Hims is an online platform that has licensed medical professionals on staff to prescribe medication to address anxiety, depression, hair loss, and sexual dysfunction. One in 10 men experience symptoms of anxiety and depression, and yet fewer than half of them seek treatment. (1) Men may not seek care for numerous reasons, including stigma and pressures of masculinity, but there is help available. (1) An online platform like Hims could help reduce concerns about confidentiality or stigma that men may face more than female mental health consumers, according to therapist Rychel Johnson.
Hims offers medications for some mental health conditions affecting men, and online telepsychiatrists are available to provide support. Access to online mental health platforms can help ease the burden of anxiety and depression by helping people build coping skills. (2)
Johnson adds, “Men who are struggling with mental health concerns can benefit from a male-specific treatment experience. They can trust that a Hims provider has skills and experience geared toward their concerns.”
Our team rigorously researched and tested the Hims psychiatry platform to assess the quality, cost, and convenience of online psychiatry for certain mental health conditions. Read on to see if Hims is the right fit for your telepsychiatry needs.
Key product features
What you should know
Hims provides psychiatry services for common mental health issues affecting men, like anxiety and depression. Its licensed clinicians can prescribe medications and ship them free to you.
- Our tester liked the ease and convenience of having anxiety and depression medications mailed discreetly to his home.
- Hims prescriptions range from $29 to $49 per month, depending on the subscription length. You’ll pay for a three-month prescription upfront.
- Hims psychiatry is suitable for people who have an established diagnosis and prescription and who are seeking refills. Still, people seeking an initial diagnosis may want to seek in-person care or through a live online session.
What is Hims online psychiatry?
Hims online psychiatry is best for men who already have a diagnosis and are certain of the dose of anxiety and/or depression medication they usually take.
The first step on the Hims website is the online quiz asking some self-assessment questions about the following:
- State where you live
- History of taking medication, supplements, or herbal remedies
- Previous mental health diagnoses
- Family history
- Medical conditions like hypertension, diabetes, or seizures
- Smoking status
- Alcohol use
- Recreational drug use
- Emergency contact person
- In the last two weeks, how often have you been feeling;
- Anxious
- Worried
- Have trouble relaxing
- Restless
- Easily annoyed
- Had trouble getting along with other people
- Loss of pleasure in doing things
- Depressed or hopeless
- Sleeping too much or too little
- Loss of energy
- Eating too much or too little
- Had trouble concentration
- Thoughts of hurting oneself or violence against others
Based on your answers, an algorithm will provide a rough estimate of your anxiety and depression. Although this isn’t an official diagnosis, Hims can pair you with a psychiatric provider who may be able to prescribe medication to help you feel better.
Hims online therapy
Please note that Hims made a major change in the services it provides. As of January 31, 2024, Hims no longer offers online therapy. The platform offers assessments, telepsychiatry, and online support groups. If you are looking for an online therapist, you might want to try Brightside or Talkspace.
Please find the following support helplines if you need support; you are not alone.
Mental health National Alliance on Mental Illness NAMI HelpLine: 1-800-950-6264
or text NAMI to 741-741
Crisis Support Services national helpline: 800-273-8255
SAMHSA’s National Helpline (substance abuse and mental health): 800-662-HELP (800-662-4357) Teen Line for youth in need of support: 800-852-8336
Hims app
The Hims app, available for download on iOS and Android devices, allows you to manage your subscription and communicate with your provider.
Customer service
While signing up for a Hims subscription, you may have questions. You can reach customer service by email Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. CST. We tried calling the customer service number but were taken to an automated phone bot that could help cancel a subscription. We were directed back to Hims.com to find answers to other questions we might have. You can also email support@hims.com and expect a response within 48 hours.
What customers are saying
Hims has 5,359 reviews on Trustpilot, with an average star rating of 3.1 out of 5. 45% of reviews are for five stars.
“So far, so good; the help from this app has been tremendous and much more professional than KHealth. The psychiatrist prescribed a medication that has worked wonders on my depression and anxiety, and I’ve been on others over many years. Thank you, Hims!” – verified buyer Devon McK.
