After testing over 50 platforms, our expert team decided on the top six best online therapy services. These options all offer affordable and accessible ways to connect with licensed therapists. Some standouts offer features like broad insurance coverage, extremely affordable cash-pay options, care specifically designed for women, and focus on accessibility for marginalized groups—making it easier to find the right support for your unique needs.
Our Favorite Online Therapy Services
- Fastest Sign-Up Process - BetterHelp | Read review
- Most Affordable - Open Path Collective | Read review
- Best for Comprehensive Care - Brightside Health | Read review
- Best for Insurance Coverage - Grow Therapy | Read review
- Best for Women - Amwell | Read review
- Most Inclusive - Inclusive Therapists | Read review
Why Trust Us
300+
Companies Reviewed2,350+
Hours of Testing1,150+
Data Points AnalyzedThe reviews on ChoosingTherapy.com are fair, honest, thorough, and based on firsthand experience. To date, we’ve reviewed mental health solutions offered by more than 300 companies. That has involved more than 2,350 hours of firsthand use and consideration of over 1,150 data points. Our editorial policies outline a rigorous review process, but they all boil down to this: produce reviews that our own friends and family can rely on. Learn more here.
Full Company Reviews
Here are the best online therapy services we’ve used.
BetterHelp offers flexible online therapy options with video, phone, or chat sessions, plus group webinars and the ability to message your therapist outside of sessions. With access to a huge network of licensed providers, it stands out for its vast therapist selection, making it easy to find a match that fits your specific needs. Plus, when we tried BetterHelp, our reviewer was matched with a provider in just two hours.
Pros & Cons
- Over 30k therapists available
- Same-day appointments often available
- Between-session therapist messaging
- Offers live-chat sessions
- Doesn’t accept insurance
- Can’t prescribe medication
- Cost varies depending on your location
- Not much choice over initial therapist match
Cost
BetterHelp costs between $280 and $400 monthly. This covers weekly therapy sessions, unlimited messaging with your therapist, access to resource materials, and one group webinar per week. It doesn’t accept insurance, but BetterHelp’s financial aid program can help you save 10%–40% if you qualify.
If you’re looking for fewer sessions, BetterHelp offers a maintenance plan for $200 monthly, which includes one live session and unlimited messaging. You can also book individual sessions for $110 each.
For a detailed breakdown, check out our full review of BetterHelp.
Overview
BetterHelp is one of the most accessible and convenient online therapy platforms we’ve tried, making it a potentially great choice for those who are new to therapy. It offers flexible ways to connect with your therapist, whether through video, phone, or live chat, along with extra resources like group webinars on topics like anxiety, stress, and depression. BetterHelp is available to anyone 18 and older, both in the U.S. and internationally, with costs ranging from $280 to $400 per month.
BetterHelp’s subscription includes one live, 30- or 45-minute session per week (via video, phone, or chat), unlimited messaging with your therapist, journaling tools, and group webinars. While some of our team initially had difficulty finding the right therapist match, the platform’s easy therapist-switching process allowed us to connect with therapists who truly fit our needs—plus, each time one of our testers requested a new therapist, a new match was offered quickly and seamlessly.
If you can find a great therapist fit, BetterHelp’s user-friendly platform makes it easier than ever to prioritize your mental health.
Visit our full BetterHelp review to explore all the platform has to offer.
Open Path Collective is a nonprofit that connects individuals and families with affordable online therapy. With session fees ranging from $30 to $70 plus a one-time lifetime membership fee of $65, it’s one of the most budget-friendly options available. For those seeking quality care without breaking the bank, Open Path offers unmatched value.
Pros & Cons
- Extremely affordable sessions
- Designed for under- or un-insured people
- Requires $65 upfront membership cost
- Income restrictions make it unsuitable for some
- Some therapists are students and not independently licensed
Cost
Open Path Collective offers affordable therapy options to those who are uninsured or underinsured. Sessions range from $30 to $70 per session. This nonprofit provides access to licensed therapists, with cheaper sessions available through student therapists under supervision.
For more on its pricing model, read our full Open Path Collective review.
Overview
Open Path Collective is a nonprofit network that provides affordable therapy to those in difficult financial circumstances. With therapy sessions ranging from $30 to $70, Open Path is a great option for those seeking quality care at a fraction of the average cost of traditional therapy. To access the network, users pay a one-time $65 membership fee and must meet eligibility requirements: Earning less than $100k annually and not having insurance coverage for therapy.
