Following several years of in-depth research and hundreds of hours spent using online therapy platforms, we’ve refined a list of over 50 providers down to our top choices for people with depression. These options are both affordable and accessible, with many capable of diagnosing, prescribing medications, and providing ongoing support.
Our top three picks will work for most people, offering comprehensive depression treatments:
- Brightside Health: Best for combined therapy and medication
- Talkiatry: Best for longer medication appointments with actual psychiatrists
- BetterHelp: Best for same-day therapy sessions
Pay-per-session vs subscription: Subscription
Age range: 18+ nationwide, 13+ in 39 states
Nationwide: Yes
Cash-Pay Cost: $45–$349 monthly
Insurance Accepted: Yes
Brightside Health offers plans for therapy, medication, or both at a bundled rate. For medication, providers use a proprietary AI tool called PrecisionRx that helps with effective prescribing. It also offers a Suicide Prevention program for folks with depression needing higher levels of care.
Pay-per-session vs subscription: Pay-per-session
Age range: 5+
Nationwide: No; 45 states
Cash-Pay Cost: Depends on insurance copay
Insurance Accepted: Yes
Talkiatry is our top choice for mental health medication, as it offers longer appointment times with actual psychiatrists, not just MDs or nurse practitioners. It also offers therapy for those actively seeing a psychiatrist.
Pay-per-session vs subscription: Subscription
Age range: 18+
Nationwide: Yes
Cash-Pay Cost: $260–$400 monthly
Insurance Accepted: No
BetterHelp offers a quick and easy sign-up process and has over 35k therapists on its platform, so you can likely find someone who will suit your needs and preferences. If you’re having a hard time even just getting out of bed, all you have to do to get started with BetterHelp is fill out a quick survey and then you’ll get matched with a therapist who can likely see you right away.
Pay-per-session vs subscription: Pay-per-session
Age range: 6+
Nationwide: Yes
Cash-pay cost: $75–$200+ per session
Insurance accepted: Yes
Grow Therapy hosts over 15k therapists and medication prescribers on its directory and takes the most insurance plans we’ve seen, so you’re likely to find someone who’s a good fit for your needs. If you don’t want to look through the therapists in your state on your own, you can use its “Get Matched” service to be given the top three providers based on a quick survey.
Pay-per-session vs subscription: Pay-per-session
Age range: 18+
Nationwide: No; 12 states
Cash-Pay Cost: $35–$240 per session
Insurance Accepted: Yes
If you’re a woman with depression (and you live in a state with coverage), we recommend LunaJoy for specific, understanding care. As a platform dedicated to women’s mental health, you can find providers who specialize in postpartum depression and menopause, as well as any other mental health concerns women are facing.
Pay-per-session vs subscription: Subscription
Age range: 13+
Nationwide: Yes
Cash Pay Cost: $276–$436 Monthly
Insurance Accepted: Yes
Talkspace is another large online platform, with thousands of therapists and medication prescribers. It’s in-network with many major insurance providers, including some Medicaid and Medicare, and same-day and next-day appointments are often available.
Other Specialized Alternatives
- For CBT: CBT is a structured form of therapy that helps re-shape negative thoughts. It’s clinically proven to help with depression symptoms. Online-therapy.com is an online platform dedicated to CBT, offering a structured depression program you can work through on your own or with the help of a therapist. For less hands-on treatment, CBT apps can be a great way to get started.
- For affordable cash pay: If you need care but don’t have a big budget for therapy, Open Path Collective offers sessions between $40–$70 for those who don’t have insurance, BetterHelp offers financial aid, and Grouport offers affordable group therapy sessions.
- For ketamine treatment: Ketamine therapy has been proven to help many people with treatment resistant depression. Better U and Mindbloom both offer ketamine treatments from the comfort of home.
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Data Points AnalyzedThe reviews on ChoosingTherapy.com are fair, honest, thorough, and based on firsthand experience. To date, we’ve reviewed mental health solutions offered by more than 300 companies. That has involved more than 2,350 hours of firsthand use and consideration of over 1,150 data points. Our editorial policies outline a rigorous review process, but they all boil down to this: produce reviews that our own friends and family can rely on. Learn more here.
