Written by Steph Coelho, Fortune Recommends Writer
Online therapy is a convenient way to access mental health care services without having to leave your home. Evidence shows that virtual therapy can be just as effective as in-person therapy, including when treating common mental health conditions affecting older adults, like anxiety and depression. (1)
Therapist Rychel Johnson shares that many of her counseling clients appreciate the flexibility that online sessions offer. “For people who struggle to leave their house or have difficulty getting to a therapy office, it adds a way to access the mental health care they need,” she says.
Online therapy services like Brightside help improve access to mental health treatment by offering virtual appointments that connect you through video or phone to trained mental health professionals. (2) In our review, we cover Brightside’s pros and cons, how the platform works, how much it costs, whether it accepts insurance, and much more to give you the insight you need to determine if it’s right for you.
We tested Brightside’s online therapy platform by signing up for and engaging with a month of virtual therapy sessions. Signing up was quick and easy. While our initial therapist match wasn’t the right fit, connecting to a new provider within 48 hours was easy. Overall, we had a positive therapy experience with Brightside and appreciated the platform’s affordable pricing and flexible insurance coverage.
Key product features
What you should know
- Brightside offers live video visits with mental health providers and psychiatrists, enabling patients to have real-time, face-to-face consultations from the comfort and privacy of their own homes.
- Brightside accepts many forms of insurance, including Medicaid and Medicare, which helps to significantly lower the cost barrier for a wide range of individuals.
- Based on the average per-session cost, the service is more affordable than other online therapy platforms, making it a cost-effective option for individuals seeking quality mental health care without the high expenses.
- You can message your provider anytime through in-app messaging, offering continuous support and the ability to address concerns, ask questions, or seek guidance between scheduled sessions.
What is Brightside?
Brightside, also known as Brightside Health, is a telehealth platform that offers psychiatric and individual therapy services via a monthly subscription plan. The service specializes in mental health treatment for people with depression and anxiety, providing accessible and personalized care through virtual means. Brightside’s services are designed to bridge the gap in mental health care by offering convenient, evidence-based treatments that patients can access from their homes.
One of Brightside’s standout features is its acceptance of insurance. As an online therapy platform that takes insurance, it’s a rare service compared to its competitors. Many mental health providers do not accept insurance, which can make services cost-prohibitive. (3) By accepting insurance, Brightside significantly reduces the financial burden on patients, making mental health care more accessible. For those without insurance, Brightside offers affordable pricing that is often more cost-effective than traditional in-person therapy or other online platforms.
How does Brightside work?
To use Brightside’s online therapy services, select the “check appointment availability” option from the homepage dropdown. You’ll be prompted to complete a short survey to help match you with a provider licensed to practice in your state. Brightside will also verify your age—the service is available only for people 18 and older, except in Texas and Florida, where it offers Teen Care for ages 13 and up.
The questionnaire will also ask about your mental health concerns. If you’re unsure what type of help you seek, there’s an “I’m not sure” checkbox. Next, the platform will let you know the earliest appointment availability for providers in your area and lead you through a two-minute mental health assessment to inform your treatment recommendation.
After that, you can use your treatment recommendation to choose a plan (therapy, psychiatry, or both), enter some personal information, and book your first video appointment with your chosen mental health provider. Our product testers found the sign-up process simple and speedy. The questionnaire is easy to complete regardless of whether you’re on a desktop or accessing the site or app via your mobile phone. Booking appointments is seamless, too, but availability may vary depending on who the platform matches you with.
When you book your first appointment, you’ll receive a text reminder with a link to reschedule if needed. You’ll also receive two additional appointment reminders via text 60 minutes and 15 minutes before your scheduled therapy session. Each text will contain a Zoom link to the session. In addition to 45-minute video sessions, your therapist will also have you complete self-guided, app-based lessons every week.
If you decide your therapist isn’t a good match for you, it’s simple to contact customer service and request a change. When our tester asked to switch, it took less than 48 hours to make the swap, and the new therapist had access to notes from previous sessions, making it easy to pick up where they’d left off with the previous provider.
You should be encouraged to switch providers until you find one that fits your needs best. Every few weeks, the platform prompts you to complete a survey and check your feelings. Your therapist will access this feedback to gauge how you respond to the care. You can both track your progress over time.
Live video therapy sessions
The main vehicle for therapy sessions with Brightside is live video sessions through the company’s secure mobile app. The monthly therapy plan includes four video sessions, but supplemental sessions are available for a fee.
In addition to the live video appointments, users can text message unlimited with their provider between video visits using the app.
Who is Brightside right for?
According to its website, Brightside providers can help treat anxiety and depression as well as the following mental health conditions: (4)
- General anxiety disorder (GAD)
- Major depressive disorder
- Panic disorder
- Phobia
- Social anxiety disorder
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) (5)
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (6)
- Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
- Postpartum depression
- Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)
- Insomnia
- Bipolar disorder II
Additionally, we noted a diverse selection of mental health providers during the initial appointment scheduling process. While browsing through providers, you should be able to book with one who matches your location, gender, faith, or age preferences.
