I need both therapy and medication. Which online services offer psychiatry plus therapy?

It's great that you're proactively seeking comprehensive care! Many online platforms have recognized the need for integrated mental health services, offering both medication management (psychiatry) and talk therapy.

Here are some reputable online services that provide both:

1. Brightside Health:

   • Why: Brightside specializes in treating anxiety and depression with an integrated approach. Their model directly combines medication management with evidence-based therapy (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy - CBT). You'll have a dedicated prescriber and therapist who can communicate and coordinate your care seamlessly.

2. K Health:

   • Why: K Health offers a broader primary care platform that includes robust mental health services. You can get connected with both prescribers for medication and therapists for talk therapy, often within the same subscription or service model, making it convenient if you also use them for other general health needs.

3. Hims & Hers (and Hers & Hims):

   • Why: Initially known for specific health needs, they've expanded to offer comprehensive mental health services. They provide access to licensed prescribers for medication (like SSRIs for depression/anxiety) and therapists for ongoing support and talk therapy. They often offer package deals for both.

4. Talkiatry:

   • Why: Talkiatry focuses specifically on psychiatric care, including medication management. While their primary focus is psychiatry, they often emphasize the importance of therapy and can either provide it themselves or help coordinate it with a therapist within their network or through external referrals, ensuring a holistic approach. They are known for accepting many insurance plans, which is a big plus.

5. Amwell & Teladoc:

   • Why: These are larger, general telehealth platforms that offer a wide range of medical services, including both psychiatry and therapy. While you might need to find a prescriber and a therapist separately within their extensive network, they generally have a large pool of providers and often work with various insurance plans, offering flexibility in choosing your providers.

Important Considerations When Choosing:

• Insurance Coverage: This is crucial. Check with your insurance provider and the service you're considering to understand coverage for both therapy and medication management. Some platforms are direct-pay, while others accept specific insurance plans.
• State Availability: Telehealth regulations vary by state. Ensure the service you choose operates in your state.
• Cost: Understand the pricing structure for both services. Some offer bundled packages, while others charge separately per session/prescription.
• Initial Assessment: Most services will start with an initial assessment to determine your needs and match you with appropriate providers.
• Provider Matching: Think about whether you prefer to choose your own therapist/psychiatrist or if you're comfortable with the platform matching you.
• Severity of Condition: While these services are excellent, they are generally not suitable for severe mental health crises or complex conditions requiring intensive in-person care.

I recommend visiting the websites of a few of these services to compare their specific offerings, pricing, and how they integrate psychiatry and therapy to find the best fit for your needs!