MDLive Vs. Amwell | A Balanced Comparison Top of FormBottom of Form

Online therapy aims to help those struggling with stress, anxiety, and other mental health problems to seek support in a comfortable and convenient platform. Evidence suggests that such platforms tend to improve access, lower cost, and guarantee more consistent therapy. Although there are many benefits of online psychotherapy, the companies offering services have different levels of competence.

That means that while online platforms offer many opportunities for people to access mental health services, clients have to make sure that they choose reliable and comfortable providers. That is the reason for this review that compares two popular providers of online therapy, MDLive and Amwell. The goal of this MDLive Vs. Amwell comparison is to present balanced and well-researched information to help people in making informed decisions.

About MDLive: Company Information

Just because you don’t have immediate access to a psychologist does not mean that you ought to ignore your mental health needs. Many people find MDLive to be convenient as an online therapy service because it allows users to set up sessions that suit their own schedules. You don’t need to stress about issues like traffic or trying to locate a babysitter. There is also the benefit that sessions can be covered by insurance, allowing users to minimize the amounts they pay off-pocket.

What MDLive has done is to ensure that people don’t need to look for therapists in their locales to get help with their mental health needs. Thanks to the services offered by MDLive, people who need therapy can get help through phone, video, and instant messaging.

MDLive, which was previously referred to as Breakthrough, was started in 2009 as a website that connects clients with skilled and carefully vetted therapists.  It later changed its identity to MDLive in 2014 but has remained consistent in delivering quality health services. On the company website, MDLive claims to have more than 39 million clients. In this MDLive vs. Amwell mental health comparison, we look at how both platforms make it possible for patients to consult doctors through mobile applications and the internet without even having to leave the comfort of their homes.

When you intend to meet a therapist online, you have to make sure that you are divulging your deepest thought to someone reliable and competent. The good news is that MDLive passes all the tests we used to gauge competence and reliability. The Better Business Bureau ranks the healthcare provider with an A rating. The company also accepts insurance plans from most major providers, and the website is HIPAA compliant, meaning that your privacy and confidentiality is guaranteed.

About Amwell: Company Information

Over the years, Amwell has prided itself in providing improved access to affordable, quality, and convenient therapy. The American telemedicine company offers over the internet care around the clock. Patients can access the platform either using a dedicated application or just their desktop browsers. The website offers both scheduled and on-demand consultations.

The Amwell company provides various services, including medical consultation, mental health treatment, dermatological consultation, and pediatrics. Although Amwell is still growing, there are many positive reviews from its clients, indicating that it may be the go-to service for those who need urgent help with non-emergency health problems.

Amwell was created to provide quality health services for those finding it challenging to locate services that meet their needs. Suppose you are unable to find an in-office doctor either because you lack the time or are limited because of distance. The Amwell platform can also be ideal if you are not sure whether or not it is okay to visit the emergency room.

Amwell Vs. MDLive: Notable Differences

Amwell offers telehealth consultation through video and phone, although most clients prefer to use the video platform. Like in the case with Amwell, MDLive allows patients to meet with their healthcare professionals through video using either a computer or a smartphone. In both cases, it may be a good idea to contact the therapist offering mental health support before scheduling an appointment to make sure that you two can work well together. In both cases, providers support multiparty video consultations and can customize sessions according to the needs of clients.

There are also some notable differences between the two providers:

• Amwell is comparatively cheaper compared to MDLive, charging $85 for every visit compared to $108 per session charged by MDLive.
• Amwell signup process is simple and short, while MDLive requires clients to set dates for therapy using a calendar system.
• The signup questionnaire for MDLive is quite short and generalized, while that of Amwell is somewhat lengthier and precise.

Easy of Signing Up to Amwell and MDLive Websites

One of the most important things that you should consider when searching for telehealth services is the ease of signing up. One of the main reasons why people prefer to engage doctors online is that they don’t have enough time for in-office visits. Platforms like Amwell and MDLive also enable easy access. This means that you have to make sure that the platform you use for online therapy is convenient but secure.

