Apps and online care
Shimmer vs Brightline
They differ on 7 of 10 things we check. No winner here: the better one is the one that fits what you need and how you'd pay.
Shimmer
You sign up, get matched with an ADHD coach, and meet by video once a week to work on goals like routines, planning and follow-through, with app check-ins in between.
Brightline
You start with an in-depth evaluation of your child, then work with a therapist, psychiatrist or coach by video or at a clinic, with parents involved in care.
Where they differ
- Kind of help
- Shimmer: Peer support or coaching
- Brightline: A therapist
- Good for
- Shimmer: Adults with ADHD (diagnosed or not) who want a regular coach to help with planning, routines and follow-through; People already treated for ADHD who want practical support alongside medication or therapy
- Brightline: Parents of children or teens up to 18 with anxiety, OCD, ADHD or behaviour problems; Families in New York, New Jersey or Connecticut who want in-person or video visits
- Cost
- Shimmer: $230/month for weekly 30-minute coaching
- Brightline: Copay with insurance; $200–$275/session self-pay ($350 first session)
- How you pay
- Shimmer: I'll pay myself
- Brightline: Insurance
- Research
- Shimmer: Early research
- Brightline: Limited research
- Privacy
- Shimmer: Grade B+
- Brightline: Grade A
- HIPAA
- Shimmer: No
- Brightline: Yes
The same for both: probably not for (anyone in crisis: call or text 988), where (iphone, android, web), sells your data (no).
In crisis or thinking about suicide? In the US, call or text 988. This page is information from our reviews, not medical advice.