A quick look at our top 10 online therapy picks for 2021
- Best overall: Talkspace
- Largest network of licensed counselors: BetterHelp
- Best online therapy for cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): Online-Therapy.com
- Best online therapy for mental and physical health: Amwell
- Best for online psychiatry: MDLive
- Best online therapy for your budget: 7 Cups
- Best online therapy for couples: ReGain
- Best online therapy for teens: Teen Counseling
- Best online therapy for LGBTQ: Pride Counseling
- Best online therapy for single video sessions: Doctor on Demand
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 (aka telehealth) is quickly becoming one of the top ways 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. With that in mind, here are our 10 recommended picks for online therapy.
What is online therapy?
Online therapy is therapy done remotely through a video conferencing platform, chat room, email, or over the phone. It has sparked in popularity ever since the COVID-19 pandemic forced therapists to expand their offerings in order to keep everyone safe.
If you’re worried about the quality of your session, research shows that online therapy can be just as effective as therapy done in person. Many people prefer online therapy because it offers more privacy, can be more accessible, and is often cheaper.
How we choose
We considered many criteria when selecting the best online therapy platforms, including:
- all mental health professionals are licensed psychotherapists, psychologists, or psychiatrists
- a simple sign-up process
- positive customer feedback
- flexible payment options and fees
- a range of subscription options and services
- some accepted insurance
- therapists had a wide range of expertise, including anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, substance misuse, grief, and eating disorders
Healthline’s picks of the top 10 online therapy services of 2021
Best overall
Talkspace
With over 3,000 licensed therapists and multiple subscription plans, Talkspace takes the spot for best overall online therapy.
After signing up, you’ll complete an assessment and choose your payment plan. Then a consultation therapist will match you with several therapists and you’ll choose the one that fits your needs. You’ll begin working with them within a few days.
Therapists treat a variety of conditions or concerns, including:
- depression
- anxiety
- addiction
- eating disorders
- post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- relationship issues
In addition to individual counseling, they also offer specific services for couples and teens. Plus, Talkspace Psychiatry offers personalized psychiatric treatment and prescription management from a licensed prescriber.
Price: Talkspace has several subscription plans available, with prices ranging from $65 to $99 per week. These plans include text, video, audio messaging, and live sessions. Some subscribers express frustration about having to sign up for an entire month of services, which means you’ll still be billed for the month if you cancel early.
Coverage: If you have an employee assistance program (EAP) with behavioral health benefits, you may be eligible for coverage. Check with your employer.
Pros
- You have constant access to your therapist.
- You may find texting to be more comfortable than in-person sessions.
- Talkspace offers discounts for paying biannually or quarterly.
Cons
- Payments aren’t on a sliding scale.
- The service isn’t covered by many insurance plans.
- Time zone differences with your therapists can be a hindrance to fast communication.
Largest network of licensed counselors
BetterHelp
BetterHelp has access to over 12,000 licensed, accredited, and experienced counselors. The company excels at matching therapists to your individual needs and preferences.
BetterHelp’s licensed psychologists, clinical social workers, and marriage and family therapists specialize in areas like:
- anxiety
- depression
- relationships
- parenting
- addiction
- grief
- eating disorders
- life transitions
- religion
BetterHelp also offers individual, couples, and family counseling. Sessions with your therapist take place via video conferencing, exchanging messages, chatting live, and speaking over the phone. Users rave about the live sessions, with many saying it’s the reason they chose BetterHelp.
After completing a questionnaire and setting up your account, a computer program will match you with a therapist for your specific needs. Typically, this takes about 24 hours, and you always have the option of requesting a different counselor.
Price: Prices range from $40 to $70 per week (billed monthly).
Coverage: BetterHelp doesn’t accept insurance, so you’ll pay out-of-pocket for counseling services. Financial assistance is available for those who qualify, and you can cancel your membership at any time.
Pros
- Website and mobile app are easy to navigate.
- You can choose between messaging, live chatting, speaking on the phone, or video conferencing with your therapist.
