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Hims Mental Health Overview
Cost: $99/session for counseling + $85/month for medication
Conditions/concerns treated: Anxiety, depression, sleep trouble, and stress
Program approach: Counseling + prescription medication, if needed
Medications prescribed (if appropriate): Bupropion XL, buspirone HCL, citalopram, duloxetine, escitalopram, fluoxetine, sertraline, venlafaxine, and more
Over-the-counter (OTC) products: Oral drops for calm support and gummies for sleep support
Hims offers a mental health program that includes online therapy, as well as prescription medications, such as bupropion XL (generic for Wellbutrin XL) and citalopram (generic for Celexa), if appropriate. Individuals can opt for medication management, online counseling, or a combination of both, depending on their needs. The program treats anxiety, depression, burnout, stress, and sleep difficulty.
Mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression, are common and impact millions of people. However, effective treatments are available, which can help reduce symptoms and increase quality of life. Hims makes mental health treatment more accessible and convenient, offering telehealth services, all from the comfort of your home.
In this article, we discuss Hims’ mental health program, including its pros and cons, who it may work well for, what medications they offer, potential medication side effects, and more.
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, go to the nearest emergency room or call 911. To speak to a trained crisis counselor, call 988.
Hims Mental Health Pros + Cons
Pros
- Offers prescription medication, therapy, and wellness supplements, providing holistic care
- More affordable pricing for both counseling and medication
- Provides online mental health care for various conditions/concerns, including anxiety, depression, sleep difficulties, burnout, and stress
Cons
- Limited to treating only certain mental health conditions, which may not work well for everyone
- Only prescribes certain medications, which may not suit everyone’s needs
What Is Hims Psychiatry?
Hims offers 100% online mental health treatment that includes FDA-approved prescription medication, talk therapy, unlimited doctor’s visits, and even wellness supplements.
Who Is Hims Psychiatry Program For?
Hims is best for those who are dealing with certain mental health conditions who are open to or are already taking prescription medication, or who are interested in online counseling services.
Hims treats the following mental health conditions:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Job stress, burnout, and performance anxiety
- Stressful life events (such as losing a loved one or moving to a new city)
- Sleep issues
Related reading: Hims vs. Kick- Where to Buy Performance Anxiety Meds Online?
How Much Does Hims Mental Health Cost?
At Hims, talk therapy costs $99 per session, while medication costs $85 per month.
Does Hims Take Insurance?
Nope, according to the company, Hims doesn’t accept insurance, HSA, or FSA accounts.
Benefits: Does Hims Work?
If you’re accustomed to in-person mental health care, Hims might be a bit of an adjustment. Doctor visits are virtual, medication gets delivered to your door (if appropriate), and you’ll never find yourself in a waiting room. Otherwise, it’s very similar– you’ll still have access to FDA-approved generic mental health medication, as well as talk therapy, both of which are considered effective for treating mental health conditions in certain individuals.
Hims Mental Health Medication
Hims clinicians prescribe the following medications, if appropriate:
Bupropion XL (Wellbutrin XL)
Bupropion XL (generic Wellbutrin XL) is an extended-release daily oral medication for depression. It’s also sometimes given to people who are trying to quit smoking. Like many antidepressants, it works by increasing the amount of dopamine in the brain, but it belongs to a class of medication you may not have heard of before- norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitors (NDRIs).
Buspirone HCL (Buspar)
Buspirone HCL (generic Buspar) is an oral treatment whose mechanism of action isn’t totally understood. It’s considered an anxiolytic, which means it reduces symptoms of anxiety.
Citalopram (Celexa)
Citalopram (generic Celexa), an antidepressant, is an oral selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), which means it discourages your brain from reabsorbing serotonin, leaving more of it free-floating and available for use. Serotonin impacts mood, emotion, and sleep.
Duloxetine (Cymbalta)
Duloxetine (generic Cymbalta) is an oral serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). That means it not only increases the amount of free serotonin in the brain, but also has the same effect on norepinephrine, another feel-good chemical.
Escitalopram (Lexapro)
Escitalopram (generic Lexapro) is an SSRI that can come in tablet or solution forms. Like most SSRIs, it may be an effective treatment for anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns in certain individuals.
Fluoxetine (Prozac)
Fluoxetine (generic Prozac) is an SSRI available as standard oral or extended-release tablets. It’s considered effective for certain conditions, such as panic disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and depression.
Sertraline (Zoloft)
Sertraline (generic Zoloft) is an SSRI that comes in tablet and solution forms. It tends to cause only mild side effects in certain individuals and may work for a wide variety of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, OCD, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), social anxiety disorder, and more.
Venlafaxine (Effexor)
Venlafaxine (generic Effexor) is an oral SNRI. It’s considered an effective treatment for depression, anxiety, panic disorder, and social anxiety disorder.
Hims Mental Wellness Supplements
Hims offers supplements that can complement your treatment plan to further improve your mental health. These treatments work by using natural active ingredients like vitamin B6, chamomile, ashwagandha, and melatonin to support sleep and relaxation.
