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Brightside Health vs Talkiatry: Which Is Better?

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

Our Verdict

Brightside Health scores higher overall in our independent evaluation (67.3/100 vs 65.8/100), leading on experience, product range, reputation. Talkiatry comes out ahead on trust & safety, value. Talkiatry has the lower entry price (from $20/mo vs $95/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
66

Insurance-only virtual psychiatry practice with 800+ psychiatrists in 45 states, able to prescribe controlled substances including ADHD stimulants where state law allows.

Visit Talkiatry

Score Breakdown

DimensionBrightside HealthTalkiatry
Overall Score67.3/100 ✓65.8/100
Trust & Safety30%68/10070/100 ✓
Value25%65/10072/100 ✓
Experience20%68/100 ✓58/100
Product Range15%70/100 ✓60/100
Reputation10%65/100 ✓62/100

At a Glance

Founded20172019
HeadquartersOakland, CANew York, NY
Publicly tradedNoNo
Treatment categories11
Treatments listed33
Starting price$95/mo$20/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 HealthTalkiatry
Mental Health$95
Psychiatry Plan
$20–$50
Psychiatric Evaluation & Medication Management

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 →

Talkiatry

+Board-certified psychiatrists (not only NPs) with 60-minute adult and 75-minute child/teen intake visits
+Can prescribe controlled medications, including ADHD stimulants, in states where telehealth law permits
+In-network with major commercial plans and Medicare; typical copays are $20-50 per visit
−No self-pay option, and Medicaid and TRICARE are not accepted
−Weak independent ratings (Trustpilot about 2.7/5, BBB about 1.1/5) concentrated on billing and customer service
−$100 fee for cancelling or rescheduling within 48 hours
Read the full Talkiatry review →

Brightside Health vs Talkiatry — FAQ

Is Brightside Health better than Talkiatry?

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Brightside Health scores higher overall in our independent evaluation (67.3/100 vs 65.8/100), leading on experience, product range, reputation. Talkiatry comes out ahead on trust & safety, value. Talkiatry has the lower entry price (from $20/mo vs $95/mo), so the better value depends on which treatment you need.

Is Brightside Health or Talkiatry cheaper?

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Talkiatry has the lower starting price (from $20/mo vs $95/mo for Brightside 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 Talkiatry both offer?

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

Still deciding?

Brightside Health alternativesTalkiatry alternativesTake the Match Quiz