Others have not had such a good experience.
“None of the meds I was prescribed helped. I felt it made my depression worse. What a waste of time, money, and effort on my part since I can’t even get a refund for the almost full bottles of those medications.” Says verified buyer Mustafa.
Specs
| Cost | Starting at $29 to $49 monthly, depending on your subscription |
| Insurance accepted | No |
| Provider assignment | Assigned |
| Session type | Messaging, no live in-person or online meetings |
| Platform | Online, mobile app on iOS or Android devices |
| Ages | 18 years and older |
Our Hims online psychiatry experience
Hims claims to have 128 providers in the United States. As noted on the Hims website, some providers are certified to work in several states.
Our tester took the evaluation to see what types of questions the Hims quiz would ask about his mental and physical health. The evaluation was thorough but did not lead to a live consultation with a psychiatrist, which disappointed us.
The evaluation of our tester showed that he had mild depression and anxiety. Two minutes after submitting the evaluation, he got a message that his prescription was approved. They gave him the name of the provider who reviewed the evaluation, but it’s very hard to believe a provider could review and approve within minutes. He received a confirmation email thanking him for submitting the evaluation and another (four minutes later) saying his prescription had been approved. Our tester noted that it “seemed automated, not like an actual person had reviewed it.”
He was offered 5 mg of Lexapro (escitalopram) to start for seven days, after which the prescribing doctor said he could increase his dose to 10 mg by taking two pills every day, but without explaining why the increase was necessary.
Our tester lives in Wisconsin, and the doctor who prescribed him the medication does not have credentials in that state. Additionally, our tester could have his medication shipped to a North Carolina address without answering any questions as to why. Some providers are legally allowed to practice telehealth in other states through telehealth registrations, according to the U.S. Dept of Health and Human Services. Still, it’s unclear if this specific situation qualifies. (4)
How we test online psychiatry
Our online mental health platform reviews include in-depth evaluations from knowledgeable reviewers. All claims are made through evidence-based research. Mental health experts also add valuable insights and assess the content for accuracy. You can read our full teletherapy testing methodology here.
Psychiatrist quality—30%
A quality online psychiatry service must maintain professionalism while offering personalized support. The platform should connect users with qualified and experienced mental health professionals. Here’s what we look for:
- Expertise
- Personalization
- Interaction quality
Accessibility and convenience—30%
One of online psychiatry’s strongest advantages is helping break down many of the barriers people face when seeking mental health services, including high cost, lack of time or transportation, or being unable to get to a clinician’s office in person. These platforms can improve convenience and access to care, so we evaluate them for:
- Ease of use
- Availability
- Platform reliability
Cost and value—20%
The steep cost of therapy can be a difficult obstacle to overcome for many people, especially when it’s not covered by insurance. Mental health care is needed now more than ever, yet the costs put it out of reach for many. Assessing the cost of each platform we review is vital.
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%
What happens when people seek support is crucial, but what happens after each session is just as important. We must constantly work on our health and well-being. We evaluate the additional resources and support each platform offers.
Our factors in this rating include:
- Supplementary materials
- Customer support
- Aftercare
Privacy and security—10%
You will always encounter a level of risk when using online health services. It’s often a tradeoff for the convenience of seeking care from the comfort of your home. However, we expect platforms like Hims to prioritize confidentiality and data security. It’s the responsibility of each service to protect your privacy.
Here’s what we’re looking for:
- Compliance with HIPAA and data protection laws
- Encryption and security measures
- Anonymity options
Compare Hims
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| Hims | Brightside | Talkspace | Talkiatry | Sesame | |
| Rating | |||||
| Cost | $29-$49 monthly | $95-$349 monthly | $276-$476 monthly | Copay varies | Varies by provider |
| Insurance accepted | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Prescriptions available | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Ages treated | 18+ years old | 18+ years old | 13+ years old | 5+ years old | Varies by provider |
How does Hims mental health work?
