Best Online Therapy Services of 2023

Choosing Therapy’s reviews are the result of first-hand testing, thorough research, and transparent methodology. Our reviewers are editorially independent so you can trust their recommendations. Some companies reviewed may also be marketing partners. We earn commissions from referrals to BetterHelp. Learn more about our editorial standards, review process, and advertising policy.

The best online therapy companies make connecting with a licensed therapist convenient, affordable, and as stress free as possible. Online therapy, sometimes called video therapy or teletherapy, enables people to meet for individual therapy, couples counseling, family therapy, or even therapy and psychiatry services via video, phone calls, and text messaging.

When reviewing the top companies, we looked for online therapy services that accept insurance, offer affordable subscriptions, have large provider networks, serve clients within specific demographics, and offer care for in-demand specialties.

Honorable Mention – Online-Therapy.com

Online-Therapy is a subscription-based online therapy platform for individuals (18+) and couples and during our independent review of this platform, it earned 4 out of 5 stars overall. Depending on which subscription you choose, you can attend one or two 45-minute sessions per week, with the ability to message your therapist in-between live sessions for additional support. Online-Therapy.com costs $200 – $440 monthly (advertised as $50 – $110 weekly). They do not accept insurance.

Online-Therapy’s online CBT program is included with all of the subscriptions and one of its strongest features in addition to live therapy sessions. There are eight learning sections, with each section featuring about three virtual worksheets to complete. These worksheets not only aid you in learning about CBT but also as an additional means of communication between you and your therapist. Your therapist can read what is written in the worksheets and can leave comments or questions back to you.. Anything written on the CBT homework worksheets remains private between the individual and the therapist. You and your therapist will discuss which sheets you’re expected to complete prior to your next therapy session.

To learn about how this CBT program and the three subscriptions work, please read our full review of Online-Therapy.

Summary Table of What Online-Therapy.com Offers

How Much Does Online-Therapy Cost?

Online-Therapy.com offers three subscription plans: Basic, Standard, and Premium. Each plan is billed monthly and you’ll need to pay between $200 – $440 monthly (advertised as $50 – $110 weekly) depending on which subscription you choose.

Therapy subscription options with Online-Therapy.com include:

• Basic: Costs $200 monthly (advertised as $50 weekly) and includes unlimited messaging, an 8-section CBT program that includes 25 online worksheets, daily replies from a therapist during business hours, yoga & meditation videos, a journal, an activity planner, and the option to change therapists anytime.
• Standard: Costs $320 monthly (advertised as $80 weekly) and includes one live 45-minute video, phone, or text session with a therapist weekly plus everything in the Basic plan.
• Premium: Costs $440 monthly (advertised as $110 weekly) and includes two live 45-minute video, phone, or text sessions weekly plus everything in the Basic plan and express replies (like instant replies) from your therapist.
• Couples: Costs $440 monthly (advertised as $110 weekly) and includes one live 45-minute video, phone, or text session weekly, unlimited couples messaging, plus everything in the Basic plan. Each person in the couple will have their own account and anything written in the worksheets remains between the individual and the therapist.

Does Online-Therapy Accept Insurance?

No, Online-Therapy.com does not currently accept insurance. They can provide you with a superbill to submit to your insurance for possible reimbursement with your out-of-network benefits.

What Sets Online-Therapy Apart from Its Competitors?

What really sets Online-Therapy.com apart from other subscription-based therapy platforms is its premium option that includes two live therapy sessions per week. For $440 monthly (just $55 per session), you’ll have eight, 45-minute therapy sessions each month. For those looking for multiple video touchpoints with their therapist each week, this is by far the best and most affordable cash-pay option available.

Even if you have insurance, they won’t always pay for multiple visits per week. So if this is really the level of care you need or want, you should find out what your insurance is able to cover and consider this an affordable cash option. Either way, just make sure they’re available in your state!

How to Sign Up for Online-Therapy

You can sign up for services by visiting the Online-Therapy.com website.

Best for Kids – Manatee Health

Manatee Health offers online therapy in select states and coaching nationwide to kids, teens, and their families, along with parent support groups Manatee Health has an app called Manatee Village that is available for free and offers journaling, learning lessons, and activities for the whole family. Manatee Health costs range from $99 – $175, depending on which service you choose and they currently accept select insurance plans.

Manatee Health asks that families start with a free initial screening call that can be scheduled by visiting the Manatee website. You will then be recommended for an initial intake session, which lasts 60 minutes and costs $175. During this intake session, your child will be recommended for coaching or therapy depending on their needs and the state you live in. At the time of this review, Manatee offers therapy in California, Colorado, Florida, Idaho, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. The company plans to expand therapy services to Ohio, Illinois, Washington, Wisconsin, Kansas, and New York.

Manatee Health uses six-week treatment plans and believes 30-minute therapy and coaching sessions are most effective for younger children due to the limitations on their interests and attention. The younger the child is, the more parental supervision and involvement are expected. Depending on your child or teen’s ability to engage independently, parents do not have to be as involved and do not have to make themselves available for checking in prior to or at the end of a session.

Manatee also offers accountability and support in-between sessions by assigning homework. Every six weeks, progress toward goals is reviewed, allowing for any changes to be made. Availability is dependent on both the family and the therapist assigned and can be discussed during the initial assessment with the Care Coordinator.

