Expert 1:1 care, every step of the way

Brightside provides online mental health care to individuals 13 years and older. Our expert providers can help with anxiety, depression, and many other common concerns. We offer psychiatry and therapy.

Please note: Our providers do not prescribe controlled substances. Here is a list of medications we do prescribe.

Online care is not a good fit for people with certain conditions or situations. These can include:

• Ongoing, high-risk self-harm behavior
• Schizophrenia or any symptoms of psychosis
• Some cases of bipolar disorder I or acute mania
• Severe substance use
• Medically unstable eating disorders
• Dementia

If any of these describe a condition you’re experiencing, it’s best for you to be seen in person by a primary care provider who can help you find the treatment that’s right for you.

Psychotherapy provides a supportive environment that allows you to talk openly with someone who’s objective, neutral, and nonjudgmental. Through education, introspection, and skill building, you can identify and modify the thought and behavior patterns that are keeping you from feeling your best.

Psychotherapy has shown to be effective at reducing symptoms of depression, but the true effect is difficult to quantify. Most experts agree that the best results are likely in a multi-faceted approach that includes medication, therapy, and lifestyle change.

If you choose to do therapy as part of your treatment program, it’s important to find a therapist who uses evidence-based approaches and who you feel comfortable talking with.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a research-backed therapy approach that focuses on improving negative habits in the way we think and act that translate to how we feel. It can be a very successful treatment approach for many people and is available through talk therapy as well as through a self-paced app. CBT can be a stand-alone treatment or a complement to another treatment approach, such as antidepressant medication.

Here’s how receiving therapy from Brightside works:

1. Complete a quick questionnaire: Tell us what you’re experiencing so we can better understand how to help
2. Connect with a therapist: We’ll match you with an expert, licensed therapist that’s best suited for your needs. Then, you’ll connect with them via 45-minute video sessions each and every week, along with Anytime Messaging and Check-Ins.
3. Complete skill-building lessons: Complete personalized, self-paced audio lessons and practice exercises—building the skills and habits you need to overcome your depression and anxiety.
4. Track your progress: Report back on what’s working well for you and where you want to go deeper with the option to purchase additional video sessions if you choose. Your therapist will help guide you through your personalized program so you see the best results.

When it comes to treating depression, we believe (and evidence shows) that comprehensive care using multiple approaches leads to the best outcomes.

Since medication and therapy are the two primary treatment approaches for depression, we offer both.

Our Psychiatry Plan offers a comprehensive evaluation, diagnosis, and personalized treatment plan, which may include psychiatric medication (SSRIs, SNRIs, and similar). Your provider monitors your care, giving guidance and adjusting treatment (if necessary) along the way.

If you’re interested in a comprehensive plan that includes both therapy and medication, learn more here.

Yes, learn more about the insurance we accept here.