Open Path connects clients with licensed therapists and counseling student interns who offer care under the supervision of licensed therapists. Sessions are available in-person or online, depending on the therapist’s location and availability. While Open Path may have a limited selection of therapists compared to some larger services, it provides a valuable option for those seeking low-cost care without sacrificing quality.
The network’s mission to make therapy accessible is evident in the network’s affordable pricing structure. With the one-time membership fee and flexible session pricing, Open Path offers a simple, straightforward solution for people who need therapy but may not have the means to pay higher rates.
Read our Open Path Collective review for more details.
Brightside Health offers comprehensive online therapy and medication management for anxiety, depression, and crisis support, including a Suicide Prevention Program. With affordable pricing and high-quality care, it’s a great option for those seeking both therapy and medication to manage their mental health needs, as users can access the psychiatry + therapy plan for a bundled cost. Plus, it accepts many major insurance plans, including Aetna, Anthem, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and even Medicare and Medicaid in certain states.
Pros & Cons
- Accepts many insurance plans
- Medication can be shipped directly to you
- Bundled rate for therapy plus medication management
- Therapy for teens not available in all states
- Customer service takes several days to respond to requests
Cost
Brightside offers flexible pricing based on the services you need, with monthly costs ranging from $95 to $349. It also accepts many insurance plans.
Here are the cash-pay costs for Brightside’s subscriptions:
- Psychiatry: $95/month (includes initial consultation and ongoing care)
- Therapy: $299/month (includes four video sessions)
- Psychiatry + Therapy: $349/month (combines both plans)
- Psychiatry Maintenance: $45/month (for stable prescriptions after 60 days)
For a full cost breakdown, visit our Brightside Health review.
Overview
Brightside Health offers a well-rounded mental health solution, combining both therapy and medication management in a single platform. Available to anyone 18+ across the US and to those 13+ in most states, Brightside provides accessible online therapy starting at $299 monthly and affordable psychiatry care, with plans as low as $95 monthly. It accepts a wide range of major insurance plans, making it a great option for those with behavioral health insurance.
What sets Brightside apart is its ability to provide comprehensive mental health care. In addition to weekly therapy sessions, users also have the option for unlimited messaging with their therapist. Brightside Health also offers non-controlled medications for conditions including depression, anxiety, and insomnia, which could be ideal for those who need medication in addition to therapy. However, it’s important to note that Brightside does not prescribe stimulant medications for ADHD or any other controlled medications.
For those who need more intensive support, Brightside’s Suicide Prevention Program (previously called Crisis Care) is a uniquely valuable resource. The program offers 4–12 weeks of intensive, specialized treatment, giving Brightside a unique edge in offering more than just basic mental health services. Our team has consistently been impressed with Brightside every time we’ve used it.
Learn more about our experience in our full Brightside Health review.
Grow Therapy stands out for its wide range of insurance partners, making it easy for users to access therapy with minimal out-of-pocket costs. With the option for in-person or online sessions, it’s a great choice for those wanting to quickly find a therapist who fits their needs.
Pros & Cons
- Offers care for kids & teens, adults, and couples
- Accepts many major insurance plans
- Affordable cash pay options for 60-minute therapy sessions
- Also hosts medication providers
- Small provider pool in some states
- Providers set their own cash-pay rates, so cost can vary
- No assistance in matching with a therapist
Cost
Grow Therapy’s costs vary depending on the provider and location. Typically, online therapy sessions range from $75 to $150+, while medication management sessions cost between $80 and $250+. All providers list their rates clearly on their profiles, and insurance coverage information is easily accessible on the Grow Therapy website.
For a more detailed cost breakdown, check out our full Grow Therapy review.
Overview
Grow Therapy is an insurance-based platform for virtual mental health counseling and medication management. It’s ideal for those who want to use their insurance benefits for therapy, but cash-pay options are also available.
Grow connects clients with a network of over 15,000 therapists, making it a versatile option for individuals, couples, and families. With a wide range of therapists and psychiatrists available across all 50 states, Grow Therapy partners with major insurance plans, helping clients access therapy and medication while managing insurance billing from start to finish. For those without insurance, flexible cash-pay pricing between $75 and $250 is also available, depending on the provider.
For more details, check out our full Grow Therapy review.
