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, virtual therapy, telehealth therapy, or teletherapy, enables people to meet for individual therapy, couples counseling, family therapy, or even 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.
Best Online Therapy Services at a Glance
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Data points analyzedChoosing Therapy’s reviews are fair, honest, and thorough. To date, we’ve reviewed mental health products and services offered by more than 250 companies. That has involved more than 1,050 hours of firsthand use of those products and consideration of over 825 data points. Our editorial policies outline a rigorous review process, but they all boil down to this: produce a review that your own friends and family could rely on. Learn more here.
Our Picks for Best Online Therapy Services
- Best Overall – BetterHelp
- Honorable Mention – Online-Therapy.com
- Best With Insurance – Talkspace
- Best for Kids – Manatee
- Best for Teens – Teen Counseling
- Best On a Budget – eTherapy Cafe
- Best for LGBTQ+ Community – The National Queer & Trans Therapists of Color Network (NQTTCN)
- Best for Therapy & Medication – Cerebral
- Best for Couples – ReGain
- Best for Treating Alcohol Use Disorder – WorkIt Health
- Best for Treating Opioid Use Disorder – Bicycle Health
Detailed Reviews of the Best Online Therapy Services of 2024
- Price: $260 – $360 Monthly
- Insurance Accepted? No
- Services Offered: Individual (18+) Therapy
Why We Chose It
BetterHelp is one of the most accessible online therapy services for people who are interested in getting started with therapy quickly and easily. BetterHelp offers a huge selection of therapists with appointments usually available same-day.
Pros & Cons
- 30k+ licensed therapists to choose from
- Same-day appointments available
- Your choice of video, phone, or text therapy
- Fast and convenient
- Does not accept any insurance
- Limited choice over your first therapist
- Mobile app has frequent technical issues
- Not all providers offer video or text sessions
- Frequent therapist turnover, according to users
Cost
BetterHelp costs range from $260 – $360 monthly (advertised at $65 – $90 weekly). This includes weekly sessions with your therapist, access to BetterHelp’s resource content, and one weekly group webinar. BetterHelp does not accept insurance.
A few key facts about BetterHelp costs:
- BetterHelp does not accept insurance
- BetterHelp’s standard price is $360 monthly
- Financial aid is available for people in times of financial hardship, potentially lowering the price to $260 monthly
- You can use FSA or HSA to pay for BetterHelp
- BetterHelp will provide a superbill for out-of-network insurance reimbursement
- Your first month with BetterHelp is due upfront
BetterHelp does not accept insurance but does accept FSA and HSA. Using an FSA or HSA for mental health is fairly common and a great option if you have one of those accounts.
The low monthly cost makes BetterHelp an affordable out-of-pocket option when compared to traditional therapy, which costs $100 – $150+ per session (FN2). Financial aid is available for people experiencing financial difficulties. As you are going through the intake questionnaire, there are some questions related to income and whether or not COVID has impacted your job – how you answer these determines your eligibility for financial aid, which can lower the price to $260 monthly instead of $360.
Regardless, you’ll know what your ongoing subscription cost will be at the end of the intake questionnaire before you input your payment details. The first month’s subscription fee is due upfront at the time of signup. For my testing purposes, I created a test account on BetterHelp, paid the fee, and then messaged support stating I’d like to cancel my account and receive a refund. BetterHelp support responded within the day and refunded my payment source after exchanging a couple of quick emails.
Overview
BetterHelp offers a variety of ways to access your weekly telehealth therapy sessions including video, phone, and live chat. Additionally, BetterHelp clients gain access to a wide range of group sessions and webinars. BetterHelp serves anyone above age 18+ in the US or internationally. BetterHelp costs range from $260 – $360 monthly.
BetterHelp’s therapy subscription includes:
- One live, 30 or 45-minute weekly video, phone, or text session.
- Texting your therapist with responses expected at least once daily.
- An in-app journal that you can keep private or share with your therapist.
- Group webinars to attend on topics like anxiety, stress, depression, and more.
In general, all virtual therapists with BetterHelp are able to help you manage anxiety symptoms and depression symptoms, as well as stress, self-esteem issues, overall unhappiness, and more.
Visit our full BetterHelp review for a full breakdown of everything it has to offer.
In Our Experience
When I used BetterHelp, I was impressed by the convenience and speed with which you can get set up with a therapist. Upon sign-up, I had session options as soon as same-day, which is very rarely possible with traditional therapy.
