Our team spent hundreds of hours evaluating more than 50 online therapy platforms that accept insurance. From this in-depth analysis, I narrowed our list of favorites down to the top six. Each of these platforms accepts most major insurance plans, with some also offering Medicare and Medicaid coverage, prescription medications, or specialized therapy options for women.
Our Favorites
- Best Overall - Grow Therapy | Read review
- Best for Combined Therapy + Medication - Brightside Health | Read review
- Best for Psychiatry Services - Talkiatry | Read review
- Best For Women - Amwell | Read review
- Most Inclusive - Inclusive Therapists | Read review
- Best With Medicare - Talkspace | Read review
Why Trust Us
300+
Companies Reviewed
2,350+
Hours of Testing
1,150+
Data Points AnalyzedChoosing Therapy’s reviews 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.
Best Online Therapy Options Covered by Insurance
- Insurance: Aetna, Ambetter, Anthem, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Carefirst, CareSource, Cigna, Highmark, Horizon, Kaiser Permanente, Optum, Oscar, Oxford, UnitedHealthcare, WellCare, several Medicare and Medicaid plans, and more
- Services Offered: Individual and couples therapy, medication management
- Service Location: US
Grow Therapy offers online therapy and psychiatry to those across the US. Users can search the directory of over 15,000 providers, filtering by states, insurance plan, and specific needs. Providers on the platform set their own rates, but many take a wide range of insurance plans, so you’re likely to find someone in-network on Grow Therapy.
Pros & Cons
Pros - The largest amount of insurance coverage we’ve seen
- Filter the directory for your exact preferences and insurance plan
- Get therapy and medication management services on one platform
- Many providers offer quick availability, and Grow claims you can see a therapist within two days of signing up
Cons - No provider matching service—users much search through the directory
- Some states may have fewer provider options
- Cash-pay prices vary by provider
Cost
Every provider on Grow Therapy sets their own rates, but users can sort by insurance coverage or sliding scale rates to find someone they can afford. Insurance copays will depend on your specific coverage, however, Grow Therapy states that most of its users who go through insurance will have a $20–$50 copay, though it could be as little as $0.
Overview
Grow Therapy is an excellent choice for insurance-based online therapy due to its affordability, accessibility, and comprehensive support. The platform partners with over 50 major insurance providers, including Aetna, Anthem, and UnitedHealthcare, making it accessible to a wide range of clients.
Grow Therapy also simplifies the process of finding an in-network therapist by allowing clients to filter their search by insurance type and book appointments instantly.
Grow Therapy prioritizes quality care by offering a diverse network of licensed therapists who cater to various needs, including individual, couples, family, and child therapy. The platform also provides robust support for navigating insurance complexities, such as coordination of benefits for those with dual coverage or assistance with out-of-network claims.
Read more in our comprehensive Grow Therapy review.
- Insurance: Aetna, UnitedHealthcare, Cigna, Anthem, Ambetter, some Medicare and Medicaid, and more
- Services Offered: Therapy (13+), Psychiatry (18+), & Crisis Care
- Service Location: US
Brightside Health is a standout platform for people seeking therapy, medication, or both. Beyond its acceptance of most major insurance plans, including Medicare, Brightside integrates personalized psychiatry, medication management, and therapy. Brightside’s Suicide Prevention program—a first-of-its-kind offering in the online mental health space—can also help stabilize and support people with an elevated risk of suicide. It also offers therapy and medication management for teens (13+) in 38 US states so far, with plans to continue expanding.
Pros & Cons
Pros - Accepts a broad range of insurance plans, including some Medicare plans
- New AI tool called “Precision Rx” to help psychiatrists match prescriptions to client needs
- Accepts HSA/FSA
- Anytime messaging with provider
- Medication can be shipped directly
Cons - Customer service can be slow
- Doesn't accept Medicaid in most states
- Teen care not available nationwide (currently in 38 states)
Cost
Brightside accepts most major insurance providers, including Aetna, UnitedHealthcare, Cigna, Ambetter, Anthem, and some Medicare and Medicaid plans. Users are responsible for copays, coinsurance, and deductibles, with the flexibility to pay using HSA/FSA cards. If your insurance doesn’t cover Brightside, you can request a superbill to try to get out-of-network coverage.
