We chose the best online therapy platforms through hands-on testing, extensive research, expert insights, customer surveys, and more. See which services made our list.
A quick look at the best online therapy services
Best overall: Online-Therapy.com|Skip to review
Best for 24/7 access: BetterHelp|Skip to review
Best for couples: Regain Online Therapy|Skip to review
Best appointment variety: Talkspace|Skip to review
Best for in-person and online therapy: Grow Therapy|Skip to review
Best for crisis care: Brightside Health|Skip to review
Best for messaging: Calmerry Online Therapy|Skip to review
Most affordable: 7 Cups|Skip to review
Best comprehensive online therapy platform: Amwell Online Therapy|Skip to review
Best for comprehensive care: Doctor on Demand Online Therapy|Skip to review
Online therapy isn’t for emergencies
If you’re experiencing a mental health crisis, call the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988, or call 911 or local emergency services.
If therapy on your time and in your own space sounds appealing, you’re not alone.
While not the right solution for everyone, online therapy — also known as telehealth — has become one of the top ways that people seek mental health services.
Whether you’re new to therapy or curious about how online counseling works, you’ll want to take some time to research what’s available. We did the brunt of the work for you, testing a few different platforms so you can get a more encompassing view of the best online therapy services.
Throughout the article, we also reference a 2022 Healthline consumer survey on different mental health platforms. Based on respondents’ results, the four most used online therapy services were Doctor on Demand, MDLive, BetterHelp, and Talkspace.
Follow along for a summary of each of these services.
Why you should trust us
Ourexpertshave carefully researched andvettedover 35+ online therapy platforms and narrowed it down to 10 online therapy platforms to make sure everything we feature meets our standards. We fact-check health claims, evaluate features, and look into each brand’s reputation before sharing products on Healthline.
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Healthline’s picks for the best online therapy services
*Some names have been changed at the request of testers.
Honorable mentions we tested
Best for underserviced identities
Inclusive Therapists
We’re including Inclusive Therapists network because it focuses on the needs of Black, Indigenous, and people of color and LGBTQIA2S+ intersections, as well as people who are neurodivergent or disabled. However, it didn’t make our final list due to reports of a clunky interface.
After filling out a short questionnaire about your needs, you’ll have the option to choose from three recommended professionals. Our tester RVO Health Project Manager Nathan Nye found that the platform does not allow you to select multiple filters simultaneously.
“For example if I wanted someone who specialized in ADHD therapy consultation, but I wanted the added benefit of them being affirming to the LGBTQ+ community, then I would hope this service would allow that,” he explained.
There is a brief message section where you can elaborate on what you are looking for, but the disclaimer states that it’s not HIPAA compliant. “I would be less inclined to share personal information about myself, such as what treatment I might be looking for,” Nye said.
The roster includes psychotherapists, marriage therapists, psychiatrists, social workers, and life coaches, along with community resources about inclusive support groups. Some therapists offer a sliding fee scale, and the network is covered by some insurance providers.
National Queer and Trans Therapists of Color Network
National Queer and Trans Therapists of Color Network is an interactive digital resource that connects queer and trans people of color (QTPOC) with QTPOC mental health professionals. The network includes 300 professionals across the country who offer virtual or in-person counseling.
To use this resource, you can search by your state and filter professionals by their services (including telehealth), whether they are accepting new clients, and whether they offer a sliding scale or low fees.
A comparison of the best online therapy platforms
| Price | Therapy formats | App available? | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online-Therapy.com | $40 to $80 per week | • audio • text • video | no |
| BetterHelp | $65 to $90 per week | • audio • chat • messaging • video | yes |
| Regain | $65 to $90 per week, billed every 4 weeks | • live video • messaging • audio | yes |
| Talkspacei | $69 to $109 per week | • audio • chat • messaging | yes |
| Grow Therapyi | varies (averages $100 to $150 per session) | • in-person sessions • live video sessions | no |
| Brightside Healthi | $95 to $349 per month for membership | • live video • messaging | yes |
| Calmerry | $50 to $80 per week | • chat messaging • live sessions | yes |
| 7 Cups | $150 per month | • chat • text | yes |
| Amwelli | $99 to $199 per visit | • audio • video | yes |
| Doctor on Demandi | $79 to $299 per session | • audio • video | yes |
i = accepts insurance
How we chose the best online therapy platforms
We considered many criteria when selecting the best online therapy platforms, including:
- mental health professionals who are all licensed social workers, psychotherapists, psychologists, or psychiatrists
- positive customer feedback
- flexible payment options and fees
- a range of subscription options and services
- insurance coverage
- financial assistance
- therapists with a wide range of expertise
We also took into consideration our 2022 study on online therapy. It measured what online therapy users value most when looking for a service. Some of the key components we got from the results of this study were:
- Pricing and insurance are key when choosing the best online therapy platform.
- Common complaints from online therapy users include not feeling like they’re being heard and feeling like there’s a lack of trust.
- Convenience, accessibility, and immediate access to a therapist are all important factors in picking a good online therapy program.
