Finding an online therapy service that fits your needs and accepts your current insurance plan can be a challenge. To help you with this process, we have created a list of questions for you to ask your insurance provider and have compiled the best online therapy options that take insurance.
There is a growing list of online platforms that provide therapy as well as take insurance. Our list of companies may be able to help you find the best online therapy option for you or for your family.
Using Insurance for Online Therapy
Those who want to use their insurance for online therapy must be aware of certain factors. While many online teletherapy and telemedicine companies do take insurance, whether or not the specific plan you are signed up for has teletherapy or telepsychiatry benefits varies based on your coverage.
It is important that, prior to signing up for any online therapy service, you call your insurance provider and ask them about your benefits.
Here are some important questions to ask your insurance provider before starting online therapy:
- Does my plan have mental health benefits through another carrier?
- Are there any deductibles that must be met before these benefits are active?
- Can you tell me how much I will owe for a copay or coinsurance for a visit?
- Are there any out-of-network benefits? If so, is there an out-of-network deductible? How much is reimbursed? How do I submit an out-of-network claim for reimbursement?
- Does my plan cover a subscription with (Company Name)? How long will my subscription be covered/at what point does my subscription stop being covered?
- Do I need a referral or prior authorization for treatment with (Company Name)?
- Are there any limits on the number of therapy visits I can have in a given time period?
Best Online Therapy Options That Take Insurance
- Talkspace
- Brightside
- Monument
- Doctor on Demand
- Amwell
- MDLive
- Teladoc
- Thriveworks
- Lifestance
- Inclusive Therapists
- Charlie Health
Here’s a complete list of companies reviewed in this article listed in alphabetical order: Amwell, Brightside, Charlie Health, Doctor on Demand, Inclusive Therapists, Lifestance, MDLive, Monument, Talkspace, Teladoc, and Thriveworks.
Subscription-Based Online Therapy Services
Talkspace – Best Overall
Talkspace is a subscription-based online therapy platform that offers live 45-minute video, phone, or texting sessions with a licensed therapist for costs starting at $276 – $436 billed monthly (advertised as $69 – $109 weekly) depending on which subscription you choose. With Talkspace, teens, couples, and adults can choose from three subscription options and can even receive psychiatric care in addition to therapy. Currently, Talkspace is available in all 50 US states and in Canada and earned 4 out of 5 stars overall during our independent review of its online therapy services.
Online Therapy With Talkspace
| Cost of Online Therapy | $246 - $516 per month (depending on subscription selected & your location) |
| Does Talkspace Accept Insurance? | Yes |
| Frequency of Appointments | Weekly |
| Messaging with Therapist Between Appointments | Yes |
| Provider Choices | Automatically Matched |
| Can You Change Therapists? | Yes |
| Speed to First Appointment | 3 - 5 Days |
| Geographic Coverage | All 50 US States + Canada* *Psychiatry in US Only |
| Age Limitations | 13+ |
| Online Psychiatry Offered | Yes |
| Cost of Online Psychiatry | $249 for an initial session $125 for follow-up appointments |
How Much Does Talkspace Cost?
Talkspace Therapy costs start at $276 – $436 billed monthly (advertised as $69 – $109 weekly), with exact pricing depending on which subscription plan you want, where you live, and therapist availability.
Get $100 Off Talkspace with the code SPACE
Talkspace offers three online therapy subscriptions:
- Messaging Therapy – This plan gives you a dedicated chatroom where you can send text, audio, or video messages to your therapist anytime. Therapists will respond to messages at least once daily, Monday- Friday. Costs start at $276 monthly (advertised at $69 weekly).
- Video + Messaging Therapy – This plan gives you four, 45-minute video sessions with your therapist every month, as well as the messaging plan. Costs start at $396 monthly, advertised at $99 weekly.
- Video + Messaging + Workshops – This plan includes everything from the Messaging Only and Live Therapy plans as well as access to live Zoom workshops with licensed providers on various mental health topics. Costs start at $436 monthly, advertised at $109 weekly.
Talkspace Psychiatry costs $249 for an initial session and $125 for follow-up appointments. All psychiatric costs are in addition to the cost of the therapy subscriptions with Talkspace. There are no bundled offers for psychiatry and therapy at this time.
Which Insurance Plans Does Talkspace Accept?
Talkspace accepts many major insurance plans like Premera, Cigna, Optum, Gatorcare, Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and more. They also have numerous partners from education institutions to corporations and can provide either messaging-only therapy or messaging + live therapy sessions to beneficiaries. You can easily check what benefits are included through the Talkspace website.
