In the United States, nearly 9.5% of adults aged 18 and older experience mental disorders. With the rise of the internet, online therapy has emerged as a viable option for treatment. This mode of therapy offers a convenient and budget-friendly way to manage your mental health, aligning with your lifestyle and financial constraints.
This article presents a comprehensive guide to the 12 best online therapy services, providing essential details to help you make an informed decision for your mental health care.
12 Best Online Therapy Platforms Reviewed
Online therapy, conducted by licensed and credentialed therapists, offers a solution for various mental health issues. It is accessible from any location with an internet connection.
Below are some of the top choices for best online therapy services:
1. TalkSpace
TalkSpace was founded with the mission of enhancing accessibility to mental health services. It provides users with the convenience of text and video chat sessions, connecting them with therapists skilled in various mental health disciplines.
Key features:
- The platform employs only licensed and credentialed psychiatrists and therapists.
- Features an online symptom tracker to help monitor clinical symptoms.
Specialization:
The platform has several professionals possessing training in various areas of expertise, such as:
- Anxiety
- Addiction
- Depression
- Eating Disorders
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
- Relationships Issues
Best for: This is great for individuals, couples, teens, and those seeking psychiatry to help with medication management.
Pricing:
After a free consultation, it offers different subscription plans:
- First Plan: Priced at $276 per month, it includes unlimited text, video, and audio messaging available five days a week.
- Second Plan: For $396 a month.
- Third Plan: At $436 per month.
- Couples Therapy Plan: Costing $109 per week.
- Psychiatry Services: Available as an additional option, this service costs $249 for the initial psychiatric evaluation and $125 for subsequent follow-up visits.
Insurance:
Accepts the following insurance providers:
- Aetna
- Cigna
- Optum
- Carelon Behavioral Health
- Regence
| Pros | Cons |
| Accepts insurance | Only video and text sessions, no phone calls |
| Online psychiatrists for prescriptions and diagnoses | 30-minute cap on therapy sessions |
| Corporate plans for universities and employers | No financial aid |
| Unlimited messaging and responses five days a week | High cost for psychiatric appointments |
| Weekly counseling in the premium plan | Reports of slow therapist and customer service responses |
User Review: “Talkspace can be a great therapy tool for those who can’t make regular in-person appointments or who need extra therapy services.”
2. BetterHelp
BetterHelp was established to offer accessible and affordable professional therapy. Over time, BetterHelp has grown, now encompassing specialty sites that cater to the needs of specific groups.
Key Features:
- Has an extensive network of over 30,000 licensed therapists across the United States.
- The platform has an easy process for switching therapists, whether you’re just starting therapy or after having a few sessions.
Specializations:
BetterHelp therapists have a wide range of specialties, some of which are:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Relationship issues
- Trauma
- Addiction
- Family conflict
- Intimacy-related issues
Best for: Good option for those seeking individual counseling as well as couples counseling.
Pricing: Subscription cost varies between $240 to $360 per month. However, the final price is dependent on factors like your preferences, location, and the availability of therapists licensed in your state.
Insurance: Does not accept insurance.
| Pros | Cons |
| Weekly group sessions (optional) | No choice of therapist (switching possible) |
| 4 monthly sessions, unlimited messaging, and group sessions included in the membership | No prescription authority for therapists |
| Licensed therapists with minimum master’s degrees | No insurance coverage |
| Financial aid available | Delayed response from therapists (up to a few days) |
| Highly rated by customers |
User Review: “Wish I hadn’t waited so long to try it. So convenient. Technology is really easy to use. I got matched with an incredible therapist right away. Cheaper than in-person sessions without the commute. Can text throughout the week. Group sessions are available covering many topics. Referral credits are available. It’s a no-brainer!”
3. Online Therapy.com
Online-Therapy.com provides global virtual therapy services for individuals and couples. Established to make Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) more accessible and mainstream, the company prioritizes affordability and convenience.
Key Features:
- Features a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) program divided into eight distinct sections. This program offers additional tools such as worksheets, an activity plan, and a virtual journal.
- Every counselor is trained in CBT.