Here are Brightside’s self-pay subscription plans—note that if you’re using insurance benefits you’ll pay much less:
- Medication: $95 monthly, includes a virtual evaluation with a psychiatric provider and ongoing support. There is unlimited messaging with your provider and plenty of self-care tools.
- Therapy: $299 monthly, includes four weekly video therapy sessions, unlimited messaging with your therapist, and self-care tools.
- Medication + Therapy: $349 monthly, includes everything from the medication plan and the therapy plan as one bundle.
- Psychiatric Maintenance Plan: $45 monthly, after becoming established with your prescriber for 90 days, you can opt for a maintenance plan that includes unlimited prescriber messaging and a monthly online check-in. Note: If your provider determines that you require more active care, they may require you to upgrade back to the standard plan.
Schedule extra video appointments with your therapist for $59 per 30-minute session. All medications are a $15 copay with insurance; out-of-pocket costs vary per medication.
Overview
Brightside Health offers providers that can help treat a broad range of mental health conditions. I picked it as the best platform for those needing both therapy and medication management, as it offers a bundled subscription for medication + therapy. Plus, providers on the platform can collaborate on care plans to work toward the best possible outcomes for clients.
Uniquely, Brightside Health also addresses elevated suicidal risk through its Suicide Prevention Program. Another special offering is its AI-driven PrecisionRx tool. With it, Brightside providers can analyze over 1,000 personal data points and evaluate more than 1,000 potential medication and dosage combinations to predict the most effective and tolerable prescription for each individual.
For an in-depth look, read our comprehensive Brightside Health review.
- Insurance accepted: Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Humana, Medicare, Oscar, United Healthcare, Optum, Compsych, and more
- Services Offered: Psychiatry
- Service Location: 44 US states
If you need medication and online psychiatric care, Talkiatry is an excellent choice that accepts many major insurance providers. It can even prescribe controlled substances such as Adderall, depending on your state’s regulations. If you’re an established patient, your psychiatrist could also refer you to a talk therapist on the platform.
Pros & Cons
Pros - Treats kids (5+), teens, & adults
- Accept Medicare
- Medication sent to local pharmacy
- Offers ADHD treatment, including controlled substances
Cons - Talkiatry is only available if you’re in-network
- Doesn’t accept Medicaid
- Cost varies by location
- Only available in 44 states currently
Cost
The cost of Talkiatry depends on your plan and coverage. It only takes patients with in-network plans, accepting insurance from over 60 major providers, including Blue Cross Blue Shield, Optum, United Healthcare, Aetna, and Cigna.
Before scheduling an appointment, Talkiatry will inform you whether your insurance is accepted, if you have a deductible or copay, and what your total out-of-pocket cost will be. For eligible clients, copays typically range from $20–$50 per session.
Overview
During the initial evaluation, which lasts one hour for adults and 75 minutes for children, you’ll work with the provider of your choice to develop a personalized treatment plan and schedule future appointments. If medication is recommended, prescriptions can be sent to your local pharmacy for convenient pickup.
Depending on your state’s regulations, Talkiatry’s providers are also able to prescribe stimulant and non-stimulant medications for ADHD and other conditions. Existing patients who need talk therapy alongside psychiatric care can also receive that treatment on the platform.
For more, read our full Talkiatry review.
- Insurance accepted: Aetna, Anthem, Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS), Beacon Health, Emblem Health, United Healthcare, CorVel, & more
- Services Offered: Therapy (10+) & Psychiatry (18+)
- Service location: US
Amwell not only accepts insurance from the majority of providers, it also treats a variety of women’s physical and mental health concerns—more so than many other online therapy providers. These conditions include everything from pelvic pain and sexual health to postpartum depression and menopause.
