{"source":"CiteHawk AI Index","record":"telehealth services — 2026-09","url":"https://www.citehawk.com/leaderboards/editions/2026-09/telehealth-services/us","immutable":true,"snapshotId":"0c9357f6-907b-42c8-a7ac-e1b47090c0ae","capturedAt":"2026-09-03T10:12:43.865+00:00","contentHash":"431c57493faf62a689d07912ed3724a226171254adf90e721885025732fbec6a","contentHashSpec":"sha256-v1: hex SHA-256 of the UTF-8 bytes of the compact JSON array (no whitespace, non-ASCII characters unescaped, as JavaScript JSON.stringify emits) of [provider, run, model, text] tuples, one per captured answer, sorted by provider then run","registryRulesHash":null,"registryRulesHashSpec":"sha256-v1: hex SHA-256 of the UTF-8 bytes of the compact JSON object {version, aliases, notInCategory, categoryAllow, serviceSlugRe} where aliases is the array of [foldedKey, canonicalName, pinnedDomain, categoryScope] tuples sorted by key, carrying a fifth regionScope element only on the entries that have one, notInCategory and categoryAllow are arrays of [categorySlug, domains] tuples sorted by slug, and every domain/scope list is itself sorted, carrying a trailing notInCategoryByRegion element, an array of [categorySlug, region, domains] triples sorted by slug then region, only when at least one region-scoped deny entry exists","region":"us","prompt":"What are the best telehealth services in the United States? Recommend the top brands or products that people actually use.\n\nAnswer as if the user is in the United States.","providers":["openai","claude","gemini","perplexity","deepseek","grok","bing_copilot","google_aio","google_ai_mode"],"models":{"grok":"grok-4.3","claude":"claude-sonnet-5","gemini":"gemini-3.5-flash","openai":"gpt-5.5-2026-04-23","deepseek":"deepseek-v4-flash","google_aio":"google_aio","perplexity":"sonar","bing_copilot":"bing_copilot","google_ai_mode":"google_ai_mode"},"runsPerProvider":1,"totalCalls":18,"ranking":[{"rank":1,"brand":"Teladoc Health","domain":"teladochealth.com","score":57.7,"mentions":8,"recommendedBy":["openai","claude","gemini","perplexity","deepseek","grok","bing_copilot","google_ai_mode"],"averagePositionByProvider":{"grok":1,"claude":1,"gemini":2,"openai":1,"deepseek":1,"perplexity":1,"bing_copilot":2,"google_ai_mode":1}},{"rank":2,"brand":"Amwell","domain":"amwell.com","score":48.2,"mentions":7,"recommendedBy":["openai","claude","perplexity","deepseek","grok","bing_copilot","google_ai_mode"],"averagePositionByProvider":{"grok":2,"claude":3,"openai":3,"deepseek":3,"perplexity":2,"bing_copilot":5,"google_ai_mode":2}},{"rank":3,"brand":"Hims & Hers","domain":"hims.com","score":45.1,"mentions":7,"recommendedBy":["openai","claude","gemini","perplexity","deepseek","grok","google_ai_mode"],"averagePositionByProvider":{"grok":6,"claude":9,"gemini":3,"openai":10,"deepseek":6,"perplexity":8,"google_ai_mode":7}},{"rank":4,"brand":"MDLIVE","domain":"mdlive.com","score":41.3,"mentions":6,"recommendedBy":["openai","perplexity","deepseek","grok","bing_copilot","google_ai_mode"],"averagePositionByProvider":{"grok":5,"openai":2,"deepseek":2,"perplexity":3,"bing_copilot":4,"google_ai_mode":4}},{"rank":5,"brand":"Talkspace","domain":"talkspace.com","score":38.9,"mentions":6,"recommendedBy":["openai","claude","gemini","deepseek","grok","google_ai_mode"],"averagePositionByProvider":{"grok":7,"claude":6,"gemini":4,"openai":11,"deepseek":8,"google_ai_mode":6}},{"rank":6,"brand":"Sesame Care","domain":"sesamecare.com","score":36,"mentions":5,"recommendedBy":["openai","gemini","grok","bing_copilot","google_ai_mode"],"averagePositionByProvider":{"grok":3,"gemini":1,"openai":6,"bing_copilot":1,"google_ai_mode":3}},{"rank":7,"brand":"PlushCare","domain":"plushcare.com","score":33.9,"mentions":5,"recommendedBy":["openai","claude","deepseek","grok","bing_copilot"],"averagePositionByProvider":{"grok":4,"claude":4,"openai":8,"deepseek":4,"bing_copilot":3}},{"rank":8,"brand":"BetterHelp","domain":"betterhelp.com","score":33.2,"mentions":5,"recommendedBy":["claude","gemini","deepseek","grok","google_ai_mode"],"averagePositionByProvider":{"grok":8,"claude":5,"gemini":4,"deepseek":7,"google_ai_mode":5}},{"rank":9,"brand":"Ro","domain":"ro.co","score":32.9,"mentions":5,"recommendedBy":["claude","gemini","perplexity","grok","google_ai_mode"],"averagePositionByProvider":{"grok":6,"claude":10,"gemini":3,"perplexity":6,"google_ai_mode":8}},{"rank":10,"brand":"Amazon One Medical","domain":"amazon.com","score":27.3,"mentions":4,"recommendedBy":["openai","claude","deepseek","bing_copilot"],"averagePositionByProvider":{"claude":2,"openai":5,"deepseek":9,"bing_copilot":6}},{"rank":11,"brand":"GoodRx Care","domain":"goodrx.com","score":20.8,"mentions":3,"recommendedBy":["openai","gemini","deepseek"],"averagePositionByProvider":{"gemini":5,"openai":9,"deepseek":5}},{"rank":12,"brand":"Talkiatry","domain":"talkiatry.com","score":20.1,"mentions":3,"recommendedBy":["claude","perplexity","bing_copilot"],"averagePositionByProvider":{"claude":7,"perplexity":12,"bing_copilot":7}},{"rank":13,"brand":"Doctor On Demand by Included Health","domain":"includedhealth.com","score":17.3,"mentions":2,"recommendedBy":["openai","gemini"],"averagePositionByProvider":{"gemini":2,"openai":4}},{"rank":14,"brand":"CVS MinuteClinic Virtual Care","domain":"cvs.com","score":13.9,"mentions":2,"recommendedBy":["openai","deepseek"],"averagePositionByProvider":{"openai":7,"deepseek":11}},{"rank":15,"brand":"Maven Clinic","domain":"mavenclinic.com","score":13.6,"mentions":2,"recommendedBy":["claude","perplexity"],"averagePositionByProvider":{"claude":11,"perplexity":11}}],"answers":[{"provider":"bing_copilot","run":1,"model":"bing_copilot","capturedAt":"2026-09-03T10:12:43.871Z","text":"The strongest all‑around telehealth options in the U.S. are Sesame Care, Teladoc, PlushCare, MDLIVE, Amwell, and Amazon One Medical, with specialized standouts like Talkiatry and LifeMD for mental health and weight management.