Summary Table of What Manatee Offers

How Much Does Manatee Cost?

Manatee Health costs $175 for a 60-minute initial intake, $135 for 30-minute therapy sessions, with parent coaching and parent groups costing $99. Select insurance plans are accepted in certain states, which could make the costs lower.

Manatee offers the following services:

• Initial Intake Session: For $175 you will have a 60-minute intake session that will allow you to discuss what your child’s symptoms are and you will be matched with a therapist or a coach.
• Therapy: For $135 per session your child can attend a live 30-minute video therapy session. Your child will most likely receive homework assignments to complete in-between sessions for continued reflection and growth.
• Parent Coaching: For $99 per session parents can attend a live 30-minute parent coaching video session.
• Parent Groups: For $99 monthly, parents can attend weekly 60-minute group sessions. Manatee Health does require that an initial intake session be completed in order to be matched with the group that is best fit for you. It is important to note that Manatee Health does not require you to have a child enrolled in Manatee Health services in order to participate in parent groups.
• Manatee App: The Manatee app is free to download and use, regardless of having a child enrolled in coaching or therapy services through Manatee Health. Manatee Health actually encourages families to take this first step in talking about mental health and behavioral related concerns.

Does Manatee Accept Insurance?

Yes, Manatee Health accepts a few insurance plans and is actively working on increasing its network coverage. At this time, Manatee accepts Optum, Florida Blue, and Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield. Coaching is not typically covered by insurance and can expect to be an out-of-pocket cost regardless of behavioral health coverage.

What Sets Manatee Apart from Its Competitors?

Manatee provides high-quality mental health care for children 0-18, with 78% of their kids showing clinical improvements in their emotional and behavioral wellbeing.¹ Parents are highly involved in the therapy process, Damayanti Dipayana, CEO of Manatee, explains “We recognize that parenting is hard, and parents need support. Most of us [at Manatee] are parents, too. It’s designed for us, by us and we really work together with our clinicians to make sure we draw from the evidence and research to make [learning] tactical. Parents don’t need a PDF, they just [want to know] what do I say when my kid freaks out?”¹

Choosing to receive care from Manatee sounds like you’ve chosen to become a member of an inclusive and caring team, which can make a huge difference for children and families who are struggling with mental health issues.

Manatee is the only online therapy platform for teens that also has a separate resource and programming option for parents. Other companies, like Brightline and Bend Health, have teens and their families at the heart of what they do, but none give direct support and resources to parents the way Manatee does. Manatee is only available in six states (expanding to more ), so unfortunately, it’s not an option for many. If you’re a parent who needs additional support and resources in one of the states Manatee serves, they are definitely worth checking out.

How to Sign Up for Manatee

You can begin the sign-up process by visiting the Manatee website.

Best for Teens – Teen Counseling

Teen Counseling is a subscription-based online therapy platform for teens (13+) that offers 30-minute sessions with a licensed therapist for $240 – $360 monthly. A huge perk for teens (and their caregivers) is that they can message their therapists in between sessions and get responses daily, which is great for teens who need extra support throughout the week. Currently, Teen Counseling does not accept insurance and it earned 3.5 out of 5 stars during our independent review.

With Teen Counseling, teens can create their own accounts, but they will ultimately need a parent or guardian to complete the payment process and sign consent forms. After a quick questionnaire, Teen Counseling will initially match your teen with a therapist. If they’re unhappy with their match, they can easily change therapists in the app.

An interesting feature of Teen Counseling is that you and your teen both have private chat rooms to text with your teen’s therapist at any time. A guardian’s private chat room functions as a means for your teen’s therapist to send you check-ins and updates, even though they are primarily there to support your teen. Whatever your teen shares in their private chat room will remain between them and the therapist and vice versa. The only time anything is shared is if your teen expressed harming themselves or others, or mentioned any abuse or situations of neglect.

Summary Table of What Teen Counseling Offers

How Much Does Teen Counseling Cost?

Teen Counseling costs start at $240-$360 billed monthly (advertised as $60-$90 weekly) with the exact costs depending on your location and therapist availability.

A Teen Counseling subscription includes:

• One live, 30-minute weekly video, phone, or texting session
• Two private chat rooms, one for your teen and one for the guardian
• Unlimited texting with the therapist at any time (expect responses at least once daily)

Does Teen Counseling Accept Insurance?

No, Teen Counseling does not accept insurance at this time. Teen Counseling also does not accept FSA or HSA cards to pay for therapy, however, there is an option to apply for financial aid during the signup process.

What Sets Teen Counseling Apart from Its Competitors?

Teen Counseling is convenient, affordable, and accessible nationwide. It could be especially good for teens who are new to counseling and want shorter sessions with the opportunity to touch base through text messages with their therapist throughout the week. It’s also great for parents new to the process as well. While it may not be as parent or family-focused as other platforms like Brightline or Manatee, parents have a personal chat room with their teen’s therapist where they can ask questions and receive updates as needed.

Unlike Talkspace for Teens, where parents/guardians don’t have a direct way to connect with their teen’s therapist, Teen Counseling includes this as a standard offering. This feature combined with the short, live therapy sessions and the option for teens and their parents to text with a therapist makes Teen Counseling our best overall online therapy option for teens.

