Sesame Care Review 2026: Pricing, Pros, Cons & Alternatives
After spending weeks navigating surprise medical bills and fighting with insurance companies, I discovered Sesame Care. The promise was simple: transparent, upfront pricing for telehealth visits without insurance hassles.
Based on our research, Sesame Care is a legitimate telehealth marketplace that may be worth it for uninsured individuals and those with high-deductible plans seeking affordable, same-day healthcare access.
I tested the platform extensively, comparing it against competitors and analyzing over 3,500 user reviews. In this 2026 review, I’ll share exactly what works, what doesn’t, and whether Sesame Care is right for your healthcare needs.
Sesame Care at a Glance
Telehealth marketplace with transparent cash-pay pricing across 383+ services and 36 specialties.
Same-day appointments available with licensed, board-certified providers in all 50 states.
Pros
- Transparent upfront pricing
- Same-day appointments
- Choose your own provider
- 14 weight loss medication options
- Labs included in most states
Cons
- No insurance accepted for visits
- Cannot prescribe controlled substances
- Price varies by provider/location
- No compounded GLP-1 medications
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Sesame Care stands out as a cash-pay telehealth marketplace that eliminates insurance complexity. With 383+ services across 36 specialties, you can find everything from urgent care to weight loss programs.
The platform has earned a 4.5/5 rating on Trustpilot from over 3,575 reviews. Their mobile app ratings are even higher: 4.9 on iOS and 4.8 on Android.
What Is Sesame Care?
Sesame Care is a telehealth marketplace that connects patients directly with licensed healthcare providers for transparent, cash-pay pricing across 383+ services and 36 specialties.
Founded in 2018 by David Goldhill, Michael Botta, and John Fontein, Sesame is headquartered in New York, NY. Goldhill is a healthcare reform advocate who wrote “Catastrophic Care” about fixing America’s healthcare system.
The platform operates on a simple principle: cut out insurance middlemen and let patients pay providers directly at transparent prices. This model has attracted $27 million in Series B funding from GV (Google Ventures).
Trust Signals and Legitimacy
Is Sesame Care legitimate? Yes, based on our research and testing.
The platform is HIPAA-compliant and LegitScript certified. All providers on the platform are licensed, board-certified healthcare professionals.
Sesame was named a Fierce 15 company by Fierce Healthcare in 2023, recognizing it as one of the most innovative healthcare startups.
Trust Verification: 4.5/5 Trustpilot rating (3,575+ reviews), 4.9/5 iOS App Store (5,462 reviews), 4.8/5 Google Play (879 reviews), 3.9/5 BBB rating (127 reviews).
How Sesame Care Works?
Getting started with Sesame Care takes about 5 minutes. Here’s the step-by-step process I went through:
- Create an account: Sign up with your email and basic information on sesamecare.com or the mobile app.
- Browse providers: Search by specialty, service type, or specific condition. Filter by price, rating, availability, and location.
- Book an appointment: Choose a same-day or scheduled video visit. Some locations offer in-person appointments.
- Pay upfront: See the exact price before booking. Pay with credit card, HSA, or FSA.
- Attend your visit: Join the video call at your scheduled time. The provider may order labs or prescribe medications.
- Get prescriptions: Medications are sent electronically to your preferred pharmacy. You can use insurance for medications if applicable.
What I appreciated most was the ability to choose my own provider based on reviews and ratings. Unlike other telehealth platforms that randomly assign doctors, Sesame lets you pick who you see.
Services Offered by Sesame Care
Sesame Care offers 383+ services across 36 specialties. Here’s what’s available:
Telehealth and Urgent Care
Standard telehealth visits start at $47, or $37 with Sesame Plus membership. Urgent care visits begin at $36 for common issues like UTIs, sinus infections, and cold/flu symptoms.
Prescription refills are available from $36 per visit. Same-day appointments are typically available.
Mental Health Services
Sesame offers both psychiatry and therapy services. Mental health consultations start at $36 per visit.
The Mental Health Rx subscription costs $79 per month and includes ongoing medication management. Therapy sessions start at $29 per visit, though prices vary significantly by provider.
