The best online therapy companies make connecting with a licensed therapist convenient and affordable. Online therapy, sometimes called video therapy or teletherapy, enables people to meet for individual therapy, couples counseling, and even family therapy via video, phone calls, and text messaging. When reviewing the top companies, we looked for online therapy services that accept insurance or offer affordable subscriptions, groups with large provider networks, and those who serve clients seeking in-demand specialties.
Best Online Therapy Services of 2022
- Best Subscription-Based Online Therapy on a Budget – BetterHelp
- Best for Therapy & Medication Management – Talkspace
- Best for Anxiety & Depression Treatment – Brightside Health
- Best for Coordination of Care – Amwell
- Best for Affordable Cash-Pay for Individual Sessions – MDLive
- Best for In-Person & Online Therapy – Thriveworks
- Best for Multiple Sessions Per Week – Online-Therapy.com
- Best for Affordable Couples Counseling – ReGain
- Best for Inclusive Therapy – Ayana Therapy
Here’s a complete list of companies reviewed in this article listed in alphabetical order: Amwell, Ayana Therapy, BetterHelp, Brightside Health, Calmerry, Cerebral, Doctor On Demand, MDLive, Online-Therapy.com, Pride Counseling, ReGain, Talkspace, Thriveworks, and Wellnite.
Detailed Reviews of the Best Online Therapy Companies
1. BetterHelp – Best Subscription-Based Online Therapy on a Budget
BetterHelp is a subscription-based online therapy service that offers weekly half-hour sessions with a licensed therapist for only $240 – $360 per month and earned 4 out of 5 stars overall in our independent review. A perk of BetterHelp is that you can message your therapist between sessions and get daily replies from them so that you can get support if you’re having a rough day. BetterHelp is a great fit for those who want an affordable, out-of-pocket therapy option.
After completing a brief questionnaire, you will pay for your subscription and then BetterHelp will match you with a therapist they think will be the best fit for you. Generally, you will be matched with a therapist within a day or two and then you can select a day and time for your first session.
Not everyone will necessarily love the therapist that BetterHelp has matched them with. The good news is that if you don’t think the match is a fit, changing your therapist is easy and you can choose one from the more than 20,000 therapists in their directory.
Many of BetterHelp’s therapists specialize in working with teens, couples, people looking for faith-based counseling, and those who are part of the LGBTQIA+ community, so if you want another option, don’t be afraid to look.
Currently, BetterHelp does not offer psychiatric services and cannot provide medication.
| Cost of Online Therapy | $240 - $360 per month (dependent on location & therapist availability) |
| Frequency of Appointments | Weekly |
| Messaging with Therapist Between Appointments | Yes |
| Provider Choices | Automatically Matched |
| Can You Change Therapists? | Yes |
| Speed to First Appointment | 1-2 Days |
| Geographic Coverage | All 50 Us States & International |
| Age Limitations | 13+ |
| Online Psychiatry Offered | No |
How Much Does BetterHelp Cost?
BetterHelp costs between $240 – $360 per month (advertised at $60 – $90 per week but billed monthly), with exact pricing dependent on your location and therapist availability. Once you pay for your subscription, you can cancel anytime, but it’s important to note that BetterHelp only gives refunds on a case-by-case basis. You can also use your FSA/HSA to pay for therapy.
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BetterHelp’s therapy subscription includes:
- One live, 30-minute weekly video, phone, or text session
- Unlimited texting with your therapist at any time (responses can be 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
You are only offered one live session per week, and if you choose to skip any of these sessions, they will not roll over into the next month. BetterHelp considers four weeks as a one-month billing cycle.
Does BetterHelp Take Insurance?
No, BetterHelp does not currently take insurance at this time.
What Sets BetterHelp Apart?