Amwell is a comprehensive telemedicine platform that offers therapy and psychiatry services in addition to urgent care, primary care, and more. What sets it apart is its mental healthcare offerings specific to prenatal and postpartum care, as well as menopause counseling, making it a great option for women wanting knowledgeable care in those areas. Plus, therapists and medication prescribers can share notes on the platform, offering more engaged, full-service care.
Pros & Cons
- Wide range of insurance coverage
- Affordable cash-pay therapy rates
- Specific offerings for prenatal, postpartum, and menopause counseling
- No monthly cost, only pay per appointment
- One-stop-shop platform could be nice for those wanting all their medical care in one place
- No bundled rate for those seeking both therapy and psychiatric services
- Must be 18+ for psychiatry
- No therapy/psychiatry matching service, you must choose your own provider from the directory
Cost
Therapy sessions with a masters-level provider cost $109 and sessions with a doctoral level therapist cost $129. Initial 45-minute psychiatry appointments cost $279, and 15-minute follow-ups are $109. If you need more comprehensive care, you can pay $169 for a 30-minute psychiatric follow-up appointment.
Amwell’s behavioral health services are in-network with a comprehensive list of insurance providers, including Aetna, Anthem, Blue Cross Blue Shield, UnitedHealthCare, and more, making the cost significantly lower for many.
Learn more about its cost breakdown in our Amwell review.
Overview
Amwell could be a great option for those with or without insurance looking for therapy services for a wide range of concerns, including issues specific to women’s health. The platform offers therapy for anyone aged 10+ and psychiatry for adults 18+.
Clients can search for providers on Amwell by specialty or by availability, giving them the option to see who they could meet with as soon as possible. When our tester tried Amwell, she was able to schedule a therapy appointment for the next day.
What sets Amwell apart is its offerings specific to prenatal, postpartum, and menopause concerns. While there may be a limited number of providers for each of these specialties, those with insurance may find these services covered by their plans, making them even more accessible.
For more details, check out our Amwell review.
Price: Ranges based on provider, can be as low as $0
Insurance: Yes
Medication: No
While not technically a therapy platform, Inclusive Therapists is an online therapist directory geared toward providing care for those in marginalized communities. It offers the widest range of filters we’ve seen for those looking for specialized care, including huge lists to choose from under categories such as cultural knowledge, advocacy focus, provider’s identity, specialties, and more. If you don’t want to find your own provider, Inclusive Therapists offers a free “Get-Matched” service.
Pros & Cons
- Safe space to find providers suited to your exact needs and preferences
- Free Get-Matched Service for those not wanting to search the directory
- Many providers offer online or in-person services
- Lots of extra crisis resources on the website
- No set cost, each provider sets their own rates
- Not an online therapy platform in itself, just a directory
Cost
Therapists set their own rates on the directory, and many take insurance. When searching for a therapist, users can sort by insurance provider or sliding scale rates, which go as low as $0–$25 in the drop-down options.
Overview
Inclusive Therapists is a platform specifically designed to offer specialized care to those from a broad range of marginalized groups, including immigrants, BIPOC folks, those within the neurodivergent community, and many more.
While it’s not technically an online therapy platform, this directory was worth including in our review because it could truly be the best option for someone looking for a therapist who understands their lived experience. Users can search by specialty, identity, cultural knowledge, advocacy focus, language, physical location, sliding scale options, and much more, with each of these filters offering the widest range of options we’ve seen from any similar services.
With a focus on accessibility, it’s easy to see each provider’s cash-pay cost and whether they offer sliding scale rates, plus any insurances they accept. Many therapists on the platform offer both online and in-person services, so those looking for online therapy should be able to find several provider options available within their state.
Compare the Best Online Therapy Services
Price | $260 - $360 monthly | $30–$70 per session | $95–$350 monthly | $75–$250 per session | $109–$279 per session | $0–$125+ per session |
Insurance? | ||||||
Medication? | ||||||
Age Range | 18+ | 13+ | 18+ | 18+ | 10+ | All ages depending on provider |
Price | |||||
$260 - $360 monthly | $30–$70 per session | $95–$350 monthly | $75–$250 per session | $109–$279 per session | $0–$125+ per session |
Insurance? | |||||
Medication? | |||||
Age Range | |||||
18+ | 13+ | 18+ | 18+ | 10+ | All ages depending on provider |
Other Online Therapy Options We Considered
While our top online therapy picks stood out for their features, affordability, or focus, our team has tried many other platforms that could provide excellent services that better fit your unique needs. These options didn’t make our main list, but they provide valuable resources, specialized care, or distinct approaches to therapy that work well for certain people.