\n\nBelow is a structured, evidence‑based guide to the top platforms people actually use, based on cost, insurance acceptance, specialties, and real‑world availability.\n\n🏆 Best Overall: Sesame Care\n\nWhy it stands out: Affordable, wide specialty range, same‑day visits Price: Starts at $37 Healthline Insurance: Does not accept insurance Healthline Strengths:\n\nUrgent care, mental health, dermatology, sexual health, pediatrics, chronic care 1\nOften cheaper than insurance copays 1\nSame‑day appointments and referrals in many states 1 Best for: People wanting low-cost, fast access without dealing with insurance.\n\n💳 Best for Insurance Coverage: Teladoc\n\nPrice: As low as $0 with insurance, or $89 without Healthline Insurance: Accepts most major insurers Healthline+1 Strengths:\n\nOne of the first and largest telehealth networks in the U.S. 1\nPrimary care, dermatology, mental health, pediatrics 1\nAI-powered triage and chronic care support 1 Best for: People who want broad coverage and minimal out-of-pocket costs.\n\n👨‍⚕️ Best for Primary Care: PlushCare\n\nPrice: $19.99/mo + copay, or $129 without insurance Healthline Insurance: Accepts many major plans Healthline Strengths:\n\nFull-spectrum primary care, mental health, urgent care 1\nSame-day appointments\nPrescription refills (excluding controlled substances) 1 Best for: Ongoing primary care with insurance integration.\n\n🧠 Best for Mental Health: Amwell & Talkiatry\n\nAmwell\n\nTherapy from $109, psychiatry higher 1\nCBT, couples therapy, psychiatry, women’s health 1\nAccepts many insurers Talkiatry (from 1 and 1 )\nIn-network psychiatry with board-certified psychiatrists 1\nStrong for medication management Best for: People needing structured therapy or psychiatric care.\n\n🩺 Most Treatment Variety: MDLIVE\n\nPrice: Urgent care $89, dermatology $95, therapy $179 Healthline Insurance: Accepted by many plans Healthline Strengths:\n\nUrgent care, dermatology, therapy, psychiatry 1\nAI symptom assessment tools 1 Best for: Users wanting a single platform for many specialties.\n\n⚖️ Best for Weight Management: LifeMD\n\nPrice: $39 first month, then $149/mo (medications extra) Healthline Strengths:\n\nGLP‑1 prescriptions (Ozempic, Wegovy) 1\nNutrition guidance + long-term support Best for: Medically supervised weight loss.\n\n🤖 Best Tech-Forward Experience: Amazon One Medical & K Health\n\nFrom MDTalks : Amazon One Medical\n\n$9/mo membership + copays\nAI documentation + same-day appointments K Health\n$49/visit or $49/mo\nAI-first symptom assessment Best for: Users who want fast, AI-enhanced primary care.\n\nComparison Table (Top Platforms)\n\nPlatform | Best For | Price (No Insurance) | Insurance Accepted | Key Strengths\nSesame Care | Overall value | From $37 1 | No | Wide specialties, low cost\nTeladoc | Insurance users | $0–$89 1 | Yes | Broadest network, strong coverage\nPlushCare | Primary care | $129 1 | Yes | Same-day visits, full primary care\nMDLIVE | Variety | $89–$299 1 | Yes | Urgent care + mental health\nAmwell | Mental health | $69–$109+ 1 | Yes | Therapy + psychiatry\nLifeMD | Weight loss | $39–$149/mo 1 | Some | GLP‑1 programs\nAmazon One Medical | Tech-forward care | $9/mo 1 | Select | AI-enhanced primary care\nK Health | Fast, AI-first | $49 1 | Limited | Very fast, low cost\n\nHow to Choose the Right Telehealth Service\n\nBased on Healthline and MDTalks :\n\nUrgent care: Teladoc, Amwell, MDLIVE\nPrimary care: Amazon One Medical, PlushCare\nMental health: Talkiatry, Amwell, MDLIVE\nWeight management: LifeMD\nLow-cost visits: Sesame Care\nAI-enhanced experience: Amazon One Medical, K Health\n\nIf you want, I can help you choose the best platform based on your insurance, budget, and health needs.","extractedBrands":[{"name":"Sesame Care","domain":null,"position":1},{"name":"Teladoc","domain":"teladoc.com","position":2},{"name":"PlushCare","domain":"plushcare.com","position":3},{"name":"MDLIVE","domain":"mdlive.com","position":4},{"name":"Amwell","domain":"amwell.com","position":5},{"name":"Amazon One Medical","domain":"onemedical.com","position":6},{"name":"Talkiatry","domain":null,"position":7},{"name":"LifeMD","domain":"lifemd.com","position":8},{"name":"K Health","domain":"khealth.com","position":9}]},{"provider":"claude","run":1,"model":"claude-sonnet-5","capturedAt":"2026-09-03T10:12:43.870Z","text":"Based on current data, here's a breakdown of the top telehealth services Americans actually use, organized by what you need:\n\n## General Medical Care / Urgent Care\n\n**Teladoc Health** is consistently ranked as the top overall pick. Teladoc is the largest telehealth provider in the US and accepts more insurance plans than any competitor, with over 200 commercial plans covering visits at copays typically ranging from $0 to $75. Without insurance, a general medical visit runs about $89, and the platform covers general medicine, dermatology, mental health, nutrition, and chronic condition management, with wait times usually under 10 minutes for urgent care.\n\n**Amazon One Medical** is the go-to if you want an ongoing doctor relationship rather than one-off urgent care. If Amazon One Medical is available and you want ongoing primary care relationships rather than on-demand urgent care, it is the stronger long-term primary care option.\n\n**Amwell** and **PlushCare** are also widely used, especially for insurance-based visits — commonly recommended alongside Teladoc and MDLIVE for people checking insurance coverage first.\n\n## Mental Health / Therapy\n\n- **BetterHelp** – the largest online therapy platform, though it does not prescribe medications, making it best for straightforward talk therapy.