Hers mental health review 2024

What is Hers mental health?

Hers is a telehealth platform specializing in various women’s health services, including mental health, weight loss, hair regrowth, and sexual health. Its mental health team consists of licensed psychiatrists who help provide convenient and affordable medication management for individuals experiencing various conditions, such as anxiety and depression. 

The platform offers a free, comprehensive mental health assessment to help you, and your assigned provider better understand your symptoms and what you’re experiencing. Based on your responses to the questionnaire, the provider will determine if it’s appropriate to prescribe medication and, if so, create a personalized treatment plan. 

It’s a subscription-based service that provides convenient and affordable medication management. It offers a user-friendly online interface and mobile application for communicating with your provider, refilling prescriptions, and tracking your order. Hers also provides helpful resources, including medication tutorials, educational content, and guided mindfulness exercises.

Psychiatry is the only service Hers currently provides, which includes regular check-ins with your psychiatrist to discuss your symptoms, side effects, and medication effectiveness. However, the platform has discontinued its talk therapy and support group services. 

What our experts say

“Medications have been prescribed for anxiety and depression at an increasing rate over the past few years, particularly for women,” said therapist Rychel Johnson. “It makes sense to have a female-specific platform where providers can tailor their patient resources to the specific mental health needs of female adults; however, having a therapy option alongside psychiatry would help people gain more benefit from Hers.”

What customers are saying

Hers online reviews focus primarily on the platform’s other services, but we found a few reviewers on Trustpilot who shared their experience with the psychiatry services. Many reviewers praise the platform’s ease of use and convenience for managing medications. 

“I knew I needed help but couldn’t carve out time (yet) for talk therapy,” Christine W. says. “A friend told me to take the quiz at Hers, and within minutes, I had the help I needed for what I’ve been going through. The diagnosis and treatment were spot on because I’m in my fourth week of treatment, and I’m feeling a thousand times better. All the info on the website prepared me for what to expect in the first few weeks, and here I am, feeling better.”

Unfortunately, the services offered aren’t appropriate for everyone, which was the case for Chandra T. They expressed disappointment in their review: “If you have taken two or more different medications since being diagnosed, Hers will not help you. Less than 10 minutes after I had filled out the questionnaire, I was told that there was nothing they could do for me because I needed more in-depth service. Then they gave me information about whether I don’t have insurance, about online therapy, and other stuff that I found not to be helpful. They also told me to contact my primary doctor.”

Specs

How does Hers mental health work?

Hers offers multiple telehealth services, so you must navigate to the mental health section of the website. The registration process starts with an online assessment, which asks questions about your current mental health symptoms, medical history, and family history.

During this process, you’ll create an account using your email. You can simply log in if you already use Hers or have previously created an account. You can manage all Hers services through the same dashboard online or through the mobile app.

The primary purpose of Hers’ services is medication management, so the questionnaire also asks you to verify your identity for prescribing purposes. You’ll need to upload a photo of yourself and your ID to do this. The final step is to provide your payment information. However, you aren’t charged until your clinician provides your treatment plan and prescription.

Provider assignment

After you complete your assessment, Hers assigns you a licensed provider in your state. The provider evaluates your responses and determines an appropriate treatment plan. Hers says you can expect a message from your provider in your dashboard detailing the plan within 12 to 48 hours. 

For some individuals, medication may not be appropriate, or their mental health status may require a deeper level of support than Hers can provide. In these cases, the provider will inform you that they don’t believe you’re an appropriate candidate for the program and provide information on how you might seek the support you need. 

Medication management

If the provider determines medication is appropriate, they’ll send you a message with your prescription information through your Hers online dashboard and mobile app. You’ll also be able to see it in the app under “My Subscriptions,” where you can track shipping, request refills, and adjust your medication. 

You’ll receive a 90-day supply, which is shipped for free directly to your home. The subscription is auto-renewed every three months. You can cancel at any time, but you must do so at least two days before your next renewal date to avoid getting charged for the next three-month cycle of care and medications.

Ongoing care and support

The subscription plan includes ongoing support from your provider. They’ll check in through the messaging portal after the first and second months of your new treatment plan to see how you’re feeling and responding to the medication. Outside of these check-ins, users have access to unlimited messaging and can message their provider anytime with questions or concerns; they typically respond within 24 hours.

