7 Best Telehealth Apps For Mental Health

Access to mental healthcare is more important than ever, yet in-person treatment is not always possible or convenient. 

Thanks to advances in technology, telehealth options are making therapy more accessible through apps and online services.

With people increasingly comfortable with seeking help virtually, telehealth represents an exciting frontier in mental wellness. 

It allows ongoing counseling from the comfort of your own home, on your schedule. 

And with one in five Americans experiencing mental illness annually, expanding access through technology could not come at a more needed time.

In this article, we will explore some top-rated telehealth apps that can help you address challenges with depression, anxiety, stress, and other common issues. 

From chatting with a licensed therapist to self-help tools and peer support groups, these digital services aim to fill care gaps wherever you are.

Best Telehealth Apps for Mental Health

1. Doctor on demand

Doctor On Demand offers 24/7 access to online doctors, making it convenient for individuals seeking psychiatric evaluations, prescription refills, or initial diagnoses. 

With a team of highly-rated psychiatrists, the platform creates personalized treatment plans, including therapy and medication management, to address mental health needs. 

Patients can receive evaluations from experienced psychiatrists, potentially covered by leading health insurance plans. 

For people who don’t have insurance, the app offers psychiatry visits starting at $299 for an initial 45-minute consultation and $129 for 15-minute follow-up sessions.

The app also enables users to find specialists in specific mental health issues like anxiety, depression, PTSD, and more. 

2. Cerebral

Cerebral is a mental health app committed to providing superior treatment through a rigorous vetting process for therapists and medical prescribers. 

Upon signing up, users undergo an emotional assessment test accessible via the company’s website or mobile app. 

With options for video calls, phone, or chat appointments, individuals can select a provider based on their location. 

The platform offers both counseling and therapy subscription plans, with or without medication, supported by customer service available seven days a week via phone, text, and email. 

Their psychiatrists, part of a physician-led, board-certified team, provide comprehensive evaluations and personalized treatment plans, including medication prescriptions if appropriate. 

Cerebral operates in 30 states, offering medication plus therapy counseling for $325/month or $29/month with insurance, and therapy-only plans for $259/month.

3. GoodRx Care

GoodRx Care offers a convenient solution for accessing healthcare professionals nationwide through virtual visits, providing individuals with the opportunity to receive treatment remotely. 

By connecting with psychiatrists, patients can address concerns related to depression, stress, anxiety, and more. 

The process is straightforward: patients begin their online visit by providing essential details about their medical history, ensuring that the treatment plan is tailored to their specific needs.

Secondly, patients engage in a secure and comfortable chat with a licensed healthcare provider, facilitated through text, call, or video. 

This interaction allows for effective communication and the exchange of necessary information.

Finally, patients receive their prescriptions promptly. 

They have the flexibility to choose between picking up their medications the same day from their preferred pharmacy or opting for discreet home delivery. 

This streamlined process ensures that individuals can access the care they need without unnecessary delays or inconvenience.

4. MDLIVE

MDLIVE connects users to a broad network of vetted mental health professionals through its website and mobile app. 

The service thoroughly checks each provider’s license, credentials, and work history to verify extensive experience, most having 15+ years in the field.

Therapy sessions occur via private phone or video calls on a scheduled basis. 

MDLIVE takes most major insurance plans like Cigna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Humana. Without insurance, initial visits are priced at $285, with follow-ups costing $108 per month.

Convenience is key – users simply create an MDLIVE account from any device to choose from the diverse provider directory. 

Doctors can prescribe certain medications directly to a local pharmacy as needed for the client’s treatment plan.

Round-the-clock customer support stands ready to assist through MDLIVE’s toll-free number or online question submission. 

This commitment to accessibility aims to eliminate barriers keeping people from addressing concerns like depression or anxiety. 

Whether starting a new treatment or continuing established care, MDLIVE brings quality teletherapy within easy reach.

5. Amwell

Amwell, operated by American Well Corporation, offers telemedicine services connecting patients with doctors through secure video calls. 