\n- **Talkspace** – the best insurance-covered option for therapy, useful if you want your plan to help cover costs.\n- **Talkiatry** and **Cerebral** – go-to options if you need psychiatric medication management, not just talk therapy. For mental health specifically involving medication, Cerebral and Talkiatry lead.\n\n## Men's & Women's Health / Weight Loss\n\n- **Hims & Hers** and **Ro** – serve men's health, women's health, and weight management with more clinical depth than any general platform.\n- **Maven Clinic** – best for family planning, guiding people through fertility, pregnancy, and parenting.\n- For GLP-1 weight loss drugs (Ozempic/Wegovy), it's worth being cautious: the 2025–2026 surge in GLP-1 telehealth prescribers has produced a wildly variable market, so choose a platform that includes regular follow-up visits, lab monitoring, and provider oversight rather than one that just issues a prescription.\n\n## Bottom Line Recommendations\n\n1. **Have insurance & want an all-purpose service?** → **Teladoc** (widest coverage, most services in one app)\n2. **Want a long-term primary care doctor?** → **Amazon One Medical**\n3. **Need therapy on a budget?** → **BetterHelp**\n4. **Need therapy covered by insurance?** → **Talkspace**\n5. **Need psychiatric meds?** → **Talkiatry** or **Cerebral**\n6. **Men's/women's health or weight loss?** → **Ro** or **Hims & Hers**\n\nOne important note: the telehealth field shifted significantly in 2025 and 2026 — several well-known platforms got acquired, merged, or went through bankruptcy, so the list of who is still operating as a standalone consumer platform is shorter than it was two years ago. It's worth double-checking that whichever service you pick is still actively operating and accepting your insurance before signing up.","extractedBrands":[{"name":"Teladoc Health","domain":"teladoc.com","position":1},{"name":"Amazon One Medical","domain":null,"position":2},{"name":"Amwell","domain":"amwell.com","position":3},{"name":"PlushCare","domain":"plushcare.com","position":4},{"name":"BetterHelp","domain":"betterhelp.com","position":5},{"name":"Talkspace","domain":"talkspace.com","position":6},{"name":"Talkiatry","domain":"talkiatry.com","position":7},{"name":"Cerebral","domain":"getcerebral.com","position":8},{"name":"Hims & Hers","domain":"hims.com","position":9},{"name":"Ro","domain":"ro.co","position":10},{"name":"Maven Clinic","domain":"mavenclinic.com","position":11}]},{"provider":"deepseek","run":1,"model":"deepseek-v4-flash","capturedAt":"2026-09-03T10:12:43.871Z","text":"If you’re in the U.S. and looking for telehealth, the “best” option depends on whether you need everyday urgent care, ongoing primary care, mental health support, or prescription-based services. These are the brands people actually use most, based on scale, reputation, and real-world reviews:\n\n### 1. **Teladoc** – Best overall / most widely used\n- The biggest telehealth provider in the U.S., often included in employer health plans and health insurance.\n- Covers general medicine, dermatology, mental health, sexual health, and specialists like cardiology.\n- Wait times are usually minutes, and visits average around $0–$89 depending on insurance.\n- Good if you want a one-stop shop and broad coverage.\n\n### 2. **MDLIVE** – Best for insurance users and after-hours care\n- Another major telehealth network accepted by many major insurers, including Cigna, Humana, and some BlueCross plans.\n- Strong for urgent care, pediatrics, dermatology, and behavioral health.\n- Very reliable for getting a board-certified physician quickly, often within 15 minutes.\n\n### 3. **Amwell** – Best for strong integration with hospital systems\n- Backed by many large U.S. health systems, so you may already have access through your local provider.\n- Offers urgent care, therapy/psychiatry, nutrition, and lactation consulting.\n- Great if you want continuity with your existing health system’s doctors.\n\n### 4. **PlushCare** – Best for ongoing primary care and prescriptions\n- Focuses on “virtual primary care” with real doctors who can manage chronic conditions, order labs, and write refills.\n- Accepts many insurance plans and also offers same-day appointments.\n- Popular with people who want a dedicated physician rather than a random on-call doctor.\n- Often used for weight loss, thyroid management, and ADHD treatment (with caveats).\n\n### 5. **GoodRx Care** – Best for affordable self-pay visits\n- GoodRx, known for prescription discounts, also runs a telehealth service.\n- Cheap cash-pay visits (often $49 or less) without insurance.\n- Good for sinus infections, UTIs, cold/flu, allergies, birth control, and skin issues.\n- You get a treatment plan and prescription sent to a pharmacy easily.\n\n### 6. **Hims / Hers / Ro** – Best for lifestyle and prescription-based care\n- These direct-to-consumer brands are hugely popular for hair loss, erectile dysfunction, acne, cold sores, weight loss, and mental health.\n- Subscription-based; no insurance required.\n- Convenient if you want a discreet online consult with a provider who prescribes medications shipped to your door.\n\n### 7. **BetterHelp / Talkspace** – Best for mental health / therapy\n- For talk therapy specifically, these are the most-used online platforms in the U.S.\n- BetterHelp: Unlimited messaging plus weekly video/live sessions.\n- Talkspace: Often covered by employer EAPs and some insurance plans; also provides psychiatry.\n- Note: They’re not for emergencies. For crisis support, call or text 988.\n\n### 8. **Amazon Clinic / Amazon One Medical** – Best for convenience and integrated pharmacy\n- Amazon Clinic allows quick episodic visits by text, video, or phone, often for under $50.