Over the past year, I extensively researched, used, and reviewed various online therapy platforms, attending live sessions and reaching out to each beforehand for essential product information.
This ensures consumers have the necessary details for informed decisions.
In our assessment, Path earned 3 out of 5 stars, excelling in clientele served, online therapy cost, and therapist specialties but lagging behind competitors in geographic coverage and additional features.
Path Mental Health: Pros & Cons
Path Mental Health offers convenient online therapy for individuals (5+), couples, and families.
They accept major insurance plans and provide a self-pay option.
However, Path’s availability is limited to nine states, lacks psychiatric services, and features two confusing patient portals.
Pros:
- Therapy available for individuals (ages 5 and up), couples, and families
- Accepts several major insurance plans
- Self-pay option available
- No monthly membership or sign-up fees
- Offers early morning, evening, and some weekend appointments
- Responsive customer service
Cons:
- No mobile app for on-the-go access
- Limited availability in only nine states
- No in-person therapy options
- Lack of psychiatric services
- Two patient portals can be confusing
- Time-sensitive links in emails
Path Mental Health Overview:
Path Mental Health is an online therapy platform providing per-session rates for individuals, couples, and families.
Users can select therapists from a curated list, with sessions conducted via Zoom.
Starting at $120 out-of-pocket, Path accepts major insurance plans. However, it’s currently accessible only in nine states.
Path Mental Health Review:
Similar to Thriveworks, Path employs two patient portals, requiring navigation between the Path website and AdvancedMD/AdvancedTelemedicine using Zoom.
Users can self-select therapists based on provided profiles.
While lacking features like messaging and extra resources, Path offers family therapy at $135 per session, a unique option in the online therapy landscape.
Who Should Consider Path Mental Health?
Path suits individuals familiar with online therapy, as well as couples and families seeking convenient sessions.
Those accustomed to online therapy platforms may find Path beneficial, particularly couples looking for affordable counseling options.
Additionally, families seeking flexible therapy arrangements may find Path’s online sessions advantageous.
Who Might Consider Alternatives to Path Mental Health?
While Path may be suitable for some, others may need to explore different options.
Those who are new to therapy, reside outside covered areas, or require medication management will need alternatives to Path Mental Health.
If You’re New to Therapy:
Navigating Path Mental Health might be challenging for newcomers to online therapy platforms.
Simplifying the therapy initiation process is essential, an area where Path falls short.
Newcomers might find established subscription-based platforms like BetterHelp or Talkspace more appropriate, offering streamlined onboarding processes to connect with licensed therapists and schedule sessions.
For deeper insights into these subscription-based therapy options, refer to our comprehensive Talkspace review or BetterHelp review.
Outside Path’s Coverage Areas:
Currently, Path Mental Health operates only in nine states:
California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, North Carolina, New York, Ohio, Texas, and Virginia.
Individuals seeking per-session online therapy outside these regions can explore alternatives such as Amwell or MDLive.
Both platforms offer diverse therapy options and accept insurance as well as self-pay clients.
For further details on these telemedicine platforms, consult our extensive Amwell review or MDLive review.
Those Seeking Medication Management Only:
Path does not offer medication management services currently. Individuals specifically seeking affordable online medication management solutions may consider subscription-based options like Cerebral or Brightside.
These platforms provide medication-only subscriptions, connecting users with prescribers virtually, along with additional app features.
To learn more about these subscription-based services, delve into our detailed reviews of Cerebral or Brightside.
path Mental Health: User Feedback
Path Mental Health currently lacks an app, and sourcing user reviews for this platform proved challenging. However, we discovered a Reddit thread discussing Path, where users expressed mixed opinions.
One prevalent concern highlighted in the Reddit thread was instances of therapists either failing to show up for sessions or canceling last-minute.
While this was not my experience, my therapist promptly attended our session.
They encouraged direct email communication for any concerns or advised reaching out to customer service.
For assistance with therapist connectivity issues, users can contact customer service at (323) 977-7284 or email support@pathccm.com.
Cost of Path Mental Health:
Individual therapy sessions with Path Mental Health are priced at $120, while family or couples sessions cost $135.
Sessions typically run for about 50 minutes, and users are required to download Zoom beforehand.
If Path accepts your health insurance, your costs will be determined by your therapy co-pay.
Does Path Mental Health Accept Insurance?
Yes, Path Mental Health does accept insurance for therapy services.
Currently, they accept Aetna, Anthem, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Humana, Optum, Oscar, and United Healthcare.
Upon sign-up, Path conducts a benefits check on your behalf and provides an estimated cost breakdown.
Out-of-Network Benefits:
Path offers an itemized receipt, often called a superbill, which users can submit to their insurance provider for potential reimbursement.
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Online & In-Person Therapy:
Therapy can significantly impact your life—Thriveworks offers support both in-person and online for various mental health challenges. Choose from a vast pool of experienced therapists, with most costs covered by insurance.
Thriveworks accepts over 575 plans, providing coverage to 180 million Americans.
How to Begin Therapy with Path Mental Health
Starting your initial therapy session with Path involves several steps and the use of two patient portals.
Follow the guide below to navigate this process smoothly:
- Visit the Path Mental Health website and click on “Find a Match.”
- Provide your date of birth, location, insurance details or select out-of-pocket payment, and specify the type of therapy you seek.
- Input your name, email address, and phone number.
- Explore therapist profiles and select your preferred therapist.
- Choose a convenient date and time for your session.
- Fill out patient details, including name, contact information, and payment details.
- Use the link sent to your email to log in for your session.
- Confirm your payment and await Path’s email containing patient forms.
- Create an account on the second patient portal and complete all required forms.
- On the appointment day, simply click the Zoom link provided in your email at the scheduled time.
Also read: Dispatch Health Legit
Frequently Asked Questions About Path Mental Health
What Credentials Do Path Therapists Hold?
- All therapists on Path Mental Health currently possess licenses such as LPCC, LPC, LISW, LPCC-S, LISW-S, LCPC, LMFT, LCSW, LP, or LCMHC in their respective practicing states.
How Do I Choose a Therapist?
With Path, you select your therapist from a provided list. Profiles of multiple therapists are available for review, allowing you to choose the one best suited to your needs.
Can I Change Therapists?
It’s unclear how to choose a new therapist. The recommended approach is to directly email your therapist or contact customer service at: support@pathccm.com.
Can I use my FSA or HSA Funds?
Yes, you can utilize your FSA or HSA funds for therapy payments. Simply input your card information as the payment method on file.
How Do I Cancel My Path Mental Health Account?
As a per-session platform, discontinuing use is straightforward. Inform your therapist if you no longer wish to schedule sessions.
To cancel a therapy session, call (323) 205-7088 or email care@pathccm.com.
Does Path Mental Health Offer Refunds?
The refund policy is unclear. Despite attempts to clarify this with the company directly, no response was received.
Is Path Mental Health a HIPAA-Compliant Platform?
Yes, Path Mental Health adheres to HIPAA regulations and conducts live therapy sessions using AdvancedMD and Zoom.
Therapists provide clients with HIPAA-compliant email addresses for communication.
For further details, refer to Path’s Terms of Use or Privacy Policy.
Final Verdict on Path Mental Health:
While Path Mental Health’s signup process had challenges due to time-sensitive links, it received a 3 out of 5-star rating.
Despite frustrations, a commendable therapist was found, offering a smart, calming presence and creating a safe environment.
Making a strong therapist connection in one session is difficult, but the experience was positive enough to schedule another session.
Overall, if your state offers services and you prefer using insurance, Path Mental Health warrants consideration.