsyD in psychology. In general, psychologists tend to approach mental health treatment with psychotherapy and theories, so they can evaluate, assess, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions. Unlike psychiatrists, psychologists are not able to prescribe medication. For medication management, you will instead need to take advantage of psychiatric care.

Why would psychiatry be my best option?

If you’re struggling with mental health concerns, a psychiatrist will assess you for an underlying medical condition that could be causing your symptoms. They may prescribe medication, and they may refer you to a therapist or psychologist if they believe therapy will be helpful. They will work with you to create a comprehensive plan for your psychiatric treatment and recovery. You must take all these things into account when calculating how much does a psychiatrist cost and if the care is a good idea for you.

How much does a psychiatrist cost?

The cost of working with a psychiatrist will depend on where you live, your insurance provider, and your treatment requirements. In addition to their fee, certain psychiatric care, tests, and lab work all have various costs to consider. The average psychiatrist’s fee generally falls somewhere between $100 and $300 per appointment. You should expect to pay up to $500 for the initial consultation and roughly $100 an hour thereafter for follow-ups. This can fluctuate depending on the doctor and your health insurance. For this reason, how much does a psychiatrist cost is a question that has no definite answer.

If you want to work with a psychiatrist, be sure to visit or call them and have a talk with their staff to figure out what your costs could be, including any tests you might need. In some cases, a psychiatrist may be able to work with you to make your visits more affordable. Speaking to your doctor ahead of time can also help you identify cost-saving treatment alternatives where possible. If you’re well-prepared, you can find ways to save money. Keep in mind that they can provide you with professional medical advice, much like your physician. This is why their costs may be higher than with other mental health professionals.

How can I afford a psychiatrist?

While quality treatment won’t come cheap, there are options to help you make it more affordable for you. You can find a way to afford the in person care you need.

Use your health insurance

Your insurance provider is the easiest way to reduce the costs associated with getting treatment. Make sure you check to see if your insurance coverage includes a form of mental health coverage. In most cases, your health insurance will require you to get a doctor’s recommendation for treatment from a psychiatrist. This could lead to you having to pay referral costs. Also know that your plan may only cover a certain number of visits per year, and certain psychiatrists may not be covered under your plan. If you wish to mitigate costs via insurance, ensure the psychiatrist you choose is in your insurance in network providers before scheduling an appointment.

You should also be aware of the conditions of the Affordable Care Act , which was passed by the federal government that states that many healthcare providers must cover mental health problems, including things like substance abuse disorder services, and the in person care associated with treating them. If you don’t know the specifics of your plan, talk to your insurance provider about the outpatient mental health services that are available and what part you can expect the insurance cover. In some instances, you may qualify for financial assistance on mental health services as well. Check the details of your insurance coverage for the most detailed information or talk to your agent.

If you are trying to find a children’s health insurance program that offers behavioral health services or other mental health coverage options, you should talk to your health insurance company a out in network providers that provide services that are specifically for children.

Ask about sliding scales

Some community mental health clinics and the occasional psychiatrist will offer to price their psychiatric costs on a sliding scale. This means that the amount you are charged will depend on your income. Those who make more will pay more, so to speak. This may be beneficial if you are paying your psychiatrist cost without insurance. If you’re worried that your income may not be adequate to afford services, ask your primary care doctor about this option. They may be able to give you more details on how to save money when it comes to treating a mental health issue.

You may also talk to your employer about an employee assistance program, which may be useful in some fields or through certain companies. This type of program allows for you to take advantage of free or low cost mental health or behavioral health services when they are of a personal nature or work related.

Look for a reduced cost mental health clinic in your area

In many places, there are clinics that operate at an overall reduced cost, so people with low incomes or no insurance can afford their services. Though they may offer low-cost appointments, you might have to wait for a while to get on their schedule. These clinics may be a good idea if you are wondering how to pay a psychiatrist cost without insurance.

Try to save on your prescriptions

If your treatment turns out to require a prescription, this can be another area where you can cut costs. Some people opt for generic versions of the popular name brand medications. If you’re interested, make sure to ask for this at the outset if possible; you don’t want to switch medication during treatment unless you’re told to do so. There are also sites like GoodRx, which can show you the cheapest place to find your medication in your area. They’ll also offer discounts that aren’t connected with your insurance. This could also be handy for medication management.

Counselor reviews

“I have not been working with Andrea for long but I have found her to be compassionate and adaptable. I would recommend her to people who need help processing complex trauma and have found other talk therapy approaches unhelpful. She understands that while I practice and find merit in CBT type thought therapy, doing thought exercises while in the middle of a PTSD episode is unlikely to be possible. A person having flashbacks during an acute crisis is unlikely to be capable of doing thought exercises. Andrea seems to naturally understand something important that most medical professionals, in my extensive experience as both a worker and a patient, seem to miss these days: telling a person who is literally dying slowly and painfully that they should be able to meditate away that pain and carry on as normal without any medication or outside emotional support , is ridiculous. Andrea has been a breath of fresh air in that regard. She helped me realize that if a doctor or therapist isn’t able to empathize and they are approaching my problems cynically and with indiscriminate doubt, they cannot help me. Andrea is the first person in a long time that inspired me to hope they can help and trust that they will at the very least try.”

“I love working with Nancy! She’s been very empowering, very compassionate and very understanding. Whenever I text or even video call, I know she’ll be there for me and that she’ll provide me with an insight that will help me find my way. I’ve been really appreciative of this counseling services and I am so very glad I made the decision to do counseling. It’s an investment in ones health. I’ve been on psychotic meds for a whole decade and while medications numb the pain, they do not resolve it. Counseling does! I am definitely continuing to work with Nancy.”

The first step in dealing with mental health issues is acknowledging they exist. Then you can seek help. If that’s why you’re here, you’re already on the right path. Millions of others just like you have found effective treatments to heal from mental health issues. You can, too. Take the  first step today. Be sure that you are also considering all your options when it comes to taking advantage of psychiatric treatment or mental healthcare. There are options to consider when it comes to saving money or making the most of your health insurance coverage, including sliding scales, local clinics, and a related employee assistance program.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How much is a psychiatrist fee for service?

Is consulting a psychiatrist expensive, how do i ask for a therapy fee, why do psychiatrists cost so much, is psychiatric treatment expensive, is therapy more effective when people pay a fee for it, how do you explain fees to clients, what to do if a therapy client doesn't pay, how much does a psychological cost, what are the costs of mental illness, which is more expensive psychologist or psychiatrist, why do you need a psychiatrist, can a psychiatrist give therapy, which type of psychiatrist makes the most money, how long does psychological treatment last.

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The 9 Best Online Psychiatry Services That Take Insurance

Psychiatry and medication management that won’t break the bank

Brittany Elyse Vargas has been exploring topics around psychology, mental health, mind-body medicine, and psychospiritual development for the past twenty years. She’s written professionally for over ten years as a journalist, copywriter, and ghostwriter. Brittany is committed to rigorous reporting and to tackling topics on the cutting edge of the wellness, healing, and the mindfulness movements.

Laura Dorwart is a health journalist with expertise in disability rights, mental health, and pregnancy-related conditions. She has written for publications like SELF, The New York Times, VICE, and The Guardian.

Steven Gans, MD is board-certified in psychiatry and is an active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital.

Sean is a fact-checker and researcher with experience in sociology, field research, and data analytics.

Psychiatric care can be expensive—up to $200 per session or more out-of-pocket—which is why, even when people need mental health medication, they sometimes do not seek treatment. In fact, in the U.S., 56% of people living with a mental illness do not receive treatment. The good news is that if you have health insurance, you might be able to use those benefits if you find an in-network provider. 

“Psychiatric services can get expensive when you are paying out-of-pocket, and finding someone who is in network with your plan can offset costs significantly,” says Amy Marschall, PsyD, a licensed clinical psychologist at Resiliency Mental Health . 

That said, it isn’t always easy to find a psychiatrist who takes insurance—even when looking online. According to one study, while about 89% of doctors in other specialties take insurance, only around 55% of psychiatrists do, making the search for psychiatric care that much more difficult.

To help you find the very best online psychiatry platforms, we worked with three subject matter experts to evaluate 55 online therapy companies and 25 directories, surveying over 100 users at each. We also tried and tested each service ourselves. Here are the ones we recommend that not only accept different insurance plans, but also are flexible, inclusive, and family-friendly.

Tried and Tested: Online Psychiatry That Accepts Insurance

• Most Comprehensive: Talkiatry
• Best for Depression: Talkspace
• Best for Anxiety: Brightside

Best for Co-Occurring Conditions : Teladoc Health

• Best for Bipolar Disorder: LiveHealth Online
• Best for PTSD: Doctor on Demand
• Best for Substance Use: Mindful Care
• Best for OCD: LifeStance Health
• Best for Teens: Thriveworks

When choosing an online therapy provider, we recommend that you read the company’s privacy guidelines before you sign up to better understand whether it is HIPAA-compliant and whether it shares any private information with third parties. There have been some concerns raised by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and several government officials about what user health information online therapy providers collect and what they do with any information they collect.

• Our Top Picks
• Teladoc Health
• LiveHealth Online
• Doctor on Demand
• Mindful Care
• LifeStance Health
• Thriveworks
• See More (6)
• Compare Providers
• Guide to Choosing

Methodology

Most comprehensive : talkiatry.

• Price: Depends on your insurance
• Is Insurance Accepted?: Yes. BCBS, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, Tricare, Medicare, and others
• Type Of Therapy: Individual Therapy, Medication Management, Psychiatry

To fulfill its company mission of making psychiatry more accessible, Talkiatry works only with people whose insurance it accepts. Treating patients as young as 5, Talkiatry’s versatility and unique treatment model make it our most comprehensive service supporting almost anyone who needs psychiatric care.

Only takes new patients with insurance coverage

Accepts a wide variety of insurance

Provides care to children and teens ages 5 and up

Treats a wide variety of mental health conditions

First visits are 60 minutes long

Not available in every state

Therapy is only available with a referral

Doesn’t treat eating disorders or schizophrenia

We asked two people to try Talkiatry in New York to test its psychiatry services. Overall, we found it to be an excellent platform with unusually long session times and supportive clinicians who were responsive to our needs. It accepts a wide variety of insurance and in fact only accepts patients with insurance, making the process that much easier for those who need to use their insurance to pay for psychiatric services.

We appreciate that intake sessions (one hour long) and follow-up sessions (30 minutes long) are double the length of other platforms. By ensuring clinicians take their time with patients, Talkiatry proves it's a far cry from a pill mill. We had plenty of time to ask and answer questions, and some parts of the sessions even felt a little like therapy. It was nice that we could message our providers between sessions when we had concerns regarding side effects. Talkiatry impressed us with its ability to treat a wide range of conditions, from PTSD to insomnia to substance use disorder ( SUD ) and more. We feel confident recommending Talkiatry to our community.

Our experience wasn’t perfect, though. We didn’t like that one of the psychiatrists was late to the session and a bit too clinical for our taste. He didn’t have the warmth and compassion we were looking for. We were able to switch providers, but we had to call customer service to do so, and there was a waiting period to get a match and even longer for a session. We would also like to see Talkiatry ask more questions during intake to match us with the right person so there’s less of a chance of needing to switch.

The prices at Talkiatry vary widely because the company doesn’t allow patients to pay out-of-pocket. If you’d like an estimate of your potential copay, Talkiatry suggests that you contact your insurer directly.

Talkiatry is in network with most major insurance companies, including:

• Blue Cross Blue Shield
• UnitedHealthcare

However, Talkiatry doesn’t accept Medicaid plans at this time. 

Among the 105 users we surveyed, impressions of Talkiatry were overwhelmingly positive. Ninety-five percent of Talkiatry users rated the service positively (good, very good, or excellent). 

Eighty-one percent of users said they were satisfied or very satisfied with the company’s available providers, and 91% rated their qualifications as good to excellent. Nine out of 10 rated the number of quality providers on the platform positively. Finally, the majority of users (59%) said they were likely to continue seeing their Talkiatry psychiatrist for 12 months or more.

Best for Depression : Talkspace

• Price: $69-$109 a week for therapy, billed monthly; $65 for additional sessions
• Is Insurance Accepted?: Yes
• Type Of Therapy: Couples Therapy, Individual Therapy, Medication Management, Psychiatry, Teen Counseling

With over 5,000 providers available and many insurance plans accepted, Talkspace makes it easy to find a psychiatrist who you can afford. The platform features experienced providers who specialize in depression, and you can get both therapy and psychiatry at this company.

Accepts a wide variety of insurance plans

Has psychiatrists who specialize in depression

You can get both therapy and psychiatry

Providers have seven to 10 years of experience on average

Easy-to-use website and app

Can schedule appointments up to three months in advance

Can’t prescribe controlled substances

Psychiatric care not available for children and teens

Quality of providers may vary

We asked nine people to try Talkspace ’s individual, couples, and family (parent-child) therapy services in Indiana, California, South Dakota, Kansas, Missouri, Florida, North Carolina, Minnesota, and New York. We recommend the platform because of the wide range of psychiatrists available who treat depression and the wide range of insurance plans it accepts.

Overall, we found our therapists to be good-quality providers. Conversations flowed easily, and our therapists put us at ease when it was clear that we were uncomfortable. We often left sessions feeling optimistic and empowered, seeing our issues in a new light. Sessions usually included a nice mix of listening and support alongside practical tools and plans of action. While we didn’t try Talkspace’s psychiatry services, we appreciate that you can opt for psychiatry sessions, therapy sessions, or both. Having both options means that you could potentially approach depression from multiple angles, which may be more effective than just therapy or psychiatry alone.  

We didn’t like that a few therapists were late to sessions or seemed distracted. Such an attitude made us feel reluctant to open up and trust the provider. In another case, our therapist seemed to actually talk over us instead of listening to us. The downside to a big platform like Talkspace is that not everyone will be the right fit. You might have to switch once or even a few times. Still, switching providers is pretty straightforward.

Talkspace works with many major insurers, including:

• Allegiance Benefit Plan Management
• Northwest Venture Partner Insurance

If you’re not covered by insurance, Talkspace also accepts payments from health savings accounts (HSAs) and flexible spending accounts (FSAs). 

Without insurance, an initial psychiatric evaluation at Talkspace costs $299, followed by $175 per appointment. Discounts for new clients are available for bundled psychiatry sessions at the following out-of-pocket prices:

• Initial evaluation and 1 follow-up visit: $435
• Initial evaluation and 3 follow-up visits: $735

Existing clients can purchase the following discounted packages:

• 3 follow-up visits: $475
• 6 follow-up visits: $890
• 9 follow-up visits: $1,260

In our survey of 105 Talkspace users, nine out of 10 rated their overall experience with the company as good, very good, or excellent. Meanwhile, the same amount of users rated the platform’s psychiatry and medication management services positively (as good or better).