How to Sign Up for Teen Counseling

You and your teen can sign up by visiting the Teen Counseling website.

Best on a Budget – eTherapy Cafe

eTherapy Cafe is a budget-friendly online therapy platform for individuals and couples 18 years and older. eTherapy costs range from $55 per 30-minute session or $196 – $360 monthly for a subscription plan. Insurance is not accepted but you can request a superbill which you can submit to your insurance provider for possible reimbursement.

eTherapy Cafe offers discounts for first responders, military members, and students. This discount gives you an additional 10% off any subscription option you choose, which makes eTherapy Cafe one of the most budget-friendly platforms on our list. Therapy is available in all states except Arkansas, California, Florida, Nebraska, and Ohio. If you live in one of these states, you will be matched with a professional life coach. Coaches have various levels of experience and certifications, but it is crucial to remember they are not licensed mental health providers.

All sessions with eTherapy Cafe are 30 minutes long and depending on the therapist, you may be able to double up your sessions to make them an hour long. You can choose from live video or texting sessions, with an interesting 700-word e-journal also available. The e-journal acts more like a long email between you and your therapist rather than a live session.

After you fill out the online registration form, which asks you to input basic demographic information and why you are seeking therapy, eTherapy Cafe will send you an email with a link. This link will take you to the patient portal where you will sign additional paperwork, add your payment type, and see the therapist you were matched with. From there you simply select “Appointments” and schedule your first session.

Summary Table of What eTherapy Cafe Offers

How Much Does eTherapy Cafe Cost?

eTherapy Cafe costs $55 per session for “pay as you go”, or you can choose from two subscription options which costs $196 – $360 monthly. Each session is either a 30-minute video or live texting session, or you can choose to do a 700-word e-journal that your therapist will read and respond to.

eTherapy subscription plans are:

• E-Therapy FOUR: This plan costs $196 monthly (advertised as $49 per session) and includes four 30-minute live video, texting, or a 700-word e-journal that your therapist will view and respond to.
• E-Therapy EIGHT: This plan costs $360 monthly (advertised as $45 per session) and includes eight 30-minute live video, texting, or a 700-word e-journal.

e-Therapy does allow you to have a trial session if you are unsure this is the right fit for you. A trial session is $50 for 30 minutes.

e-Therapy offers a 10% discount to military members, first responders, and to students. To learn more, please visit the e-Therapy registration page.

Does eTherapy Cafe Accept Insurance?

No, eTherapy Cafe does not accept insurance at this time as the low costs are geared toward those who are uninsured or underinsured. eTherapy will create a superbill that you can submit to your insurance company for possible reimbursement.

What Sets eTherapy Cafe Apart from Its Competitors?

eTherapy Cafe has some of the lowest out-of-pocket costs for a 30-minute session that we could find. Competitors like Online-Therapy and Calmerry are similar low-cost online therapy options, but even they will cost more upfront.

Online-Therapy costs $320 – $440 monthly and Calmerry costs $298 – $360 monthly, eTherapy Cafe costs $196 – $360 monthly in comparison. With each platform, the cheapest subscription option offers one live therapy session weekly. This breaks down to $80 per session with Online-Therapy and $74 per session with Calmerry. Even when you compare the highest subscription option with Online-Therapy, which offers two live therapy sessions per week, to the similar one with eTherapy, the costs are lower. Online-Therapy breaks down to $55 per session versus $45 per session with eTherapy.

While, Online-Therapy and Calmerry come with extra features, like worksheets, videos, and an AI chatbot, if you are on a really strict budget and need to connect with a licensed therapist in your state, eTherapy Cafe is a truly great choice.

How to Sign Up for eTherapy Cafe

To sign up for your first session, you can visit the eTherapy Cafe website.

Best for the LGBTQ+ Community – The National Queer & Trans Therapists of Color Network (NQTTCN)

NQTTCN is a nonprofit organization and therapist directory that is focused on making mental health care easier to access for queer and trans clients of color. The directory is user-friendly and one of the best places to find a therapist who has lived experience as a queer and/or trans person of color. Costs depend on the therapist you select and information about if they offer sliding scale or accept insurance will be in their profile.

You can begin searching for therapists by selecting the mental health directory at the top of the NQTTCN website. You will then input your city, state, or zip code which will bring you to another screen where you can select additional filters like sliding scale, accepting new patients, and telemental health. Each therapist offers different services and types of therapy, so it is crucial to read through several profiles to find the right fit.

Summary Table of What NQTTCN Offers

How Much Does the National Queer & Trans Therapist of Color Network Cost?

NQTTCN’s costs are per session with ultimate costs set by the individual therapists. However, we have seen that therapists on the directory tend to charge $120-$200 per 45-minute individual session, $250-$275 per 60-minute couple’s session, and $55-$85 per 90-minute group session.

You can filter results to show therapists who offer “sliding-scale” fees, in which they offer lower session fees if your income qualifies for that particular therapist’s sliding-scale policy. NQTTCN has a “Mental Health Fund” that clients can apply to annually (typically by April 30), which covers up to $100 per session for up to six sessions with a therapist on NQTTCN or a therapist of the client’s choice.

Does the National Queer & Trans Therapist of Color Network Accept Insurance?