Individuals can access psychologists and counselors to address various behavioral health challenges conveniently from home through their web or mobile app. 

Therapy sessions typically last 45 minutes, with an average of six visits per patient, tailored to individual treatment plans. 

Amwell’s system allows physicians and psychiatrists to prescribe most psychiatric medications, ensuring comprehensive care. 

Additionally, therapists trained in treating children aged 10-17 are available in each state, requiring parental or guardian consent. 

Parents can add a sub-account to schedule appointments for their children through the platform. 

Amwell’s collaborative approach between therapists and physicians ensures efficient and effective treatment for patients of all ages.

Amwell works with many insurance companies and offers first-time visits at $269, and follow-ups at $99 for people without insurance.

6. Talkspace

Talkspace offers a vast network of therapists and psychiatric providers specializing in over 150 conditions, treatment approaches, and mental health needs.

Moreover, Talkspace routinely partners with academic institutions to scientifically validate their treatment approaches – an assurance of continually evolving, evidence-based care.

Registration is painless and completed entirely online. A customized system then matches each new patient with the provider best able to help based on presented needs. 

Therapy occurs through private, encrypted video or text sessions, with psychiatrists able to e-prescribe as well depending on the case.

Patients are matched with psychiatrists through private consultations, while counselors can prescribe all non-controlled medications. 

Most major health insurance plans cover Talkspace therapy, with patients typically paying only a copay, usually around $25. 

For those paying out-of-pocket, Talkspace therapy plans start at $69 per week, providing accessible mental health support to a wide range of individuals.

7. BetterHelp

BetterHelp offers a convenient platform for accessing professional help from licensed therapists. 

With a network of over 20,000 trained and experienced therapists covering various areas such as depression, anxiety, family, and couples therapy, individuals can easily find the support they need. 

Users can match with a therapist who best fits their needs, and enjoy unlimited private one-on-one communication via secure messaging. 

Additionally, users have the option to schedule live sessions with their therapist or utilize the secure messenger for ongoing support. 

After completing a questionnaire, users are matched with a licensed therapist based on their needs and preferences and can communicate securely from any internet-connected device. 

Scheduled weekly sessions for live video or phone communication are also available for added convenience.

Therapy fees with BetterHelp typically fall between $60 and $90 per week, although they may vary depending on factors such as your location, preferences, and therapist availability.

The Process to Choose the Best Telepsychiatry App For Yourself

When selecting a telepsychiatry app, it’s important to consider several factors to ensure you choose the best option for your mental health needs. 

Here is a step-by-step process to help you make an informed decision:

1. Assess Your Needs: 

Start by evaluating your mental health needs and goals. 

Consider the specific conditions or concerns you want to address, whether you require medication management, therapy, or specialized care for certain demographics like children or the elderly.

2. Research and Compare Apps: 

Conduct thorough research on different telepsychiatry apps available. Look for reputable apps with positive user reviews and ratings. 

Compare their features, services, areas of expertise, and pricing structures to find the ones that align with your needs.

3. Check Licensing and Credentials: 

Ensure that the mental health professionals associated with the app are licensed and qualified to provide telepsychiatry services in your jurisdiction. 

Verify their credentials, experience, and expertise to ensure you receive quality care.

4. Consider Privacy and Security: 

Review the app’s privacy and security measures. Ensure that they follow industry standards, employ encryption, and have robust data protection policies to safeguard your personal and sensitive information.

5. Evaluate Communication Options: 

Assess the communication options provided by the app, such as video calls, voice calls, instant messaging, or secure messaging. 

Consider which methods resonate with your preferences and ensure they facilitate effective communication with mental health professionals.

6. Seek Recommendations: 

Ask for recommendations from trusted sources, such as your healthcare provider, mental health professional, friends, or family members who have utilized telepsychiatry apps. 

Their experiences and insights can provide valuable guidance in making your decision.

What Methods of Communication are Provided?

Telehealth mental health apps typically provide various methods of communication to facilitate interactions between individuals and mental health professionals. 