Pros & Cons
Pros - Therapy & psychiatric medication available
- Choose your own provider from directory
- Prenatal, postpartum, & menopause counseling available
Cons - Psychiatry only available for 18+
- No text-based therapy available
- No discount for bundling services
Cost
Amwell partners with over 55 major health plans, including:
- Aetna
- Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS)
- Beacon Health
- Emblem Health
- United Healthcare
- CorVel
Using insurance can substantially lower out-of-pocket costs for mental health services. Patients can also receive a superbill for potential reimbursement or utilize their FSA or HSA funds.
Amwell’s self-pay options are as follows:
- Therapy sessions: Costs range from $109–$129 for a 45-minute appointment, depending on the qualifications of the provider you choose.
- Psychiatric services: An initial 45-minute evaluation costs $279, while follow-up appointments are priced at $109 for a 15-minute session (or $169 for a 30-minute follow-up if you need more time).
Overview
Amwell offers online therapy to kids and teens (10-17), adults, and couples. Amwell also offers specialized women’s mental health, like postpartum, prenatal, and menopausal counseling.
Prior to gaining access to its site, Amwell requires you to create an account. At this point, you can add your insurance information and personal details and schedule your first appointment. Amwell allows you to filter their directory by gender, language, and whether you want to see a therapist or psychologist.
For more about how to attend your first live session, read our in-depth Amwell review.
- Insurance Accepted: Aetna, Anthem, Optum, Oxford, PHCS, United Healthcare, and Blue Cross Blue Shield, and more (varies by provider)
- Services Offered: Individual and couples therapy
- Service Location: US & Canada
The goal of inclusive therapists is to provide access to care for marginalized populations, including BIPOC folks, immigrants, and the LGBTQIA+ community. It’s one of the most comprehensive directories we’ve found, with filters for specialties, cultural knowledge, advocacy work, provider’s identity, spiritual knowledge, and more. If you don’t want to search the directory for yourself, you can use the free “Get Matched” service.
Pros & Cons
Pros - Choose your own therapist or use free matching service
- Therapists are all highly vetted
- Provides additional mental health resources
Cons - Costs depend on provider
- Insurance acceptance depends on provider
- Requires upfront work from user
Cost
All Inclusive Therapists are independent practitioners, so prices and accepted insurance plans vary. Individual sessions can range from $100–$200, but many providers offer sliding scale therapy. Commonly accepted insurance plans include Aetna, Anthem, Optum, Oxford, PHCS, United Healthcare, and Blue Cross Blue Shield. Certain providers may accept Medicare or Medicaid.
Overview
Inclusive Therapist is an online therapist directory dedicated to serving those in the BIPOC, immigrant, and LGBTQIA+ communities. Operated by its sibling non-profit, Mental Health Liberation, it is one of the most match-driven directories available, and it includes match navigation support from their team.
Specific search filters include:
- Insurance coverage
- Sliding scale rates ($0–$25, $25–$50, $50–$75, etc.)
- Identity
- Language
- Cultural knowledge
- Advocacy focus
- Insurance Accepted: Aetna, Cigna, Optum, TRICARE, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Anthem, and some Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans
- Services Offered: Therapy (13+), couples counseling, & psychiatry (18+)
- Service Location: US & Canada
Talkspace offers widespread insurance coverage. They also provide access to therapy for millions of traditional Medicare members across 11 states, with coverage expanding daily. From couples treatment to teen therapy, all the way to grief management and life changes, all sorts of people can receive support via virtual sessions, medication, and webinars with Talkspace.
Pros & Cons
Pros - Accepts most traditional Medicare plans for online therapy
- Easy to switch therapist
- Live video, audio, chat, or ongoing messaging
Cons - Monthly costs depend on your location
- Psychiatry only for individuals 18+ in US
- No option to bundle therapy & psychiatry
Cost
Talkspace accepts insurance from most major providers, including Aetna, Cigna, Optum, Premera, Anthem, Medicare, Regence, Gatorcare, and more. Covered members pay an average copay of $30 or less. Many employers also cover Talkspace for free, either directly with an employer code or through an Employee Assistance Plan (EAP).
For those using their insurance, if you haven’t met your deductible, you may be responsible for additional fees. You can also use your FSA or HSA card for Talkspace therapy.