BetterHelp has been serving clients for over nine years, and is a strong contender and leader in the online therapy space. While BetterHelp doesn’t offer very long sessions, or let you pick your own therapist (which can be frustrating for some), they do allow you to touch base with your therapist throughout the week for consistent, daily support. If you’re okay with messaging and shorter sessions in lieu of longer, weekly sessions, then BetterHelp may be a good, affordable option for you. To learn more about everything offers, you can read our in-depth review of BetterHelp.
Talkspace, another leader in online therapy, has expanded to accept insurance as well as offer online psychiatric services with medication management, two services that BetterHelp does not offer its clientele. If you have insurance, you may want to opt for Talkspace or another platform instead. For a more in-depth understanding of the differences between BetterHelp vs Talkspace, it can be helpful to look at a side-by-side comparison.
How to Sign Up for BetterHelp
To sign-up for BetterHelp, visit the BetterHelp website.
2. Talkspace – Best for Therapy & Medication Management
Talkspace is a subscription-based online therapy service, similar to BetterHelp, that offers 45-minute therapy sessions with a licensed therapist for $246 – $516 monthly. They make accessing mental healthcare easy and convenient and they earned 4 out of 5 stars overall in our independent review. Some of the biggest perks of Talkspace include the option to choose from three subscription options, that they accept many major insurance plans, and that they offer psychiatric care in addition to therapy.
After completing an initial assessment, you meet with a live agent in a secure chat room to discuss your preferences, needs, and symptoms, so that they can help match you with a therapist. Prior to seeing your three hand-selected matches, you must pay for one of the three subscription plans.
There is a messaging only plan, which allows you to send unlimited texts, videos, or audio messages to your therapist 24/7, with replies daily. The messaging only plan does not come with any live therapy sessions and is probably best for someone who just needs a little bit of support during the day.
The other two plans include everything in the messaging plan, but allows you to choose between having one live therapy session monthly or four live therapy sessions monthly. The number of live sessions you may need or want might change over time, so Talkspace makes it easy to upgrade or downgrade your subscription as needed.
If you think you may need psychiatric services in addition to therapy, Talkspace can provide this as well. But it is important to note that psychiatry is an additional cost on top of any therapy subscription you choose. An initial psychiatric appointment costs $249, so if you are paying out-of-pocket for therapy and psychiatry, your costs the first month may exceed $750.
To learn more about everything offered, you can read our in-depth review of Talkspace.
| Cost of Online Therapy | $246 - $516 per month (dependent on location & therapist availability) |
| Frequency of Appointments | 1 Weekly or 1 Monthly) (dependent on plan selected) |
| Messaging with Therapist Between Appointments | Yes |
| Provider Choices | Automatically Matched |
| Can You Change Therapists? | Yes |
| Speed to First Appointment | 3-5 Days |
| Geographic Coverage | All 50 US States + Canada* *Psychiatry in US Only |
| Age Limitations | 13+ |
| Online Psychiatry Offered | Yes |
How Much Does Talkspace Cost?
Talkspace Therapy costs start at $246-$516 billed monthly, (advertised as $69-$129 weekly), with exact pricing depending on where you live, therapist availability, and which subscription package you want. Talkspace accepts select insurance plans, which could make the cost more affordable. You can also use your FSA or HSA to pay for therapy with Talkspace.
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Talkspace has three therapy subscription plans:
- Messaging Only: Starts at $246 monthly ($69 weekly) and includes a dedicated chatroom with unlimited texts, videos or audio messages
- Messaging + 1 Live Therapy Session: Starts at $396 monthly ($99 weekly) and includes one, 45-60 minute video, phone, or text session weekly and the messaging plan
- Messaging + 4 Live Therapy Sessions: Starts at $516 monthly ($129 weekly) and includes four, 45 minute video, phone, or text sessions weekly (four monthly) and the messaging plan
Talkspace Psychiatric costs $249 for an initial session and $125 for follow-up appointments. All psychiatric costs are in addition to the cost of the therapy subscriptions with Talkspace. They do not offer any bundled services at this time.
Does Talkspace Take Insurance?
