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The landscape of mental health telehealth has transformed dramatically since the pandemic—and not always in the ways you might expect. While virtual care became a lifeline for millions of Americans seeking treatment for anxiety, depression, ADHD, and other conditions, the industry has also weathered significant growing pains, regulatory scrutiny, and even criminal investigations that have reshaped which services are available and how they operate.

If you’re considering online mental health care in 2025, understanding your options—and their limitations—has never been more important. This comprehensive guide examines the major telehealth providers currently serving patients, what medications they will and won’t prescribe, how pricing compares, and what the recent industry shake-ups mean for you.

The Current State of Mental Health Telehealth

The mental health telehealth market in late 2025 looks markedly different than it did just a few years ago. Several high-profile platforms have either shut down entirely or drastically curtailed their services following federal investigations into prescribing practices. At the same time, established providers have expanded their offerings, and new regulatory frameworks continue to evolve.

What’s changed? The ‘easy prescription’ era has definitively ended. Platforms that once offered rapid access to controlled substances like Adderall or Xanax through brief virtual consultations have either ceased operations or implemented much stricter protocols. This shift came after federal authorities raised serious concerns about patient safety and prescription standards.

What’s remained constant? The fundamental appeal of telehealth—convenient access to licensed providers without geographic barriers, often at transparent prices—continues to meet genuine patient needs. For many conditions, particularly depression, anxiety, and insomnia, virtual care remains highly effective and increasingly integrated with insurance coverage.

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Understanding Medication Prescribing in Telehealth

One of the most significant changes in mental health telehealth involves controlled substance prescribing. Here’s what you need to know:

ADHD Stimulant Medications (Schedule II)

The bottom line: Very few direct-to-consumer telehealth platforms prescribe Adderall, Ritalin, or other Schedule II stimulants in 2025.

After federal scrutiny of prescription practices, most general telehealth services explicitly prohibit stimulant prescribing. Cerebral, once a major ADHD telehealth provider, stopped accepting new patients for stimulant medications in May 2022. Done, which focused exclusively on ADHD treatment, faces criminal charges against its executives for allegedly operating what prosecutors called a ‘subscription drug dealing service.’

Who can prescribe stimulants? Full-service psychiatric telehealth providers like Talkiatry, which operates within insurance networks and employs board-certified psychiatrists, continue to prescribe ADHD medications when medically appropriate after thorough evaluation. However, these services require proper diagnostic assessment and ongoing monitoring—not the 15-minute consultations that characterized earlier platforms.

Anti-Anxiety Benzodiazepines (Schedule IV)

Nearly all major telehealth platforms have policies against prescribing benzodiazepines like Xanax, Ativan, or Klonopin. Brightside explicitly states it does not prescribe these medications. PlushCare, Teladoc, MDLive, and Amwell all maintain similar restrictions.

Why the restrictions? Concerns about dependency, withdrawal risks, and the challenges of monitoring benzodiazepine use remotely have led most telehealth companies to avoid these medications entirely. Instead, patients are typically offered SSRIs, SNRIs, buspirone, or therapy-based approaches for anxiety management.

Sleep Medications (Schedule IV ‘Z-drugs’)

Controlled sleep aids like Ambien (zolpidem) and Lunesta (eszopiclone) are generally not prescribed through telehealth platforms. Teladoc, Brightside, Cerebral, and most other services exclude these medications from their formularies.

Alternatives offered: Many platforms will prescribe non-controlled options like trazodone, certain antidepressants with sedating properties, or melatonin supplements. They may also recommend cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I), which research shows can be highly effective.

Weight Loss Medications

This represents one of the fastest-growing telehealth categories. While older controlled appetite suppressants like phentermine aren’t typically prescribed online, GLP-1 medications like Wegovy (semaglutide) have become widely available through specialized telehealth services.

Who offers weight loss prescriptions? Hims & Hers launched a comprehensive weight loss program featuring GLP-1s in 2023. PlushCare will prescribe these medications for obesity or diabetes management in appropriate cases. However, traditional mental health platforms (Teladoc, Brightside, Cerebral) generally don’t offer weight management services.

