Written by Kate Van Dis, Fortune Recommends Writer
Many people prefer virtual therapy to in-person therapy because they can join sessions from the privacy of their own homes. (1) Another benefit of online therapy services is access to a wider selection of providers, which may make finding a therapist who takes your insurance easier.
According to therapist Rychel Johnson, “Providing telehealth has opened doors for people to have therapy who otherwise can’t make it for an in-person appointment. Whether it’s transportation issues, agoraphobia, or to maintain better privacy, online options can fill in treatment gaps.”
On the Zocdoc platform, users can search a network of thousands of providers, from primary care physicians (PCPs) to psychiatrists. Our testers mystery-shopped Zocdoc’s mental health care options. We browsed providers, booked appointments, attended therapy sessions, and interacted with the customer service team. In our review, we explain how Zocdoc works and cover the pros and cons of the platform.
Key product features
What you should know
- Zocdoc is an extensive online database connecting individuals with a wide range of healthcare providers, including thousands of mental health professionals and psychiatrists.
- You can search for providers who are in-network with your insurance to help avoid out-of-pocket expenses by ensuring that the providers you choose are covered under your insurance policies.
- The cost of services on Zocdoc can vary depending on the provider and their location. Each professional sets their own feeds, which can be influenced by their expertise, specialty, and the region where they practice.
- Zocdoc offers advanced search filters that allow you to tailor your provider search based on specific criteria such as specialty, ethnicity, language spoken, and more.
What is Zocdoc?
Zocdoc is an online network of healthcare providers, including therapists, psychologists, and psychiatrists. It helps expand the geographic range of your search for virtual therapy. You typically need to be in the same state as your provider but not the same ZIP code. This is especially helpful if you need to find an in-network provider and live in an area where mental health care providers have long wait lists or perhaps don’t live near a major metro area with a large selection of providers.
On the Zocdoc platform, you can search for a provider using various filters, including language spoken, faith, gender identity, and specialty. It’s also possible to find a same-day or same-week appointment on Zocdoc, though this availability varies depending on where you live. Zocdoc works with the provider’s office to book your appointment, adding an extra communication layer to the scheduling process. For this reason, booking an appointment on Zocdoc isn’t as streamlined as booking an appointment on platforms like BetterHelp, where booking and appointments are all taken care of within the platform.
While research suggests that teletherapy can be just as effective as in-person therapy (2), if you prefer to occasionally meet a provider face-to-face, Zocdoc offers users the option to book either in-person or online appointments, a feature many online therapy platforms lack. (3) Having the option to meet in different ways can add a layer of autonomy for the consumer, who can choose how to meet with their therapist.
How does Zocdoc work?
Finding a provider
You don’t have to create an account to see the availability of Zocdoc providers who meet your needs. Just head to the search bar on the Zocdoc website’s main page. Enter the type of provider you wish to see, your location, and how you plan to pay (enter your insurance information or select “I’m paying for myself”). Then, click the search icon. You’ll be asked to answer a few questions to refine the search, such as what mental health symptoms you’re experiencing and whether the appointment is for yourself or another family member.
You’ll then be directed to a page of possible providers. Results will vary by location and insurance, as shown in the following searches, as well as by age, diagnosis, and treatment:
- Therapist/counselor in Boston, Massachusetts, who takes Medicare Part B: 33 in-network providers
- Psychiatrist in Jacksonville, Florida, who takes United Healthcare Choice: 421 in-network providers.
- Psychologist in Fort Collins, Colorado, who takes Medicaid (Health First Colorado): 11 in-network providers
In the above searches, several providers had appointments available the same week we searched for care. You can use the filters at the top of the page to narrow your search, including the following criteria:
- Area of specialty (such as addiction specialist or marriage and family therapist)
- Distance (in case you wish to see the provider in person)
- Gender
- Age ranges the provider works with
- Provider ethnicity
- Languages spoken by provider (some options include English, French, Hindi, and Spanish)
- Faith
- Treatment approaches (such as art therapy, biofeedback, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), or trauma-focused)
Booking an appointment
Use the filters to select a provider, then click on an appointment time. You’ll be directed to enter more details, including your insurance ID or payment info, before clicking “Book Appointment.” This is where our testers experienced some roadblocks.
We learned from our testers that Zocdoc appointments are not fully booked until the provider’s office has also confirmed them. One tester’s appointment was delayed due to a lag in confirmation time from the provider’s office. Another tester was instructed by the provider’s office to download an app to confirm her appointment. Overall, booking an appointment was a confusing process, with email confirmations from three different platforms.
Therapy sessions
In your initial provider search, Zocdoc will ask what type of appointment you prefer: video or in-person. If you want a provider offering virtual and in-person sessions, you can select “I’m open to either.” Our testers chose to attend video sessions.
While our testers experienced frustrations in the Zocdoc booking process, they reported satisfaction with their actual providers.
“I was able to find a therapy provider that I stuck with for a long time through Zocdoc. I liked that the filters helped me look for someone I felt comfortable with, especially when I felt quite vulnerable.”