Yes, many providers on the NQTTCN accept insurance and you can view which plans are accepted on the individual therapist’s profile. If your preferred therapist does not accept your insurance, you can ask for a superbill from them and submit this to your insurance provider for possible reimbursement.

What Sets the National Queer & Trans Therapist of Color Network Apart from Its Competitors?

NQTTCN is in a league of its own in terms of concentration and vetting of therapists who have lived experience as queer and/or trans people of color. If you are a queer and/or trans person of color looking for a therapist who shares these intersectional lived experiences, NQTTCN is an excellent place to search. The directory is free to use for people seeking therapy, and therapists who post profiles are only asked to pay a donation amount of their choice to be listed.

Put together, this structure offers a unique level of trust that therapists on the platform are committed to the platform’s mission of access. On the other hand, because it is a traditional directory, it does require a bit more work on your end to find a therapist you feel a connection with. The NQTTCN accepts all queer and/or trans people and aims to make mental health easier for the entire community.

How to Sign Up for the National Queer & Trans Therapist of Color Network

You can visit the NQTTCN Directory page and search for free at any time.

Best for Therapy & Medication – Cerebral

Cerebral is a subscription-based medication management and therapy service for adults 18 and older. During our independent review of their platform, they earned 4.5 stars overall. Cerebral offers four 45-minute live sessions monthly with a licensed therapist for $259 – $329 monthly, depending on which subscription you choose. Much like BetterHelp and Talkspace, you will be able to text your therapist between live sessions and receive replies daily. Cerebral accepts several major insurance providers, as well as Medicare in select states.

Similar to other subscription-based therapy platforms, you first need to fill out an online assessment about your symptoms, then pay for the subscription of your choice. If you choose the therapy plan, you can meet with your therapist after you’ve matched and as soon as their schedule allows.

All therapy sessions are 45 minutes long, similar in length to Talkspace’s sessions, and you’ll have one session every week. If you choose their medication + therapy plan, you will first complete an initial consultation via video or phone with a prescriber and then meet your therapist.

Cerebral allows you to change therapists if you are unhappy with the one you are matched with, but you must email them at [email protected]. Unfortunately, you will be automatically matched with a new therapist with no options to select a new therapist yourself. To learn more about this and the subscriptions they currently have available, please read our detailed review of Cerebral.

Summary Table of What Cerebral Offers

How Much Does Cerebral Cost?

Cerebral offers a Therapy Only plan for $259 monthly and a Medication + Therapy plan for $329 monthly. This includes weekly video or phone sessions with a provider of your choice. Texting with your care team is included at any time, and you will be able to access a large assortment of self-care tools.

Cerebral mental health subscription plans are:

• Therapy Plan: For $259 monthly, you will attend weekly video or phone sessions with a licensed therapist of your choice. You can text your care team anytime with questions as well as view your symptom scores. You will also have access to all of the self-care tools like worksheets, meditations, a journal, and learning modules.
• Medication + Therapy Plan: For $325 monthly, you will receive an evaluation, diagnosis, and prescription (if deemed necessary) by a medical prescriber. Medication will be mailed to you on a monthly basis and you can text your care team in between appointments if needed. You will also have access to all of the self-care tools like worksheets, meditations, a journal, and learning modules. You will also have access to everything included in the therapy plan.

If you’d like to schedule additional sessions within the week, it costs an additional fee. The Cerebral website does not specifically list the cost for an additional session, and while we did reach out for clarification from them, we do not have answers at this time. If you are prescribed medication, shipping costs are free but you will have to pay either your copay for medication or an out-of-pocket cost. You can also use your FSA/HSA card to pay for therapy.

Does Cerebral Accept Insurance?

Yes, Cerebral takes Aetna, Cigna, United, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Magellan, Anthem, and, in certain states, Medicare. Cerebral provides superbills to send to your out-of-network insurance provider for potential reimbursement.

What Sets Cerebral Apart from Its Competitors?

Cerebral prescribes medications for a range of mental health conditions, including medication for depression (including postpartum and menopausal depression), medication for anxiety, insomnia, and medication for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Depending on location, Cerebral also provides treatment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), bipolar disorder, alcohol and opioid use disorders, and obesity. Cerebral will only prescribe non-controlled medication for ADHD and does not offer prescriptions for stimulant medications. They are also expanding to treat schizophrenia and pediatric conditions in the near future.

Cerebral also offers specialized complex case managers which are assigned to patients with active suicidal ideation or a recent crisis event. This program aims to provide higher-touch care and support. Complex case managers will monitor symptoms, provide skills training, education and help facilitating referrals and coordinating care with local resources. The goal of this program is to engage the patient’s support system and medical providers to reduce the likelihood of inpatient hospitalization, improve medication and treatment adherence, and improve patient outcomes.

Much like its competitor Brightside Health, Cerebral offers a stand-alone therapy plan or a medication + therapy plan. Cerebral’s therapy subscriptions include weekly 45-minute video or phone sessions with a therapist of your choosing each month. Brightside only allows you to attend video therapy sessions, which makes Cerebral a more user-friendly option for those uncomfortable with being on screen.

To learn more about how subscriptions work with Brightside, you can read our detailed review of Brightside.

How to Sign Up for Cerebral

You can sign up through the Cerebral website.