Price: $276–$436 Monthly
Insurance: Yes
Medication: Yes
Learn MoreShow less
Talkspace is an online therapy platform for depression, anxiety, and other mental health concerns. It offers therapy and psychiatry for individuals 13+ as well as couples. Talkspace accepts many major insurance plans, including some Medicare plans. It’s a solid option for finding comprehensive care for those with insurance, though its out-of-pocket costs are on the higher end.
For more about our team’s experience, visit our full Talkspace review.
Price: $240–$480 Monthly
Insurance: No
Medication: No
Learn MoreShow less
Online-Therapy.com stands out by combining a structured, self-guided CBT course with live CBT therapy sessions, creating a unique approach to online therapy. This course adds structure and direction to your therapy experience, making Online-Therapy.com an excellent choice for those looking for a CBT-focused platform.
Learn more about pricing in our full Online-Therapy.com review.
Price: Depends on provider
Insurance: Yes
Medication: Yes
Learn MoreShow less
Headway is an online therapist directory platform designed for those with insurance. Therapists with Headway can see a wide range of patients, including kids and teens, and psychiatric care is offered on the platform as well. Headway accepts major insurance plans like Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare, and more. Headway is available in all US states.
Headway is a great directory that offers a lot of value for those who are looking to use their insurance benefits for mental health. Headway could also be a good alternative for those whose insurance benefits aren’t in-network with Grow Therapy or Brightside Health.
Learn more in a full Headway therapy review.
Price: $99–$199 per session
Insurance: Yes
Medication: Yes
Learn MoreShow less
Thriveworks offers both online and in-person counseling for individuals, couples, and families, with evening and weekend appointments available. Costs range from $99–$199 per session, depending on location and therapist, but many major insurance plans are accepted, which can help reduce costs. With locations in over 40 states, Thriveworks is a versatile option for those seeking flexibility between in-person and virtual therapy.
For a detailed breakdown, visit our full Thriveworks review.
Price: $199–$599 monthly
Insurance: Yes
Medication: Yes
Age Range: 1–25 years
Learn MoreShow less
Bend Health is an online mental health service for kids, teens, and young adults ages 1-25. Bend offers a wide variety of services tailor-made for the issues young people face. Bend is available in all US states.
Read more in our full review of Bend Health.
Price: Depends on provider
Insurance: Depends on provider
Medication: No
Learn MoreShow less
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 the 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.
If you’re looking for therapy that’s mindful of the unique experience of women of color, Therapy for Black Girls is a great choice.
Price: Depends on provider
Insurance: Yes
Medication: No
Learn MoreShow less
The National Queer & Trans Therapists of Color Network is an online therapy 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. NQTTCN is the best place to find care specifically for issues related to LGBTQIA+ experiences.
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.4 A 2014 study from the Journal of Affective Disorders found online treatment just as effective as face-to-face treatment for depression.5 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.6
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.
ChoosingTherapy.com strives to provide our readers with mental health content that is accurate and actionable. We have high standards for what can be cited within our articles. Acceptable sources include government agencies, universities and colleges, scholarly journals, industry and professional associations, and other high-integrity sources of mental health journalism. Learn more by reviewing our full editorial policy.
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Andrews, G., Basu, A., Cujipers, P., Craske, M.G., McEvoy, P., English, C.L., & Newby, J.M. (2018). Computer therapy for the anxiety and depression disorders is effective, acceptable, and practical health care: An updated meta-analysis. Journal of Anxiety Disorders, 55, 70-78. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0887618517304474
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Wanger, B., Horn, A., Maercker A. (2014, Jan.) Internet-based versus face-to-face cognitive-behavioral intervention for depression: A randomized controlled non-inferiority trial. Journal of Affective Disorders. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0165032713005120?via%3Dihub
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Nordgren, L., et al. (2014, August) Effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of individually tailored Internet-delivered cognitive behavior therapy for anxiety disorders in a primary care population: A randomized controlled trial. Behaviour Research and Therapy. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S000579671400076X?via%3Dihub
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Church, Matthew. (March, 2025). BetterHelp Review: Cost, Pros & Cons, & My Experience. Retrieved from: https://www.choosingtherapy.com/betterhelp-review/.
