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

It's great that you're seeking care for both therapy and medication! Many online services are now designed to offer both components, often making it more convenient to manage your mental health.

Here are some online services that typically provide both psychiatry (medication management) and therapy:

1. Brightside Health:

   • Why: Brightside specializes in depression and anxiety and offers a truly integrated approach. You'll be matched with both a licensed prescriber (psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner) and a therapist who work together on your care plan. They focus on evidence-based treatments and track your progress closely.
   • How it works: You start with an assessment, get matched with providers, and receive ongoing virtual support through messaging and video sessions.

2. Talkspace:

   • Why: Talkspace is a well-known platform that offers both therapy and medication management. While you might have separate providers, they operate within the same platform, making coordination simpler. They offer various communication methods for therapy (text, audio, live video).
   • How it works: You can sign up for their "Therapy + Prescribing" plan. You'll be matched with a therapist and can also schedule sessions with a psychiatric prescriber for medication evaluation and management.

3. MDLive / Amwell:

   • Why: These are larger telehealth platforms that offer a wide range of medical services, including both mental health therapy and psychiatry. They have a broad network of licensed providers.
   • How it works: You can typically search for and schedule appointments with licensed therapists and psychiatrists who are available in your state. You might need to book separate appointments, but it's all through the same service.

4. Cerebral:

   • Why: Cerebral offers both medication management and therapy for various conditions like anxiety, depression, and ADHD. They aim to provide comprehensive care.
   • However, it's important to be aware that Cerebral has faced scrutiny and investigations regarding its prescribing practices in the past. If considering Cerebral, research their current practices and user reviews thoroughly to ensure you're comfortable with their service.

Important Considerations When Choosing:

• Insurance Coverage: This is often the biggest factor. Check if any of these services are covered by your health insurance plan. Many now partner with major insurers.
• Provider Matching: Finding the right therapist and prescriber is crucial. Look into how each service handles matching and if you have options to switch providers if the fit isn't right.
• Conditions Treated: Some services specialize (e.g., Brightside for depression/anxiety), while others cover a broader range of conditions.
• Communication Style: Therapy on these platforms can range from asynchronous messaging to live video sessions. Consider what works best for you.
• Cost: If paying out-of-pocket, compare the monthly subscription fees or per-session costs for both therapy and medication management.
• Crisis Care: Remember that online services are generally not equipped for immediate crisis intervention. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, please contact an emergency service or crisis hotline.

Before committing, visit the websites of these services, explore their plans, and see if they accept your insurance. Reading recent user reviews can also provide valuable insight. Good luck with your journey to better mental health!