Detailed Company Reviews for Online Depression Treatment
- Pay-per-session vs subscription: Subscription
- Age range: 13+
- Nationwide: Yes
- Cash-Pay Cost: $95–$349 monthly
- Insurance Accepted: Yes
Brightside Health is an online psychiatry and therapy platform offering meaningful, comprehensive treatment at a reasonable monthly subscription rate. With affordable cash-pay prices, broad insurance acceptance, and a specialized Suicide Prevention program for severe symptoms, it’s an excellent choice for almost anyone with depression.
Pros & Cons
Pros - Accepts many insurance plans
- Same-day appointments are often available
- Offers therapy, psychiatry, & crisis care
Cons - Customer service can be slow
Cost
Brightside Health offers a range of pricing options to suit your needs, with monthly costs between $45 and $349 depending on the services selected. It accepts many insurance plans, and copays or coinsurance costs depend on your coverage details.
For those paying out of pocket, Brightside Health offers the following subscription plans:
- Psychiatry Plan ($95 monthly): Includes an initial evaluation with a psychiatrist and ongoing monthly care.
- Psychiatry Maintenance Plan ($45 monthly): Available after 90 days of stable treatment, this plan focuses on ongoing care with unlimited messaging access to your prescriber.
- Therapy Plan ($299 monthly): Features four live video sessions per month with a licensed therapist.
- Combined Psychiatry + Therapy Plan ($349 monthly): Offers the full benefits of both psychiatry and therapy services in one plan.
Overview
Brightside Health provides online therapy and medication management services for individuals aged 18 and older across the United States, and teens 13–17 in 39 states and counting. Psychiatry services are available for $95 monthly, while therapy plans start at $299 monthly. The platform accepts several commercial insurance plans, including some Medicare options.
Therapy plans include weekly sessions with a licensed therapist and unlimited messaging, offering comprehensive support for managing depression. Additionally, the platform prescribes medications for various types of depression, such as postpartum and menopausal depression, and addresses co-occurring conditions like anxiety or PTSD. It uses a proprietary PrecisionRx program that helps providers prescribe more effective medication on the first try.
For those with severe symptoms, Brightside offers a unique Suicide Prevention program, offering 4–12 weeks of intensive, high-touch care with providers specifically trained in the Collaborative Assessment and Management of Suicidality (CAMS) therapeutic framework.
When our team used Brightside, we were impressed by not only the affordability but also the level of meaningful and thoughtful care that each user receives.
Visit our full review of Brightside Health for a full breakdown of all it has to offer.
- Pay-per-session vs subscription: Pay-per-session
- Age range: 5+
- Nationwide: No; 45 states
- Cash-Pay Cost: Depends on insurance copay
- Insurance Accepted: Yes, insurance only
Talkiatry is a comprehensive online psychiatry platform that offers medication management and therapy services, specializing in personalized, insurance-friendly mental health care. It’s our top choice for those needing medication due to the quality of care that goes into each appointment. Treatment is holistic and well-rounded but is only available for those with insurance coverage.
Pros & Cons
Pros - Provides detailed, individualized care
- Psychiatry appts. are longer than most online psychiatry platforms
- Treats children (5+), teens, & adults
Cons - Must have in-network insurance (doesn’t accept cash pay)
- Must be established with a psychiatrist to receive therapy
Cost
Talkiatry costs depend on your insurance benefits. It currently only accepts patients with in-network insurance coverage.
Overview
Talkiatry is an online psychiatry platform that makes managing depression with medication easy. See a licensed psychiatrist who specializes in mental health medication and not just an MD or nurse practitioner, and get a longer appointment time compared to most of its competitors. Care through Talkiatry is fully insurance-based, making it a painless way to receive online treatment for depression using your insurance benefits.
