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Looking for a Talkiatry alternative?
A factual look at how shrinkMD compares to Talkiatry, and who each one suits.
Medically reviewed by Shariq Refai, MD, MBA, FAPA, board certified psychiatrist · Last reviewed June 28, 2026 · Editorial policy
Talkiatry is an insurance based online psychiatry practice. shrinkMD is a cash pay, physician led practice that doesn't prescribe controlled substances. Here's a neutral, side by side comparison so you can decide what fits.
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Talkiatry and shrinkMD, side by side
| Talkiatry | shrinkMD | |
|---|---|---|
| Insurance | In network with many commercial plans and Medicare. | Cash pay only. We don't bill insurance; a superbill is available on request for possible out-of-network reimbursement. |
| Controlled substances | Can prescribe stimulants and other controlled substances where state telehealth law allows. | Never. No stimulants, benzodiazepines, or other controlled substances. |
| Who you see | Psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners. | Board certified psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner. |
| States | Available in roughly 45 states. | Launching in Nebraska and Maine, with more states licensed and launching. |
| Ages | Adults and, in some states, adolescents. | Adults 18 and over. |
| Model | Insurance based psychiatry and medication management. | 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'd rather pay a clear cash price than work through insurance, you want the same clinician over time, and you want care without controlled substances.
Not the right fit if: you specifically want to use insurance, or you need stimulant or other controlled medication. shrinkMD doesn't prescribe 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.
Get StartedAlready know your state is active? Skip to the waitlist.