What Out-of-Network Benefits Can I Use with Talkspace?
With Talkspace, you can use your FSA/HSA card to pay for therapy or you can request a superbill from your therapist. However, if you request a superbill from your therapist, you will be in charge of submitting the claim to your insurance. Talkspace does not process any superbills on your behalf.
What Sets Talkspace Apart?
Talkspace has been a leader in the mental health and wellness sector since 2012, which has given them an advantage over other subscription-based platforms like Brightside or Cerebral. An interesting program Talkspace offers is their 8-week insomnia program based on CBT-i skills. Through the insomnia program, you get matched with an expert and they will create a personalized sleep plan for you. You will learn to identify your triggers, barriers to sleep, and how to control intrusive thought patterns. For those struggling with insomnia or sleep issues, Talkspace could be a great option.
How to Sign Up for Talkspace
To sign up for Talkspace, visit the Talkspace website.
Brightside – Best for Anxiety and Depression Treatment
Brightside is a subscription-based online therapy and psychiatry platform that focuses exclusively on treating anxiety and depression in adults over 18. You can attend weekly 30-minute sessions with a licensed therapist for $299 – $349 monthly, depending on which plan you choose. Brightside’s therapy and medication plans are available in all 50 US states. During our independent review, Brightside earned 4 out of 5 stars for its online psychiatry services.
Online Therapy with Brightside
| Cost of Online Therapy | $299 - $349 Monthly |
| Does Brightside Accept Insurance? | Yes |
| Frequency of Appointments | Weekly |
| Messaging with Therapist Between Appointments | Yes |
| Provider Choices | Matched |
| Can You Change Therapists? | Yes |
| Speed to First Appointment | 48 hours or less |
| Geographic Coverage | All 50 US States |
| Age Limitations | 18+ |
| Online Psychiatry Offered | Yes |
| Cost of Online Psychiatry | $95 Monthly + Medication Co-Pay |
How Much Does Brightside Cost?
Brightside has a Therapy plan and a Therapy + Medication plan, with monthly costs of $299 for Therapy and $349 for Therapy + Medication that must be paid upon signing up.
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Brightside mental health subscription plans include:
- Therapy: Costs $299 monthly and includes four, 30-minute live video sessions, unlimited messaging with responses the same or next day, and CBT-based skill-building lessons
- Medication + Therapy: Costs $349 monthly and includes a symptoms assessment, a comprehensive 30 minute initial session, prescriptions shipped to your door (about 5-7 days after your initial session), and 15-minute follow-up appointments as needed
Brightside also has a medication only plan for $95 monthly that includes an initial evaluation by a provider, medication delivered to your door monthly, and unlimited messaging with your provider. You can even schedule extra video appointments with your therapist for $59 per 30-minute session.
All medications are a $15 copay with insurance, with out-of-pocket costs varying per medication.
Which Insurance Plans Does Brightside Accept?
Brightside accepts several national insurance plans, including Cigna, Evernorth, and Aetna. If you have coverage for Brightside, you will be responsible for any co-pay, co-insurance, deductibles, or medication costs. When you sign up, Brightside will check your eligibility, then after your visit, Brightside will submit a claim to your insurance provider.
What Out-Of-Network Benefits Can I Use With Brightside?
At Brightside, you are unable to be provided with a superbill or itemized bill to submit to your insurance. You can, however, use your FSA/HSA card to pay for therapy.
What Sets Brightside Apart?
Brightside is the only online therapy platform on our list that exclusively treats anxiety and depression with a combination of CBT techniques, therapy, and medication management. Unlike Talkspace, Brightside does not make you pay for two plans in order to receive therapy and medication/psychiatric care, which may allow you to save money. While both platforms accept insurance, it seems that Talkspace accepts more plans.
How to Sign Up for Brightside
To sign up for Brightside, visit the Brightside website.
Monument – Best for Online Alcohol Dependence Treatment
Monument is an online therapy platform that offers dedicated therapy and medication management for those dealing with alcohol dependence. Therapy costs with Monument are $149 – $249 monthly, depending on which plan you select. Monument is currently available in 20 states, including Washington D.C.
