MDLive review 2024: expert tested and reviewed

Written by Corey Jungwirth, NBC-HWC, Fortune Recommends Staff Writer

How we test

Our reviewers and mental health experts thoroughly evaluate each online therapy platform by signing up for the services, assessing the providers, and reviewing the entire user experience.

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Trusted experts

For this review, we collaborated with Rychel Johnson, MS, LCPC, to gather her expert insights, and our experienced fact-checker, Krista Manning, verified all information for accuracy.

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Mental health issues can affect anyone of any age and profoundly impact various aspects of your life. (1) Seeking care is essential, but it can often be a challenging and vulnerable time. Dealing with obstacles such as provider availability, high costs, shame, and perceived stigma can prove difficult and prevent people from seeking the care they need. (2) 

According to therapist Rychel Johnson, online therapy provides access to people who wouldn’t otherwise seek mental health services. “In small towns with limited access or confidentiality concerns, consumers are able to reach a therapist from their own homes. An online therapist can quite literally meet a client where they are, without factoring in a commute or finding a parking space at an office.”

Online therapy services offer increased accessibility and can help you get the care you deserve from the comfort of your own home. However, as these services continue to grow in popularity, it can be difficult to navigate the vast array of options to find which platform is best for you. That’s why we’re dedicating our time and effort to reviewing teletherapy services and providing you with as much information as possible regarding services offered, costs, insurance coverage, provider quality, and additional features.  

MDLive is a popular platform offering various telehealth services, including talk therapy and psychiatry. It offers an expansive nationwide network of licensed clinicians who can provide care for individuals ages 10 and older. In this comprehensive review, we share insights regarding the platform’s mental health services from our firsthand testing experience and in-depth research. Continue reading to learn more and help you decide if MDLive’s services are best for you.

MDLive

MDLive offers online therapy and psychiatric services for children and adults, which are covered by many major insurance plans.

Fortune Score:

4.6 / 5

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Key product features

Services Psychiatry, therapy

Medication Yes

Appointment availability 24 to 48 hours

Ages 10 years and older

Session length 15-60 minutes

Mobile app iOS, Android

What you should know

MDLive provides access to a nationwide network of licensed medical providers for therapy, psychiatry, primary care, urgent care, and dermatology services. Its mental health services are available to individuals ages 10 and older.

• The MDLive platform is easy to navigate, and registering an account is free and quick.
• It accepts many insurance plans, with co-pays as little as $0. Alternatively, you can pay out-of-pocket for therapy, which costs $140 to $179, and psychiatry, $159 to $299.
• You can book mental health appointments seven days a week, with availability in as little as one to two days.
• It’s an excellent option for individuals seeking to get all their medical care in one place.

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What is MDLive online therapy?

MDLive is a telehealth platform that offers comprehensive medical and mental health care, including talk therapy and psychiatry. It connects users with a vast network of providers licensed to provide care throughout the U.S. and Puerto Rico. The platform can be a one-stop shop for those needing other medical services, such as primary care, urgent care, or dermatology. 

It enhances convenience by offering mental health appointments seven days a week, including evenings and weekends, so you can find a time that fits your schedule. While many online platforms only provide care to adults 18 years and older, MDLive therapists and psychiatrists can treat anyone ages 10 and older. Even better, you get to pick your therapist instead of having one automatically assigned to you.

Signing up for the platform is quick, easy, and free. You’re billed per session instead of locked into a recurring subscription plan. MDLive also accepts many major insurance plans. Depending on your coverage, you could owe as little as $0 to $45 per session. You can also pay out of pocket, but prices are significantly higher at $149 to $299 per session, depending on the type of service.

You can access your MDLive dashboard via the web or mobile app. From there, you can manage your appointments, message providers, and access additional resources and well-being tools. Your provider may encourage you to engage in mood tracking, journaling, or guided meditations as a continuation of your care plan.

What our experts say

“Convenience is a significant factor in seeking services for the average mental health consumer,” Johnson says. “An online platform like MDLive that offers a one-stop shop for both therapy and psychiatric care would eliminate barriers for someone on the fence about receiving these services. Assuming a person could match well with a therapist, the legwork could be minimal when starting MDLive.”

What customers are saying

MDLive has over 12,000 reviews on Trustpilot, with an average of 2.4 out of five stars.  80% of the 12,000 reviews earned five stars. Reviewers love how convenient and easy it is to schedule and attend therapy and psychiatry appointments from home. Many also praise the level of care and compassion they receive from their providers.