Specializations:
Offers a wide range of treatments, some of which are:
- ADHD and attention issues
- Autism
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Anxiety
- Bipolar disorder
- Compassion fatigue
- Domestic violence
- Depression
- Eating and food disorders
- PTSD and trauma
Best for: This service is ideal for individual and couples sessions, particularly focusing on the CBT program. However, the services are currently not available to individuals under the age of 18.
Pricing:
Online-Therapy.com offers four tiers of services, with a welcoming offer of 20% off on your first month:
- Basic Tier: For $200 a month.
- Standard Tier: Priced at $320 a month.
- Premium Tier: At $440 a month.
- Couples Therapy Tier: Also costing $440 a month, this tier is tailored for couples, offering one 45-minute couples therapy session per week.
Insurance: Does not accept insurance.
| Pros | Cons |
| Every counselor has CBT training | Not suitable for teens or family counseling. |
| CBT course with worksheets, journaling, and yoga videos | The company doesn’t accept insurance. |
| Offer 20 percent discount on the first month. | Therapist availability varies by location |
| Therapists respond to messages within 24 hours on weekdays | Therapists can’t make diagnoses or write prescriptions |
User Review: “Online-therapy.com also won’t ‘break the bank’ and is cheaper than therapy sessions offline. The fact that is online means that it’s much more accessible and potentially better for those who are agoraphobic.”
Read our complete review Online Therapy.com
4. Brightside Health
Brightside Health is an online platform specializing in mental health treatment. Uniquely, it is among the few online mental health treatment platforms that also cater to individuals with elevated suicidal risk through its Crisis Care program.
Key Features:
- Brightside offers medication management plans that connect you with a licensed prescriber based in your state.
- The platform ensures clinical supervisors are on-call seven days a week to provide support for crisis and necessary care.
Specializations:
Brightside treats the following:
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder
- PTSD
- Postpartum depression
- Insomnia
- Panic
- Phobias
- Suicidal thoughts
Best for: Well-suited for individuals who are in search of evidence-based treatment options, and those experiencing suicidal thoughts.
Pricing:
The monthly cost for Brightside Health ranges from $95 to $349, varying according to the subscription plan selected:
- Medication Plan: Priced at $95 monthly.
- Therapy Plan: At $299 per month.
- Medication and Therapy Plan: For $349 monthly.
Insurance:
Yes, Brightside Health is in-network with:
- Aetna
- Cigna EverNorth
- Allegiance
- Anthem
- United Healthcare
| Pros | Cons |
| Nationwide online psychiatry and therapy (US) | 18+ only |
| Three subscription options | Assigned providers (no personal choice) |
| Accepts select health insurance | Specializes in anxiety and depression only |
| Quick appointment scheduling (<48 hours) | Slow email response (several days) |
| Optional medication delivery (extra fee) |
User Review: “The first two weeks were tough, and I think it might have been due to the fact that I was already going through a rough patch in life, but afterward everything started to get better with me applying what I was learning in therapy and applying it to my life. I can say that six months down the road, I am doing a lot better, and even the therapist said the same in addition to the nurse.”
5. 7 Cups
7 Cups aims to provide free, confidential community-based emotional support. It features topic-specific discussion boards, chat groups, educational activities, and an interactive AI Chatbot.
Key Features:
- Has two free options of chatting with the AI Chatbot, Noni, or with an “Active Listener.”
- Offers self-help guides, a comprehensive Q&A section, “Paths” learning modules, and paid asynchronous therapy via texting.
Specializations:
7 Cups is beneficial for those:
- Experiencing mild mental health symptoms.
- Managing challenges.
- Struggling with difficult feelings.
- Seeking confidential advice.
Best for: Ideal for individuals seeking someone to talk to, those feeling lonely, or lacking support from loved ones.
Pricing: Access to message boards is free. Therapy requires a $150 monthly fee. Premium membership is available at $12.95 monthly, with discounts for longer-term commitments.
