Klarity vs. Brightside Health: Which is Better for Anxiety & Depression? (May 2026)

Choosing an online psychiatry platform is not a small decision. You are trusting a provider with your mental health, your prescription history, and in most cases, a recurring monthly payment. Two names come up constantly in this space: Klarity Health and Brightside Health. Both operate nationally, both treat anxiety and depression, and both let you book appointments from home.

But they work very differently. This article breaks down exactly how each platform operates, what real patients say about them, how much each one costs, and where each falls short — so you can make the right call for your situation.

TLDR: Klarity vs. Brightside Health at a Glance

• ADHD with stimulants: Klarity prescribes stimulants (Adderall, Vyvanse, etc.) where clinically appropriate. Brightside Health explicitly states it does not prescribe Adderall, Ritalin, Vyvanse, Concerta, or any other stimulant — and it does not diagnose ADHD.
• Cost model: Klarity charges per visit with no subscription fees. Brightside operates on monthly subscription tiers ranging from $95/month to $349/month before insurance.
• Insurance: Klarity accepts 50+ insurance plans. Brightside accepts major insurance in most states, though plan availability varies by state.
• Provider network: Klarity has 2,000+ board-certified providers. Brightside does not publish a comparable provider count.
• Patient ratings: Klarity holds a 4.4/5 on Trustpilot and 4.7/5 on Reviews.io. Brightside holds a 4.0/5 on Trustpilot (1,200+ reviews).
• HSA/FSA: Both platforms accept HSA and FSA payments.

What is Brightside Health?

Brightside Health is a San Francisco-based telehealth company founded in 2019 by psychiatrist Mimi Winsberg. It launched with a focus on treating depression and anxiety through a combination of evidence-based therapy and medication management, delivered entirely online.

The platform operates in all 50 states and Washington D.C. and serves patients ages 13 and up. Brightside also offers an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) in select states for patients who need a higher level of care.

Brightside has attracted attention for its structured, protocol-driven approach to treatment. Providers follow clinical programs built around cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and validated symptom tracking tools. The platform has received coverage in major health publications and positions itself as a science-first mental health service.

How Brightside Health Actually Works

When you sign up for Brightside, you start with a free online assessment. Based on your responses, Brightside matches you with a psychiatric provider, a therapist, or both.

From there, you choose a subscription plan and schedule your first appointment. All sessions take place via video. Between appointments, you can message your care team through the app and track your symptoms using Brightside's built-in measurement tools.

Brightside's three core plans work like this:

• Psychiatry only: $95/month (self-pay). Includes an initial psychiatric evaluation and ongoing medication management. With insurance, the average copay is around $25 per session.
• Therapy only: $299/month (self-pay). Covers four 45-minute video therapy sessions per month plus unlimited messaging.
• Psychiatry + Therapy: $349/month (self-pay). Combines both services at a bundled rate.

One important limitation: Brightside will not prescribe controlled substances. Its own FAQ states clearly that it does not prescribe benzodiazepines (Xanax, Klonopin, Valium, Ativan), stimulants (Adderall, Ritalin, Vyvanse, Concerta), or Z-drug sleep aids (Ambien, Lunesta). For ADHD, Brightside can offer therapy and non-stimulant medications like Strattera or Intuniv — but it will not diagnose ADHD and will not prescribe the stimulant medications that most ADHD patients rely on.

What Do Real Patients Say About Brightside Health?

On Trustpilot, Brightside holds a 4.0/5 rating from more than 1,200 reviews. Positive reviews frequently mention responsive providers, a smooth app experience, and improvement in depression and anxiety symptoms. Patients who use Brightside primarily for medication management of mood disorders tend to report solid experiences.

Negative reviews cluster around three issues:

1. Billing and subscription confusion. Multiple reviewers describe being charged for months after attempting to cancel, or feeling locked into a subscription without clear exit instructions.
2. Provider continuity. Some patients report being reassigned to a new provider without notice, which disrupts established treatment relationships.
3. ADHD limitations. Patients who came to Brightside expecting full ADHD treatment — including stimulant prescriptions — report frustration after discovering the platform's restricted prescribing policy. This is disclosed on Brightside's website, but many patients miss it during sign-up.

On the Better Business Bureau, Brightside Health has received complaints that largely echo these billing and cancellation themes.

How Much Does Brightside Health Cost?

Brightside's pricing depends on whether you use insurance and which plan you choose.

Without insurance (self-pay):

These are recurring monthly fees. Canceling a plan mid-month does not typically result in a prorated refund, which has been a source of complaints.

With insurance:
Brightside accepts major insurance carriers including Aetna, Cigna/Evernorth, UnitedHealthcare, Blue Cross Blue Shield (select states), Optum, Ambetter, Medicare, and Medicaid in most states. The average copay with insurance is around $25 per session.