- Financial aid is available.
Cons
- Therapists can’t diagnose conditions or prescribe medication.
- The service isn’t covered by most insurance companies.
- The service isn’t meant for crisis situations.
Best online therapy for cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
Online-Therapy.com
Online-Therapy.com bases their entire operation on CBT, which is a top pick when treating a variety of mental health conditions, including:
- depression
- anxiety
- alcohol and drug issues
- eating disorders
- phobias
CBT helps you identify, challenge, and overcome negative or unhelpful thinking and develop behavior modifications that help you think and interact more positively.
Online-Therapy.com uses a toolbox of resources, including worksheets, an online journal, a 30-minute weekly live chat with your therapist, and messaging. Some users express concern about therapists only being available Monday through Friday for 8 hours a day, compared with other sites that offer 24-7 support.
Price: Prices range from about $32 to $64 per week, depending on the plan you choose.
Coverage: They don’t accept insurance, but new subscribers get 20 percent off of their first month fees.
Pros
- You receive an online course in CBT.
- The app and website are user friendly.
- You’re given worksheets that include daily feedback from your own personal therapist.
Cons
- You’ll likely have to pay out of pocket.
- They don’t offer 24-7 support options.
- The company doesn’t have a Better Business Bureau profile.
Best online therapy for mental and physical health
Amwell
If you’re looking for an online telemedicine platform that offers care for physical and psychological health, consider Amwell.
With online doctor or therapist visits available 24-7, Amwell is a great site for one-stop shopping. Here’s how it works: Create an account, choose the doctor or therapist that works best for you, then schedule a visit via their web-based or mobile app program.
Amwell provides counseling for:
- anxiety
- depression
- PTSD or trauma
- life transitions
- couples therapy
Price: The cost of a psychologist or counselor visit varies from $99 to $110 based on the therapist (either master’s degree or doctorate in their field) and lasts about 45 minutes. They also offer online psychiatrists who can prescribe medications.
Coverage: If your health insurance plan provides coverage for mental health services, your out-of-pocket costs may be lower. Amwell doesn’t provide a subscription-based service. If you need to talk with a medical doctor for other health conditions, the visit costs $79.
Pros
- You’re able to choose between a therapist or a psychotherapist depending on what you need.
- Amwell offers more than just therapy. They also have doctors available to treat other health conditions.
- Your visit may be covered by insurance.
Cons
- They don’t have a subscription option.
- Some reviewers say they have encountered technical difficulties.
- Amwell offers fewer communication options, compared with other services.
Best for online psychiatry
MDLive
MDLive, a comprehensive telemedicine platform, has a division specifically for psychiatry services that offers both counseling and prescription management with a board certified psychiatrist.
MDLive can help with:
- anxiety
- addiction
- depression
- bipolar disorder
- PTSD and trauma
- panic disorders
- grief and loss
It takes about 15 minutes to set up an account with MDLive. Once registered, you can search through their network of psychiatrists and choose the one that’s right for you. When you’re ready to schedule an appointment, you can choose between secure online video, phone, or the MDLive app.
Price: The cost to see a psychiatrist is quite a bit higher than a counselor. You can expect to pay $284 for your first visit and $108 for each follow-up appointment. They also offer counseling sessions with a licensed therapist at a lower cost than a visit with a psychiatrist, which is a nice feature if you need to transition from a psychiatrist to ongoing sessions with a therapist. MDLive doesn’t offer a subscription-based service.
Coverage: If your health insurance plan provides coverage for mental health services, your out-of-pocket costs may be lower.
Pros
- 24-7 unlimited access to doctor.
- Members can save up to 85 percent on prescription medications.
- Some employers include MDLive as part of their group benefits.
Cons
- MDLive doesn’t offer subscription plans.
- The price of seeing a psychiatrist is higher than other similar services.
- They don’t offer email or chat support options.
Best online therapy for your budget
7 Cups
Affordable online therapy, free 24-7 emotional support, and chat rooms with people who understand what you’re going through make 7 Cups one of the largest emotional support systems.