Important note: The FDA issued warning letters in 2025 to some telehealth platforms marketing compounded versions of semaglutide, emphasizing the importance of using FDA-approved formulations.

Comparing Major Telehealth Mental Health Providers

Cerebral: Rebuilding After Controversy

Current status: Operating with limited services after 2022 regulatory scrutiny

What they treat: Depression, anxiety, insomnia, bipolar disorder, PTSD, and limited ADHD management (therapy and non-stimulant medications only)

Prescribing policy: No longer prescribes Adderall, Xanax, or Ambien. Focuses on SSRIs, SNRIs, and other non-controlled medications.

Coverage: Available in all 50 states

Pricing: $99/month for medication management; $365/month for combined therapy and medication management

Insurance: Accepts some plans, but most patients pay out-of-pocket

Cerebral agreed to pay $3.6 million in 2024 to settle allegations of improper prescribing practices and now maintains much more conservative medication policies. While they still treat ADHD patients, new stimulant prescriptions stopped in 2022. Existing patients were grandfathered through 2023.

Patient feedback: Reviews are mixed. Some appreciate the accessibility and lower costs compared to traditional psychiatry. Others report frustrations with provider turnover, difficulty getting support between appointments, and the abrupt policy changes that left some patients scrambling to find new care.

Brightside: Depression and Anxiety Specialists

Current status: Actively operating with nationwide coverage

What they treat: Depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, insomnia. Does NOT diagnose or treat ADHD.

Prescribing policy: Explicitly does not prescribe Adderall, Ritalin, Xanax, Ativan, Ambien, or other controlled substances. Focuses on antidepressants and non-controlled anxiety medications.

Coverage: All 50 states

Pricing: $95/month for psychiatry (medication management); $349/month for psychiatry plus therapy

Insurance: Accepts many major insurance plans nationwide

Brightside positions itself as a conservative, safety-focused platform specializing in depression and anxiety disorders. Their approach appeals to patients who prefer avoiding controlled substances or who’ve struggled with those medications previously.

Patient feedback: Generally positive reviews for medication management and ease of use. However, patients seeking ADHD treatment or those who might benefit from controlled medications for severe anxiety will need to look elsewhere.

Talkiatry: Insurance-Based Full Psychiatry

Current status: Actively expanding services

What they treat: Comprehensive psychiatric care including ADHD, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, psychosis, PTSD, and more

Prescribing policy: Board-certified psychiatrists can prescribe any medication deemed medically appropriate, including stimulants, benzodiazepines, and sleep aids, after proper evaluation

Coverage: 43 states (recently expanded to include adolescent psychiatry in 31 states)

Pricing: Typically $25–$400 per visit depending on insurance; around $250–$300 for initial evaluation and $150 for follow-ups without insurance

Insurance: In-network with many major insurers

Talkiatry operates more like traditional psychiatry practice—complete with thorough evaluations, medication management, and the ability to prescribe controlled substances when appropriate—but delivered via telehealth.

Patient feedback: Generally positive regarding provider quality and comprehensive care. Some patients report 1–3 week wait times for initial appointments due to high demand, and insurance-related billing surprises occasionally occur.

PlushCare: Primary Care Plus Mental Health

Current status: Actively operating nationwide

What they treat: Primary care needs plus mild-to-moderate anxiety and depression. General medical issues like infections, chronic disease management, and some hormone replacement.

Prescribing policy: No controlled ADHD medications, benzodiazepines, or sleep aids. Will prescribe GLP-1 medications for weight loss/diabetes when appropriate.

Coverage: All 50 states

Pricing: $19.99/month membership plus $129 per visit

Insurance: Accepts most major plans

PlushCare functions as a virtual primary care clinic that also offers basic mental health services. It’s ideal for someone needing both regular medical care and treatment for uncomplicated anxiety or depression.

Best for: Patients with straightforward mental health needs who also want access to primary care services. Not appropriate for ADHD, complex anxiety requiring controlled medications, or specialized psychiatric conditions.