Team product tester
Customer service
Overall, our testers had positive experiences with Zocdoc customer service. However, one of our testers was charged for a session even though her provider didn’t attend. The customer service representative she spoke to on the phone was kind and responsive. Though Zocdoc couldn’t remove a charge from the provider’s office, the representative did offer to contact the provider directly. A few hours later, our tester received a refund from the provider.
You can contact customer service via:
- Phone: Call 855-962-3621, available 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET, weekends and holidays
- Email: service@zocdoc.com
- Live chat on the website
- Contact form on the website
How therapists are onboarded
According to Zocdoc, all providers go through a vetting process before they can be listed on the marketplace. First, Zocdoc confirms the therapists have the appropriate licenses for their specialties, their licenses are active, and they’re in good standing to practice. Their profile will reflect the states in which they are licensed to practice. Zocdoc also confirms their specialty, education, and any board certifications listed in their profile and ensures they’re not excluded from federal healthcare programs like Medicare and Medicaid. Only then are they approved to join the marketplace. However, it’s important to note that Zocdoc does not make any representations about the doctor’s ability to provide medical care.
Once onboarded, therapists can manage their appointment availability, accepted insurance plans, and relevant visit reasons through their own account. Mental health providers can update their profile to include:
- Areas of expertise (e.g., treatment approach, focus areas, modality, age ranges)
- Identity (e.g., gender, sexuality, ethnicity, faith)
- Answers to common FAQs to help patients get to know you and your therapy process (e.g., how you handle payments, diagnostic process)
- Pricing and payment options (e.g. self-pay session fees, reimbursement assistance offered)
Providers on Zocdoc also go through an annual re-vetting process to review all the items that were first verified when they joined the platform.
Additionally, to remain on Zocdoc, providers must uphold the Community Standards, which you can learn more about here. When there are complaints, the Trust and Safety team investigates them, and depending on the frequency and severity of the complaint, Zocdoc may take actions ranging from issuing a warning to completely removing the provider from the platform.
All providers are customers of Zocdoc. It does not employ them directly or as independent contractors. Zocdoc simply provides a marketplace for mental health care providers looking to reach new customers and grow their patient roster.
How many therapists are on Zocdoc?
After speaking with a representative at Zocdoc, they informed us that this is not a number they disclose, but more than 100,000 providers participate in Zocdoc across all 50 states. In the mental health space, Zocdoc works with providers of all types, from solo practitioners to large mental health platforms like Grow Therapy, LifeStance, and more. Grow Therapy is a provider client and lists providers on Zocdoc. Zocdoc has ample mental health providers available on the marketplace.
Onboarding new users
Getting started on Zocdoc is simple. Anyone can visit the website or download the free Zocdoc app to search for the right provider for their needs. To book an appointment, users must create an account. From there, they’re able to schedule a visit with the provider of their choosing at the time of their choosing. They will also receive reminders for their upcoming visit and have the option to fill out their paperwork digitally ahead of the visit and save it for future appointments.
How are new users matched with a therapist?
Zocdoc does not match patients and providers. Rather, patients are empowered to independently find and book the mental health provider that best suits their needs. Earlier this year, Zocdoc launched “Guided Search” to help patients more confidently connect with the right provider.
Guided Search works by helping patients find relevant, in-network doctors based on their specific symptoms, whether they’re seeking, for example, a psychologist versus a psychiatrist, or an optometrist versus an ophthalmologist.
For therapists, Guided Search will:
- Increase bookings from patients that match the provider’s expertise and scope of practice.
- Ensure providers appear in more relevant search results for the visit reasons that a patient lists.
- Help providers better prepare before each appointment by understanding the reason for a patient’s visit.
Who is Zocdoc right for?
Zocdoc might be a good fit for you if you value choosing your own provider. (4) Clients sometimes feel more comfortable with clinicians who have similar identities. The most important aspect of matching with a therapist based on identity is whether it strengthens the therapeutic relationship, as this relationship is the single most influential element in determining the success of therapy outcomes. If you’d feel more comfortable with a therapist who shares certain aspects of your identity—such as race, gender identity, or faith—you might appreciate the ability to narrow your search using Zocdoc’s many filters.
You may also want to consider using Zocdoc if you’re having trouble finding an in-network mental health care provider in your area. (5) On Zocdoc, you can search statewide for virtual visits with providers who take your insurance plan.
Who should seek an alternative to Zocdoc
To find the right provider on Zocdoc, one of our testers shared, “You need a lot of patience. Since providers are responsible for their profile information, things like availability and insurance coverage may not be accurate.” You may also have to be tolerant of multiple communications—from both Zocdoc and the provider’s office.