MDLive was created with the intention of forming a platform that leverages technological innovation to improve access to quality care in more convenient ways. Although MDLive offers one of the easiest access to top therapists, what impresses most is the security measures put in place to protect the information shared by clients. Compared to most services, the signup process is also quite simple and straightforward. As a client, all you are required to do is give out your details, such as name and contact information. After that, you will be directed to a page that comprises a personalized message from the support team. With MDLive, there is also the added benefit that one can go through the therapists’ credentials and specialties, choosing someone that is likely to be a good fit. You can also peruse through the various insurance plans accepted.

There is also a calendar system created by MDLive to help clients with selecting dates and times for therapy. Upon confirming the times that you will be available for therapy, you can then proceed with the process of accessing your account to start benefiting from the telehealth services. Multiple options are available for using the MDLive service, including messaging, live chat, a mobile app, and video communication. Don’t panic — your privacy will be guaranteed, and the pricing is fair.

In terms of ease of signing up, the process used by Amwell is somewhat similar to that of MDLive. After signing up to the Amwell website, the client is led to a secure page where he or she can chat with a professional therapist. There is also the option of downloading the company app on your smartphone to use for accessing the service, other than the one for using a desktop browser. When signing up on the Amwell website, you will be asked to find a prompt on the page inquiring whether you have insurance coverage. You will also need to provide some personal information that allows you to create a profile with Amwell. With Amwell, you can either schedule an appointment or proceed to obtain care instantly. Your choice will depend on multiple factors, including your schedule.

Screening Process for Amwell and MDLive

MDLive and Amwell have similar screening procedures. According to the company website, every single therapist working for the MDLive website is licensed and experienced and is required to have at least a master’s degree. The company has professionals in various fields, including social workers and family therapists. All the professionals working for MDLive and Amwell have been carefully vetted and certified. Also, both sites indicate that their professionals have at least three years’ experience in their respective fields.

The only difference in this respect is that MDLive does not make any declarations regarding the process used to evaluate the competence of its professionals. However, on its website, the company indicates that all its counselors have to show extensive experience and activity. Remember, the rates charged by the different professionals working on the Amwell and MDLive platform depend on the nature of the services and the areas of expertise.

Areas of Proficiency and Services Delivered

There are many therapists and mental health professionals offering different types of services on telehealth services. On MDLive, for instance, there are many health-related services offered, meaning that some users may find the signup process rather complex. The good news is that the platform has created a reliable customer support department that handles questions and concerns from clients. Also, both Amwell and MDLive offer a wide range of services, increasing the likelihood of clients getting the help they require.

Both Amwell and MDLive offer multiple channels of communicating with clients, including video, live chat, and messaging. Amwell focuses on services like:

• Psychiatry;
• Menopause nutrition;
• Postpartum and pregnancy care;
• Cardiology;
• Breastfeeding support;
• Menopause care;
• Dermatology;
• Pediatrics;
• Neurology;
• Depression;
• Nutrition counseling;
• Stress;
• Women’s health;
• Physical therapy.

MDLive, on the other hand, offers a platform where users can get access to professionals offering different services. On the website, you can choose a service according to your needs. There are many professionals offering help with such issues as:

• Addictions;
• Career counseling;
• Intimacy and grief;
• Anxiety and depression disorders;
• Eating disorders;
• Parenting and life transitions;
• Trauma and substance abuse.

MDLive and Amwell Types of Sessions

The good thing about both Amwell and MDLive is that the platforms feature well, designed communication systems. When the client has been linked with a competent therapist, all he or she needs to do is send a message and start a conversation. Both websites have text chat options, allowing users to check past messages and assess their progress if they so wish. There is also the possibility of attaching files you wish to upload to enhance communication.

For both Amwell and MDLive, it is possible to set up video or phone calls if clients feel that tech chatting does not work. What is important to remember is that the video and phone services vary between service providers and may attract additional payments. If texting doesn’t work for you, you can ask your counselor to set up a phone or video call. Note that the availability for these services may vary between counselors, and they may come with an additional price. You can check the Amwell and MDLive company websites to seek how work is done by the experts.

MDLive Vs. Amwell: The Bottom Line

Telehealth services like Amwell and MDLive offer numerous benefits in terms of improved access to quality health care. In this MDLive vs. Amwell comparison, there seems to be no clear winner. Booth Amwell and MDLive offer similar services with amazing features and ease of use. The platforms also guarantee privacy and confidentiality and have competent therapists. Go ahead and choose the service that suits your health needs based on the analysis presented here.