Top telehealth providers for Ozempic compared

The telehealth mental health landscape has transformed dramatically over the past few years. If you’ve been searching for online psychiatric care, ADHD treatment, or anxiety management, you’ve likely encountered names like Cerebral, Done, Brightside, or Talkiatry. But which platforms are still operating? Which ones actually prescribe the medications you might need? And most importantly—which ones can you trust?

This comprehensive guide cuts through the confusion. We’ll break down what happened to providers that made headlines, compare current options across medication policies and pricing, and help you understand what quality telehealth mental health care should look like in 2026.

The Telehealth Mental Health Industry: What Changed?

Between 2020 and 2022, telehealth mental health services exploded in popularity. The COVID-19 pandemic created unprecedented demand, and regulatory flexibilities made it easier for providers to prescribe controlled medications like Adderall and Xanax without in-person visits.

But this rapid growth came with significant growing pains.

The 2022-2024 Reckoning

Several high-profile telehealth startups faced serious scrutiny for questionable prescribing practices:

• Done Global executives were criminally indicted in June 2024 for allegedly operating a ‘pill mill’ that distributed millions of Adderall prescriptions without proper medical evaluation. The platform effectively shut down, leaving thousands of patients scrambling to find new providers.

• Cerebral paid $3.6 million in settlements in late 2024 and stopped prescribing ADHD stimulants to new patients in May 2022 after investigations revealed internal pressure on clinicians to maximize prescriptions.

• Ahead (HelloAhead) completely shut down operations in 2022 due to financial and operational challenges.

These failures weren’t just business stories—they represented real harm to patients who lost access to care, faced abrupt medication discontinuation, or received substandard treatment.

The silver lining? The industry correction has created space for more responsible, patient-centered care. Providers who survived did so by prioritizing clinical quality over rapid growth, and new regulatory oversight is helping ensure that telehealth mental health care meets appropriate standards.

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Understanding Medication Prescribing Policies: Why Some Providers Say No

One of the most confusing aspects of telehealth mental health care is understanding what medications different providers will—and won’t—prescribe. The answer depends on multiple factors: DEA scheduling, state regulations, corporate policies, and clinical philosophy.

Schedule II Stimulants (Adderall, Ritalin, Vyvanse)

Most direct-to-consumer telehealth platforms have stopped prescribing ADHD stimulants entirely. This includes:

• Teladoc – Explicit policy against prescribing controlled ADHD medications
• PlushCare – Does not prescribe any Schedule II controlled substances
• MDLive – No stimulant prescriptions via telehealth
• Amwell – Cannot prescribe Adderall or similar medications
• Cerebral – Stopped new stimulant prescriptions in May 2022
• Brightside – Does not diagnose ADHD or prescribe stimulants

Who still prescribes ADHD medications?

Full-service psychiatric platforms like Talkiatry continue to prescribe stimulants when medically appropriate. These providers use board-certified psychiatrists who conduct comprehensive evaluations and maintain ongoing monitoring—the same standard of care you’d receive in a traditional psychiatry practice.

This is also where Klarity Health differentiates itself from general telehealth platforms. Klarity specializes in conditions that require comprehensive psychiatric evaluation, including adult ADHD. When clinically appropriate and after thorough assessment, Klarity providers can prescribe necessary medications—including controlled substances—while maintaining rigorous safety protocols and ongoing monitoring.

Benzodiazepines (Xanax, Ativan, Klonopin)

The overwhelming majority of telehealth platforms avoid prescribing benzodiazepines for anxiety:

• Brightside explicitly states they do not prescribe controlled anxiolytics
• Cerebral takes a ‘conservative approach’ and doesn’t offer Xanax or Ativan
• PlushCare, Teladoc, MDLive, and Amwell all prohibit benzodiazepine prescribing

Why the restrictions?

Benzodiazepines carry risks of dependence, withdrawal, and misuse. Without in-person monitoring and comprehensive psychiatric evaluation, most platforms consider the risks too high. Instead, they offer alternatives like SSRIs, SNRIs, or buspirone for anxiety management.

Specialty psychiatric services may prescribe benzodiazepines when warranted, but only after establishing a therapeutic relationship and exploring other options first.