Best for Couples – ReGain

ReGain allows couples across the US to quickly match with a licensed counselor or therapist for online couples counseling and earned 3.5 stars overall in our independent review. You and your partner will meet with your therapist for a weekly 30-minute video, phone, or live chat therapy session. In between sessions, you can send your therapist messages anytime and expect replies at least once a day. ReGain costs $240-$360 monthly (advertised as $60-$90 weekly), which makes it an affordable option considering couples counseling is not usually covered by insurance.

Upon signing up, couples have access to a dedicated chat room they share with their therapist, an in-app journal space, and group webinars. While you are automatically matched with a therapist, you and your partner can easily choose a new one. To learn more about what this subscription can offer you and your partner, please read our full review of ReGain.

Summary Table of What ReGain Offers

How Much Does ReGain Cost?

ReGain costs $240-$360 monthly ($60-$90 weekly), with the exact cost depending on which state you live in and therapist availability. The low monthly cost makes ReGain an affordable out-of-pocket option when compared to in-person marriage counseling costs, which range from $75-$250/hour depending on several factors, but average to around $100.

A ReGain subscription includes:

• One 30-minute weekly video, phone, or live chat therapy session (four monthly)
• Dedicated chatroom couples share with their therapist
• An in-app journal space
• Group webinars

Does ReGain Accept Insurance?

No, ReGain does not accept insurance.

What Sets ReGain Apart from Its Competitors?

ReGain is an affordable out-of-pocket couples counseling option compared to the cost of in-person couples counseling, which typically costs $120-$200 per one-hour session (a monthly cost of $480-$800 if you choose to go weekly). That said, 30-minute sessions may not be enough time for you and your partner to really work through your issues, so if you need a longer session, you may want to consider another platform, like Amwell.

Amwell offers online couples therapy for an out-of-pocket cost of $109 – $120 for a 45-minute session, which may be a good alternative for couples who are looking to dive a little bit deeper in each session.

How to Sign Up for ReGain

To sign-up, visit the ReGain website.

Best for Treating Alcohol Use Disorder – WorkIt Health

Workit Health is an online medication-assisted treatment (MAT) platform for substance use disorders. The MAT program is available in select states and recovery coaching is available nationwide. Clinicians monitor patients’ progress through routine drug tests, which can be completed through the app. The cost of care will depend on your location, treatment plan, and insurance provider.

Workit Health’s MAT program is available in Alaska, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, and Washington. They make treatment and therapy available through their website’s patient portal or the Workit Health app. A great perk to WorkIt Health is they also treat any co-occurring conditions and disorders in addition to substance use disorders.

During Workit Health’s onboarding process, you’ll answer a few questions about the addictions, behaviors, or mental health conditions you’d like to address. You’ll also state your personal goals, like if you’d prefer to just cut back or quit your addiction entirely. If you’re interested in medication-assisted treatment, you’ll be matched with a clinician who will conduct a medical evaluation to see if it’s right for you. If so, a prescription will be sent to your local pharmacy for pick-up. Patients receiving medication-assisted treatment will be required to take drug tests so clinicians can monitor their progress and modify medications as needed. Workit Health makes it easy to complete drug tests via the app.

Summary Table of What WorkIt Health Offers

How Much Does WorkIt Health Cost?

WorkIt Health costs depend on your customized treatment plan, your location, and your insurance provider. Workit Health offers weekly payment plans for those paying out of pocket, but this varies by state. Medication costs will depend on your insurance plan.

Does WorkIt Health Accept Insurance?

Yes, Workit Health accepts many major insurance plans, like Aetna, Humana, Cigna, and Blue Cross. WorkIt Health can create a superbill and guide you through the process of submitting a claim for possible reimbursement.

What Sets WorkIt Health Apart From Its Competitors?

Workit Health takes a whole-person approach to recovery and provides several additional resources beyond medication-assisted treatment. Clinicians can provide a dual diagnosis and treatment for co-occurring mental health conditions that often appear alongside addiction, such as insomnia, depression, or anxiety. Treatment plans may include medication, therapy, one-on-one coaching, and access to online peer support groups.

Workit Health also provides hundreds of therapeutic online courses that cover a range of topics, like using Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy to treat addiction, mindfulness techniques, and how to overcome cravings. The online courses are a part of your customized treatment plan, and your curriculum will reflect your personal goals.

How to Sign Up for WorkIt Health

You can sign up for Workit Health by visiting the Workit Health Website.

Best for Treating Opioid Use Disorder – Bicycle Health

Bicycle Health offers medication-assisted treatment (MAT) and therapy for opioid use disorders for those 18-years and older. With Bicycle Health, you will be matched with a medical provider and meet them online or in person in select areas. Bicycle Health prescribes Suboxone, a medication that helps to relieve opioid withdrawal and reduce cravings.³ For a monthly cost of $199, you get access to appointments with a licensed medical provider, online support groups, and care navigation. Some insurance plans are accepted.

Bicycle Health offers services to patients in Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. They intend to expand to more states in the future. Same-day, evening, and weekend appointments are available.

Bicycle Health offers comprehensive medical and behavioral treatment for opioid use disorders. Appointment frequency varies depending on each person’s individualized treatment plan. Typically, appointments are held more frequently at the beginning of treatment and then are gradually reduced. When you sign up with Bicycle Health you are matched with a provider, but you can opt to change providers if you wish.