Talkspace users seemed particularly impressed with the user-friendliness of the service: Seventy-six percent of users said the sign-up process was easy or very easy. Similarly, 82% of users described the website as easy or very easy to navigate. Forty-five percent of the 105 users we reviewed sought out services through Talkspace specifically for depression.

Best for Anxiety : Brightside

• Price: $95-$349 per month

Brightside treats many different kinds of anxiety, including generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and social anxiety—all while in network with some major insurance plans. It offers tools to help you track your symptoms and improve your lifestyle habits to reduce anxiety. Brightside also offers cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a great treatment for people with anxiety.

Accepts insurance and FSA/HSA payments

Treats many types of mild, moderate, and severe anxiety

Provides self-care resources you can use at your own pace 

Offers crisis care in certain states

Includes a detailed intake to match you to the right provider

Can choose medication management services, therapy, or both

Insurance coverage varies by location

Only treats adults

Only works with eight insurance providers

We had three people, from North Carolina, New York, and California, try Brightside Health for individual therapy and found the platform to be an excellent resource for people with mild to moderate anxiety. While we didn’t test the medication management or psychiatry services ourselves, we found the overall quality of clinicians to be outstanding, and we’re thrilled that Brightside specializes in anxiety.

Our providers were experts in anxiety disorders like generalized anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, social anxiety, and panic disorder. All had demeanors that made us feel safe, comforted, and cared for. Brightside offered helpful tools like quizzes to track our progress and symptoms, which was a great motivator and helped us learn what affected our mental health and manage those lifestyle habits more clearly. We appreciate that Brightside offers cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a proven method for treating anxiety, in addition to psychiatry. This therapeutic approach resonated with us, as it helped us break down thought patterns that may trigger anxious responses.

We weren’t happy, however, about prepaying for sessions and then having our provider booked for weeks. Switching clinicians wasn’t a fast process either, and when you’ve got anxiety, long delays can really impact your mental well-being. Another time, a provider was late to a session and seemed distracted. Unfortunately, both issues aren’t all that uncommon across mental health platforms.

Brightside is HSA/FSA-eligible and works with the following insurers:

• Cigna/Evernorth
• Optum/UnitedHealthcare
• Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas
• Blue Cross Blue Shield of Montana

Users seeking specialized crisis care can only pay through their insurance. 

Self-pay Brightside users can purchase one of the following plans:

• Medication only: Diagnosis, medication, and treatment plan for $95 per month
• Therapy only: Weekly therapy sessions and unlimited messaging for $299 per month
• Medication and therapy: $349 per month

Most of the users we surveyed rated Brightside highly, especially when it comes to medication management and psychiatry services. 

Ninety-three percent of the 105 Brightside users we surveyed said they would rate the company’s medication management and psychiatric care as good, very good, or excellent—this was among the highest across the 55 different online therapy and psychiatry companies whose users we surveyed. Likewise, 83% of users rated the qualifications of their licensed prescriber as good to excellent, and three-quarters rated their prescriber’s bedside manner positively. Sixty percent said they liked Brighside because their provider was available when they needed them, and the same amount turned to Brightside for help with anxiety, speaking to the company’s specialization and expertise in this area.

• Price: $99 per therapy session, $209 for initial psychiatry appointment and $109 per follow-up
• Is Insurance Accepted?: Yes. 60 different insurance plans accepted
• Type Of Therapy: Couples Therapy, Individual Therapy, Medication Management, Psychiatry

Teladoc is a telehealth company that accepts a wide range of insurance plans and offers talk therapy, psychiatric care, and primary care from highly qualified providers who specialize in a wide range of mental and physical health issues. This makes Teladoc a good fit for people with co-occurring conditions who need to use their insurance to pay for services. 

Accepts many major insurance plans

Has providers with expertise in a wide range of conditions

Both talk therapy and psychiatry available

All psychiatric providers are board-certified psychiatrists 

Works with some Medicaid and Medicare plans

Flexible scheduling 

No psychiatry or medication management for kids or teens

Can’t treat certain serious mental illnesses such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder

Can’t see which insurance is accepted before signing up 

We asked three people to try Teladoc for individual therapy from Missouri, Texas, and Ohio and found it to be a great resource for experienced, professional mental health providers. While we didn’t try Teladoc for psychiatry, we’re comfortable recommending the platform because of its high clinician quality, flexible scheduling, and the fact that it offers both mental and physical healthcare options—making it perfect for people who need treatment for both kinds of conditions.

The selection of providers at Teladoc was impressive. We loved that we could choose our own, and after going through several filters, we saw a pretty wide range of experienced providers available in our state. Having the ability to be super-specific with our needs and yet have a wide range of clinicians to choose from could be very helpful for people struggling with the complexities of co-morbid (co-occurring) conditions.

We appreciate how comprehensive Teladoc is. You can receive psychiatric help for concerns like depression, ADHD, anxiety disorders, phobias, adjustment disorders, trauma, PTSD, and OCD. Outside of mental health, the company’s offerings include primary care, pediatric care, dermatology, and nutritional counseling. This means that people with comorbid or chronic conditions—whether mental, physical, or both—can work with Teladoc to access ongoing care in a variety of areas. 

Flexible scheduling is a great feature at Teladoc—we found that nights and weekend sessions weren’t hard to get, which is great for busy working people. But we did have an issue with one therapist, who ended a 50-minute-long session after only 30 minutes. Another time, our provider made a last-minute cancellation literally minutes before the session. These issues are fixable by switching providers, but we’d have liked to avoid them altogether.

Teladoc works with many major insurance providers, including Anthem and Blue Cross Blue Shield. However, it doesn’t list all the insurance plans it works with upfront; you’ll have to sign up and enter your insurance information to find out if you’re covered.

Teladoc is also HSA/FSA-eligible and works with many Medicaid managed care and Medicare Advantage plans. 

Without insurance, a 45-minute psychiatric evaluation at Teladoc costs $299, and follow-up visits are often shorter.

Most of the 105 Teladoc users we surveyed had a positive experience with psychiatric care and medication management services, with 91% rating them as good, very good, or excellent. In fact, 89% said they were likely or very likely to recommend the company’s psychiatry and medication management services to someone else. 

Three-quarters of Teladoc users described their prescriber’s bedside manner as good or very good, and 72% said their prescriber took the time to really listen to them. Similarly, 82% of users reported that their prescriber “really took the time to evaluate [their] mental health” before prescribing medication.

Best for Bipolar Disorder : LiveHealth Online

• Price: $80-95 per therapy session; $175 or less for an initial psychiatry session; $75 per follow-up
• Type Of Therapy: Children's Therapy, Couples Therapy, Family Therapy, Individual Therapy, Medication Management, Psychiatry, Teen Counseling

LiveHealth Online offers high-quality psychiatric care to people with bipolar disorder, a mental health condition that most online therapy companies cannot treat. This—coupled with the fact that it accepts a wide range of insurance plans including Medicaid (which is also unusual with telehealth companies)—makes this platform stand out.

Providers with expertise in treating bipolar disorder

Accepts a wide variety of insurance, including Medicaid

Flexible availability, including nights and weekends

Offers talk therapy and urgent care visits in addition to psychiatry

Can choose your own provider

Affordable prices 

Only offers psychiatric care to adults

No live chat support available

Not available outside the U.S.  

We tested individual therapy at LiveHealth Online from California and Ohio and found it to be a great resource for highly experienced providers, many with over a decade of experience, within an easy-to-use, intuitive platform. The company stands out because of its network of providers who can treat complex conditions and mood disorders, including bipolar disorder.

Unlike many competing online psychiatry platforms, LiveHealth Online has board-certified psychiatrists who specialize in diagnosing and treating people with bipolar I or II . You can choose your own provider, which makes it easier to connect with someone who has directly relevant experience. And LiveHealth Online works with many major insurance providers and plans, making this specialized treatment for those living with bipolar disorder that much more accessible and affordable.

We liked that the website was exceptionally user-friendly and that we could schedule right from the app anytime we wanted. Providers were trained in delivering online care, which made the video experience seamless and free from the technical errors found on other platforms that can sometimes disrupt sessions. It was great to see night and weekend availability for many providers, but unfortunately, those spots were hard to snag and required scheduling weeks in advance.

LiveHealth Online works with a wide variety of insurers, including Medicaid, Anthem, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Empire Blue Cross.

LiveHealth Online is also HSA/FSA-eligible. 

The platform’s self-pay costs are also affordable in comparison to many of its competitors. A consultation with a LiveHealth Online psychiatrist costs $175, followed by $75 for each additional follow-up visit. 

Ninety percent of the 105 LiveHealth Online users we surveyed rated their experience with the platform as good, very good, or excellent. When asked if they would recommend the platform to someone else, 87% said they were likely or very likely to do so. Eleven percent of users were seeking treatment for bipolar disorder through LiveHealth.

Many of the LiveHealth Online users in our survey pointed to the company’s convenience and flexibility when asked about its best features. Slightly less than a quarter of users (23%) primarily chose LiveHealth Online because of the availability of evening, weekend, and early morning appointments, and another 24% were looking for online scheduling. Meanwhile, 90% of users rated the platform’s helpfulness in connecting them to a therapist as excellent, very good, or good.

Best for PTSD : Doctor on Demand

• Price: $134-$184 per therapy session; $299 for psychiatric consultation: $129 per psychiatric follow-up
• Type Of Therapy: Individual Therapy, Medication Management, Psychiatry, Teen Counseling

Doctor on Demand offers psychiatric and medication management services that can be tailored specifically to treat people with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Specialists in PTSD provide comprehensive care while remaining in network with many insurance plans, making PTSD treatment more accessible.

Psychiatrists with expertise in PTSD available

Accepts insurance

Providers have 15 or more years of experience on average

Can select your own provider

Treatment available for kids and teens

American Sign Language (ASL) and language interpretation available upon request

Can’t message your provider between sessions

Out-of-pocket costs are relatively high

We tested individual therapy and psychiatry for our teenager at Doctor on Demand from North Carolina and Pennsylvania, respectively, and found our clinicians to be experienced and compassionate, both critical qualities for someone treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Plus, clinicians used a variety of techniques that would be helpful for those struggling with this disorder.

We loved that our providers were on time, prepared, and attentive, something we don’t always see on other platforms. We also appreciated our son’s provider’s transparency, as they let us know right away that they didn’t specialize in kids (since our son was 17, it wasn’t a big deal to us). That sort of openness goes a long way in building trust. Clinicians offered emotionally sensitive support alongside practical advice that we could use in daily life. We appreciate this strategy of empowering patients with tools they can use when symptoms arise. 

It was great to see clinicians using a wide range of techniques, including psychoeducation and breathing exercises, to calm symptoms like anxiety (which can often crop up when living with PTSD). Education can help assure those living with PTSD that what they’re experiencing is normal, while breathing techniques are among the most effective and simple techniques for healing PTSD’s hallmark nervous system dysregulation.

Doctor on Demand works with many insurers, including Blue Cross Blue Shield, UnitedHealthcare, and some Medicaid and Medicare plans. You’ll need to sign up for an account to see the full list of insurance providers and plans accepted by the platform. 

For self-pay users, a 45-minute psychiatric consultation at Doctor on Demand costs $299. Each 15-minute follow-up visit costs $129.

In our survey, Doctor on Demand users were largely satisfied with the care they received through the platform. Ninety-four percent of users said their experience with the company was good, very good, or excellent, and 70% said they would consider seeking mental health care at Doctor on Demand again—a far higher percentage than at many of its competitors.

A quarter of the Doctor on Demand users we surveyed used the company’s psychiatry and medication management services. Eighty-four percent of users rated the psychiatric care they received through the platform as good, very good, or excellent, and nine out of 10 users also described their prescriber’s qualifications positively (i.e., as good or better). Notably, a full 17% of users said they were looking for treatment for trauma through Doctor on Demand, a percentage far higher than at any other company we reviewed.

Best for Substance Use : Mindful Care

• Price: $20-$175 for substance use; Individual therapy: $50 for 20-minute sessions, $100 for 40-minute sessions; $35 per group session; $75-$175 for psychiatry session
• Type Of Therapy: Group Therapy, Individual Therapy, Medication Management, Psychiatry, Teen Counseling

Mindful Care’s approach to substance abuse treatment is uniquely comprehensive, offering psychiatric care, medication management services, and medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for alcohol use disorder (AUD) and opioid use disorder (OUD), all covered by insurance.

Treatment specific to substance use disorders

Urgent appointments available

Psychiatric care offered to kids and teens ages 12 and up

Offers medication-assisted treatment (MAT) 

Offers group and individual therapy alongside psychiatric care

Many providers are nurse practitioners and certified physician assistants

Only available in six states

Can’t always select your own provider

We had two people test Mindful Care in New York for individual and group therapy and while we didn’t test it for substance use disorder, its comprehensive approach to addiction support gives us the confidence to recommend it. The platform gives users multiple ways to approach their substance use, from psychiatric to nutritional to therapeutic.

We appreciate that Mindful Care offers same-day appointments and has very responsive providers. The last thing someone needs when they’re in the midst of a craving is to have long session delays or wait for days to get a provider response. The vibe in the group therapy sessions was really nice—it felt like a safe space to share our struggles confidentially. 

Mindful Care adopts a “whole-person” approach to substance use by offering medication-assisted treatment and psychiatric urgent care both in-person and online, including individual therapy, group therapy, and substance use counseling. Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for substance use disorders might include the prescription of naltrexone for alcohol use or buprenorphine for opioid use.

We love that Mindful Care has an online Mindful Recovery program with group therapy, care navigation, and MAT for people with alcohol use disorder or opioid use disorder. We didn’t like our Microtherapy sessions (20 minutes long), however, as they were too rushed, and we don’t recommend them for those struggling with addiction.

Mindful Care accepts Medicaid and Medicare managed plans and is in network with many insurance carriers, including:

• Amerihealth

Without insurance, initial psychiatric consultations and medication-assisted treatments at Mindful Care cost $175. Each follow-up visit costs $75. A 15-minute recovery care management session costs $20 per session.

If paying out-of-pocket for therapy, 20-minute Microtherapy sessions are $50 each, 40-minute individual talk therapy sessions are $100 each, and group therapy sessions are $35 each.

Ninety-two percent of the 105 Mindful Care users we surveyed reported that their overall experience with the service was good to excellent, and 83% of users said they would be willing to recommend it to someone else. Five percent of our 105 surveyed users were specifically seeking substance use services from Mindful Care.