Online Therapy with Monument
| Cost of Online Therapy | $149 - $249 Monthly |
| Does Monument Accept Insurance? | Yes |
| Frequency of Appointments | Weekly or Every Other Week |
| Messaging with Therapists Between Appointments | Yes |
| Provider Choices | Matched |
| Can You Change Therapists? | Yes |
| Speed to First Appointment | 3-5 Days |
| Geographic Coverage | AZ, CA, CO, CT, FL, GA, IA, KY, MD, MS, NJ, NY, OH, OR, PA, SC, TX, VA, WA, & Washington D.C. |
| Age Limitations | 18+ |
| Online Psychiatry Offered | Medication Management for Alcohol Dependence |
| Cost of Online Psychiatry | $45 Initial Fee $9.99 Monthly |
How Much Does Monument Cost?
Monument has two subscription plans for $149 – $249, depending on which plan you choose. Each subscription offers live therapy sessions, medication for alcohol cravings, messaging with your providers, therapist-moderated support groups, and a community forum.
Monument’s subscription plans are:
- Total Care Biweekly: Costs $149 monthly and includes two 45-minute live therapy sessions every other week, unlimited physician appointments, medication management, messaging with your physician and therapist, therapist-moderated support groups, and access to an anonymous 24/7 community forum.
- Total Care Weekly: Costs $249 monthly and includes one 45-minute live therapy session weekly as well as everything in the Biweekly plan.
Monument has a stand-alone medication management plan, called Physician Care, that costs $45 for an initial appointment and then $9.99 monthly. Physician Care includes appointments with a physician, medication management, messaging with your physician, therapist-moderated support groups, and access to the community forum. Medication is not included in the cost of any subscription plans and is either an out-of-pocket cost or your pharmacy co-pay.
Monument also offers a free community membership for anyone struggling with alcohol dependence, which gives you access to the therapist-moderated support groups as well as the community forum.
Which Insurance Plans Does Monument Accept?
Monument accepts insurance from Aetna, Oscar, Optum, UnitedHealthcare, Oxford Health Plans, Medicare, and Cigna. Monument will run an eligibility check for you and an insurance specialist will get in touch with you to explain any out-of-pocket costs you will be responsible for.
What Out-Of-Network Benefits Can I Use With Monument?
We reached out to Monument to verify if they accepted any out-of-network benefits and did not receive an answer back from them at this time. Based on the FAQs on their website, it does not seem they accept FSA/HSA cards to pay for insurance. They also do not seem to be able to provide superbills at this time.
What Sets Monument Apart?
Monument is the only online therapy platform on our list that offers medication management and therapy to help those struggling with alcohol dependence. They launched in 2020 and while still new to the online therapy scene, Monument offers a lifeline to those who can’t go to AA meetings, cannot afford in-person therapy, or are too ashamed to ask for help. While Monument is only available in 20 states at this time, they continue to grow and are such a valuable asset to the online therapy community.
How to Sign Up for Monument
To sign up for Monument, you can visit their website and begin an insurance verification form.
Telemedicine Platforms Offering Therapy
Doctor on Demand
Doctor on Demand by Included Health is an on-demand telemedicine platform that offers online therapy for individuals 18 and older. There are two live therapy options, a 25-minute session for $129 or a 50-minute session for $179. These are some of the highest out-of-pocket costs for online therapy on our list.
Online Therapy with Doctor on Demand
| Cost of Online Therapy | $125 - 25 Minute Session $179 - 50 Minute Session |
| Frequency of Appointments | On Demand |
| Messaging with Therapist Between Appointments | On Demand |
| Provider Choices | Self-Select |
| Can You Change Therapists? | Yes |
| Speed to First Appointment | 1-2 Days |
| Geographic Coverage | All 50 US States |
| Age Limitations | 18+ |
| Online Psychiatry Offered | Yes |
| Cost of Online Psychiatry | $299 Initial Appointment $129 Follow-Up Appointment |
How Much Does Doctor on Demand Cost?
Doctor on Demand requires you to create an account (for free) in order to see whether your insurance is accepted, as well as to begin to search their online therapist directory. Therapy sessions with Doctor on Demand (called consultations) cost $129 per 25-minute session or $179 per 50-minute session.
Psychiatry costs are $299 for an initial 45-minute consultation and $129 for 15-minute follow-up consultations. If prescribed medication, you can pick it up at your local pharmacy and pay your copay fee or an out-of-pocket cost.
Which Insurance Plans Does Doctor on Demand Accept?
Doctor on Demand accepts many major insurance plans including Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Humana, and others. During the free sign-up process, you can add your insurance to see if your therapy visit is covered.
What Out-Of-Network Benefits Can I Use With Doctor on Demand?