\n- Amazon One Medical (if available in your area) gives you subscription-based primary care with same-day/next-day virtual visits and in-person clinic access.\n- Very strong if you’re already in the Amazon ecosystem and want prescriptions filled quickly.\n\n### 9. **CVS MinuteClinic / Walgreens Healthcare Clinic** – Best if you want a bridge between virtual and in-person\n- Many CVS and Walgreens locations now offer virtual visits through their clinic platforms.\n- Good for common illnesses, minor injuries, and screenings, with the option to walk into a physical pharmacy/clinic if needed.\n\n---\n\n### Quick recommendation:\n- **If your insurance covers it**, Teladoc or MDLIVE is the easiest, most dependable choice.\n- **If you need primary care that continues over time**, use PlushCare or Amazon One Medical.\n- **If you’re paying out of pocket**, GoodRx Care or Amazon Clinic gives you full transparency and low flat fees.\n- **For mental health only**, BetterHelp is the most common; Talkspace is also great if insurance is available.\n\nJust make sure to check coverage before you book, because in-network vs. out-of-network pricing can change everything.","extractedBrands":[{"name":"Teladoc","domain":"teladoc.com","position":1},{"name":"MDLIVE","domain":"mdlive.com","position":2},{"name":"Amwell","domain":"amwell.com","position":3},{"name":"PlushCare","domain":"plushcare.com","position":4},{"name":"GoodRx Care","domain":"goodrx.com","position":5},{"name":"Hims / Hers / Ro","domain":null,"position":6},{"name":"BetterHelp","domain":"betterhelp.com","position":7},{"name":"Talkspace","domain":"talkspace.com","position":8},{"name":"Amazon Clinic","domain":"amazon.com","position":9},{"name":"Amazon One Medical","domain":"amazon.com","position":10},{"name":"CVS MinuteClinic","domain":"cvs.com","position":11},{"name":"Walgreens Healthcare Clinic","domain":"walgreens.com","position":12}]},{"provider":"gemini","run":1,"model":"gemini-3.5-flash","capturedAt":"2026-09-03T10:12:43.870Z","text":"The telehealth landscape in the United States is mature, highly regulated, and deeply integrated into the healthcare system. There is no single \"best\" telehealth provider because the right platform depends heavily on **what you need treated** and **whether you have health insurance**. \n\nThe top, most trusted telehealth services that Americans actually use are categorized below by their strengths to help you find the best fit.\n\n---\n\n### 1. Best for Cash-Pay & Uninsured: **Sesame Care**\nIf you do not have health insurance, or if you have a high-deductible plan, Sesame is widely considered the best out-of-pocket option. \n* **How it works:** It operates like an open marketplace. Doctors, specialists, and nurse practitioners list their own prices for virtual (and sometimes in-person) appointments, allowing you to compare prices and book directly. \n* **The Costco Connection:** If you are a Costco member, Sesame is incredibly valuable. Costco partners with Sesame to offer members virtual primary care visits for just $29 and virtual therapy for $79. They also offer an exclusive fertility care partnership to help members save up to 80% on fertility medications.\n* **Best for:** Transparent, upfront pricing; quick one-off prescriptions; and budget-friendly specialist care.\n\n### 2. Best for Insurance Coverage & 24/7 Urgent Care: **Teladoc** or **Doctor on Demand**\nThese are the legacy heavyweights of U.S. telehealth. If you want to use your employer-sponsored health insurance or Medicare/Medicaid, these should be your first stops.\n* **Teladoc:** The largest telehealth provider in the U.S.. It is accepted by almost every major insurance carrier. You can open the app and be connected to a board-certified physician for urgent care (like flu, sinus infections, or rashes) in minutes, 24/7.\n* **Doctor on Demand (by Included Health):** If you want virtual primary care that feels like a traditional doctor’s office, this is the most polished platform. Unlike other platforms that assign you a random on-call doctor, Doctor on Demand allows you to browse provider profiles and book ongoing appointments with the same doctor to build a relationship.\n* **Best for:** Traditional urgent care, routine physicals, and using your standard insurance copay.\n\n### 3. Best for Lifestyle & Specialty Care: **Hims & Hers** or **Ro**\nFor specialized, everyday treatments—such as hair loss, sexual health (ED/birth control), skincare, and weight management—the direct-to-consumer (DTC) giants are incredibly popular.\n* **Hims & Hers:** A household brand known for its seamless, discreet, and highly tailored approach to clinical care. They offer subscriptions that bundle virtual provider consultations with home-delivered medications. \n* **Ro (formerly Roman):** A direct competitor to Hims, Ro is highly rated for its specialized care pathways. Both Hims and Ro have become primary destinations for Americans seeking medically supervised weight loss programs (such as compounded GLP-1s or brand-name Ozempic/Wegovy).\n* **Best for:** Hair regrowth, erectile dysfunction, acne/anti-aging, anxiety, and weight-loss management without the need for an in-person pharmacy run.\n\n### 4. Best for Mental Health & Therapy: **Talkspace** or **BetterHelp**\nOnline therapy has become the preferred way for millions of Americans to see a therapist, bypassing long local waiting lists.\n* **Talkspace:** If you want your health insurance to cover therapy, Talkspace is the top choice. It partners with major insurers (like Cigna, Aetna, and Optum) to make therapy cost the same as an in-person copay. They offer text, audio, and video therapy.