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Brightside Health vs Oar Health: Which Is Better?

Head-to-head comparison of Brightside Health and Oar Health based on our independent scoring across trust, value, experience, product range, and reputation — plus real pricing for the treatments they both offer.

Our Verdict

Oar Health scores higher overall in our independent evaluation (68.4/100 vs 67.3/100), leading on trust & safety, value, experience, reputation. Brightside Health comes out ahead on product range. Brightside Health has the lower entry price (from $95/mo vs $99/mo), so the better value depends on which treatment you need.

67

Brightside Health is a venture-backed online psychiatry and therapy platform using an AI-assisted prescribing tool, with limited, insurance-gated access to stimulant medications.

Visit Brightside Health
68

Oar Health is a cash-pay telehealth service prescribing generic naltrexone (plus a compounded fast-dissolving 'Clutch' mint) for alcohol use, at $99 per month billed quarterly.

Visit Oar Health

Score Breakdown

DimensionBrightside HealthOar Health
Overall Score67.3/10068.4/100 ✓
Trust & Safety30%68/10070/100 ✓
Value25%65/10070/100 ✓
Experience20%68/10074/100 ✓
Product Range15%70/100 ✓55/100
Reputation10%65/10068/100 ✓

At a Glance

Founded2017—
HeadquartersOakland, CA—
Publicly tradedNoNo
Treatment categories11
Treatments listed32
Starting price$95/mo$99/mo

Pricing Where They Compete

Prices shown are based on our most recent research and may not reflect current pricing. Telehealth providers update their pricing frequently. Always verify pricing directly with the provider before purchasing.

CategoryBrightside HealthOar Health
Mental Health$95
Psychiatry Plan
$99
Naltrexone for Alcohol (generic)

Brightside Health

+More conservative controlled-substance policy than most psychiatry peers — no benzodiazepines, Z-drugs, or gabapentin, and stimulants only for insured members in select states
+Accepts insurance in addition to self-pay, unlike several cash-only competitors
+Solid Trustpilot sentiment (4.0/5, 1,527 reviews) on clinical staff friendliness and attentiveness
−Prescribes Schedule II-V controlled substances via telehealth, which depends on DEA telemedicine flexibilities currently extended only through 2026-12-31 — a future rule change could disrupt care continuity
−Patients report unexpected costs and unclear insurance coverage after appointments
−Provider-matching can require multiple attempts before finding a suitable clinician
Read the full Brightside Health review →

Oar Health

+Full pricing published up front: $50 initial consult, $297 per quarter only if prescribed, shipping included
+Names its dispensing pharmacies (Honeybee Health, Health Warehouse) and allows transfer to any pharmacy
+Strong review base: 4.6/5 on Trustpilot across 838 reviews, with few billing complaints
−Unavailable in 8 states plus DC (AR, DE, KS, MS, NM, RI, VT, WV)
−No insurance accepted; HSA/FSA only
−$50 consult fee is non-refundable even if no prescription is issued
Read the full Oar Health review →

Brightside Health vs Oar Health — FAQ

Is Brightside Health better than Oar Health?

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Oar Health scores higher overall in our independent evaluation (68.4/100 vs 67.3/100), leading on trust & safety, value, experience, reputation. Brightside Health comes out ahead on product range. Brightside Health has the lower entry price (from $95/mo vs $99/mo), so the better value depends on which treatment you need.

Is Brightside Health or Oar Health cheaper?

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Brightside Health has the lower starting price (from $95/mo vs $99/mo for Oar Health). Starting prices are for the cheapest treatment each offers — compare the specific treatment you need, and check what each price includes.

What do Brightside Health and Oar Health both offer?

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Both platforms treat Mental Health. Brightside Health covers 1 treatment category total and Oar Health covers 1.

Still deciding?

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