Specialties and areas of expertise include:
- addiction
- anxiety
- bipolar disorder
- depression
- family
- grief
- parenting
- substance misuse
- trauma
Price: Online therapy and counseling with licensed therapists are $150 per month — significantly less than other online therapy platforms. Plus, 7 Cups offers emotional support and access to speak to a trained volunteer (not a licensed counselor) at no charge. This option is appropriate for support and to help connect you with services.
If you need more in-depth treatment, opt for the paid subscription plan with a licensed therapist. After creating an account, you’ll choose the free version or paid subscription. If you go with the trained volunteer option, which is free, you’ll have access immediately. The subscription option requires more information to help match you with the right therapist.
Coverage: Services offered using this site are generally not covered by health insurance.
Pros
- The freemium model is well-liked by users.
- You can speak with a trained volunteer at no charge.
- The service offers a free group chat between users.
Cons
- The app has been reported to have a lot of bugs.
- Some reviewers say some of the inexperienced active listeners don’t pay attention and are judgmental or inappropriate.
- Unless you pay additional, you’re not getting professional help.
Best online therapy for couples
ReGain
When you need couples counseling, you want a licensed therapist that’s trained in dealing with relationship issues, which is why ReGain is the top pick for best online therapy for couples.
All therapists are licensed and include accredited psychologists, licensed marriage and family therapists, licensed clinical social workers, or licensed professional counselors.
After completing a questionnaire, the automated system will match you with a therapist. Two users share an account and participate in live sessions with the therapist together. If one person needs to speak privately to the therapist, an individual session is scheduled. They don’t support three-way live sessions, so both partners need to be together in the same room to communicate with the therapist in real-time.
Price: Prices range from $40 to $70 per week, and this includes both partners.
Coverage: Services offered using this site are generally not covered by health insurance.
Pros
- All of ReGain’s counselors specialize or have an interest in relationship counseling.
- One or both partners can participate in counseling at no extra cost.
- The service offers a 1-week free trial when you begin.
Cons
- The service doesn’t support three-way live sessions, so you and your partner need to be in the same place.
- ReGain isn’t suitable for court-ordered counseling.
- It’s unclear whether ReGain works with nonmonogamous couples.
Best online therapy for teens
Teen Counseling
Teen Counseling, an online platform just for teens ages 13 to 19, offers live chats, phone calls, video conferencing, and messaging in a “private” counseling room with a licensed therapist.
Some of the issues therapists can address during counseling sessions include:
- anxiety
- stress
- depression
- bullying
- eating disorders
Although parents don’t have access to this room, a therapist must report abuse and if the teen is a danger to themselves or others. Parents can complete the registration process, which includes being matched with a licensed counselor. Your teen will receive a code inviting them to join their private room.
Price: Prices range from $40 to $70 per week.
Coverage: Services offered using this site are generally not covered by health insurance.
Pros
- All sessions are confidential.
- Counselors are specialized in dealing with teen issues.
- The “rooms” are open 24-7.
Cons
- The service isn’t suitable for court-ordered counseling.
- Teen Counseling isn’t suitable for emergency situations.
- Counselors can’t provide a diagnosis.
Best online therapy for LGBTQ
Pride Counseling
At Pride Counseling, therapists recognize that the LGBTQ community deals with mental health issues at a disproportionately higher rate and want to make help accessible for everyone.
After you sign up, you’ll be matched with a counselor who fits your objectives, preferences, and the type of issues you’re dealing with. All their counselors specialize in the LGBTQ community, but different counselors have different approaches and areas of focus.
Areas of expertise include:
- anxiety
- stress
- depression
- trauma
- family conflicts
- relationships
- eating disorders
All therapists are licensed and include accredited psychologists, licensed marriage and family therapists, licensed clinical social workers, or licensed professional counselors. Counseling sessions take place with your therapist via video conferencing, phone calls, chatting live, and exchanging messages.
Price: Prices range from $40 to $70 per week.
