12 Best Online Therapy Options for 2023: Adults, Kids, Couples, Psychiatry, and More

A quick look at the best online therapy options

• Best overall: BetterHelp | Skip to review
• Best for smaller budgets: Talkspace | Skip to review
• Best for teenagers: Teen Counseling | Skip to review
• Best for couples: ReGain | Skip to review
• Best for flexibility: Thriveworks | Skip to review
• Best for free support: 7 Cups | Skip to review
• Best for psychiatry services: AmWell | Skip to review
• Best for behavioral therapy: Online-Therapy.com | Skip to review
• Best self-guided service: Bliss Online Therapy for Depression | Skip to review
• Best for children: Talkiatry | Skip to review
• Best for appointments 7 days a week: Teladoc | Skip to review
• Best for culturally responsive treatment: Therapy for Black Girls | Skip to review

Pros and cons of online therapy

Some of the advantages and disadvantages of online therapy are as follows:

Best online therapy options

Below, we look into 12 of the best online therapy options a person can consider.

Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these services. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication.

Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here.

Best overall: BetterHelp

• Price: $60–90 per week, depending on the chosen service.
• App: Yes.
• Therapy platforms: Live chat, messages, phone calls, and video conferences.
• Insurance: The company states that health insurance plans do not typically cover its services, but individuals can contact their plan provider to check their benefits.

This counseling program provides access to trained, licensed professionals in various areas. Professionals include psychologists, licensed marriage and family therapists, licensed clinical social workers, and board-licensed professional therapists.

The website matches a person to a suitable counselor with who they then interact via live chats, phone calls, and video conferences.

The billing period is monthly, and a person can cancel their subscription anytime for any reason.

This service gives a wide range of platforms for a person to access sessions at affordable prices and has a good reputation online.

Read our full review of BetterHelp.

Best for smaller budgets: Talkspace

• Price: Between $69–129 per week.
• App: Yes.
• Therapy platforms: Messaging and live video.
• Insurance: Some insurance plans may cover Talkspace services. Talkspace also accepts FSA and HSA cards.

Talkspace allows licensed therapists and mental health counselors to meet with clients virtually to provide services for adults, teenagers, and couples.

To access individual therapy, a person takes an assessment and chooses the therapy plan that fits their budget. The site then matches them with a therapist.

Talkspace plans and their approximate costs are as follows:

• Messaging therapy: Daily messaging responses from a therapist five days a week starts from $69 per week.
• Video and messaging therapy: Video sessions and messaging start at $99 a week.
• Video, messaging, and workshops: Access to all Talkspace features, including weekly workshops, costs $109 a week.
• Psychiatry: An initial consultation costs $249, and follow-up appointments cost $125.
• Couples therapy: This includes live sessions and unlimited messaging and starts at $396 per month. People can buy additional live sessions for an extra $65 per session.

Read our full review of Talkspace.

Best for teenagers: Teen Counseling

• Price: Around $60–90 per week.
• App: Yes.
• Therapy platforms: Messaging, live chat, phone calls, and video conferences.
• Insurance: No coverage.

Teen Counseling, a sister site to BetterHelp, is specifically geared toward people who are 13–19 years old. It offers online therapy for mental health challenges that may be unique to teenagers.

Teen Counseling assures teenagers of confidentiality, and parents or caregivers cannot access their virtual counseling room. However, the teenager will likely need an adult to oversee their account and handle payment.

Payment is due every 4 weeks.

Best for couples: ReGain

• Price: Around $60–90 per week.
• App: Yes.
• Therapy platforms: Messaging, live chat, phone calls, and video sessions.
• Insurance: No coverage.

With a focus on relationships and marital issues, ReGain offers individual and couples counseling.

Its professional team comprises licensed psychologists, marriage and family therapists, clinical social workers, and professional counselors.

Two users can share a joint account to talk with a counselor together. Private live sessions are also available. People can choose how they would like to communicate with their therapist.

Payment is due monthly.

Best for flexibility: Thriveworks

• Price: Prices vary depending on location and session type.
• App: Yes.
• Therapy platforms: Video or phone.
• Insurance: Yes, many major insurance companies accepted.

With more than 310 physical locations in the United States, this organization also offers online counseling with licensed counselors.

Online options include individual and couples counseling via either video or phone. There are also physical locations in some states.

People may appreciate the more flexible service Thriveworks offers. It accepts insurance and offers self-pay rates to make its services more affordable. However, prices will vary depending on a person’s location, payment method, insurance plan, and other factors.

A person can also cancel their sessions with 48 hours’ notice.