Insurance: Does not accept insurance
| Pros | Cons |
| Diverse Forums and many topic-specific boards for connection | High-volume posts in discussion boards may lead to unnoticed posts |
| Large chat rooms for sharing and support | Strict chat rules |
| Assists in navigation and activity guidance | Limited Therapy Modes |
| Asynchronous Therapist Texting, ideal for flexible schedules | |
User Review: “It’s an amazing app for those people who wants to help people eagerly and need support. An for an opportunity to help people out and pull yourself together.”
6. Amwell Online Therapy
Amwell stands out as a telemedicine service offering virtual urgent care, online therapy, and online psychiatry, along with a wide array of physical health services. It operates in all 50 states and also provides medical second opinions.
Key Features:
- Mental health services include individual and adolescent therapy, pregnancy and postpartum therapy, couples and family therapy sessions, menopause counseling, and online psychiatry.
- Features a quick sign-up process and an efficient scheduling system for prompt support.
Specializations:
Amwell offers therapy for various conditions, such as:
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- LGBTQ+ issues
- Life transitions
- Panic attacks
- Relationship issues
- Stress management
Best for: Ideal for individuals, couples, and families seeking teletherapy, particularly those needing to utilize health insurance for payment.
Pricing:
Costs range from $109 to $129 for therapy and $109 to $279 for psychiatry.
- Sessions with a master’s level therapist: $109
- Doctoral-level psychologist sessions: $129
- Psychiatry: $279 for a 45-minute initial evaluation and $109 for 15-minute follow-ups
Payment is required upfront, and a $40 cancellation fee applies for missed appointments or cancellations within less than 24 hours of the scheduled time.
Insurance: Accepts more than 55 insurance networks.
| Pros | Cons |
| Per-session cost for therapy and psychiatry | Psychiatry is limited to 18+ years |
| Choose your provider from a directory | No text-based therapy option |
| Therapy for ages 10 and up | Controlled medications not prescribed |
| Specialized counseling for prenatal, postpartum, and menopause | No medication delivery service |
| Integrated care with psychiatrists and primary care physicians | No discounts for combined therapy and psychiatry services |
| No monthly or sign-up fees |
User Review: “Doctor took her time, asking relevant questions, and instructions on what to do if symptoms worsened, and called in a prescription at a Walmart that was open over the holiday.”
7. ReGain
Regain, established in 2016, is an online platform specializing in relationship counseling. The company offers easy, discreet, and affordable access to licensed therapists through phone or web, aiding couples and individuals in addressing relationship issues smoothly.
Key Features:
- Couples can use a joint account for collaborative communication with their counselor
- The platform provides additional features such as a journal space and group webinars
Specializations:
- Martial issues
- Relationship troubles
- Intimacy issues
- Conflict resolution
- Separation or divorce
Best for: Most suitable for individuals or couples seeking to improve their relationship through counseling. It’s also ideal for those who want to work on their individual mental health in the context of their relationship.
Pricing:
The cost ranges from $260 to $360 per month, with the final amount varying based on several factors. A ReGain subscription includes:
- Weekly 30-minute live video or phone sessions involving you, your partner, and your therapist.
- A shared chat room for you.
- Unlimited text messaging with the therapist.
- Additional features.
Insurance: Does not accept insurance
| Pros | Cons |
| Specializes in relationship counseling with expert professionals. | No group video calls |
| No extra charge for adding a partner, enhancing cost-effectiveness | Counselor response times may be longer than expected |
| Promotes video sessions for better interaction | |
| Utilizes a detailed questionnaire for in-depth relationship assessment | |
| User-friendly platform |
User Review:: “I have enjoyed Regain so much! I am newly married and needed some assistance that I wasn’t drawn to share with my family or friends. The 1st session and the continuous follow-ups provided my spouse and me with foundation and consistent reminders. My spouse and I are very grateful!”
8. Teen Counselling
As a sister site of BetterHelp, Teen Counseling specializes in online therapy for teens aged 13 to 19 across all 50 states. The service is relatively affordable and offers a variety of options, including messaging, live chat, phone sessions, and video calls.
Key Features:
- Guardians have access to the site for guidance and support in improving their relationship with their teens.
- Every therapist offering services possesses a current license to provide mental health treatment.
