Life-changing online care for social anxiety disorder

Brightside is available to people 18 years and older in the states where Brightside operates who believe they may be experiencing depression and may benefit from treatment.

Remote care is not a good fit for people with certain conditions or situations. These include (but are not limited to):

• Previous suicide attempt or active suicide planning
• Ongoing, high risk self-harm behavior
• Recent involuntary hospitalization for psychiatric reasons
• Schizophrenia or any symptoms of psychosis
• Certain severities of Bipolar Disorder and symptoms of mania
• Substance abuse problems
• Borderline Personality Disorder
• Eating disorder with high-risk symptoms
• Kidney or liver disease, seizures, or long QT (for Psychiatry plan only)

Our providers do not treat, and do not prescribe for adhd.

If any of these describe you, it’s best for you to be seen by a provider in person so you can get the care that’s right for you.

Brightside makes it easy to get top quality depression care from the privacy of home.

Here’s how Psychiatry works:

1. Take the assessment: Answer questions about yourself to provide the information your provider will need to thoroughly evaluate your situation.
2. Connect with a psychiatric provider: Get matched with an expert psychiatric provider for a comprehensive video consultation. Share how you’re feeling, then decide on the best next steps — together. These conversations normally last about 15 minutes to review your situation, discuss your care plan, and answer any questions you may have. 
3. Follow your care plan: If the provider chooses to prescribe, your medication will be sent to your local pharmacy. Your plan also includes digital therapy, and self-care tools you can use at your own pace.
4. Make progress: We’ll ask you to tell us about your symptoms and side effects weekly, allowing the provider to monitor your progress and make any necessary changes to your care plan, so you can get the best results.

Here’s how Therapy works:

1. Take the assessment: Tell us what you’re experiencing, and we’ll help you understand what it means.
2. Connect with a Therapist: Connect with an expert, licensed therapist by messaging and with access to one 45-minute video appointment included with your subscription each week. You will continue to have Unlimited messaging support and guidance to help you build skills and feel better.
   
3. Complete sessions: Complete personalized, self-paced audio lessons and practice exercises, building the evidence-based skills and habits you need to overcome your depression and anxiety.
4. Make Progress: Report back on what’s working well for you and where you want to go deeper with the option to purchase additional video sessions if you choose. Your therapist will help guide you through your personalized program so you see the best results.

When scheduling your first appointment, you can browse all of our available providers in your state. Take a look at their profiles and check open times to find the best fit for you. Every Brightside provider undergoes a rigorous hiring and vetting process to ensure the highest quality care.

Brightside currently accepts select insurance plans in various states for payment of your provider’s or therapist’s services. Please see below for a current listing of plans. Brightside may not be included in all plans that each health insurance company offers. Please contact your health insurance plan to verify that your care at Brightside will be covered.

We currently accept the following insurance plans:

• Cigna (all states, except MN)
• Aetna (nationwide)
• Allegience (nationwide)
• Anthem (CA only)
• United Health (select states)

If you are a new member signing up for services you can enter your insurance information during the sign-up process. We’ll let you know your eligibility, as well as you estimated co-pays and out-of-pocket costs (if any) before signing-up or scheduling.

We also accept HSA/FSA payment if you have one of those accounts. If you have questions about using your medical or prescription insurance benefits, please contact us by emailing [email protected].

A medical professional will diagnose social anxiety disorder if you experience marked and persistent fear of one or more social or performance situations in which you are exposed to unfamiliar people or possible scrutiny by others. This fear must persist for six months or more.

Additionally, the avoidance, anxious anticipation, or distress in the feared situation may interfere significantly with your regular routine, job or school performance, and social activities or relationships. Seeking help from a mental health professional is the first step to feeling better.

Some risk factors may contribute to the development of social anxiety disorder. These include:

Biological factors: You’re more likely to develop social anxiety disorder if your biological parents or siblings have the condition.

Negative life experiences: People who experience teasing, bullying, rejection, ridicule, or humiliation as children may be more prone to social anxiety disorder. Other adverse events in life, such as family conflict, trauma, or abuse, may also be associated with social anxiety disorder.

Temperament as a child: Children who are shy, timid, withdrawn or restrained when facing new situations or people may be at greater risk of developing social anxiety disorder as they get older.

Social or work demands: Social anxiety disorder symptoms typically start during the teenage years, but meeting new people, giving a speech in public, or presenting an important project at work may trigger symptoms for the first time.

Having a condition that draws attention: Disfigurement, stuttering, or tremors due to Parkinson’s disease, for example, can increase feelings of self-consciousness and may trigger social anxiety disorder in some people.

If your symptoms become so extreme that they disrupt daily life and significantly interfere with daily routines, job performance, or your social life, it may be time to seek professional help.

If you’re suffering from social anxiety disorder, the symptoms can wreak havoc on your life. Social anxiety disorder may cause you to decline a job opportunity that requires frequent interaction with new people. Or, you might avoid going out to a restaurant with friends because you’re afraid that your hands might shake when eating or drinking.

If your symptoms become so extreme that they disrupt daily life and significantly interfere with daily routines, job performance, or your social life, it may be time to seek professional help.

Social anxiety disorder can be treated with medication, therapy, or a combination of the two. The best outcomes are often achieved with a combination of treatments.

Medication
Medication is an effective form of anxiety treatment for many people. Medications commonly prescribed for social anxiety disorder include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors (NDRIs). Common examples include Sertraline (Zoloft), Escitalopram (Lexapro), and Bupropion (Wellbutrin). There are other categories of medications that are used as well. Have a conversation with your doctor to figure out if medication is the right treatment option for you.

It typically takes at least two to six weeks of taking medication to see improvement. It may also take several trials to find the medication that works best. Once the right medication is found, dosage may be adjusted to optimize results.

Brightside offers medication plans to treat social anxiety disorder. Click here to learn more about our medication plan offerings.

Therapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most effective type of psychotherapy for social anxiety disorder. It can be equally effective when conducted individually or in groups.

In exposure-based cognitive behavioral therapy, you gradually work up to facing the situations you fear most. Doing this can improve your coping skills and help you develop the confidence to deal with anxiety-inducing situations. 

You may also participate in skills training or role-playing to practice your social skills and gain comfort and confidence relating to others in social situations. Practicing exposure to social situations is particularly helpful to challenge your worries and fears.

Self-Care, Coping, and Support
Several techniques and lifestyle changes can help mitigate the symptoms of social anxiety disorder.

Don’t wait to seek help: Symptoms of social anxiety disorder, like other mental health conditions, may not improve on their own. Getting help early may be key to feeling better, faster.

• Keep a journal: Keeping track of your personal life in writing can help you and your mental health provider identify what’s causing you distress, and what seems to help you feel better.
• Prioritize issues in your life: You can reduce anxiety by carefully managing your time and energy, so prioritize doing things you enjoy.
• Avoid unhealthy substance use: Alcohol and drug use, including substances like caffeine and nicotine, use can cause or worsen anxiety. Quitting these substances can help with anxious feelings. If you’re having trouble quitting on your own, talk to your doctor or find a treatment program or support group to help you.