Membership offers access to a person’s therapists in between sessions through phone and email. The company states waivers are available to people who cannot afford a subscription fee.

Best for free support: 7 Cups

• Price: Free, or around $150 per month.
• App: Yes.
• Therapy platforms: Live chats, chat rooms, and forums.
• Insurance: Not accepted.

In addition to offering online therapy with licensed therapists, this site offers free chats with volunteer listeners. 7 Cups is suitable for adults and teenagers.

Volunteer listeners may not be licensed therapists. However, all therapists leading paid sessions are licensed mental health professionals.

There are chat rooms and forums where people can discuss issues like anxiety and relationships.

The site offers self-help and growth paths that allow people to explore and identify ways to help themselves feel better.

This service may be best suited to people looking for free support with issues on an ad-hoc basis, although people can access sessions with licensed therapists for $150 per month.

Best for psychiatry services: AmWell

• Price: Depending on the service, around $109–129 per session. Psychiatry services have an initial cost of $279.
• App: Yes.
• Therapy platforms: Video only.
• Insurance: Yes, many major insurance companies accepted.

AmWell does not focus exclusively on online therapy. Instead, it offers a variety of telehealth services.

People can connect with board certified professionals for various health concerns, including mental health conditions. Psychiatry and therapy are two of the services that AmWell offers.

As many insurance companies cover telehealth, people may not have to cover the costs associated with this service. After enrolling, a person can enter their insurance information to check. They can then choose a healthcare professional and set up a telehealth appointment.

Best for behavioral therapy: Online-Therapy.com

• Price: Around $50–110 per week.
• App: No.
• Therapy platforms: Self-guided sessions. Some plans give users access to video, phone, or text chat.
• Insurance: Not accepted.

This site focuses on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and uses an online therapy toolbox.

People have contact with a personal therapist and access to a self-help course to find tools and tips for dealing with their problems. The site also includes yoga and meditation videos.

Live chat sessions and therapist messaging options come with some subscriptions, but lower-cost plans lack this feature.

The approximate costs for each plan are as follows:

• Basic: This plan includes online therapy, self-guided sections, 25 worksheets, yoga and meditation videos, journal-keeping exercises, activity plans, and daily therapist replies on weekdays, costing around $50 a week.
• Standard: This plan includes all the benefits of the Basic package plus one 30-minute live therapy session per week via video, voice, or text chat. This costs around $80 per week.
• Premium: The Premium plan includes all the Basic and Standard package benefits, plus express replies, and costs around $110 per week.

The company bills all plans monthly.

The company also offers a free option that allows individuals to access worksheets, yoga, and meditation at no cost.

Best self-guided: Bliss Online Therapy for Depression

• Price: Free.
• App: No.
• Therapy platforms: Self-guided online CBT sessions.
• Insurance: Not applicable.

Bliss is a free online program from the Centre for Interactive Mental Health Solutions (CIMHS), a non-profit organization that uses technology to make accessible mental health services.

Bliss uses CBT theory and does not include live interaction with a therapist. According to some studies, self-guided online CBT is effective for treating depression.

The program allows users to monitor and manage their moods and practice techniques to improve their mental health.

Individuals can complete the program at their own pace without strict time commitments.

Best for children: Talkiatry

• Price: Dependent on a person’s insurance provider, their needs, and the length of their visit.
• App: No.
• Therapy platforms: Virtual appointments.
• Insurance: Works with many major insurers, including Medicare.

Talkiatry is an online platform that connects people with psychiatrists and therapists. The company says it works with over 300 mental health professionals, and people search through the list of Talkiatry’s team by specialty, location, and language.

An extensive range of psychiatrists specialize in care for children as young as 5 years old.

To use Talkiatry, a person must complete an online assessment to match with psychiatrists licensed to practice in their state. Most people can see their psychiatrists within 5 days after signing up.

Treatment plans can include virtual visits and medication management. The first visit will last 60 minutes, and subsequent visits last 30 minutes.

While Talkiatry works with many major insurers, including Medicare, a person can only access care and learn the cost of that care through an in-network insurer.

Best for appointments 7 days a week: Teladoc

• Price: varies depending on insurance and type of care
• App: Yes.
• Therapy platforms: Phone and video.
• Insurance: Yes.

Teladoc offers various online healthcare services, including 24-7 care for non-emergency conditions, primary care check-ups, dermatologists, medical experts, and wellness consultations.

The company’s online mental health options include appointments with psychologists, therapists, and psychiatrists, plus dedicated adolescent mental health care. People can schedule appointments 7 days a week, making it an accessible and flexible service for those who may otherwise find accessing appointments difficult due to work or study commitments.

