Top telehealth providers for Wegovy compared

The landscape of mental health care has transformed dramatically over the past few years. What began as a pandemic-driven necessity has evolved into a permanent fixture of healthcare delivery—but not without growing pains, regulatory scrutiny, and some notable casualties along the way.

If you’re considering online mental health services in 2026, you’re navigating a vastly different terrain than existed just three years ago. Some of the biggest names from the telehealth boom have either disappeared entirely or fundamentally changed their approach. Meanwhile, established providers have tightened their medication policies, and new regulatory frameworks continue to reshape what’s possible through virtual care.

This comprehensive guide breaks down the current state of telehealth mental health services, examining which providers are still operating, what medications they can and cannot prescribe, and how to find quality care that meets your specific needs.

The Telehealth Mental Health Landscape: What’s Changed

The explosive growth of mental health telehealth during 2020-2021 created unprecedented access to care—but also revealed significant vulnerabilities in how quickly scaled services maintained quality and compliance.

The Rise and Fall of ‘Easy Access’ ADHD Services

Perhaps nowhere were these challenges more visible than in ADHD-focused telehealth. Companies like Done and Ahead promised convenient access to ADHD diagnosis and medication management, often completing evaluations in under 30 minutes and prescribing stimulant medications like Adderall through subscription models.

This model proved unsustainable. Done Global, once a prominent ADHD telehealth provider, effectively ceased operations in 2024 after its top executives were criminally indicted by the Department of Justice for allegedly distributing 40 million doses of Adderall and other stimulants through improper prescribing practices. This marked the first criminal case of its kind against telehealth executives.

Ahead (HelloAhead), another ADHD-focused platform, shut down in 2022 amid financial pressures and operational challenges. These closures left thousands of patients scrambling to find new providers and highlighted the risks of platforms built primarily around controlled substance prescriptions.

The Cerebral Pivot

Cerebral, which had aggressively marketed ADHD services and raised hundreds of millions in venture capital, faced intense scrutiny in 2022. The company stopped accepting new ADHD patients for stimulant medications in May 2022 and later paid $3.6 million to settle federal allegations about its prescribing practices. While Cerebral still operates today, it has fundamentally shifted toward treating depression and anxiety with non-controlled medications, maintaining a notably ‘conservative’ approach to prescribing.

Free consultations available with select providers only.

Get a free consultation

And find an affordable, caring specialist.

Find a provider

Free consultations available with select providers only.

Understanding Current Medication Policies Across Telehealth Platforms

The regulatory environment and provider policies around controlled substances have tightened considerably. Here’s what you need to know about medication prescribing in 2026:

ADHD Stimulants (Schedule II Medications)

The availability of stimulant medications like Adderall, Vyvanse, and Ritalin through telehealth has become extremely limited:

• Traditional telehealth platforms (Teladoc, MDLive, Amwell, PlushCare) do not prescribe Schedule II stimulants at all through their general or mental health services
• Cerebral stopped new stimulant prescriptions in 2022 and continues this policy
• Brightside explicitly does not diagnose ADHD or prescribe stimulant medications
• Talkiatry, a full-service telepsychiatry platform with board-certified psychiatrists, remains one of the few telehealth options that can prescribe ADHD stimulants when clinically appropriate

This restrictive landscape creates real challenges for adults with ADHD seeking legitimate care. Many patients report frustration with being categorically denied access to medications that have worked for them, while others appreciate the more thorough evaluation processes now required.

Anti-Anxiety Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines like Xanax (alprazolam), Ativan (lorazepam), and Klonopin (clonazepam) are similarly restricted:

• Brightside, Cerebral, PlushCare, Teladoc, and Amwell all explicitly prohibit prescribing benzodiazepines
• Hims & Hers focuses exclusively on non-controlled anxiety treatments
• Most platforms instead offer SSRIs, SNRIs, buspirone, or hydroxyzine for anxiety management

Only specialty psychiatric services with established patient relationships typically prescribe these medications, and even then, with significant caution.

Sleep Medications

Controlled sleep medications like Ambien (zolpidem), Lunesta (eszopiclone), and similar ‘Z-drugs’ are generally unavailable through most telehealth platforms. Providers instead recommend:

• Non-controlled options like trazodone or doxepin
• Melatonin and sleep hygiene counseling
• Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I)

The GLP-1 Weight Loss Exception

Interestingly, while controlled substances face mounting restrictions, 2025 saw explosive growth in telehealth prescribing of GLP-1 medications (Wegovy, Ozempic) for weight loss. These medications are not DEA-controlled substances, making them easier to prescribe virtually.