Yes, Talkspace accepts select insurance plans including Cigna, Optum, Premera Blue Cross, and Humana.
You may also request a superbill from your provider if your insurance is an out-of-network provider.
What Sets Talkspace Apart?
Talkspace has been a leader in the mental health and wellness sector since 2012, which has given them an advantage over other platforms like Brightside or Cerebral. They are one of the few subscription-based platforms to accept insurance, and also offer medication management.
If you don’t have insurance, however, you may want to look at Amwell for therapy and psychiatry services. They are less expensive out-of-pocket than Talkspace if you pay for a single therapy session, but will end up being more if you want weekly therapy sessions like Talkspace includes.
Talkspace also has a unique, 8-week insomnia program based on CBT-i skills. Through the insomnia program, you get matched with a CBT-i expert to create a personalized sleep plan. They help you learn to identify your triggers, barriers to sleep, and teach you how to control intrusive thought patterns. For anyone struggling with insomnia or sleep issues, Talkspace could be a great option.
How to Sign Up for Talkspace
To sign-up for Talkspace, visit the Talkspace website.
3. Brightside Health – Best for Anxiety and Depression Treatment
Brightside Health is a subscription-based online therapy and psychiatry platform that focuses exclusively on treating anxiety and depression in adults over 18. You can attend weekly half-hour sessions with a licensed therapist for $299 – $349 monthly, depending on which plan you choose. Brightside Health also accepts several national insurance plans and they earned 4 stars overall during our independent review.
When you sign up for Brightside Health, you will answer a comprehensive assessment and get matched with a therapist of Brightside Health’s choosing. Outside of your weekly therapy session, your therapist will assign you interactive lessons based on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) skills for anxiety or depression. All of these lessons are expected to be completed prior to your next session. Brightside Health also has a symptom tracker called “Your Path,” which allows you and your therapist to track your progress.
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.
| Cost of Online Therapy | $299 - $349 Monthly |
| Frequency of Appointments | Weekly |
| Messaging with Therapist Between Appointments | Yes |
| Provider Choices | Automatically Matched |
| Can You Change Therapists? | Yes |
| Speed to First Appointment | 2-4 Days |
| Geographic Coverage | All 50 US States |
| Age Limitations | 18+ |
| Online Psychiatry Offered | Yes |
How Much Does Brightside Health Cost?
Brightside Health has a Therapy only plan and a Therapy + Medication plan, with monthly costs of $299 for Therapy and $349 for Therapy + Medication that must be paid upon signing up.
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Brightside Health mental health subscription plans include:
- Therapy: Costs $299 monthly and includes four, 30-minute live video sessions, unlimited messaging with responses same or next day, and CBT-based skill-building lessons
- Medication + Therapy: Costs $349 monthly and includes a symptoms assessment, a comprehensive 30 minute initial session, prescriptions shipped to your door (about 5-7 days after your initial session), and 15-minute follow-up appointments as needed
You can schedule extra video appointments with your therapist for $59 per 30-minute session. All medications cost $15 per prescription or whatever your insurance copay is.
You can also use your FSA or HSA card to pay for therapy with Brightside Health.
Does Brightside Health Take Insurance?
Yes, Brightside Health takes Cigna, Evernorth and Aetna.
What Sets Brightside Health Apart?
Brightside is one of three platforms on our list that feature therapy and medication management as a subscription, the others being WellNite and Cerebral. Costwise, Brightside and Cerebral are fairly similar, with Cerebral’s therapy + medication plan priced at $329 compared to Brightside Health’s plan priced at $349. WellNite is considerably cheaper at $195, but you’ll only have two, 30-minute therapy sessions compared to Brightside Health and Cerebral’s four sessions per month.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of anxiety or depression, however, Brightside Health’s slightly more expensive plan may be the better option. Brightside Health exclusively focuses on treating anxiety and depression through CBT focused therapy sessions, and provides you with supplemental tools to use throughout your week. If you’re considering therapy for anxiety or depression, and think you may benefit from medication, this focused platform may be a good option for you.