Users seemed particularly impressed with Mindful Care’s providers: Eighty-two percent were able to find a provider who met all or most of their needs, and 83% said they were satisfied or very satisfied with the available clinicians. What’s more, 95% of Mindful Care users rated the qualifications of the company’s providers as excellent, very good, or good.

Best for OCD : LifeStance Health

• Price: $150-$300 per session out-of-pocket
• Type Of Therapy: Children's Therapy, Family Therapy, Group Therapy, Individual Therapy, Medication Management, Psychiatry, Teen Counseling

LifeStance Health provides targeted treatment for OCD with a wider range of treatment options than many other telepsychiatry platforms, including child and adolescent psychiatry and medication management services both online and in person, all while operating in network with most major insurance plans (including, in some areas, Medicare and Medicaid).

Has providers who specialize in OCD treatment

Child and adolescent psychiatry available

Wide variety of mental health care approaches offered

Offers both in-person and online treatment

Medicaid and Medicare accepted in some states

Available only in 33 states

Prices not completely clear at first glance

Website can be confusing to navigate

We asked six people to test LifeStance Health in Illinois, New York, Florida, Oregon, Missouri, and Ohio and found it to be a solid platform with professional, confident, and empathetic counselors who treat a wide variety of needs. Given that it has providers who are trained to treat more complex disorders, we recommend it for people with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

On the whole, we loved our providers. They were professional, caring, and supportive, making us feel relaxed and safe in their presence. Building trust felt natural, and virtual sessions felt so smooth, they were comparable to in-person ones. We were happy to see that LifeStance Health offers a wider variety of specialized treatment options than many of its competitors do—including treatment specifically for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) that is covered by a broad range of insurance plans. 

We did have an issue with one of our providers, who was late, distracted by her pet, and came across as unsure of herself. Her demeanor made us lose confidence in her and her ability to help us. Signing up with LifeStance Health means that, like with many other platforms, there’s a chance you’ll get someone you don’t click with. We also didn’t like that weren’t able to see the self-pay rate ahead of time and had to wait for a bill after the session.

Prices at LifeStance Health vary widely by insurance coverage, therapy type, and location.

LifeStance Health accepts most major insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid in some cases—the website states that providers “accept most commercial insurance plans” in the states in which they provide care. Examples include: 

• Veterans Choice Program

To find out if LifeStance Health accepts your insurance, visit the company website, click “Insurance,” and provide your information. 

The LifeStance Health users we surveyed were particularly impressed with the quality of available providers on the platform. Eighty-eight percent rated the platform positively overall, making it one of our highest-scoring platforms. Seventy-three percent of users said they were able to find a LifeStance Health provider who met all or most of their needs. 

Meanwhile, seven out of 10 users reported that they were satisfied or very satisfied with the provider options, and nine out of 10 users described the qualifications of LifeStance Health’s providers as good, very good, or excellent. Ten percent of the 105 LifeStance users we surveyed were looking for help with OCD.

Best for Teens : Thriveworks

• Price: $160 - $240 per therapy session, $300 - $375 for initial psychiatry/medication management session, $210 - $300 for follow-ups
• Type Of Therapy: Couples Therapy, Family Therapy, Group Therapy, Individual Therapy, Medication Management, Psychiatry, Teen Counseling

Available online and in-person at over 380 locations across the United States, Thriveworks offers both psychiatric care and medication management services with board-certified psychiatrists to teens who are covered under any one of hundreds of insurance plans.

Psychiatric care available to teens

Accepts hundreds of insurance plans

Most users can book their first appointment in three to five days

Evening and weekend appointments available

Hires only the top 4% of providers who apply

Prices not entirely clear before signing up

No chat sessions or messaging available

We asked 10 people to try out Thriveworks from Massachusetts, Missouri, Kentucky, Kansas, Ohio, Florida, and South Dakota for individual and family therapy and found it to be a great resource for empathetic, experienced providers who can connect well with teens.

We loved seeing our teens establish a healthy rapport with their clinicians, bonding over shared interests and building trust over time. One of our daughters expressed that her Thriveworks therapist seemed to really listen to her and connect the dots between new and past issues in a way that she hadn’t experienced with previous therapists. In another case, the therapist was able to put our child at ease, getting her to open up even after a rocky start to the session, demonstrating her expertise in working with kids. We were relieved to find out that one of our therapists had kids herself, which made us more comfortable. 

That said, the whole reason the session didn’t start smoothly was because the therapist led by asking for information we’d already provided, including credit card information. She then launched into asking questions about thoughts of self-harm and depression. It was an abrupt way to start and not an ideal way to get a child to open up. We also didn’t care for how little information was requested about our reasons for seeking therapy prior to the session. We had little confidence that our therapist would be well-prepared for a session when all they had was basic details like our child’s name, their birth date, and our credit card information.

Thriveworks is in network with many insurers, such as:

Medicaid plans are accepted at a limited number of Thriveworks locations. 

Without insurance, self-pay Thriveworks clients pay at least $200 per session. Prices vary by location and provider.

Many of the 105 Thriveworks users we surveyed sought out the platform specifically because the company accepted their insurance. Around a third (33%) of users said it was the most important factor they took into consideration when selecting Thriveworks, with another 19% reporting that it was the second most important factor. Six percent of users reported looking specifically for teen counseling through Thriveworks.

Most Thriveworks users told us they were satisfied with the care they received through the platform. Over half (52%) of users said they were likely to continue receiving treatment through Thriveworks for another six months, and 50% said they were likely to keep seeing their Thriveworks therapist for another 12 months.

Compare the Tried and Tested: Online Psychiatry That Accepts Insurance

Guide to choosing the best online psychiatry that takes insurance, who is online psychiatry right for.

Online psychiatry can help children, teens, and adults with mental health conditions control or diminish their symptoms using psychotropic medication. 

“Psychiatry is an important component of mental health treatment for many,” says Dr. Marschall. “Psychiatric appointments are typically shorter than therapy sessions and focus on medication management.”

People who are experiencing difficulties with stress, anxiety, grief, anger, or trouble focusing may benefit from seeing an online psychiatrist. If you face barriers to psychiatric care, such as a busy schedule or financial stress, telepsychiatry might be right for you, especially if you need to use insurance to pay for care.

What Conditions Can Online Psychiatrists Help With? 

Online psychiatrists can help to diagnose and treat the symptoms of a variety of mental health conditions, including:

• Major depressive disorder (MDD)
• Anxiety disorders , such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and phobias
• Mood disorders, such as bipolar disorder  
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Personality disorders, such as borderline personality disorder (BPD)
• Eating disorders
• Substance use disorder (SUD)

What Types of Therapy Treatments Are Available With Online Psychiatrists? 

Online psychiatrists can diagnose mental health conditions and monitor symptoms on an ongoing basis. They can also prescribe medication, keep track of potential side effects, and adjust dosages as needed. Some psychiatrists also conduct psychotherapy, such as:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
• Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)
• Trauma therapy
• Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy (EMDR)

What If I'm Having Thoughts of Harming Myself?

If you are in severe distress or are having thoughts of harming yourself or someone else, online psychiatry is not the right option for you. Instead, call the U.S. Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or go to the nearest emergency room.  

The following resources may also help you or someone you know:

• Crisis Text Line : Text HOME to 741741 or reach out via chat or on WhatsApp to talk with a volunteer crisis counselor.
• The Trevor Project : Young LGBTQ people can call, chat, or text with a trained crisis counselor.
• FindTreatment.gov : Find behavioral health and substance abuse treatment centers in your area with this database compiled by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is online psychiatry.

Online psychiatry refers to psychiatric care and/or medication management services delivered virtually, typically via video. Your provider may be a board-certified psychiatrist or another licensed prescriber, such as a nurse practitioner. They may prescribe medication, which can be delivered to your home or a local pharmacy.

Is Online Psychiatry That Takes Insurance Effective?

Research suggests that online psychiatry can be helpful for people with a wide variety of mental health conditions. For example, telepsychiatry has been found to be effective in treating selected patients with depression, anxiety, psychotic disorders , and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Also, studies suggest that online psychiatry can be effective for geriatric (older) patients as well as children and teens facing mental health concerns.

What Are the Benefits of Online Psychiatry That Takes Insurance?

There is evidence that online psychiatry can help to overcome many barriers to mental health care. These barriers may include:

• Physical inaccessibility
• Mental health stigma
• Transportation difficulties
• Living in a remote area
• Communication differences 
• Busy schedules

What Is the Cost of Online Psychiatry That Takes Insurance?

The cost of online psychiatry varies widely by insurance provider, the type of healthcare provider you’re seeing, and your location. With some Medicare plans, for example, you’ll be expected to pay 20% of the costs of each visit. Without insurance, an initial psychiatry consultation may cost $300 to $500 per visit, followed by $100 to $200 per hour for every follow-up visit.

With insurance, your copayment will vary, but may be in the range of $20 to $40 per visit .

Can Online Psychiatrists Prescribe Controlled Substances?

Yes, qualified online psychiatrists can prescribe controlled substances to treat medical conditions, including mental health conditions. However, not all online mental health platforms allow their providers to prescribe controlled medications, so availability may be limited. Examples of controlled substances used to treat mental health conditions include: 

• Hypnotics, such as Ambien (zolpidem)
• Stimulants, such as Adderall (mixed amphetamine salts) and Ritalin (methylphenidate)
• Benzodiazepines, such as Ativan (lorazepam) and Xanax (alprazolam)

What Should You Expect From Online Psychiatry?

An online psychiatry session works similarly to a face-to-face session with a psychiatric care provider. Usually, you’ll sign in through a secure online portal and meet with your provider at an appointed time via video. Your psychiatrist may ask you about your current symptoms, your medical history, and any medications you’re taking, as well as what you’d like to get out of your session.

To compile this list, we researched, evaluated, and tested 55 different online therapy and psychiatry companies, specifically focusing on which companies offered psychiatric services as well as which accepted insurance. We further evaluated these companies based on specialty (treatment for specific mental health concerns or specific demographics), the number of insurance plans accepted, availability (number of states), flexibility in scheduling, which medications can be prescribed (such as controlled substances for anxiety or ADHD), and the type of provider available.

Westend61 / Getty Images

Mental Health America. 2022 State of Mental Health in America Report .

Bishop TF, Press MJ, Keyhani S, Pincus HA. Acceptance of insurance by psychiatrists and the implications for access to mental health care . JAMA Psychiatry . 2014;71(2):176-81. doi:10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2013.2862

Karyotaki E, Smit Y, Holdt Henningsen K, et al.  Combining pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy or monotherapy for major depression? A meta-analysis on the long-term effects . J Affect Disord . 2016;194:144-152. doi:10.1016/j.jad.2016.01.036

Malviya S, Meredith P, Zupan B, Kerley L. Identifying alternative mental health interventions: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials of chanting and breathwork . J Spirituality Mental Health . 2022;24(2):191-233. doi:10.1080/19349637.2021.2010631

Torous J, Bucci S, Bell IH, et al. The growing field of digital psychiatry: current evidence and the future of apps, social media, chatbots, and virtual reality . World Psychiatry . 2021;20(3). doi:10.1002/wps.20883

Greenhalgh T, Wherton J. Telepsychiatry: learning from the pandemic . Br J Psychiatr . 2022; 220(5):257-261. doi:10.1192/bjp.2021.224

Roth CB, Papassotiropoulos A, Brühl AB, Lang UE, Huber CG. Psychiatry in the digital age: a blessing or a curse? . Int J Environ Res Public Health . 2021;18(16):8302. doi:10.3390/ijerph18168302

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. Medicare help center .

By Brittany Elyse Vargas Brittany Elyse Vargas has been exploring topics around psychology, mental health, mind-body medicine, and psychospiritual development for the past twenty years. She’s written professionally for over ten years as a journalist, copywriter, and ghostwriter. Brittany is committed to rigorous reporting and to tackling topics on the cutting edge of the wellness, healing, and the mindfulness movements.

Hannah Owens is the Mental Health/General Health Editor for Dotdash Meredith. She is a licensed social worker with clinical experience in community mental health.

Simone is the health editorial director for performance marketing at Verywell. She has over a decade of experience as a professional journalist covering mental health, chronic conditions, medicine, and science.

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How Much Does a Doctor Visit Cost With and Without Insurance?

Without insurance, medical care can get pricy fast. Where you live, what doctor you’re going to, and what tests you need will all figure into your doctor’s visit bill. In this article, we’ll break down those costs and give you some tips for saving money.

What Goes into the Cost of a Doctor’s Visit?

Geography is one of the biggest factors in the price of a doctor’s visit. Most medical facilities pass some of their overhead expenses onto their patients. If you live somewhere with a higher cost of living, like California or New York City, you’ll likely pay more for doctors’ visits. The practice has to pay more for utilities and rent, and those costs show up in your bill. For example, Mayo Clinic’s Patient Estimates tool quotes $846 for a 60-minute office visit in Jacksonville, Florida, but $605 for the same visit in Wisconsin.

Like the cost of living, supplies and equipment will also end up on your tab. Say you need a strep test, blood draw, or Pap smear. The supplies needed for the test plus the cost of the lab fees will all figure into the price.

Bills for the same exams and procedures can also vary depending on what kind of facility you’re going to. Smaller practices and public health centers are often a lot cheaper than university or private hospital systems. This is due in part to their buildings being smaller and their overhead fees being lower.

Price of Out-of-Pocket Doctors’ Visits

The cost of a doctor’s office visit also depends on what kind of doctor and the procedure you need to have done. For example, an in-office general wellness checkup will be cheaper than a specialist procedure. If you have an emergency, an urgent care center will be much more affordable than the emergency room.

Primary Care Physician — Physical Exam

Physicals usually include blood pressure readings, cholesterol measurements, and vaccines. Prostate exams for men and Pap smears and breast exams for women are also often included. Pediatric physicals focus on the growth milestones for your child’s age. Doctors check height, weight, sleep patterns, diet, and the vaccines required by public schools.

The range for a yearly physical can be anywhere from $100 to $250 or more without insurance. A CVS Minutecare Clinic may charge just $59 for a sports physical, but not all organizations will accept this as proof of physical health.

Primary Care Physician — Procedures

On top of the base cost for physical exams, you may have extra charges for any specific tests or procedures you need. According to the Cardiometabolic Health blog, the most common procedures in primary care medicine include bloodwork, electrocardiograms, and vaccines/injections.

Bloodwork is one of the biggest cost wild cards. Certain tests can run you from as little as $10 to as much as $10,000 . Large national labs like Labcorp offer pricing on their website, so you know what to expect going in. For example, Labcorp’s General Health Blood Test , which includes a metabolic panel, complete blood count (CBC), and urinalysis, costs $78.