Hims & Hers launched a successful weight management program featuring GLP-1s, though the FDA issued warnings in 2025 about platforms marketing compounded versions of these drugs. PlushCare will prescribe GLP-1s for obesity with comorbidities on a case-by-case basis, while Teladoc generally does not offer weight-loss GLP-1 prescriptions in standard care.

Comparing Today’s Leading Telehealth Mental Health Providers

With the landscape clarified, let’s examine the providers still standing and how they stack up:

Full-Service Telepsychiatry: Talkiatry

Talkiatry operates as a true telepsychiatry practice with board-certified psychiatrists licensed in 43 states. This model offers the most comprehensive medication options, including controlled substances when appropriate.

Strengths:

• Can prescribe the full range of psychiatric medications, including ADHD stimulants and benzodiazepines when clinically indicated
• Works with most major insurance plans
• Psychiatrist continuity of care
• Expanded to adolescent psychiatry in 31 states in 2025

Considerations:

• Initial psychiatric evaluations can cost $250-$400 without insurance
• Wait times for initial appointments may be 1-3 weeks in high-demand areas
• Insurance network complexities can lead to surprise billing
• Less flexibility than subscription models for those wanting on-demand care

Best for: Patients with complex psychiatric needs, those with good insurance coverage, and individuals who want comprehensive psychiatric evaluation and ongoing medication management with a board-certified psychiatrist.

Subscription Mental Health: Brightside

Brightside focuses exclusively on depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, and insomnia using non-controlled medications.

Strengths:

• Clear, consistent medication philosophy (no controlled substances)
• Combines medication management with therapy options
• Nationwide availability with growing insurance acceptance
• User-friendly platform

Considerations:

• Does not treat ADHD or prescribe stimulants
• Does not prescribe benzodiazepines or controlled sleep aids
• Subscription model at $95/month (medication only) or $349/month (therapy + medication)
• May not be appropriate for patients who have successfully used controlled medications

Best for: Patients with depression or anxiety who prefer avoiding controlled substances, those seeking a combined therapy and medication approach, and individuals comfortable with monthly subscription pricing.

Streamlined Care: Cerebral (Post-2022 Model)

Cerebral still operates but in a fundamentally different form than its early iteration.

Strengths:

• Treats depression, anxiety, insomnia, bipolar disorder, and PTSD
• Available in all 50 states
• Monthly subscription includes medication management
• Some insurance accepted

Considerations:

• Does not prescribe Schedule II stimulants (no new ADHD medication patients)
• Does not prescribe benzodiazepines or controlled sleep medications
• History of compliance issues may concern some patients
• Subscription costs $99-$365/month depending on services
• Patient reviews cite provider turnover and support responsiveness issues

Best for: Patients seeking treatment for depression or anxiety with non-controlled medications who prefer a subscription model and don’t need ADHD or controlled anxiety medication management.

General Telehealth Giants: Teladoc, MDLive, Amwell

These established platforms offer mental health services as part of broader telehealth offerings.

Strengths:

• Often included with employer insurance plans at low or no cost
• Convenient for multiple health needs beyond mental health
• Nationwide coverage
• Established compliance and quality frameworks

Considerations:

• Mental health is not their specialty focus
• Will not prescribe any controlled substances (no ADHD meds, benzos, or controlled sleep aids)
• May lack continuity with same provider
• General practitioners rather than psychiatric specialists for many visits

Best for: Patients with employer-sponsored coverage, those needing general medical care alongside mental health services, and individuals with straightforward depression or anxiety not requiring controlled medications.

Primary Care with Mental Health: PlushCare

PlushCare operates as a primary care platform that also addresses mental health needs.

Strengths:

• Comprehensive approach covering medical and mental health
• Available nationwide
• Accepts most insurance plans
• Can prescribe GLP-1s for weight management (unlike most mental health platforms)
• Transparent pricing: $19.99/month membership + $129/visit

Considerations:

• Does not prescribe controlled substances (no ADHD stimulants, benzos, or Ambien)
• Primary care physicians rather than psychiatrists
• Better suited for mild-to-moderate mental health concerns

Best for: Patients wanting integrated primary and mental health care, those with insurance coverage, and individuals seeking weight management alongside mental health support.

Lifestyle and Wellness: Hims & Hers

Hims & Hers targets a younger demographic with lifestyle-focused health services, including mental health.

Strengths:

• Addresses anxiety and depression alongside other wellness concerns (hair loss, ED, skin care, weight loss)
• Streamlined, app-based experience
• GLP-1 weight loss programs
• Transparent pricing: $85/month for mental health medication management
• HSA/FSA eligible

Considerations:

• Does not prescribe controlled substances
• Cash-pay only (no insurance)
• Not appropriate for complex psychiatric needs
• Mental health is one of many service lines rather than core focus

Best for: Younger adults with mild-to-moderate anxiety or depression comfortable with digital-first care, those seeking multiple wellness services on one platform, and cash-paying patients who value convenience.