Teladoc and MDLive: General Telehealth Giants

Current status: Both actively operating with broad service offerings

What they treat: Urgent care, primary care, dermatology, therapy, and basic psychiatric care (anxiety, depression)

Prescribing policy: Neither prescribes Schedule II stimulants, benzodiazepines, or controlled sleep medications. Teladoc explicitly does not prescribe GLP-1 weight loss drugs.

Coverage: Nationwide (50 states)

Pricing:

• Teladoc: $75–$95 for general visits; $200+ for initial psychiatric consultations
• MDLive: $0–$82 depending on insurance coverage

Insurance: Both widely accepted, often included with employer health plans at low or no cost

These platforms excel at treating common acute issues and providing basic mental health support, but they’re not specialized psychiatric services. Their restrictive medication policies limit their usefulness for conditions like ADHD or treatment-resistant anxiety.

Best for: Patients with employer-sponsored coverage seeking convenience for minor illnesses or uncomplicated anxiety/depression who don’t need controlled medications.

Amwell: Broad Virtual Care Network

Current status: Actively operating

What they treat: Urgent care, primary care, women’s health, therapy, and psychiatry

Prescribing policy: Does not prescribe Adderall, Xanax, Ambien, or other controlled substances. Limited GLP-1 prescribing (primarily for diabetes, not elective weight loss)

Coverage: All 50 states

Pricing: Approximately $79 for urgent care; $95–$120 for psychiatry/therapy sessions

Insurance: Accepts many insurance plans

Similar to Teladoc and MDLive, Amwell provides broad virtual healthcare with the same controlled substance restrictions.

Hims & Hers: Lifestyle and Wellness Focus

Current status: Actively operating and expanding

What they treat: Anxiety, depression, hair loss, erectile dysfunction, skin care, and comprehensive weight loss programs (including GLP-1 medications)

Prescribing policy: No controlled substances (no stimulants, benzodiazepines, or controlled sleep aids). Does prescribe GLP-1 medications for weight management.

Coverage: 50 U.S. states plus some international markets

Pricing: $85/month for medication management plans; $99 per therapy session

Insurance: Cash-pay only (but HSA/FSA eligible)

Hims & Hers carved out a niche in lifestyle medicine, targeting younger adults interested in convenience and discretion. Their mental health offerings focus on non-controlled medications for anxiety and depression.

Best for: Patients seeking straightforward anxiety/depression treatment or those interested in combining mental health care with weight loss, hair loss, or sexual health services. Not appropriate for ADHD or conditions requiring controlled medications.

Done and Ahead: Cautionary Tales

Done status: Under federal prosecution; effectively ceased operations

Done Global, which focused exclusively on ADHD treatment, faces criminal charges against its top executives for allegedly operating what prosecutors called a ‘subscription drug dealing service.’ The indictment represents the first major criminal case against telehealth executives for controlled substance misprescribing.

Ahead status: Shut down in 2022

Ahead, another ADHD-focused telehealth startup, closed operations in 2022 amid financial and operational challenges during the industry’s regulatory reckoning.

What this means for patients: The collapse of Done left tens of thousands of patients scrambling to find new ADHD care providers. Many pharmacies had already stopped filling Done prescriptions before the formal shutdown, creating a healthcare crisis for patients who had become dependent on the service.

These failures underscore the importance of choosing established, compliant providers—particularly for ongoing medication management.

Where Klarity Health Fits In

Given the current landscape, patients often feel stuck between two extremes: platforms that won’t prescribe necessary medications at all, and services that have faced serious questions about prescription standards.

Klarity Health offers a different approach. As a specialized mental health telehealth platform, Klarity provides comprehensive psychiatric care—including ADHD, anxiety disorders, depression, insomnia, PTSD, and conditions like PMDD and binge eating disorder—with appropriate medication management when needed.

What sets Klarity apart:

Balanced prescribing philosophy: Unlike platforms that categorically refuse controlled medications or those that faced scrutiny for over-prescribing, Klarity’s providers conduct thorough evaluations and prescribe medications—including controlled substances when medically appropriate—following proper clinical guidelines.