Hims offers multiple telehealth services, and you can visit the mental health section of the website to get started. A brief quiz walks users through a mental health assessment that, after review by a health provider, may qualify them for a prescription for generic anxiety or depression medications.
You’ll use your email address to create an account. If you are granted a prescription, you’ll need to upload a photo ID of yourself. Lastly, you need to provide payment information, but you won’t be charged until a licensed provider communicates with you about a treatment plan and prescription. The subscription includes messaging with prescribers, medications, and medication delivery. Subscriptions are available for 3, 6, and 12 months.
Provider assignment
Based on your answers, Hims will assign you a psychiatric provider who may be able to prescribe you medication. Although you will not have a live consultation to get started, you should look for a psychiatrist who asks about the following:
- Your mental health history
- Your physical health history
- A list of medications and supplements you currently take
Medication management
Hims psychiatric care includes medication management. Its licensed providers can prescribe eight generic versions of common medications for anxiety and depression. (3, 4)
- Bupropion XL (Wellbutrin XL®)
- Citalopram (Celexa®)
- Duloxetine (Cymbalta®)
- Escitalopram (Lexapro®)
- Sertraline (Zoloft®)
- Fluoxetine (Prozac®)
- Venlafaxine (Effexor®)
- Buspirone (BuSpar®)
Ongoing support/care
Accessing health care through apps and messaging has become more prevalent in recent years. It offers a convenient way to communicate with your provider, check in about how you’re tolerating your medication, and receive reminders. (5) If prescribed medication, you can contact your provider via messaging on the app or website anytime. Be aware your provider will get back to you according to their schedule, so you may want to ask during your first messaging session about the communication expectations for both of you.
Who is Hims mental health right for?
Hims is good for someone who has an existing prescription for common anxiety or depression medication and is familiar with the process of taking medications for these mental health conditions. People with a clear sense of what good mental health looks like might be good candidates for Hims. This entails understanding emotions, behaviors, and coping skills that can help a person during times of stress. (6)
Who should seek an alternative to Hims mental health?
Getting a diagnosis from a licensed mental health provider is the first step. (7) We’re not sure that using Hims to get a diagnosis through the brand’s quiz is the best option for people who have not been diagnosed with an anxiety or depression disorder. Additionally, Hims offerings for mental health medication are very limited. You may need the services of a licensed therapist or social worker who can work with your psychiatric provider to give you a coordinated treatment plan. (8)
If you have an existing diagnosis that isn’t anxiety or depression, Hims is not the platform for you. Hims providers cannot prescribe controlled substances for conditions such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). (9)
Hims is not an alternative to seeking immediate care. If you are having a crisis, contact 911 or have someone you trust take you to an emergency department (ED) at your local hospital. ED visits for mental health have increased in recent years due in part to increased access to insurance. (10)
Types of plans offered by Hims
Since eliminating online therapy and live video sessions from its platform, Hims is primarily a medication provider that offers a few pricing options.
Hims pricing
Hims mental health subscriptions cost between $29–$49 per month, depending on how frequently you want to receive your medication:
- $49 monthly for a three-month subscription, paid as $147 every 90 days.
- $39 monthly for a six-month subscription, paid as $234 every 180 days.
- $29 monthly for a 12-month subscription, paid as $348 annually.
Customer service
You can contact Hims customer service through a contact form on the Hims support site. Hims users can also email customer service at support@forhims.com or call 800-368-0038.
What our experts say
“Having a service aimed at mental health concerns that men share, with access to providers who understand what men deal with in society, is valuable,” Johnson says. “However, psychiatric care with little to no mental health therapy has limits. The Hims platform may not be for everyone seeking help with their mental wellness.”
How to choose the right therapy platform for you
Choosing the right platform depends on several key factors, including provider qualifications, services offered, cost, and communication.
Provider qualifications
You want a provider licensed to treat patients in your state. Some Hims providers can prescribe medications in more than one state. Finding a provider who specializes in the mental health issue you are facing is essential to receiving proper care. Our tester asked Hims customer service how providers are vetted to work for Hims but was unable to get a direct answer.