Electrocardiograms or EKGs check your heart health and can find cardi ac issues. This quick procedure involves monitoring your heartbeat through electrodes placed on your skin. While it’s a painless and accurate way to detect heart conditions, the costs can add up without insurance. Expect to pay as little as $410 or as much as $1700 for this procedure, depending on local prices.

Vaccines are often required before sending your kids to school. The CDC publishes a vaccination price list annually to give you an idea of what to expect. For example, they quote $19-$132 for DTaP, $21 for Hepatitis A, and $13-$65 for Hepatitis B. The COVID-19 vaccine, however, is free of cost, regardless of insurance status.

Urgent Care Visit

If you have an emergency but are stable, urgent care is much cheaper than the emergency room. According to Scripps , most urgent care centers and walk-in clinics can at least treat dehydration, cuts or simple fractures, fever, flu, strep, and UTIs. Note that if you have chest pain, a serious injury, seizures, a stroke, or pregnancy complications, you should go straight to the ER .

For a base exam at an urgent care facility, expect to pay between $100-$150 . That price will go up depending on what else you need. For example, Advanced Urgent Care in Denver quotes $80 for an X-Ray, $50 for an EKG, $135 for stitches, and $5 for a urinalysis. In comparison, expect to pay $1,000-$1,300 for the same procedures in the emergency room.

How to Lower Your Out-of-Pocket Medical Costs

Healthcare expenses may seem overwhelming without insurance. Luckily, there are many resources available to help you cover the costs.

Free & Low-Cost Immunization and Wellness Clinics

For standard vaccines and checkups, look for local free or low-cost clinics. Check out The National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics’ search tool to find a location near you. Your city’s public health department should also offer free or low-cost vaccines and basic medical care services.

Certain large vaccine manufacturers also offer vaccine programs. For example, Merck’s patient assistance program offers 37 vaccines and medicines free to eligible patients. The program includes albuterol inhalers and vaccines for Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, MMR, and HPV.

Cash Negotiations

Most health systems offer lower rates for patients paying cash. Some even have free programs for low-income families. For example, Heritage UPC in North Carolina has a yearly membership for low-cost preventative care. In Northern California, the Sutter Health medical system offers full coverage for patients earning 400% or less of the Federal Poverty Income Guideline .

As of January 1, 2021, all hospitals in the United States now have to follow the Hospital Price Transparency Rule . That means they have to list procedure prices clearly on their website. You can also call medical billing before your appointment to discuss cash pay options.

Federal Medical Payment Support

If all else fails, there are federal programs to help you cover the cost of medical bills.

Organizations like The United Way and United for Alice offer grants for ALICE (asset-limited, income-constrained, employed) patients. These are people living above the poverty level, making them ineligible for other government programs but below the basic cost-of-living threshold.

Medicaid is available for children, pregnant women, and adults under a certain income threshold. If your income is too high to qualify for Medicaid but you can’t afford private insurance for your children, you may be eligible for the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) to cover your children’s medical care.

Use Compare.com for the Best Doctors’ Visit Prices

Navigating bills for a doctor’s visit can feel overwhelming, but Compare.com is here to help. With our price comparison tool, you can search all clinic and doctors’ office prices in your area. Compare makes sure you’re prepared for the cost of your checkup long before you schedule your appointment.

Nick Versaw leads Compare.com's editorial department, where he and his team specialize in crafting helpful, easy-to-understand content about car insurance and other related topics. With nearly a decade of experience writing and editing insurance and personal finance articles, his work has helped readers discover substantial savings on necessary expenses, including insurance, transportation, health care, and more.

As an award-winning writer, Nick has seen his work published in countless renowned publications, such as the Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, and U.S. News & World Report. He graduated with Latin honors from Virginia Commonwealth University, where he earned his Bachelor's Degree in Digital Journalism.

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Thriveworks has earned 65+ awards (and counting) for our leading therapy and psychiatry services.

We’re in network with most major insurances – accepting 585+ insurance plans, covering 190 million people nationwide.

Thriveworks offers flexible and convenient therapy services, available both online and in-person nationwide, with psychiatry services accessible in select states.

Find the right provider for you, based on your specific needs and preferences, all online.

If you need assistance booking, we’ll be happy to help — our support team is available 7 days a week.

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How much does a psychiatrist cost without insurance? Understanding psychiatric provider rates and more

Our clinical and medical experts , ranging from licensed therapists and counselors to psychiatric nurse practitioners, author our content, in partnership with our editorial team. In addition, we only use authoritative, trusted, and current sources. This ensures we provide valuable resources to our readers. Read our editorial policy for more information.

Thriveworks was established in 2008, with the ultimate goal of helping people live happy and successful lives. We are clinician-founded and clinician-led. In addition to providing exceptional clinical care and customer service, we accomplish our mission by offering important information about mental health and self-improvement.

We are dedicated to providing you with valuable resources that educate and empower you to live better. First, our content is authored by the experts — our editorial team co-writes our content with mental health professionals at Thriveworks, including therapists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, and more.

We also enforce a tiered review process in which at least three individuals — two or more being licensed clinical experts — review, edit, and approve each piece of content before it is published. Finally, we frequently update old content to reflect the most up-to-date information.

• When seeking mental health services from a psychiatric provider, cost is an important factor for many individuals—and you may also be curious about whether your care will be covered by insurance.
• Psychiatric providers who are in-network with your insurance company will always be more affordable than one who isn’t.
• Typically, psychiatric providers will charge between $100-500 per hour for their services, but their rates will vary depending on their experience and the services they’re providing you.
• Compared with family doctors or psychologists, psychiatric providers may charge higher rates because they are typically considered specialists who often (but not always) work through referrals.
• Check with your insurance company, and reach out to your psychiatric provider’s office for more clarification on what you can expect to pay after your next visit.

When you seek out mental health services, inevitably the question of cost becomes a factor. How much will you end up paying? Will your insurance cover your visits? And if you don’t have insurance, you may wonder, “How much does a psychiatrist cost without insurance?” 

While getting an exact cost before your psychiatric appointment may not be completely possible, comparing psychiatric services to the rates of other mental health professionals can give you a rough estimate of what to expect. 

How Much Does a Psychiatrist Cost with Insurance? 

Working with a psychiatrist who accepts insurance is always going to be the more affordable option. So, if you have insurance, start by checking in with your insurance provider who may be able to provide an estimate. Or, call the office or contact number of the psychiatric provider, and, depending on the services you’re needing, they may be able to tell you. 

The exact cost will depend on insurance accepted by the psychiatrist vs. insurance coverage on your insurance policy. It’s also worth noting that telepsychiatry is often the same price as an in-person visit, as the only difference is the location of the appointment, not the actual services involved. 

How Much Does a Psychiatrist Cost Per Hour? 

Psychiatrist hourly rates will vary depending on: 

• The provider’s location
• Services they provide
• The provider’s experience level
• Whether your visit is covered by insurance
• And other unique variables

Typically, a psychiatrist or psychiatric provider will have self-pay rates around $100-500 with a median of $200 per hour on average. Providers with more experience and expertise often charge higher hourly rates. 

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Is a Psychologist Cheaper Than a Psychiatrist?

The rate for a psychologist is normally cheaper than a psychiatrist, yes. This is related to education and prescribing rights (the ability to prescribe antidepressants and other medication) that psychiatrists have over psychologists—but this is not always the case.

In some states, psychologists may also have the privilege to prescribe medications as needed. 

Why Do a Lot of Psychiatrists Not Take Insurance?

Certain psychiatrists and psychiatric providers do not take insurance for various reasons, including:

• The psychiatrist not being credentialed or approved by a particular insurance company 
• By choice due to the limits that some insurance companies place on care delivered by providers 

Those who are frustrated by psychiatric providers that are not in network with their insurance provider should consider whether it’s worth taking a little time to find one who is. 

Why Do Psychiatrists Charge More than Other Providers? 

Psychiatrists may have a higher rate when compared to medical or family doctors. This increase in cost is related to a psychiatrist being considered a specialist when compared to a medical or family practice doctor characterized as general practice. 

Specialists typically require a higher rate of pay. So if you’re paying out of pocket, give their office a call—and touch base with your insurance provider. 

Though psychiatric services may sound expensive, some providers (like Thriveworks ) do work with insurance companies to offer clients affordable care.

Published Apr 20, 2023

• Medical writer
• Editorial writer
• Clinical reviewer

Tamiqua Jackson is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) and Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) in the states of North Carolina and Tennessee. Tamiqua has over 8 years of experience in advanced practice. She enjoys working with patients who may be experiencing depression, anxiety, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), stress, sleep disorders, and other mental health issues that may affect everyday life. Tamiqua is compassionate and serves as a patient advocate.

Christine Ridley is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who specializes in adolescent and adult anxiety, depression, mood and thought disorders, addictive behaviors, and co-dependency issues.

Jason Crosby is a Senior Copywriter at Thriveworks. He received his BA in English Writing from Montana State University with a minor in English Literature. Previously, Jason was a freelance writer for publications based in Seattle, WA, and Austin, TX.

The information on this page is not intended to replace assistance, diagnosis, or treatment from a clinical or medical professional. Readers are urged to seek professional help if they are struggling with a mental health condition or another health concern.

If you’re in a crisis, do not use this site. Please call the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or use these resources to get immediate help.

How much does a psychiatrist cost without insurance?

$250 – $500 average cost without insurance (initial evaluation), $80 – $250 average cost without insurance (follow-up visit).

Psychiatrist cost without insurance

The average cost of a psychiatrist visit without insurance is $250 to $500 for an initial evaluation and $80 to $250 for a follow-up visit. The cost to see a psychiatrist depends on your location, whether you see an MD or psychiatric nurse practitioner, and the treatment type and tests received.

Initial consultation & evaluation

An initial consultation with a psychiatrist costs $250 to $500 without insurance and lasts 45 to 90 minutes on average. During this visit, the psychiatrist will ask questions to learn more about your medical and family history, mental and physical symptoms, and concerns.

The psychiatrist may also prescribe lab work or additional psychological assessments to help them make an accurate diagnosis.

By the end of the first or second visit, the psychiatrist will provide a diagnosis and develop a treatment plan. The treatment may include medications, therapy, lifestyle changes, or a combination of these approaches. The psychiatrist may also refer you to other specialists if needed.

Follow-up visit

A follow-up visit with a psychiatrist costs $80 to $250 without insurance. These visits are typically shorter than the initial evaluation, lasting 15 to 30 minutes , depending on the treatment plan.

During follow-up appointments, you'll discuss how you're doing, how the medications are working, whether to change medications or adjust the dosages, and how any other prescribed treatment methods are progressing. The psychiatrist will make changes to the treatment plan if needed.

Additional costs

Depending on the diagnosis and treatment plan, you may also encounter additional costs for other testing or treatments, including:

Prescription medications

Lab work and other physical health tests

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Interpersonal Therapy (IPT), or behavioral therapy

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy

Biofeedback or neurofeedback therapy

Genetic testing

Psychiatrist cost with insurance

The cost of a psychiatrist visit with insurance depends on the insurance plan, coverage terms, and the individual psychiatrist's rates. These factors impact your out-of-pocket cost:

Co-pay – A co-pay is the flat fee you must pay to visit a healthcare provider. The amount varies from free to $100+ , depending on the insurance company, plan, and type of treatment or service.

Coinsurance – Some plans require patients to pay a coinsurance amount instead of a co-pay. The coinsurance amount is a percentage of the healthcare provider's total visit fee.

Deductible – A deductible is the minimum amount you must pay out of pocket before your insurance covers any medical costs. If you have not met your annual deductible, you'll be responsible for paying the full cost of the visit and any additional treatments the psychiatrist prescribes.

In-network vs. out-of-network – A visit with an in-network psychiatrist costs much less than seeing an out-of-network provider that doesn’t partner with your insurance company.

Referral – Some insurance plans require patients to get a referral from their primary care physician before seeing a specialist. If you need a referral to see a psychiatrist, you'll pay a standard co-pay or coinsurance fee to see your primary doctor first.

What is a psychiatrist?

A psychiatrist is a licensed medical doctor (MD) who specializes in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions, emotional disorders, and behavioral disorders. Psychiatrists can order a wide range of medical tests and psychological assessments to help them make a diagnosis and determine the best treatment approach.

When to see a psychiatrist

Consider seeing a psychiatrist if you're suffering from a mental health condition that negatively impacts your life, such as feeling sad all the time, experiencing panic attacks, having difficulty focusing, or dealing with an eating disorder.

Psychiatrists commonly diagnose and treat these conditions and more:

Depression or apathy

Thoughts of suicide or self-harm

Anxiety or panic attacks

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) / Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)

Eating disorders, including Binge Eating Disorder, Anorexia Nervosa, and Bulimia Nervosa

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Bipolar Disorder

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or Complex PTSD

Schizophrenia

Insomnia, nightmares, or other sleep problems

Substance abuse or addiction

What is the difference between a psychiatrist and a psychologist?

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor and can prescribe medication. A psychiatrist conducts an evaluation, makes a diagnosis, and develops a treatment plan that may include medication, therapy, or other approaches. However, many psychiatrists don't offer talk therapy and will refer you to a psychologist for that service.

In comparison, a psychologist is not a medical doctor and cannot prescribe medication. Psychologists and licensed therapists can diagnose disorders like depression, anxiety, eating disorders, or phobias and provide talk therapy, cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), and other psychotherapy treatments.

Most doctors recommend seeing both a psychiatrist and a psychologist to address your condition medically and through psychotherapy.

Factors that affect the cost of a psychiatrist visit

Insurance coverage has the biggest impact on the cost to see a psychiatrist. If you have insurance that covers psychiatric treatment, you'll be responsible for only the co-pay or coinsurance amount after meeting your annual deductible. Individuals without insurance must cover the entire cost out of pocket.

Other factors that impact the cost include:

Psychiatrist's experience – Psychiatrists with additional training and education or an established clinical practice often charge more than new psychiatrists due to the higher demand for their services.

Specialty – Psychiatrists who specialize in treating certain conditions often charge more but are more familiar with the symptoms and challenges that come with those conditions.

Psychiatrist vs. psychiatric nurse practitioner – Psychiatrists typically charge more than nurse practitioners. Both can make a diagnosis, prescribe medication, develop a treatment plan, and order lab work or other tests. However, some states require nurse practitioners to work under the supervision of a psychiatrist.

Location – Psychiatrists' hourly rates are highest in major metropolitan areas like New York City and Los Angeles. Though most psychiatrists now offer virtual appointments online, regulations limit doctors to treating patients located within states where they are licensed to practice.