We kept all of these factors in mind when deciding on our list of the top 10 best online therapy services.
Who is online therapy best for?
Teletherapy is good for people who prefer a range of communication formats and are comfortable using technology to communicate and disclose personal information. It’s important to have a quiet, private area, a functional device, and a strong, reliable internet connection.
“Anyone who is seeking outpatient support for mental health difficulties would be a good candidate for mental health care,” said expert Dr. Matthew Boland, a licensed clinical psychologist.
It can address several types of issues and feelings, including anxiety, depression, stress, life changes, and more.
Online therapy is also suitable for people who:
- feel more comfortable in their environment
- can’t leave their home due to a disability or health condition
- don’t have access to transportation
- live in a rural or remote area
- have a busy or changing schedule
- want an affordable therapy option
What can you expect from online therapy?
While there are many similarities between online therapy and in-person therapy, there are a few things that differ and may be worth keeping in mind, too. Here’s what to expect:
- Matching with a therapist: You may have the opportunity to pick your therapist, much like in-person therapy. This depends on the platform you use, though. Some platforms match you with a mental health professional who best fits your needs and goals. So, when first signing up, clearly state what you’re looking for: “The best tip is simply to be as open and honest as possible … so that the platform can understand how to best suit your mental health needs,” said Boland.
- Meeting with your therapist for your first appointment: Much like in-person therapy, your first appointment will consist of getting to know one another. They may ask you about what brought you to therapy, what you’re looking to accomplish, and more.
- Communicating with your online therapist: This depends on the platform you choose, your therapist, and any subscriptions you’ve signed up for. You may be able to chat via messaging or phone call between sessions. However, don’t expect your therapist to respond immediately without a scheduled appointment. In some cases, it can take them hours or days to reply.
Pros and cons of seeing an online therapist
Pros
- It’s convenient: With many platforms, you can meet with your therapist via phone call, messaging, or live video from the comfort of your own home.
- It may be more accessible: Depending on the platform you choose, it may be easier to make appointments outside typical business hours, find the right therapist, and receive consistent access to them via texting or messaging.
- It may be less expensive than in-person therapy: Online therapy can be cheaper than in-person therapy, depending on the treatment or plan you’re seeking.
- Some platforms offer homework and activities: If you want to get more out of your online therapy experience, some apps and websites allow your therapist to assign homework and activities specific to your treatment between appointments.
Cons
- Insurance won’t always pay for online therapy: Some insurance networks don’t yet recognize online therapy, so you may have to pay out of pocket depending on your coverage. Additionally, some teletherapy platforms don’t accept insurance, either.
- It’s not typically suitable for more severe mental health conditions: Some mental health conditions, like eating disorders or addiction, are better suited for in-person or group therapy than online therapy.
- It’s not for emergency mental health situations: It’s best not to rely on online therapy for emergencies. In the case of a mental health crisis, call the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988, or call 911.
- It requires consistent internet access: Online therapy requires a consistent, reliable internet connection and a smart device or computer. Additionally, public computers and Wi-Fi networks are not the best ways to access online therapy because of privacy concerns.
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What to look for in online therapy platforms
To choose an online therapy platform, think about which issues you want to focus on and your goals. Decide your communication preference and how often you wish to have sessions and their duration.
Questions to ask when comparing professionals:
- What does the plan include?
- How much does the subscription cost?
- What is the price for add-ons?
- What are the cancellation and refund policies?
- Are all therapists licensed?
- What does the therapist-matching process entail?
- Is it possible to switch therapists?
Frequently asked questions about online therapy services
Plenty of research supports the effectiveness of online therapy. In general, live video calls are most similar to face-to-face therapy sessions and offer the most benefit.
Many people appreciate the variety of available communication formats, such as text, video calls, and chat rooms. A 2019 study suggests psychotherapy platforms offering several digital communication options can effectively treat depression.
According to research from 2017, internet-based CBT is an economical and effective way to treat several mental health conditions, including phobias, bipolar disorder, and OCD.
Research from 2021 found that live video psychotherapy sessions were as effective as in-person sessions. Thevideo sessions involving CBT for anxiety, depression, and PTSD were most effective.
To determine the best type of therapist for your needs, consider your main reason for having therapy and whether you require a diagnosis or medications.
There are several types of mental health professionals, such as:
- Psychologist: A psychologist offers psychotherapy that relates to behaviors, emotions, and thoughts. They have a doctorate degree, typically a PhD or PsyD, and can provide psychological testing to diagnose and provide treatment recommendations. In most states, they’re unable to prescribe medications.
- Psychiatrist:A psychiatrist is either a doctor of medicine (MD) or osteopathic medicine (DO). They diagnose and treat mental health conditions and can prescribe medications.
- Licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT): An LMFT has a master’s degree. They provide counseling to families and married couples to resolve specific concerns and treat mental health conditions. In some states, LMFTs can diagnose mental health conditions.
- Licensed professional counselor (LPC):An LPC has a master’s degree. They treat mental health conditions, and in some states, can diagnose them.