Talkspace has three self-pay subscription packages, but cost depends on your geographic location:
- Messaging-only: Starts at $69 per week
- Live therapy: Starts at $99 per week
- Messaging + live therapy: Starts at $109 per week
Talkspace Psychiatry costs $299.00 for an initial assessment and $175 for all follow-ups. There are discounts available, as well as an option to bundle follow-up appointments when you purchase an initial assessment.
Overview
Talkspace provides treatment for over 150 mental health conditions. The platform also offers specialized therapy for LGBTQIA+ individuals and veterans, catering to more diverse needs.
Talkspace takes care of the therapist matching process, ensuring personalized care within your state and insurance network (when applicable). If you don’t feel your therapist is a good fit, you can easily switch to a new provider, something our team has appreciated when they’ve used Talkspace.
For more information, read our detailed Talkspace review.
Compare the Top Companies at a Glance
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Most insurances accepted, including some Medicare and Medicaid -
Services for kids, adults, and couples
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Some states may have fewer provider options -
Cash-pay prices vary by provider
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Accepts some Medicare/Medicaid -
Prescribes non-controlled meds
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Can't choose your provider -
Won't prescribe Adderall/Ritalin
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Treats kids, teens, & adults -
Prescribes medication
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Limited therapy services -
Doesn't accept Medicaid
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Therapy for kids (10+) -
Choose your own provider
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Psychiatry only for adults -
No text-based therapy
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Treats intersectional identities -
Doesn't treat kids
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Availability varies -
Costs depend on provider
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Accepts Medicare -
Prescribes non-controlled meds
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Can't choose initial provider -
Psychiatry only for 18+
Final Verdict
“As a clinical psychologist, I evaluated dozens of online therapy platforms, and Grow Therapy emerged as our top pick for those seeking mental health care that works with insurance. It accepts the largest number of insurance plans and offers a wide range of services, including evidence-based therapy and personalized psychiatry.
Brightside Health is a fabulous pick for anyone looking for comprehensive care, as it works with most insurance providers and offers subscription bundles for those needing both therapy and medication management. It also provides specialized care in its Suicide Prevention Program, as well as a service just for teens.
For those seeking medication management, Talkiatry stands out as the best insurance-friendly option. Depending on state regulations, it can even prescribe controlled substances when clinically appropriate, making it an excellent choice for medication-focused care. Another strong option is Talkspace, which we recognized as the Best With Medicare. While it offers solid therapy options for those with insurance, it may be cost-prohibitive for those without coverage, as one of our team members noted during their review.
We also understand that certain groups may require more tailored care. For women seeking specialized mental health support, Amwell is an excellent choice. And for members of marginalized communities looking for inclusive, highly trained, and vetted providers who accept insurance, we recommend checking out Inclusive Therapists.”
Other Options Worth Considering
While the insurance-covered online therapy options we’ve highlighted are likely to meet the needs of most people, there are other platforms that didn’t make our main list but offer unique features that could be the perfect fit for certain folks.
Price: $129–$299 per session
Insurance Accepted? Yes
Services Offered: Individuals therapy and psychiatry services for children and adults
Learn MoreShow less
Doctor on Demand offers live therapy and psychiatry sessions. Once your account is created, you can verify your insurance, browse the therapist directory, and choose who you want to work with. Depending on which therapist you choose, you may be able to see them the same day—a huge perk for those looking to connect quickly. If prescribed medication, you can pick it up at your local pharmacy and pay your copay fee or an out-of-pocket cost.
Read our full Doctor on Demand review for more information.
Price: $140–$299 per service
Insurance Accepted? Yes
Services Offered: Individuals (10+)
Learn MoreShow less
MDLive offers online therapy to kids and teens (10-17) as well as adults. Live therapy sessions are 45-60 minute video or phone calls, with an out-of-pocket cost of $140, making it one of the most affordable individual session costs on our list. MDLive also accepts several major insurance providers, which could make your copay as low as $0.
Please read our comprehensive review of MDLive.