Before trying any new supplement, speak with your healthcare provider to make sure it is appropriate for you to take. Be sure to discuss any current medications, health conditions, or OTC supplements or vitamins you are taking.
Hims Online Therapy
With Hims, you can get a single session of therapy or opt for a month of treatment at a time. It’s a flexible approach best for those who are looking for a more accessible approach to therapy, with sessions able to be done from the comfort of your home.
Research suggests that online mental healthcare can work just as well as in-person therapy. In addition, online therapy may offer reduced wait times and can provide more access to mental health services, especially for those who live in more rural areas.
How Does Hims Mental Health Work?
To get started with Hims, all you need to do is complete a short online consultation about your medical history, current symptoms, and future goals. Then, a Hims clinician reviews your responses and creates a personalized treatment plan to meet your needs. Your first round of medication, if prescribed, and future refills get delivered to your door, so you never have to wait in line at the pharmacy again.
In addition, you can opt to schedule an online therapy session with a licensed therapist. To do so, you’ll answer a short questionnaire, select your therapist, and schedule your 50 minute session. You can switch therapists anytime. They offer one-time appointments, weekly appointments, and monthly appointments, all for $99 per session.
Why We Recommend Hims Mental Health
Hims’ mental health program is an effective and trustworthy way to address mental health symptoms from home. Their personalized approach to care makes online treatment simple and accessible.
Personalized Treatment Plan
You can trust that Hims’ doctors don’t stick to a one-size-fits-all model of mental health treatment. Instead, your clinician customizes their recommendations to suit your personal medical history, symptoms, and goals.
More Affordable Generic Rx Meds
Hims lowers the cost of medical treatment by using more affordable generic versions of brand-name medications, which typically work just as well as their more expensive counterparts.
Unlimited Ongoing Support
The path to better mental health isn’t always bump-free. That’s why your Hims clinician is always just a message away. Plus, there’s no limit on the number of weekly check-ins you can schedule with a talk therapist.
Easy Refills
Hims takes the stress out of refilling your medications by simply sending your treatment to your door. This way, you never run the risk of not having medication when you need it.
Hims Medication Safety and Side Effects
While many people find the benefits of taking mental health medication outweigh the downsides, it’s important to know what to expect before you start. Here are some of the side effects you might run into while taking antidepressants or anti-anxiety medication.
Side effects of bupropion can include:
- Anxiety or excitement
- Constipation
- Difficulty falling or staying asleep
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Nausea or vomiting
- Needing to go the bathroom more often
- Stomach pain
- Weight loss
Side effects of buspirone can include:
- Confusion or irritation
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Headache
- Nausea
Side effects of citalopram can include:
- Decreased sex drive
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Drowsiness
- Heartburn
- Heavy menstrual periods
- Nausea or vomiting
Side effects of duloxetine can include:
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Heartburn
- Nausea or vomiting
- Needing to go to the bathroom more often
- Stomach pain
- Weight changes
Side effects of escitalopram can include:
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Decreased sex drive
- Difficulty falling or staying asleep
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Heartburn
- Nausea or stomach pain
- Sneezing or runny nose
- Weight loss
Side effects of fluoxetine can include:
- Anxiety or nervousness
- Decreased sex drive
- Diarrhea
- Difficulty falling or staying asleep
- Heartburn
- Nausea
- Unusual dreams
- Weight loss
Side effects of sertraline can include:
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Decreased libido
- Difficulty falling or staying asleep
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Heartburn
- Nausea or vomiting
- Weight loss
Side effects of venlafaxine can include:
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Decreased libido
- Difficulty urinating
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Headache
- Heartburn or gas
- Enlarged pupils
- Nausea or vomiting
- Nightmares
- Ringing in the ears
- Weight loss
When to Seek Emergency Medical Care
Call your doctor or seek emergency services if you experience any of the following serious symptoms:
- Aggressive or impulsive behavior
- Blurred vision
- Chest pain
- Dark urine
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Fainting
- Fever or flu-like symptoms
- Hallucinations
- Hives or rash
- Hot flashes or chills
- Nosebleeds
- Muscle or joint pain
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
- Seizures
- Swelling
- Thoughts of self harm
- Unexplained bruising or purple spots on the skin
Hims Mental Health vs. Alternatives
Want to see how Hims stacks up against other online mental health providers like Cerebral, Klarity, and Brightside? These key facts can help you determine the best service for your needs.