Who should seek an alternative to Brightside
Depending on the provider, session availability may be an issue if you need or want frequent support. Our tester faced some roadblocks when booking multiple sessions with certain providers.
It’s also not suitable for people under the age of 18 in most states, people looking for online family therapy, and those looking for group therapy sessions. Online care is not recommended for people in certain situations or with certain conditions, which may include ongoing self-harm or high-risk behavior, medically unstable eating disorders, symptoms of psychosis, severe substance use, and others.
Not all people are a good match for an online therapy service like Brightside. Sometimes, connecting in person with a therapist is paramount to success in mental health treatment. It can be particularly helpful for individuals who have never done therapy before to at least be able to start with in-person sessions as they become comfortable with the idea of therapy.
Types of plans offered by Brightside
Brightside offers online therapy and psychiatric services. Although the providers’ approaches may vary, they all use evidence-based cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) practices. (7)
Available plans include:
- Therapy plan: This plan includes four monthly live video therapy sessions and unlimited messaging between appointments.
- Psychiatry plan: The psychiatry plan includes one initial 30-minute consultation with a provider who may prescribe medication to treat symptoms of a mental health condition if they deem it medically necessary. If a provider prescribes medication, they will email you bi-weekly to see how you respond. The plan does not include follow-up video sessions.
- Medication and therapy plan: This includes virtual therapy and psychiatry services.
Unlike other online therapy or psychiatry services, Brightside also offers Crisis Care for people at higher risk of suicide based on a Collaborative Assessment and Management of Suicidality (CAMS) framework. This care option requires an eligibility screening with a CAMS-trained clinician. Follow-ups involve once-a-week video sessions with the provider, messaging between sessions, and ongoing proactive suicide risk monitoring.
According to the Brightside website, patients eligible and enrolled in Crisis Care can participate in the program for up to 12 weeks with a minimum requirement of four weeks. Once a clinician determines it is safe and appropriate, a patient can transition out of the program to routine services for ongoing management of symptoms.
The company notes this service is available for people who are:
- Actively suicidal
- Have recently attempted suicide
- Need follow-up care after being hospitalized
That said, Brightside notes that Crisis Care isn’t appropriate for people who are at “imminent risk of harm and require emergency services.” In these cases, you should call 911.
Does Brightside prescribe medication?
Brightside providers are available to help with medication management for your existing psychiatric medications or determine whether a new prescription is right for you. (8) All psychiatric providers on the platform follow American Psychiatric Association (APA) guidelines for prescribing.
After your initial psychiatry consultation, your provider may recommend a treatment plan involving a prescription for medication, medication and therapy combined, or therapy alone. Brightside providers use a proprietary tool called PrecisionRx to make research-backed prescription decisions—just one of the reasons the platform made our list of the best online psychiatrist platforms. (9)
While the platform no longer offers medication delivery, Brightside can send prescriptions to the pharmacy of your choice.
Suppose you do intend to use Brightside for medication management. In that case, it’s important to know that its providers do not prescribe certain controlled substances like Xanax® (prescribed for treatment of GAD, panic disorder, or agoraphobia), or Adderall® (prescribed for treatment of ADHD). You can view a list of medications available through Brightside on its website.
Can I receive a mental health diagnosis through Brightside?
If you’re unsure what kind of help you need, Brightside offers a free assessment to help you decide. You’ll be prompted to complete a short, personalized treatment recommendation questionnaire.Remember that you need to input some personal information for this free assessment to ensure you’re eligible and that Brightside can provide services where you’re located.
Receiving a diagnosis will require a consultation with a psychiatric provider, after which a personalized care plan will be developed.
In case of an emergency
Trying to find help during a crisis can be exhausting. In an emergency or crisis, waiting for a therapy or psychiatry appointment isn’t safe. 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: (10)
- 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, or drinking)
- Not sleeping
- Having mood swings
How therapists are onboarded
Brightside Health therapists are a mix of both independent contractors and full-time employees. Brightside prioritizes a seamless and efficient onboarding process for the therapists. The approach ensures compliance with industry standards and supports new therapists as they integrate into the team. Brightside uses an applicant tracking system to complete each task. The process includes:
- Credentialing: Brightside’s credentialing team works to verify licenses, certifications, and educational credentials to maintain high standards of care. Utilizing credentialing platforms such as CAQH and Verifiable, Brightside ensures that all therapists are credentialed with insurance payers.
- Data collection: This includes gathering information for the portal including bios, professional headshots, and other general questions about the therapist.
- Background checks: Comprehensive background checks are conducted to ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. Brightside conducts these through Yardstick, a background check vendor. New hires complete an identity verification, criminal background check, and public social media check.
- Orientation and training: New hires participate in a live orientation hosted by clinical leadership. New hires will be given additional asynchronous training designed to familiarize them with Brightside’s systems, protocols, and best practices.
- Success: This entails a one-on-one meeting with a Provider Success Manager prior to starting their first day to help therapists feel successful right away in their role.
How many therapists are on the platform?