\n* **BetterHelp:** If you are paying out-of-pocket, BetterHelp is the largest and most flexible network. It charges a flat weekly subscription (billed monthly) for unlimited messaging and weekly live video sessions. \n* **Brightside Health:** If you need medication management specifically for clinical depression or anxiety, Brightside uses targeted clinical tools to match you with psychiatric providers who can prescribe and manage your medication safely.\n\n### 5. Best for Fast, Cheap Prescriptions: **GoodRx Care**\nIf you know exactly what is wrong (e.g., you have a UTI, need a birth control refill, or need a short-term refill of a routine blood pressure medication) and just need a doctor to send a script to your local pharmacy, GoodRx Care is the fastest option.\n* **How it works:** Visits start around $19. You fill out an online medical questionnaire, a US-licensed provider reviews it (often without needing a live video call), and sends the prescription to your local pharmacy within hours.\n* **Best for:** Simple, minor medical issues where you want to bypass the waiting room and get your medication immediately.\n\n---\n\n### Important Things to Know Before Booking:\n\n1. **Check your insurance portal first:** Before paying out-of-pocket, log into your health insurance account (Aetna, Blue Cross, UnitedHealthcare, etc.). Most insurance companies have a preferred partner (usually Teladoc or MDLIVE) where your telehealth visits may be **100% free**.\n2. **Controlled Substance Restrictions:** Due to federal regulations (such as the Ryan Haight Act and updated DEA/Medicare rules), virtual-only platforms are heavily restricted from prescribing Schedule II controlled substances—including ADHD stimulants like Adderall or anxiety medications like Xanax—without an established in-person relationship. Be skeptical of any platform claiming otherwise.\n3. **Emergency Care:** Telehealth is designed for non-emergency issues. If you are experiencing chest pain, severe shortness of breath, sudden weakness, or any other medical emergency, bypass these apps and call 911 or visit the nearest ER.","extractedBrands":[{"name":"Sesame Care","domain":null,"position":1},{"name":"Teladoc","domain":"teladoc.com","position":2},{"name":"Doctor on Demand","domain":"includedhealth.com","position":2},{"name":"Hims & Hers","domain":"hims.com","position":3},{"name":"Ro","domain":"ro.co","position":3},{"name":"Talkspace","domain":"talkspace.com","position":4},{"name":"BetterHelp","domain":"betterhelp.com","position":4},{"name":"Brightside Health","domain":"brightside.com","position":4},{"name":"GoodRx Care","domain":"goodrx.com","position":5}]},{"provider":"google_ai_mode","run":1,"model":"google_ai_mode","capturedAt":"2026-09-03T10:12:43.871Z","text":"The best and most widely used telehealth services in the United States span major multi-condition virtual care networks like Teladoc Health, Amwell, and Sesame Care, alongside specialized providers for mental health, chronic disease, and prescription access.\n\nThe market divides into comprehensive generalist platforms (best for urgent care, primary care, and insurance alignment) and specialized direct-to-consumer networks.\n\nGeneral Urgent Care & Primary Care Telehealth\n\nTeladoc Health:\nBest For: Broad insurance acceptance, employer-sponsored benefits, and 24/7 on-demand urgent care.\nKey Features: Offers nationwide coverage across all 50 states, virtual primary care via Primary360, mental health care, and dermatology.\nAmwell:\nBest For: Integrated healthcare systems, hospital network partnerships, and robust specialist care.\nKey Features: One of the oldest telehealth providers in the U.S., heavily integrated into major health plans with strong behavioral health and urgent care options.\nSesame Care:\nBest For: Out-of-pocket, uninsured, or transparent flat-rate cash care.\nKey Features: Connects patients to local or virtual clinicians with clear up-front pricing, same-day appointment booking, and optional membership discounts.\nMDLIVE:\nBest For: Full virtual clinic experience, including dermatology, pediatric urgent care, and psychiatry.\nKey Features: Frequently covered by major health insurers with low copays and rapid 5–to-10-minute average wait times.\n\nSpecialized Mental Health & Therapy Telehealth\n\nBetterHelp:\nBest For: Continuous text-based and scheduled video therapy.\nKey Features: The largest network of licensed online therapists, utilizing a flat-rate subscription model that includes messaging options alongside live sessions.\nTalkspace:\nBest For: Combining ongoing psychiatric medication management with therapy under major health insurance plans.\nKey Features: Offers structured messaging and live interactive video sessions with a high density of credentialed clinical specialists.\n\nLifestyle, Prescription, & Specialty Telehealth\n\nHims & Hers:\nBest For: Men's and women's wellness, dermatological care, hair loss, sexual health, and weight management prescriptions.\nKey Features: Asynchronous consultations combined with discreet direct-to-door subscription pharmacy delivery.\nRo:\nBest For: Medically supervised weight loss (Ro Body), metabolic health tracking, and foundational prescription access.\nKey Features: Integrates lab testing, insurance concierge services for GLP-1 approvals, and ongoing provider coaching.\n\nIf you'd like to narrow down the best service for your specific situation, tell me:\n\nAre you looking to use health insurance or pay out-of-pocket?