Kyle C., a Trustpilot reviewer, says, “I’ve been using MDLive for almost two years. It’s a great service. I don’t have to leave the house for most visits. I see a psychiatrist regularly, and if I need therapy, they are also available. Using the MDLive app is very simple and easy. With my particular insurance, Humana, it’s a free service. Overall, I would highly recommend MDLive. The doctors you can choose from are all well-qualified and caring.”

“I appreciate this platform,” comments Trustpilot reviewer T.L. “I needed a last-minute therapy/counseling appointment and could schedule a virtual visit using MDLive. I loved the interface and tools. It is very easy to use, and I didn’t experience any connection issues.”

Trustpilot reviewer Gerri H. wrote, “I deeply appreciate my therapy sessions concerning anxiety. My counselor is wonderful. She lifts my mind and spirits in every session.”

Some reviews mentioned a lack of appointment availability and issues with providers canceling sessions at the last minute. For example, Stephanie P. wrote in their Trustpilot review, “I’ve had my third initial therapy appointment canceled on me within hours of the appointment. It’s deceptively ‘easy’ to see someone quickly.”

Specs

Our MDLive online therapy experience

As I started testing and researching MDLive, I found the website user-friendly. Even with multiple services offered, navigating the mental health section was easy. The information was clearly laid out and readily available. Information regarding services offered, treatment costs, insurance coverage, or what to expect from therapy and psychiatry appointments was easy to find. 

The sign-up process was quick and straightforward; it took about two minutes, and I only needed to provide basic information, like my email, name, and phone number. It asked for insurance information to verify coverage and accurately display the cost for each session. However, you can skip that step if you don’t want to add your information yet or are uninsured. I added my insurance information to see what my co-pay cost would be compared to the out-of-pocket prices.

One of the biggest highlights was that I didn’t need to immediately provide my payment information or commit to a subscription plan. The pay-per-session model means you’re only charged once you’ve completed your session.

After creating an account, I logged on to my user dashboard. From there, I could easily book an appointment for medical or mental health care. Each appointment type clearly listed the cost upfront. With my insurance, my cost was $45 per session for therapy. Without it, the price went up to $179 for the initial evaluation. 

When booking an appointment, it walked me through a brief questionnaire about my medical history and why I sought care. Then, I was offered a lengthy list of providers to choose from: 21 therapists and 12 psychiatrists, to be exact. Before booking, I could see their full availability and read their bio, including credentials, experience, and specialties. In my experience as a Certified Behavioral Health Coach, I know how imperative it is to build a strong, trusting relationship with your mental health provider, so I appreciated this personalized approach to provider matching. (3) 

Throughout the website, MDLive claims appointments are available every day of the week and within one to two days; that proved accurate when booking my sessions. My initial search was on a Friday afternoon, and I was surprised to find multiple therapists with appointments as early as Saturday morning and even on Sunday. The ability to get care quickly can have a tremendous impact on how you experience and cope with mental health issues. (4)

I could also choose between a phone or video session. When selecting a video session, I could test my video and audio before booking to ensure I could connect. While many competitors include unlimited messaging in their mental health plans, it’s not standard with MDLive. Each provider decides whether to offer messaging between sessions. 

I read on MDLive’s website that providers could offer well-being tools. Initially, I was confused because I couldn’t find these resources in the MDLive app or web dashboard. However, I discovered there’s a second app called MDLive Health Coaching. My phone is already loaded with apps, so I wasn’t thrilled that I had to add another one. Plus, your provider also has to set up your profile for you, so you can only access these resources if they decide it’s appropriate. However, the tools are robust once you get access, which can complement your care. You can set wellness goals, track medications, sync wellness monitoring devices, and share progress with your provider.

My overall experience with MDLive was very positive. Booking sessions was easy and convenient. It can quickly become expensive if you’re paying out-of-pocket, but it helps that the platform accepts most major insurance plans.

How we test online therapy

When evaluating online mental health platforms, our experienced reviewers engage in firsthand testing and in-depth research. We also collaborate with mental health experts to provide guidance and insight. We ensure all claims made during the review are backed by evidence-based research. To learn more, read our full teletherapy testing methodology.

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How does MDLive online therapy work?

Your first step with MDLive is to create a free account. The process only takes a few minutes and asks you to provide basic information, such as your name, email, date of birth, gender, and phone number. You can also enter your insurance information immediately to check coverage and costs or skip this step. 

After creating your account, you can book an appointment through your online dashboard or the mobile app. You’ll answer a brief questionnaire that asks about your current mental health symptoms and medical history. Then, MDLive provides a list of licensed providers in your state. You can choose who you want to meet with based on personal preferences, qualifications, specialties, and availability. You can continue to see the same provider or choose a new one for future appointments. 