Summary Table of What Bicycle Health Offers

How Much Does Bicycle Health Cost?

The cost of Bicycle Health is $199 per month without insurance. Monthly costs may be lower depending on your insurance coverage. The monthly plan does not include the cost of medication.

• Monthly Program Costs: Bicycle Health’s monthly program fee is $199. This includes doctor’s visits, care navigation, online support groups, unlimited messaging, and lab tests.

Medication Costs

Medication costs range from $0 to $150 and are not included in the monthly fee. Suboxone is generally covered by health insurance, but the exact cost of medication depends on your insurance coverage.

Does Bicycle Health Accept Insurance?

Yes, Bicycle Health does accept select health insurance plans including Medicare, Aetna, Anthem, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, and United Healthcare.

What Sets Bicycle Health Apart From Its Competitors?

Bicycle Health prescribers include medical doctors, physician’s assistants, and nurse practitioners. All of Bicycle Health’s clinicians are licensed and certified to prescribe Suboxone and have experience working with addiction. Suboxone is the only medication prescribed by Bicycle Health prescribers. Suboxone can assist in managing opioid withdrawal, relieving cravings, and transitioning off of methadone treatment. If your provider decides that you would benefit from Suboxone, then a prescription will be sent to your local pharmacy for pick up.

Generally, insurance will cover the costs of Suboxone, but you may be responsible for a copay. If you do not have insurance, then you will have to pay out-of-pocket for the medication.

Treatment with Bicycle Health is primarily remote, but in some states, it is possible to meet with a provider in-person. Patients are also expected to participate in at-home drug testing so that the treatment team can monitor progress. Online support groups are also available several days per week on a range of recovery-related topics.

How to Sign Up for Bicycle Health

You can sign up for Workit Health by visiting the Bicycle Health website.

Final Verdict

There are a number of factors to consider when trying to determine which online therapy platform is going to be the best fit for you. It’s important to be mindful of what each platform costs, the services they provide you with, the training and level of expertise of their providers, along with several other important criteria.

You may also want to think about what their customer service is like and whether or not you can quickly email or call someone for help. It’s okay to shop around before making this big decision for yourself. Hopefully, this comprehensive guide helps make it a little easier.

More Online Therapy Options to Explore

Below are additional online therapy options that may be a better fit for your individual preferences and needs. It’s important to note that not all of these options are available across the US, and prices will vary, as will the services offered.

Online Therapist Directories

Alma

Alma is an online therapist directory of over 4,000 providers which allows you to choose your own therapist or get assistance from Alma’s free client matching service. Therapists with Alma offer in-person or online appointments, and you can see them as often as needed (as their schedule allows). The length of therapy sessions, the cost, and the insurance accepted all depend on the therapist you choose, as each therapist has their own, independently run practice.

After speaking with an Alma representative, it was clear that their mission is to simplify access for all to high-quality, affordable mental healthcare. My contact at Alma shared that, “Almost 40% of providers at Alma self-identify as Black, Hispanic/LatinX, or Asian. They also speak more than 40 languages, ranging from American Sign Language to Cantonese.”⁴

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.

Subscription-Based Online Therapy Platforms

Brightside Health

Brightside Health is a subscription-based online therapy and psychiatry platform specifically tailored to those with anxiety and depression. With Brightside, you can access to online CBT materials and weekly half-hour therapy sessions with a licensed therapist for $299 – $349 monthly, depending on which plan you choose. Brightside Health does accept some insurance plans.

For those looking for psychiatric support, Brightside Health offers a therapy and medication plan. Not only will you receive weekly therapy sessions, CBT assignments, and the symptom tracker, but you will also connect with a psychiatrist to assess whether you would benefit from medication. Your therapist and psychiatrist will coordinate your care, with prescriptions mailed to your door. Medication costs $15 out-of-pocket per prescription or your insurance copay.

You can learn about subscriptions, costs, and more in our detailed review of Brightside Health.

Calmerry

Calmerry is a subscription-based online therapy platform that’s great 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. Calmerry has 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.

Pride Counseling

Pride Counseling is a subscription-based online therapy platform specifically for the LGBTQIA+ community. A subscription includes weekly, 30-45 minute video, phone, or live chat therapy sessions, and the option to send your therapist messages in between sessions (you can expect replies once daily). Pride Counseling costs $240-$360 monthly, ($60-$90 weekly), which makes it a good out-of-pocket therapy option for many.

Pride Counseling is a subsidiary of BetterHelp and it operates the same way. All of the therapists on Pride Counseling have the experience and expertise needed to provide care to those in the LGBTQIA+ community, though they may not identify as LGBTQIA themselves. While you are automatically matched with a therapist, you can easily choose a new one from the BetterHelp directory if needed.

To sign up, visit the Pride Counseling website.

WellNite

WellNite is a subscription-based online therapy and medication management platform that’s good 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. After you sign up and choose a subscription plan, WellNite will choose your top two therapist matches.

You will be able to read therapists’ backgrounds and education before you make your final choice. In a phone call with WellNite, I was told that after your initial appointment with your new therapist, WellNite will follow up with you to see how your appointment went and if you felt comfortable. 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.

You can sign up for an account on the WellNite website.

