Written by Klarity Editorial Team
Published: Jun 3, 2026

Last Updated: January 2026
If you’ve been researching online mental health care, you’ve probably noticed something: the landscape has changed dramatically over the past few years. Platforms that once dominated headlines have shut down or faced serious legal scrutiny, while others have tightened their prescribing policies so much that they no longer treat certain conditions at all.
Whether you’re seeking treatment for ADHD, anxiety, depression, insomnia, or other mental health concerns, understanding which telehealth providers can actually help you—and which cannot—has never been more important.
This comprehensive guide breaks down the current state of online mental health care, comparing major providers across availability, prescribing policies, pricing, and patient experience. We’ll also explain what happened to once-prominent platforms like Done and Ahead, and why so many providers have changed their approaches to controlled medications.
The COVID-19 pandemic sparked explosive growth in mental health telehealth. Platforms like Cerebral, Done, and Ahead rapidly scaled by offering convenient access to psychiatric medications—especially ADHD stimulants like Adderall—through quick video visits and subscription models.
But by 2022, serious problems emerged. Federal investigators, the DEA, and state medical boards began scrutinizing whether some platforms were over-prescribing controlled substances without adequate evaluations. The fallout was swift and severe:
Done Global, an ADHD-focused telehealth company, came under federal investigation for allegedly facilitating the distribution of over 40 million Adderall pills with minimal oversight. In June 2024, the Department of Justice indicted Done’s CEO and clinical president on criminal charges—marking the first time federal prosecutors criminally charged telehealth executives for controlled substance misprescribing. Done effectively ceased operations, leaving thousands of patients scrambling for care.
Ahead (HelloAhead), another ADHD telehealth startup, shut down entirely in mid-2022 amid financial pressures and the changing regulatory environment.
Cerebral, once valued at over $4 billion, halted all new ADHD stimulant prescriptions in May 2022 under intense scrutiny. The company later agreed to pay $3.6 million in settlements and implement strict compliance measures. While Cerebral still operates today, it has fundamentally transformed its approach—now focusing on non-controlled medications and therapy-based treatments.
These industry shake-ups sent a clear message: easy access to controlled medications without proper safeguards is no longer acceptable. Regulators, insurers, and pharmacies all tightened standards, and the ‘pill mill’ model of telehealth effectively ended.
One of the biggest changes in telehealth mental health care involves controlled substances—medications regulated by the DEA due to their potential for abuse or dependence. These include:
During the COVID-19 public health emergency, the federal Ryan Haight Act—which typically requires an in-person visit before prescribing controlled substances—was temporarily waived. This allowed telehealth providers to prescribe these medications remotely for the first time.
That waiver has been extended through the end of 2025, but its future remains uncertain. More importantly, even while remote prescribing remains technically legal, most major telehealth platforms have voluntarily stopped prescribing controlled substances altogether.
Why? A combination of factors:
The result: if you need treatment involving controlled medications in 2025–2026, your options are much more limited than they were just a few years ago.
Let’s examine how today’s leading platforms compare across the factors that matter most to patients.
Talkiatry stands out as the most comprehensive option for patients needing psychiatric medication management, including controlled substances when appropriate.
What makes Talkiatry different:
The trade-offs:
Talkiatry represents what telepsychiatry looks like when it’s fully integrated into the traditional healthcare system. If you have good insurance and need comprehensive psychiatric care (including potentially controlled medications), this is likely your best option.
Cerebral still operates but has transformed significantly since 2022. The platform now takes an extremely conservative approach to prescribing.
Current Cerebral offering:
Who Cerebral works for now:If you have depression or anxiety that responds well to standard antidepressants and you’re comfortable with a subscription model, Cerebral can provide convenient care. However, if you need treatment for ADHD, require anti-anxiety medications beyond SSRIs, or have insomnia needing medication, Cerebral won’t be able to help.
Brightside Health offers a similar model with an even more restricted medication approach.