Transparent, affordable pricing: While competitors often require monthly subscriptions or have complex insurance billing, Klarity offers straightforward pricing without hidden fees. You’re not paying for months you don’t need care.

Provider availability: Klarity typically offers appointments within days, not weeks, addressing one of the major frustrations patients report with insurance-based services like Talkiatry.

Accepts insurance AND cash pay: Klarity works with insurance when you have coverage but also offers cash-pay options with clear pricing for those with high deductibles or no mental health benefits.

Comprehensive condition coverage: From ADHD and anxiety to insomnia and binge eating disorder, Klarity treats conditions that many general telehealth platforms won’t touch—without requiring you to use multiple different services.

Key Considerations When Choosing a Telehealth Provider

1. What condition do you need treated?

For ADHD specifically: Very few telehealth platforms currently prescribe stimulant medications. Talkiatry is one option if you have insurance coverage. Klarity Health offers ADHD evaluation and treatment, including medication management when appropriate. General platforms like Teladoc and Brightside explicitly don’t treat ADHD with controlled medications.

For anxiety disorders: Most platforms treat anxiety, but their approaches differ significantly. If your anxiety might benefit from medication beyond SSRIs—or if previous trials of antidepressants haven’t worked—you’ll need a provider willing to consider alternatives. Services like Brightside and Cerebral limit themselves to non-controlled options only.

For depression: Nearly all mental health telehealth platforms treat depression effectively, primarily with antidepressant medications and therapy. This is the most universally covered condition.

For insomnia: Treatment approaches vary widely. Most platforms avoid controlled sleep medications entirely, offering alternatives like trazodone or therapy. If you’ve tried non-controlled options without success, you’ll need a full psychiatric service.

2. Do you need controlled medications?

If you already take—or might benefit from—Schedule II stimulants (for ADHD), benzodiazepines (for severe anxiety or panic disorder), or controlled sleep medications, your options narrow considerably:

• Can prescribe when appropriate: Talkiatry, Klarity Health
• Categorically won’t prescribe: Brightside, Cerebral (current policy), PlushCare, MDLive, Teladoc, Amwell, Hims & Hers

3. What’s your budget and insurance situation?

If you have good insurance coverage: Talkiatry typically offers the lowest out-of-pocket costs if they’re in-network. MDLive and Teladoc are often included with employer plans. Klarity Health also accepts insurance and can verify coverage before your first appointment.

If you’re paying out-of-pocket: Compare total monthly costs carefully. Subscription services like Brightside ($95–$349/month) and Cerebral ($99–$365/month) charge whether you need an appointment that month or not. À la carte pricing from providers like Klarity may cost less overall if you don’t need weekly visits.

Watch for hidden costs: Some platforms advertise low medication management fees but charge separately for therapy sessions, prescription refills, or provider messaging. Understand the complete pricing structure before committing.

4. How quickly do you need care?

Fastest access: Cash-pay platforms like Klarity, Hims & Hers, and Cerebral typically offer appointments within days.

Moderate wait times: Insurance-based services like Talkiatry may require 1–3 weeks for initial appointments depending on demand in your area.

Immediate crisis support: If you’re experiencing a mental health emergency, call 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or go to your nearest emergency room. Telehealth platforms aren’t appropriate for emergencies.

5. Do you value continuity of care?

Assigned provider model: Klarity, Talkiatry, Brightside, and Cerebral typically assign you to a specific provider you’ll see consistently.

On-demand model: Teladoc, MDLive, and Amwell often connect you with whoever’s available. You might see different providers for different visits, which can be problematic for ongoing psychiatric medication management.

For conditions requiring medication adjustments over time, continuity with the same provider is generally preferable.