These methods may include:

• Video calls – allowing for face-to-face virtual sessions between individuals and mental health providers. 

• Voice Calls – an audio-only option, useful for those who don’t have access to stable internet connections or prefer not to use video.

• Instant Messaging – text-based chats, particularly useful for non-urgent inquiries or sharing updates on treatment progress.

• Virtual Assessments – digital questionnaires or assessments to collect information about individuals’ mental health symptoms, progress, or treatment outcomes. 

What Services and Areas of Expertise are Typically Offered by Telepsychiatry Apps?

Telepsychiatry apps typically offer a range of services and areas of expertise to address mental health needs. 

Many telepsychiatry apps offer therapy and counseling services, providing virtual sessions with licensed therapists or counselors. 

This facilitates virtual assessments and evaluations to diagnose mental health conditions, determination of appropriate treatment plans, and prescribe medications when necessary.

Telepsychiatry apps may also have crisis intervention services available to support individuals experiencing acute mental health crises. 

These services may include access to emergency hotlines, immediate consultations with mental health professionals, or referrals to local crisis services.

Many telepsychiatry apps offer self-help modules or exercises based on cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) principles. 

These modules typically provide users with interactive tools and resources to develop coping skills, challenge negative thoughts, and modify behaviors associated with mental challenges. 

They may include guided exercises, psychoeducation, journaling prompts, relaxation techniques, and goal-setting features. 

These self-help modules aim to empower individuals to actively participate in their mental health journey, offering strategies for managing symptoms and improving overall well-being.

Telepsychiatry apps often have mental health professionals with expertise in specific areas such as child and adolescent psychiatry, geriatric psychiatry, addiction psychiatry, or mood disorders. 

This allows individuals to access specialized care remotely.

Want to explore more mental health apps?

1. Voice Mental Health Guide App Review
2. What’s Up Mental Health App [The Mindful Companion]
3. SilverCloud Mental Health App [Transforming Lives]

Can Online Telepsychiatry Apps Provide Medication Prescriptions?

Yes, online telepsychiatry apps can provide medication prescriptions in many cases. 

Psychiatrists associated with these apps can conduct virtual assessments, evaluate symptoms, and determine if medication is necessary for managing mental health conditions. 

They can then prescribe medications as appropriate and monitor their effectiveness through follow-up appointments. 

However, prescribing medicines requires adherence to local regulations, initial in-person evaluations in some cases, and ongoing monitoring to ensure the safe use of medication.

What is the Average Cost of Telepsychiatry Apps?

The cost of telepsychiatry apps can vary depending on several factors, including the specific app, the services offered, and your location. 

Some telepsychiatry apps may require a subscription or membership fee, which can range from a monthly or annual charge to access the app’s services and connect with mental health professionals. 

In addition to any subscription fees, you may also be charged for individual sessions with mental health professionals. 

These session fees can vary based on factors such as the duration of the session, the expertise of the provider, and the specific services rendered during the session.

Is Online Psychiatry Typically Covered by Insurance?

The coverage of online psychiatry services by insurance can vary depending on several factors, including the insurance provider, the specific plan, and the local regulations. 

In recent years, many insurance companies have expanded their coverage to include telepsychiatry services due to the increased demand and the recognition of its effectiveness. 

However, it’s important to note that coverage policies can differ, and not all plans may cover online psychiatry to the same extent.

Before seeking online psychiatry services, it is recommended to contact your insurance provider directly to inquire about their coverage policies for telepsychiatry. 

They can provide detailed information regarding the extent of coverage, any limitations or requirements, and the process for reimbursement.

Some apps may also offer sliding scale fees or reduced-fee options based on financial need, making mental health services more accessible for individuals with limited financial resources. 

Conducting research, comparing pricing structures, and contacting customer support can provide more specific information on costs and insurance coverage for telepsychiatry apps.

Advantages of Online Psychiatry Compared to Traditional Methods (In-Person)

There are several advantages to receiving mental health treatment online rather than through traditional in-person methods. 