Doctor on Demand can also provide you with a superbill for possible reimbursement from your insurance if you’re using out-of-network benefits. Doctor on Demand accepts HSA/FSA as payment for therapy.
What Sets Doctor on Demand Apart?
Doctor on Demand offers psychiatric care and medication management in addition to therapy and emphasizes coordination of care if you use both services. When we reached out to Doctor on Demand for our Best Online Therapy Options article, they shared with us that this coordination of care is something their company is very proud of. All of the doctors on their platform can share records and create referrals with one another, which gives Doctor on Demand patients a seamless experience. Doctor on Demand also offers Urgent Care, Family Medicine, Men’s & Women’s Health, and much more, making it a one-stop-shop option for many.
How to Sign Up for Doctor on Demand
You can sign up for an account and check your eligibility through the Doctor On Demand website.
Amwell
Amwell is an on-demand telemedicine platform that can offer online therapy to kids and teens (10-17), adults, and couples. All therapy sessions have out-of-pocket costs of $109 – $129 for one 45-minute, live video session.
Once you create your account, you will be able to add your insurance information. Unlike other online therapy platforms, you will only know if your insurance plan is accepted after you choose a therapist to see. On the payment screen, you will either see your co-pay or an out-of-pocket cost. To eliminate this surprise, it would be best if you called your insurance provider ahead of signing up with Amwell to see if your plan is accepted by them.
Online Therapy with Amwell
| Cost of Online Therapy | $109 - $129 per session |
| Frequency of Appointments | On Demand |
| Messaging with Therapist Between Appointments | No |
| Provider Choices | Self-Select |
| Can You Change Therapists? | Yes |
| Speed to First Appointment | 3-4 Days |
| Geographic Coverage | All 50 US States |
| Age Limitations | 10+ for Therapy 18+ for Psychiatry |
| Online Psychiatry Offered | Yes |
| Cost of Online Psychiatry | $270 Initial Appointment $109 Follow-Up Appointment |
How Much Does Amwell Cost?
Amwell therapy sessions are available for those 10-years and older and cost $109-$129 per 45-minute session. Costs depend on the education level of the therapist you choose from their directory. Master’s level providers cost $109, while Doctoral level providers cost $129.
You can also choose to receive psychiatric care with Amwell, which is $279 for an initial 45-minute session. All follow-up sessions are $109 for 15-minute sessions. Psychiatric care is only available to those 18-years and older.
Which Insurance Plans Does Amwell Accept?
Amwell accepts insurance plans from companies like Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, United Health Care, and more.
What Out-Of-Network Benefits Can I Use With Amwell?
With Amwell, you can request a superbill and submit a claim to your insurance provider.
What Sets Amwell Apart?
If your insurance plan is not accepted with Amwell, you do have the option of requesting a superbill. You will have to pay for services upfront but once you submit a claim to your insurance, you may receive possible reimbursement. This is unlike MDLive, where, to our knowledge, you can only use your HSA/FSA card to pay for services. Another interesting feature of Amwell is that they will coordinate your care with providers that are not on their platform, which can be helpful if you decide you need in-person services.
How to Sign Up for Amwell
You can sign up for a free account on the Amwell website.
MDLive
MDLive is an on-demand telemedicine platform that offers online therapy to kids and teens (10-17), and adults. Live therapy sessions are 45-60 minute video or phone calls, with an out-of-pocket cost of $108, making it one of the most affordable individual session costs on our list.
Online Therapy with MDLive
| Cost of Online Therapy | $108 per session |
| Frequency of Appointments | On Demand |
| Messaging with Therapist Between Appointments | No |
| Provider Choices | Self-Select |
| Can You Change Therapists? | Yes |
| Speed to First Appointment | 1-3 Days |
| Geographic Coverage | All 50 US States |
| Age Limitations | 10+ |
| Online Psychiatry Offered | Yes |
| Cost of Online Psychiatry | $284 Initial Appointment $108 Follow-Up Appointment |
How Much Does MDLive Cost?
MDLive Therapy sessions cost $108 out-of-pocket for a live, 45-60 minute session.
MDLive Psychiatry costs $284 for an initial evaluation, and $108 for each follow-up appointment. All psychiatry appointments are 15-30 minutes long.
Medication costs will be your pharmacy co-pay or whatever the out-of-pocket costs are for medication.
Which Insurance Plans Does MDLive Accept?
MDLive accepts insurance plans from companies like Cigna, Humana, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, and more.
What Out-Of-Network Benefits Can I Use With MDLive?