For each appointment, you can choose whether it will be over the phone or through videoconferencing. For video sessions, you’ll join through your online dashboard or the mobile app. If you choose a phone call, the provider will call you at the time of your appointment. 

You must provide your payment information before the platform can confirm your appointment. You’re initially charged a $1 holding fee while MDLive confirms your exact costs based on insurance eligibility.

Therapy

MDLive’s therapists are specially trained in telehealth and various evidence-based therapy approaches, including cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and mindfulness. (5) Talk therapy sessions typically last between 45 and 60 minutes, depending on the provider and whether it’s your first appointment or a follow-up. 

Psychiatry

MDLive’s licensed psychiatrists offer 15- to 30-minute phone or video appointments. Like therapy, the length depends on whether it’s your initial evaluation or a follow-up visit. In these sessions, your provider can provide an in-depth assessment, diagnose mental health conditions, and prescribe medication. 

Additional resources

Between sessions, your therapist or psychiatrist may offer additional resources and tools to complement your mental health care, like mood tracking, journaling, and guided meditations. To access these well-being tools, you must download a separate app, MDLive Health Coaching. You’ll use your same MDLive account to log in, but your provider must first add you as a patient in the app before you can use it. You must also be at least 18 years old to use this additional feature.

Who is MDLive online therapy right for?

MDLive’s mental health services offer an excellent option for many individuals seeking quick, convenient care. Its providers can treat an extensive range of mental health conditions, including:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Bipolar disorder
• Grief and loss
• Parenting challenges
• Relationship issues and divorce
• LGBTQ+ support
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Trauma and PTSD
• Aging and caregiver support
• Addictions 
• Life changes
• Panic disorders
• Phobias
• Stress management

Online therapy can also appeal to those who live in remote areas, have limited access to care, or experience mobility issues. You can engage in sessions from anywhere that works best for you, including the comfort of your home. Plus, early morning, evening, and weekend appointment availability can help busy individuals fit therapy into their schedules.

Who should seek an alternative to MDLive online therapy?

While MDLive can benefit many people seeking mental health care, it won’t be the most appropriate choice for everyone. Most notably, its providers will not provide care for anyone experiencing a mental health emergency or crisis, such as thoughts of harming oneself or others. In those cases, you should call 911, text HOME to 741-741, or visit the emergency room. It’s also not the best solution if your condition is so severe that it hinders normal day-to-day functioning. 

Because MDLive providers can’t prescribe controlled substances, the platform can’t provide online therapy for ADHD when it requires treatment with stimulant medications. Additional conditions not treated by this service include moderate to severe autism, active psychosis, and substance use in active detox. 
We love that MDLive isn’t limited to adults only, expanding its care to children ages 10 and older. However, if you have a younger child who needs mental health care, you’ll need to seek care elsewhere. We recommend browsing our list of the best online therapy options for kids.

Can MDLive prescribe medication?

MDLive psychiatrists can prescribe medication for mental health conditions. This is a significant benefit, considering many individuals who seek mental health care end up taking medication to help manage their condition. (6) If your provider decides that medication is appropriate for you, they can send your prescription to the pharmacy of your choice. 

Keep in mind that therapists on the platform cannot prescribe, so you must schedule a psychiatry visit if you’re interested in taking medication. Combining talk therapy and medication may lead to better outcomes for some conditions, so you may choose to work with both provider types. (7) However, that can become costly, depending on whether you pay through insurance or out of pocket. 

Additionally, like many online therapy platforms, MDLive providers can’t prescribe controlled substances, such as Xanax^®, Ritalin^®, and Adderall^®. Often, it’s best to visit an in-person provider to receive these types of medications.

Can I receive a mental health diagnosis through MDLive?

MDLive’s licensed therapists and psychiatrists can diagnose various mental health conditions during virtual appointments. As mentioned, the platform may not be appropriate for those suffering more severe conditions or those requiring a higher level of care. If a provider feels they cannot provide the care you need, they may recommend you seek care from your doctor or another mental health professional. 

Types of plans offered by MDLive

MDLive offers a pay-per-session model, so you don’t have different plan options. It’s free to sign up for an account. Then, you simply schedule appointments based on the type of care you need, whether primary care, urgent care, or mental health care.

MDLive pricing

MDLive offers a pay-per-session model instead of subscription plans like many competitors. Creating an account is free, and you pay for each session you schedule. If you’re uninsured or underinsured, you can pay for MDLive’s services out-of-pocket, which I’ve outlined below.  