Sleep Medications (Ambien, Lunesta)

‘Z-drugs’ and other controlled sleep medications are widely disallowed via standard telehealth:

• Brightside’s policy forbids Ambien, Lunesta, and similar medications
• Teladoc and Amwell do not prescribe insomnia sedatives
• Most platforms offer non-controlled alternatives like trazodone or melatonin

Weight Loss Medications: The New Frontier

The landscape for weight management has shifted dramatically with GLP-1 medications like Wegovy and Ozempic:

Hims & Hers launched a comprehensive GLP-1 weight loss program in 2023, leveraging telehealth for obesity management. PlushCare will prescribe GLP-1s for clinical obesity with comorbidities on a case-by-case basis.

However, traditional telehealth giants like Teladoc explicitly exclude GLP-1 weight medications in general care visits, viewing weight management as outside their scope.

Comparing Major Telehealth Mental Health Providers: The 2026 Landscape

Specialty Mental Health Platforms

Brightside Health

• Status: Active and expanding
• Focus: Depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, insomnia (does not treat ADHD)
• Pricing: $95/month for medication management; $349/month for therapy + medication
• Insurance: Accepted nationwide
• Medication philosophy: Conservative—no controlled substances
• Best for: Patients with depression or anxiety who prefer non-controlled medication options

Cerebral

• Status: Limited operations after 2022 scrutiny
• Focus: Depression, anxiety, insomnia, PTSD (existing ADHD patients only)
• Pricing: $99/month for medication management; $365/month for therapy + medication
• Insurance: Some plans accepted
• Medication philosophy: Conservative post-2022—no new stimulant prescriptions
• Best for: Patients comfortable with subscription models seeking therapy + medication for depression/anxiety

Talkiatry

• Status: Active and expanding (recently added adolescent services)
• Focus: Comprehensive psychiatry including ADHD, bipolar disorder, complex conditions
• Pricing: $25-$400 per visit depending on insurance; ~$250-$300 initial evaluation without insurance
• Insurance: Widely accepted in-network
• Medication philosophy: Full psychiatric care—prescribes controlled substances when appropriate
• Available: 43 states
• Best for: Patients with insurance coverage seeking traditional psychiatric care via telehealth

General Telehealth Platforms

Teladoc Health

• Status: Active (largest telehealth provider)
• Focus: Urgent care, primary care, mental health (anxiety, depression)
• Pricing: $75-$95 for general visits; $200+ for initial psychiatric consultation
• Insurance: Widely accepted
• Medication philosophy: Does not prescribe controlled substances
• Best for: Patients with employer-sponsored coverage needing general medical or mild mental health care

PlushCare

• Status: Active nationwide
• Focus: Primary care + mental health (mild anxiety/depression), GLP-1 weight loss
• Pricing: $19.99/month membership + $129 per visit
• Insurance: Most plans accepted
• Medication philosophy: No controlled ADHD meds or benzodiazepines; will prescribe GLP-1s
• Best for: Patients wanting integrated primary care and mental health in one platform

MDLive

• Status: Active
• Focus: Urgent care, primary care, therapy/psychiatry for depression and anxiety
• Pricing: $0-$82 per visit (often covered by employers/insurers)
• Insurance: Widely accepted
• Medication philosophy: No controlled substances
• Best for: Patients with employer-sponsored telehealth benefits

Amwell

• Status: Active
• Focus: Urgent care, primary care, therapy/psychiatry, women’s health
• Pricing: $79-$99 per visit typically
• Insurance: Many plans accepted
• Medication philosophy: Cannot prescribe controlled substances
• Best for: Patients seeking broad telehealth access beyond mental health

Lifestyle & Wellness Platforms

Hims & Hers

• Status: Active and growing
• Focus: Lifestyle health (anxiety/depression, hair loss, ED, weight loss)
• Pricing: $85/month for anxiety/depression medication management; $99 per therapy session
• Insurance: Cash pay only (HSA/FSA eligible)
• Medication philosophy: No controlled substances; GLP-1 weight loss programs available
• Best for: Younger patients comfortable with direct-to-consumer model; those seeking weight management

Providers No Longer Operating

Done Global

• Status: Shut down following June 2024 DOJ indictment
• What happened: Executives criminally charged for allegedly prescribing millions of Adderall prescriptions without proper evaluation

Ahead (HelloAhead)

• Status: Closed operations in 2022
• What happened: Financial and operational challenges led to complete shutdown

What Sets Quality Telehealth Mental Health Care Apart?