Geographic Availability and State Licensing

Most major telehealth platforms now operate nationwide, but some limitations exist:

Available in all 50 states: Cerebral, Brightside, PlushCare, MDLive, Teladoc, Amwell, Hims & Hers, Klarity Health

Limited state coverage: Talkiatry (43 states, though expanding)

Effectively unavailable: Done (under prosecution), Ahead (closed)

For key states like California, Texas, Florida, New York, Pennsylvania, and Illinois, all currently operating major platforms offer services. However, state-specific regulations may affect certain prescribing practices—your provider can explain any limitations during consultation.

The Regulatory Landscape and What It Means for You

The regulatory environment for telehealth prescribing continues to evolve. Here’s what you should understand:

The Ryan Haight Act Waiver

During COVID-19, regulations were temporarily relaxed to allow controlled substance prescribing via telehealth without an initial in-person visit. This waiver has been extended through the end of 2025, but its future beyond that remains uncertain.

What this means: If regulations tighten after 2025, you might need an in-person visit before receiving controlled medications through telehealth. Some platforms are already establishing partnerships with physical clinics to prepare for this possibility.

Increased Scrutiny on Prescription Practices

Federal enforcement actions against Done and the settlement with Cerebral signal that authorities are actively monitoring telehealth prescription standards. This scrutiny has led to:

• More thorough patient evaluations before prescribing controlled substances
• Better documentation requirements
• Regular audits of prescription patterns
• Limits on the number of patients individual providers can manage

For patients, this is largely positive: While it may mean longer initial consultations and more documentation, these safeguards help ensure you’re receiving appropriate, safe care.

State-Level Variations

Individual states may impose additional requirements for telehealth prescribing. Some states have specific rules about:

• Whether an initial in-person visit is required for controlled substances
• Prescribing limits for certain medications
• Ongoing monitoring requirements for stimulant medications

Reputable telehealth providers stay current with these requirements and will inform you of any state-specific limitations.

Making Your Decision: Key Questions to Ask

Before choosing a telehealth mental health provider, consider asking:

1. Can you prescribe the medications I’m currently taking (or might need)? Get specific about your current prescriptions and any medications you’ve tried previously.

2. What’s the process if my treatment needs to change? Understand how easy it is to adjust medications, add therapy, or get additional support.

3. How do refills work? Some platforms charge for refill requests; others include them in your subscription.

4. Can I message my provider between appointments? This feature varies significantly and can be important for medication adjustments.

5. What happens if I need in-person care or specialized services? Understand the referral process and whether the platform helps coordinate care.

6. What’s your cancellation or pause policy? Especially important for subscription-based services—can you easily pause or cancel without penalties?

7. Do you accept my insurance? If so, what are the co-pays? If not, what are the self-pay rates?

The Bottom Line

The mental health telehealth landscape in 2025 offers more options than ever before—but choosing the right provider requires understanding significant differences in services, prescribing policies, and costs.

For straightforward anxiety or depression treatment: Platforms like Brightside, Cerebral, or even employer-provided options through Teladoc may serve you well if you’re comfortable with non-controlled medications only.

For ADHD treatment: Your options narrow considerably. Talkiatry offers full psychiatric care through insurance networks, while Klarity Health provides specialized ADHD treatment with both insurance and cash-pay options.

For comprehensive mental health care with appropriate medication management: Services like Klarity Health and Talkiatry stand out by offering what general telehealth platforms won’t: thorough psychiatric evaluation and treatment including controlled medications when medically necessary.

For lifestyle-focused care combining mental health with other wellness services: Hims & Hers offers a modern approach to anxiety, depression, and conditions like hair loss or weight management—though without controlled medications.

The telehealth mental health industry’s maturation—including the exits of problematic providers and stricter regulatory oversight—ultimately benefits patients by improving care standards. However, it also means doing your homework before selecting a provider is more important than ever.

Take the Next Step

If you’re struggling with ADHD, anxiety, depression, insomnia, or other mental health conditions, waiting for the ‘perfect’ provider can delay treatment you need now. Klarity Health offers a balanced approach: comprehensive psychiatric care from licensed providers, transparent pricing, quick appointment availability, and appropriate medication management based on thorough evaluation—not restrictive blanket policies or questionable practices.