How to find an affordable psychiatrist

Many healthcare providers offer other options to make psychiatric treatment more affordable. Look for these ways to save money:

Discounts & cash-pay prices – Ask if the psychiatrist offers reduced rates for uninsured patients or individuals with high-deductible insurance plans. Some psychiatrists offer discounts if you are paying out of pocket for the full cost of the visit.

Sliding-scale rates – Some mental health practitioners offer sliding-scale rates based on income for uninsured patients. Ask your psychiatrist about this option, as many practices offer it, but don't mention it on their website.

Prescription discounts – To save money on prescription costs, look for discount cards from the pharmaceutical company or opt for generic medications when available.

Low-cost clinics – Clinics in some communities offer mental health care at a reduced price for uninsured or low-income residents.

Student health services – Many colleges and universities provide free or reduced-cost mental health services for students.

If your condition doesn't require medication, consider scheduling an appointment with a licensed professional counselor , therapist , or psychologist , as their hourly rates are lower than psychiatrists' rates.

Psychiatrist FAQs

Can a psychiatrist prescribe medication.

Yes, a psychiatrist can prescribe medication. Your psychiatrist will determine whether medication will be beneficial for your condition, and if so, will develop a treatment plan that includes ongoing medication management.

Many psychiatric medications require titration—starting at the lowest introductory dose and gradually increasing to an effective maintenance dose—along with regular monitoring. This requires periodic follow-up visits with the psychiatrist and may also involve lab work.

Do psychiatrists prescribe medication on the first visit?

After conducting an evaluation and making a diagnosis, a psychiatrist may prescribe medication on the first visit as part of a treatment plan. However, some patients require additional assessments or lab work before receiving a prescription.

How long is a typical psychiatrist visit?

A psychiatrist visit lasts 45 to 90 minutes for the initial consultation and evaluation. The psychiatrist may ask you to fill out questionnaires and complete online or written assessments before your scheduled appointment. Follow-up sessions last 15 to 30 minutes on average.

Do you need a referral to see a psychiatrist?

Most HMO insurance plans require you to get a referral from your primary care doctor to see a psychiatrist. Many PPO insurance plans allow you to see a psychiatrist without a referral from a general practitioner. Check with your insurance provider for details.

Is a psychiatrist more expensive than a therapist?

Seeing a psychiatrist usually costs more than a therapy session because psychiatrists are medical doctors with more extensive education and training. In comparison, therapy costs $100 to $250 per session with a psychologist, therapist, or licensed mental health counselor.

How to find a psychiatrist near you

When seeking mental health treatment, it's important to find a psychiatrist who makes you feel comfortable, respected, and understood. Follow these tips to find the best psychiatrist near you :

If you have specific mental health concerns—such as depression, attention deficit disorder, or an eating disorder—look for a psychiatrist who specializes in treating that condition.

Ask your primary care doctor for recommendations.

Read reviews from other clients on Thervo and Google.

Confirm the psychiatrist accepts your health insurance.

Ask about co-pays and other treatment fees.

Schedule an initial appointment to make sure you're happy with the psychiatrist's communication style and empathy.

Questions to ask a psychiatrist

Before establishing yourself as a patient, ask the psychiatrist these questions:

What are your qualifications and areas of expertise?

Have you treated other people with this condition successfully?

What treatment methods do you offer?

Will the treatment plan involve other specialists?

What improvements can I expect, and when?

Can you prescribe medication if needed?

What are the side effects of the medication?

What happens if I discontinue my medication abruptly?

Do you accept my insurance? If yes, do you bill the insurance company directly?

Do you offer discounted or sliding-scale rates for patients without insurance?

Do you offer virtual or telehealth appointments?

Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.

TheraThink.com

A mental health billing service, insurance reimbursement rates for psychiatrists [2024].

Reimbursement rates for psychiatrists vary by insurance type (Commercial, Medicare, or Medicaid), psychiatric CPT code rendered, and by each insurance company’s rate.

Psychiatrists have a physicians license and cohere at the highest level of reimbursement for Medicaid programs.  If your license is lower than a PhD, note that you may not be allowed to render these services, or if you are, your reimbursement rates will be reduced.  ( Source )

If you are unsure about your billing, license, CPT codes, rates, or how to get paid but you still want to work with insurance companies in your private practice, consider hiring our mental health billing service to handle all of this for you.

Article Index

• Billing Tips

Most Common Psychiatry CPT Codes

Medicare reimbursement rates for psychiatrists, medicaid reimbursement rates for psychiatrists, commercial insurance reimbursement rates for psychiatrists, maximize your reimbursement, reimbursement for psychiatric services: billing tips.

Here are some quick take away’s from this article:

• Intake sessions pay maximally, bill them appropriately .
• Regular visits of low to moderate severity are most common.
• Medicare pays quite well.
• Medicaid pays providers low amounts but sustains an enormous volume of new and established clients.

While there are many obscure and obtuse CPT Codes for Psychiatr y, it’s most efficient to learn the most commonly billed psychiatry CPT codes and their corresponding time allotments.

Note that with evaluation and management services, chose CPT codes by complexity, not time.  Time in treatment often increases when complexity increases.

Common Psychiatric CPT Codes

Medicare pays psychiatrists surprisingly well.   Unfortunately, they now require electronic billing, which involves complex online enrollments for completion.

If you’re struggling with billing your medicare claims, or are plagued by mental health insurance billing in general, consider utilizing our billing service at TheraThink to solve your problems.

Below are the 2023 Medicare’s reimbursement rates for psychiatry:

Medicaid rates vary by state plan, carrier, and plan, so these rates below are a rough guide to compare against Medicare rates.

Keep in mind that rates are negotiated down by state and depend on your geographical area.

You also need to be in-network with their version of Medicaid, be it Medi-Cal in California or a carve out policy through Wellcare.

Our billing service finds out if you’re in-network for each of your client’s plans via our eligibility and benefits verification calls we provide our providers.

You might want to save yourself the time and mess that is Medicaid and outsource your billing .

Commercial insurance rates vary dramatically across companies.  Some rates are actually lower by 5% than Medicaid rates.

While we wish we could give you exact rates for major brands like Aetna, Cigna, United Health Care, or the Blue Cross Blue Shield Network, it is simply impossible to have any estimation of the rates for those companies without knowing the following information:

• Existing Relationship with Insurance Brand
• Continued Education
• Languages Spoken
• Specializations in Modalities of Treatment
• Demographic Expertise

As such, we simply cannot give you a general sense of what you’ll be paid because the factors going into your contracted rate vary.  For more help with all things insurance billing related, consider handing off your billing to a team of experts who can help.

If you’d rather go alone, get a general sense of which insurance companies pay more less very quickly with this one simple tip:

Pro Tip:  Ask your colleagues which one’s pay the most, and which pay the least, in your area.

In our general experience, here is a modest list of high paying, moderate paying, and low paying companies:

High Paying Insurance Reimbursement Rates for Psychiatry:

• BCBS Federal Employee Program

Moderate Paying Insurance Reimbursement Rates for Psychiatry:

• Value Options / Beacon
• United Health Care / Optum / United Behavioral Health

Low Paying Insurance Reimbursement Rates for Psychiatry:

While it’s useful to know about the reimbursement rates for psych services, what is more important is knowing how to successfully bill these various CPT codes to the appropriate payer, knowing your claims will be paid.

We have a whole slew of information about how to do your own mental health billing, but the fact of the matter is that still just takes a lot of time.

We created the service that does that for you (your mental health billing, claims, calls, eligibility and benefits, handling denials, EOB accounting) so you can focus on your job: providing high quality mental health services.

Reach out to our billing team at TheraThink to learn how we can relieve your insurance billing headache .

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Learn how to offload your mental health insurance billing to professionals, so you can do what you do best.

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Cost of doctor visit by state

The following estimated costs are based on cash prices that providers have historically charged on average for doctor visit and will vary depending on where the service is done. The prices do not include the anesthesia, imaging, and other doctor visit fees that normally accompany doctor visit.

Need help to cover that price?

See how Sidecar Health insurance can help cover your medical needs.

What happens at a doctor's visit?

People go to the doctor for routine physical exams as well as acute care when they get sick or injured. Visits to the doctor are important for preventing disease and managing any health problems. During your doctor’s visit, the physician checks your blood pressure, temperature, and heart rate. 

Your doctor may listen to your heart, check your ears, nose, and mouth, and perform a physical exam. They may also ask you about your medical history and the medications you take. Your doctor may want you to have blood drawn for laboratory testing during your doctor’s visit.

How long should a doctor’s visit last?

It’s common for your entire visit to the doctor to take a long time. From start to finish, your appointment may take well over an hour . Many patients sit in the waiting room before being called back for examination.

How long you’ll wait depends on your specific doctor’s office and how busy they are. Once you’re in the exam room, the visit with your doctor will go quickly. On average, patients spend about 20 minutes in the exam room with their doctor.

Why are doctor visits so expensive?

Doctor's visits are expensive for several reasons, including their offices’ administrative responsibilities and the cost of medical services. Your doctor’s office has to work with different insurance companies and pay administrative staff trained in medical billing. Your doctor charges for their services, lab work, or imaging they run and may charge facility fees as well.

How much does a doctor visit cost without insurance?

Without insurance, your doctor’s visit can cost hundreds of dollars. On average, people in the U.S. pay just under $400 for their annual physical exam at a doctor’s office if they don’t have insurance. These costs include the provider fee for seeing the doctor and costs for any blood work or imaging that’s needed.

What are the signs of a bad doctor?

Know the warning signs of a bad doctor so you can avoid problems and get better medical care. One sign is if your doctor doesn’t listen to you or take your concerns into account during your visit. Another is if your doctor rushes through your appointment, not giving you the time needed to deal with your concerns.

A third warning sign is if your doctor doesn’t explain why certain tests or treatments are needed in a way you can understand.

What should you not tell your doctor?

Your doctor doesn’t need to know every detail about your life to provide proper care. But they do need you to be truthful about your health. You should never lie about the symptoms you’re experiencing or the medications you’re taking. If you aren’t taking medications as prescribed, your doctor needs to know. You don’t need to tell them health details they already know or give them any of your financial information.

Costs vary by specialty

The cost of a doctor visit could vary depending on the specialty. To see the cash prices for a specialist visit, type is a specialty.

* Savings estimate based on a study of more than 1 billion claims comparing self-pay (or cash pay) prices of a frequency-weighted market basket of procedures to insurer-negotiated rates for the same. Claims were collected between July 2017 and July 2019. R.Lawrence Van Horn, Arthur Laffer, Robert L.Metcalf. 2019. The Transformative Potential for Price Transparency in Healthcare: Benefits for Consumers and Providers. Health Management Policy and Innovation, Volume 4, Issue 3.

Sidecar Health offers and administers a variety of plans including ACA compliant and excepted benefit plans. Coverage and plan options may vary or may not be available in all states.

Your actual costs may be higher or lower than these cost estimates. Check with your provider and health plan details to confirm the costs that you may be charged for a service or procedure.You are responsible for costs that are not covered and for getting any pre-authorizations or referrals required by your health plan. Neither payments nor benefits are guaranteed. Provider data, including price data, provided in part by Turquoise Health.

The site is not a substitute for medical or healthcare advice and does not serve as a recommendation for a particular provider or type of medical or healthcare.

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How Much Does a Doctor’s Visit Cost Without Insurance?

According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, the average cost of a visit to the doctor’s office in 2016 was $265, with expenses ranging from $159 to $419 depending on the specialty.

• At an urgent care center you can expect to pay between $100-200 to see a provider, plus the cost of any treatments or testing you may need.
• Always ask for pricing information before you agree to any testing or treatment. You are entitled to this information.

Going to the doctor for any reason can be expensive. Without insurance, you can expect to pay approximately anywhere from $50–$350 just for a routine medical exam, which doesn’t include additional expenses such as x-rays , blood tests, or other lab work.

The cost of a doctor's visit

According to Solv’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Rob Rohatsch, the cost of a doctor’s visit can vary widely depending on factors such as:

• The type of doctor you are seeing
• The reason for your visit
• Where you see the doctor, for example, if you go to an urgent care facility or a doctor’s office
• Whether you are a new or established patient
• Any necessary tests or treatments
• Whether you need lab work

Visits to specialists such as primary care providers, pediatricians, and psychiatrists were lower than the average cost, while the most expensive doctor’s visits were for orthopedists and cardiologists.

Data from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality indicates that if you are visiting a doctor and don’t have insurance, you can expect to pay roughly the following amounts. The cost could vary depending on the factors listed above.

• Psychiatry: $159
• Pediatrics: $169
• Primary care: $186
• Dermatology: $268
• OB/GYN: $280
• Ophthalmology: $307
• Cardiology: $335
• All other: $365
• Orthopedics: $419

Additionally, if you are a new patient, there may be an additional charge associated with your new patient exam.

Where to see a doctor without insurance

If you don’t have insurance, the cost of your doctor’s visit can also be affected by where you go to see the doctor. There are many places you can seek medical care, some of which are more affordable than others, notes the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality:

• Community health clinics often provide free medical care or low-cost care, including preventive care, health screenings, and vaccinations .
• Urgent care centers offer many health services. Many don’t require appointments, although your wait time may be less if you schedule an appointment in advance. You can expect to pay around $100 - $200 to see an urgent care provider, plus the cost of any treatments or testing you may need.
• Many health care facilities now offer telehealth services, which are often more convenient and more affordable. For some conditions, however, you may need to be seen in person for proper diagnosis and treatment.
• If your medical need is not urgent, and you know the type of doctor you need to see, you can schedule an appointment with a primary care physician or a specialist at their office. Be sure to ask about their payment policy in advance. If you don’t have insurance, you may be required to pay the entire bill at the time of service.
• If you have a medical emergency, you can visit the nearest emergency room. Even if you don’t have insurance, you will be able to receive treatment. However, this is typically the most expensive option. If you have a non-emergency medical condition that can wait until you can be seen at one of the other options, you will likely save money.

Paying self-pay prices for doctor’s visits

Even if you have insurance, you may be able to save money by paying cash for certain medical services. While preventive care may be covered at 100% by your insurance company, other tests and treatments may be applied to your deductible. If you have a high deductible and don’t expect to meet it – especially if it’s late in the calendar year – paying cash for your medical care may be a cheaper option.

Most doctor’s offices and health care providers charge a higher price when they bill the insurance company. For example, they may charge the insurance company $70 for a treatment or service, but if the patient is paying cash, they may only charge $60. This is known as the self-pay price . If you pay cash, the claim won’t be submitted to your insurance company, but you could end up saving money.