After reviewing the landscape, several factors distinguish excellent telehealth mental health care from problematic services:

1. Comprehensive Initial Evaluations

Quality providers spend adequate time on initial assessments—typically 30-60 minutes for psychiatric evaluations. Red flags include:

• Platforms that promise medication after a 10-minute questionnaire
• Services that seem focused on getting you on specific medications quickly
• Lack of medical history review or discussion of alternative treatments

2. Continuity of Care

Seeing the same provider for follow-up visits builds therapeutic relationships and ensures consistent treatment. Many patients report frustration with platforms that assign different providers for each visit.

Klarity Health prioritizes continuity—you’ll typically work with the same clinician throughout your treatment, which research shows improves outcomes and patient satisfaction.

3. Transparent, Fair Pricing

The subscription model works for some patients but creates problems for others:

• Monthly charges even when you don’t need a visit
• Difficulty canceling or pausing service
• Hidden fees for additional services

Alternative pricing models (like Klarity’s pay-per-visit approach) offer flexibility—you pay for what you need, when you need it. For many patients, this ends up being more affordable than monthly subscriptions they don’t fully utilize.

4. Balanced Medication Philosophy

The best providers avoid two extremes:

• Too restrictive: Refusing to prescribe any controlled medications, even when clinically appropriate
• Too permissive: Over-prescribing controlled substances without adequate safeguards

Quality care means:

• Starting with thorough evaluation
• Trying appropriate first-line treatments
• Prescribing controlled medications when needed, with proper monitoring
• Regular follow-ups to assess effectiveness and side effects

5. Insurance Flexibility

Klarity Health accepts both insurance and cash pay, giving you options based on your coverage situation. This flexibility is valuable because:

• Some patients have high deductibles and prefer transparent cash pricing
• Others have excellent mental health coverage and want to use it
• Insurance networks and coverage change—you shouldn’t lose your provider because of that

Practical Guidance: Choosing the Right Provider for Your Needs

If You Need ADHD Treatment

Your realistic options are limited to specialty psychiatric services:

Best options:

• Talkiatry (if insurance-based care appeals to you)
• Klarity Health (for flexible payment options and faster access)

Avoid:

• General telehealth platforms (Teladoc, PlushCare, MDLive)—they don’t diagnose or treat ADHD with medications
• Providers with questionable histories (Done—shut down; Cerebral—no new stimulant prescriptions)

What to expect from quality ADHD care:

• Comprehensive initial evaluation (45-60 minutes)
• Discussion of medication and non-medication options
• Regular follow-ups initially (monthly), then less frequent once stable
• Monitoring for side effects and effectiveness
• Annual re-evaluation of diagnosis and treatment plan

If You Have Depression or Anxiety

You have more options, but consider what matters most:

For medication-focused care:

• Brightside (if you prefer non-controlled medications only)
• Klarity Health (if you want a provider who can prescribe any appropriate medication)
• Talkiatry (for insurance-based psychiatric care)

For therapy + medication:

• Cerebral or Brightside (subscription bundles)
• Hims & Hers (separate therapy and medication services)
• Klarity Health (à la carte services—pay for what you need)

For integrated primary care + mental health:

• PlushCare (if you want one provider for everything)

If You Need Treatment for Insomnia

Most telehealth platforms won’t prescribe controlled sleep medications like Ambien. Your options:

For controlled sleep medications:

• Specialty psychiatric services (Talkiatry, Klarity Health) after comprehensive evaluation

For non-controlled alternatives:

• Most platforms can prescribe trazodone, melatonin, or hydroxyzine
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) is highly effective and available through many platforms

If You’re Managing Weight and Mental Health

Hims & Hers specializes in GLP-1 weight loss programs alongside mental health care, though you’ll access these through separate services.

Klarity Health offers an integrated approach to conditions where weight and mental health intersect—like binge eating disorder, depression with metabolic concerns, or ADHD with appetite management challenges.