Services offered
Not all services have the same offerings. Hims is geared toward people with mild anxiety and depression and doesn’t have providers for people with other types of mental health conditions, like ADD or substance-use disorders.
Cost
Cost is a significant factor when considering which platform is right for you. Some platforms accept insurance, which can cut down on costs, while others do not accept insurance. Some platforms accept health savings account (HSA) or flexible spending account (FSA) payments.
Communication
How and when a provider communicates with patients is important. You may prefer a live video session in real-time with follow-up appointments via messaging. Some people prefer phone calls to messaging. It’s best to ask how often you can expect a response between sessions if you have a question or a concern.
FAQs
Does Hims take insurance?
No, Hims does not take insurance. You can pay with health savings accounts (HSAs) or flexible spending accounts (FSA).
How much is Hims online psychiatry without insurance?
Hims prescriptions range from $29 to $49 per month, depending on the subscription length.
Is Hims online psychiatry legitimate?
We have serious concerns about a platform that doesn’t provide medical professionals with real-time access. You can only communicate with your provider through messaging, which limits the provider’s ability to see changes in your body language, tone of voice, and general mood.
What does Hims prescribe for anxiety?
Hims prescribes the following for anxiety: Duloxetine (Cymbalta®), escitalopram (Lexapro®), sertraline (Zoloft®), venlafaxine (Effexor®), and buspirone (BuSpar®).
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.
Lauren Evoy Davis
Fortune Recommends Staff Writer
About Author
Lauren Evoy Davis is a health journalist with expertise in cancer and other chronic conditions. She holds a master’s degree in journalism from American University and a bachelor’s degree in English from Elon University. Her work has been published by the American Society of Clinical Oncology, National Council on Aging, HelpGuide WebMD, Everyday Health and Verizon. She tests meal kits, meal delivery services, and fitness apps. When not writing or reading, Lauren enjoys paddle boarding on the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland, weightlifting, and gardening.
References
- Anxiety and Depression Association of America. Men’s mental health. Accessed October 24, 2024. https://adaa.org/find-help/by-demographics/mens-mental-health
- Shih, Y.H., Wang, J.Y., Chou, P.H., & Lin, K.H. (2023, December). The effects of treatment via telemedicine interventions for patients with depression on depressive symptoms and quality of life: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Ann Med, 55(1):1092-1101. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10026747/
- Chu, A., & Wadhwa, R. (2023, May 1). Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK554406/
- U.S. Dept of Health and Human Services. Licensing across state lines. Accessed October 25, 2024. https://telehealth.hhs.gov/licensure/licensing-across-state-lines#
- Rathbone, A.L., & Prescott, J. (2017, August 24). The use of mobile apps and SMS messaging as physical and mental health interventions: Systematic review. J Med Internet Res, 19(8):e295. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28838887/
- Fusar-Poli, P., Salazar de Pablo, G., De Micheli, A., Nieman, D.H., Correll, C.U., Kessing, L.V., Pfennig, A., Bechdolf, A., Borgwardt, S., Arango, C., & van Amelsvoort, T. (2020, February). What is good mental health? A scoping review. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol, 31:33-46. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31901337/
- Dalgleish T, Black M, Johnston D, Bevan A. Transdiagnostic approaches to mental health problems: Current status and future directions. J Consult Clin Psychol. 2020 Mar;88(3):179-195. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32068421/
- Shalit, B., & Gettas, M. (2020, July 1). Mental health crisis: Depression, anxiety, and COVID-19. Dela J Public Health, 6(2):44-46. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8389816/
- Cleveland Clinic. ADHD medication. Accessed October 30, 2024.https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/11766-adhd-medication
- Theriault, K.M., Rosenheck, R.A., & Rhee, T.G. (2020, July 28). Increasing Emergency Department Visits for Mental Health Conditions in the United States. J Clin Psychiatry, 81(5):20m13241 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32726001/