\nIs the visit for urgent care, mental health, or a specific prescription/condition?","extractedBrands":[{"name":"Teladoc Health","domain":"teladochealth.com","position":1},{"name":"Amwell","domain":"amwell.com","position":2},{"name":"Sesame Care","domain":"sesamecare.com","position":3},{"name":"MDLIVE","domain":"mdlive.com","position":4},{"name":"BetterHelp","domain":"betterhelp.com","position":5},{"name":"Talkspace","domain":"talkspace.com","position":6},{"name":"Hims & Hers","domain":"hims.com","position":7},{"name":"Ro","domain":"ro.co","position":8}]},{"provider":"google_aio","run":1,"model":"google_aio","capturedAt":"2026-09-03T10:12:43.871Z","text":"","extractedBrands":[]},{"provider":"grok","run":1,"model":"grok-4.3","capturedAt":"2026-09-03T10:12:43.871Z","text":"**Top telehealth services in the US that people actually use include Teladoc Health, Amwell, Sesame Care, PlushCare, MDLIVE, and specialized options like Ro or Hims for targeted needs.**[[1]](https://www.meetaugust.ai/en/articles/best-telehealth-apps)[[2]](https://www.fool.com/investing/stock-market/market-sectors/healthcare/telemedicine-stocks/)\n\nThese stand out based on market presence (e.g., massive user bases and memberships), insurance integration, consumer reviews/ratings, app usage data, and mentions across 2026 reviews from sites like Forbes Health, U.S. News, and others. Telehealth utilization has stabilized post-pandemic, with mental health driving a large share of claims, followed by urgent/primary care.[[3]](https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/telehealth/telehealth-utilization-101-nationally-between-q4-2025-and-q1-2026-fair-health-tracker)[[4]](https://www.tactionsoft.com/blog/apps-in-healthcare)\n\n### Top General/Overall Recommendations\n- **Teladoc Health** — Often cited as the largest and most established platform, with over 100 million members and broad coverage for urgent care, primary care, mental health, dermatology, and more across all 50 states. Many employer or insurance plans cover it at $0–$50 copay (cash pay around $75–$99 per visit). Strong for 24/7 access and reliability.[[1]](https://www.meetaugust.ai/en/articles/best-telehealth-apps)[[2]](https://www.fool.com/investing/stock-market/market-sectors/healthcare/telemedicine-stocks/)[[5]](https://www.hschange.com/access-to-care/best-telehealth/)\n- **Amwell** — A close competitor with high user ratings (often 4.9/5 on apps), enterprise/insurance partnerships, and services for urgent care, therapy, psychiatry, and specialties. Similar pricing to Teladoc; good for polished app experience and hospital-system integrations.[[1]](https://www.meetaugust.ai/en/articles/best-telehealth-apps)[[5]](https://www.hschange.com/access-to-care/best-telehealth/)\n- **Sesame Care** — Frequently tops consumer review lists (e.g., best overall in some 2026 roundups) for affordable cash-pay visits (starting ~$29–$55), transparent pricing, and a marketplace model where you choose doctors. Ideal if you lack insurance or want flexibility; offers primary/urgent care and some psychiatry.[[6]](https://www.topconsumerreviews.com/best-online-doctors/detailed-reviews.php)[[7]](https://www.healthline.com/health/best-telemedicine-companies)\n\n### Best for Primary/Ongoing Care or Membership Models\n- **PlushCare** — Popular for longitudinal primary care with in-network acceptance from major insurers (UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, Cigna, etc.). Low monthly membership (~$17–$20) plus visit copays; strong for ongoing relationships rather than one-off visits.[[8]](https://subrupt.com/best/telehealth-with-insurance)[[9]](https://subrupt.com/best/telehealth)\n\n### Other Notable Options\n- **MDLIVE** — Good for urgent care and behavioral health with relatively fast availability.[[1]](https://www.meetaugust.ai/en/articles/best-telehealth-apps)\n- **Specialized platforms** (e.g., Ro, Hims, or GoodRx Care/Lemonaid) — These see heavy real-world use for specific issues like weight management (GLP-1 meds), sexual health, hair loss, or simple refills/prescriptions at lower cash prices (~$19–$60). Ro and similar options often rank well for customer satisfaction in weight-loss telehealth.[[10]](https://health.usnews.com/best-diet/medication/best-glp-1-telehealth-companies)[[9]](https://subrupt.com/best/telehealth)\n- **Mental health-focused** — Talkspace, BetterHelp, or Brightside (or integrated options via Teladoc/Amwell) for therapy/psychiatry. Mental health accounts for over half of telehealth claims in recent data.[[3]](https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/telehealth/telehealth-utilization-101-nationally-between-q4-2025-and-q1-2026-fair-health-tracker)\n\n### Key Tips for US Users\nMany people access these through insurance or employer benefits (often low/no cost), while cash-pay users favor Sesame or subscription models for affordability. Always verify coverage, state licensing (most operate nationwide but providers must be licensed in your state), and wait times. Convenience is the top reason for use, though connectivity or service limitations can be barriers.[[11]](https://www.jdpower.com/business/press-releases/2024-us-telehealth-satisfaction-study/)\n\nCheck recent app store ratings, your specific insurance portal, or sites like GoodRx for deals. Prices and availability can change, so confirm directly on the platform. For complex or ongoing needs, these often supplement (rather than replace) in-person care. If you have insurance, start there—it frequently unlocks the best deals on the big platforms.","extractedBrands":[{"name":"Teladoc Health","domain":"teladoc.com","position":1},{"name":"Amwell","domain":"amwell.com","position":2},{"name":"Sesame Care","domain":null,"position":3},{"name":"PlushCare","domain":"plushcare.com","position":4},{"name":"MDLIVE","domain":"mdlive.com","position":5},{"name":"Ro","domain":null,"position":6},{"name":"Hims","domain":"hims.com","position":6},{"name":"Talkspace","domain":"talkspace.com","position":7},{"name":"BetterHelp","domain":"betterhelp.com","position":8},{"name":"Brightside","domain":null,"position":9}]},{"provider":"openai","run":1,"model":"gpt-5.5-2026-04-23","capturedAt":"2026-09-03T10:12:43.870Z","text":"As of **September 2026**, my short list for a U.S. consumer is:\n\n## Best telehealth services people actually use in the U.S.