MDLive accepts HSA cards to pay for therapy, but it is unclear if they can provide superbills. We have reached out to MDLive but have not heard back from them at this time.
What Sets MDLive Apart?
MDLive has longer therapy sessions than both Amwell and Doctor on Demand, depending on which therapist you choose to see. 60-minute live therapy sessions for an out-of-pocket cost of $108, which is a great deal. If your insurance plan is not accepted by MDLive, you do have the option to use your HSA card to pay for the cost of therapy. This may be especially important for those that may be in between jobs or in between insurance coverage.
How to Sign Up for MDLive
You can sign up for an account through the MDLive website and verify if MDLive accepts your insurance plan.
Teladoc
Teladoc is a telemedicine platform that offers therapy and psychiatry to individuals over the age of 18. Therapy costs $99 and psychiatry costs $299 for an initial session, with follow-up appointments costing $199. Teladoc is available in all 50 states and in Canada.
Online Therapy with Teladoc
| Cost of Online Therapy | $99 |
| Frequency of Appointments | On Demand |
| Messaging with a Therapist Between Appointments | No |
| Provider Choices | Self-Select |
| Can You Change Therapists? | Yes |
| Speed to First Appointment | 3 Days or Less |
| Geographic Coverage | All 50 US States |
| Age Limitations | 18+ |
| Online Psychiatry Offered | Yes |
| Cost of Online Psychiatry | $299 Initial Appointments $199 Follow-Up Appointments |
How Much Does Teladoc Cost?
Teladoc costs $99 for a 45-60 minute session with a licensed therapist. Psychiatry costs $299 for an initial appointment and $199 for follow-up appointments. Any medications prescribed are either your pharmacy co-pay or an out-of-pocket cost.
Which Insurance Plans Does Teladoc Accept?
Teladoc accepts plans from companies like Aetna, Anthem BCBS, Cigna, Premera, United Healthcare and more. They also accept Medicaid in certain states.
What Out-Of-Network Benefits Can I Use With Teladoc?
Teladoc allows you to pay for services with your FSA/HSA card, but it is unclear if they provide superbills at this time. We have reached out to the company but unfortunately have not heard back from them at this time.
What Sets Teladoc Apart?
Teladoc was one of the first telemedicine platforms to be launched and was founded in 2002. They are one of the biggest telemedicine platforms to this date and have made acquisitions of other online telemedicine platforms as well as online therapy platforms, notably BetterHelp in 2015. This allows Teladoc to be in a rather unique position when it comes to offering therapy to the United States.
Consumers can choose to use their insurance and see a therapist with Teladoc or they can choose an out-of-pocket subscription option and use BetterHelp. Either way, consumers will have access to a very large therapist pool and be able to connect with a licensed professional in their state within days.
You can read all about the online therapy platforms Teladoc has purchased in our comprehensive review of BetterHelp, our Teen Counseling review, Faithful Counseling review, or our ReGain Couples Counseling review.
How to Sign Up for Teladoc
You can create an account by signing up on the Teladoc website.
Directory-Based Therapy Platforms
Thriveworks – Best for In-Person and Online Services
Thriveworks provides online and in-person counseling for kids and teens, individuals, and couples both online and in-person. Thriveworks also offers evening and weekend appointments. Thriveworks’ costs $99 – $199 for one 60-minute session, with ultimate costs depending on your location and the therapist you choose.
Online Therapy with Thriveworks
| Cost of Online Therapy | $99 - $199 per session $24 - $39 Monthly Membership Fee |
| Frequency of Appointments | As Needed |
| Massaging with Therapist Between Appointments | Yes, via email |
| Provider Choices | Self-Select |
| Can You Change Therapists? | Yes |
| Speed to First Appointment | 3-5 Days |
| Geographic Coverage | AL, AK, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, HI, ID, IN, IL, IA, KY, LA, ME, MD, MASS, MI, MN, MS, MO, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NY, NC, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, D.C., WY |
| Age Limitations | 13+ |
| Online Psychiatry Offered | Yes |
| Cost of Online Psychiatry | $99 - $349, depending on location |
How Much Does Thriveworks Cost?
Thriveworks therapy costs $99 – $199 for 60 minutes, with ultimate costs depending on where you live, your insurance plan, and the therapist you choose.
Thriveworks does offer psychiatric care in select states and at select, in-person locations. Psychiatry services costs $99 – $349, with exact costs depending on the provider and your location. Initial psychiatry sessions are between 50 – 60 minutes and follow-up appointments are 30-minutes long.