How to Sign Up for Brightside Health
To sign up, visit the Brightside Health website.
4. Amwell – Best for Coordination of Care
Amwell is an on-demand telemedicine platform that can offer online therapy to kids and teens (10-17), adults, and couples. All therapy sessions have out-of-pocket costs of $109 – $129 for one 45-minute, live video session. Currently, Amwell accepts several major insurance providers and they earned 4 stars overall during our independent and in-depth review.
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).
You’ll also be able to see therapist availability, as some therapists offer flexible scheduling for evening and weekend appointments (one of their bigger perks). For more about how to get to your first live video session, you can read our in-depth review of Amwell.
| Cost of Online Therapy | $109 - $129 per session |
| Frequency of Appointments | As Needed |
| Messaging with Therapist Between Appointments | No |
| Provider Choices | Self-Select |
| Can You Change Therapists? | Yes |
| Speed to First Appointment | 3-4 Days |
| Geographic Coverage | All 50 US States |
| Age Limitations | 10+ (18+ for Psychiatry) |
| Online Psychiatry Offered | Yes |
How Much Does Amwell Cost?
Amwell therapy sessions cost $109-$129 per 45-minute session. Costs depend on the education level of the therapist you choose from their directory. Master’s level providers cost $109, while Doctoral level providers cost $129.
If you are using insurance, however, you will pay your copay for teletherapy.
You can also choose to receive psychiatric care with Amwell, which is $279 for an initial 45-minute session. All follow-up sessions are $109 for 15-minute sessions. Psychiatric care is only available to those 18-years and older.
Does Amwell Take Insurance?
Yes, Amwell accepts insurance for both therapy and psychiatric care. They currently accept Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, United Health Care, as well as others. If your insurance is not accepted, you can request a superbill to submit to your insurance for possible reimbursement.
What Sets Amwell Apart?
In addition to its therapy services, Amwell is able to provide psychiatric care and medication management. Much like Doctor on Demand or Talkspace, psychiatric care is an additional cost on top of therapy. However, an initial 45-minute session only costs $229 with Amwell versus $299 with Doctor on Demand or Talkspace.
Amwell also places emphasis on coordination of care. While Doctor on Demand also coordinates between therapists, psychiatrists and physicians on their platform, Amwell coordinates with physicians outside of their platform if needed, a perk that could be really helpful for some.
How to Sign Up for Amwell
You can sign up on the Amwell website.
5. MDLive – Most Affordable Cash-Pay for Individual Sessions
MDLive is an on-demand telemedicine platform that offers online therapy to kids and teens (10-17), and adults. Live therapy sessions are 45-60 minute 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 earned 4.5 stars overall during our independent review.
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, you can read our in-depth review of MDLive.
| Cost of Online Therapy | $108 per session |
| Frequency of Appointments | As Needed |
| Messaging with Therapist Between Appointments | Yes |
| Provider Choices | Self-Select |
| Can You Change Therapists? | Yes |
| Speed to First Appointment | 1-3 Days |
| Geographic Coverage | All 50 US States |
| Age Limitations | 10+ |
| Online Psychiatry Offered | Yes |
How Much Does MDLive Cost?
MDLive Therapy sessions cost $108 out-of-pocket for a live, 45-60 minute session.
MDLive Psychiatry costs $284 for an initial evaluation, and $108 for each follow-up appointment. All psychiatry appointments are 15-30 minutes long.
MDLive also accepts HSA cards to pay for therapy.
Does MDLive Take Insurance?
MDLive takes insurance including Cigna, Humana, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, and more.
What Sets MDLive Apart?
MDLive is very similar to both Doctor on Demand and Amwell, and very close in price to Amwell (Doctor on Demand is a bit more expensive). A big difference though is that MDLive has longer therapy sessions, depending on which therapist you choose to see.