BetterHelp – and most online therapy services, for that matter – is best suited for someone with only minor mental health symptoms or who doesn’t have much experience in therapy. So I didn’t feel it was a great option for me, personally, given my experience with therapy. However, that shouldn’t dissuade someone who is looking for a little bit of help to get through a tough time. For adjustment issues, mild-to-moderate anxiety and depression, burnout, or stress, BetterHelp is a great resource.
I would recommend BetterHelp to those who are new to telehealth therapy or haven’t had much exposure to popular treatment methods. If you’re looking for a long-term therapeutic relationship or techniques beyond the basics, other options may be better. Services like BetterHelp are known to see a lot of turnover with therapists, according to many users online.
I went into my session with something in the back of my mind – the BetterHelp data privacy charges from 2020. However, after a bit of research and reading through BetterHelp’s privacy policy, I felt confident my confidential session data would be safe.
One recommendation I have is to use BetterHelp’s desktop website if you’re planning to spend a lot of time with the journal or other out-of-session resources. The BetterHelp mobile app is clunky, frustrating, and prone to a lot of technical issues, however, it is fairly stable when connecting to video sessions, so it is still a viable option for certain things. Accessing BetterHelp on a laptop or desktop computer is a far more pleasant experience compared to using it on a smartphone.
- Price: $200 – $440 Monthly
- Insurance Accepted? No
- Services Offered: Individual (18+) Therapy, Couples Therapy, and Anger Management
Why We Chose It
Online-Therapy.com offers great CBT skill-building through online therapy and online worksheets. It’s the best option available if you’re looking for CBT-oriented care.
Pros & Cons
- Unique homework and worksheets
- Offers video, phone, and text sessions
- Simple pricing system
- Well-designed website is easy to use
- Insurance is not accepted
- Limited choice over initial therapist
- CBT-based therapy only; no other types of therapy
- No mobile app
Cost
Online-Therapy.com costs range from $200 – $440 monthly (advertised as $50 – $110 weekly). This includes sessions and unlimited messaging with your therapist, access to the full Online-Therapy.com CBT course, as well as additional tools such as a journal and yoga videos. Online-Therapy.com does not accept insurance.
Online-Therapy.com offers three online therapy subscriptions:
- Basic ($200 monthly) – This plan gives you access to the full toolkit that Online-Therapy.com offers including the full CBT course and unlimited messaging with a therapist.
- Standard ($256 monthly) – This plan includes full access to Online-Therapy.com, plus a weekly live session with a therapist.
- Premium ($440 monthly) – This plan includes everything the standard plan offers, but with two live sessions per week instead of just one.
- Couples Therapy ($440 monthly) – This plan is for couples who would like to attend joint sessions. While it is the same price as the premium plan, you only get one live session weekly rather than two.
Online-Therapy.com offers financial aid for students, veterans, and those with low income. During sign-up, you can fill out a financial aid application which will update the cost automatically, if you’re approved. All new users are eligible for 20% off their first month. While Online-Therapy.com does not accept insurance, the company will generate a superbill for potential out-of-network reimbursement by your insurance.
Overview
Online-Therapy.com offers a variety of ways to participate in virtual therapy, including video, phone, and live chat sessions, as well as the self-guided online CBT course. Online-Therapy.com serves anyone ages 18+ in the US or internationally. Online-Therapy.com costs range from $200 – $440 monthly and the company does 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 aid you in learning about CBT and 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 must complete before your next therapy session.
Visit our full Online-Therapy.com review for a full breakdown of everything it has to offer.
In Our Experience
When I used Online-Therapy.com, I was impressed with the resources, worksheets, and overall structure of the program. I think having a structured CBT course to follow is a great way to keep therapy on-task and see results more clearly. At the same time, however, CBT might not be the right approach for everyone. If you prefer CBT, though, Online-Therapy.com has created a very well-implemented therapeutic toolkit.
Like other online therapy providers, Online-Therapy.com is not designed for those with severe mental illnesses or symptoms. However, if you are just getting started with therapy or have very straightforward problems, then Online-Therapy.com’s CBT program could be a great fit.
I would recommend Online-Therapy.com to anyone who has never been through CBT in the past – if you’ve been through CBT in the past, though, some of the information may be a bit redundant for you. If you’re looking for a long-term talk therapist or a therapist that is less “goal-oriented” than cognitive-behavioral therapists tend to be, then you may want to look elsewhere. Otherwise, Online-Therapy.com’s platform should be great for handling mild anxiety, problematic thought patterns, or other lifestyle issues. The platform empowers you to take control of your mental health and drive change for yourself.