Always ask for pricing information before you agree to any testing or treatment. You are entitled to this information. As of 2021, hospitals are required to disclose self-pay prices, even when the patient has insurance. If the doctor’s office won’t provide you with this information, be persistent, or seek care somewhere else. If you plan on paying self-care prices, you aren’t limited to the providers in your insurance network. You’ll have a wider range of options to choose from, and you can choose a provider who is willing to provide fair, clear prices.

Let your doctor’s office know that you are paying out of pocket, and ask if they offer a discount for self-pay patients. Many doctor’s offices will offer special rates for patients who are paying cash or who do not have insurance; however, they may not advertise these rates, so it’s always a good idea to ask.

Know what you’ll pay ahead of time with Solv ClearPrice TM

According to Healthcare Finance News, more than half of Americans avoid going to the doctor when they’re sick due to high medical costs or unclear costs. Solv is committed to eliminating surprise medical bills with Solv ClearPrice™ . We partner with thousands of providers across the country who have agreed to display self-pay prices for their services. When you book an appointment on Solv, you will be able to see the self-pay price for many common services.

To schedule an appointment, search our directory for a provider in your area. Begin typing the service you are looking for, and choose from the list of options that appear. If you aren’t sure which type of doctor you need to see, you may want to try an urgent care clinic or a walk-in clinic . In many cases, you can schedule an appointment quickly and conveniently online, and many of our providers have same-day or next-day appointments available.

Frequently asked questions

What factors affect the cost of a doctor's visit, what is the average cost of a visit to the doctor’s office, are there any additional charges for new patients, where can i seek medical care if i don't have insurance, what is the self-pay price, are hospitals required to disclose self-pay prices, can i get a discount if i'm paying out of pocket, what is solv clearprice™.

Michael is an experienced healthcare marketer, husband and father of three. He has worked alongside healthcare leaders at Johns Hopkins, Cleveland Clinic, St. Luke's, Baylor Scott and White, HCA, and many more, and currently leads strategic growth at Solv.

Dr. Rob Rohatsch leverages his vast experience in ambulatory medicine, on-demand healthcare, and consumerism to spearhead strategic initiatives. With expertise in operations, revenue cycle management, and clinical practices, he also contributes his knowledge to the academic world, having served in the US Air Force and earned an MD from Jefferson Medical College. Presently, he is part of the faculty at the University of Tennessee's Haslam School of Business, teaching in the Executive MBA Program, and holds positions on various boards, including chairing The TJ Lobraico Foundation.

Solv has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references.

• Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality: Expenses for Office-Based Physician Visits by Specialty and Insurance Type, 2016 https://meps.ahrq.gov/data_files/publications/st517/stat517.shtml
• Hospital Price Transparency, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (2022) https://www.cms.gov/hospital-price-transparency
• More than half of Americans have avoided medical care due to cost (2019) https://www.healthcarefinancenews.com/news/more-half-americans-have-avoided-medical-care-due-cost
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The 8 best online psychiatry services of 2024, according to mental health professionals

By Saya Des Marais, MSW

Expert Contributor Rychel Johnson, MS, LCPC

Reviewed by Stephanie Hope

Fact Checked by Krista Manning

Written by Saya Des Marais, MSW, Fortune Recommends Mental Health Writer

How we test.

Our mental health experts thoroughly examined each online psychiatry provider on this list. We signed up for each platform, investigated available providers, and extensively reviewed patient experiences to come up with this list.

.st0{clip-path:url(#SVGID_00000046340743257271907690000000964648354283835324_);} Trusted experts

This review of the best online psychiatry services has been thoroughly reviewed by an experienced fact-checker and a practicing therapist to ensure quality and accuracy throughout.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 16% of U.S. adults take prescription medication for their mental health. ( 1 ) If you take or are interested in taking medication, you’re definitely not alone, and there’s nothing to be ashamed of. Medication is one of the most effective treatments available for many different mental health conditions, including anxiety ( 2 ), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), ( 3 ) depression ( 4 ) and more.

Therapist Rychel Johnson, who works with individuals living with anxiety and depression, says, “Many people who have one or more mental health conditions could benefit from a combination of therapy and medication to most effectively treat their symptoms. Medication can be helpful long-term or to help achieve a sense of stability for shorter-term concerns.”

Many choices on this list are not an online mental health platform but an online marketplace that lists providers available to you. They facilitate access to therapists; they do not directly provide online therapy services . This distinction ensures users have broader access to qualified mental health professionals, enhancing overall availability and choice. While it’s not appropriate for every situation, using an online psychiatry provider—also called telepsychiatry ( 5 )—can often be more affordable and convenient than finding an in-person psychiatrist. Many online psychiatrists accept your insurance plan and offer same-day appointments. If you need rapid care or you’re dealing with mild to moderate symptoms, then telepsychiatry could be a good option for you.

Best online psychiatrist overall

Brightside Health offers online psychiatry services for an out-of-pocket cost of $95 per month. You can also use your insurance plan to cover the cost.

Our picks for the best online psychiatrist

• Best overall: Brightside Health
• Easiest onboarding: Talkspace
• Best for using insurance: Talkiatry
• Best for no insurance: Sesame
• Best for choosing your provider: Zocdoc
• Best budget: LiveHealth Online
• Best app: Doctor on Demand
• Best for kids: MDLive

Compare online psychiatrists

Best online psychiatrist overall: brightside health.

Best overall online psychiatry service

Brightside health, key product features.

What you should know

Brightside Health is an online mental health platform that provides both psychiatry and therapy services.

• Brightside’s psychiatrists prescribe medications to aid in the treatment of depression and anxiety. They do not prescribe any controlled substances.
• Brightside’s psychiatry-only subscription costs $95 per month. You can also use insurance to lower the cost.
• Brightside’s services are available for people who live with a wide range of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, and more.
• Its unique AI prescribing tool, PrecisionRx, evaluates 1000+ medication/dosage combinations to find the right medication for you.
• Brightside accepts Medicare and Medicaid in select states.

Why we like Brightside as best overall

Brightside’s psychiatry services are a step above the rest. Typically, psychiatric medication and dosage are chosen through a trial-and-error process. Many medications have been shown to be helpful, but what’s effective for one person may not be effective for another. In addition, some people are more tolerant of side effects than others. This can make finding the right medication and dosage a confusing and lengthy process for many.

Brightside has developed its PrecisionRx artificial intelligence model to combat this, which tracks over 100 patient pain points and reviews 1000s of medication and dosage combinations to find the right fit for every patient. According to Brightside, this takes the guesswork out of prescribing.

One study found that this prescribing model helped 75% of Brightside’s patients achieve remission from anxiety and depression. It should be noted that all four of the study’s authors are associated with Brightside itself. ( 6 )

Brightside’s online psychiatry services are also more affordable than other options on this list. If you only need psychiatry services, you can get access for just $95 a month out-of-pocket; going through insurance can bring this price down further. Brightside is also the only option on this list that accepts Medicaid (select states only), which makes its online psychiatry services affordable even to low-income individuals.

By addressing systemic inequalities, Brightside is able to help address the additional strain placed on individuals dealing with financial limits.

“Living with low income can severely impact one’s physical and mental health. It’s crucial that people have access to care through a platform like Brightside.”

Rychel Johnson, Therapist and medical reviewer

Brightside Health isn’t perfect—many former patients report being overcharged in online reviews—but in terms of cost and effectiveness, it is superior to many other online psychiatry providers.

What customers are saying

Overall, Brightside users say that being prescribed medication is simple and quick. One Reddit user with the username “Glitch_beast” states, “I signed up for it. I had a video conference consult to discuss my problems, background, and history. Then he mailed out a script the next day.”

“I went to my PCP, who had been prescribing my medication, and told her it’s time to get back to a psychiatrist. Unfortunately, the waitlist is months, if not a year, away. I was reluctant to see an online psychiatrist, but I couldn’t wait. [Brightside] connected me to someone within three days. “

“Riles216”, Apple Store App user

Many negative reviews about Brightside Health are about individual providers. For example, one former patient reports a negative experience with a Brightside psychiatrist who was late to their appointment. According to Apple App Store user “Cosmo Nation”: “I had a meeting with my provider—I waited 15 minutes—then she finally joined the meeting—by this time, I was aggravated that she couldn’t join at the appointment time… If I am expected to join the meeting on time, is it wrong to have the same expectation for them?”

In addition, some people state that they were over- or mistakenly charged for Brightside’s services. Joseph G. on Trustpilot says: “I was told I would not be charged for a short consult by the psychiatrist because I refused medication. The therapist did nothing. I paid for the therapist and canceled. [I was] billed again seven months after service cancelled. Making my mental health worse.”

Easiest onboarding online psychiatrist: Talkspace

Easiest onboarding online psychiatrist

Talkspace accepts most commercial insurance plans, so receiving the psychiatric support you need is easy and affordable.

• Talkspace offers both therapy and psychiatry services that are covered by insurance.
• The average copay for covered patients is less than $30. Out-of-pocket costs are much higher for people without insurance.
• Talkspace’s providers prescribe medications for depression, anxiety, and more. They do not prescribe any controlled substances (stimulants or sedatives).
• You will work with the same provider throughout your treatment.

Why we like Talkspace as easiest onboarding online psychiatrist

Talkspace is mostly known as an online therapy provider; many may not know that, since 2018, it’s also provided psychiatry services. If you’re using your insurance plan to pay for psychiatric support, then Talkspace may be your best bet.

Talkspace connects you with psychiatric providers that can prescribe medications for depression, anxiety, OCD, bipolar disorder, and more. Note that, like most other providers on this list, they do not prescribe any medications on the controlled substances list, including stimulant ADHD medications. If you need medication to manage ADHD, then Talkspace may not be a good choice for you.

Talkspace accepts most commercial insurance plans, including Aetna, Cigna, Optum, and more. The average copay for its covered users is $30, and some people can even receive psychiatry services for free.

However, we found its out-of-pocket pricing information to be confusing. Some pages on its website state that out-of-pocket monthly costs range from $60 to $100, but others clearly list the price for an initial psychiatric evaluation as $299 ($175 for follow-up sessions). Because of these inconsistencies, it’s best to go through insurance when using Talkspace. On top of psychiatry, Talkspace also offers individual and couples therapy and teen counseling. Research shows that a combination of therapy and medication is the best treatment for most mental health disorders ( 7 ), so if Talkspace is covered by your insurance plan, consider taking advantage of all of its services.

Many people are happy with their Talkspace experience, especially when matched with a competent provider. Most say they enjoy the comfort and ease of connecting with Talkspace providers, with one patient saying that Talkspace has been a “game-changer” for them.

“Having this level of access so quickly was a truly life-changing experience. I have recommended Talkspace to my primary care doctor to share with any other patients who may be struggling to make their way up the waitlist or find someone who is accepting new patients.”

Erin T., Trustpilot reviewer

Others, however, state that the Talkspace platform and billing system are difficult to use.

Trustpilot reviewer April L. states, “My time with Talkspace proved to be more stressful and financially draining than beneficial. The platform’s shortcomings in scheduling, insurance coverage, and therapist reliability make it an unreliable option for individuals with busy lifestyles.” Many others claim that they were made to believe their insurance covered Talkspace services when, in reality, they did not.

Best online psychiatrist for using insurance: Talkiatry

Best online psychiatrist for using insurance

Talkiatry is an online platform that can connect you with hundreds of board-certified psychiatrists across the country.

• People with ADHD and other mental health disorders can get prescriptions for controlled substance medications, including Adderall ® and Xanax ® , through Talkiatry.
• Its services are covered by 60+ commercial insurance plans. It does not accept uninsured patients.
• Talkiatry is only available in 43 states.
• Child and adolescent psychiatrists are available for kids over the age of five.

Why we like Talkiatry for best online psychiatrist for using insurance

Unlike many other options on this list, Talkiatry providers offer prescriptions for all types of medications, including those listed as “controlled substances,” for those who need them.

Research shows that these medications are the most effective treatments for certain conditions. For example, the most effective treatments for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), by far, are stimulant medications like Adderall ® and Ritalin ® . ( 8 ) Unfortunately, people without these disorders frequently abuse these medications, which has led many online providers to be unable to ethically prescribe them.

Prescribing controlled substances online is, understandably, a fraught issue in the medical field, with many experts stating it should never be done. On the other hand, if you live with ADHD and need a medication refilled, this can put you in a tight spot.

“Some of my clients have had to miss work or school because of withdrawal effects they experienced from not having access to a refill. Online psychiatry can be helpful, provided that screening for safe use of medications is involved.”

It’s outside of the scope of this article to decide whether it’s ethical or not, but we think it’s important for users to know that they can access needed medication on the Talkiatry platform. Keep in mind that, especially if you’re looking for an ADHD assessment and diagnosis, it’s best to speak to a local psychiatrist who specializes in ADHD.

Talkiatry is available in 43 states across the U.S. and accepts over 60 commercial insurance plans. No private pay option is available, so if you don’t have insurance, you won’t be able to use this service.

Most Talkiatry users appear to be happy with the service itself. Many say they made a positive connection with their assigned providers.

“I had my first appointment mid-October, and it truly could not have gone better. I’m unsure if I was lucky in my psych selection, but he listened to every concern I had and empathized with my difficulty finding a provider who would listen to me. He ran through the basics to reconfirm, and we reviewed my medical history. He sent me on my way, and we made a plan for medication management.”

“CheeseNDrinks”, Reddit user

Many users also state that they received a thorough assessment before being prescribed ADHD medication, with some users reporting that their initial appointments were an hour long.

Most of the negative reviews concern the billing and customer service departments. On Trustpilot, Talkiatry has earned a meager 1.5/5 star rating. One reviewer, Peyton G., provides a possible explanation for the poor reputation: “Before signing up with them I called to confirm they took my insurance and were ‘in-network’, as they widely claim all over their website. However…it turns out the doctor is in network but apparently Talkiatry is out of network. I’m appealing the claim but they are giving me the run-around.”

Best online psychiatrist without insurance: Sesame Care

Best online psychiatrist without insurance

Sesame Care providers offer psychiatry, individual and couples therapy, and other health services for those without insurance.

• Costs vary depending on your chosen provider, but a subscription to Sesame Plus gets you a discount.
• Providers on Sesame Care do not accept insurance.
• You can also connect with urgent care and weight loss providers on Sesame.
• Although the website states that individual and couples therapy are available, reviewers found a lack of providers in several states for these services.

Why we like Sesame Care for those without insurance

Sesame Care is an online marketplace of health providers, including psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners, who can assess and prescribe medications. Many psychiatry providers offer appointments within 24 hours, and you can see reviews and ratings from past patients for each provider.