Red Flags: When to Look Elsewhere

Based on the industry shakeout of 2022-2024, watch for these warning signs:

🚩 Promises of quick prescriptions – ‘Get your ADHD medication after a 5-minute visit’

🚩 Pressure to stay subscribed – Difficulty canceling, unclear billing practices

🚩 No established relationship – Different provider every visit, no continuity

🚩 One-size-fits-all approach – Every patient gets the same medication, no personalized assessment

🚩 Unrealistic claims – ‘Cure your anxiety in 30 days’ or similar guarantees

🚩 Lack of alternatives – Provider only offers medication, no therapy or lifestyle recommendations

🚩 Poor communication – Can’t reach your provider between visits, slow response to concerns

The Regulatory Landscape: What’s Changing in 2026

The rules governing telehealth prescribing of controlled substances remain in flux:

Current status (as of early 2026):

• COVID-era flexibilities for controlled substance prescribing have been extended through late 2025, with ongoing discussions about permanent rules
• Some states have implemented their own restrictions beyond federal requirements
• The DEA has proposed rules requiring at least one in-person visit before prescribing controlled substances via telehealth

What this means for patients:

• Choose providers who are prepared for potential regulatory changes
• Ask about contingency plans if rules change
• Consider platforms that offer hybrid in-person/telehealth options

Klarity Health stays current with evolving regulations and maintains the flexibility to adapt care delivery as requirements change, ensuring you won’t lose access to needed treatment.

State-by-State Availability

Good news: Most major telehealth mental health providers now operate nationwide or in the vast majority of states.

Nationwide coverage (all 50 states):

• Cerebral
• Brightside
• PlushCare
• MDLive
• Teladoc
• Amwell
• Hims & Hers
• Klarity Health

Limited state coverage:

• Talkiatry (43 states)

Not currently operating:

• Done Global (shut down)
• Ahead (closed 2022)

For residents of California, Texas, Florida, New York, Pennsylvania, and Illinois—the six most populous states—all active providers listed are available.

Cost Comparison: What You’ll Actually Pay

Understanding the true cost requires looking beyond advertised rates:

Subscription Models

Brightside:

• Medication management: $95/month
• Therapy + medication: $349/month
• Insurance sometimes accepted (may reduce costs)

Cerebral:

• Medication management: $99/month
• Therapy + medication: $365/month first month, then same monthly
• Limited insurance acceptance

Hims & Hers:

• Anxiety/depression medication: $85/month
• Therapy: $99 per session (separate)
• Cash pay only

Pay-Per-Visit Models

Talkiatry:

• With insurance: $25-$50 typical copay
• Without insurance: $250-$300 initial evaluation, $150 follow-ups

PlushCare:

• $19.99/month membership + $129 per visit
• Insurance may cover visits (membership separate)

Klarity Health:

• Initial evaluation: $149
• Follow-up visits: $59
• Medication refill requests: $25
• Both insurance and cash pay accepted

Cost analysis example:

Let’s say you need monthly follow-ups for depression medication:

• Brightside subscription: $95 × 12 = $1,140/year
• Klarity pay-per-visit: $149 initial + ($59 × 11) = $798/year
• Talkiatry (with insurance): $30 copay × 12 = $360/year
• Talkiatry (without insurance): $250 initial + ($150 × 11) = $1,900/year

The most cost-effective option depends on your insurance coverage and visit frequency. For patients without insurance or with high deductibles, Klarity’s transparent per-visit pricing is often the most affordable option.

What Makes Klarity Health Different

Throughout this guide, we’ve referenced Klarity Health as an alternative to other providers. Here’s why it deserves consideration:

Specialized FocusWhile general telehealth platforms say ‘no’ to treating ADHD, complex anxiety, or insomnia with controlled medications, Klarity specializes in these exact conditions. The providers have expertise in psychiatric care that requires comprehensive evaluation and ongoing management.

Flexible PaymentAccept both insurance and transparent cash pay. No subscriptions required—pay for the care you receive, when you receive it.

Provider ContinuityWork with the same clinician throughout treatment, building a therapeutic relationship that improves outcomes.

Responsible PrescribingWilling to prescribe controlled medications when clinically appropriate, but only after thorough evaluation and with ongoing monitoring—avoiding both the ‘we don’t prescribe anything controlled’ rigidity of general platforms and the ‘pill mill’ approach that destroyed Done and damaged Cerebral.

Fast AccessTypical wait times of days, not weeks, for initial appointments. In-demand psychiatric care shouldn’t mean months-long waitlists.

Comprehensive ConditionsBeyond just depression and anxiety, Klarity treats ADHD, PTSD, OCD, insomnia, panic disorder, PMDD, binge eating disorder, and other conditions that require specialized psychiatric expertise.

Taking the Next Step

The telehealth mental health landscape in 2026 offers more legitimate options than ever—but also requires informed decision-making to avoid poor-quality services.