Price: Location-Based
Insurance Accepted? Yes
Services Offered: Individuals (18+), Couples, Kids & Teens (2+), Families, and Groups
Learn MoreShow less
LifeStance Health treats kids and teens (2+), individuals, couples, and families, and offers group therapy options, as well as psychiatric services to those aged 10 and up. Lifestance is a good option for those seeking in-person and online therapy sessions. All sessions and costs depend on which therapist you choose and your insurance coverage.
Lifestance accepts many major insurance plans, and its services are available in the following 33 states: AZ, CA, CO, DE, FL, GA, IL, IN, KA, KY, ME, MD, MASS, MI, MN, MO, NV, NH, NJ, NY, NC, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, & WI.
To learn more about this platform, you can check out our in-depth review of Lifestance Health.
Price: Provider-Based
Insurance Accepted? Yes
Services Offered: Kids & Teens, and Individuals (18+)
Learn MoreShow less
SonderMind is an online therapy platform that matches kids, teens, and individuals 18-years and older with a licensed therapist. Sondermind would be ideal for those with referrals from their insurance provider. All sessions and costs depend on which therapist you are matched with and if you are using insurance. Sondermind accepts several major insurance plans and services are available nationwide.
To learn more, you can visit the Sondermind website.
Price: Insurance-dependent (self-pay available in select states but no pricing is available online)
Insurance Accepted? Yes
Services Offered: Individual and family therapy, IOP, MAT
Learn MoreShow less
Charlie Health offers individual therapy and family therapy, as well as specialized services including intensive outpatient treatment (IOP) and medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for those in substance use recovery.
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. 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, adults, and families.
Learn more in our full Charlie Health review.
Price: Provider-Based
Insurance Accepted? Yes
Services Offered: In-Person or online therapy and psychiatry for children (6+), teens, and adults
Learn MoreShow less
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.
To see if they are a good fit for you, check out our Headway review.
Price: $280–$400 monthly
Insurance Accepted? No
Services Offered: Individual therapy (18+)
Learn MoreShow less
BetterHelp is a subscription-based online therapy service, available nationwide to those 18 years and older. Costs are $280–$400 monthly ($70–$100 weekly), depending on your location and therapist availability. Live sessions with BetterHelp are 30 minutes long and you can attend them weekly.
You can learn more by reading our detailed review of BetterHelp.
Price: $227.96–$359.96 monthly
Insurance Accepted? No
Services Offered: Individuals (18+)
Learn MoreShow less
Calmerry is a subscription-based online therapy platform that could be a great option for those new to online therapy. Calmerry offers weekly half-hour therapy sessions with a licensed therapist for $227.96–$359.96 monthly. A couple of interesting features of Calmerry are the option to purchase additional therapy sessions for $45 and the access to an AI chatbot called Coa. Currently, Calmerry does not accept insurance.
Calmerry has three subscription plans that are almost identical to the ones Talkspace offers: A messaging-only option, which features unlimited texting with your therapist and responses daily, or the option of one live therapy session monthly or four live therapy sessions monthly in addition to the messaging plan.
To learn everything about this platform you can read our detailed review of Calmerry.
Price: $75–$135 per session
Insurance Accepted? Yes
Services Offered: Individuals (18+), Teens (13+), and Couples
Learn MoreShow less
WellNite offers therapy sessions for teens, adults, and couples. Individual therapy sessions start at $75 and couples sessions are $135. It also has progress tracking, a Mood Flow tool with AI insights, and a self-awareness assessment.
You will be able to read therapists’ backgrounds and education before you make your final choice. In a phone call with WellNite, our reviewer was told that after the initial appointment with a new therapist, WellNite will follow up to see how your appointment went. If you feel like you need to be matched with a new therapist, WellNite will help you with that process. Even though you’re unable to self-select your own therapist, this seems like a nice additional service that makes it seem like WellNite cares about helping its customers find a good fit.
Read more in our Wellnite review.
Price: $240–$480 monthly
Insurance Accepted? No
Services Offered: Individuals & Couples (18+)
Learn MoreShow less
Online-Therapy is a subscription-based online therapy platform for individuals (18+) and couples. Online-Therapy.com costs $240–$480 monthly, depending on which subscription you choose (the most affordable plan is just the CBT course and doesn’t include live therapy sessions). All therapy sessions with Online-Therapy are 45 minutes long and you can attend them once or twice weekly. Online-Therapy is available nationwide and internationally.