None of the providers accept insurance. The out-of-pocket cost for Sesame Care varies widely because each provider sets their own rates. Our reviewers found psychiatry providers with per-session costs ranging from only $43 (the minimum rate on Sesame Care) to over $200.

Because Sesame Care is a marketplace, your experience will depend greatly on your chosen provider. However, the website is simple to use and makes up-front costs easy to understand. Most providers we found listed same-day appointments; many even offered sessions within the next hour. Many of the providers offer very reasonable rates, making psychiatric care accessible to those without insurance.

Sesame Care lists therapy providers as well as psychiatrists. However, it’s important to note that providers are limited in some areas. When we searched across several states, we found zero therapists, individual or couples, available. Sesame may not be a good option for you if you need all-around care, but it could be helpful in a pinch when you need a psychiatric prescription quickly.

For general healthcare, people appear to be happy with the affordability and efficiency of Sesame. Patients love being able to see a medical provider right away (often within an hour), and many state that it’s one of the most affordable online health services out there. People especially love Sesame when they need a prescription refill and their regular doctors don’t have any appointments available. From what we see, almost no one uses Sesame for long-term care. Perhaps this patient, Peter H. on Trustpilot, describes it best: “Each provider was helpful, attentive, a good listener, and good at diagnosing. Some medical and medication things that confront us clearly do not require “in-person” visits; some do. For the former category, I like this company.”

Best online psychiatrist for choosing your own provider: ZocDoc

Best online psychiatrist for choosing your own provider

ZocDoc is an expansive marketplace of health providers, including physicians, nurse practitioners, psychiatrists, licensed counselors, and more.

• You can pay for ZocDoc sessions through private pay or filter providers by the ones who accept your insurance.
• Pricing varies by provider. There are no upfront or membership fees for using the platform.
• Finding a provider is easy; simply enter your zip code and the type of service you’re looking for (in this case, “psychiatry”) and get immediate access to providers in your area.
• Many providers have same-day availability. A vast majority of them are available within one or two days.
• Unlike other platforms on this list, ZocDoc had plentiful provider options for psychiatry and therapy.

Why we like ZocDoc for choosing your own psychiatrist

ZocDoc shows you all of the providers in your area and allows you to choose between them. If you’re looking for a psychiatrist, simply type in “psychiatrist” and your zip code; ZocDoc’s easy-to-use platform will show you appropriate providers with upcoming availability.

Feel free to browse through available providers to choose the one that feels like the best fit for you and your needs. You can look through previous patients’ reviews of them, easily check to see if they’re in-network with your insurance plan and browse their calendars to choose a convenient time. You can also see providers’ full names before booking, which allows you to perform perfunctory Google searches to look for additional reviews.

ZocDoc also lives up to its claims; while searching in various areas, we could see that providers were plentiful for both psychiatry and therapy. Some providers on ZocDoc may also be willing to prescribe controlled ADHD medications, although you should ask each individual provider to be sure.

ZocDoc’s platform is easy to navigate, but you’ll have to do some digging to see each provider’s rates. Click on the provider’s name; after scrolling down, you’ll see a section titled “Out-of-pocket fees and assistance,” where rates will be published. Some providers offer sliding scale sessions, which will also be indicated in this section of the website.

Like other marketplace-based services, your experience with ZocDoc will depend greatly on the provider you choose—so read reviews thoroughly and schedule a time with a provider whom you feel confident about.

Like Sesame, most people seem to use ZocDoc for simple physical health concerns, not mental health needs, when they can’t get into their primary care physician.

Many people love ZocDoc’s flexibility and the wide availability of their providers.

“[It’s] absolutely wonderful having this app. I love that I can choose any doctor that I want, just based on their availability. There is absolutely nothing worse than having to Google ‘doctors near me’ and having to call each individual one to find out who can or has time to see you immediately,”

“JLavin4,” Apple App Store user

In terms of psychiatry services specifically, opinions start to falter. One ZocDoc psychiatry user on Reddit with the username “Goose_therapist” writes that the provider they were matched with was “the world’s worst psychiatrist,” explaining: “As soon as she started the session (after being 30 minutes late, mind you), not even saying her name or hello, she goes, ‘Are you looking for medication or a diagnosis or what?’… Very judge-y, no assessments or questionnaires, and hardly asked me any questions about myself.”

Best budget online psychiatrist: LiveHealth Online

Best budget online psychiatrist

Livehealth online.

LiveHealth Online offers an affordable, insurance-friendly online platform for psychiatry and other medical services, but its shorter initial consultations may not suit those seeking a new mental health diagnosis.

• You can view the website or app in Spanish and be connected to Spanish-speaking providers
• LiveHealth Online’s rates for psychiatry are significantly lower than those of other platforms.
• The platform accepts many different commercial insurance plans.
• Its website states that initial psychiatry consultations are 45 minutes long; however, many online reviews state that initial appointments are only 20 minutes long.
• Signing up for LiveHealth Online is free, and there are no additional fees.

Why we like LiveHealth Online for best budget online psychiatrist

You can filter through different providers on LiveHealth Online, including psychiatrists, therapists, urgent care doctors, and allergy specialists. It also has a Spanish language program; you can view the website or app in Spanish and be connected to Spanish-speaking providers.

LiveHealth Online’s rates for psychiatry are significantly lower than those of other platforms. Without insurance, you can expect to pay $185 for an initial psychiatry evaluation and $80 per session for follow-up visits. Signing up for LiveHealth Online is free and there are no additional fees.

The platform also accepts many commercial insurance plans. You can input your insurance information to filter providers in this way.

Its website states that initial psychiatry consultations are 45 minutes long; however, many online reviews state that initial appointments are only 20 minutes long. Keep in mind that 20 minutes is typically not long enough to make an accurate assessment of your mental health, so if you’re looking for a new diagnosis, it may be best to use another platform.

According to therapist Johnson, an appropriate session length for an accurate assessment is at least 1-2 full sessions, at 45 minutes or more each. She says, “The reality of a mental health diagnosis is that it can evolve over time, particularly if more than one mental health issue is present. More time may be needed to understand your symptom presentation and all the factors contributing to your concerns.”

Overall, LiveHealth Online is a reliable and affordable online psychiatry option, especially for those needing refilled medication. This platform may not provide enough support for those at the very beginning of their psychiatry journeys.

Although people agree that LiveHealth’s services are affordable, many have had negative experiences with the platform, resulting in a 1.2-star rating out of 5 on Trustpilot.

One Trustpilot reviewer, Sarah, states, “My provider for psychiatry was extremely rude. She told me she wouldn’t help me because I had too much going on. I was charged $40 to see her for five minutes, just for her to hang up on me. I tried to call customer service to at least try and get my $40 back, but both times I’ve called, they tell me they can’t even find the appointment on my account, so there goes my money.”

On the other hand, other reviewers advise being realistic about what an online psychiatry provider generally can and can’t do.

“People need to understand that this service is for minor/easily diagnosable medical needs. All these complaints are from people trying to use this service for severe medical conditions. Of course, the doctors will tell them they must be seen in person!”

Jacqueline, Trustpilot reviewer

Best online psychiatry app: Doctor on Demand

Best online psychiatry app

Doctor on demand.

Doctor on Demand’s easy-to-navigate app offers select psychiatry appointments with local providers.

• Although the list of available providers is not as extensive as other platforms, our testing found enough providers in most areas. However, provider availability may be limited in your area.
• An initial psychiatric consultation costs $299, and 15-minute follow-up appointments cost $129.
• You can bring down the cost by going through your insurance provider.
• Signing up is easy, but you must first take a short assessment before seeing available mental health providers.
• Compared to other platforms, there are fewer providers with same- or next-day availability.

Why we like Doctor on Demand for best online psychiatry app

Doctor on Demand is a website and app (iOS, Android) that makes it easy to schedule virtual visits with various medical providers, including psychiatrists. Signing up is easy; you only need your name, phone number, location, and insurance information (if you plan to pay with insurance).

After you’ve signed up, you can easily see your area’s psychiatric providers, their available appointment times, and profiles. Unlike some other marketplace apps, Doctor on Demand has consistent pricing across all providers. The initial 45-minute consultation costs $299 for psychiatry appointments, and 15-minute follow-up sessions cost $129. This is higher than some of the other options on this list but still lower than in-person visits.

Although the app is easy to navigate, it’s unfortunate that Doctor on Demand doesn’t include patient reviews of its providers. This makes it difficult to choose which provider you want to work with. However, each provider has an extensive portfolio describing their areas of expertise and treatment approach. We also noticed a greater number of MD psychiatrists on Doctor on Demand versus psychiatric nurse practitioners on other sites.

Keep in mind that you cannot get stimulant ADHD medication through this app; it doesn’t prescribe controlled substances.

Overall, if you’re looking for a simple and convenient approach to psychiatric treatment, Doctor on Demand can be an affordable option—especially if you’re paying with insurance.

People who have used Doctor on Demand for mental health services (including psychiatry) have generally had good experiences.

“I use Doctor on Demand for both my psychiatrist and my psychologist. My psychiatrist can give me the Rx for the meds that I need and has been really great at finding the best combination of meds and doses. My psychologist has been amazing at helping me cope with everything.”

“​​Independent_Art_3214,” Reddit user

Unfortunately, Doctor on Demand only has 1.3 stars on Trustpilot, mostly due to issues with billing. One patient, Janeya T., states on Trustpilot that these billing issues make the app not worth it: “Billing has always been an issue… They’re terrible and it sucks so bad because I absolutely love my therapist, but their customer service and billing make it not worth working with them anymore.”

As for the app itself, Doctor on Demand’s iOS app has earned an impressive 4.9-star rating on the Apple store.

Best online psychiatrist for kids: MDLive

Best online psychiatrist for kids

MDLive is an online health platform that can connect you and your child to a wide range of medical providers, including psychiatrists and counselors.

• MDLive can connect you or your child with psychiatrists who can prescribe medication for depression, anxiety, OCD, and more. Controlled substance prescriptions are not available.
• An initial psychiatric consultation appointment on MDLive costs $284, and follow-ups cost $108.
• Children aged 10 and up can receive psychiatric support from MDLive providers.
• You can use commercial insurance or some Medicare plans to pay for MDLive appointments.
• From our review, most psychiatrists had availability within 2-3 days.

Why we like MDLive as best online psychiatry for kids

Online psychiatry can offer life-saving support for children who suffer from mental health conditions (and their parents). According to the CDC, nearly 10% of American children aged 5 to 17 take medication for their mental health. ( 9 ) The administration of psychiatric medications for children is common enough that having resources to support accurate diagnosis and prescription services is crucial. While many platforms on this list do not serve minors, MDLive provides psychiatric support for children over the age of 10.

When using MDLive for your child, you must be present with your child at the beginning of the initial session to give your consent. The provider may ask you to step away for the remainder of the session to protect your child’s confidentiality.

MDLive psychiatrists can offer prescriptions for medications used to treat pediatric depression, anxiety, OCD, and more. If your child needs ADHD medication, keep in mind that MDLive providers cannot prescribe controlled substances like Adderall ® or Ritalin ® .

After signing up, which is a relatively simple process, you can choose a psychiatric provider from the list. Our testing found that the availability wasn’t extensive, but most metropolitan areas have at least a few providers. Unfortunately, MDLive doesn’t offer patient reviews for its providers, but you can read their profiles. If you choose not to go through insurance, the cost for an initial consultation is $284 and follow-up appointments are $108, which is comparable to or less than other options on this list.

Generally, if your child is struggling with their mental health, it may be best to talk to their pediatrician and get a referral. Online psychiatry options may not be thorough enough to adequately assess their needs. But if your child is having a mental health emergency or if they need a refill on their previously prescribed medication, then MDLive can be a convenient option.

Clients have had varied experiences with MDLive for psychiatry based on where they live and the availability of providers in their area. One patient on Reddit with the username “Unyx” states that, overall, it’s been a positive experience: “I see my psychiatrist through MDLive, and it’s been great. I did see a therapist through it for a while, although I don’t currently. The platform itself is fine, but I didn’t have a ton of options for therapists. It probably varies based on what state you live in, though.”

“It’s hard to beat the convenience of seeing a therapist from home, not to mention the fact that there’s no copay. At least in my state, Florida, there are a ton of therapists available with appointments on weekdays, weekends, and nights.”

“Ctnnb1-Dad,” Reddit user

Other users stated that their evaluations were not thorough enough to diagnose them. Another Reddit user, “WalterTheHedgehog,” says, “I paid almost $300 out of pocket for an evaluation. It took 20 minutes… I do NOT feel this was sufficient time to accurately diagnose someone. It could be very dangerous. It felt pretty rushed, and she asked me very little.”

Especially when it comes to your child, it’s important to connect with a psychiatric provider who you feel was thorough about their evaluation and diagnosis, regardless of the platform you choose. In addition, many reviews of MDLive say that despite claiming to treat children, many providers were reluctant to prescribe them medication and sent them to the emergency room or in-person providers instead.

Our online therapy services testing methodology

Every Fortune teletherapy review features in-depth analyses conducted by reviewers with first-hand mental health experience. Qualified mental health experts then review the information to check for accuracy. All the claims are backed by scientific evidence. Read more about Fortune’s teletherapy testing methodology here .

Therapist quality—30%

A top-notch teletherapy service should feel both personal and professional, not impersonal or generic. It should connect users with certified and experienced therapists, not unqualified individuals. Here’s what we look for:

• Personalization
• Interaction quality

Accessibility and convenience—30%

Teletherapy directly impacts an individual’s ability to seek, engage with, and benefit from mental health services. Everyone’s situation is different, whether it’s a scheduling issue, lack of transportation, or being physically unable to see a therapist in person. With the convenience of teletherapy being a significant advantage, we evaluate:

• Ease of use
• Availability
• Platform reliability

Cost and value—20%

Unfortunately, mental health services are not a financial privilege for most people who don’t have insurance that covers it. In an era where mental health care is more necessary, yet often more expensive than ever, assessing the cost-effectiveness of teletherapy services becomes not just relevant but essential.

Here’s what we factor into a teletherapy’s cost and value rating:

• Pricing transparency
• Insurance and coverage
• Value for money

Support and resources—10%

Having additional support and resources is invaluable for clients seeking to deepen their understanding of mental health issues, learn additional coping strategies, or continue therapeutic work in between sessions. Beyond the therapy sessions, additional support can enhance the therapeutic experience.