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Suarez-Angelino, Lena. (March, 2025). Open Path Collective Therapy Review. Retrieved from: https://www.choosingtherapy.com/open-path-collective-therapy/
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Church, Matthew. (March, 2025). Brightside Health Review: Pros & Cons, Cost, & My Experience. Retrieved from: https://www.choosingtherapy.com/brightside-health-review/.
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Rueger, Abigail. (February, 2025). Grow Therapy Review: Pros & Cons, Cost, & Who It’s Right For. Retrieved from: https://www.choosingtherapy.com/grow-therapy-review/.
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Liu, Michelle. (March, 2025). Amwell Review: Pros & Cons, Cost, & My Experience. Retrieved from: https://www.choosingtherapy.com/amwell-review/
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Church, Matthew. (March, 2025). Talkspace Review: Pros & Cons, Cost, & My Experience. Retrieved from: https://www.choosingtherapy.com/talkspace-review/
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Church, Matthew. (February, 2025). Online-Therapy.com Review: Pros & Cons, Cost, & My Experience. Retrieved from: https://www.choosingtherapy.com/online-therapy-com-review/
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Carloni, Karen. (September, 2024). Headway Therapy Review: Pros & Cons, Cost, & My Experience. Retrieved from: https://www.choosingtherapy.com/headway-review/
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Bell, Caitlin. (February, 2025). Thriveworks Counseling Review: Pros & Cons, Cost, & Who it’s Right For. Retrieved from: https://www.choosingtherapy.com/thriveworks-review/
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Lieberman, Allison. (September, 2024). Bend Health Review: Pros & Cons, Cost, & Who it’s Right For. Retrieved from: https://www.choosingtherapy.com/bend-health-review/
We regularly update the articles on ChoosingTherapy.com to ensure we continue to reflect scientific consensus on the topics we cover, to incorporate new research into our articles, and to better answer our audience’s questions. When our content undergoes a significant revision, we summarize the changes that were made and the date on which they occurred. We also record the authors and medical reviewers who contributed to previous versions of the article. Read more about our editorial policies here.
Author: Melissa Boudin, PsyD (No change)
Medical Reviewer: Kristen Fuller, MD (No change)
Primary Changes: Made changes to the recommendations list based on research and product testing. Removed Online-Therapy.com from the top list and added Amwell and Inclusive Therapists. Added Online-Therapy.com and removed Uplift from the “Other Online Therapy Options We Considered” section. Edited throughout to improve factual accuracy and readability.
Author: Melissa Boudin, PsyD (New author)
Medical Reviewer: Kristen Fuller, MD (New medical reviewer)
Primary Changes: Complete rewrite of article. Fact-checked all information and reconsidered/made changes to the recommendations list based on research and product testing. Updated where necessary to improve factual accuracy and readability. Companies removed from list: Bend Health, NQTTCN, Teen Counseling, Regain. Companies added to list: Open Path Collective.
Author: Matthew Church, MS (New author)
Medical Reviewer: Kristen Fuller, MD (New medical reviewer)
Primary Changes: Rewrote buyer’s guide; changed titles and companies featured based on reassessment and new reviews. Updated images where needed. Rewrote for clarity and fully fact-checked for accuracy. New content written by Matthew Church, MS, and medically reviewed by Kristen Fuller, MD.
Author: Caitlin Bell, MA (No change)
Medical Reviewer: Benjamin Troy, MD (No change)
Primary Changes: Updated entries for BetterHelp, Online-Therapy.com, and Talkspace based on most recent reviews, removed entry for Cerebral, and added entry for Brightside Health. New content was written by Matthew Church, MS.
Author: No Change
Reviewer: No Change
Primary Changes: Complete revamp of overall style; updated logos for all companies.
Author: No Change
Reviewer: No Change
Primary Changes: Updated cost section for BetterHelp; Adjusted language surrounding texting with a therapist
Author: No Change
Reviewer: No Change
Primary Changes: Updated for readability, and fact-checked all prices, offerings, and images. Updated “Best of” categories, FAQ, and Other Online Therapy Options to Try. Removed Ayana Therapy from Best of List, website is active but unable to sign up for therapy.
Author: Caitlin Bell, MA
Reviewer: Benjamin Troy, MD
Primary Changes: Updated for readability. Added relevant online therapy options and more information about each resource. Added FAQ and Other Online Therapy Options to Try.
Author: Eric Patterson, LPC
Reviewer: Dena Westphalen, PharmD
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