Brightside Health Review
Brightside Health specializes in treating depression and anxiety through a combination of therapy, medication management, or both. What sets it apart is broad insurance acceptance (including Medicare and Medicaid in select states) paired with structured, evidence-based treatment plans that track your progress over time.
Who it's best for
Brightside is a strong choice if you have insurance and want coordinated therapy and medication management for depression or anxiety. It's also worth considering if you want a more clinical, outcomes-focused approach where your providers actively track your progress through regular check-ins and data-driven adjustments.
How it works
You start with a free online assessment, then choose from three plan types: psychiatry only (medication management), therapy only, or a combined plan. Brightside matches you with a provider, and you'll have regular video sessions along with unlimited messaging. The platform uses structured check-ins to monitor your symptoms over time and adjust treatment accordingly.
Pricing
With insurance, most users pay a copay of $15 to $30 per visit. Brightside accepts Aetna, Cigna, Anthem, UnitedHealthcare, Ambetter, and some Medicare and Medicaid plans, though coverage varies by state.
Without insurance, plans start at $95 per month for psychiatry only, $299 per month for therapy (four weekly video sessions plus messaging), and $349 per month for the combined plan. Medication costs are separate and handled through your pharmacy.
What we like
The insurance coverage is extensive, making Brightside one of the most affordable options for people with behavioral health benefits. The structured approach, with regular symptom tracking and progress monitoring, adds a layer of accountability that open-ended therapy sometimes lacks. The psychiatry-only plan at $95/month is one of the most affordable medication management options available online.
What we don't
Brightside does not prescribe controlled substances, including stimulants for ADHD or benzodiazepines for anxiety. If your treatment might require these medications, you'll need a different provider. Therapy sessions are limited to 30 minutes on some plans, which can feel short. And customer support responsiveness has been a common complaint in user reviews.
Who should look elsewhere
If you need ADHD treatment or controlled medications, Brightside can't help. If you want the largest therapist selection and maximum flexibility, BetterHelp is a better fit. If you're budget-conscious and paying out of pocket, Calmerry is cheaper. For couples therapy, look at ReGain.
The bottom line
Brightside Health is one of the best insurance-friendly online therapy options, especially for depression and anxiety. The combination of broad insurance acceptance, structured treatment tracking, and affordable psychiatry makes it a compelling choice for people who want coordinated clinical care. Just be aware of the controlled substance limitations.