Teledoc works with many insurance providers, and prices for a person’s appointment will vary on their coverage and the type of care they need.

Best for culturally responsive treatment: Therapy for Black Girls

• Price: Dependent on the provider a person chooses. From $9.99 a month for Sister Circle.
• App:no
• Therapy platforms:in-person and virtual appointments
• Insurance:individual therapists may accept insurance

Therapy for Black Girls is an online space designed to promote mental wellness for Black women and girls. The website is home to a national directory and referral network that helps Black women and girls connect with licensed, culturally responsive therapists virtually or in person.

The directory is free for users to browse, but joining the company’s “Sister Circle”, a space for Black women to discuss issues, support each other, and engage with live events, costs $9.99 a month or $99 a year. The cost of therapy will depend on the healthcare professional a person chooses.

The company also hosts a blog, podcast, and Therapy for Black Girls University, which features resources specially selected for traditionally college-aged Black women.

Comparison

The table below compares each online therapy service’s price, session platforms, and more.

How we chose

What is online therapy?

Online therapy is a type of talk therapy service. A person may use online therapy instead of a face-to-face appointment with a therapist or counselor. Some reasons a person may choose online therapy include the following:

• finding it difficult to leave their home
• having a busy schedule
• living in a remote area
• feeling safer online

The American Psychological Association advises that online therapy may be a good alternative to in-person appointments.

A 2021 study states that online therapy during the COVID-19 pandemic was effective in helping with anxiety and depression. A second 2020 study agrees that teletherapy can effectively treat mental health problems such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Online therapy may benefit those with mild-to-moderate mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, and panic disorders. It may also be suitable for those interested in relationship counseling.

People may find online therapy convenient as they can have sessions from the comfort of their homes or another location of their choice. However, a person must have a reliable internet connection and a private room where they will not be disturbed during therapy sessions.

People may wish to discuss online therapy with a doctor to determine its appropriateness.

If a person is in crisis or requires immediate or urgent care, they should call the emergency services.

What to expect from online therapy

Online and in-person therapy can be similar in many ways. However, there are certain differences a person should expect if they choose online therapy.

A person may not always be able to pick their therapist before their first session with online therapy. This may not be suitable for people who want to feel comfortable with the therapist before they start working with them.

The first session

The first online therapy session will typically involve conversations about what a person wants to gain from online therapy. The therapist may ask a person about the following:

• goals for the sessions
• previous experience with therapy
• any mental health diagnoses
• any medications they are taking
• issues currently affecting their mental health
• traumas or triggers

The therapist may also review any assessments a person took with the company before their first session.

How to prepare for an online therapy session

To get the most out of virtual treatment, people trying online therapy for the first time can consider the following proactive steps before their appointment:

• making sure the therapist is licensed to practice locally
• using a platform (video, chat, telephone) that feels comfortable
• checking the payment process ahead of time
• getting familiar with using the technology and following the provider’s instructions for signing in
• setting up a private, quiet space for the session
• preparing specific topics and questions ahead of time to refer to during the session

People should be aware that therapy is a process, and it may take several sessions before a person starts to feel better. Being open-minded about goals and expectations can help a person get the most out of their therapy sessions.

How to find the right online therapist

A person should consider their main reasons for visiting a therapist. They should aim to find a person who specializes in the field in which they seek help. People may wish to view the therapist’s qualifications if this is available.

A person should always ensure their therapist is licensed.

A few different types of therapists include:

• Psychiatrist: Psychiatrists can provide prescription medication to a person if they feel this is necessary. They are medical doctors in addition to psychologists.
• Psychologist: Psychologists cannot prescribe medication. They have training in the mind and behavior and how these two intertwine. They usually specialize in the treatment of mental health disorders.
• Licensed marriage and family therapist: These professionals specialize in relationship and family counseling.
• Licensed professional counselor: These counselors have a master’s degree and treat groups or individuals with mental health disorders or substance misuse issues.
• Licensed clinical social workers: Social workers support people with interpersonal issues and support their well-being. They can refer people to community or government services for support or help them resolve problems by directing them to relevant resources.

Get tips on how to access therapy without insurance.

They should also consider how they would like to communicate with their therapist. Some services offer one form of communication, whereas others have communication options.

Some services allow a person to provide preferences for their therapist’s gender, age, or religion.

Many online therapy services allow people to change therapists if they wish.

How to pay for online therapy

Various therapy services accept insurance. People should look for these services and determine which insurance plans cover them. Some insurance policies may also partially cover the cost.

