7 Cups is an online mental health platform that provides text-based counseling by an interactive AI chatbot or volunteers trained as “listeners,” as well as video therapy with licensed therapists. Text-based counseling plans start at $7.99 monthly, while weekly talk therapy plans are $299 monthly. Two of our experienced reviewers tried and tested 7 Cups, exploring the AI chat features, and found it to be a good option for those seeking quick connection and a mental health-friendly social space.
Talkspace - Online Therapy With or Without Insurance
Your therapist can help you process thoughts and feelings, understand motivations, and develop coping skills. Covered by most major insurance plans. Talkspace also accepts Medicare in some states. The average copay is $15, but many people pay $0. Try Talkspace
7 Cups Cost: Free, In-App Subscriptions for premium services ($7.99 monthly to $299 monthly)
Insurance Accepted? No
Pros - Helpful community space with mental health dedicated forums
- Group chats users can receive support from other users
- AI Chatbot can help users navigate the website or app
- Asynchronous messaging with a therapist available
Cons - Does not accept insurance
- “Active Listeners” are not licensed professionals
- Users might not receive any response on discussion forums “Real-time” therapy option for users is limited to 45 min a session
- Those seeking a quick connection
- Those seeking a social space dedicated to mental health
7 Cups is a free app that provides emotional support service and 24/7 assistance to users in two ways. Its free services allow you to connect anonymously with volunteer listeners in group chats so you can talk about how you’re feeling with others without fear of judgment. It also includes in-app subscriptions, which include connecting with a licensed therapist whom you can message at any time of day.
During our independent review of 7 Cups, we gave them an overall rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars. When we tried the app, we found it very easy to sign up and subscribe to their premium services. However, the app interface was very busy and it was hard to navigate within their discussion boards, which is a primary feature of the app.
In addition to their various chatting services, 7 Cups offers for a fee, asynchronous therapy via texting. 7 Cups’ text-based therapy is done completely via text in a chat box, either online or in the app. 7 Cups also has a therapy option where you can meet with your provider via video for 45-minute sessions.
Why You Can Trust My Review
Our review of 7 Cups is based on first-hand experience using its text-based chat and therapy services by two of our experienced reviewers. These reviewers – Caitlin and Michelle – used 7 Cups by going through the sign-up process, training to become an “Active Listener,” looking for a 7 Cups therapist, and trying all the features. Over the last three years, we’ve learned a lot about 7 Cups while also collectively testing and reviewing multiple other online therapy providers.
Based on our quantitative multi-point scoring criteria, 7 Cups scored 3.5 out of 5 stars during our most recent review. Our scoring criteria measure 30+ metrics across 12 categories, ranging from quality of user experience to therapist vetting and experience, and more.
Firsthand Experiences with 7 Cups
Michelle Liu
Caitlin Bell
Detailed Review of 7 Cups
7 Cups has an impressive online community space built around mental health and wellness. The platform serves users 13+, looking to connect with others in larger groups, or one-on-one with a dedicated, “active listener.” Both options are great when you need someone to talk to.
However, the community discussion boards can be overwhelming and others may not see or engage with your posts. While you can access 7 Cups through their website or app, the app is buggy and doesn’t include all the features that are found on the website. A newer feature of 7 Cups is its telehealth therapy premium options, which users can sign up for at $299 monthly.
The 7 Cups dashboard features a lot of information that can make it feel overwhelming to navigate. If you’re looking for someone to talk to, 7 Cups could be a sufficient platform. If you’re looking for more involved mental health care, you’ll likely fare better with a different service. Prices vary based on the membership you choose, and you’re able to cancel at any time.
Active Listeners
7 Cups app users have access to free communication with Active Listeners, who complete online training classes with 7 Cups, pass a test, and use their skills to actively listen and message those in need. Listeners can be professional counselors and psychologists, but most of them are kind people interested in volunteering their time for a good cause.
Per their training, Active Listeners know the limitations of their tools and refer users to additional supports as needed. Listeners will refer users to crisis services if they are experiencing severe symptoms or suicidal or homicidal ideations. This is not a service that should be considered therapy.
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AI Chatbot (Noni)
When I used The 7 Cups AI Chatbot, Noni, I found it was just that – a chatbot with a limited scope of help and advice to offer users. It can guide you through various text-based activities, but it is not the same as talking to a live human and the responses aren’t always the best, since human answers are more nuanced and personalized.