- Price: $276 – $436 Monthly
- Insurance Accepted? Yes
- Services Offered: Individuals (18+), Couples, and Teens
Why We Chose It
Talkspace accepts insurance from almost every major insurance provider across the US. And, they continue to add to their list of accepted insurance plans throughout the year. It’s the best option for therapy-seekers with insurance.
Pros & Cons
- Many major health insurance plans are accepted
- Psychiatric services available
- Couples and teen (13+) therapy available
- Quick and easy sign-up
- Excellent mobile and web apps
- Therapist matching process usually takes a few days
- You can only choose from your top three therapist matches
- No option to bundle therapy and psychiatry services into one package
Cost
Talkspace has three different subscription packages for online counseling, but the cost ultimately depends on your geographic location and therapist availability. The messaging-only package starts at $276 monthly, the live therapy package starts at $396 monthly, and the messaging, therapy, and workshop package costs $436 monthly. Talkspace accepts many insurance plans.
Talkspace offers three online therapy subscriptions for cash-pay members:
- Messaging Therapy ($276 monthly) – This plan gives you a dedicated chatroom where you can send text, audio, or video messages to your therapist anytime. Therapists will respond to messages at least once daily, Monday- Friday. Costs start at $276 monthly, advertised at $69 weekly.
- Video + Messaging Therapy ($396 monthly) – This plan gives you four, 45-minute video sessions with your therapist every month, as well as the messaging plan. Costs start at $396 monthly, advertised at $99 weekly.
- Video + Messaging Therapy+ Workshops ($436 monthly) – This plan includes everything from the Messaging Only and Live Therapy plans as well as access to live Zoom workshops with licensed providers on various mental health topics. Costs start at $436 monthly, advertised at $109 weekly.
Pricing for additional Talkspace services includes:
- Psychiatry – Talkspace psychiatry is billed by session. An initial evaluation session costs $299 and follow-up sessions are $175 each. You can buy sessions in bundles for a bit of savings.
- Couples Therapy – Couples therapy with Talkspace starts at $436 monthly for weekly live sessions and unlimited messaging.
- Teen Therapy – Teens ages 13-17 can use Talkspace therapy at the same monthly cost as adults.
Talkspace does accept a wide variety of insurance plans, however, your cost with insurance will vary considerably depending on your individual coverage and needs. If your insurance plan covers Talkspace, you’ll only be responsible for any copays due. Keep in mind that, you may be responsible for additional fees if you haven’t met your deductible. You can also use your FSA or HSA card for therapy with Talkspace.
Overview
Talkspace is a subscription-based online therapy platform that offers a variety of ways to access your weekly virtual therapy sessions including video, phone, and messaging. Talkspace also offers psychiatric services and therapy options for couples and teens. Additionally, Talkspace subscribers on the highest subscription plan gain access to a wide range of educational webinars. Talkspace serves anyone age 13+ in the US or internationally. Talkspace costs range from $276 – $436 monthly and accepts many major insurance plans.
Talkspace has been a leader in the mental health and wellness sector since 2012, which has given them an advantage over other online therapy and psychiatry platforms, especially when it comes to insurance. Talkspace accepts many major insurance plans like Premera, Cigna, Optum, Gatorcare, Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and more. They also have numerous partners from education institutions to corporations and can provide either messaging-only therapy or messaging + live therapy sessions to beneficiaries.
Visit our full Talkspace review for a full breakdown of everything it has to offer.
Talkspace is a subscription-based online therapy service, similar to BetterHelp, that offers 45-minute therapy sessions with a licensed therapist for $276 – $436 monthly (advertised as $69 – $109 weekly). They make accessing mental healthcare easy and convenient and they earned 4 out of 5 stars overall in our independent review. Some perks of Talkspace include insurance coverage, multiple subscription levels, and psychiatric care.
Talkspace has been a leader in the mental health and wellness sector since 2012, which has given them an advantage over other online therapy and psychiatry platforms, especially when it comes to insurance. Talkspace accepts many major insurance plans like Premera, Cigna, Optum, Gatorcare, Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and more. They also have numerous partners from education institutions to corporations and can provide either messaging-only therapy or messaging + live therapy sessions to beneficiaries.
In Our Experience
When I used Talkspace, I was impressed with how easy it was to get started and the convenience offered by the Talkspace mobile app. The therapist that Talkspace matched me with was an ideal fit for me right away. I also thought that the overall design of Talkspace was very simple and intuitive, without being either overly structured or loose. Overall, I would definitely use this service again.