Hims Mental Health vs. Alternatives | Hims | Cerebral | Klarity | Brightside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | Medication: $85/month Online counseling: $99/session | Medication: $99/month Online therapy: $295/month Therapy + medication: $365/month | $149 for initial visit $59 per follow-ups $25 per refills | Medication: $95/month Online therapy: $299/month Therapy + medication: $349/month |
| Mental health conditions treated | Anxiety Depression Sleep trouble Burnout & stress | Anxiety Depression ADHD Addiction Autism Bipolar disorder PTSD Insomnia Eating disorders and more | Anxiety Depression ADHD Insomnia | Anxiety Depression Panic disorder Insomnia Bipolar PTSD OCD and more |
| FDA-approved medications | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Types of meds | SSRIs, NDRIs, and SNRIs | SSRIs and SNRIs | SSRIs and SNRIs Certain stimulants | SSRIs and SNRIs |
| Generic meds? | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Can prescribe stimulants? | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Online counseling? | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Unlimited ongoing check-ins? | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Refills available? | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Free delivery of meds? | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Mental health supplements? | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Accepts insurance? | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Website |
Hims vs. Cerebral
If you’re dealing with a mental health condition or concern that Hims doesn’t treat, consider looking into Cerebral. Their online medication management and therapy comes with a much higher price tag than Hims at $365 per month, but their clinicians can help you with a broader variety of concerns, including unhealthy substance use, autism spectrum, bipolar disorder, and eating disorders.
Related reading: Cerebral Review– Is It Legit for Anxiety, Depression, & ADHD?
Hims vs. Klarity
Looking for a psychiatrist to help manage symptoms of ADHD? Your best bet might be Klarity, the only service on this list that offers stimulants (one of the most effective ways to treat ADHD). As for downsides, Klarity doesn’t offer talk therapy alone, and only treats ADHD, insomnia, anxiety, and depression.
Related reading: Klarity Anxiety Review– Pros, Cons, Alternatives, & More
Hims vs. Brightside
Brightside’s treatment isn’t as affordable as Hims, but they do treat a few conditions Hims doesn’t, including bipolar disorder, OCD, and PTSD. If you have one (or more) of these conditions, you might want to note that Brightside is also slightly cheaper than Cerebral, but can address many of the same concerns.
Related reading: Brightside Review – Is it Legit for Anxiety & Depression Treatment?
Our Experience With Hims Mental Health
We found the sign-up process for Hims to be fairly straightforward. It all starts with a quick consultation, which asks a handful of simple questions about your health history and current symptoms. Once a doctor reviews your responses, you get a personalized treatment recommendation. Plus, shipping is fast and free.
Hims Mental Health Reviews From Their Customers
Overall, Hims’ customers love their convenient online care and effective treatment. However, some people ran into issues with shipping delays.
The Verdict: Is Hims Legit for Anxiety and Depression Treatment?
Hims is a more affordable and accessible treatment for certain mental health conditions, such as anxiety, depression, insomnia, stress, and more.
Depending on what kind of symptoms you’re looking to treat, Hims may be a great option for prioritizing your mental health, without waiting weeks for a doctor’s appointment.
Hims psychiatry is best for folks whose mental health concerns include anxiety, depression, stress, or insomnia. Other conditions, like bipolar disorder and eating disorders, are better addressed elsewhere, as Hims doesn’t offer treatment for these conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much is Hims without insurance?
Out of pocket, Hims will cost you $85 per month for medication, plus $99 for each counseling session.
Can I use HSA for Hims?
While Hims won’t accept HSA funds directly, you may be able to get a reimbursement from your account depending on the rules of your plan. Get in touch with your insurer to see if you’re eligible.
Does Hims prescribe Xanax?
As of right now, you can’t get Xanax or any other benzodiazepines through Hims. But you can get many other medications that have been proven effective for anxiety, including buspirone, escitalopram, and sertraline.
Can I get Hims without a subscription?
You’ll have to sign up for a Hims account to get treatment through the service, but you can always cancel your subscription if you find you no longer need it.
Do anti-anxiety supplements work?
Whether or not any particular supplement will work for you depends on your brain chemistry, but Hims mental wellness supplements contain active ingredients that are proven to help, such as vitamin B6, chamomile, ashwagandha, and melatonin. Be sure to always discuss supplements with your healthcare provider before trying them.
Methodology
We conducted extensive research to evaluate the pricing, effectiveness, accessibility, overall quality, and customer support of Hims, which also included examining competitors, such as Cerebral, Klarity, and Brightside. To determine overall value, we evaluated cost, usability, treatment options, and subscription services.
Other factors we investigated prior to choosing the best online mental health service included convenience, discounts, customer service, access to healthcare providers, and the ability to take health insurance. For the most convenient overall, Hims stood out for its comprehensive mental health program for those looking to treat mental health concerns from home.
| Review Process | Key Metrics | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Sign up online | – ease to complete intake form – affordability – upfront commitment or subscription required? – money back guarantee or refund policy? | 0.5 |
| Vitual consult with provider / determine eligibility | – ease to get appointment to determine eligibility – need to leave house for labs or other in-person care? | 1 |
| Shipping + unboxing | – shipping cost – time from order to treatment delivery – discreet packaging to maintain privacy | 0.5 |
| Test + journal for 1-3 months | – ease of application – transition into habitual use – taste / smell / feel / pain | 1.5 |
| Results after 3 months of use | – efficacy / results – lack of side effects – ease of refill / reordering – quality of ongoing clinical support – responsive customer support – willingness to recommend to a friend | 1.5 |
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