Our factors in this rating include:

• Supplementary materials
• Customer support

Privacy and security—10%

While teletherapy is an incredibly convenient way to seek mental health, it poses some risks. Maintaining client confidentiality and data security is paramount in teletherapy. As clients entrust teletherapy services with their mental health information, stories, and vulnerabilities, the responsibility of these platforms to protect such information is paramount.

Here’s what we’re looking for:

• Compliance with HIPAA and data protection laws
• Encryption and security measures
• Anonymity options

How does online psychiatry work?

Seeing an online psychiatrist is just like seeing a psychiatrist in person. The only difference is that, with online psychiatry, you’ll log on to a secure virtual platform for your appointment. For in-person psychiatry, you visit the provider’s physical office space or medical clinic.

The above online psychiatry platforms make scheduling an appointment with a psychiatrist easy. Some platforms match you with a psychiatrist, while others allow you to choose. Before your appointment, you will be given clear instructions about logging in.

During the initial consultation, your online psychiatrist will ask you questions about your medical history, mental health symptoms, and any other psychiatric medications you may have taken before. They will ask you whether you’re allergic to any medications and if you’ve ever experienced any side effects with past medications.

When they have enough information, your online psychiatrist will write you a prescription for the psychiatric medication that they believe will work best for you. Typically, you’ll start your medication on a lower dose that will be increased over time. This helps you tolerate the medication with as few side effects as possible.

Do Medicare and Medicaid cover online psychiatry?

Medicare Plan B covers many of the online psychiatry providers on this list. The only platform covering Medicaid (in some states) is Brightside Health, our pick for the best online psychiatry program.

This doesn’t necessarily mean that no other online psychiatry providers accept Medicaid. The best way to find covered providers is to speak to your Medicaid office or social worker. They can give you information on online psychiatry services that may or may not be covered.

How to choose an online psychiatrist

It’s important to choose an online psychiatrist that can provide you with what you need. For example, if you’re looking for medication specifically, then keep in mind that only medical providers (like psychiatrists, physician’s assistants, and psychiatric nurse practitioners) can prescribe medication for you. In addition, many online psychiatrists don’t prescribe controlled substances like Xanax ® or Adderall ® .

You can also consider looking for an online psychiatrist specializing in the areas where you need support. You’ll see that many online psychiatrists claim to specialize in every area of behavioral health. However, the more specific their area of expertise is, the more tailored the services may be. For example, if you’re looking for ADHD support, then it’s best to work with an online psychiatrist who specializes in ADHD.

Research shows that online mental health support is as effective as in-person support. ( 10 ) Not only is it just as effective, but it can also be more convenient and affordable. However, keep in mind that it typically takes some time, and often some dosage or prescription changes, to see the effect of psychiatric medication.

Yes. Online psychiatrists, like in-person psychiatrists, perform evaluations for the primary purpose of prescribing medications. Some online psychiatrists may not prescribe all types of medication; for example, many online psychiatrists aren’t able to prescribe controlled substance medications, like stimulants (like Adderall ® ) or sedatives (like Xanax ® ).

Yes. According to research, online mental health care is as effective as in-person support.

You can benefit from online psychiatry if you struggle with mental health symptoms like depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, insomnia, and more. If you experience severe symptoms, have been hospitalized for mental health concerns in the past, or are having thoughts of hurting yourself or others, it’s best not to wait for an online psychiatry provider and contact emergency services instead.

Typically, you don’t need a referral for an online psychiatrist. You can use any of the options on our list without a referral. Depending on your insurance coverage, you may need a referral for some online psychiatrists.

Our experts

Rychel Johnson

Rychel Johnson, M.S., LCPC, is a licensed clinical professional counselor in Kansas. She owns a private practice specializing in anxiety treatment and social skills development. Rychel also enjoys extensive road trips and spending time with her husband, daughter, and two cats.

Krista Manning

Krista Manning is an accomplished medical copy editor and fact-checker who stands out in the pharmaceutical, health, and wellness domains. With a meticulous eye for detail and a command of medical language, Krista ensures the accuracy and clarity of content. Beyond her professional expertise, Krista is an advocate for mental health awareness. Recognizing the crucial intersection of psychological and physical well-being, she actively contributes to projects that promote mental health awareness within the healthcare narrative. Krista’s commitment extends beyond the pages she edits, emphasizing the holistic nature of health communication.

Saya Des Marais, MSW

Fortune Recommends Mental Health Writer

The 5 Best Online Psychiatry Services of 2024

Take care of your mental health from home. Here are our top picks for the best online psychiatry platforms based on price, services offered and convenience.

Our Experts

• Carl R. Greer/Andrew D. Hepburn Award for Best Nonfiction Essay (Miami University, 2020)

CNET’s expert staff reviews and rates dozens of new products and services each month, building on more than a quarter century of expertise.

Telehealth has been a godsend for connecting you to your clinician regardless of where you are. You can now receive treatment, attend follow-up appointments and even get a medical prescription, all from the comfort of your home. Patients living anywhere can jump on a quick video or phone call and get the help they need from healthcare providers. 

The same is true for mental health professionals, who have seen significant demand for telepsychiatry services . Psychiatrists can now see patients and prescribe medicine online.

What is a psychiatrist? 

Before deciding whether a psychiatrist is right for you, a distinction needs to be made between the terms "psychologist" and "psychiatrist." Psychologists are mental health professionals who provide psychological counseling (such as therapy ) but are unable to prescribe medication. On the other hand, psychiatrists specialize in the treatment and diagnosis of mental health disorders and can prescribe medication like antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, stimulates, antipsychotics or mood stabilizers. While both are highly skilled and trained, only psychiatrists are medical doctors. 

If you require medication along with counseling, you may have to see both a psychologist and a psychiatrist. 

Is online psychiatry effective?

Online psychiatrists are best for those with busy schedules. They cut out travel time, uncomfortable waiting rooms and according to research, may even cost less than traditional in-person psychiatry . That sounds all positive, but is it as effective? The same study concluded that "telepsychiatry is a feasible and acceptable approach," especially for young people and vulnerable and underserved communities . 

We've rounded up a curated list of the best online psychiatry platforms based on affordability, accessibility, convenience and level of professionalism. 

Best user-friendly app

Talkspace starts off our list of the best online psychiatry services. The app-based company provides medication management for those with anxiety, depression, insomnia, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder. 

Starting services is easy. Take a quick assessment to determine the right psychiatrist for you and answer questions regarding insurance, location and gender preference of a provider. Talkspace will then take up to 48 hours to match you with a licensed psychiatrist or nurse practitioner. 

An initial session is $249, and any follow-up sessions afterward are $125. Bundles for new clients are also available, with an initial session and one follow-up appointment starting at $365, three follow-up appointments at $565 and six follow-up appointments at $849. 

Pros of Talkspace :

• Clients with out-of-network benefits can submit claims and get reimbursed for about 50 to 90% of the cost
• Live video sessions are available through the web or on the app for Android or Apple
• If you don't like your initial provider, you can switch to another at no cost

Cons of Talkspace :

• Talkspace only accepts Premera, Cigna, Gatorcare and Optum insurance plans
• Medication delivery is only available if your insurance allows it
• Individuals under the age of 18 can not use Talkspace's services

Best for collaborative care

Short for "American well," Amwell is a telehealth service based out of Boston, MA. The nationwide company prescribes medication for those with anxiety, bipolar disorder, cognitive disorder, depression, eating disorders, insomnia, OCD and PTSD. 

One of the best parts of Amwell is its ability to collaborate with your primary physician and other providers. You will never have to pay for duplicate prescriptions or tests, and your primary care physician will always be in the loop. 

Sign-ups are always free. Amwell then allows you to browse its providers' personal biographies, education and experience before you choose the right one for you. Finally, schedule your appointments online and talk with your psychiatrist via video. 

The initial 45-minute session is $279, and each 15-minute follow-up session is $109. 

Pros of Amwell :

• Amwell accepts a wide range of insurance providers  
• Psychiatrists are available weekends and evenings
• You can choose your psychiatrist from a wide range of options 

Cons of Amwell :

• Amwell is unable to prescribe controlled substances (such as Adderall) but will give recommendations to your primary care physician
• It may take up to two weeks to match with a psychiatrist and book an appointment
• Amwell doesn't see patients who are younger than 18

Best for busy schedules

One of the first online telehealth companies, Teladoc has a long history of prescribing medicine for both general illness (such as cold and flu, allergies and sinus infections) and mental health. The company helps people with addiction, anxiety, depression, stress, PTSD and others. It also has the most flexible scheduling of the services on this list. 

After signing up, you will be asked to fill out a questionnaire as well as your medical history. Then, you can choose a provider that you believe best fits you. Lastly, input your preferred days and time in which you are available to meet virtually. Each psychiatrist is available seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., perfect for those who need to schedule outside working hours. 

The initial session begins at $299, and each follow-up will be $119. Services are also available in Canada. 

Pros of Teladoc:

• Able to choose your psychiatrist from photos and short bios
• Can schedule video or phone sessions 
• Access to teen mental health 

Cons of Teladoc:

• May take up to a week to get matched with a psychiatrist
• Pricing on the website is not super clear, may depend on your insurance
• Teladoc can not prescribe controlled substances

Best for anxiety and depression

Brightside focuses on helping those living with anxiety and depression. According to the  website , "86% of Brightside members feel better within 12 weeks."

Brightside is different in that your service is subscription-based. You will be billed monthly, and while this is nonrefundable, you can cancel at any time. Brightside allows you unlimited access to your psychiatrist via instant message through its app, live video sessions and check-ins. 

Getting started is easy. First, take a mental health evaluation, and then Brightside will match you with a provider who will create a personalized treatment plan for you. Medication is then sent directly to your door. 

The cost varies, but the monthly subscription starts at $95 for unlimited sessions. 

Pros of Brightside:

• You can order your medication to be delivered
• Find and meet with a psychiatrist as soon as 48 hours
• Patients have free access to  Brightside's self-care lessons 

Cons of Brightside:

• Only a few health insurances are accepted (although more plans are coming)
• Monthly bills are nonrefundable 
• You can't choose your psychiatrist

Best for children and teens

Similar to Teladoc, MDLive serves patients with both general illness and mental health conditions. MDLive can prescribe medication for those with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, trauma and PTSD, panic disorders and other mental health conditions.

MDLive serves children and teenagers aged 10 and over. Parents and guardians have the option to choose their child's provider from a long list of mental health professionals. 

After signing up and sharing the reason why you are looking for a psychiatrist, you can choose your own provider. Then connect with your psychiatrist via your phone, tablet or computer. Each session will last from 15 to 30 minutes. 

The initial session is $284, and each follow-up is $108, depending on insurance coverage. 

Pros of MDLive:

• Service is available to children over the age of 10
• Finding and meeting with a provider can be done in just a few days
• Accepts a wide range of insurance providers

Cons of MDLive:

• A parent or guardian must be present during a child's initial session
• Can not prescribe stimulants or substance controlled medications
• MDLive providers can not provide paperwork for disability or emotional support animals

Should you seek a psychiatrist?

Patients pursue psychiatric help for various reasons, whether they need help getting through everyday life, have heavy feelings of sadness or want a potential diagnosis. Seeing a psychiatrist can be a good place to start for patients longing to find relief. 

If you are carrying heavy burdens or simply want to discuss starting a medication, a psychiatrist may be right for you. A provider may also point you in the right direction if you have questions about counseling or therapy. However, a psychologist is not licensed to prescribe you medications. If medication or diagnosis is your number one concern, seek a psychiatrist. 

Before choosing an online or in-person psychiatrist, make sure to take into consideration your health insurance provider and any preferences you expect from your psychiatrist. The right psychiatrist for you will have experience treating your area of concern and will work with your schedule. 

As always, speak with your primary care physician or therapist before deciding if medication or a psychiatrist is right for you. 

If you have thoughts of suicide or self-harm, seek immediate help by calling 911 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifetime at 988.

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Is It Better to Rent or Buy?

By Mike Bostock ,  Shan Carter ,  Archie Tse and Francesca Paris May 10, 2024

The choice between buying a home and renting one is among the biggest financial decisions that many adults make. But the costs of buying are more varied and complicated than for renting, making it hard to tell which is a better deal. To help you answer this question, our calculator, which was updated in May 2024 to reflect current tax law, takes the most important costs associated with buying or renting and compares the two options. Note that the “winning choice” is the one that makes more financial sense over the long run, not necessarily what you can afford today — only you know what’s in your bank account.

To view this feature, please use a newer browser like Chrome , Firefox or Internet Explorer 9 or later.

The calculator keeps a running tally of the most common expenses of owning and renting. It also takes into account something known as opportunity cost — for example, the return you could have earned by investing your money. (Instead of spending it on a down payment, for example.) The calculator assumes that the profit you would have made in your investments would be taxed as long-term capital gains and adjusts the bottom line accordingly. The calculator tabulates opportunity costs for all parts of buying and renting. All figures are in current dollars.

Tax law regarding deductions can have a significant effect on the relative benefits of buying. The calculator assumes that the house-related tax provisions in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 will expire after 2025, as written into law. Congress might, however, extend the cuts in their original form, or extend and modify them. You can use the toggle to see how your results may vary if the tax cuts are renewed in full, to get a sense of how big the tax impact might be on your decision.

Initial costs are the costs you incur when you go to the closing for the home you are purchasing. This includes the down payment and other fees.

Recurring costs are expenses you will have to pay monthly or yearly in owning your home. These include mortgage payments; condo fees (or other community living fees); maintenance and renovation costs; property taxes; and homeowner’s insurance. A few items are tax deductible, up to a point: property taxes; the interest part of the mortgage payment; and, in some cases, a portion of the common charges. The resulting tax savings are accounted for in the buying total. If your house-related deductions are similar to or smaller than the standard deduction, you’ll get little or no relative tax savings from buying. If your house-related deductions are large enough to make itemizing worthwhile, we only count as savings the amount above the standard deduction.

Opportunity costs are calculated for the initial purchase costs and for the recurring costs. That will give you an idea of how much you could have made if you had invested your money instead of buying your home.

Net proceeds is the amount of money you receive from the sale of your home minus the closing costs, which includes the broker’s commission and other fees, the remaining principal balance that you pay to your mortgage bank and any tax you have to pay on profit that exceeds your capital gains exclusion. If your total is negative, it means you have done very well: You made enough of a profit that it covered not only the cost of your home, but also all of your recurring expenses.

Initial costs include the rent security deposit and, if applicable, the broker’s fee.

Recurring costs include the monthly rent and the cost of renter’s insurance.

Opportunity costs are calculated each year for both your initial costs and your recurring costs.

Net proceeds include the return of the rental security deposit, which typically occurs at the end of a lease.

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