Granted, Talkspace is fairly expensive as far as cash pay goes – to get weekly live sessions with a therapist, you have to spend about $400 upfront which can definitely feel like a burden. However, if you have an insurance plan that is in-network with Talkspace, it becomes much more affordable. Even cash-pay, though, Talkspace is still on par with, or often more affordable than traditional therapy and offers the convenience of attending appointments from your own home and the opportunity to message your therapist in between sessions.
- Price: $99 – $175 per service
- Insurance Accepted? Yes
- Services Offered: Kids, Teens, and Parents
Why We Chose It
Manatee offers online counseling to kids as young as 18 months old. While therapy is only available in select states, Manatee offers coaching services nationwide.
Pros & Cons
- Kid and Parent centered mental health platform
- Insurance is accepted in certain states
- Quick turnaround time from intake to scheduled sessions
- Parent coaching available nationwide
- Online therapy is only available in California, Colorado, Florida, Idaho, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania
- No discounts or bundles available
- Services only available until age 18
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.
For even more details about what is included in their costs, you can read our comprehensive review of Manatee Health.
Overview
Manatee provides high-quality online counseling 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
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 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.
In Our Experience
Manatee Health is a great resource for kids who may be too little to sit through traditional talk therapy. Their coaching services make learning new techniques easy for kids and for their parents.
- Price: $240 – $360 Monthly
- Insurance Accepted? No
- Services Offered: Teens (13-19)
Why We Chose It
Teen Counseling is available in all US states and makes connecting your teen with a licensed therapist easy.
Pros & Cons
- Available in all 50 US states
- Attend weekly 30-minute live therapy sessions
- Teen has access to a personal chatroom with their therapist
- No insurance is accepted
- Ultimate monthly costs depend on your location and therapist’s availability
- Teens must have parent/guardian consent
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.
You can learn more about this platform by reading our in-depth review of Teen Counseling.
Overview
Teen Counseling is a subscription-based online therapy platform for teens (13-19) that offers 30-minute sessions with a licensed virtual 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. They can easily change therapists in the app if they’re unhappy with their match.
An interesting feature of Teen Counseling is that you and your teen have private chat rooms to text with your teen’s therapist anytime. 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.
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.
In Our Experience
My teen personally used this service for over five months and we saw improvement in her during that time. It was great that she could attend sessions without missing school.
- Price: $55 per 30-minute session
- Insurance Accepted? No
- Services Offered: Individuals (18+) & Couples
Why We Chose It
eTherapy Cafe had the lowest costs for a single session of online therapy that we could find. The sign-up process seemed fairly straightforward and the website was not difficult to use.
Pros & Cons
- Budget friendly
- Therapy and Coaching
- Pay-as-you-go or monthly subscriptions available
- Smaller platform than competitors
- No insurance accepted
- Therapy not available in all US states
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.
Overview
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 virtual counseling 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.
In Our Experience
We compared over twenty of the top online therapy platforms and found that eTherapy Cafe had the lowest cost per single session. This makes it a great choice for those who are budget-conscious.
- Price: Provider-Based
- Insurance Accepted? Provider-Based
- Services Offered: Provider-Based
Visit The National Queer & Trans Therapists of Color Network (NQTTCN)
Why We Chose It
The NQTTCN boasts a directory for the LGBTQIA+ community, by the LGBTQIA+ community. All providers identify as a part of the community and aim to serve and give back to the community.
Pros & Cons
- Providers are a part of the LGBTQIA+ community
- Self-select a provider
- Insurance accepted
- Searching the directory for a provider takes time and effort
- No filters to narrow search results
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.
Overview
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.
In Our Experience
This was one of the larger directories specifically geared toward the LGBTQIA+ community, by the LGBTQIA+ community.
- Price: $95 – $350 monthly
- Insurance Accepted? Yes
- Services Offered: Individual Therapy & Medication Management
Why We Chose It
Brightside Health offers both individual therapy and psychiatry, and you can bundle them into one subscription cost. Plus, they accept many major insurance plans which can drastically cut costs. Even without insurance, Brightside offers some of the most affordable rates for online psychiatry we’ve ever seen.
Pros & Cons
- Accepts many insurance plans
- Offers affordable cash-pay options
- Same-day appointments are often available
- Customer service takes several days to respond to requests
- Not available for kids or teens
Cost
Brightside Health costs range from $95 – $349, depending on the services you need. Brightside Health also accepts many insurance plans and your copay or coinsurance fees may vary depending on your insurance plan.