Psychiatry consultations range from $80-$352 depending on your location and chosen provider.
Important Limitation: Sesame Care cannot prescribe controlled substances including ADHD stimulants (Adderall, Vyvanse), benzodiazepines (Xanax, Valium, Klonopin), and opioids.
Weight Loss Program (Success by Sesame)
The Success by Sesame weight loss program costs $99 per month (medication costs separate). This includes video visits with providers, unlimited messaging, and progress tracking through the app.
Sesame offers 14 weight loss medication options, more than most telehealth competitors:
| Medication | Monthly Cost (Without Insurance) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Wegovy (semaglutide) | $199 first 2 months, then $349 | FDA-approved for weight loss |
| Ozempic (semaglutide) | $199 first 2 months, then $349 | Off-label for weight loss |
| Zepbound vial (tirzepatide) | From $349 | FDA-approved for weight loss |
| Zepbound pen (tirzepatide) | From $1,086 | Pre-filled injection pen |
| Mounjaro (tirzepatide) | From $1,079 | Off-label for weight loss |
| Rybelsus (oral semaglutide) | From $998 | Oral tablet option |
| Saxenda (liraglutide) | From $1,349 | Daily injection |
| Metformin | From $34 | Affordable oral option |
| Topiramate | From $155 | Non-GLP-1 option |
With insurance, medication costs may drop to as low as $25 per month. Sesame helps with prior authorization paperwork for insurance coverage.
Labs are included in the weight loss program in most states. However, lab services are excluded in Arizona, Hawaii, North Dakota, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, South Dakota, and Wyoming.
Disclaimer: These are FDA-approved medications prescribed by licensed providers. Always consult a healthcare provider to determine if these medications are appropriate for you.
Additional Services
- Dermatology: Skincare Rx subscription for $59/month
- Women’s health: Birth control, fertility consultations, menopause care
- Pediatrics: Telehealth visits for children
- Lab testing: Affordable lab work in most states
- In-person visits: Available in select locations
Sesame Care Pricing Breakdown
Here’s what you’ll pay for Sesame Care services in 2026:
| Service | Standard Price | With Sesame Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Telehealth visit | From $47 | From $37 |
| Urgent care visit | From $36 | From $26 |
| Prescription refill | From $36 | From $26 |
| Mental health consult | From $36 | From $26 |
| Mental Health Rx subscription | $79/month | $79/month |
| Therapy session | From $29 | Varies |
| Psychiatry consultation | $80-$352 | $70-$342 |
| Weight loss program | $99/month | $99/month |
| Skincare Rx subscription | $59/month | $59/month |
Sesame Plus Membership
Sesame Plus costs $10.99 per month or $99 per year. Here’s what you get:
- $10 off all telehealth appointments
- $10 off in-person specialty visits
- Free annual lab test ($65 value)
- Sesame concierge service for appointment help
- Exclusive discounts on additional services
Is Sesame Plus worth it? Based on my analysis, you’ll break even after just 2-3 telehealth visits per year. The free annual lab test alone covers most of the annual membership cost.
Costco Partnership Pricing
Costco members get special pricing through the Sesame-Costco partnership launched in 2023:
- Virtual primary care visits: $29 (vs standard $47)
- Mental health therapy sessions: $79 per session
This makes Costco members eligible for some of the lowest telehealth rates available through Sesame.
Payment Options
Sesame accepts credit cards, HSA, and FSA for all services. They do not accept insurance for visit fees, but you can use insurance for prescribed medications.
Worth noting: Sesame uses a 28-day billing cycle for subscriptions, not monthly. This means you’ll be billed 13 times per year instead of 12.
Sesame Care Pros and Cons
After testing the platform and analyzing thousands of user reviews, here’s my honest assessment:
Pros
- Transparent, upfront pricing: You see exactly what you’ll pay before booking. No surprise bills.
- Same-day appointments: I got an appointment within 2 hours of searching.
- Choose your own provider: Browse reviews and ratings to find the right fit.
- 14 weight loss medication options: More GLP-1 choices than most competitors.
- Insurance navigation for medications: They help with prior authorization for prescription coverage.