Which Insurance Plans Does Thriveworks Accept?
Thriveworks accepts insurance plans from companies like Blue Cross Blue Shield, Anthem, Optum, United, Aetna, Cigna, Humana, and many others. Some locations will also accept Medicaid.
What Out-Of-Network Benefits Can I Use With Thriveworks?
Thriveworks will allow you to use your FSA/HSA card to pay for therapy. It is unclear if you can receive a superbill at this time and we have reached out to Thriveworks to learn more.
What Sets Thriveworks Apart?
Thriveworks has locations in over 40 states and you can see therapists either in-person or online, which is a great option for those who want to see a therapist face-to-face every now and again. If you feel you may benefit from certain prescriptions, Thriveworks’ in-person psychiatry may be a good fit for you. Many online psychiatry platforms can’t prescribe controlled substances, but with Thriveworks you could see a therapist online and a psychiatrist in person. For even more information about how they work, you can read our comprehensive Thriveworks review.
How to Sign Up for Thriveworks
You can sign up and check your insurance eligibility on the Thriveworks website.
Lifestance
Lifestance Health is an online therapy platform for kids and teens (as young as 2 years old), individuals, couples, families, and offers group therapy options. All sessions and costs depend on which therapist you choose and your insurance coverage.
Online Therapy with Lifestance
| Cost of Online Therapy | Depends on Therapist |
| Frequency of Appointments | On Demand |
| Messaging with Therapists Between Appointments | No |
| Provider Choices | Self-Select |
| Can You Change Therapists? | Yes |
| Speed to First Appointment | Within 3 days |
| Geographic Coverage | AZ, CA, CO, DE, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, KY, ME, MD, MASS, MI, MN, MO, NV, NH, NJ, NY, NC, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, VA, WA, & WI |
| Age Limitations | Children/Teens and 18+ |
| Online Psychiatry Offered | Yes |
| Cost of Online Psychiatry | Depends on Provider |
How Much Does Lifestance Cost?
Lifestance costs depend on which therapist you want to see and if they accept your insurance plan. The same is true for psychiatry costs.
Which Insurance Plans Does Lifestance Accept?
Lifestance accepts most major insurance plans from companies like Aetna, Beacon/Value Options, Cigna, Magellan, and more. You will be able to view which plans the therapist you choose accepts when you view their bio in the Lifestance directory.
What Out-Of-Network Benefits Can I Use With Lifestance?
With Lifestance, you can use your HSA/FSA cards to pay for the cost of therapy. Some providers may be able to provide you with a superbill, but that will be up to the provider. We reached out to Lifestance for further clarification but have not heard back from them at this time.
What Sets Lifestance Apart?
Much like Thriveworks, you can see a therapist either in-person or online. Choosing between these two platforms will ultimately come down to whether they accept your insurance or not. Luckily, on both platforms, it is very easy to view if the therapist you choose accepts your insurance plan. Another factor in choosing which of these may be right for you is what state you live in – Thriveworks is more widely-available than Lifestance at this time.
How to Get Started With Lifestance
To get started with Lifestance, you will want to view their provider directory.
Inclusive Therapists
Inclusive Therapist is an online therapist directory dedicated to serving those in the BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ communities. Much like Thriveworks and Lifestance, costs for therapy and psychiatry will depend on the provider you choose. However, Inclusive Therapists is the only provider on our list who actively serves the needs of marginalized communities.
If you do not want to go through tons of profiles to find a therapist/provider, you can request to be matched with a therapist. One of the drop-down menus will allow you to choose “Insurance” as a category and then a second list with over 30 insurance providers will populate. Within five days, at least three to four therapists/providers should reach out to you and you can then choose who you think would fit you best.
Online Therapy with Inclusive Therapists
| Cost of Online Therapy | Depends on the Therapist |
| Frequency of Appointments | On Demand |
| Messaging with Therapists Between Appointments | No |
| Provider Choices | Self-Select |
| Can You Change Therapists? | Yes |
| Speed to First Appointment | Depends on Therapist |
| Geographic Coverage | 46 States & Washington D.C. |
| Age Limitations | All Ages |
| Online Psychiatry Offered | Yes |
| Cost of Online Psychiatry | Depends on Provider |
How Much Does Inclusive Therapists Cost?
All costs with Inclusive Therapists will depend on the therapist or psychiatrist you select. Some costs can be as high as $250 or more per session, while other providers offer a sliding scale for their costs.
Which Insurance Plans Does Inclusive Therapist Accept?
