The Bottom Line
Amwell is a massive telehealth infrastructure provider used by hospitals and health systems—not a startup trying to disrupt healthcare. For behavioral health, this means a clinical, medical feel rather than a "wellness app" vibe. Providers are often part of larger medical groups, sessions are strictly live video (no messaging therapy), and the experience feels like seeing a doctor rather than using an app. Best for users who want clinical-grade care and have insurance to cover it.
What Is Amwell?
Amwell is one of the largest telehealth platforms in the U.S., powering virtual care for hospitals, insurers, and employers. Their behavioral health division offers therapy and psychiatry through their "clinic in the cloud" model.
Unlike BetterHelp or Talkspace, Amwell feels institutional by design. Providers are often affiliated with hospital systems. The platform prioritizes clinical standards over consumer-friendly features like unlimited messaging.
Pricing
Cash-Pay Pricing
| Therapy (Master's level) | ~$109/session |
| Therapy (Doctoral level) | ~$129/session |
| Psychiatry (Initial) | ~$279 |
| Psychiatry (Follow-up) | ~$109 |
Insurance: Amwell is widely accepted across most major insurance plans. With coverage, you'll typically pay just your copay ($20-$50).
Key Features
Live Video Only
Amwell offers strictly live video sessions. There's no asynchronous messaging therapy option. You schedule appointments and see your provider face-to-face via video—similar to an in-person clinic visit.
24/7/365 Availability
Therapy and psychiatry appointments are available around the clock, though wait times for psychiatry can vary. For urgent situations, you can often get same-day appointments.
Clinical Provider Network
Amwell's providers are often affiliated with hospital systems and medical groups—not independent contractors. This creates a more clinical, institutionalized feel that some users prefer.
Integrated Health Services
Beyond behavioral health, Amwell offers urgent care, dermatology, nutrition, and other medical services. If you want one platform for all virtual healthcare, it's a convenient option.
What Users Say
What People Like
- High clinical quality—feels like seeing "real doctors"
- Wide insurance acceptance
- 24/7 availability for scheduling
- One platform for medical + behavioral health
Common Complaints
- Interface feels institutional and clunky compared to consumer apps
- No messaging between sessions
- Per-session pricing adds up without insurance
- Less personalized matching compared to therapy-first platforms
Amwell vs. Consumer Platforms
If BetterHelp feels like a mental health app, Amwell feels like a hospital's telehealth portal. Neither is objectively better—it depends on what you want:
- Amwell: Clinical feel, insurance integration, live sessions only, medical pedigree
- BetterHelp/Talkspace: Consumer-friendly, messaging features, subscription pricing
Who Should Consider Amwell
- Users who prefer traditional medical settings over "wellness apps"
- Those with good insurance wanting covered care
- People who want psychiatry + therapy from one platform
- Anyone already using Amwell for other medical services
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Users wanting unlimited messaging or asynchronous therapy
- Budget-conscious users without insurance (per-session costs add up)
- Those preferring a modern, app-like experience
Final Verdict
Amwell delivers clinical-grade telehealth that feels like an extension of traditional healthcare rather than a startup disruption. For users with good insurance who want to see credentialed providers through a medically-oriented platform, it's a solid choice.
The tradeoff is fewer consumer-friendly features—no messaging therapy, no matching algorithms, no engagement tools. If you want a straightforward video session with a licensed provider, Amwell delivers. If you want the modern "therapy app" experience, look elsewhere.