The Bottom Line
Brightside Health is designed for people other platforms might reject: those with moderate-to-severe depression, including suicidal ideation. Their dedicated Crisis Care program uses the CAMS (Collaborative Assessment and Management of Suicidality) framework—a research-backed approach to treating patients at elevated suicide risk. With 86% of patients showing clinically significant improvement and 77% elimination of suicidal ideation in their crisis program, Brightside takes higher-acuity cases seriously.
What Makes Brightside Different
Most online therapy platforms explicitly screen out high-risk patients. BetterHelp, Talkspace, and others are legally required to refer out (or terminate) clients with active suicidal ideation because they aren't equipped for crisis care.
Brightside built its model for these patients specifically. Their Crisis Care program accepts people other platforms reject, using structured protocols for suicide prevention rather than just referral to emergency services.
Pricing
Plan Options
| Psychiatry Only (Medication) | $95/month |
| Therapy Only (4 sessions) | $299/month |
| Combined (Meds + Therapy) | $349/month |
| Insurance | Aetna, Cigna, United, Medicare |
Key Features
Crisis Care Program
Brightside's standout feature is their dedicated program for patients with elevated suicide risk. Using the CAMS framework (Collaborative Assessment and Management of Suicidality), they provide structured treatment rather than emergency-room referrals.
Published outcomes data shows 77% elimination of suicidal ideation among Crisis Care patients—a remarkable result for a population typically underserved by telehealth.
PrecisionRx
Brightside uses data analytics to match patient profiles with medications most likely to work for them. Rather than trial-and-error prescribing, their algorithm considers symptoms, history, and response patterns to make more informed initial medication choices.
Clinical Outcomes
Brightside publishes their outcomes data—a rarity in this industry. Key statistics:
- 86% of patients show clinically significant improvement within 12 weeks
- 71% achieve remission with treatment
- 77% elimination of suicidal ideation in Crisis Care
What Users Say
What People Like
- Willingness to treat suicidal ideation—not just refer out
- Data-driven medication approach (PrecisionRx)
- Effective combination of therapy + medication
- Insurance acceptance including Medicare
Common Complaints
- Expensive without insurance coverage ($349/month for combined)
- Video/messaging only—no phone-only option
- May be overkill for mild symptoms
Who Should Consider Brightside
- People with moderate-to-severe depression not responding to other treatments
- Those experiencing suicidal ideation who want structured care (not just crisis referrals)
- Patients who need both medication and therapy
- Anyone with Aetna, Cigna, United, or Medicare wanting evidence-based treatment
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Mild anxiety or depression (more affordable options exist)
- Those seeking therapy-only without medication interest
- Budget-conscious users without insurance coverage
Final Verdict
Brightside fills a critical gap: high-acuity mental health care delivered remotely. While other platforms screen out risky patients, Brightside built protocols specifically for them. The Crisis Care program, PrecisionRx approach, and willingness to publish outcomes data all signal serious clinical intent.
If you're struggling with severe depression—especially with suicidal thoughts—and have been turned away elsewhere, Brightside is worth investigating. The cost is high without insurance, but for patients who need this level of care, it may be the most effective option available online.