Telehealth offers greater convenience as patients can access therapy sessions from anywhere via computer or mobile device. 

This removes barriers like long travel times, work schedules that conflict with appointments, or lack of local providers.

The flexibility of online care allows synchronous video sessions or asynchronous messaging therapy to easily fit into busy modern lifestyles. 

This is more convenient than the rigid appointment times required for in-office visits.

Research also indicates telehealth can achieve outcomes equivalent to in-person therapy for mild to moderate conditions when the appropriate treatment model is followed. 

Additionally, telepsychiatry services yield cost savings through reductions in infrastructure and support staff compared to brick-and-mortar clinics. 

These savings are often passed on to patients in the form of lower session fees.

Things to Know Before Using Telehealth Apps For Mental Health

Before utilizing telehealth apps for mental health services, it’s important to be aware of certain factors to ensure a positive and effective experience.

1. Legal and Licensing Considerations: 

Ensure that the telehealth app and the mental health professionals using it are compliant with local laws and regulations. 

Verify their licenses and credentials to ensure they are qualified to provide mental health services in your jurisdiction.

2. Privacy and Security Measures: 

Research the telehealth app’s privacy policies and security measures to ensure the protection of your personal and sensitive information. 

Look for apps that adhere to industry standards and employ encryption and secure data storage.

3. Technical Requirements: 

Familiarize yourself with the technical requirements of the telehealth app and test the app in advance to address any potential technical issues.

Ensure you have a stable internet connection, a compatible device (such as a smartphone, tablet, or computer), and any necessary software or applications. 

4. Insurance Coverage: 

Check with your health insurance provider to determine if telehealth services are covered under your plan. 

Go through the reimbursement policies, any limitations, and whether specific telehealth apps or providers are approved by your insurance company.

5. Emergency Procedures: 

Clarify the procedures for handling emergency situations when using telehealth apps. 

Understand the app’s protocol for managing crises and determine if there are alternative emergency resources or helplines available.

6. Boundaries and Expectations: 

Establish clear expectations with your mental health provider regarding appointment scheduling, communication methods, and response times. 

Discuss confidentiality, the limitations of telehealth, and the process for transitioning to in-person care if necessary.

7. User Reviews and Recommendations: 

Read user reviews and seek recommendations from trusted sources to gain insights into the user experience and the effectiveness of the telehealth app. 

Consider feedback regarding ease of use, customer support, and overall satisfaction.

By considering these factors, you can make informed decisions when selecting and using telehealth apps for mental health services.

Pros and Cons of Telehealth Apps

Telehealth apps have gained popularity in the field of mental health due to their convenience and accessibility. However, they come with both advantages and disadvantages.

Pros

1. Accessibility: 

Telehealth apps break down barriers to mental health care by making it accessible to individuals in remote areas or those with limited mobility. 

They enable people to receive support regardless of their geographical location.

2. Increased Privacy: 

Telehealth apps offer a level of privacy that some individuals may find more comfortable than face-to-face sessions. 

This can be particularly beneficial for those who may feel stigmatized or apprehensive about seeking help.

3. Continuity of Care: 

These apps promote continuity of care by allowing people to maintain a consistent therapeutic relationship with their mental health provider, even if they relocate or travel frequently.

Cons

1. Technological Limitations:

Telehealth apps rely on stable internet connections and compatible devices, which may present challenges for individuals with limited access to technology or poor connectivity.

2. Limited Nonverbal Cues: 

Communication through a screen may lack some nonverbal cues that are crucial in understanding a person’s emotional state. 

This can potentially impact the therapeutic process and the accuracy of assessments.

3. Emergency Situations: 

In urgent or crisis situations, telehealth apps may not provide immediate or adequate support. 

These apps are not a substitute for in-person emergency care and may require additional protocols for managing emergencies.

4. Technical Challenges: 

Technical issues such as audio or video lag, glitches, or compatibility problems may arise during sessions, which can disrupt the flow of communication and compromise the quality of the therapeutic experience.

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