What LifeStance Health Is

LifeStance Health is a telehealth company that connects you with therapists, psychiatrists, and other mental health providers through video, phone, or in-person visits. It operates in most U.S. states and works with many insurance plans, though you can also pay out of pocket. The company does not diagnose conditions or provide treatment itself — it acts as a platform that schedules you with licensed clinicians who do the actual counseling or medication management.

LifeStance was founded in 2017 and has grown to include hundreds of locations and thousands of providers. If you search for "LifeStance near me" or visit their website, you can see which providers are available in your area and what insurance they accept. The company handles scheduling, billing, and some administrative tasks, but the person you talk to is a real therapist or doctor licensed in your state.

Key Takeaways

  • LifeStance connects you with licensed therapists and psychiatrists through video, phone, or in-person appointments, not through an app or automated system.
  • You can search for providers by location, insurance, and type of care (therapy, psychiatry, medication management) on the LifeStance website.
  • Most major insurance plans are accepted, but coverage and copays vary — you should check your plan or call LifeStance to confirm what you will owe.
  • First appointments typically happen within one to three weeks, though wait times vary by location and provider availability.
  • You can cancel or reschedule appointments, but most providers require notice within 24 hours to avoid a cancellation fee.

How to Find a Provider and Schedule an Appointment

Start by going to the LifeStance Health website and entering your location and the type of care you need. You can filter by insurance plan, whether you want video or in-person visits, and the specific service — therapy, psychiatry, medication management, or other specialties. The site shows you available providers, their credentials, and often a short bio.

Once you find a provider you want to see, you can request an appointment directly through the website. LifeStance will ask for basic information: your name, contact details, insurance information, and a brief description of why you are seeking care. You will then receive a confirmation email with the appointment date and time, along with instructions for how to join (video link, phone number, or in-person address).

If you do not have insurance or prefer not to use it, you can pay out of pocket. LifeStance will tell you the cost before you book. Prices vary by provider and location but typically range from around $100 to $300 per session for therapy, depending on the clinician's experience and your area.

Insurance Coverage and What You Will Pay

LifeStance works with most major insurance plans, including Aetna, Anthem, Cigna, Humana, UnitedHealthcare, and many regional plans. However, coverage varies widely. Some plans cover therapy and psychiatry fully after you meet your deductible; others require a copay per visit; still others do not cover telehealth at all or limit it to certain types of care.

The best way to know what you will owe is to check your insurance card or log into your plan's website and search for LifeStance providers. You can also call your insurance company's customer service number and ask whether LifeStance is in-network and what your copay or coinsurance would be. If you call LifeStance directly, their staff can sometimes verify coverage for you, though the insurance company's answer is always the final one.

If you do not have insurance or your plan does not cover LifeStance, you can still use the service and pay the full session fee out of pocket. Some people also use a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) to pay for mental health care, which can reduce the cost through pre-tax dollars.

What Happens at Your First Appointment

Your first session is usually longer than follow-up visits — often 50 to 60 minutes instead of 30 to 45 minutes. The provider will ask about your medical history, current symptoms, any medications you take, and what brought you to seek care. They may also ask about your family history, work or school situation, and any previous therapy or treatment.

This is a listening appointment. The provider is gathering information to understand your situation and decide whether they are the right fit for you and what kind of treatment might help. If you are seeing a therapist, they may discuss what type of therapy they use (such as cognitive behavioral therapy or talk therapy). If you are seeing a psychiatrist for medication, they will explain what they are considering and why.

At the end of the first visit, the provider will usually suggest a plan: how often you should meet, what the goals are, and what to expect next. You can ask questions and discuss whether the schedule and approach feel right for you. If they are not a good match, you can request a different provider through LifeStance.

Canceling or Rescheduling Appointments

You can reschedule or cancel an appointment through the LifeStance website or by calling the company. Most providers require at least 24 hours' notice. If you cancel or reschedule with less than 24 hours' notice, you may be charged a cancellation fee — typically $25 to $50, depending on the provider.

If you miss an appointment without canceling, you will almost certainly be charged the full session fee. Some providers are more flexible than others, so if you have an emergency and cannot make it, call LifeStance as soon as possible and explain. They may waive the fee or let you reschedule, but there is no may provide.

Privacy and What Information LifeStance Keeps

LifeStance is required by law to keep your medical information private under HIPAA (the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act). Your therapy notes, diagnosis, and any information you share with your provider are confidential and cannot be shared without your permission, except in specific situations like an when ready threat to safety.

When you use video appointments, LifeStance uses encrypted connections to protect your privacy during the call. The company stores your appointment history, billing information, and basic health details in their system. You can request a copy of your records or ask what information they have about you.

If you are concerned about privacy — for example, if you live with someone and do not want them to know you are in therapy — you can arrange to take appointments in a private space or use headphones. LifeStance can also send appointment reminders by text or email instead of phone call, depending on your preference.

When LifeStance May Not Be the Right Fit

LifeStance works well for ongoing therapy, medication management, and counseling for many common mental health concerns. However, it may not be the right choice if you need crisis care, are in when ready danger, or are experiencing a severe mental health emergency. If you are having thoughts of suicide or self-harm, call 988 (the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline) or go to your nearest emergency room instead.

LifeStance also may not have providers available in your area, or the providers they have may not specialize in what you need. For example, if you need treatment for a very specific condition or want a provider with particular informed, you might need to look elsewhere. You can also ask LifeStance if they can refer you to another service if they cannot meet your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need insurance to use LifeStance?

No. You can pay out of pocket for each session. LifeStance will tell you the cost before you book. If you do have insurance, you can use it to cover part or all of the cost, depending on your plan.

How long does it take to get a first appointment?

Wait times vary by location and provider. In many areas, you can get an appointment within one to three weeks. Some providers have shorter wait times; others may take longer. When you search for providers, the website usually shows how far out their next available appointment is.

Can I switch providers if I do not like the one I am seeing?

Yes. You can request a different provider through the LifeStance website or by calling the company. There is no penalty for switching. Your new provider will not automatically have access to your notes from the previous provider, but you can ask LifeStance to share them if you want continuity.

What if I cannot afford the copay or out-of-pocket cost?

Talk to LifeStance about your situation. Some providers offer sliding scale fees based on income, though not all do. You can also ask whether there are lower-cost options in your area or whether LifeStance can refer you to a community mental health center that charges based on what you can afford.

Is video therapy as effective as in-person therapy?

Research shows that video therapy works well for many people and many conditions. Some people prefer it because it is more convenient and they can do it from home. Others prefer in-person visits. LifeStance offers both, so you can choose what feels right for you.