Key takeaways:

✓ Verify current status – Some well-known providers are no longer operating (Done, Ahead)

✓ Understand medication policies – Most general platforms don’t treat ADHD or prescribe controlled substances

✓ Calculate real costs – Subscriptions aren’t always cheaper than pay-per-visit

✓ Prioritize quality – Comprehensive evaluations, provider continuity, and balanced treatment approaches matter more than speed

✓ Check state availability – Most major providers are nationwide, but some limitations exist

✓ Plan for regulatory changes – Choose providers prepared to adapt to evolving rules

Ready to explore your options?

If you’re seeking psychiatric care for ADHD, anxiety, depression, insomnia, or other mental health conditions, Klarity Health offers the specialized expertise, flexible payment options, and quality care that many patients are looking for after disappointing experiences elsewhere.

Getting started is straightforward:

• Complete a brief intake assessment
• Schedule your initial evaluation (typically within days)
• Meet with your dedicated provider via secure video
• Receive a personalized treatment plan
• Access ongoing care with transparent, affordable pricing

Quality mental health care shouldn’t be complicated. Whether you choose Klarity or another provider, use this guide to make an informed decision that puts your health and needs first.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I really get ADHD medication through telehealth?

Yes, but your options are limited. Specialty psychiatric services like Talkiatry and Klarity Health can prescribe ADHD stimulants after comprehensive evaluation. General telehealth platforms (Teladoc, PlushCare, MDLive) do not prescribe controlled ADHD medications.

Why did Done and Cerebral stop prescribing ADHD medications?

Done faced criminal indictment for allegedly running a ‘pill mill’ operation and has effectively shut down. Cerebral stopped new stimulant prescriptions in May 2022 under regulatory scrutiny and paid $3.6 million in settlements for past practices.

Are subscription or pay-per-visit models more affordable?

It depends on your visit frequency and insurance coverage. For patients needing monthly visits without insurance, pay-per-visit is often cheaper. With good insurance coverage, in-network providers like Talkiatry typically cost least. Run the numbers for your specific situation.

What if I need therapy AND medication?

Some platforms bundle these (Cerebral, Brightside), while others offer them separately (Klarity, Hims & Hers). Bundled subscriptions can be expensive ($349-$365/month). Separate services give you flexibility to adjust based on your needs.

Will my insurance cover telehealth mental health care?

Most insurance plans now cover telehealth mental health services at the same rate as in-person care. Providers like Talkiatry, Brightside, PlushCare, Teladoc, and Klarity Health work with insurance. Check with your specific plan for coverage details.

What happens if telehealth prescribing rules change?

Quality providers are preparing for potential regulatory changes. Ask prospective providers about their plans if in-person visits become required for controlled substances. Hybrid models (telehealth + occasional in-person) may become more common.

How do I know if a telehealth provider is legitimate?

Look for: licensed providers in your state, comprehensive initial evaluations (30+ minutes), clear prescribing policies, transparent pricing, good communication access, and balanced approach to medication (not too permissive or too restrictive).

Research Currency Statement

Verified as of: January 4, 2026

This guide reflects the current status of telehealth mental health providers based on the latest available information. The industry continues to evolve rapidly, with regulatory changes, new entrants, and service modifications occurring regularly.

Providers verified as active: Cerebral (limited), Brightside, Talkiatry, PlushCare, MDLive, Teladoc, Amwell, Hims & Hers, Klarity Health

Providers with uncertain or inactive status: Done Global (federal legal issues; CEO/President indicted 2024), Ahead (shut down in 2022)

Citations

1. Associated Press. (2024, June 14). ‘Telehealth Company That Surged During the Pandemic Accused of Distributing Adderall ‘Like Candy.” AP News. apnews.com

2. Ducharme, J. (2022, November 1). ‘Why Online Therapy Startups Are Falling Short: Inside the Troubles at Cerebral, Done, and Ahead.’ TIME Magazine. time.com

3. Ellison, A. (2024, November 6). ‘Pushing ADHD Telehealth Prescriptions Costs Cerebral Millions.’ TechTarget. techtarget.com

4. Teladoc Health. (2023). ‘Prescription Policy: What Teladoc Can and Cannot Prescribe.’ Teladoc Health Official FAQ. teladochealth.com

5. PlushCare. (2025). ‘Controlled Substances Policy: Medications PlushCare Does Not Prescribe.’ PlushCare Official Policy Page. plushcare.com

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider about your specific health needs and treatment options.

Source:

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