Noni shares simple prompts, such as advice to take a mental health assessment or start a specific growth path. When I used Noni, I noticed that it gave me helpful guidance on self-care activities I can do when I am faced with a negative situation. Although it was advice I have heard before, it was convenient to have it all listed together through an AI-generated answer.
Noni also has its own chat room that you can enter at any time. It can help navigate you through the website and app, or it can guide you through various activities in the chat room. Noni has a very limited range of responses, and doesn’t really offer help or advice the way a person would.
7 Cups Therapy
All of the therapists on 7 Cups are licensed professionals, including psychologists, social workers or counselors. For $150 per month, you can send your therapist messages whenever you want and most will respond to you within the day. Every interaction with your therapist happens asynchronously via text.
There is also a talk therapy plan that offers weekly video therapy for $299 per month. Therapists are vetted by the 7 Cups team, but you can ask therapists directly for their credentials and their experiences. Beyond the weekly 45 minute sessions, users can only send messages to them.
Community Groups
7 Cups is home to many discussion forums and group chats. Categories include Newbies, Fun, Health & Wellbeing, and Peer Groups, among others. Within these categories are a variety of smaller communities to explore, like Hobbies, Personality Disorders Support, 20 & Over Community, and Young People of Color.
7 Cups Cost & Insurance
7 Cups base membership, which includes a limited number of AI and “Listener” chats is free. There is also an option to purchase premium services, which offer additional chats and growth paths for $7.99 monthly. There are more plan options which include messaging therapy ($159 monthly) and talk therapy ($299 monthly) with licensed therapists. 7 Cups doesn’t offer a free trial of its paid memberships.
Talkspace - Online Therapy With or Without Insurance
Your therapist can help you process thoughts and feelings, understand motivations, and develop coping skills. Covered by most major insurance plans. Talkspace also accepts Medicare in some states. The average copay is $15, but many people pay $0. Try Talkspace
7 Cups does not accept insurance, but if your plan offers out-of-network benefits, you may be able to submit a superbill for partial reimbursement. Your therapist can provide the information you’ll need to start this process.
Here are the four access plan options for 7 Cups:
- Free: A free membership includes limited AI chat opportunities and 24/7 messaging via the website with volunteer listeners.
- Premium: For $7.99 monthly (billed yearly), or $12.95 (billed monthly) a subscriber has access to 1-1 chats with an Active Listener, group chats, the AI chatbot, and “Growth Paths”
- Messaging Therapy: For $159 monthly a subscriber has access to confidential text-based online therapy with licensed therapists in a chat setting via a private online room, in addition to the 24/7 chat options with volunteer listeners.
- Talk Therapy: For $299 monthly a subscriber has access to all premium features and a weekly call with a therapist of their choosing.
Who Does 7 Cups Serve?
7 Cups can be used by those 13 years and older. Group and AI chat-based support is available in all 50 US states and internationally, while text and video-based therapy with a licensed therapist is available in 34 out of 50 US states.
7 Cups is great for people who just need someone to talk to, those who sometimes feel lonely, or people who do not get the support they need from their loved ones. Chatting with Active Listeners, who can offer real-time support via text can be very helpful for these folks.
User Reviews for 7 Cups
7 Cups has a pretty high star rating in both app stores, with a 4.8-star rating from 25,000+ reviews in the Google Play Store and a 4.3-star rating from 3,700+ reviews in the Apple App Store. Despite the high star ratings in the app stores, users were really divided over the app.
Reviews from Apple App Store
4.5 out of 5
Positive reviews on the Apple App Store emphasized the convenience of having a chatbot and the ability to seek community in the discussion forums. Many praised the way the app helps them find and engage with other users easily.
Negative reviews on the Apple App Store tended to state the price of 7 Cups is far too high for the value received, and noted many user interface issues, such as busy chat rooms and poor ways of engagement with therapists and Active Listeners. Many also criticized the overall design and implementation of the mobile app.
Reviews from Android App Store
3.9 out of 5
Positive reviews on the Android App Store focused on community engagement made in the discussion forums and the overall value many believe 7 Cups has added to their lives. Some reviews noted positive experiences with therapists found on the app.
Negative reviews on the Android App Store tended to focus on the 7 Cups mobile app itself and its technical shortcomings. Many users agreed that the mobile app is not intuitive which can make using the mobile app difficult.
