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.
“1. Therapists leave their profiles active when they aren’t taking new patients. It’s only after you’ve made yourself vulnerable in an intake that you’re told they have no availability. 2. When you ask why, the AI tells you to pick another therapist. 3. When you cancel your account, it’s left open, allowing Brightside to continue to send unwanted communication. This includes reminders to make an appointment with the therapist who has already told you they cannot see you. 4. If you try to speak to an agent, their AI tells you to send another email, or call the customer service number that goes to voicemail. 5. If you reply to unwanted emails by asking the correspondence to stop, the AI replies with all the steps you’ve already taken that have yielded no results. 6. If you respond again, you are now stuck in an AI loop where the robot instructs you to use the link in the email to unsubscribe. There is no link in the email to unsubscribe. I asked well over 15 times to stop contacting me. I’m still getting emails. From going through a difficult intake for nothing, to persistent, unwanted communication that cannot be stopped, to offloading customer care to AI, every step of my mercifully short experience with them was disappointing and upsetting. Their whole purpose is human connection and listening, and they can’t provide either one.”
AW, Brightside member
Read More Reviews“Had an absolutely horrible experience with this company. I had some shame in worries about seeking help, however finally worked up the court courage to do so, and the psychiatrist that I met at was very dismissive. Told that I could never get treatment. If I wasn’t willing to go on SSRIs they made me feel horrible about the progress I had made with depression in talk therapy treatment and overall I left the appointment with my provider feeling even more shame around my mental health and I started with. It is disgusting that someone in the mental health field would degrade and diminish the experience of a patient.”
D S, Brightside member
Read More Reviews“I got the right meds and felt immediately better. I like my therapist and look forward to our meetings. The lessons have helped me to redirect my racing thoughts and emotions to focusing on the present. Breathing really helps.”
Karyl, Brightside member
Read More Reviews“Amazing Dr.’s that have helped me more than anyone ever has. I can fit sessions and visits around my schedule and the best part is I don’t have to deal with the public.”
Brandon, Brightside member
Read More Reviews“after 4 months and innumerous chances given to the brightside health team, i can certainly say that this company has zero customer service. they barely reply to you, on top of being completely ignorant about anything insurance wise, which is LITERALLY THEIR BUSINESS. please stay away unless you want your health worsened.”
Alice, 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.