While it is primarily a psychiatric medication platform, Talkiatry also has therapists available on staff. However, the only way to access them is by referral through the psychiatrist—you must become established with a Talkiatry medication provider for your initial assessment prior to being referred to a therapist on the platform.
To learn more about how Talkiatry works, visit our full Talkiatry review.
- Pay-per-session vs subscription: Subscription
- Age range: 18+
- Nationwide: Yes
- Cash-Pay Cost: $260–$400 monthly
- Insurance Accepted: No
BetterHelp is an online therapy platform offering unparalleled access to providers and appointment flexibility, making it a standout choice among online depression therapy services. With a network of over 30,000 therapists, BetterHelp hosts a diverse range of experts, ensuring users can find the perfect match for their unique needs—plus, getting started on the platform is a breeze, making it more accessible for those with depression symptoms.
Pros & Cons
Pros - 30k+ licensed therapists to choose from
- Affordable online therapy option
- Same-day appointments available
Cons - Does not accept any insurance
- Limited choice over first therapist
Cost
BetterHelp’s pricing falls between $260 and $400 per month, which is advertised as $65 to $100 per week. Subscriptions include weekly therapy sessions, access to educational resources, and a weekly group webinar. It’s important to note that BetterHelp does not accept insurance, but that it does offer financial assistance. For those who qualify, costs can be lowered by 10% to 40%.
Overview
BetterHelp offers a variety of ways to access your weekly online mental health counseling sessions, including video, phone, and live chat. Additionally, BetterHelp clients gain access to a wide range of group sessions and webinars. BetterHelp serves anyone above age 18+ in the US or internationally, with costs ranging from $260–$400 monthly depending on where you live and therapist availability.
BetterHelp’s therapy subscription offers a variety of features to support your mental health journey. Each week, you’ll have one live session with your therapist, lasting 30 or 45 minutes, which can be done via video, phone, or text. You can also message your therapist anytime, with responses typically provided at least once daily.
The platform includes an in-app journal that you can use for private reflections or share with your therapist for additional guidance. You’ll also have access to group webinars on topics such as anxiety, stress, and depression, providing extra resources for managing your mental health.
In general, all virtual therapists with BetterHelp can help you manage depression symptoms, as well as anxiety, stress, self-esteem issues, overall unhappiness, and more.
When we tested BetterHelp, our team was struck by how seamlessly and quickly the platform connects users with a therapist. During sign-up, we were offered session availability as soon as the same day.
With its intuitive design and focus on accessibility, BetterHelp makes starting therapy simpler than ever. While success depends on finding the right therapist for your needs, the platform provides a solid foundation for depression treatment.
For a detailed breakdown of its features and benefits, check out our full BetterHelp review.
- Pay-per-session vs subscription: Pay-per-session
- Age range: 6+
- Nationwide: Yes
- Cash-pay cost: $75–$200+ per session
- Insurance accepted: Yes
Grow Therapy is a large online directory offering therapy and medication management. Signing up is a quick process, then you can sort through providers based on your insurance and your exact needs. If you don’t want to choose someone on your own, you can use its “Get Matched” service.
Pros & Cons
Pros - Takes the most insurance plans we’ve seen
- Large directory of over 15k therapists and medication prescribers
- Providers can coordinate care for best results possible
Cons - Some states may have fewer provider options
Cost
Every therapist and medication prescriber on Grow Therapy sets their own rates. Many take insurance, and you can filter the providers to only see who are in-network with your plan. A number of providers also offer sliding scale cash-pay rates.
Overview
Grow Therapy offers a huge directory of therapists and medication prescribers where you can filter by your state, insurance, and any other preferences, such as gender, ethnicity, and specialty. If you don’t want to sort through providers yourself, you can fill out a brief questionnaire and get matched with the top three therapists for your needs.
All therapy and psychiatry appointments happen through Grow Therapy’s platform, ensuring a smooth process with no hiccups. Additionally, it has a “Between Sessions Reflections” feature where you can respond to journaling prompts and choose whether or not you’d like to have them shared with your therapist so they can get more insight into your main mental health concerns.