- Labs included: Weight loss program includes labs in most states.
- No long-term commitment: Cancel anytime without penalties.
- HSA/FSA accepted: Use tax-advantaged health accounts.
- Progress tracking app: Track diet, exercise, and sleep.
- Unlimited provider messaging: Message your doctor between visits.
Cons
- No insurance for visits: You pay out-of-pocket for all appointments.
- Cannot prescribe controlled substances: No ADHD stimulants, benzodiazepines, or opioids.
- Price variability: Costs vary significantly by provider and location. Psychiatry can range from $80 to $352.
- No compounded medications: Unlike some competitors, Sesame doesn’t offer compounded GLP-1s.
- Labs excluded in 9 states: AZ, HI, ND, NJ, NY, OK, RI, SD, WY don’t have lab coverage.
- 28-day billing cycle: Subscriptions bill every 28 days, not monthly.
- Customer service inconsistency: Some users report slow response times.
- Strict refund policy: Must cancel 3 hours before appointment for refund.
- No comprehensive lifestyle coaching: Weight loss program focuses on medication, not behavioral coaching.
Who Should Use Sesame Care?
Based on our research, Sesame Care may work best for:
- Uninsured individuals: Cash-pay model offers affordable access without insurance.
- High-deductible plan holders: Pay less than meeting a $5,000+ deductible for routine care.
- Transparent pricing seekers: Those tired of surprise medical bills.
- Provider choosers: People who want to select their own doctor based on reviews.
- Weight loss patients: Those wanting access to FDA-approved GLP-1 medications with insurance navigation.
- Quick prescription refill needs: Get medication refills same-day without waiting weeks for an appointment.
- Mental health medication management: Affordable ongoing psychiatry at $79/month.
Who Should NOT Use Sesame Care?
Sesame Care probably isn’t right for you if:
- You need controlled substances: ADHD medications (Adderall, Vyvanse), anti-anxiety meds (Xanax, Valium), and opioids cannot be prescribed.
- You want comprehensive insurance billing: Visits are cash-pay only.
- You’re seeking long-term therapy: Better suited for medication management than ongoing therapeutic relationships.
- You want compounded GLP-1 medications: Sesame only offers FDA-approved brand-name GLP-1s.
- You’re in a state without lab coverage: AZ, HI, ND, NJ, NY, OK, RI, SD, WY residents won’t get included labs.
- You need intensive lifestyle coaching: The weight loss program is medication-focused.
Real User Reviews and Ratings
I analyzed reviews across Trustpilot, BBB, app stores, and Reddit to understand real user experiences.
What Users Love
“Fast and easy medication refills – got an appointment same day and prescription sent within an hour.”
– Trustpilot reviewer
“The weight loss program helped me lose 50+ pounds with GLP-1 medication. Worth every penny.”
– App Store review
Common positive themes include:
- Same-day appointment availability
- Transparent pricing (no surprise bills)
- Attentive, caring providers
- Quick prescription fulfillment
- Affordable for uninsured users
Common Complaints
The most frequent issues I found:
- Controlled substance limitations: Users frustrated they can’t get ADHD or anxiety medications.
- Price variability: Some report psychiatry costs of $300+ while others pay $80.
- Customer service delays: Some difficulty getting responses for billing issues.
- Provider no-shows: Occasional reports of providers not appearing for appointments.
- Subscription cancellation: Some users found the cancellation process frustrating.
Overall Sentiment
With a 4.5/5 Trustpilot rating from 3,575+ reviews, user sentiment is mostly positive. The platform scores even higher on app stores (4.9 iOS, 4.8 Android).
Most complaints center on expectations misalignment (controlled substances) rather than service quality issues.
Sesame Care Alternatives
If Sesame Care doesn’t fit your needs, here are alternatives worth considering:
| # | Provider | Highlights | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Talkiatry |
|
~$30 copay | Visit Provider → |
| 02 | Brightside Health |
|
$95-$349/mo | Visit Provider → |
| 03 | BetterHelp |
|
$280-$400/mo | Visit Provider → |
| 04 | Ro Body Program |
|
$145/mo + meds | Visit Provider → |
| 05 | Calibrate |
|
$199/mo + meds | Visit Provider → |
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Talkiatry – Best for Controlled Substance Prescribing
Unlike Sesame, Talkiatry can prescribe controlled substances including ADHD medications (Adderall, Vyvanse) and anti-anxiety medications (Xanax) when clinically appropriate.
