What to Expect at Your LifeStance Health Appointment

LifeStance is a telehealth network that connects you with therapists and psychiatrists by video or phone

LifeStance Health is a national telehealth company that offers therapy, psychiatry, and medication management through video appointments and phone calls. You schedule directly with the provider, not through a separate portal or referral system. Most appointments happen on your computer or phone from home, though some LifeStance locations also offer in-person visits.

The company works with most major insurance plans, and uninsured patients can pay out-of-pocket rates that vary by provider and location. Your first appointment will be longer than follow-ups — usually 60 minutes for an intake session — and will cover your mental health history, current symptoms, and what you want to work on.

Key Takeaways

• You book your LifeStance appointment directly online or by phone, and most sessions happen by video from home.
• Bring your insurance card to your first appointment, or confirm the out-of-pocket cost before you schedule if you're uninsured.
• The intake appointment lasts about 60 minutes and covers your medical history, current symptoms, and treatment goals.
• LifeStance providers include licensed therapists, psychiatrists, and nurse practitioners who can prescribe medication.
• You'll need a private, quiet space for your video appointment and a device with a camera and microphone.

How to schedule and what documents you'll need

You can book a LifeStance appointment through their website or by calling their scheduling line. You'll choose your provider, the type of appointment (therapy, psychiatry, or both), and your preferred time. The scheduling system will ask for your insurance information if you have it, or confirm that you want to pay out-of-pocket.

Bring your insurance card to your first appointment — either have it visible during your video call or have the member ID and group number ready. If you don't have insurance, you'll receive the cost before your appointment. You should also have a list of any medications you're currently taking, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements, and the names of any previous therapists or psychiatrists you've seen.

What happens during your first appointment

Your intake appointment will start with the provider asking detailed questions about your mental health history, family history of mental illness, current symptoms, and what brought you to seek care. They'll ask about sleep, appetite, substance use, and whether you've ever had thoughts of harming yourself. This is standard for all mental health intakes and helps the provider understand your full picture.

If you're seeing a psychiatrist or nurse practitioner, they'll also ask about your physical health, any medical conditions, and medications you take. If you're seeing a therapist, they'll spend time understanding your goals for therapy and what you hope to change. At the end of the first appointment, your provider will discuss their observations, answer your questions, and either recommend a treatment plan or schedule a follow-up to discuss next steps.

Technical setup for your video appointment

You'll need a device with a camera and microphone — a computer, tablet, or smartphone all work. Test your internet connection before your appointment time; a stable connection is important for a clear video call. LifeStance uses a secure video platform, and you'll receive a link to join the appointment, usually in an email or text message a few minutes before your scheduled time.

Find a private, quiet space where you won't be interrupted. Close other browser tabs and apps that might distract you or use bandwidth. Have a notepad nearby if you want to write down questions or notes during the appointment. If your internet drops, the provider will usually wait a few minutes for you to reconnect; if you can't reconnect, contact LifeStance to reschedule.

What different types of LifeStance providers do

LifeStance employs licensed therapists (LCSWs, LMFTs, and LPCs), psychiatrists (MDs and DOs), and psychiatric nurse practitioners (NPs). Therapists provide talk therapy and counseling but cannot prescribe medication. Psychiatrists and nurse practitioners can prescribe and manage psychiatric medications, and some also offer therapy.

Many people see both a therapist and a psychiatrist — the therapist for weekly or biweekly talk therapy, and the psychiatrist for medication management appointments every few months. LifeStance can coordinate between your providers so they share notes and stay informed about your care. You can request a specific type of provider when you schedule, or ask LifeStance to match you with someone based on your needs.

Cost, insurance, and what to do if there are billing questions

LifeStance accepts most major insurance plans, including Aetna, Cigna, United, Anthem, and others. Your out-of-pocket cost depends on your plan's copay, deductible, and coinsurance. Call your insurance company before your appointment to ask what your mental health visit copay is, or check your insurance card or online account.

If you're uninsured, LifeStance providers set their own rates, which typically range from $100 to $300 per session depending on the provider and your location. Some providers offer sliding scale fees based on income. If you have questions about a bill after your appointment, contact LifeStance's billing department directly — they can explain charges and help resolve insurance issues.

What to bring and prepare before your appointment

Write down any questions you want to ask, including questions about symptoms, medications, or what to expect from treatment. Jot down any major life events or stressors from the past few months that feel relevant. Have your insurance card visible or the information written down. If you're on medications, have the names and doses ready, or have the bottles nearby so you can read them during the call.

Think about your goals for therapy or psychiatry before the appointment starts. What would you like to feel different? What's been hardest for you lately? You don't need a perfect answer — your provider will help you clarify — but having some sense of what matters to you makes the appointment more productive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I switch providers if I don't feel like a good fit after my first appointment?

Yes. You can request a different provider at any time, and LifeStance will help match you with someone else. It's common to try a few providers before finding the right fit, and there's no penalty for switching.

What if I need to cancel or reschedule my appointment?

Contact LifeStance as soon as you know you need to reschedule. Most providers ask for at least 24 hours' notice to avoid a cancellation fee. You can reschedule through the website or by calling their scheduling line.

Will my LifeStance appointment be confidential?

Yes. Your conversations with your provider are protected by therapist-patient confidentiality and HIPAA privacy rules. The main exceptions are if you're a danger to yourself or others, or if you're abusing a child or elder — in those cases, your provider is required by law to report.

Can I get a prescription filled after my psychiatry appointment?

Your psychiatrist or nurse practitioner will send a prescription to a pharmacy of your choice, usually within a few minutes of your appointment. You can pick it up the same day or the next day, depending on the pharmacy's hours. Ask your provider which pharmacy they recommend or where you'd like the prescription sent.

What if I have a mental health crisis during or between appointments?

If you're having thoughts of harming yourself, call 988 (the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline) or text "HELLO" to 741741 (Crisis Text Line). If you're in immediate danger, call 911. LifeStance also has crisis resources on their website, and some providers offer same-day or next-day urgent appointments for crisis situations.