A 60-minute live session for $108 out-of-pocket is actually a really great deal, especially if you feel like you only need to meet with a therapist every other week or once a month. While other therapy platforms, like BetterHelp allow you to connect weekly with your therapist, you may actually find it more helpful to have a longer 60-minute session than more frequent 30-minute sessions.
MDLive psychiatric care and medication management costs are in-between what you can expect with Doctor on Demand and Amwell. As with the other telemedicine platforms, psychiatric care is an additional cost on top of therapy. With MDLive, however, if you did want therapy and an initial psychiatry appointment your upfront costs would be $392. This is not as pricey as Doctor on Demand, but more than Amwell.
How to Sign Up for MDLive
You can sign up for an account through the MDLive website.
6. Thriveworks – Best for In-Person and Online
Thriveworks provides online and in-person counseling for kids and teens, individuals, and couples both online and in-person. Thriveworks also offers evening and weekend appointments. Thriveworks costs depend on your location and the therapist you choose. However, required monthly memberships cost $24 – $39, and hour-long therapy sessions cost $99 – $199. 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.
Once you sign up and pay for a membership, you can choose a therapist you like and download the Thriveworks app called “Therapy Buddy”. The app allows you to send text messages to Thriveworks’ “Success Navigators”, who are customer service representatives who make sure you’re enjoying your sessions with your therapist. If you need to get in touch with your therapist, you have the option to call or email them.
| Cost of Online Therapy | $99 - $199 per session $24 - $39 Monthly Membership Fee |
| Frequency of Appointments | As Needed |
| Messaging with Therapist Between Appointments | Yes, via email |
| Provider Choices | Self-Select |
| Can You Change Therapists? | Yes |
| Speed to First Appointment | 3-5 Days |
| Geographic Coverage | AL, AK, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, HI, ID, IN, IL, IA, KY, LA, ME, MD, MASS, MI, MN, MS, MO, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NY, NC, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, D.C., WY |
| Age Limitations | 13+ |
| Online Psychiatry Offered | Yes |
How Much Does Thriveworks Cost?
Thriveworks therapy sessions cost $99 – $199 for 60-minutes. In addition, they require that you pay a monthly membership fee which costs $24 – $39 depending on where you live. Exact out-of-pocket costs with Thriveworks will ultimately depend on your location and the therapist you choose.
Thriveworks also offers psychiatric care in select states and at select, in-person locations. Psychiatry services have starting costs of $99 – $349, with exact costs depending on the provider and your location. Initial psychiatry sessions are between 50-60 minutes and 30 minutes for all follow-up appointments.
Does Thriveworks Take Insurance?
Yes, Thriveworks accepts insurance. They take major plans like Blue Cross Blue Shield, Anthem, Optum, United, Aetna, Cigna, Humana, and many others. This can also vary by location and by provider. Some locations even accept Medicaid.
What Sets Thriveworks Apart?
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.
You may also benefit from their online and in-person offerings if you require a prescription for controlled substances. Since many online psychiatry platforms can’t prescribe controlled substances, you could see a therapist online and a psychiatrist in-person, giving you flexibility and access to specific medication when needed.
Thriveworks is the only therapy provider on our list that offers in-person therapy as well as online therapy. For more information about everything they offer and how exactly to sign up, you can read our in-depth Thriveworks review.
How to Sign Up for Thriveworks
You can sign up on the Thriveworks website.
7. Online-Therapy.Com – Best for Multiple Sessions Per Week
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. Like other subscription-based therapy platforms, you will be able to message your therapist in-between live sessions for additional support. Online-Therapy.com costs $200 – $440 monthly. Unfortunately, they do not accept insurance.
