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Cerebral vs Circle Medical: Which Is Better?

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

Our Verdict

Circle Medical scores higher overall in our independent evaluation (60.2/100 vs 55/100), leading on trust & safety, product range, reputation. Cerebral comes out ahead on value, experience.

55

Mental health telehealth platform offering therapy and medication management, rebuilding trust after a DOJ investigation.

Visit Cerebral
60

Circle Medical is a UCSF Health-affiliated video primary care practice with a large ADHD, anxiety, and depression practice, offering same-day visits and medication management including stimulants where permitted.

Visit Circle Medical

Score Breakdown

DimensionCerebralCircle Medical
Overall Score55/10060.2/100 ✓
Trust & Safety30%45/10062/100 ✓
Value25%70/100 ✓55/100
Experience20%65/100 ✓55/100
Product Range15%50/10072/100 ✓
Reputation10%35/10060/100 ✓

At a Glance

Founded20202015
HeadquartersAustin, TXSan Francisco, CA
Publicly tradedNoNo
Treatment categories12
Treatments listed42
Starting price$60/mo$0/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.

CategoryCerebralCircle Medical
Mental Health$60–$85
Medication Only
Free–$120
ADHD Diagnosis & Medication Management

Cerebral

+Competitive pricing for therapy + medication bundles
+Revamped clinical protocols post-investigation
+Flexible scheduling for therapy sessions
−DOJ investigation severely damaged brand trust
−Limited to mental health only
−High therapist turnover reported by patients
Read the full Cerebral review →

Circle Medical

+UCSF Health affiliation lends institutional credibility to its primary care and mental health practice
+Same-day video visits with flat $120 self-pay pricing when insurance isn't used
+Handles complex ongoing care (ADHD stimulant management, hormone therapy, weight care) that many async competitors avoid
−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
−Trustpilot rating (3.6 stars) is weak for the category, with roughly 30% one-star reviews concentrated on billing: incorrect insurance charges, no-show fees, and refund difficulty
−Support access is largely limited to chat/bot channels, which reviewers say makes billing disputes slow to resolve
Read the full Circle Medical review →

Cerebral vs Circle Medical — FAQ

Is Cerebral better than Circle Medical?

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Circle Medical scores higher overall in our independent evaluation (60.2/100 vs 55/100), leading on trust & safety, product range, reputation. Cerebral comes out ahead on value, experience.

Is Cerebral or Circle Medical cheaper?

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Circle Medical has the lower starting price (from $0/mo vs $60/mo for Cerebral). Starting prices are for the cheapest treatment each offers — compare the specific treatment you need, and check what each price includes.

What do Cerebral and Circle Medical both offer?

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Both platforms treat Mental Health. Cerebral covers 1 treatment category total and Circle Medical covers 2.

Still deciding?

Cerebral alternativesCircle Medical alternativesTake the Match Quiz