\n\n| Rank | Brand | Best for | Why I’d recommend it |\n|---:|---|---|---|\n| **1** | **Teladoc Health** | **Best overall if your employer/insurer offers it** | It’s one of the biggest, most widely distributed U.S. telehealth brands: Teladoc reported **17.1 million telehealth visits in 2025** and said about **102 million U.S. members** had access to one or more of its services. It covers urgent care, primary care, mental health, chronic care, and second opinions. ([sec.gov](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1477449/000147744926000012/tdoc-20251231.htm?utm_source=openai)) |\n| **2** | **MDLIVE** | **Best for Cigna/Evernorth members; strong all-around urgent care** | MDLIVE is a major established option, especially through Cigna plans. It offers **24/7 urgent care**, primary care, therapy, psychiatry, and dermatology. ([cigna.com](https://www.cigna.com/individuals-families/member-guide/virtual-care-services?utm_source=openai)) |\n| **3** | **Amwell** | **Best broad telehealth network / insurance-integrated care** | Amwell is a long-running telehealth platform used by health plans, employers, and health systems. Its consumer services include urgent care, therapy, psychiatry, and CBT/couples therapy options. ([patients.amwell.com](https://patients.amwell.com/services/?utm_source=openai)) |\n| **4** | **Doctor On Demand by Included Health** | **Best employer-benefit-style option** | Good if your employer offers Included Health/Doctor On Demand. Its services include urgent care, therapy, psychiatry, and, where covered, primary care via video and messaging. ([includedhealth.com](https://includedhealth.com/legal/member-services-agreement/?utm_source=openai)) |\n| **5** | **Amazon One Medical** | **Best hybrid primary care + telehealth, especially for Prime members** | Good if you want virtual care plus the option of in-person primary care in cities where One Medical has offices. Prime members can buy One Medical for **$99/year**; non-Prime membership is listed at **$199/year**. Amazon also offers pay-per-visit virtual care for common conditions, with messaging visits commonly listed from **$29** and video visits at **$49**. ([health.amazon.com](https://health.amazon.com/prime?isMShop=false&mShopNativeBackButtonOn=true&utm_source=openai)) |\n| **6** | **Sesame Care** | **Best cash-pay / no-insurance option** | Sesame is a marketplace for transparent self-pay visits. It advertises online doctor visits from roughly the **$30s–$40s**, no insurance needed, and Sesame Plus at **$10.99/month or $99/year** for discounts. Good for simple urgent care, refills, labs, and some specialties. ([sesamecare.com](https://sesamecare.com/service/telehealth-visit?utm_source=openai)) |\n| **7** | **CVS MinuteClinic Virtual Care** | **Best retail-clinic brand people recognize** | Useful for common illnesses, minor issues, refills, some chronic-condition support, and mental health in select states. CVS lists virtual visits at **$89 cash pay** or insurance for eligible services, with virtual care generally available nationwide and tied to MinuteClinic/CVS’s retail footprint. ([cvs.com](https://www.cvs.com/minuteclinic/virtual-care?utm_source=openai)) |\n| **8** | **PlushCare** | **Best for ongoing online primary care / refills / weight-management-style care** | PlushCare is a solid option if you want scheduled video visits with the possibility of using insurance. It charges a **$19.99/month membership**, and lists self-pay doctor visits at **$129**; many insured patients pay a copay if in network. ([plushcare.com](https://plushcare.com/how-it-works?utm_source=openai)) |\n| **9** | **GoodRx Care** | **Best low-cost common-condition visits and prescription help** | GoodRx Care is useful for common conditions, refills, and medication-related visits, especially if you already use GoodRx for pharmacy savings. GoodRx says most visits start at **$49**, with some discounted visits starting at **$19** for GoodRx Gold members. ([support.goodrx.com](https://support.goodrx.com/hc/en-us/articles/17300672157979-What-is-GoodRx-Care?utm_source=openai)) |\n| **10** | **Hims & Hers / Ro** | **Best condition-specific consumer telehealth** | Use these for focused needs like hair loss, sexual health, dermatology, birth control, menopause, weight loss, or certain wellness medications—not as a full primary-care replacement. Hims & Hers reported **more than 2.5 million subscribers** at the end of 2025 and operates with providers across all 50 states. ([news.hims.com](https://news.hims.com/newsroom/how-more-customers-across-the-world-depend-on-hims-hers?utm_source=openai)) |\n\n## If I had to choose quickly\n\n- **Have insurance or employer benefits?** Start with your insurer’s app/portal first; you may already have **Teladoc, MDLIVE, Amwell, Doctor On Demand/Included Health, CVS Virtual Care, or a plan-branded option** at a low or $0 copay.  \n- **No insurance or high deductible?** Try **Sesame**, **Amazon One Medical Pay-per-visit**, **GoodRx Care**, or **CVS MinuteClinic Virtual Care** because pricing is relatively transparent.  \n- **Want ongoing primary care?** Consider **Amazon One Medical**, **PlushCare**, or a virtual primary-care option inside your insurance plan.  \n- **Want therapy/psychiatry?** Check **Talkspace**, **Teladoc/BetterHelp**, **Amwell**, **MDLIVE**, or your insurer’s behavioral-health network; Talkspace is particularly worth checking if you want insurance-covered online therapy. ([talkspace.com](https://www.talkspace.com/coverage/insurance?utm_source=openai))  \n- **Want a prescription for a simple issue like UTI, sinus infection, pink eye, cold/flu, rash, or refill?