Specializations:
Ideal for teenagers seeking support for:
- Anxiety
- Eating disorders
- Personal identity issues
- Depression
- Bullying
- Anger management
Best for: The services are tailored for teens and parents of teens who require talk therapy. Sessions are available independently for both, though parents also have the option to participate in sessions alongside their children.
Pricing: Therapy costs vary based on location and therapist demand, ranging from $60 to $90 per week, billed monthly.
Insurance: Does not accept insurance
| Pros | Cons |
| Licensed, accredited therapists | No free trial sessions |
| Multiple communication methods: video, phone, live chat, messaging | Short live sessions (30-45 minutes) |
| Affordable pricing | No insurance coverage |
| 24/7 messaging with therapists | Mandatory weekly charges, regardless of session booking |
| Detailed therapist bios online | No direct customer service phone line |
| Teen-focused therapy services | |
| Separate communication channels for parents/guardians and teens |
User Review: “Counselors are very professional. My child feels connected and there are some tools that the child and the parents can use as a journal, text messages with counselor, the teen can manage and schedule the meetings, which is empowering.”
9. Calmerry
Calmerry, established in 2020, is an online therapy platform with a mission to make mental health care easily accessible. The company achieves this by providing affordable therapy through video and text messaging, conducted by experienced and licensed counselors.
Key Features:
- With every membership, Calmerry offers a chatbot tool named Coa, designed to help you track your mood and reflect.
- Allows you to specify other preferences, such as selecting a therapist of a particular age or gender.
Specializations:
Calmerry therapist can manage specific conditions or issues, including:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Relationship concerns
- Trauma management
- Sexuality issues
- LGBTQ+ matters
- Eating disorders
Best for: Suited for individuals who appreciate self-reflection, find writing to be a helpful tool, and value having access to their therapist via text messaging.
Pricing:
The following subscriptions are offered:
- Messaging Plan: Starts at $198 for the first month, then $228 monthly.
- Messaging and One Live Video Session Plan: Begins at $247 for the first month, then $298 monthly.
- Messaging and 4 Live Video Sessions Plan: Priced at $293 for the first month, then goes to $360 monthly.
- Additional Live Sessions: One extra 30-minute session costs $45, two sessions cost $84, and four sessions are priced at $160.
Insurance: Does not accept insurance.
| Pros | Cons |
| Flexible subscription options | Calmerry is a relatively new service |
| Personalized therapist matching based on the initial survey | Does not accept insurance |
| Offers live video sessions, audio, and text messaging | No free trial offered |
| Free therapist switching | Exclusively provides therapy; no psychiatry or medication management |
| 24/7 technical support | |
| Free cancellation of subscription |
User Review: “Calmerry is a breath of fresh air. My therapist gave me real insights into dealing with my depression. Started with messaging but upgraded to video calls for deeper conversations. They deserve applause!”
10. Pride Counselling
Owned by BetterHelp, Pride Counseling focuses on providing mental health care to the LGBTQ+ community. It connects users with licensed therapists for individual therapy sessions.
Key Features:
- All professionals have a minimum of 1,000 hours of clinical experience and hold current licenses and certifications.
- Offers a user-friendly app for signing up, messaging, and scheduling sessions with therapists.
Specializations:
Pride Counseling caters to LGBTQ+ adults and addresses issues such as:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Relationship conflicts
- Parenting concerns
- Addiction
- Family conflicts
- LGBTQ+ identity conflicts
- Religion
- Self-esteem issues
Best for: An excellent choice for LGBTQ+ individuals seeking therapy for mild to moderate mental health conditions, with a need for inclusivity.
Pricing: Therapy is available on a monthly or weekly subscription basis, with prices ranging from approximately $240 to $360, billed monthly.
Insurance: Does not accept insurance
| Pros | Cons |
| Unlimited therapist messaging | Uncertainty in LGBTQ+ specific training for therapists |
| User-friendly interface and app | No health insurance coverage |
| Homework and worksheets provided | No choice in therapist selection |
| LGBTQ+ focused therapy | Absence of therapist bios online |
| Nationwide availability | Restricted therapist availability |
| Monthly subscription with four live sessions |
User Review: “My therapist is a great listener. She processes my comments and helps me redirect feelings in a very helpful way. I feel heard and supported in my journey.”