All of the Inclusive Therapists are independent practitioners, so which insurance plans are accepted varies greatly. Some of the most common ones are Optum, Oxford, PHCS, United Healthcare and Blue Cross Blue Shield. Certain providers may even accept Medicaid or Medicare.
What Out-Of-Network Benefits Can I Use With Inclusive Therapists?
Similar to insurance plans, what out-of-network benefits you can use with Inclusive Therapists depends on the provider. Towards the bottom of each therapist’s bio you will be able to see a section called “Rates & Forms of Payment,” where you can see if they accept HSA/FSA for payment and if they can provide superbills.
What Sets Inclusive Therapists Apart?
Inclusive Therapists is a therapist directory that offers patients a way to connect with culturally responsive and social-justice-oriented therapists. The entire platform is centered around the needs of the BIPOC and the 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, as well as neurodivergent and disabled communities. A large part of the driving force behind Inclusive Therapists is to create change through decolonial education, collective care, and activism. A truly wonderful aspect of Inclusive Therapist is that many of the providers on the platform identify as part of one of these marginalized groups.
How to Get Started With Inclusive Therapists
To get started with Inclusive Therapists, you will want to visit their website and begin searching their directory.
Charlie Health – Best for Teen & Young Adult Intensive Outpatient Group Therapy
Charlie Health is an intensive outpatient (IOP) online group therapy platform for teens and young adults ages 11-28 years old. The IOP program lasts for 6-10 weeks and includes group therapy sessions, family therapy sessions, and individual therapy sessions.Charlie Health’s admissions line is open 24/7 and they pride themselves on being a safe place for those who do not qualify for inpatient care, and who are finding in-person, out-patient programs full or with long waiting lists.
During an initial intake call, an extensive assessment is completed with the patient and their family. After this assessment, the last 10-15 minutes of the call will solely be focused on the patient. About 24-48 hours after the initial intake call, Charlie Health will run your insurance, assess the patient for compatibility with the program, and produce a personalized care plan.
This program most prominently features highly personalized groups that allow teens and young adults a safe space to heal and relate to one another in a deeper way. Peer groups meet for three hours, three days a week from Monday – Thursday, with an occasional Saturday option available. In addition to group therapy sessions, Charlie Health’s program includes 1-2 hours of family therapy and one hour of individual therapy each week. In total, this program offers five therapy sessions per week, which makes it the most intensive treatment plan on our list for any age group.
Online Therapy with Charlie Health
| Cost of Online Therapy | Insurance Only |
| Frequency of Appointments | Weekly |
| Messaging with Therapist Between Appointments | Yes |
| Provider Choices | Matched by a Live Agent |
| Can You Change Therapists? | Yes |
| Speed to First Appointment | 1 - 2 days |
| Geographic Coverage | AZ, CA, DE, ID, IL, MT, OR, PA, TX, UT, WA, WY, & NJ |
| Age Limitations | 11 - 28 |
| Online Psychiatry Offered | Yes |
| Cost of Online Psychiatry | Included in the IOP Program |
How Much Does Charlie Health Cost?
Charlie Health partners with many large insurance providers in the states they offer care. There are no cash-pay options at this time.
Charlie Health’s IOP Group Therapy program includes:
- Group Therapy Sessions: three hours long, three days a week
- Family Therapy: one to two hours long, once a week
- Individual Therapy: one hour, once a week
Psychiatric care and medication management is included in the IOP program if needed.
Which Insurance Plans Does Charlie Health Accept?
Charlie Health works with several large insurance plans including United Healthcare, Cigna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Medicaid, and more. During the signup process, your intake specialist will run your insurance for you and help you every step of the way.
What Out-Of-Network Benefits Can I Use With Charlie Health?
It is unclear what out-of-network benefits Charlie Health can accept at this time. We have reached out to Charlie Health and are waiting on an email back from them. However, Charlie Health encourages everyone who needs this level of intensive care to reach out to them, even if they are uninsured. They will work diligently to find solutions to cost barriers that may exist for teens, young adults, and their families.
What Sets Charlie Health Apart?
Charlie Health is the only intensive outpatient therapy program available for teens and young adults that we could find. When we reached out to Charlie Health previously for our Best Online Teen Therapy Options, we were told that, for certain families, this is the company they turn to when emergency rooms are full, waitlists are long, and other options are too expensive. Quite simply, there is no other online therapy platform on our list that offers what Charlie Health can to teens and young adults struggling with more severe mental health issues.