Talkiatry accepts insurance, with typical copays around $30. This makes it ideal for those needing medications Sesame cannot prescribe.
Brightside Health – Best for Therapy + Psychiatry Bundle
Brightside offers combined therapy and psychiatry at predictable monthly rates of $95-$349. They also accept insurance for lower costs.
Their suicide prevention program and crisis support make them a strong choice for those needing comprehensive mental health care.
BetterHelp – Best for Large Therapist Selection
With 30,000+ therapists, BetterHelp offers the widest selection. Financial aid is available for those who qualify.
At $280-$400 per month, it’s more expensive than Sesame but includes unlimited messaging and weekly sessions.
Ro Body Program – Best for GLP-1 with Coaching
Ro’s weight loss program costs $145/month plus medication and includes weekly coaching sessions, labs, and insurance navigation support.
If you want more structured support than Sesame’s medication-focused approach, Ro may be a better fit.
Calibrate – Best for Comprehensive Weight Loss
Calibrate offers a full lifestyle program at $199/month plus medication. This includes nutrition coaching, exercise guidance, and metabolic health monitoring.
Choose Calibrate if you want behavioral coaching alongside medication.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sesame Care legitimate?
Yes, Sesame Care is a legitimate telehealth platform. It connects patients with licensed, board-certified healthcare providers across all 50 US states. The platform is HIPAA-compliant, LegitScript certified, and has a 4.5/5 rating on Trustpilot from over 3,500 reviews. Sesame was founded in 2018 and has raised $27M in funding from GV (Google Ventures).
Does Sesame Care prescribe Xanax or Adderall?
No, Sesame Care does not prescribe controlled substances. This includes stimulant ADHD medications (Adderall, Vyvanse), benzodiazepines (Xanax, Valium, Klonopin, Ativan), and opioids. If you need these medications, consider alternatives like Talkiatry that can prescribe controlled substances when clinically appropriate.
How much does Sesame Care cost per month?
Sesame Care pricing varies by service: Sesame Plus membership costs $10.99/month or $99/year. Mental Health Rx subscription is $79/month. The Success by Sesame weight loss program is $99/month (medication costs separate). Individual telehealth visits start at $37-47 per visit. Providers set their own rates, so prices may vary by location.
Does Sesame Care take insurance?
Sesame Care does not accept insurance for visit fees. It operates on a cash-pay model with transparent upfront pricing. However, you can use insurance to cover prescribed medications (with prior authorization). You can also use HSA/FSA funds for services and may request superbills for potential out-of-network reimbursement.
Can I get a doctor’s note from Sesame Care?
Yes, you can get a doctor’s note online during a virtual visit on Sesame. All providers are licensed medical professionals who can diagnose conditions and write doctor’s notes if clinically appropriate for your situation.
Is Sesame Care HIPAA compliant?
Yes, Sesame Care is fully HIPAA compliant and protects your personal health information. The platform is also LegitScript certified, adding an additional layer of verification for safety and legitimacy.
Final Verdict: Is Sesame Care Worth It?
Based on our research and testing, Sesame Care is a solid choice for uninsured individuals, high-deductible plan holders, and anyone seeking transparent healthcare pricing without insurance hassles.
The platform excels at same-day appointments, provider choice, and medication access – particularly for weight loss with 14 GLP-1 options. The Costco partnership adds extra value for members.
However, skip Sesame if you need controlled substances, comprehensive lifestyle coaching, or prefer insurance billing. Alternatives like Talkiatry (for controlled substances) or Calibrate (for comprehensive weight loss coaching) may better fit those needs.
For most people seeking affordable, transparent telehealth, Sesame Care delivers on its promise of “the way healthcare should be.”
Disclaimer: This review is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider before starting any medication or treatment program.
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