Monument

Monument is an online therapy platform that offers dedicated therapy and medication management for those dealing with alcohol dependence and a great alternative to WorkIt Health. Therapy costs with Monument are $149 – $249 monthly, depending on which plan you select. Each subscription plan offers live therapy sessions, appointments with a medical doctor for medication to help with alcohol cravings, messaging with your doctor and therapist, and access to therapist-moderated support groups and a community forum.

Monument also has a stand-alone medication management plan with a medical doctor for a one-time payment of $45 and then $9.99 monthly. Community membership is free for anyone struggling with alcohol dependence and gives you access to therapist-moderated support groups as well as the community forum. Currently, Monument is available in NY, NJ, CT, CA, PA, WA, D.C., VA, GA, CO, OR, SC, TX, KY, FL, OH, AZ, & IA.

Online Therapy Platforms Offering Individual Sessions

Thriveworks

Thriveworks provides online and in-person counseling for kids and teens, individuals, and couples and is great for both online and in-person sessions. Thriveworks also offers evening and weekend appointments and earned 4 out of 5 stars overall during our independent review. Thriveworks costs range from $99 – $199 per 60-minute session, with ultimate costs depending on your location and the therapist you choose. If you were to attend therapy weekly, the out-of-pocket monthly cost could be between $420 – $835. Thriveworks does accept many major insurance plans, however, which could significantly decrease these costs.

Thriveworks has locations in over 40 states and you can see therapists either in-person or online, which may be a huge selling point for those who want to connect with a therapist face-to-face every now and again.

For more information about everything they offer and how exactly to sign up, you can read our in-depth Thriveworks review.

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. 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 they are available in the following 32 states: 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.

Lifestance can offer psychiatric services to those 10-years and older.

Sondermind

SonderMind is an online therapy platform that matches kids and 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 currently available in the following 15 states: AZ, CO, D.C, GA, IN, KY, ME, MD, MASS, MO, NE, OH, TX, VT, & VA.

Therapy for Black Girls

Therapy For Black Girls (TFBG) is an online therapy platform dedicated to serving women of color. Some therapists with TFBG will see children and teens (10+) and couples. All costs are per session and depend on the therapist you select from their directory. Not only do providers accept many major insurance plans, but some of the therapists can also provide in-person therapy. Currently, therapy is available in all 50 states and in Canada.

Telemedicine Platforms Offering Online Therapy

Amwell

Amwell is an on-demand telemedicine platform that can offer online therapy to kids and teens (10-17), adults, and couples. Amwell also offers women’s mental health, like postpartum, prenatal and menopausal counseling, and would be a great fit for those women. All therapy sessions have out-of-pocket costs of $109 – $129 for one 45-minute, live video session. Currently, Amwell accepts several major insurance providers and you will be able to choose your own provider.

Much like its competitor, Doctor on Demand, Amwell requires you to create an account prior to gaining access to anything on its website. Once your account is created, you can add your insurance information, personal details and schedule your first appointment. Amwell allows you to filter their therapist directory by gender, language (English, Spanish or Bengali), and specialty (this isn’t an area of expertise, but a choice between whether you want to see a therapist or psychologist).

For more about how to attend your first live therapy session, you can read our in-depth review of Amwell.

MDLive

MDLive is an on-demand telemedicine platform that offers online therapy to kids and teens (10-17), and adults. MDLive is great for those seeking a relatively low-cost therapy session. Live therapy sessions are 45-60 minute long video or phone calls, with an out-of-pocket cost of only $108, making it one of the most affordable individual session costs on our list. MDLive accepts several major insurance providers and just like with Amwell, you will be able to choose your own provider.

After you create your account, you can verify insurance, input your personal data and schedule your first appointment. This is essentially identical to the way the accounts on Doctor on Demand and Amwell work. A cool feature of MDLive’s appointment scheduler is that if you find a therapist you like, but don’t see availability that fits your needs, you can request an appointment!

To learn more about everything MDLive offers, please read our comprehensive review of MDLive.

Doctor on Demand

Doctor on Demand is a telemedicine platform that offers live therapy and psychiatry sessions. This platform would be ideal for those who want to option to have longer therapy sessions. Doctor on Demand’s therapy sessions, called consultations, cost $129 per 25-minute session, or $179 per 50-minute session. There is an option to add an additional 15 minutes to either session option for an additional fee (this isn’t a set fee, but agreed upon by you and your therapist).

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.

Much like Amwell and MDLive, the other telemedicine platforms on our list, you will have to create a free account on Doctor on Demand prior to accessing any information about providers or whether your insurance is accepted. Once your account is created, you can verify your insurance, browse their 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.

LiveHealth Online

LiveHealth Online is a telemedicine platform, similar to MDLive and Doctor on Demand, that offers therapy for anyone over the age of 10 and psychiatry services to individuals 18 and older. This platform would be a good option for parents who may want their child to see a therapist as well as be prescribed medication.

Therapy sessions are 45 minutes long and cost $80 to see a therapist and $95 to see a psychologist. Psychiatry costs $175 for an initial 45-minute evaluation and $75 for 15-minute follow-up appointments. LiveHealth accepts many major insurance plans and they are available in all 50 states and the US Virgin Islands.