- Licensed clinical social worker (LCSW): An LCSW has a master’s degrees in social work. They are licensed to provide diagnosis and counseling services to clients.
- Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner — board certified (PMHNP-BC): A PMHNP-BC is a nurse with a master’s or doctorate degree. They specialize in mental health diagnosis, counseling, and treatment and can prescribe medications.
The average out-of-pocket cost for a session can range from $75 to $150.
If you have insurance that covers mental health services, start by contacting your insurance company to see if the service or platform you’re interested in is part of their network.
You’ll also want to find out if the online platform you’re using takes insurance. Many companies do not, so it’s worth looking at a few different sites to see if one fits your needs.
Some top online therapy programs offer different subscription plans to make counseling more affordable. Some private therapists who provide online counseling offer a sliding scale, with some willing to lower costs as much as 50%.
The other place to check is with your Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Many employers offer mental health benefits as part of their EAP package.
Finally, community-based behavioral health clinics may offer free or low cost services to anyone who qualifies.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, more insurance companies now cover online therapy. Your coverage will depend on your insurance plan, therapist, and state regulations.
There are other ways to tell if your insurance covers online therapy, including calling your insurance company, checking with your company’s human resources department, and asking your therapist what types of insurance they take.
Medicare is nowcovering online therapyfor all Medicare members. Medicare Advantage plans also cover online therapy.
When it comes to Medicaid, your coverage depends on your state. You can call the number on your Medicaid card for more information.
Each platform manages security and data protection differently. If you are concerned about your rights and how the company will protect your personal information, read the privacy policy or frequently asked questions pages on the website.
Look for companies that offer transparency about how they collect and use your data. Reach out to the platform if you have specific questions regarding privacy and confidentiality so they can clarify any gray areas. Find out the process for deleting your account data if you cancel your plan.
Online therapy platforms on this list follow Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) federal guidelines to encrypt information and keep health data private. For example, companies encrypt all messaging systems and don’t record video calls.
However, HIPAA laws may not prevent companies from sharing some of your personal data that you submit to an app, questionnaire, or chat box, especially if you do so before you start an account.
It’s important to know that online therapy platforms may provide information to third parties, including Facebook.
Companies can use this data for targeted ads and marketing research, which is something to consider when dealing with sensitive information. Your profile information may also be visible to users if you use an app to connect to a community support group.
TheFederal Trade Commission (FTC) ordered BetterHelp to pay $7.8 million to customers whose health information was released to third-party platforms like Facebook and Snapchat.
The proposal would also have BetterHelp be more transparent about its information-sharing practices and require the company to implement a comprehensive privacy program. It would also limit how long information can be held and direct third-party platforms to delete consumer health data.
BetterHelp and Talkspace are similar online therapy platforms, but there are some key differences, like the size of the network, insurance coverage, and pricing structure.
BetterHelp has a larger network of mental health professionals with more than 35,000 licensed therapists across America. Talkspace has around 5,600 therapists in all 50 states.
BetterHelp is not covered by health insurance, though you may still be eligible for reimbursem*nt through your insurance provider. Talkspace works with several insurance plans and the company has plans to expand coverage to 33 million Medicare members by the end of 2024.
A BetterHelp subscription is slightly cheaper than Talkspace, provided that your insurance doesn’t cover your Talkspace sessions. BetterHelp subscriptions range from $65 to $100 per week, while Talkspace ranges from $69 to $109 per week, depending on what medium of communication you choose for your sessions.
Read the full comparison.
Talkspace is a reliable online therapy platform with a network of more than 5,600 licensed therapists across 50 states.
Founded in 2012, Talkspace is considered the best online therapy company that takes insurance, as the platform works with the highest number of insurance providers out of any other web-based platform. The network including Aetna, Cigna, Optum, Carelon Behavioral Health, and Regence.
The average copay is $30 per session, though you may be able to pay $0 per session depending on your insurance provider. If you have to pay out of pocket, the video and messaging package costs $99 a week, which is similar to other online platforms and cheaper than in-person therapy (roughly $175 to $500 per session).
Read the full details.
Brightside is a reputable online therapy platform that offers medication management and therapy sessions through a network of licensed psychiatrists and therapists across America.
Founded in 2017, the platform specializes in treatment for anxiety, depression, and mood disorders with a special emphasis on crisis care (though not emergency care). It’s a good option for those who need additional support for mental health symptoms between sessions.
Brightside is accepted by most major insurance plans in the United States, including Medicare and Medicaid. Depending on your insurance plan, once-weekly therapy sessions will run about $299 per month, with psychiatry services costing an additional $95 per month.
Takeaway
Online therapy is making mental health services accessible and more affordable for many people.
With the ability to see a counselor at your convenience and in your own home, virtual visits may become the new norm, at least for a while.
Several online therapy platforms have partnered with major insurance companies to cover the cost of mental health services. If not, many licensed therapists can offer therapy sessions on a sliding scale to accommodate your financial circ*mstances.