You can read all about their plans by reading our comprehensive review of Online-Therapy.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Online Therapy as Effective as In-Person Therapy?
Online therapy can be just as effective as in-person therapy for many mental health conditions.1 The key is to make sure you’re working with licensed, qualified professionals and that the platform provides the appropriate level of care.
What Types of Therapy are Typically Covered by Insurance Through Online Platforms?
Most insurance plans cover a range of therapy types, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and other evidence-based treatments. Some plans may also cover group therapy, family therapy, and medication management.
Why is it Important to Contact My Insurance Provider Before Starting Online Therapy?
Even if an online therapy platform accepts your insurance, your plan might not offer the necessary coverage. That’s why it’s crucial to contact your insurance provider before signing up for any services. While many large companies will run an eligibility check for you, it’s always wise to do preliminary research on your own.
How Do I Verify if My Insurance Covers Online Therapy Services?
Ask your insurance provider these important questions 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?
How Can I Avoid Surprises Related to Insurance Costs When Using Online Therapy?
By doing preliminary research and asking your insurance provider targeted questions, you can clarify what is covered, what costs you might incur, and any limits on your therapy sessions.
What are Key Considerations Regarding Coverage Limits and Out-of-Network Benefits?
Consider therapy session limits, out-of-network benefits, deductibles and coinsurance, prior authorization and referrals, the reimbursement process, and long-term coverage.
- Therapy Session Limits: Some insurance plans may cap the number of therapy sessions you can have within a certain time period (e.g., annually). It’s important to know if there are any limits so you can plan accordingly.
- Out-of-Network Benefits: If the online therapy platform you choose is out-of-network, you should ask your insurance provider if your plan offers any out-of-network benefits. Understand the out-of-network deductible, how much of the therapy cost will be reimbursed, and the process for submitting reimbursement claims.
- Deductibles and Coinsurance: Find out if there are deductibles that need to be met before your insurance covers therapy sessions, as well as any coinsurance responsibilities you might have for out-of-network care.
- Prior Authorization and Referrals: Some insurance plans require prior authorization or a referral from your primary care provider before they will cover therapy, especially for out-of-network providers.
- Reimbursement Process: If using out-of-network providers, understand the steps required to submit claims for reimbursement, including any necessary documentation and timelines for claims.
- Long-Term Coverage: To avoid unexpected lapses in coverage, ask if there are any time limits on how long your therapy sessions or subscriptions with a specific company will be covered.
Can I Use My Insurance For Medication Management Through Online Therapy Platforms?
Yes, many online therapy platforms offer medication management services that are covered by insurance. This typically involves consultations with a licensed psychiatrist who can prescribe and manage medications as part of your treatment plan.
Which Online Therapy Platforms Accept Medicare and Medicaid?
Not all online therapy platforms accept Medicare or Medicaid. However, some, like Brightside and Talkspace, offer coverage through these programs. Always check with the platform and your provider to confirm coverage.
Are There Any Additional Costs Even if My Online Therapy is Covered by Insurance?
Yes, there may still be copays, deductibles, or coinsurance depending on your plan. It’s important to clarify these costs with both your insurance provider and the therapy platform before beginning treatment.
What Should I Do if My Insurance Doesn't Cover Online Therapy?
If your insurance doesn’t cover online therapy, you might consider platforms that offer affordable self-pay options. Some platforms, such as Inclusive Therapists, provide sliding scale fees based on income or offer discounts for certain populations.
What if I Want to Switch Therapists on an Online Platform—Does My Insurance Still Cover it?
Most insurance plans will continue to cover your therapy sessions if you switch therapists within the same platform, as long as the new therapist is also in-network. Always confirm this with both the platform and your insurance provider to avoid unexpected costs.