Teladoc

Teladoc is also a telemedicine platform that offers therapy and psychiatry to individuals over the age of 18. Teladoc is a well-established company and is ideal for those who may be nervous about starting therapy online. Unlike MDLive or Amwell, you can’t choose your therapist from a directory but will select one from a shorter list that match your preferences. Therapy costs range $0 – $99 for therapy, with the exact cost depending on if you are using insurance or paying out-of-pocket. Costs for psychiatry are $0 – $299 for an initial session and follow-ups $0 – $119. Teladoc is available in all 50 states and in Canada.

Teladoc is the owner of BetterHelp, which earned our Best Overall award for best online therapy options.

Health Sapiens

HealthSapiens is a telemedicine platform (like LiveHealth and Teladoc) that offers online therapy for individuals 18-years and older. HealthSapiens would be a good option for those wanting a subscription-based therapy option with the choice to also use the telemedicine side of the website. Unlike other telemedicine platforms, HealthSapiens offers subscriptions to their therapy plan which costs $197 monthly. There are no psychiatric services or medication management available with HealthSapiens and they do not accept insurance. HealthSapiens is available in all 50 states.

Frequently Asked Questions About Online Therapy

What Is Online Therapy?

Online therapy, also known as telehealth therapy, or teletherapy offers people a way to connect with a licensed therapist or counselor from the comfort of their home or while they’re on the go. Live video sessions are the most common way to talk with a therapist and most similar to in-person therapy sessions.

Online therapists provide you with similar styles of treatments as they would if you went to them in-person. While some online therapy platforms, like BetterHelp and Talkspace, cannot give you specific mental health diagnosis, they can still offer support and give you tools to help manage your symptoms.

Is Online Therapy as Effective as In-Person Therapy?

Research shows that online therapy can be just as effective as in-person therapy in treating a variety of disorders and mental health symptoms.⁵ A 2014 study from the Journal of Affective Disorders found online treatment just as effective as face-to-face treatment for depression.⁶ It was also shown in another 2014 study that online cognitive behavioral therapy was not only effective in treating anxiety, it was also cost-effective for patients.⁷
This trend continues with many populations and diagnoses.

However, in order to ensure good outcomes through online vs. in-person therapy, it is essential for the consumer to be mindful of the education-level and licensure of their online provider.

Is Online Therapy HIPAA Compliant?

Yes, when you speak with a therapist via video, phone, or text message, it is covered by HIPAA laws. Some online therapy platforms will have you sign a HIPAA form, while others state their HIPAA compliance methods in their Terms of Service or Privacy Policies. All of the online therapy platforms on our list will have their Terms of Services or Privacy Policies linked at the bottom of their main webpages.

Can You Use Insurance for Online Therapy?

The use of insurance for mental health costs depends on several factors. Not all online therapy platforms accept insurance and the ones that do may only work with select insurance providers. In fact, the coverage provided for mental health visits by your insurance will vary depending on which plan you have elected to sign up for.

Some health insurance plans will have larger copays and deductibles, as well as limit name brand medication and therapy visits. It’s important to contact your insurance company to learn more about what your individual plan covers.

Can I Use My HSA/FSA Card for Online Therapy?

The use of FSA or HSA for the cost of online therapy will depend on which online platform you choose. When researching which online therapy platform to go with, you can usually find out if they take FSA/HSA in their FAQ section or by emailing them. If you are able to pay this way, you will simply use your FSA/HSA card to pay for therapy during the signup process

Additional Resources

Education is just the first step on our path to improved mental health and emotional wellness. To help our readers take the next step in their journey, Choosing Therapy has partnered with leaders in mental health and wellness. Choosing Therapy may be compensated for marketing by the companies mentioned below.

Online Therapy 

BetterHelp – Get support and guidance from a licensed therapist. BetterHelp has over 20,000 therapists who provide convenient and affordable online therapy. Take A Free Online Assessment and get matched with the right therapist for you. Free Assessment

Online Psychiatry

Hims / Hers – If you’re living with anxiety or depression, finding the right medication match may make all the difference. Get FDA approved medication prescribed by your dedicated Hims / Hers Healthcare Provider and delivered right to your door. Plans start at $25 per month (first month)*. Get Started

Medication + Therapy

Brightside Health – Together, medication and therapy can help you feel like yourself, faster. Brightside Health treatment plans start at $95 per month. United Healthcare, Anthem, Cigna, and Aetna accepted. Following a free online evaluation and receiving a prescription, you can get FDA approved medications delivered to your door. Free Assessment

Starting Therapy Newsletter

A free newsletter for those interested in learning about therapy and how to get the most benefits out of therapy. Get helpful tips and the latest information. Sign Up

Choosing Therapy Directory 

You can search for therapists by specialty, experience, insurance, or price, and location. Find a therapist today.

Choosing Therapy partners with leading mental health companies and is compensated for marketing by BetterHelp, Hims / Hers, and Brightside. *Hims / Hers Disclaimer: Subscription required. After first month, price is $85/month for a monthly subscription or $49/month for a three-month subscription ($123 for first order, $147 billed quarterly thereafter). Subscription automatically renews unless you cancel at least 7 days before renewal is processed.

For Further Reading

• Best LGBTQIA+ Online Therapy Options
• Best Online Therapy Options That Take Insurance
• Best Online Psychiatrist Services