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Looking for a Brightside Health alternative?
A factual look at how shrinkMD compares to Brightside Health, and who each one suits.
Medically reviewed by Shariq Refai, MD, MBA, FAPA, board certified psychiatrist · Last reviewed June 28, 2026 · Editorial policy
Brightside Health focuses on online treatment for depression and anxiety, through insurance and self pay. shrinkMD is a cash pay, physician led general adult psychiatry practice. Here's a neutral comparison.
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Brightside Health and shrinkMD, side by side
| Brightside Health | shrinkMD | |
|---|---|---|
| Insurance | Accepts many insurance plans, plus some Medicare and Medicaid. Self pay psychiatry around $95. | Cash pay only. We don't bill insurance; a superbill is available on request for possible out-of-network reimbursement. |
| Controlled substances | Does not prescribe controlled substances. | Never. No stimulants, benzodiazepines, or other controlled substances. |
| Focus | Focus on depression and anxiety, plus related conditions. | General adult psychiatry, including mood, anxiety, women's mental health, and psychotic disorders. |
| Who you see | Psychiatric providers and therapists. | Board certified psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner. |
| Model | Medication management, therapy, and monitoring. | Full initial evaluation, then the same clinician for follow-ups. |
Is shrinkMD a fit?
Who shrinkMD is, and isn't, for
A good fit if: you want broad general adult psychiatry, a physician led evaluation, the same clinician over time, and cash pricing.
Not the right fit if: you want to use insurance. Neither Brightside nor shrinkMD prescribes controlled substances.
Ready to start with shrinkMD?
shrinkMD is physician led, cash pay online psychiatry for adults, with no controlled substances and the same clinician over time. See if it's the right fit, then join the waitlist for your state.
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