Choosing Therapy 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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Pappas, S. (2023, August 31). “Online Talk Therapy Works as Well as an In-Person Session, a New Study Shows.” Scientific American. Retrieved from: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/online-talk-therapy-works-as-well-as-an-in-person-session-a-new-study-shows/
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Rueger, Abigail. (2025, February 27). “Grow Therapy Review: Pros & Cons, Cost, & Who It’s Right For. Retrieved from: https://www.choosingtherapy.com/grow-therapy-review/
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Church, Matthew. (2025, March 18). “Brightside Health Review: Pros & Cons, Cost, & My Experience.” Retrieved from: https://www.choosingtherapy.com/brightside-health-review/
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Church, Matthew. (2025, January 28). “Talkiatry Review: Pros & Cons, Cost, & My Experience.” Retrieved from: https://www.choosingtherapy.com/talkiatry-review/
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Rueger, Abigail. (2025, March 6). “Amwell Review: Pros & Cons, Cost, & My Experience” Retrieved from: https://www.choosingtherapy.com/amwell-review/
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Church, Matthew. (2024, April 25). “Inclusive Therapists Directory Review: Cost, Pros & Cons, & Is It Right for Your Practice?” Retrieved from: https://www.choosingtherapy.com/inclusive-therapists-review/
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Church, Matthew. (2025, March 14). “Talkspace Review: Pros & Cons, Cost, & My Experience.” Retrieved from: https://www.choosingtherapy.com/talkspace-review/
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Suarez-Angelino, Lena. (2024, June 5). “Doctor on Demand Review: Pros & Cons, Cost, & My Experience.” Retrieved from: https://www.choosingtherapy.com/doctor-on-demand-review/
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Liu, Michelle. (2024, March 14). “MDLive Review: Pros & Cons, Cost, & My Experience.” Retrieved from: https://www.choosingtherapy.com/mdlive-review/
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Bell, Caitlin. (2025, February 21). “LifeStance Health Review: Pros & Cons, Cost, & Who it’s Right For.” Retrieved from: https://www.choosingtherapy.com/lifestance-health-review/
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Lieberman, Allison. (2024, July 22). “Charlie Health Review: Pros & Cons, Cost, & Who It’s Right For.” Retrieved from: https://www.choosingtherapy.com/charlie-health-review/
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Carloni, Karen. (2024, September 13). “Headway Therapy Review: Pros & Cons, Cost, & My Experience.” Retrieved from: https://www.choosingtherapy.com/headway-review/
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Church, Matthew. (2025, March 12). “BetterHelp Review: Cost, Pros & Cons, & My Experience.” Retrieved from: https://www.choosingtherapy.com/betterhelp-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: Added Grow Therapy as our Best Overall choice. Changed Brightside Health to “Best for Combined Therapy + Medication.” Fact-checked and rearranged information throughout to create a better reader experience.
Author: Melissa Boudin, PsyD (New Author)
Medical Reviewer: Kristen Fuller, MD (No Change)
Primary Changes: Removed five platforms (Grow Therapy, MDLive, Thriveworks, Bend Health, and Workit Health), narrowing the top picks down to five; edited for overall usefulness to readers; added pros and cons; made information more helpful/specific to our audience.
Author: Emily Laubham, B.A. (New Author)
Medical Reviewer: Kristen Fuller, MD (New Medical Reviewer)
Primary Changes: Added five new platforms (Brightside, Grow Therapy, MDLive, Amwell, Inclusive Therapists) and removed two platforms (Teladoc, Cerebral). Removed section “More Online Therapy Options That Accept Insurance.” Fact-checked and edited entire article for improved readability and clarity. New content written by Emily Laubham, B.A. and medically reviewed by Kristen Fuller, M.D.
Author: Caitlin Bell, MA (No change)
Medical Reviewer: Benjamin Troy, MD (No change)
Primary Changes: Updated Teladoc entry with the newest information from Teladoc review.
Author: Caitlin Bell, MA (No change)
Medical Reviewer: Benjamin Troy, MD (No change)
Primary Changes: Complete revamp of overall style; updated logos for all companies.
Original Publish Date: August 9, 2022
Author: Caitlin Bell, MA
Medical Reviewer: Benjamin Troy, MD
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