HSA and FSA cards are accepted for self-pay plans.

Why People Choose Klarity Over Brightside Health

For patients whose needs go beyond anxiety and depression — or who want more flexibility in how they pay — Klarity is the stronger option. Here is why the comparison tilts toward Klarity in most situations.

1. Klarity Treats ADHD With the Full Range of Medications

This is the biggest differentiator. Brightside explicitly does not diagnose ADHD and will not prescribe stimulants. If you have ADHD alongside depression or anxiety — which is common — Brightside cannot be your one-stop provider.

Klarity's board-certified psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners treat ADHD nationwide and can prescribe stimulant medications where clinically appropriate and legally permitted. Patients do not need to maintain a separate relationship with another provider just to get their ADHD managed.

2. No Subscription Fees

Brightside's model requires a monthly commitment. If you need a prescription renewal or a brief follow-up, you still pay the full monthly rate.

Klarity charges per visit. You pay for the appointment you book — nothing more. For patients who are stable on their medication and only need check-ins every few months, the savings are significant.

3. Larger Provider Network

Klarity has 2,000+ board-certified providers across all 50 states. A larger network means more scheduling flexibility, shorter wait times, and a better chance of finding a provider who specializes in your specific conditions. Appointments are available in as little as 24 hours.

4. 50+ Insurance Plans Accepted

Klarity accepts more than 50 insurance plans, which means more patients pay only their insurance copay rather than out-of-pocket subscription fees. Brightside's insurance coverage is state-dependent and may be limited depending on your plan and location.

5. Higher Patient Satisfaction Scores

Klarity holds a 4.4/5 on Trustpilot and a 4.7/5 on Reviews.io — both higher than Brightside's 4.0/5 Trustpilot score. Patient feedback on Klarity frequently highlights the quality of individual providers, the ease of booking, and the absence of subscription pressure.

6. Press Recognition

Klarity has been featured in Time, The New York Times, and Verywell Mind — recognition that reflects the platform's clinical credibility and patient outcomes.

Feature Comparison Table: Klarity vs. Brightside Health

Why Klarity is the Better Choice

For most patients searching for online anxiety or depression treatment, Klarity delivers more value at a lower total cost.

The per-visit pricing model respects the reality that mental health needs are not the same every month. Some months you need two appointments. Other months you are stable and need none. Paying only for what you use is a more honest and affordable structure than a subscription that charges you whether you book or not.

The provider network of 2,000+ means you are not waiting weeks for a match. Appointments in as little as 24 hours are available across all 50 states, which matters when you are dealing with anxiety or a depressive episode and need to be seen now.

Most importantly, Klarity does not restrict what conditions it will treat or what medications its providers can prescribe. A provider who can treat your depression and your ADHD and prescribe the medication that actually works for you is worth far more than a platform that forces you to go elsewhere for half your care.

Klarity's patient satisfaction scores — 4.4/5 on Trustpilot and 4.7/5 on Reviews.io — reflect the experience that comes from having qualified, engaged providers who treat the full picture of a patient's mental health.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Brightside Health treat ADHD?
Brightside offers therapy and non-stimulant medications for patients who already have an ADHD diagnosis, but it does not diagnose ADHD and does not prescribe stimulants like Adderall, Vyvanse, Ritalin, or Concerta. If you need a full ADHD evaluation or stimulant medication, Brightside is not the right platform.

Can I use insurance with Klarity?
Yes. Klarity accepts 50+ insurance plans across all 50 states. Many patients pay only their standard insurance copay. You can check whether your specific plan is accepted during the sign-up process.

How does Klarity's pricing compare to Brightside?
Klarity charges per visit with no subscription fees. Brightside's psychiatry-only plan starts at $95/month for self-pay patients. If you only need a quarterly check-in, Klarity's per-visit model will cost you less over the course of a year.

How fast can I get an appointment?
Both Klarity and Brightside offer appointments in as little as 24 hours in many states. Klarity's network of 2,000+ providers across all 50 states means availability is generally high regardless of your location.

Does Klarity accept HSA or FSA payments?
Yes. Klarity accepts HSA and FSA cards for all appointments.

Is Klarity available in my state?
Klarity operates in all 50 states. Its providers include board-certified psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners who are licensed in their respective states.

Ready to Book an Appointment?

If you are looking for online mental health care that treats anxiety, depression, and ADHD — with no subscription fees, 50+ insurance plans accepted, and appointments available in as little as 24 hours — Klarity is the clear choice.

Book your appointment at Klarity Health

Klarity's 2,000+ board-certified providers are ready to create a personalized treatment plan for you, covered by most major insurance plans and available from the comfort of your home.

Featured in Time, The New York Times, and Verywell Mind.

Last medically reviewed: May 2026