Therapy:

• Initial consultation = $179
• Follow-up appointments = $140

Psychiatry:

• Initial consultation = $299
• Follow-up appointments = $159

The platform also accepts many insurance plans, including Cigna, Humana, Aetna, and BlueCross BlueShield. Your cost when using insurance can vary depending on your plan and coverage. Some individuals may pay as low as $0 per session. When I signed up, my co-pay was $45 per therapy session.

How therapists are onboarded

MDLive’s mental health clinicians are part of a network of healthcare providers based in the U.S. The organization has a vigorous hiring process with standards for the providers it recruits to ensure quality care. Psychologists and therapists must be independently licensed for at least four years. Psychiatrists and physicians must be board-certified, have at least four years of post-residency experience, and have an active and unrestricted Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) license. MDLive states its providers go well beyond those minimum requirements, with an average of 15 years of experience.

How many therapists are on the platform?

Unfortunately, MDLive’s customer support and provider recruiting teams told me they could not provide information on how many providers are on the platform. However, it has an expansive network throughout the U.S. How many are available to you depends on your location and the services you seek. When you enter your ZIP code and choose the appointment type, you’ll be presented with all providers licensed within your state. During my testing, I was presented with 21 therapists and 12 psychiatrists. 

Onboarding new users

Becoming a new member of MDLive is quick and straightforward. You start by creating a free account through the mobile app or website. New users must provide their name, email, date of birth, phone number, and ZIP code. You can add that information during registration if you want to check insurance eligibility and coverage. Or you can skip this step if you’d rather do it later or plan to self-pay. That’s it—you can log into your dashboard and begin scheduling appointments based on the type of care you need.

How are new users matched with a therapist?

With MDLive, you get to choose which providers you work with. The platform provides you with a list of therapists and psychiatrists who are licensed within your state. From there, you can review each provider’s profile to choose the best fit based on compatibility, experience, therapy approach, and appointment availability. If you connect well during your first visit, you can continue with the same provider for follow-up appointments. 

If you want to change providers, you can do so anytime. You simply book an appointment with someone else. Remember that your first appointment with a new provider will be charged as an initial evaluation, so it may cost you more, depending on your insurance or if you’re paying out-of-pocket.

How to choose the therapy platform for you

While searching for the best online mental health platform, consider several essential factors. Consider what type of care you need, your scheduling needs, how you want to communicate with your provider, and the cost.

Types of care

Each online platform offers a unique approach to care in which services they provide, with some offering online therapy, psychiatry, or both. You should determine what care you need to help guide your search. Because some platforms and providers specialize in certain conditions, you should also consider your unique mental health situation to help you find care specific to your needs.

Availability

Life is busy, and feeling like you don’t have enough time to attend therapy is a common barrier. (2) You should pay close attention to each platform’s scheduling availability to help you decide which will work best for you. The number of visits recommended for each individual varies, but typically, you can expect to attend for at least a few months to help you see effective results. (8) That means it’s essential to find a provider that offers times that consistently work for your schedule. You may need someone available in early mornings, nights, or weekends. We also recommend looking beyond scheduling your first session to see what long-term availability looks like for each provider to ensure you can schedule timely follow-up appointments. 

Session format

The best online mental health platform should also align with your communication preferences. Some individuals connect best when they can be face-to-face with the provider through videoconferencing calls. Others feel most comfortable communicating over the phone or through messaging. Connecting with your provider can influence how strong of a relationship you build with them, impacting your treatment’s effectiveness. (9)

Ability to prescribe

Some mental health platforms offer medication management, while others don’t. If you currently take medication or are interested in bringing something to help manage your condition, you may want to ensure the one you choose provides this option. It’s also critical to factor in which type of medication you take. Many online platforms can’t prescribe controlled substances that may be commonly used to treat symptoms of anxiety, depression, AHDH, and other conditions.

Cost

Whether you’re insured or not, it can be challenging to find affordable mental health care. Cost remains a significant obstacle standing in the way for many individuals. (10) You need to find a platform that meets your budget needs to help you stay consistent with your treatment and ensure that the financial burden doesn’t exacerbate your mental health issues. If you plan to use insurance, we recommend checking with your benefits provider first to help you understand your coverage before finding an online provider that takes insurance. Many services also offer the option for self-pay. In those cases, you’ll want to be sure you fully understand the out-of-pocket costs before signing up, whether per session or what commitment you make to a subscription.

FAQs

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.