During the signup process, you will only have to answer basic questions about yourself before being automatically matched with a therapist. Much like Brightside, Online-Therapy.com has a platform focused on CBT skill-building. Each subscription provides you with an 8-course CBT program that includes 25 worksheets. 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.
| Cost of Online Therapy | $160 - $440 Monthly |
| Frequency of Appointments | 1-2 Times Per Week |
| Messaging with Therapist Between Appointments | Yes |
| Provider Choices | Automatically Matched |
| Can You Change Therapists? | Yes |
| Speed to First Appointment | 1-2 Days |
| Geographic Coverage | 30 US States: AL, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, IL, IN, KS, LA, MD, MASS, MI, MS, MO, NV, NJ, NM, NY, NC, OK, PA, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, & WA + Australia, Canada, & UK |
| Age Limitations | 13+ |
| Online Psychiatry Offered | No |
How Much Does Online-Therapy.com 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 upon signing up (and monthly thereafter) depending on which subscription you choose.
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Therapy subscriptions with Online-Therapy.com include:
- Basic Therapy Plan: Costs $200 monthly and gives you unlimited messaging with a licensed therapist with responses Monday – Friday, the 8 section CBT program (includes 25 worksheets) which your therapist will respond to daily, yoga & meditation videos, a journal, activity plans and tests
- Standard Therapy Plan: Costs $320 monthly and gives you everything in the Basic plan plus one live 45-minute therapy session per week over video, phone or text
- Premium Therapy Plan: Costs $440 monthly and gives you everything in the previous two plans plus two live 45-minute sessions per week over video, phone, or text, and your therapist will “express reply” (respond in real time) to any messages you send them Monday through Friday
Does Online-Therapy.com Take 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.com Apart?
What really sets Online-Therapy.com apart from other subscription-based therapy platforms is their premium option that includes two live 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.com
You can sign up for Online-Therapy.com by visiting their website.
8. ReGain – Best for Affordable Couples Counseling
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.
| Cost of Online Therapy | $240 - $360 Monthly |
| Frequency of Appointments | Weekly |
| Messaging with Therapist Between Appointments | Yes |
| Provider Choices | Matched |
| Can You Change Therapists? | Yes |
| Speed to First Appointment | 1-2 Days |
| Geographic Coverage | All 50 US States + Canada |
| Age Limitations | 18+ |
| Online Psychiatry Offered | No |
How Much Does ReGain Cost?
ReGain costs $240-$360 monthly ($60-$90 weekly), with the exact cost depends on which state you live in and therapist availability. Unfortunately, you are unable to see the exact cost until you sign up.
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 Take Insurance?
No, ReGain does not accept insurance.
What Sets ReGain Apart?
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.
9. Ayana Therapy – Best for Inclusive Therapy
Ayana is an inclusive online therapy platform founded around the notion that finding a counselor you are comfortable with is paramount to the success of your therapy. Currently, they only offer therapy for those 18-years and older and have two therapy plans to choose between. , both with 45 minute video or phone sessions. Their monthly plan is $290 and includes four, weekly 45-minute video or phone sessions ($72.50 per session). Otherwise, you can choose to pay-per-session, but it’s considerably higher at $140 per session.
Ayana is geared towards individuals in the BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and other marginalized communities that have a harder time finding quality therapists that personally understand their experience. Ayana would be a great fit for anyone looking for an understanding and inclusive therapist to help them deal with racial trauma and discrimination, sexual identity and coming out, and plenty more.
| Cost of Online Therapy | $290 Monthly or $140 per session |
| Frequency of Appointments | Weekly or As Needed |
| Messaging with Therapist Between Appointments | No |
| Provider Choices | Automatically Matched |
| Can You Change Therapists? | Yes |
| Speed to First Appointment | 3-5 Days |
| Geographic Coverage | 40 US States (waiting for clarification on which states) |
| Age Limitations | 18+ |
| Online Psychiatry Offered | No |
How Much Does Ayana Therapy Cost?
Ayana offers a single, 45-minute session for $140, or the option to pay $290 monthly, which includes four (once weekly) sessions.
Does Ayana Therapy Take Insurance?
No, Ayana does not accept insurance and they do not provide superbills.
What Sets Ayana Therapy Apart?