Brightside’s approach:
Brightside has positioned itself as the ‘non-addictive medication’ option, which appeals to patients who specifically want to avoid controlled substances. However, this philosophy also means Brightside cannot treat certain conditions or provide medications that many patients need.
The platform emphasizes its evidence-based approach and medication algorithm, which can be effective for straightforward depression and anxiety cases. But if your treatment needs extend beyond SSRIs and therapy, you’ll need to look elsewhere.
Teladoc, MDLive, Amwell, and PlushCare all offer mental health services as part of broader telehealth offerings that include urgent care, primary care, and specialist consultations.
What they have in common:
These platforms explicitly prohibit prescribing any DEA-controlled substances except in very limited circumstances (such as refilling an existing prescription written by your in-person physician).
Teladoc is the largest telehealth provider in the U.S., serving over 50 million members. For general medical needs or straightforward mental health concerns treatable with non-controlled medications, Teladoc offers convenience and affordability—especially if your insurance covers it at no cost.
Typical costs without insurance: $75–$95 for general medical visit; $200+ for initial psychiatric consultation.
PlushCare differentiates itself by combining primary care with mental health services. Pricing: $19.99/month membership + $129 per visit. PlushCare accepts most major insurance plans.
Notably, PlushCare can prescribe certain non-controlled weight loss medications (including GLP-1 agonists like Wegovy) for obesity treatment, which neither mental health specialists nor other general telehealth providers typically offer.
The bottom line on general telehealth platforms:These services work well if you have mild to moderate depression or anxiety treatable with standard antidepressants, or if you need care for non-mental-health issues. They do not work if you need ADHD treatment, medications for acute anxiety, or specialized psychiatric care.
Hims & Hers takes a different approach entirely, focusing on specific wellness concerns through targeted treatment programs.
Hims & Hers mental health offering:
Hims & Hers appeals to younger adults comfortable with app-based care and willing to pay out-of-pocket for convenience and privacy. The platform’s branding emphasizes discretion and lifestyle optimization rather than traditional medical care.
However, the scope is limited. Hims can help with uncomplicated depression or anxiety but cannot treat ADHD, bipolar disorder, or other conditions requiring comprehensive psychiatric evaluation or controlled medications.
This is perhaps the most common question people have about telehealth mental health care in 2025–2026: ‘Can I still get ADHD medication online?’
The honest answer: it’s complicated.
If you need ADHD stimulant medications (Adderall, Ritalin, Vyvanse), your telehealth options are now limited to:
Platforms that do NOT prescribe ADHD stimulants:
What happened to Done?Done is effectively defunct following federal indictments of its leadership in 2024. Even if the website remains online, Done is not accepting new patients and existing patients have been forced to find alternative providers.
The restriction of ADHD stimulant prescribing via telehealth has created a significant access problem. Many adults with ADHD—especially those in rural areas, those without reliable transportation, or those with demanding work schedules—relied on telehealth for convenient access to treatment.
Now, these patients face:
This is where Klarity Health’s approach fills a critical need. By maintaining rigorous clinical standards while still offering accessible telehealth ADHD treatment, Klarity bridges the gap between the ‘pill mill’ model that rightfully faced regulatory action and the overly restrictive approach that leaves many patients without care.
Given the dramatic changes in the telehealth mental health landscape, where does Klarity Health fit?
Klarity occupies a unique middle ground: providing specialized psychiatric care (including treatment of ADHD and other conditions requiring controlled medications) through a patient-centered, transparent telehealth model.
Klarity’s approach:
Comprehensive condition coverage – Unlike platforms that have withdrawn from treating certain conditions, Klarity treats ADHD, anxiety disorders, depression, insomnia, PTSD, OCD, panic disorder, and related conditions. This includes the ability to prescribe controlled medications when clinically appropriate.
Both insurance and cash pay – Klarity accepts major insurance plans, making psychiatric care more affordable for those with coverage. For patients without insurance or with high deductibles, Klarity offers transparent, reasonable cash pricing—typically lower than traditional psychiatric visits and more flexible than subscription models.