State-by-State Availability

Most major platforms now operate nationwide, but licensing requirements mean availability varies. Here’s the current status in key states:

California, Texas, Florida, New York, Pennsylvania, and Illinois:

• ✅ Available: Cerebral, Brightside, Talkiatry, PlushCare, MDLive, Teladoc, Amwell, Hims & Hers
• ❌ Not operating: Done (shut down), Ahead (closed 2022)

Other state considerations:

• Talkiatry operates in 43 states (check their website for your specific state)
• Some platforms have temporary pauses in new patient enrollment in certain states due to provider availability

The Regulatory Picture: What’s Changing in 2026

The future of telehealth prescribing remains uncertain as temporary pandemic-era flexibilities expire:

The Ryan Haight Act Waiver

During COVID-19, the DEA waived requirements for an in-person medical evaluation before prescribing controlled substances. This waiver, which enabled the entire ADHD telehealth boom, has been repeatedly extended but faces an uncertain future.

As of late 2025, the waiver was extended through December 2025. What happens in 2026 remains unclear, with possible scenarios including:

1. Further extension maintaining current telehealth flexibility
2. Modified requirements potentially requiring video visits or periodic in-person checks
3. Full reversion to requiring an in-person exam before any controlled substance prescription

This uncertainty has driven some telehealth companies to establish hybrid models or partnerships with brick-and-mortar clinics to ensure continuity of care regardless of regulatory changes.

Increased Enforcement and Compliance

The DOJ’s prosecution of Done executives and the settlement with Cerebral signal that authorities are actively monitoring telehealth prescribing practices. Expect:

• Stricter internal compliance programs at all telehealth companies
• More thorough documentation requirements for controlled substance prescriptions
• Potential additional enforcement actions against providers deemed non-compliant
• Industry-wide movement toward conservative prescribing policies

How Klarity Health Fits Into This Landscape

At Klarity Health, we’ve watched this industry evolution closely and built our approach to address the gaps left by both failed startups and overly restrictive platforms.

Our Philosophy: Responsible Access

We believe patients deserve timely access to legitimate psychiatric care—including controlled medications when clinically appropriate—without the compliance failures that plagued early telehealth startups or the categorical refusals that characterize many current platforms.

Klarity offers:

• Comprehensive psychiatric evaluation by licensed psychiatric providers, not rushed 15-minute assessments
• Evidence-based treatment including therapy, lifestyle interventions, and medication (controlled and non-controlled) based on individual needs
• Transparent, affordable pricing: $149 initial evaluation, $59 follow-ups, $25 medication refill requests—no surprise subscription fees or hidden costs
• Provider continuity so you see the same clinician who understands your history
• Both insurance and cash-pay options to maximize accessibility

Conditions We Treat

Unlike platforms that have narrowed their focus to avoid regulatory risk, Klarity treats the full spectrum of mental health conditions, including:

• ADHD (with appropriate evaluation and monitoring)
• Anxiety disorders
• Depression
• PTSD
• Insomnia
• Binge eating disorder
• PMDD
• Bipolar disorder
• And more

Our Medication Approach

We follow evidence-based guidelines and prescribe medications—including controlled substances when clinically indicated—responsibly:

• Thorough evaluation before any controlled substance prescription
• Regular follow-up to monitor effectiveness and safety
• Comprehensive treatment plans that may include therapy, lifestyle changes, and medication
• Clear communication about benefits, risks, and alternatives

We’re neither a ‘pill mill’ that rubber-stamps prescriptions nor a platform that categorically refuses entire classes of effective medications. We provide individualized psychiatric care.

Finding the Right Telehealth Provider for Your Needs

With so many options, how do you choose? Consider these questions:

1. What’s your primary concern?

• General anxiety or depression without need for controlled medications: Brightside, Cerebral, Hims & Hers, or general platforms (Teladoc, MDLive) could work well
• ADHD requiring stimulant medication: Talkiatry or Klarity (specialized platforms that actually prescribe when appropriate)
• Complex psychiatric needs or multiple diagnoses: Talkiatry or Klarity (comprehensive psychiatric care)
• Weight management alongside mental health: PlushCare, Hims & Hers, or Klarity

2. What’s your budget and insurance situation?

• Good insurance coverage: Talkiatry, PlushCare, MDLive, Teladoc (all work with major insurers)
• High-deductible plan or no insurance: Consider transparent cash-pay options like Klarity or à la carte pricing rather than monthly subscriptions
• Employer-sponsored telehealth: Check if Teladoc or MDLive are already included in your benefits