Learn more details in our Grow Therapy review.
- Pay-per-session vs subscription: Pay-per-session
- Age range: 18+
- Nationwide: No; 12 states
- Cash-Pay Cost: $35–$240 per session
- Insurance Accepted: Yes
LunaJoy is a unique platform that specializes in the intersection of women’s needs and mental health. LunaJoy’s focus on women’s health ensures a more targeted and supportive approach. Whether you’re struggling with postpartum depression or another issue, LunaJoy is a great fit for women across 12 US states and D.C.
Pros & Cons
Pros - Access to free 24/7 Care Navigator
- Affordable option for group therapy
- Specializes in women’s issues
Cons - Not available in all 50 States
Cost
LunaJoy costs $35–$240 per session, depending on the services you need.
Here’s a breakdown of the costs of each of LunaJoy’s offerings:
- Medication management appointment:
- $240 for a 60-minute intake session
- $150 for 30-minute follow-up sessions
- Therapy session:
- $150 for initial 60-minute intake session
- $125 for all future 60-minute sessions
- Group coaching:
- $35 for 60-minute sessions (not covered by insurance)
Many providers on the platform accept insurance, which can significantly reduce costs. Commonly accepted plans include Cigna, Optum, Humana, BlueCross BlueShield, Meridian, Medicare, and more.
Overview
LunaJoy is a specialized mental health platform focused on providing comprehensive care for women, particularly in the areas of depression, anxiety, and ADHD. The platform offers a range of services, including therapy, medication management, and group support for various mental health conditions that uniquely affect women including postpartum depression and the mental health challenges that come along with menopause. LunaJoy’s providers are trained to address the specific challenges women face, ensuring a more personalized and effective treatment experience.
Serving clients across 12 US States, LunaJoy is dedicated to making high-quality, women-centered mental health care accessible online. Currently, LunaJoy provides care to the following states: AK, CA, FL, GA, IL, PA, MA, NJ, NY, NC, TX, VA, and Washington DC.
To learn more, read our full review of LunaJoy.
- Pay-per-session vs subscription: Subscription
- Age range: 13+
- Nationwide: Yes
- Cash-Pay Cost: $276–$436 Monthly
- Insurance Accepted: Yes
Talkspace is a versatile online therapy platform that offers therapy and psychiatry services through messaging, video, and audio sessions, making mental health support both accessible and convenient. The platform accepts more insurance plans than most, including select Medicare and Medicaid plans, making it an excellent option for those looking to use insurance benefits for online depression treatment.
Pros & Cons
Pros - Many major insurance plans accepted
- Medication services available
- Couples & teen therapy available
Cons - Not much control over initial therapist
- Therapist-matching can be slow
Cost
Talkspace costs $276–$436 monthly cash-pay, depending on the plan. The messaging-only package starts at $276 monthly, the live therapy package starts at $396 monthly, and the messaging, therapy, and workshop package costs $436 monthly.
Talkspace accepts many insurance plans and is one of the only major online therapy platforms that accepts Medicare. If you use your insurance for therapy, your copay will depend on your plan.
Talkspace offers three online therapy subscriptions for cash-pay members:
- Messaging Therapy ($276/month): Send text, audio, or video messages to your therapist anytime, with responses Monday-Friday.
- Video + Messaging Therapy ($396/month): Includes four 45-minute video sessions plus the messaging plan.
- Video + Messaging Therapy + Workshops ($436/month): All the features of the previous plans, plus access to live Zoom workshops on mental health topics.
Overview
Talkspace is a subscription-based online therapy service offering support for depression, anxiety, and more. It provides flexible access to weekly virtual therapy sessions through video, phone, and messaging, along with psychiatric services and therapy options for couples and teens. Serving individuals aged 13+ in the U.S. and internationally, Talkspace costs range from $276–$436 monthly.