Brightside Health offers three subscriptions for cash-pay members:
- Psychiatry ($95 monthly) – This plan gives you an initial consultation with a psychiatrist and ongoing care.
- Therapy ($299 monthly) – This plan gives you four live video sessions with a therapist monthly.
- Psychiatry + Therapy ($299 monthly) – This plan combines everything offered by the psychiatry and therapy plans.
- Psychiatry Maintenance ($45 monthly) – After you become established with your prescriber for 60 days and have a stable ongoing prescription, you can change to a maintenance plan that includes maintenance care and unlimited messaging with your prescriber.
Overview
Brightside Health offers telehealth psychiatry and therapy services to anyone 18+ in the US. Brightside Health accepts several insurance plans. Its cash pay cost for psychiatry is $95 monthly. Therapy plans with Brightside Health cost $299+ monthly.
Brightside Health 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). Brightside Health will only prescribe non-controlled medication for ADHD and does not offer prescriptions for stimulant medications.
Visit our full review of Brightside Health for a full breakdown of all it has to offer.
In Our Experience
Brightside Health makes it incredibly easy to bundle telehealth therapy and medication services under one platform. The service is well-designed and has a lot of extra features to offer like educational videos and clinical measures. I’d happily use Brightside for my personal online counseling needs.
- Price: $240 – $360 monthly
- Insurance Accepted? No
- Services Offered: Couples (18+)
Why We Chose It
ReGain offers couples therapy in all US states and sessions can be attended as a three-way call. This makes it convenient for a couple to balance busy schedules.
Pros & Cons
- Affordable out-of-pocket costs compared to in-person couples counseling
- Financial aid is available to those who qualify
- Three-way calling available
- Costs depend on location and only available after you complete the signup process
- You are initially automatically matched with a therapist
- No one-on-one chats between you and the therapist
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.
Overview
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 read all about this online couples counseling platform, you can read our comprehensive review of ReGain.
In Our Experience
ReGain was easy to sign up for and adding a partner was as easy as sending an email with a link.
- Price: Treatment-Based
- Insurance Accepted? Yes
- Services Offered: 18+ MAT Program
Why We Chose It
Workit Health is an online medication-assisted treatment (MAT) platform for substance use disorders. WorkIt Health also treats co-occurring conditions and disorders in addition to substance use disorders.
Pros & Cons
- Makes medication-assisted treatment for several addictions accessible
- Provides recovery coaching nationwide for behavioral addictions, like gambling, sex, and disordered eating
- Offers treatment for co-occurring mental health conditions, like depression or anxiety, or physical conditions, like HIV or HepatitisC
- Out-of-pocket costs depend on your location and provider availability
- Only available in select states
- Medicaid plans are not accepted in some of the states they serve
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.
For more information about costs and insurance eligibility, you can read our in-depth review of Workit Health.
Overview
Workit Health is an online medication-assisted treatment (MAT) platform for substance use disorders. The MAT program is available in select states with recovery coaching 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.
In Our Experience
Workit Health’s website had a wealth of information for anyone seeking help with their alcohol use and any co-occurring conditions. The Workit Health intake representatives were knowledgable and helpful.
- Price: $199 monthly
- Insurance Accepted? Yes
- Services Offered: 18+ MAT Program
Why We Chose It
Bicycle Health offers medication-assisted treatment (MAT) and therapy for opioid use disorders for those 18-years and older. For a monthly cost, you get access to appointments with a licensed medical provider, online support groups, and care navigation.
Pros & Cons
- Makes medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorders accessible
- Accepts several major health insurance plans
- Offers telehealth as well as in-person treatment in some areas
- Providers only prescribe Suboxone
- Does not offer treatment for co-occurring mental health conditions
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.
For more information about what is included in the monthly plan, you can check out our in-depth review of Bicycle Health.
Overview
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, you must pay out-of-pocket for the medication.
Treatment with Bicycle Health is primarily remote, but in some states, meeting with a provider in person is possible. 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.
In Our Experience
Bicycle Health is a comprehensive online treatment program for those struggling with their opioid use. Patients will take drug tests at home and submit them to their providers via the website.