Reviews from TrustPilot
4.7 out of 5
Positive reviews on Trustpilot tended to emphasize the progress users have made in their lives with 7 Cups, the AI chatbot, community groups, and the ability to easily find a therapist that matched with their fit.
Negative reviews mention issues with scammers and trolls, poor customer service, and listeners who aren’t equipped to support users. On Trustpilot, there are also serious accusations of inappropriate behavior and abuse on the platform.
Top Rated Online Therapy Services
BetterHelp – Best Overall
“BetterHelp is an online therapy platform that quickly connects you with a licensed counselor or therapist and earned 4 out of 5 stars.” Take a free assessment
Online-Therapy.com – Great Alternative
In addition to therapy, all Online-Therapy.com subscriptions include a self-guided CBT course. Visit Online-Therapy.com
Who May Want an Alternative to 7 Cups?
Although 7 Cups is an interesting and unique service, there are a few groups of people it would not be a good fit for, including those who have insurance that covers traditional therapy; those who want more mindfulness and meditation activities; and those who want therapy in conjunction with medication management.
People With Insurance
$159 per month can be costly to a person just to message a therapist, let alone paying $299 a month to talk to a therapist in 45 min sessions. If the user has health insurance that can cover traditional therapy or pay for other digital therapeutic services, they can look into other options to save money. Those with insurance should look into online platforms that accept insurance, such as Talkspace or Talkiatry.
People Who Want More Mindfulness & Meditation Activities
7 Cups offers some mindfulness and meditation, but these are only available on their website and aren’t as varied as other meditation apps. For those seeking a way to create a daily meditation practice that you can access anywhere, you’ll want to try an app like Insight Timer or Headspace.
People Who Want Therapy and Medication Management
There are no medication options with 7 Cups. Those seeking both online therapy and medication management would be best served by a provider offering both, such as Talkiatry or Brightside.
7 Cups Vs. Competitors
7 Cups is a great choice for those looking to find and build community with an easy and convenient way to dip a toe into the therapy world or reduce the impact of burnout or stress. The app could be an ideal choice for someone who wants a way to find therapists in their area available for online therapy. Meanwhile, Talkspace may be a better option if you are seeking psychiatric care. Betterhelp is great if you’re seeking a low cash pay option for online therapy. Wysa and Happify are also options for those looking for AI chatbots.
Price:$299 yearly
Insurance Accepted?No
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AI Chatbot can give users advice as well as a listening ear -
Users can interact with community groups
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Users cannot use insurance for therapy -
App interface can frustrate users
Price:$260 – $360 monthly
Insurance Accepted?No
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Offers text and video therapy at one of the lowest rates -
Platform incorporates live video and telephone therapy sessions
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Ultimate monthly costs depend on your location and therapist’s availability -
No psychiatric services/medication management available
Price: $250 monthly
Insurance Accepted? Yes
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Online therapy available in all US states and Canada -
User-friendly app allows you to attend sessions, text provider, and attend workshops
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Takes several days for you to be matched with your top three matches -
You can only choose from top three or you will be automatically matched with a therapist
7 Cups Vs. Betterhelp
7 Cups Vs. Talkspace
7 Cups Review – Our Final Verdict
Overall, people looking for empathy and support that is both free and convenient should check out 7 Cups, just to see the platform itself. It can offer great community spaces, an AI chatbot, and “Active Listeners”, all of which can help you connect and feel heard as you work on your mental wellness. There are options to join a group chat or speak with a therapist, links to communities you can join resources you can access (like meditation exercises), and message boards based on specific topics. Your dashboard also encourages you to partake in small activities that help you gain “growth points,” although it’s not made clear what those are or why you would want them.
The group support and messaging therapy offered by 7 Cups is much more affordable than other online therapy service subscriptions offering additional services bundled into pricing, but there are still other options that can provide more services than 7 Cups. It is worth a look at, but we do not recommend 7 Cups.
Frequently Asked Questions About 7 Cups
Frequently Asked Questions
Can 7 Cups Prescribe Medication?
7 Cups therapists only provide text and talk therapy and cannot prescribe medication.
How are 7 Cups Therapists Vetted & Verified?
Therapists are experienced and licensed mental health professionals with various degrees such as psychology and social work. 7 Cups verifies their licenses, and you’re able to ask them for their credentials. The type of therapy offered by 7 Cups is referred to as active listening, which the site defines as a supportive way of listening that shows compassion and empathy, using open-ended questions meant to encourage you to talk more.