Trying to find help during a crisis can be exhausting. In an emergency or crisis, waiting for a therapy appointment isn’t safe. (6) If there is an emergency, including plans to harm yourself or others, call 911. If you are having suicidal thoughts or experiencing a crisis, you should seek in-person care immediately. You can also call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
You may be experiencing a mental health crisis if you are:
- Feeling sad or depressed most of the time
- Acting violently (punching a hole in the wall, fighting with other people)
- Feeling anxious or agitated
- Feeling hopeless or like there’s no reason to live
- Not taking care of yourself (not brushing your teeth or hair, eating, drinking)
- Not sleeping
- Having mood swings
- Writing a will or getting your affairs in order
Types of counseling offered by Zocdoc
Zocdoc offers a huge network of mental health providers, including therapists, psychologists, and psychiatrists. Once you’ve identified your geographic area and the type of provider you’re looking for, you can choose the “therapy” filter to find a specific type of counseling. Types of counseling offered will vary by location, but here’s a selection of options included in the Zocdoc filter:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) (7)
- Addiction/substance abuse
- Bereavement/grief counseling
- Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT)
- Family therapy/marriage therapy (8)
- Gender affirming counseling
- Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT)
- Trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT)
Does Zocdoc prescribe medication?
Therapists like licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs) and licensed professional counselors (LPCs) can provide excellent treatment for mental health concerns, but they cannot prescribe medications. (9) If you need a provider who can prescribe medication, search for a psychiatrist, a psychiatric nurse practitioner, or a primary care provider (PCP) on Zocdoc.
When choosing a prescriber type, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to medication management. (10) A PCP is sometimes a less intimidating and more accessible approach for some clients. Healthcare providers generally refer to psychiatry when the client has multiple diagnoses or a complex mental health history. Psychiatrists specialize in medication management for mental health care so they can treat higher acuity concerns. Psychiatrists can also help clients with coping skills similar to talk therapy, where a PCP generally does not offer this specialized treatment.
Can I receive a mental health diagnosis through Zocdoc?
Yes, to receive a mental health diagnosis, you need to see a psychiatrist, psychologist, or other licensed professional, such as a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW). Many providers with these credentials can be found on Zocdoc. Because psychologists and psychiatrists have more advanced training, they may be the better option if you’re experiencing complex symptoms.
How much does Zocdoc cost?
Searching for a provider on Zocdoc is free, and the platform does not handle billing or fees. All fees are set by individual providers and the insurance companies they work with. Therefore, your per-session fee will depend on whether or not you have insurance, the type of insurance you have, where you live, and the type of provider you choose to see.
Our research shows that the average out-of-pocket cost of therapy in the United States ranges from $100–$200 per session, and psychiatry can cost as much as $300 or more per session.
With insurance, per-session rates are typically much lower. (11) Some Zocdoc providers who take insurance will ask you to pay the full session fee upfront. Then, the provider will either submit the insurance claim for you or give you a superbill (an itemized receipt) and ask you to submit the claim yourself. Other Zocdoc providers will only require you to provide a co-pay.
For patients paying out-of-pocket, some Zocdoc providers may offer tiered pricing or lower rates based on your financial needs. There’s no way to filter for this feature, though. You would need to contact providers individually to ask about financial aid options. A few other platforms that offer financial assistance are Online-Therapy.com, Regain, and Open Path Collective on a sliding scale.
Does Zocdoc take Medicare or insurance?
According to the Zocdoc website, Zocdoc providers book across more than 1,000 insurance plans. In our Zocdoc searches, the testers found providers who accept Medicare, Medicaid, and several other types of insurance. (12) Zocdoc makes it easy to narrow your search to providers who are in-network with your plan.
We’ve Featured Zocdoc in:
Specs
| Price | Depends on provider |
| Commercial insurance | No |
| Medicare/Medicaid | Yes, some providers |
| Controlled substances | Yes, some providers |
| Treatment delivery | 1:1 video or in-person |
| Therapy | Yes |
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| Zocdoc | BetterHelp | Brightside | Talkiatry | |
| Rating | ||||
| Cost per session | Varies by provider | $70–$100 per week | $95–$349 per month or the cost of your insurance co-pay | Average co-pay of $30 per session |
| Types of sessions | Live video or in-person | Live video, phone call, or chat plus unlimited messaging | Live video and unlimited messaging | Live video and unlimited messaging |
| Accepts insurance | Many providers accept insurance, including Medicare | No | Yes, including Medicare in some states and certain Medicare Advantage plans | Yes, including certain Medicare plans |
| Offers financial aid | Varies by provider | Yes | No | Yes |
| Prescribes medication | Many providers can prescribe medications | No | Yes (excluding controlled substances) | Yes (excluding controlled substances) |
FAQs
What is Zocdoc?
Zocdoc is an online, searchable database of healthcare professionals, including therapists, psychologists, and psychiatrists. You can search for providers by type of insurance taken, area of specialty, and more. Zocdoc will connect you directly with the provider’s office for booking and billing.
How does Zocdoc work for therapy?
Once you find a provider on Zocdoc who meets your needs, you will book sessions and pay fees through the provider’s office. Most Zocdoc providers offer live video sessions, and some also include in-person appointments.
Does Zocdoc offer a free trial?
Finding a provider on the Zocdoc platform is free, but you will be responsible for fees charged by the healthcare provider you see.
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.
Kate Van Dis
Fortune Recommends Writer
About Author
Kate Van Dis is a health writer in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. She has written for various audiences on health & wellness, education, and aging. Her current focus is on assisted living, home care, and other long-term care options for older adults.