You’ll also have access to various resources through the Hers mobile app. You can view medication tutorials and educational videos on different health topics. You can also participate in on-demand guided meditations and other mindfulness exercises.

Related: The best mental health apps

Who is Hers mental health right for?

Hers can be a good option for individuals seeking convenient online medication management for their mental health. Since all provider interaction is through the messaging portal—and not in person, over the phone, or via video calling—we feel it’s most appropriate for those who have already been diagnosed with a mental health condition and prescribed medication that they tolerate well. 

Keeping that in mind, you may consider Hers mental health services if you relate to any of the following:

• You suffer from anxiety or depression: Medication is a common part of the treatment protocol for those diagnosed with anxiety and depression. (5) Hers providers can prescribe generic forms of common medications used to treat these conditions, such as Zoloft, Prozac, and Lexapro.
• You have trouble sleeping: Difficulty sleeping is a common symptom of anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions. Lack of sleep can also lead to and worsen psychiatric disorders. (6) Hers providers can diagnose and treat mental health conditions that may be associated with your insomnia.
• You’re experiencing job stress or burnout: Studies have shown that burnout and stress can be strongly associated with mental health problems, including anxiety and depression. (7, 8) A Hers provider can help you determine if medication is an appropriate treatment option for what you’re experiencing.
• You’re coping with major life changes: Your mental health changes over time, especially when you experience major life events, like a career change, major illness, loss, or grief. (9) Seeking mental health care through a platform like Hers can help you cope.
• You’re uninsured or underinsured: Lack of insurance and high out-of-pocket costs remain significant barriers to receiving mental health care. (10) Hers mental health platform doesn’t require insurance and provides an affordable monthly subscription cost of $49.
• You live remotely or have limited access to care: For those living in rural areas, finding a clinic that doesn’t require a significant commute may be challenging. Hers allows you to talk with your psychiatrist and refill your prescriptions without visiting a clinic.
• You have a very busy schedule: If you feel you don’t have enough time to seek mental health care, you’re not alone. Lack of time is a common barrier to receiving proper mental health care. (11) With Hers, you can contact your provider and refill your prescription anywhere and anytime. You don’t have to stop at the pharmacy to pick up your prescription; it’s shipped directly to your home.

Who should seek an alternative to Hers mental health?

While Hers can help provide psychiatric services for individuals experiencing common mental health conditions, it may not be appropriate for everyone. Those who want to engage in talk therapy, like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), won’t find that option on this platform. We recommend browsing our list of the best online therapy services to help you find the care you need. 

We also don’t feel it’s the best choice for anyone who hasn’t received psychiatric care or medication management previously. The level of care is not as in-depth as that of some competitors, who offer more personalized interactions. Hers providers can diagnose mental health conditions and prescribe medications, but this happens by simply reading through your intake questionnaire instead of engaging in a conversation.

According to therapist Johnson, intake questionnaires could be sufficient for many consumers but may not be appropriate for certain types of mental health issues. She adds, “Some mental health diagnoses require a more in-depth screening and assessment process, particularly for recommending medications.”

Additionally, Hers is focused primarily on treating individuals experiencing anxiety and depression. Those experiencing other mental health conditions, such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, OCD, and ADHD, should seek care elsewhere. Similarly, you should seek a higher level of care if you need immediate mental health assistance, are experiencing a crisis, or require a more complex treatment plan.

Finally, Hers providers cannot prescribe controlled substances. If your condition requires treatment with a controlled substance, seeking in-person care is a better option. 

Can Hers prescribe medication?

Hers psychiatric care includes medication management. Its licensed providers can prescribe eight generic versions of common SSRI medications used to treat anxiety and depression, including the following: (12)

• Escitalopram (Lexapro^®)
• Bupropion XL (Wellbutrin XL^®)
• Sertraline (Zoloft^®)
• Fluoxetine (Prozac^®)
• Venlafaxine (Effexor^®)
• Buspirone (BuSpar^®)
• Citalopram (Celexa^®)
• Duloxetine (Cymbalta^®)

Remember that Hers cannot prescribe controlled substances, such as Xanax^®, Lorazepam, Ritalin^®, or Adderall^®. If you need a prescription for this class of medications, you’ll need to use a different online psychiatry service or seek in-person care.

Can I receive a mental health diagnosis through Hers?