When our team used Talkspace as a solution for online depression treatment, we were impressed with the range of services offered. We found it to be an excellent option for those with in-network insurance coverage, though the prices can feel high without it. Talkspace accepts a variety of major plans, including Premera, Cigna, Optum, Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Medicare, and more. The platform also frequently partners with employers and educational institutions.
Visit our full Talkspace review for a full breakdown of everything it has to offer.
Final Verdict
“Brightside Health is our top choice for online treatment for depression, offering the best value for its price, broad accessibility, and the most comprehensive care we’ve seen among online platforms. If it doesn’t take your insurance, Talkspace could be a decent alternative. For medication, Talkiatry is our top pick, with longer sessions by licensed psychiatrists. That said, some may find better options elsewhere—BetterHelp is ideal for cash-pay online treatment, while LunaJoy could be a great choice for women with depression in states where it’s offered.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Is online therapy effective for depression?
Yes, online therapy can be a great tool for those struggling with depression. It offers a quick, accessible way to get care without even having to leave your bed. Online therapy platforms like BetterHelp can get you matched with a therapist right away if you don’t have the energy to find your own therapist. If you want to have more of a say, Grow Therapy is a great way to find an online therapist.
What is the best treatment for depression?
The best treatment for depression is often a combination of therapy and medication. Online mental health platforms like Talkiatry or Brightside Health can be a great way to get both medication and therapy for depression without having to leave the house.
What online doctors can prescribe antidepressants?
Many doctors, psychiatrists, and psychiatric nurse practitioners can prescribe antidepressants. In our guide to the best online psychiatry services, we rated Talkiatry as one of the best ways to get insurance-based medication, which includes antidepressants. Other options are Brightside Health or Talkspace.
Does depression get better with therapy?
Yes, depression can get better with therapy for many people. For those who need more support, a combination of medication and therapy could be what makes the biggest difference. Therapists will work with clients to set goals, identify barriers, examine trauma, and challenge thought patterns and behaviors that are ineffective or harmful.
Can you be diagnosed with depression online?
Yes, some platforms, such as Talkiatry, can provide an official depression diagnosis. Other platforms, such as BetterHelp, will instead treat clients based on symptoms and not give diagnoses.
What is the highest rated online therapy?
There are many online therapy platforms that are highly rated, including Grow Therapy, Brightside Health, BetterHelp, and Talkspace. They each have their own strengths and weaknesses, but BetterHelp has the lowest cash-pay cost and the most therapists, so you’re likely to be able to see someone right away. Brightside Health has a specialty plan with video resources and mood check-ins, which could be helpful for depression. Grow Therapy takes the most insurance plans we’ve seen, while Talkspace is easy to get started. Grow Therapy, Brightside Health, and Talkspace also offer medication in addition to therapy, which could be helpful in your depression journey.
Does insurance cover online therapy?
Yes, insurance often covers the cost of online therapy when a platform is in-network. Some of our favorite online therapy platforms that take insurance include:
Who should not use online therapy?
Online therapy is not ideal for those suffering from severe mental health symptoms such as suicidal ideation, hallucinations, or psychosis. Those suffering from severe mental health symptoms should seek in-person care.
If you currently have severe mental health symptoms and need immediate help, you should dial 911, visit the nearest emergency room, or call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255) or by dialing 988.
Any online therapy provider is not a safe choice for those in an active crisis, as therapists cannot respond immediately. Online therapy is also not ideal for those with a serious mental illness (SMI) such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, eating disorders, personality disorders, or treatment-resistant depression.
Is BetterHelp good for depression?
Yes, BetterHelp can be a good option for people with depression, as it takes very little energy to sign up and get started with a therapist. However, it may take a few tries to find a therapist you really click with, so keep this in mind and don’t give up if you don’t feel like you didn’t get a good match on the first go.
ChoosingTherapy.com strives to provide our readers with mental health content that is accurate and actionable. We have high standards for what can be cited within our articles. Acceptable sources include government agencies, universities and colleges, scholarly journals, industry and professional associations, and other high-integrity sources of mental health journalism. Learn more by reviewing our full editorial policy.