Coverage: Services offered using this site are generally not covered by health insurance.
Pros
- All counselors have experience and interest in helping the LGBTQ community.
- The written messages between you and your counselor are available for you to re-read.
- The app and website are easy to navigate.
Cons
- The service isn’t suitable for minors.
- Your counselor will not be able to provide a diagnosis or prescribe medication.
- The service isn’t suitable for emergency situations.
Best online therapy for single video sessions
Doctor On Demand
Not sure you want to commit to a subscription plan? No problem. Doctor On Demand offers single video chat sessions with trained mental health professionals who are licensed psychiatrists and therapists.
After an initial assessment, you can browse their selection of psychiatrists and therapists and book an appointment.
Areas of expertise include:
- anxiety
- depression
- bipolar disorder
- trauma
- postpartum depression
- anger management
If medication is part of your therapy, a psychiatrist can order electronic prescriptions to the pharmacy of your choice. They also have appointments available with medical doctors for other physical conditions.
Price:
- Psychology: $129 for a 25-minute consultation; $179 for 50 minutes
- Psychiatry: $299 for initial 45-minute consultation; $128 for 15-minute follow-up
Coverage: Doctor On Demand accepts insurance. Check with your insurance company to see if your plan is approved.
Pros
- Licensed providers have an average of 15-plus years of experience.
- Psychiatrists can order prescriptions to your pharmacy of choice.
- No subscription is necessary.
Cons
- Some users report technical issues.
- No email or chat support options are available.
- Fewer therapists are available compared with other online services.
How to afford therapy
There’s no doubt that therapy is expensive. The average out-of-pocket cost for a session can range from $75 to $150. Fortunately, online counseling — in many cases — is more affordable.
If your insurance covers mental health services, start by contacting them to see if the service 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 of them do not, so it’s worth looking at a few different sites to see if one fits your needs and takes insurance.
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 percent.
The other place to check is with your EAP. Many employers offer mental health benefits as part of their EAP package.
Finally, community-based behavioral health clinics offer services for free or at a low cost to anyone who qualifies.
Benefits of online therapy
Like in-person therapy, online therapy is a counseling session with a licensed therapist or psychiatrist, but instead of meeting in an office, your sessions take place at home.
How your therapist leads a meeting is up to you, with the most common forms of delivery being live videos, phone calls, and messaging. And the best part? Many professionals are available morning, afternoon, or night, and on weekends, making therapy more accessible than ever.
For some people, this method of counseling may take some time to get used to. But for others, virtual visits will be the reason they start and stick with therapy.
If you already have a therapist that offers online counseling, you’re set. But if your counselor doesn’t offer virtual sessions or you’re new to therapy, there are plenty of online services and platforms available.
Not all mental health conditions are suitable for online services
Although licensed therapists can treat many conditions online, there are times when an in-person visit is more appropriate. Severe mental health conditions that require a treatment team may not be suitable for online services. This includes suicidal thoughts and harm to others.
Frequently asked questions
Is online therapy effective?
While text therapy can be helpful, it’s not a perfect fit for everyone. Some people miss face-to-face contact, while others feel more comfortable outside of the house.
If you’re in an emergency situation, text therapy isn’t for you.
Remember that online therapy is better than no therapy. With no commute times, affordable pricing structures, and 24-7 chat rooms it’s never been easier to get the help you need.
Does insurance cover online therapy?
Because of the pandemic, more insurance companies have begun to cover online therapy. The exact coverage for online therapy available to you depends on your insurance plan, the therapist you choose, and the regulations of your state.
Medicare is now covering online therapy for 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.
Are online therapists licensed professionals?
A mental health professional’s training depends on their specific field as well as the state they practice in. Psychologists often require a PhD, while psychiatrists require a MD. Almost all the sites listed use professionals that are licensed to provide video therapy to clients within the state in which they hold their license. Make sure to check which type of mental health professional you’re matched with before signing up.
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.
- Tutty S, et al. (2009). Evaluating the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral teletherapy in depressed adults.
sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0005789409000781