During the sign-up process, Hers states that the provider assessment includes making a diagnosis based on your symptoms. However, as I investigated it further, I found conflicting information, so I contacted the customer support team to help verify. They confirmed that Hers providers can diagnose mental health conditions based on your initial evaluation.

Types of plans offered by Hers

Hers only offers one mental health plan option for psychiatric care. It’s a monthly subscription that includes the initial provider evaluation, a detailed treatment plan, and a medication prescription (if appropriate). Your medication ships for free every three months in a 90-day supply. 

The plan also includes ongoing support from your provider and unlimited asynchronous messaging. You can contact your provider anytime and expect a response in less than 24 hours. Additionally, you’ll have access to an online dashboard and mobile app with custom tools and educational resources. You can also refill prescriptions and track orders through your dashboard.

Hers pricing

Her monthly subscription plan starts at $49. It’s billed every three months and requires a payment of $147 upfront. The plan automatically renews unless you request cancellation, which you must do at least two days before your next renewal date to avoid getting billed for the next three-month cycle.

How providers are onboarded

While new providers can apply to join the Hers network through the website, they’re employed by You Health Medical Groups. The organization recruits independent, licensed medical providers. Each candidate undergoes rigorous vetting to meet the required qualifications and experience level. 

Psychiatrists must be board-certified and have active medical state licenses in good standing. Hers requires psychiatric nurse practitioners to be board-certified in psychiatry, have active medical state licenses in good standing, and have over a year of experience in clinical practice. 

Hers claims it attracts and retains top mental health professionals by offering competitive compensation packages. It also requires providers to adhere to its clinical guidelines and undergo training specific to the Hers platform and asynchronous care provided. 

How many providers are on the platform?

It wasn’t clear on Hers’ website how many providers are on the platform, so I contacted the customer support team. They directed me to the provider directory, where I found about 130 providers with a license in psychiatry. This is a shallow pool compared to some competitors with thousands of providers.

Onboarding new users

New users are onboarded by completing the entire mental health assessment. During that process, they must provide an email and password to create an account. They must also verify their identity with a photo ID for psychiatry services. Hers providers will use the responses to the questionnaire to determine if the platform’s services are appropriate for the user.  

How are new users matched with a provider?

New users are automatically matched with their provider upon completing the intake questionnaire. Once you’ve answered all the questions and entered your payment information, your responses are sent to a psychiatrist licensed to practice and prescribe in your state. That provider will review your responses and provide a mental health diagnosis and medication prescription if they feel it’s appropriate. 

How to choose the therapy platform for you

You should consider your unique mental health care needs and personal preferences to help you determine which teletherapy platform can serve you best. Below, we outline various factors that may help guide you throughout your search. 

Available services

The first question you should ask yourself is what services you need. Some online platforms offer talk therapy, psychiatry, or both. You’ll also want to understand which mental health conditions each platform specializes in to ensure you get the best care for your condition.

Provider qualifications

Our review process includes meticulously evaluating how each platform recruits and vets its mental health clinicians, and you should do the same. Some platforms act as a hub or marketplace where private practitioners can offer services. These online therapy platforms may only verify provider credentials without taking other measures to assess provider qualifications or their quality of care while working with clients.

Other online services take a more direct approach to hiring. In these cases, the clinicians undergo a more in-depth vetting process and work directly for the platform if hired. They also often undergo training and regular reviews to ensure they meet the company’s standards of care.

Modalities

We all have different communication styles and preferences. Many platforms offer one or more ways to contact your provider, including phone calls, video calls, and live or asynchronous messaging. Consider what will make you feel most comfortable when communicating with your provider to help ensure you can make a strong connection and get the most out of your treatment. (13) 

Cost

Cost is always a vital component of any medical or mental health care. You should consider your financial situation as you search for the best online therapy platform to help you stay consistent with your treatment plan. Pay close attention to the payment structure for each plan. Some are billed per session, while others are subscription services, which may be billed monthly or up to three or more months.

If you have insurance coverage, you may also consider contacting your plan to learn whether mental services are covered, how much it costs, and which platforms you can use. 

Prescribing ability

Medication can be an integral part of managing mental health symptoms for many individuals. (5) If you’re currently taking medication or feel you may need medication, it may be best to seek a platform that offers medication management. You should also consider what type of medication you need. Many online platforms cannot prescribe controlled substances, so you may need to turn to in-person care.

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