In addition, there are various resources online that are free to access.

Learn about free online therapy here.

People can also discuss what kind of financial help they may be entitled to with a doctor.

Insurance coverage

Some insurance plans may cover some form of online therapy. A person should contact their plan provider to confirm their benefits.

As of 2019, Medicare plans cover some telehealth services, including mental health services.

Read more about Medicare and mental health services here.

Who online therapy is best for

Online therapy suits people seeking a convenient option to talk with a licensed mental health professional. It suits people who cannot easily access in-person sessions due to location, price, or health conditions that stop them from leaving the house.

People experiencing the following may find online therapy useful:

• anxiety
• depression
• relationship problems
• stress

It is suitable for children, adolescents, and adults, and it can be more affordable than in-person therapy in some cases.

Who should not use online therapy

People in a mental health crisis should not use online therapy. They should instead call emergency services or the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline on 998.

Additionally, some people may prefer not to speak with a therapist virtually. They may find it difficult if they do not have a private space to have their session or have issues connecting to the internet. Therapists may not respond to messages outside of scheduled appointments quickly.

As such, people should pick the platform they feel best suits their needs and preferred communication style. Messaging may be better than video calls if a person prefers greater anonymity. Video calls are a good option for people looking to balance the experience of in-person therapy with the convenience of online therapy.

Is online therapy secure and confidential?

Most online therapy providers have a privacy policy and should offer transparent information on storing and protecting a person’s personal information.

Individuals can ask their intended therapy provider if it complies with rules set out in the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), such as the HIPAA Privacy Rule and the HIPAA Security Rule.

Security and privacy are extremely important, and most companies should have robust protective systems. However, as with any online service, there is always a risk of data theft, computer viruses, and hacking.

Is online therapy regulated?

As a form of telehealth care, online therapy is regulated in several ways, although regulation can be inconsistent and difficult to understand. Licensed therapists must meet the standards of the state in which they operate and where their clients live. Some healthcare organizations and some states have multi-state compacts that simplify the process.

Additionally, reputable online therapy providers must meet federal and state regulations addressing:

• privacy, as in the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, better known as HIPAA
• breach of privacy notification
• the therapist’s duty to warn or protect the public from potentially dangerous clients
• mandatory reporting for child or elder abuse
• age of consent for children in therapy

Frequently asked questions about online therapy

Below, we answer some of the top frequently asked questions about online therapy.›››

How much does online therapy typically cost?

Costs for online therapy vary according to provider, platform, and type of treatment. Online talk therapy typically costs $50–70 per week and can increase to around $129 a week. Psychiatric care generally costs more, from $109 to $299 per session. Free options are available, although these may not use licensed therapists.

What is the best online platform for therapy?

BetterHelp offers more affordable online therapy services than many other companies, and people can access a wide range of platforms to have their sessions. It also has a positive reputation on trusted review sites such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Trustpilot. This may make it a suitable option for many people.

Is Talkspace or BetterHelp cheaper?

BetterHelp is more affordable than Talkspace. BetterHelp charges $60–90 per week, while Talkspace prices range from $99–129 per week, and initial psychiatry sessions cost $245 with a $125 fee per subsequent session.

Is BetterHelp therapy legit?

Yes, BetterHelp is a legitimate company that uses licensed healthcare professionals to deliver mental health care online. The BBB accredited BetterHelp in 2015.

Does online therapy really work?

While research indicates that online therapy can effectively reduce psychological stress due to depression, anxiety, interpersonal sensitivity, and obsessive-compulsive disorders, every person’s experience with therapy, whether in-person or online, will be unique.

To have the best chance of a productive and positive experience with therapy, a person should find a therapist that specializes in their condition or concern, understands their culture, identity, or lifestyle, and provides professional and sensitive support.

Is Talkspace worth it?

Talkspace is a popular platform for online therapy from licensed mental health care professionals. However, people can expect to pay from $99 a week for its therapy services and over $240 for an initial psychiatry appointment, making it a significant investment.

To make the service worth the cost, Talkspace offers a user-friendly website, personalized match-ups with therapists, and convenient video and messaging platforms for appointments.

That said, online therapy will not suit everyone, and people should check that Talkspace’s healthcare professionals offer the type of therapy they want on a platform that suits them.

Summary

Online therapy may be an effective option for people who prefer not to meet in person with a mental health care professional or are unable to do so.

There are many ways for people to access online therapy. Before using any online therapy service, it is important to clarify the costs and required level of commitment.

Anyone concerned that they may pose a danger to themselves or others should not use online therapy. Instead, they should call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.