While Charlie Health is not currently available nationwide and is largely only available to those who have insurance, if you have a teen that really needs a lot of highly specialized and intensive care, Charlie Health could be a great option for you and your family.
How to Sign Up for Charlie Health
You can sign up for Charlie Health on their website.
Final Verdict
Navigating insurance costs can be confusing and can cause a great deal of frustration for many people. What’s more, even if an online therapy platform takes your insurance, your plan might not have the correct coverage. That’s why it is so important for you to call your insurance provider in advance of signing up for any of the services on our list. Most of these large companies will run your insurance and do an eligibility check, but it is always advisable that you do some upfront work.
Knowing exactly which platform is going to be the best fit for you really depends on what you want to focus on. We have highlighted some of the best options for subscriptions, telemedicine, and directory-based services that we trust and know deliver high quality care. Hopefully, you will now be able to choose the best platform for yourself, for your family and for your future.
Additional Services To Consider
All of these services below are excellent online therapy options, however, all have limited geographic availability and offer service in 20 states or less:
Grow Therapy
Grow Therapy is an online therapist directory for teens (13+) and adults. All costs depend on the therapist you choose, your location, and if you are using insurance or paying out-of-pocket. Grow Therapy accepts major insurance plans like Cigna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Humana and more. However this service is only available in the following nine states: CT, D.C, FL, GA, IL, MD, PA, TX & VA.
Select providers with Grow Therapy can offer medication management.
Headway
Headway is an online therapist directory, much like Alma, and Grow Therapy. Therapists with Headway can see a wide range of patients, including kids and teens, and they offer psychiatric care. Headway accepts major insurance plans like Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare and more. At this time, Headway is available in the following 13 states: CO, FL, GA, IL, MASS, MI, NJ, NY, NC, OH, TX, VA, & WA.
Soho MD
Soho MD is an online therapist directory, similar to Alma, Grow Therapy, and Headway. You will be able to select your state, which services you need (therapy or psychiatry), and your insurance plan. Soho MD accepts plans from companies like Aetna, Cigna, Horizon BCBS, Humana, Optum, Oxford, and much more. Currently, Soho MD is available in the following 17 states: CA, CO, CT, D.C., FL, GA, IL, KY, MD, NV, NJ, NY, NC, OR, PA, VA, & WA.
Sondermind
SonderMind is an online therapy platform that matches kids, teens, and individuals 18-years and older with a licensed therapist. All sessions and costs depend on which therapist you are matched with and if you are using insurance. Sondermind accepts several major insurance plans from companies like Aetna, Anthem, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Optum, and more. Services are currently available in the following 15 states: AZ, CO, D.C, GA, IN, KY, ME, MD, MASS, MO, NE, OH, TX, VT, & VA.
Advekit
Advekit is an online therapy platform that can match you with a licensed therapist in your state. All sessions and costs depend on if your insurance plan is accepted. Advekit will run your insurance information for you during the signup process, and if your plan is not accepted, they will submit all out-of-network benefit claims on your behalf. Currently, Advekit is available in the following 16 states plus D.C: AZ, CA, CO, CT, FL, GA, IL, MASS, MD, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TX, VA, & WA.
Affordable Non-Insurance Services
If you are uninsured but still want to find a reputable insurance provider that you can afford, the following list is our top four affordable online therapy services:
BetterHelp
BetterHelp is a subscription-based online therapy service, available nationwide to those 18-years and older. Costs are $240 – $360 monthly, depending on your location and therapist availability. Live sessions with BetterHelp are 30 minutes long and you can attend them weekly.
Calmerry
Calmerry is a subscription-based online therapy platform, very similar to Talkspace, for individuals 18-years and older. Calmerry costs $227.96 – $359.96 monthly, depending on which subscription you choose. Live sessions with Calmerry are 30 minutes long and you can attend them weekly.
WellNite
WellNite is a subscription-based online therapy and medication management platform for teens (13+), adults, couples, and families for $195 – $350 monthly. Depending on the subscription you choose, you may have weekly or biweekly 30-minute therapy sessions.
Online-Therapy.com
Online-Therapy is a subscription-based online therapy platform for individuals (18+) and couples. Online-Therapy.com costs $200 – $440 monthly, depending on which subscription you choose. All therapy sessions with Online-Therapy are 45 minutes long and you can attend them once or twice weekly. Online-Therapy is only available in the following 30 States: AL, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, IL, IN, KS, LA, MD, MASS, MI, MS, MO, NV, NJ, NM, NY, NC, OK, PA, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, & WA.