While Brightside was unable to share an exact number when we asked them this question, they did note that Brightside therapists are available in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. and licensed in the states where they practice. All of Brightside’s therapists have:
- A master’s or doctorate degree in clinical psychology, clinical social work, or counseling from an accredited program
- Experience delivering evidence-based care for anxiety, depression, and other related mood disorders
Onboarding new users
All prospective members take a free assessment, which provides a personalized treatment plan, including their eligibility to be treated with Brightside and the recommended level of care.
From there, new users are prompted to select a plan type (medication, therapy, or a combination of both) and a payment method. Prospective members can pay for their membership via self-pay or through insurance, depending on their provider and plan type.
If a prospective member is clinically eligible for Crisis Care (Brightside’s program for those at elevated suicide risk) they will not be offered other plan options as Brightside has deemed that is the most effective and appropriate plan for their needs.
Lastly, prospective members are asked to review the availability of their care team and schedule their initial appointment.
How are new users matched with a therapist?
Brightside matches prospective members with their care team, which consists of a therapist and/or psychiatrist, depending on the prospective member’s specific treatment needs and plan type. If a prospective or current member is interested in meeting with a different provider, they can reach out to Brightside’s Member Services team to request reassignment.
How much does Brightside cost?
Brightside pricing depends on the plan you choose:
- Therapy only: $299 monthly for unlimited messaging and four video sessions; additional video appointments cost $59
- Psychiatry only: $95 per month, plus pharmacy copay for any medication prescribed
- Therapy and medication: $349 per month
- Psychiatry services with Crisis Care: Available through insurance only and only available in certain states
If you can’t make an appointment, you must reschedule with 24-hour notice. Failure to do so may result in a no-show fee of up to $70.
Overall, Brightside is more affordable than other platforms per session, with an average cost of $74.75.
Does Brightside take Medicare or insurance?
One advantage of Brightside is that the company works with many insurance companies to make accessing therapy easier and more affordable. Brightside is our pick for the “Best online psychiatry platform that takes insurance.” It offers flexible coverage through Medicare, Medicaid, and Medicare Advantage in some states and several major private insurance plans, such as:
- Aetna
- Cigna
- UnitedHealthcare
- Allegiance
You can learn more about specific insurance coverage by completing an online form via the Brightside website. Note that even if Brightside accepts your insurance, you’re responsible for any copays, coinsurance, and deductibles outlined by your plan.
You can also pay for your Brightside plan using credit or debit card (Visa or Mastercard) and HSA or FSA funds. If Brightside doesn’t accept your insurance or out-of-pocket costs are too high, check out our picks for the most affordable online therapy platforms.
Does Brightside offer financial aid?
When our testers phoned Brightside customer service to find out about financial aid offerings, they were told that financial aid or payment plans may be available through the billing department, but there is no guarantee.
We’ve Featured Brightside in:
- Best Online Psychiatrists Platforms that take Insurance
- Best Online Therapy Platforms for ADHD
- Best Online Psychiatry Services
- Best Online Therapy Services that take Insurance
- Best Online Therapy Services
- Best Online Therapy Platforms for Depression
- Best Online Therapy Platforms for Anxiety
- Best Online Therapy Services for Teens
- Best Affordable Online Therapy Options
- Best Mental Health Apps
- Best Online Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Options
Specs
| Cost (monthly) | If paying with insurance: Insurance co-pay If paying out of pocket: $95 + pharmacy co-pay (psychiatry) or $299 (therapy) or $349 (psychiatry + therapy) |
| Insurances accepted | Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, Allegiance, Anthem, and more |
| Session type | Video, messaging, phone |
| Ages | 13+ years old |
| Treatment options | Psychiatry, therapy |
| Platform | Online, mobile app |
Brightside vs. other online psychiatry platforms
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| Brightside | Talkspace | Talkiatry | BetterHelp | |
| Rating | ||||
| Monthly cost | $95–$349 | $276–$436 | Varies depending on insurance (about $30 copay per session) | $280–$400 |
| Therapy option | Live video calls with unlimited messaging | Live video calls, phone call, or chat and unlimited messaging | Live video calls with unlimited messaging | Live video calls, phone calls, or chat and unlimited messaging |
| Insurance accepted | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Financial aid | Case-by-case basis (contact the billing department for information) | No | No | Yes |
| Prescriptions available | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
FAQs
How much does Brightside cost?
The therapy plan includes four video chat sessions and unlimited messaging for $299 per month. Psychiatry services cost $95 per month, not including medication costs. The cost is $349 per month for both psychiatry and therapy services. The cost of Crisis Care services varies depending on your insurance provider.
How does Brightside work?
Based on your mental health care needs and location, you fill out an initial questionnaire to determine whether Brightside may be a good fit for you. Once you select a plan—therapy, psychiatry, or both—the platform will suggest a few online providers in your area. The monthly therapy plan includes four live video chat sessions with your therapist.
Can Brightside prescribe medication?
Yes. Brightside has a team of clinicians who can prescribe appropriate medications for your situation. However, Brightside does not prescribe controlled substances.
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.
Steph Coelho
Fortune Recommends Writer
About Author
Steph Coelho is a freelance writer and journalist with a particular interest in health and wellness. She is determined to write about health and wellness in an inclusive way and seeks to critically examine our society’s concept of “health.”