Life-changing online care for substance use disorder
Our providers understand the challenges of substance use disorder, and have real-world experience helping people just like you.
Our providers understand the challenges of substance use disorder, and have real-world experience helping people just like you.
condition overview
Substance use disorder (SUD) is a challenging condition where a person’s use of substances like drugs or alcohol becomes problematic. SUD can affect anyone and is a medical issue that impacts brain function and behavior. Recognizing early signs—such as shifts in mood, health, or daily activities—is vital for getting help.
If you or a loved one is struggling with substance use, know that recovery is possible and seeking help is the first step toward a healthier future.
Some of the most common substances include alcohol, opioids, and marijuana.
Nearly 49 million Americans experienced SUD in the past year.
our approach
Substance use disorder is often treated with specialized medications, which can help reduce symptoms of withdrawal. If medication is part of your treatment, our psychiatric providers will determine the safest, most effective prescription plan for you.
We combine evidence-based approaches, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, with independent skills practice. This combination has been clinically proven to work for a wide range of conditions.
Our therapy groups are led by an expert group therapist. As part of our program, members meet 3 times per week to get community support and guidance on recovery strategies, emotions, and behavior change.
Your treatment plan for substance use disorder encourages self-care and supports you in building healthy habits like regular exercise, good sleep, balanced nutrition, mindfulness, and creative expression.
the brightside difference
Connect with a Brightside provider as soon as tomorrow.
Our clinical network includes top therapists and psychiatric providers with diverse backgrounds and specialties. Each is carefully selected to ensure quality, empathetic care.
Anika Patel, LCSW
Licensed Therapist
A caring provider changes everything. We’ll connect you with a Brightside provider who truly understands your needs, so you can make progress with confidence. And if it’s not a good match, switching is easy.
Jason Lovett, LCSW
Licensed Therapist
Members rate our providers 4.9 out of 5.
“They cancelled my plan while I was trying to fix my insurance.”
Anthony Ikejiaku, Brightside member
Read More Reviews“I was directed here by my insurer. The website seemed simple enough. Before completing my profile, I called to ask if providers are able to complete work-related documents. The rep was helpful and told me this was permitted at provider discretion. I went forward and booked psych and therapy appts for the next day. 7 am comes and i meet why the psych who was essentially a pill-pusher. He wanted to get quickly to what medicine he can give me and send me on my way. There was no real eval or discussion of my history. I told him getting a prescription wasn’t really my top priority and the provider said there’s nothing he can do if i don’t want meds. I restated that i am not against meds if thats what is necessary, but it wasn’t my main focus or the reason i scheduled the appt. I asked him what the process looked like for medical paperwork and he stated he’s not allowed to do that. I told him that customer service gave me different info and he stated they must be misinformed because it’s not something we can do. He agrees to cancel the appt so i can get a refund and recommends I find a local provider. I call 988 because I'm beyond overwhelmed and struggling to continue bouncing through providers. I get on the platform and attempt to cancel the therapy i had scheduled since this won’t work for me. I was told i must pay a $120 fee to cancel or if i didn’t show. I call customer service again because the crisis response team is on the way and i won’t be available for the appt but also shouldn’t have to pay $120 for a cancellation when services were not properly represented to me. The rep who answered was rude, kept reading me the policy, and told me that i need to have the provider call them to learn the policy. She told me i must cancel it myself and be charged, but she would ask her manager to consider a refund. She continued to state policy despite me pointing out that I’d scheduled the appointment only 16 hours before so it’s impossible to give 24 hours notice. I also informed her that the crisis response team was on the way and i can’t make the appointment. She didn’t care about any of this so i locked my card, cancelled the appointment, and went to a facility that could help me. Upon returning home Matthew was very understanding and helpful. He removed the fee and closed my account.”
Monchelle Davis, Brightside member
Read More Reviews“Thank you so much for providing this service! I absolutely love being able to check in with my provider anytime I need to right from my phone. It was so easy to get my prescription and it is so helpful in this phase of my life with young children! I love it!”
Lara Falkner, Brightside member
Read More Reviewswhat we offer
Our treatment plans support all levels of care, so you’ll always have a clear path forward.
The right prescription medication for you.
ways to pay
With insurance: $25 average co-pay per session
Self-pay: $95/month
Includes psychiatric evaluation, medication management, and ongoing support
Support proven to help with life’s challenges.
ways to pay
With insurance: $25 average co-pay per session
Self-pay: $299/month
Includes 4 sessions per month & ongoing support
Prescription medication and therapy support.
ways to pay
With insurance: $25 average co-pay per session
Self-pay: $349/month Includes psychiatric evaluation, medication management, & 4 therapy sessions per month
Specialized program for suicidal thoughts and feelings.
ways to pay
With insurance: $25 average co-pay per session
Specialized program with intensive support for mental health challenges.
A care navigator will verify insurance coverage and provide a cost overview.
In select states only.
Specialized program with intensive support for substance use recovery.
A care navigator will verify insurance coverage and provide a cost overview.
In select states only.
Appointments as soon as tomorrow
Free care recommendation
Easy insurance check
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
If your question isn’t answered below, view our full list of FAQs here.
Brightside offers online mental health care for teens and adults, ages 13 and up. Our expert providers can help with anxiety, depression, and many other common concerns. We offer psychiatry, therapy, and specialized programs for extra support.
Brightside makes it easy to get quality mental health care from home. We’ll connect you with one of our providers who can tailor treatment to your needs. No waiting rooms, no commutes—just care that fits your life.
You can manage your care using the Brightside Health mobile app or website: Join video sessions, send your provider messages, track progress, and access resources.
Our expert providers are handpicked for their ability to provide best-in-class mental health care. They have years of experience and active licenses in your state.
Substance use disorder (SUD) is diagnosed through a comprehensive evaluation by a healthcare provider. This includes a detailed assessment of your substance use history, behavioral patterns, and the impact on your daily life. Diagnostic criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) are used to determine the severity of the disorder, which can range from mild to severe. At Brightside, we ensure a thorough and compassionate evaluation to provide you with the best possible care.
Several factors can increase the risk of developing substance use disorder, including genetics, mental health conditions, environmental influences, and early exposure to drugs or alcohol. Family history of addiction, trauma, and stress can also have an impact.
Understanding your risk factors can help in early intervention and prevention, and Brightside is here to support you with personalized care tailored to your needs.
It’s important to seek help for substance use when it starts to interfere with your daily life, relationships, or responsibilities. Signs that it’s time to reach out include experiencing intense cravings, using substances to cope with problems, neglecting personal and professional obligations, and encountering legal or financial issues due to substance use. Remember, reaching out for support is a brave and crucial step towards recovery, and it’s never too early or too late to seek help. You’re not alone and we’re here to help you regain control of your life.
If you’re in emotional distress, text HOME to connect with a counselor immediately.
Call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for 24/7 emotional support.
If you’re having a medical or mental health emergency, call 911 or go to your local ER.