Provider availability – One of the most common complaints about telehealth mental health services is difficulty getting appointments. Klarity prioritizes timely access, often offering initial consultations within days rather than weeks.
Transparent pricing – Unlike subscription platforms where you pay monthly regardless of whether you need care, Klarity uses straightforward visit-based pricing. You pay for what you need, when you need it.
Continuity of care – Klarity emphasizes consistent relationships with providers, addressing a major pain point with platforms where patients frequently get shuffled between different clinicians.
For ADHD treatment:
For anxiety and depression:
For insomnia:
Nearly all major telehealth mental health platforms now operate in all 50 states, with a few exceptions:
Available nationwide (50 states):
Available in most states:
Not currently operating:
For residents of California, Texas, Florida, New York, Pennsylvania, and Illinois—the six largest states—all functioning platforms are available. State licensing requirements and prescribing rules may vary slightly, but licensed providers can treat patients in any state where they hold medical licensure.
Mental health treatment costs vary dramatically depending on the platform, your insurance status, and the level of care you need.
Lowest cost:
Moderate cost:
Typically not covered or limited:
Most affordable per-visit:
Subscription-based (monthly costs):
High-cost without insurance:
While subscription pricing may seem straightforward, patients often find these models more expensive than they appear:
Common complaints:
In contrast, visit-based pricing (as used by Klarity, Talkiatry, and general telehealth platforms) means you only pay when you actually receive care. For stable patients who need only occasional check-ins, this often costs less annually than subscription services.
Patient reviews reveal consistent themes across different telehealth mental health platforms:
Provider consistency issues – ‘I never see the same provider twice’ is among the most common complaints, especially with larger platforms. Patients value continuity of care, and frequent provider changes undermine the therapeutic relationship.
Difficulty getting appointments – Despite telehealth’s promise of convenience, many patients report long wait times, especially for initial consultations or when trying to reach their provider between scheduled visits.
Medication restrictions that weren’t disclosed upfront – Many patients discover only after paying and completing an evaluation that the platform cannot prescribe the medications they need.
Customer service problems – Difficulty reaching support staff, slow responses to urgent questions, and challenges resolving billing issues frustrate patients across multiple platforms.
Rushed or inadequate evaluations – Some platforms (particularly Done, before its shutdown) faced criticism for 10–15 minute evaluations that felt more like prescription processing than genuine psychiatric care.
Responsive providers who listen – The single most important factor in patient satisfaction is feeling heard and respected by their healthcare provider.
Transparent pricing with no surprises – Patients appreciate knowing costs upfront and hate unexpected bills or automatic charges.
Timely access when needed – The whole point of telehealth is convenience; platforms that deliver on this promise earn loyalty.
Actually getting the treatment you need – Sounds obvious, but many patients feel frustrated when platforms can’t treat their condition or prescribe necessary medications.
Continuity with the same provider – Seeing the same clinician consistently ranks high in satisfaction surveys.
These patient priorities should guide your decision-making when choosing a telehealth mental health provider.
The telehealth landscape extends beyond traditional mental health conditions, and some platforms now address related concerns that affect mental wellbeing.
The explosion of GLP-1 medications (Wegovy, Ozempic, Mounjaro) for weight management has created new opportunities in telehealth. Several platforms now offer weight loss programs:
Hims & Hers launched comprehensive weight loss services, including GLP-1 prescribing, leveraging its direct-to-consumer model. This represents a significant expansion beyond the platform’s original focus.
PlushCare can prescribe GLP-1 medications for obesity and related metabolic conditions through its primary care service.
Traditional mental health platforms (Cerebral, Brightside, Talkiatry) generally do not address weight management, as it falls outside their specialty focus.
The FDA issued warnings in 2025 to multiple telehealth companies marketing compounded (non-FDA-approved) versions of these medications, signaling continued regulatory scrutiny of this rapidly growing segment.
For patients whose mental health conditions intersect with weight concerns—such as binge eating disorder, depression with significant weight gain, or ADHD-related impulse control around food—platforms that can address both aspects may offer more comprehensive care.