** **Teladoc, MDLIVE, Amwell, CVS MinuteClinic, Sesame, Amazon One Medical, GoodRx Care, and PlushCare** are all realistic options.\n\n## My top 5 “safe bets” for most U.S. adults\n\n1. **Teladoc** — most broadly useful if covered.  \n2. **MDLIVE** — especially strong if you have Cigna or an employer plan that includes it.  \n3. **Sesame** — best no-insurance value.  \n4. **Amazon One Medical** — best if you want virtual + in-person primary care and already use Prime.  \n5. **CVS MinuteClinic Virtual Care** — best retail-clinic backup with straightforward cash pricing.\n\n## Important caveats\n\nTelehealth is best for **non-emergency** issues, routine follow-ups, mental health, medication refills, and many common infections; it is **not** appropriate for chest pain, stroke symptoms, severe shortness of breath, severe abdominal pain, major injuries, suicidal crisis, or anything that needs an exam, imaging, labs, or emergency care. HHS describes direct-to-consumer telehealth as a quick way to access urgent care and mental health support, but it may still direct you to in-person care when needed. ([telehealth.hhs.gov](https://telehealth.hhs.gov/patients/can-i-access-telehealth-care-demand?utm_source=openai))\n\nAlso, rules around controlled substances are in flux: HHS/DEA extended telemedicine prescribing flexibilities through **December 31, 2026**, but prescriptions still must comply with federal and state law, and many telehealth companies choose not to prescribe certain controlled medications online. ([hhs.gov](https://www.hhs.gov/press-room/dea-telemedicine-extension-2026.html?utm_source=openai))","extractedBrands":[{"name":"Teladoc Health","domain":"teladochealth.com","position":1},{"name":"MDLIVE","domain":"mdlive.com","position":2},{"name":"Amwell","domain":"amwell.com","position":3},{"name":"Doctor On Demand by Included Health","domain":"includedhealth.com","position":4},{"name":"Amazon One Medical","domain":"health.amazon.com","position":5},{"name":"Sesame Care","domain":"sesamecare.com","position":6},{"name":"CVS MinuteClinic Virtual Care","domain":"cvs.com","position":7},{"name":"PlushCare","domain":"plushcare.com","position":8},{"name":"GoodRx Care","domain":"goodrx.com","position":9},{"name":"Hims & Hers / Ro","domain":"hims.com","position":10},{"name":"Talkspace","domain":"talkspace.com","position":11}]},{"provider":"perplexity","run":1,"model":"sonar","capturedAt":"2026-09-03T10:12:43.870Z","text":"For **most people in the United States**, the strongest all-around telehealth brands are **Teladoc Health**, **Amwell**, **MDLIVE**, and **Doctor On Demand**; for more specialized needs, **Sesame**, **Nurx**, **Ro**, **Hims**, **Wisp**, **Curology**, **Maven Clinic**, and **Talkiatry** are the names that show up most often in recent rankings and roundups.[2][3][4][5][13][18]\n\nIf you want the **best telehealth services people actually use**, I’d shortlist them like this:\n\n- **Teladoc Health** — best overall for broad coverage, insurance acceptance, and all-in-one care; multiple recent sources describe it as the largest or most comprehensive U.S. telehealth platform with 24/7 access and wide state coverage.[5][9][16]\n- **Amwell** — strong general-purpose option, often ranked highly for primary care and mental health, and frequently listed among top telehealth platforms.[2][4][13]\n- **MDLIVE** — commonly recommended for general care and behavioral health, and cited as a top option for treatment variety.[11][13]\n- **Doctor On Demand** — popular for online primary care and psychiatry, and often highlighted for employer-sponsored access.[11][13][19]\n- **Sesame** — best if you want **cash-pay** or lower-cost on-demand visits, and it repeatedly appears in “best overall” and urgent-care comparisons.[2][4][7][13]\n- **Ro** — one of the better-known consumer telehealth brands for **weight loss** and related ongoing treatment programs.[2]\n- **Nurx** — a common choice for **birth control** and other women’s health prescriptions.[2][18]\n- **Hims** — widely used for **men’s health** and sexual health care.[2][8]\n- **Wisp** — commonly used for **women’s sexual health**.[2]\n- **Curology** — a recognized option for **dermatology/acne** treatment.[2]\n- **Maven Clinic** — well known for **fertility** and pregnancy-related virtual care.[2][18]\n- **Talkiatry** — a notable option for **psychiatry**.[2]\n\nA practical way to choose:\n\n| Need | Best-known picks |\n|---|---|\n| **Best overall** | Teladoc Health, Amwell |\n| **Best urgent care / low cash price** | Sesame, Teladoc |\n| **Best employer/insurance-based access** | Teladoc, MDLIVE, Doctor On Demand |\n| **Best mental health** | Amwell, Talkiatry, Doctor On Demand |\n| **Best sexual health / prescriptions** | Hims, Wisp, Nurx |\n| **Best dermatology** | Curology |\n| **Best fertility / pregnancy** | Maven Clinic |\n| **Best weight loss** | Ro |\n\nIf you want, I can also give you a **ranked top 10** based on your exact use case: **insurance-covered care, cheapest cash pay, urgent care, mental health, or specialty care**.","extractedBrands":[{"name":"Teladoc Health","domain":"teladochealth.com","position":1},{"name":"Amwell","domain":null,"position":2},{"name":"MDLIVE","domain":null,"position":3},{"name":"Doctor On Demand","domain":"doctorondemand.com","position":4},{"name":"Sesame","domain":null,"position":5},{"name":"Ro","domain":null,"position":6},{"name":"Nurx","domain":null,"position":7},{"name":"Hims","domain":null,"position":8},{"name":"Wisp","domain":null,"position":9},{"name":"Curology","domain":null,"position":10},{"name":"Maven Clinic","domain":null,"position":11},{"name":"Talkiatry","domain":null,"position":12}]}]}