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

It's excellent that you're looking for integrated care! Getting both therapy and medication from services that coordinate or offer both under one roof can lead to better outcomes. Here are several online services that typically offer both psychiatry (for medication management) and therapy:

Online Services Offering Both Psychiatry and Therapy

1. Talkspace

   • Why: Talkspace is well-known for offering both therapy and medication management services. You can select a plan that includes both, allowing you to have a therapist and a prescribing provider (psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner) within the same platform. They emphasize convenience with text, audio, and video messaging, along with live video sessions.
   • Key Features: Subscription-based, various plan tiers, option for messaging-only or live sessions.

2. Brightside Health

   • Why: Brightside specializes in treating depression and anxiety with a combination of personalized medication plans and evidence-based therapy (often cognitive behavioral therapy or CBT). They are specifically designed for this integrated approach, aiming for faster and more effective results by having treatment coordinated.
   • Key Features: Focus on depression/anxiety, structured programs, uses AI to help match you with providers.

3. Cerebral

   • Why: Cerebral offers comprehensive mental health care, including medication management, online therapy, and even coaching for various conditions like anxiety, depression, insomnia, and ADHD. They have different plans that allow you to combine services as needed.
   • Key Features: Wide range of conditions treated, various subscription plans, often includes initial assessment and ongoing support.

4. MDLive

   • Why: MDLive is a broader telehealth platform that includes robust mental health services. You can often connect with both licensed therapists and board-certified psychiatrists or psychiatric nurse practitioners for medication management. While not always directly "linked" in the same way Brightside is, you can utilize the platform for both needs.
   • Key Features: Broad telehealth offerings, often covered by major insurance plans, options for therapy and psychiatry appointments.

5. Amwell (American Well)

   • Why: Similar to MDLive, Amwell is a large telehealth provider that offers online therapy and psychiatry services. You can schedule appointments with therapists and prescribers through their platform, making it a convenient way to access both types of care.
   • Key Features: User-friendly platform, good for those who might use Amwell for other medical needs, widely accepted by insurance.

6. Thriveworks

   • Why: Thriveworks offers both in-person and online therapy and psychiatry appointments. While they have physical locations, their online platform provides access to a network of diverse providers who can offer both talk therapy and medication management, often within the same practice or easily coordinated.
   • Key Features: Large network of providers, options for both online and in-person, often has good availability.

Important Considerations When Choosing:

• Insurance Coverage: This is paramount. Check with your insurance provider and the service itself to see which plans are accepted and what your out-of-pocket costs will be. Some services are fully covered, others only partially, and some are subscription-based with no direct insurance billing.
• State Licensing: Ensure that the service and its providers are licensed to operate and provide care in your specific state.
• Provider Matching: Understand how each service matches you with providers. Some allow you to browse and choose, while others assign you based on your needs.
• Communication Style: Do you prefer live video sessions, text messaging, or a combination?
• Specific Needs: If you have a specific diagnosis (e.g., ADHD, PTSD), some services may be better equipped than others.
• Read Reviews: Look at user reviews for specific services to get a sense of overall satisfaction and common experiences.

Before committing, it's a good idea to explore the websites of a few of these options, check their pricing structures, and understand their intake process to find the best fit for your needs.