Cheaper & Best Alternatives to Cerebral - Done, Brigthside Health, Talkiatry, TalkSpace, Teladoc
Cerebral is an online mental health service that offers therapy, medication management, and a combination of both through a telehealth platform. It is designed to provide accessible and convenient mental health care, including individual therapy, couples therapy, and psychiatric medication management. Clients can interact with their care providers via video chat or phone, and the platform provides tools for scheduling appointments, tracking medication, and maintaining communication with healthcare providers.
There are 3 main types of mental health services online
Subscription-based models offer a consistent and comprehensive care package, making budgeting for mental health services predictable. Though these services often cost more, you are more likely to be able to see the same provider again for follow-ups, which is crucial in the management of mental health conditions.
Cash-based, one-time services provide flexibility, allowing you to pay as you go without long-term commitments. This can be ideal for occasional consultations or when trying out new therapists. The biggest downfall for this model is that because it is purely transactional, you are not guaranteed to see the same provider again due to them leaving the platform or that they are booked up.
Using insurance can minimize your immediate out-of-pocket expenses, especially for ongoing treatments, but may restrict your provider options based on network coverage. Many insurance plans today have high deductible, you might have to pay very high full price ($300-$500 per visit) until meeting deductible.
Comparison Cerebral vs. Done vs. Brightside Health vs. Inflow Health
| Plan | Services Offered | Locations | Price | Controlled Substance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cerebral | Virtual psychiatry + medication management, Talk therapy | Medication available in all states. Therapy plans available in many states | $95/month for medication and care counseling, $295/month for therapy, $365/month for medication and therapy | No |
| Done | Virtual psychiatry + medication management | AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, HI, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, ME, MD, MA, MI, MS, MO, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NY, NC, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, WI | $199 first visit then $79/month | No |
| Mira | Virtual psychiatry, digital talk therapy, in-person urgent care, virtual primary care, lab tests, annual routine bloodwork, STD tests, vision care, glasses discount, gym discount, prescription discounts, GLP-1 discounts. | NY, CA, TX, FL, and GA. Other states with reduced coverage. | $45/month on average for membership. $99 copay for initial visit + $60 each follow up | Case by case |
| Brightside | Psychiatry, Therapy, Psychiatry + Therapy, Specialized Crisis Care | Nationwide virtual care | Psychiatry: $95/month, Therapy: $299/month, Psychiatry + Therapy: $349/month, Crisis Care: Pay with insurance only | No |
| Inflow | Personalized ADHD treatment, Online consultations, Specialist providers | NY, FL, and OH | $179 for the first month then $95/month | No |
When selecting a mental health service, consumers should consider the types of services needed, the flexibility of location, and the cost structure that best fits their budget and healthcare needs. For instance:
- Cerebral and Brightside are suitable for those who need both psychiatric and therapy services virtually across multiple states. These two providers are great if you are a high utilizer.
- Done and Inflow are specialized for those dealing with ADHD, providing focused care in specific states. offers a more affordable ongoing cost post-initial visit, appealing to those needing regular medication management.
- Mira stands out for individuals seeking a broader healthcare package, not just mental health services. If you have no insurance, Mira is a great fit at a low monthly price.
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Dvora is a recent medical graduate and current MPH student who is passionate about women’s health and health equity. She hopes to specialize in Obstetrics and Gynecology and is excited to join the Mira team in empowering people through healthcare. In her spare time she enjoys exercise, reading and spending time with her family and her dog, Dash.