The most effective online
treatment for anxiety & depression

If prescribed, your psychiatric provider will send your prescription to a local pharmacy for your convenience.

Psychotherapy provides a supportive environment that allows you to talk openly with someone who’s objective, neutral, and nonjudgmental. Through education, introspection, and skill building, you can identify and modify the thought and behavior patterns that are keeping you from feeling your best.

Psychotherapy has shown to be effective at reducing symptoms of depression, but the true effect is difficult to quantify. Most experts agree that the best results are likely in a multi-faceted approach that includes medication, therapy, and lifestyle change.

If you choose to do therapy as part of your treatment program, it’s important to find a therapist who uses evidence-based approaches and who you feel comfortable talking with.

Anxiety and depression are complicated. In order to make sure you’re on the right treatment and making progress, we’ll ask you to do periodic check-ins to tell us how you’re doing. You and your provider will use this information to track your progress over time and make any necessary adjustments, ensuring you get the best outcome.

Antidepressants can have rare but serious side effects. It’s important to understand these risks before taking antidepressants and to contact your psychiatric provider immediately if you experience any of these serious side effects.

The FDA has issued a black box warning for SSRIs and similar medications. These medications may increase suicidal thoughts or behavior, particularly in people age 24 or younger. Watch out for worsening of mood, behavior, or suicidal thoughts, especially during the first few months of treatment. Seek help right away if you experience any of these changes. If you are ever in crisis, dial 911 or visit your nearest emergency department. You can also dial 988 to connect with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

Serotonin Syndrome is a rare but life threatening condition where there is too much serotonin active in the brain. Symptoms include fast heart rate, sweating, muscle stiffness or spasms, fever, and confusion. Do not take MAOIs, TCAs, St. John’s Wort, amphetamines, sumatriptan, or linezolid with SSRIs. See a doctor right away if you experience any of these symptoms while taking your medication.

The risk of gastrointestinal bleeding may be increased when SSRIs are combined with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Common NSAIDs include aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil), naproxen (Aleve), and celecoxib (Celebrex).

Depressive symptoms can occasionally be the first manifestation of the up and down cycle between depression and mania in bipolar disorder. If you experience symptoms of mania, such as feeling so good or so hyper that people think you are not acting your normal self, that you don’t need to sleep very much, or that thoughts race through your head and you can’t slow your mind down, you should talk to your doctor immediately.

SSRIs may be associated with increased risk of birth defects. If you are pregnant, planning to get pregnant, or breastfeeding, consult your doctor about weighing the risks and benefits of taking antidepressants.

Some antidepressants may impair your ability to perform tasks requiring judgment or motor and cognitive skills. Exercise caution and refrain from dangerous activities, especially when starting your medication.

Hyponatremia (low levels of sodium in the blood) may occur as a result of treatment. Symptoms include mental changes, headache, nausea and vomiting, muscle spasms, and seizures. See a doctor right away if you experience any of these symptoms while taking your medication.

Taking SSRIs can cause mild pupillary dilation, which in susceptible individuals, can lead to an episode of angle closure glaucoma. Patients may wish to be examined to determine whether they are susceptible to angle closure, and have a prophylactic procedure (e.g., iridectomy), if they are susceptible.

When it comes to treating depression, we believe (and evidence shows) that comprehensive care using multiple approaches leads to the best outcomes.

Since medication and therapy are the two primary treatment approaches for depression and anxiety, we offer both—individually, or as a comprehensive plan.

Our Psychiatry Plan offers a comprehensive evaluation, diagnosis, and personalized treatment plan, which may include psychiatric medication (SSRIs, SNRIs, and similar). Your provider monitors your care, giving guidance and adjusting treatment (if necessary) along the way.

Our Therapy Plan offers convenient, affordable, and private therapy via weekly Video Sessions and Anytime Messaging with a licensed therapist. Our clinically-proven program equips members with the skills they need to feel better, faster.

Our Comprehensive Plan offers all of the above.

Your safety is so important to us. If you are in emotional distress or thinking about hurting yourself at any point, please make use of these resources:

• Visit: If you are having a medical or mental health emergency, call 911 or go to your local emergency department.
• Call or Text: You can call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and be connected with a counselor 24/7. Your conversations are free and confidential.

There is always help available. We also recommend reaching out to a family member or friend to let them know that you need help and support.

If this is not a life-threatening emergency, Brightside Health can help. Our Crisis Care program helps individuals who are experiencing suicidal thoughts and feelings and provides hope for the future. Please note that Crisis Care should not be used if you are seriously planning to harm yourself now or in the very near future. In those instances, 988 or 911 are appropriate resources, and we can be here to help in the future. At this time, Crisis Care is only available for individuals with accepted insurance. Please take the free assessment to check your eligibility.

Yes, learn more about the insurance we accept here.