Ready to get started? Visit Klarity Health to schedule a consultation. Most patients can see a provider within days, and you’ll know your costs upfront—whether you’re using insurance or paying out-of-pocket. Your first step toward feeling better is just a conversation away.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use telehealth for ADHD medication if I’m already diagnosed?

Yes, but your options are limited. If you’re currently taking stimulant medications for ADHD, platforms like Talkiatry and Klarity Health can provide ongoing management and refills after evaluation. General telehealth services like Teladoc and PlushCare don’t prescribe these medications.

Why won’t most telehealth platforms prescribe Adderall or Xanax?

Regulatory scrutiny following concerns about overprescribing and patient safety led many platforms to implement restrictive policies on controlled substances. Some companies faced federal investigations, prompting others to adopt very conservative prescribing practices preemptively.

Is telehealth mental health care as effective as in-person treatment?

Research shows telehealth can be highly effective for many mental health conditions, particularly depression and anxiety. For conditions requiring controlled medications or complex medication management, working with a full psychiatric service (whether virtual or in-person) produces better outcomes than brief consultations.

What if I need to switch telehealth providers?

You can change providers, though the process varies. Most platforms can transfer your records with your consent. For controlled medications, some prescribers may want records from your previous provider before continuing prescriptions.

Will my insurance cover telehealth mental health services?

Most insurance plans now cover telehealth mental health services at similar rates to in-person care. Coverage varies by plan and provider network. Platforms like Talkiatry and Klarity Health can verify your insurance benefits before your appointment.

What’s the difference between a psychiatrist and a psychiatric nurse practitioner in telehealth?

Both can diagnose conditions and prescribe medications. Psychiatrists are physicians (MDs or DOs) with specialized psychiatry training. Psychiatric nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) are advanced practice nurses with psychiatric specialization. Both are qualified to provide excellent care; the key is their experience and your specific needs.

References

1. AP News – DOJ indictment of Done Global executives for ADHD telehealth misprescribing (apnews.com), June 14, 2024

2. TIME Magazine – ‘Why Online Therapy Startups Are Falling Short: Cerebral, Done, and Ahead’ (time.com), November 1, 2022

3. TechTarget – Cerebral settles allegations over ADHD prescription practices, pays $3.6M fine (www.techtarget.com), November 6, 2024

4. Teladoc Health – Official Prescription Policy and Medication FAQ (www.teladochealth.com), Updated 2023

5. PlushCare – Controlled Substances Policy (plushcare.com), Updated 2025

Source:

• https://www.techtarget.com/virtualhealthcare/news/366615298/Pushing-ADHD-telehealth-prescriptions-costs-Cerebral-millions#:~:text=Cerebral%20provides%20telehealth%20consultations%20for,from%20tiered%20monthly%20subscription%20plans
• https://finvsfin.com/hims-anxiety-reviews/#:~:text=Out%20of%20pocket%2C%20Hims%20will,99%20for%20each%20counseling%20session
• https://apnews.com/article/498cb907623565ee680b33b1367efb84#:~:text=Top%20executives%20of%20the%20California,executives%20of%20defrauding%20taxpayers%2C%20exacerbating
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• https://apnews.com/article/9c08db3481dcfd67c433fad1ae07d941#:~:text=The%20FDA%20has%20launched%20its,originals%2C%20which%20the%20FDA%20disputes
• https://www.teladochealth.com/info/prescription-policy#:~:text=pressure%20medication,well%20as%20Teladoc%20Health%20policy
• https://www.brightside.com/faqs/what-medications-do-we-prescribe/#:~:text=Note%3A%20Brightside%20does%20not%20prescribe,controlled%20substance%20in%20some%20states
• https://time.com/6225361/telehealth-startups-cerebral-done-ahead/#:~:text=substance%20prescriptions%20from%20Cerebral%20and,substance%20medications
• https://h-o-m-e.org/does-cerebral-prescribe-xanax/#:~:text=Cerebral%20takes%20a%20conservative%20approach,such%20as%20Xanax%20or%20Ativan