3. How quickly do you need care?

• Urgent need (within days): Klarity, general telehealth platforms, or Hims & Hers typically have fastest availability
• Can wait 1-3 weeks: Talkiatry or insurance-based psychiatric services

4. Do you need medication, therapy, or both?

• Medication only: Most platforms offer medication management
• Therapy only: Consider dedicated therapy platforms (BetterHelp, Talkspace) not covered in this comparison
• Both integrated: Brightside, Cerebral, Klarity, or Talkiatry

5. What’s your comfort level with digital-only care?

• Comfortable with fully digital: Any platform reviewed here
• Want option for in-person: Consider hybrid providers or those with local clinic partnerships

Red Flags to Watch For

The telehealth boom produced both innovation and problematic practices. Watch for these warning signs:

🚩 Guaranteed medication promises (‘Get Adderall prescribed in 24 hours’) – Legitimate providers evaluate first, prescribe only if appropriate

🚩 Extremely short evaluation times – Proper psychiatric evaluation takes more than 10-15 minutes

🚩 Pressure to subscribe long-term – Quality care doesn’t require being locked into extended contracts

🚩 Difficulty contacting your provider – You should be able to reach your prescriber with questions

🚩 Refusal to provide medical records – Your medical information is yours; providers should share it readily

🚩 Prescribing without follow-up plans – Controlled substances especially require ongoing monitoring

The Bottom Line: Telehealth Mental Health in 2026

The telehealth mental health industry has matured considerably, with hard lessons learned from the failures of 2022-2024. What remains is a more sustainable, if more cautious, landscape.

The good news: Quality telehealth mental health care is available, often at lower cost and with better convenience than traditional in-person care. Providers have implemented stronger compliance programs and more thoughtful prescribing practices.

The challenge: Finding appropriate care requires understanding each platform’s limitations. Many excellent providers simply cannot prescribe certain medications, while others have such restrictive policies that legitimate patients struggle to access needed treatments.

The opportunity: Platforms like Klarity Health that offer comprehensive, responsible psychiatric care—including appropriate use of controlled medications—without the compliance failures of early startups represent a middle ground that serves patients well.

Whether you choose Klarity or another provider, the key is finding a platform that:

• Conducts thorough evaluations
• Offers treatment options appropriate to your specific condition
• Provides clear pricing and accessible providers
• Follows evidence-based treatment guidelines
• Treats you as an individual, not a subscription number

Mental health care has never been more accessible, but accessibility means little without quality, safety, and individualized attention. Choose wisely, ask questions, and don’t settle for care that doesn’t meet your needs.

Take the Next Step

If you’re seeking comprehensive, affordable mental health care that treats you as an individual rather than categorically limiting treatment options, Klarity Health is here to help. Our licensed psychiatric providers conduct thorough evaluations and create personalized treatment plans—including responsible use of controlled medications when clinically appropriate.

Get started today:

• Initial psychiatric evaluation: $149
• Follow-up visits: $59
• Quick medication refills: $25
• Accept most insurance plans and offer transparent cash pricing

Visit Klarity Health to schedule your initial evaluation and experience psychiatric care that’s both accessible and comprehensive.

Sources and Citations

1. AP News – ‘Top executives of telehealth company Done charged with distributing Adderall’ (June 14, 2024). Available at: apnews.com

2. TIME Magazine – ‘Why Telehealth Startups Like Cerebral, Done and Ahead Are Falling Short on Their Promises’ (November 1, 2022). Available at: time.com

3. TechTarget – ‘Pushing ADHD telehealth prescriptions costs Cerebral millions’ (November 6, 2024). Available at: techtarget.com

4. Telehealth & Telecare Aware – ‘Done effectively done at the State level: CEO, President, clinical chief arrested’ (June 19, 2024). Available at: telecareaware.com

5. AP News – ‘FDA warns telehealth companies marketing unapproved weight-loss drugs’ (September 16, 2025). Available at: apnews.com

📅 Research Currency Statement
This article was researched and verified as of January 4, 2026. Provider operating status, prescribing policies, pricing, and availability were confirmed through official company websites, recent news reports, and regulatory filings. The telehealth landscape continues to evolve; readers should verify current policies directly with providers before making healthcare decisions.

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
• https://time.com/6225361/telehealth-startups-cerebral-done-ahead/#:~:text=Halcyon%20Health%20and%20ADHD,Ahead%20shut%20down%20this%20year
• https://www.techtarget.com/virtualhealthcare/news/366615298/Pushing-ADHD-telehealth-prescriptions-costs-Cerebral-millions#:~:text=Embattled%20telemental%20healthcare%20provider%20Cerebral,unauthorized%20distribution%20of%20controlled%20substances
• 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