Insomnia frequently co-occurs with anxiety, depression, and ADHD, yet treatment options via telehealth are surprisingly limited.
Most platforms can prescribe:
Most platforms cannot prescribe:
This leaves many patients with chronic insomnia without access to medications that have worked for them in the past. Klarity’s ability to prescribe appropriate sleep medications when clinically indicated addresses a significant gap.
Ketamine therapy for treatment-resistant depression has grown rapidly via specialized telehealth services. These typically operate separately from general mental health platforms.
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and other neuromodulation treatments generally require in-person visits and aren’t available via pure telehealth.
Psychedelic-assisted therapy remains largely research-based or available only through specific clinical programs, though this may change as regulatory frameworks evolve.
Choosing a telehealth mental health provider depends on your specific situation. Here’s how to think through the decision:
As we move into 2026 and beyond, several trends will likely shape online mental health services:
Continued regulatory evolution – The future of remote controlled substance prescribing remains uncertain. Providers must be prepared to adapt to potential changes in federal and state rules.
Integration with in-person care – Pure-play telehealth companies may increasingly partner with brick-and-mortar practices, or large healthcare systems may acquire telehealth platforms to create hybrid models.
Emphasis on outcomes and quality metrics – As the industry matures, expect greater focus on demonstrating patient outcomes and satisfaction, not just access and convenience.
Specialty differentiation – Rather than trying to be everything to everyone, successful platforms will likely specialize in particular conditions or patient populations.
Technology enhancement – AI-assisted triage, remote monitoring tools, and integration with wearable devices may improve care coordination and outcomes.
Price pressure – As competition stabilizes and the ‘venture capital gold rush’ ends, pricing may become more rational and sustainable.
For patients, these trends point toward a future with fewer but stronger platforms offering more reliable, higher-quality care than the chaotic expansion of 2020–2022.
The telehealth mental health landscape has fundamentally changed. The ‘easy access to any medication’ model has collapsed under regulatory scrutiny, and the industry has split into distinct segments serving different needs.
This is actually good news for patients, despite the initial confusion. The shake-out has:
As you evaluate your options, remember these key points:
Don’t choose based solely on convenience or price. Quality of care matters most. A provider who cannot treat your condition or prescribe medications you need isn’t a bargain at any price.
Be skeptical of one-size-fits-all solutions. Mental health is complex. Platforms that claim to treat everything for everyone may not do any particular thing well.
Read the prescribing policies carefully. Many patients waste time and money signing up for services that cannot prescribe the medications they need. Check this before you pay.
Consider both insurance and cash-pay options. Insurance coverage is great when it works well, but high deductibles, narrow networks, and authorization hassles sometimes make self-pay options more practical.
Prioritize continuity and the therapeutic relationship. Effective mental health treatment takes time and trust. Choose a provider that emphasizes consistent relationships with the same clinician.
Whether you choose Klarity Health, Talkiatry, or another platform, the goal is the same: finding accessible, affordable, high-quality mental health care that meets your specific needs. The improved telehealth landscape of 2026—chastened by the excesses of earlier years but more mature and responsible—offers genuine opportunity for those who know how to navigate it.
Ready to get started with mental health treatment that works? Klarity Health offers comprehensive psychiatric care for ADHD, anxiety, depression, insomnia, and related conditions. With providers available across all 50 states, transparent pricing, and acceptance of both insurance and cash pay, Klarity makes quality mental health care accessible. Book your consultation today.
AP News – DOJ indictment of Done Global executives for controlled substance violations. apnews.com, June 14, 2024.
TIME Magazine – Investigation into telehealth startups Cerebral, Done, and Ahead. time.com, November 1, 2022.
TechTarget Healthcare – Cerebral settles over ADHD prescription practices for $3.6M. techtarget.com, November 6, 2024.
AP News – FDA warning letters to telehealth companies over compounded weight-loss medications. apnews.com, September 16, 2025.
FinVsFin – Comprehensive review of Hims & Hers mental health services and pricing. finvsfin.com, December 9, 2025.
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