Compare the Best Online Therapy Services of 2024
BetterHelp | Online-Therapy.com | Talkspace | Manatee | Teen Counseling | eTherapy Cafe | NQTTCN | Brightside Health | ReGain | Workit Health | Bicycle Health | |
Age Limitations | 18+ | 18+ | 13+ | 0-18 | 13-19 | 18+ | Provider-Based | 18+ | 18+ | 18+ | 18+ |
Service Area | All US States | 30+ US States | All US States | 6+ US States | All US States | 45+ US States | Provider-Based | All US States | All US States | 15+ US States | 25+ US States |
Costs | $240-$360 monthly | $200-$440 monthly | $276-$436 monthly | $99-$175 per service | $240-$360 monthly | $55 per session | Provider-Based | $95-$350 monthly | $240-$360 monthly | Treatment-Based | $199 monthly |
Accepts Insurance | Provider-Based | ||||||||||
Individual Therapy | Provider-Based | ||||||||||
Couples Therapy | Provider-Based | ||||||||||
Teen Therapy | Provider-Based | ||||||||||
Medication Management Available? | Provider-Based |
BetterHelp | Online-Therapy.com | Talkspace | Manatee | Teen Counseling | eTherapy Cafe | NQTTCN | Brightside Health | ReGain | Workit Health | Bicycle Health |
Age Limitations | ||||||||||
18+ | 18+ | 13+ | 0-18 | 13-19 | 18+ | Provider-Based | 18+ | 18+ | 18+ | 18+ |
Service Area | ||||||||||
All US States | 30+ US States | All US States | 6+ US States | All US States | 45+ US States | Provider-Based | All US States | All US States | 15+ US States | 25+ US States |
Costs | ||||||||||
$240-$360 monthly | $200-$440 monthly | $276-$436 monthly | $99-$175 per service | $240-$360 monthly | $55 per session | Provider-Based | $95-$350 monthly | $240-$360 monthly | Treatment-Based | $199 monthly |
Accepts Insurance | ||||||||||
Provider-Based | ||||||||||
Individual Therapy | ||||||||||
Provider-Based | ||||||||||
Couples Therapy | ||||||||||
Provider-Based | ||||||||||
Teen Therapy | ||||||||||
Provider-Based | ||||||||||
Medication Management Available? | ||||||||||
Provider-Based |
Final Verdict
More Online Therapy Options to Explore
Price: Provider-Based
Insurance Accepted? Yes
Services Offered: In-Person or Online
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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
Price: Provider-Based
Insurance Accepted? Yes
Services Offered: In-Person or Online
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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 not available in the following states: North Dakota, South Dakota, Idaho, or Nebraska.
Select providers with Grow Therapy can offer medication management. You can read our comprehensive review of Grow Therapy to learn more about this platform.
Price: Provider-Based
Insurance Accepted? Yes
Services Offered: In-Person or Online
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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.
Learn more in a full Headway therapy review.
Price: $227.96 – $359.96 monthly
Insurance Accepted? No
Services Offered: Individuals (18+)
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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.
Price: $240-$360 monthly
Insurance Accepted? No
Services Offered: Individuals (18+)
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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.
Price: $195 – $350 monthly
Insurance Accepted? No
Services Offered: Individuals (18+), Teens (13+), and Couples
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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.
Price: $9.99 - $249+ monthly
Insurance Accepted? Yes
Services Offered: Online Alcohol Treatment (18+)
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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.
You can learn even more about this platform by reading our comprehensive review of Monument.
Price: $99 - $199 per session
Insurance Accepted? Yes
Services Offered: Individuals (18+), Teens (13+), and Couples
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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.
Price:Location-Based
Insurance Accepted? Yes
Services Offered: Individuals (18+), Couples, Kids & Teens (2+), Families, and Groups
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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 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. You can read our in-depth review of LifeStance Health to learn all about this platform and what it can offer.
Price: Provider-Based
Insurance Accepted? Yes
Services Offered: Kids & Teens, and Individuals (18+
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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.
Price: Provider-Based
Insurance Accepted? Provider-Based
Services Offered: Provider-Based
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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.
Price: $109 - $279 per service
Insurance Accepted? Yes
Services Offered: Individuals (18+)
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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 and 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.
Price: $108 - $248 per service
Insurance Accepted? Yes
Services Offered: Individuals (10+)
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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.
Price: $129 - $179 per session
Insurance Accepted? Yes
Services Offered: Individuals (18+)
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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.
Price: $80 - $95 per session
Insurance Accepted? Yes
Services Offered: Individuals (18+)
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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.
Price: $0 - $99
Insurance Accepted? Yes
Services Offered: Individuals (18+)
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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.
Price: $197 monthly
Insurance Accepted? No
Services Offered: Individuals (18+)
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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
What Is Online Therapy?
Online therapy, also known as telehealth therapy, online counseling, virtual counseling, virtual 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 FSA/HSA 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.