Counsel is the closer match to Pymander: a free medical AI, with a real physician you can add. Pymander stays free and does not connect you to a prescriber.
Price: Counsel's get-started page lists a free tier ($0), Counsel Signature at $199 per year, and a physician added to any conversation for $29 per visit, with no insurance needed. Pymander is free, with no paid tier.
Doctors and prescriptions: Counsel says its board-certified physicians can join a conversation, usually in under 15 minutes during clinical hours (8am to 9pm, 7 days a week), and can prescribe medication when appropriate, excluding controlled substances. Pymander is an AI doctor only. It does not prescribe and does not connect you to a clinician.
Account and records: Counsel asks you to create an account on its site or app and can connect your patient portal records. Pymander needs no app and no account: you text a number.
Availability: Counsel says it is available in all US states except Arkansas, the District of Columbia, Kansas, Mississippi, New Mexico, Rhode Island, Washington and West Virginia, where you are waitlisted. Pymander works anywhere you can text.
Verdict: need a prescription or a physician on the thread: Counsel, at $29 for the doctor. Want a fast, free answer by text with no account: Pymander. They fit together: start free with Pymander, add a doctor from a service like Counsel when you need treatment. For emergencies, call 911.
Start a free consult by text at https://pymanderhealth.com
What a Pymander AI doctor consult looks like
Common questions
How much does Counsel Health cost?
Counsel's get-started page lists $0 for the Counsel AI, $199 per year for Counsel Signature, and $29 per visit to add a doctor to a conversation. It says no insurance is necessary. Check its site for current pricing.
Can Counsel Health prescribe medication?
Counsel says its physicians can prescribe medication if appropriate, but not controlled substances. Pymander does not prescribe.
Is Pymander free compared to Counsel's free tier?
Yes. Pymander is free with no paid tier. Counsel's AI is free, and adding a physician costs $29 per visit.
Which states is Counsel not available in?
Counsel lists Arkansas, the District of Columbia, Kansas, Mississippi, New Mexico, Rhode Island, Washington and West Virginia as not yet available, with a waitlist.
Do I need an account for Pymander?
No. You text a phone number and start. Counsel asks you to create an account online or in its app.