Ayana is the only online therapy option on our list that really places BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and other marginalized communities at the forefront of their therapy philosophy.
According to Arshia Narula, Product Manager & Operations Associate with Ayana, “We hire therapists who offer culturally informed and culturally relevant care through a social justice lens. We have a rigorous application and interview process that ensures therapists have knowledge and experience in areas such as cultural humility, racial trauma, intersectionality and providing care to marginalized and minority communities. We don’t limit our therapist network to folx from the marginalized communities we serve, as we also hire allies who meet the above criteria.”1
How to Sign Up for Ayana Therapy
You can sign up on the Ayana website.
10. Doctor on Demand
Much like Amwell, the other telemedicine platform 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.
Doctor on Demand also offers psychiatric care to those who feel they may benefit from medication. Medications can be prescribed and are available to pick up at a pharmacy of your choice. An initial, 45-minute session costs $299, an additional cost on top of therapy. If you are paying out-of-pocket for both therapy and psychiatry, your initial cost upon signing up for just two appointments could be between $428 – $478! So if you are not using insurance, it may be more cost effective to do a subscription based therapy + medication plan, like ones from Brightside, WellNite or Cerebral.
| Cost of Online Therapy | $125 - 25 Minute Session $179 - 50 Minute Session |
| Frequency of Appointments | As Needed |
| Messaging with Therapist Between Appointments | No |
| Provider Choices | Self-Select |
| Can You Change Therapists? | Yes |
| Speed to First Appointment | 1-2 Days |
| Geographic Coverage | All 50 US States |
| Age Limitations | 18+ |
| Online Psychiatry Offered | Yes |
How Much Does Doctor on Demand Cost?
Doctor on Demand requires you to create an account (for free), in order to see whether your insurance is accepted, as well as begin to search their online therapist directory. Therapy sessions, called consultations, with Doctor on Demand 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). If your insurance is accepted, co-pay costs are dependent on your individual plan.
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.
Doctor on Demand accepts HSA or FSA as payment for therapy.
Does Doctor on Demand Take Insurance?
Yes, Doctor on Demand accepts many major insurance plans including Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Humana, and others. During the free sign-up process, you can add your insurance to see if your therapy visit is covered. Doctor on Demand can also provide you with a superbill for possible reimbursement from your insurance if you’re using out-of-network benefits.
What Sets Doctor on Demand Apart?
Doctor on Demand offers psychiatric care and medication management in addition to therapy, and emphasizes coordination of care if you use both services.
According to Dr. Nikole Benders-Hadi, Director of Behavioral Health at Included Health, Doctor on Demand’s, “Integrated care model allows our behavioral health specialists to work collaboratively with our medical practice to treat mental and physical comorbidities at the same time. This model also allows for record-sharing and seamless referrals between primary care physicians and behavioral health providers to deliver a connected care experience for members.”2
Amwell also places an emphasis on coordination of care, and goes so far as to coordinate with doctors outside of their own platform. They don’t offer telemedicine themselves though, so if you’re looking for a one-stop shop on the same platform, Doctor on Demand could be a great fit.
How to Sign Up for Doctor on Demand
You can sign up through the Doctor On Demand website.
11. 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.
| Cost of Online Therapy | $240-$360 Monthly |
| Frequency of Appointments | Weekly |
| Messaging with Therapist Between Appointments | Yes |
| Provider Choices | Automatically Matched |
| Can You Change Therapists? | Yes |
| Speed to First Appointment | 1-2 Days |
| Geographic Coverage | All 50 US States |
| Age Limitations | 18+ |
| Online Psychiatry Offered | No |
How Much Does Pride Counseling Cost?
Pride Counseling costs $240-$360 monthly ($60-$90 weekly), with the exact cost depending on your location and therapist availability. Note that you are unable to see your specific cost until you sign-up and that you’ll need to pay for a whole month upfront.