What are 7 Cups Active Listeners' Credentials?
Active listeners are less experienced because these are volunteer positions. Any adult can become a volunteer after filling out a questionnaire and successfully completing 7 Cups’s online course. Because these listeners can be anyone, they cannot give advice for serious issues and often end up referring users to outside resources, such as a suicide prevention hotline.
Are Chats Monitored?
According to 7 Cups, chats with listeners and therapists are generally not monitored. A statement on their website reads: “We may occasionally review the chat transcripts to conduct quality control, address potential safety issues, and prevent misuse of our platform if certain suspicious or potentially harmful activity is detected.”
How Does Therapist Matching Work?
There are two ways to get matched with a therapist. You can use our automatic process to match you to the right therapist. 7 Cups has a directory of all of their therapists that users are free to explore and choose from.
How Much Does 7 Cups Cost?
7 Cups base membership, which includes a limited number of AI and “Listener” chats is free. There is also an option to purchase premium services, which offer additional chats and growth paths for $7.99 monthly. There are more plan options which include messaging therapy ($159 monthly) and talk therapy ($299 monthly) with licensed therapists. 7 Cups doesn’t offer a free trial of its paid memberships.
Can I Use My HSA/FSA for 7 Cups?
No, you cannot use HSA or FSA to pay for 7 Cups memberships.
How Do I Cancel My 7 Cups Subscription?
Subscriptions automatically renew each month until you cancel your service. Although it was initially difficult to figure out how to cancel an account, it ended up being simple: Navigate to your account settings, go to “Manage Current Subscriptions” and click cancel. You won’t be charged for future months after you do so.
Can I Pause My 7 Cups Subscription?
You cannot pause your subscription. You would have to cancel your subscription to go back to the free version.
Does 7 Cups Issue Refunds?
Requests for refunds are subject to 7 Cups approval. To request a refund, users can fill out 7 Cups refund request form.
Is 7 Cups HIPAA Compliant?
The 7 Cups platform is HIPAA compliant. Clients will be asked to confirm that they reside in the state where the therapist is licensed, to be in line with online therapy regulations. 7 Cups uses advanced security technology to keep what you and your therapist write protected and HIPAA-compliant.
All therapists abide by the code of ethics required for licensing and must protect your confidentiality and records. Therapists can only interact with you in a therapeutic relationship, not a personal one, cannot misrepresent themselves, and cannot make false claims.
For more details, visit the 7 Cups Privacy Policy.
History & News About 7 Cups
7 Cups was founded by Glen Moriarty, who is a psychologist and believes that the internet has the power to help people lead better lives.1
In 2013, “Active Listeners” could set fees for their service as either a certain rate per hour or by accepting payments on a sliding scale/pay-what-you-want basis. 7 Cups would then take a 40 percent commission on all listener transactions.2
However, the listeners are now a free service and the only costs are for premium learning “Paths” at $7.99 per month or $95.88 per year or online text therapy and online talk therapy starting at $159 per month.
Within the last few years, the 7 Cups home screen was updated to look more like a social feed similar to Facebook or Twitter. This shows people a combination of their current path, posts from forums, and other activities or posts from around the site.3 7 Cups continues to remain true to its core, which is creating a community of people who want to support each other as they navigate their mental health and wellness goals.
Additional Resources
To help our readers take the next step in their mental health journey, Choosing Therapy has partnered with leaders in mental health and wellness. Choosing Therapy is compensated for marketing by the companies included below.
Online Therapy
BetterHelp – Get support and guidance from a licensed therapist. BetterHelp has over 30,000 therapists who provide convenient and affordable online therapy. BetterHelp starts at $65 per week and is FSA/HSA eligible by most providers. Take a free online assessment and get matched with the right therapist for you. Free Assessment
Medication + Therapy
Brightside Health – Together, medication and therapy can help you feel like yourself, faster. Brightside Health treatment plans start at $95 per month. United Healthcare, Anthem, Cigna, and Aetna accepted. Following a free online evaluation and receiving a prescription, you can get FDA approved medications delivered to your door. Free Assessment
Online Psychiatry
Klarity Health – The providers on Klarity offer comprehensive, personalized ADHD treatment. From diagnosis to therapy to medication management, a Klarity provider will be there for you. And, if needed, they’re able to prescribe controlled substances, like Adderall or Concerta. Visit Klarity Health
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