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World Health Organization (2022, June 8). Mental disorders. World Health Organization. Retrieved from: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-disorders
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Karrouri, R., Hammani, Z., Benjelloun, R., & Otheman, Y. (2021). Major depressive disorder: Validated treatments and future challenges. World journal of clinical cases, 9(31), 9350–9367. https://doi.org/10.12998/wjcc.v9.i31.9350. Retrieved from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8610877/
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Church, M. (2025, March 18). Brightside Health Review: Pros & Cons, Cost, & My Experience. ChoosingTherapy.com. Retrieved from https://www.choosingtherapy.com/brightside-health-review/
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Church, M. (2025, January 28). Talkiatry Review: Pros & Cons, Cost, & My Experience. ChoosingTherapy.com. Retrieved from https://www.choosingtherapy.com/talkiatry-review/
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Church, M. (2025, March 12). BetterHelp Review: Cost, Pros & Cons, & My Experience. ChoosingTherapy.com. Retrieved from https://www.choosingtherapy.com/betterhelp-review/
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Rueger, A. (2025, June 2). Grow Therapy Review 2025: Pros & Cons, Cost, & Who It’s Right For. ChoosingTherapy.com. Retrieved from: https://www.choosingtherapy.com/grow-therapy-review/
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Suarez-Angelino, L. (2024, December 9). LunaJoy Review: Pros & Cons, Cost, & My Experience. ChoosingTherapy.com. Retrieved from https://www.choosingtherapy.com/lunajoy-review/
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Church, M. (2025, March 14). Talkspace Review: Pros & Cons, Cost, & My Experience. ChoosingTherapy.com. Retrieved from https://www.choosingtherapy.com/talkspace-review/
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Church, M. (2025, February 21). Online-Therapy.com Review: Pros & Cons, Cost, & My Experience. ChoosingTherapy.com. Retrieved from https://www.choosingtherapy.com/online-therapy-com-review/
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Suarez-Angelino, L. (2025, March 5). Open Path Collective Therapy Review 2025. ChoosingTherapy.com. Retrieved from https://www.choosingtherapy.com/open-path-collective-therapy/
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Church, C. (2025, February 21). Better U Review: Cost, Pros & Cons, & My Experience. ChoosingTherapy.com. Retrieved from https://www.choosingtherapy.com/better-u-review/
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Church, M. (2025, May 29). Mindbloom Review 2025: Cost, Pros & Cons, & My Experience. ChoosingTherapy.com. Retrieved from: https://www.choosingtherapy.com/mindbloom-review/
We regularly update the articles on ChoosingTherapy.com to ensure we continue to reflect scientific consensus on the topics we cover, to incorporate new research into our articles, and to better answer our audience’s questions. When our content undergoes a significant revision, we summarize the changes that were made and the date on which they occurred. We also record the authors and medical reviewers who contributed to previous versions of the article. Read more about our editorial policies here.
Author: Melissa Boudin, PsyD (No change)
Medical Reviewer: Kristen Fuller, MD (No change)
Primary Changes: Removed Better U, Open Path Collective, and Online-Therapy.com from the main list. Added Grow Therapy. Added “Other Specialized Alternatives” section.
Author: Melissa Boudin, PsyD. (No change)
Medical Reviewer: Kristen Fuller, MD (No change)
Primary Changes: Updated BetterHelp’s pricing from $260–$360 to $280–$400 monthly. Updated Online-Therapy.com’s pricing from $200–$440 to $240–$480 monthly. Fact-checked all information provided and edited for readability and clarity.
Author: Melissa Boudin, PsyD. (New author)
Medical Reviewer: Kristen Fuller, MD (No change)
Primary Changes: Complete rewrite of article. Fact-checked all information and reconsidered/made changes to the recommendations list based on research and product testing. Updated where necessary to improve factual accuracy and readability. Companies removed from list: Teen Counseling, Little Otter, Grouport, and Regain. Companies added to list: Calm and Better U.
Author: Matthew Church, M.S.
Medical Reviewer: Kristen Fuller, MD.
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