Brightside vs BetterHelp HSA Comparison (2026)

Online therapy and psychiatry with a focus on anxiety and depression, accepts most major insurance.

Subscription online therapy with licensed therapists via video, phone, or chat.

HSA Eligibility at a Glance

Brightside

HSA-eligible

Brightside therapy, psychiatry, and prescribed medications are HSA-eligible. Accepts HSA/FSA cards and most major insurance.

BetterHelp

HSA-eligible

BetterHelp talk therapy is HSA-eligible. HSA/FSA cards accepted at checkout.

Pricing

Brightside

Therapy: $299/mo. Psychiatry: $95/mo. Combined: $349/mo.

BetterHelp

$65-100/week, billed every 4 weeks ($260-$400/mo)

Which Should You Pick?

When to choose Brightside

  • Anxiety or depression is your primary concern, Brightside specializes here
  • You want insurance billing as the first payment option
  • You need psychiatry as well as therapy in one platform

When to choose BetterHelp

  • You want a broader range of therapist specializations
  • You prefer unlimited messaging between sessions
  • You don't need psychiatric medication management

Visit Each Vendor

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Common Questions

Are Brightside and BetterHelp both HSA-eligible?
Yes. Both qualify for HSA when treating a diagnosed condition. Both accept HSA/FSA cards at checkout, no LMN needed.
Does Brightside accept insurance?
Yes, Brightside accepts most major insurance plans. If your plan is in-network, use insurance first and HSA for copays.
Which one offers psychiatry?
Brightside offers both therapy and psychiatry. BetterHelp offers therapy only.
Is the prescription cost separate?
Brightside's psychiatry plan includes the provider visit. Medication itself is billed separately through your pharmacy and is also HSA-eligible.
Which is cheaper for therapy only?
Brightside therapy-only is $299/mo vs BetterHelp's ~$320/mo. Difference is small enough that fit and specialization matter more than price.
How do I track therapy and prescription expenses in HSA Trackr?
Log the subscription as a recurring expense, then add individual prescription pickups as one-off expenses with the receipts attached.

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