11. Talkiatry
Talkiatry offers accessible, personalized psychiatric care, combining medication management and therapy through a user-friendly platform. It’s dedicated to providing convenient, holistic mental health support for all.
Key Features:
- Tailored treatment plans to meet individual mental health needs.
- Expert guidance on medication usage for mental health conditions.
Specializations:
The platform has several professionals possessing training in various areas of expertise:
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
- Substance Use Disorders
- Major depression
- Panic disorder
- Personality Disorders
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Anorexia
- Schizophrenia
Best for: Talkiatry is best suited for individuals seeking comprehensive, accessible psychiatric care, particularly those who benefit from a combination of medication management and psychotherapy.
Pricing: Costs vary depending on the consultation’s details and session length, with most patients paying under $25 per visit.
Insurance: In-network with most major insurance carriers
| Pros | Cons |
| Extended initial and follow-up appointment times | Lacks Medicaid and self-pay options |
| Supports most major insurance plans | Some reports of billing difficulties |
| Offers services for younger patients. | Doesn’t address all mental health conditions. |
| Specializes in diagnosing and treating ADHD. | |
| Provides remote psychiatric care | |
User Review: “My experience with Talkiatry has been excellent, with the exception of a tech hiccup that could have been my network or theirs.”
12. E-Therapy Cafe
E-Therapy Café offers accessible online therapy with licensed professionals, focusing on personalized care and catering to diverse needs, including the LGBTQ+ community.
Key Features:
- Specifically caters to the LGBTQ+ community, addressing their unique challenges and needs.
- Offers therapy sessions through a digital interface, making it accessible from anywhere.
Specializations:
E-therapy cade have a wide range of specialties, some of which are:
- Anxiety and Stress Management
- Depression
- Couple’s therapy
- LGBTQ+ Support
- Trauma and PTSD
- Grief and Loss
- Career changes
- Self-improvement
- Career Counseling
- Military and Veteran Issues
Best for: E-Therapy Cafe is suited for individuals seeking a range of therapy and coaching services, especially those requiring flexible session formats and scheduling. It’s also a good choice for military families and young adults navigating college challenges. However, it may not be the best fit for individuals needing psychiatric services or medication management.
Pricing:
E-Therapy Café offers a variety of pricing options for its online counseling services:
- ETCTrial: Priced at $50, this option is designed as an introductory trial.
- ETCStraight: This pay-as-you-go option is available for $55 per session.
- ETCRenew & ETCFlex: To begin in January 2024. The exact pricing for this package is yet to be determined.
- ETCReflect: Priced at $55, this option is for digital journal/email sessions.
Insurance: Does not accept insurance
| Pros | Cons |
| Option to choose your therapist | Does not take insurance, Medicaid, or Medicare |
| Easy-to-navigate platform | Sessions may be as short as 30 minutes |
| Offers discounts for students | No free trials |
| Specialized support for the LGBTQ+ community | Lacks psychiatry services for medication prescriptions |
| In-depth therapists bios are displayed on website | |
User Review: “E-Therapy Cafe might be small, but it provides truly helpful couples counseling.”
You have now journeyed through some of the best online therapy platforms. Choose one that suits your needs the best and prepare for the first online therapy session. Remember, research, preparation, and taking it slow is key to great results.
Key Takeaways
Key Takeaways
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FAQs
What are the factors to consider when selecting an online therapy provider?
To find the best online therapy service for your needs, you should compare the different options according to the kind of therapy they provide (such as solo, partner, family, or group sessions), how well the therapist suits you and your specific issues, how easy it is to sign up and use the service, and how much it costs.
How much do you have to pay for online counseling?
How much you pay for online therapy depends on the type of service and the amount of help you need. Most of the services we looked at charge between $60 and $200 for each session, which is the average price of therapy in America. Some online therapy companies let you pay for each session separately, while others have plans to pay a fixed amount every month, from $280 to over $400, for a certain number of sessions.