A Pride Counseling therapy subscription includes:
- one 30-45 minute weekly video, phone, or live chat therapy session (four monthly)
- unlimited audio, video, or text messaging with your therapist in the chatroom
Does Pride Counseling Take Insurance?
No, Pride Counseling does not accept insurance at this time.
What Sets Pride Counseling Apart?
Pride Counseling is a good place for those in the LGTBQIA+ community to start their therapy journey. Sessions are only 30-45 minutes long, which is a manageable length for those who have never attended therapy before. All of the therapists for Pride Counseling choose to opt-in to this BetterHelp platform, so while they may specialize in issues affecting the LGBTQIA+ community and have experience doing so, it’s unclear whether they need specific training. They do not necessarily identify as part of the LGBTQIA+ community themselves, so if that’s important to you, you may want to look at other LGBTQIA+ online therapy options.
How to Sign Up for Pride Counseling
To sign up, visit the Pride Counseling website.
12. Calmerry
Calmerry is a subscription-based online therapy platform, very similar to Talkspace, that offers weekly half-hour therapy sessions with a licensed therapist for $227.96 – $359.96 monthly. Calmerry earned 3 out of 5 stars overall during our independent and in-depth review. 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.
After you create an account and complete the signup process, you will be automatically matched with a therapist or counselor. There is an option to change therapists, but you will only be able to pick from a list of choices the website auto-generates for you. The matching process with Calmerry would be a major downside for anyone who wants to have more say in choosing their provider.
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.
Unlike Talkspace, however, Calmerry only has 30-minute sessions versus Talkspace’s 45-minute sessions. You can pay for additional therapy sessions if you’d like, at $45 per session, or bundling two or more for $40 per session. Calmerry does not limit the number of sessions you can attend in one week, but how often you are actually going to see your therapist depends on their availability. To learn everything about this platform you can read our detailed review of Calmerry.
| Cost of Online Therapy | $227.96 - $359.96 per month (dependent on plan selected) |
| Frequency of Appointments | 1 Weekly or 1 Monthly) (dependent on plan selected) |
| Messaging with Therapist Between Appointments | Yes |
| Provider Choices | Automatically Matched |
| Can You Change Therapists? | Yes |
| Speed to First Appointment | 2-4 Days |
| Geographic Coverage | All 50 US States |
| Age Limitations | 18+ |
| Online Psychiatry Offered | No |
How Much Does Calmerry Cost?
Calmerry offers three subscription plans: a messaging only plan, messaging and one live therapy session, and a messaging and four live therapy sessions. Each plan is billed monthly, and you’ll need to pay between $227.96-$359.96 upon signing up (and monthly thereafter) depending on which subscription you choose.
- Messaging Only: Costs $227.96 monthly and gives you unlimited text messaging with a licensed counselor. You will receive one or two responses, five days a week, generally Monday-Friday. You will also receive a personalized therapy plan, and a free in-app reflection tool (an AI bot named Coa)
- Messaging + 1 Live Video: Costs $297.96 monthly and gives you one 30-minute live therapy session per month plus everything in the Messaging Only plan
- Messaging + 4 Live Video: Costs $359.96 monthly and gives you four, 30-minute live therapy sessions per month plus everything in the Messaging Only plan
You can choose to purchase one additional 30-minute therapy session for $45. If you wish to add two or more additional 30 minute sessions within a week, it costs $40 per session. While Calmerry doesn’t limit the number of sessions you can have in a week, it does depend on your therapist’s availability.
Calmerry also accepts HSA/FSA cards as payment for therapy.
Get 30% Off Your First Month With The Code “CARE”
Does Calmerry Take Insurance?
No, Calmerry does not accept insurance at this time. You can, however, request a superbill to submit to your insurance provider for possible reimbursement.
What Sets Calmerry Apart?
Calmerry’s subscription model is so similar to Talkspace, it is natural to wonder what makes them different. For those without insurance or those who need to pay out-of-pocket, Calmerry is more affordable than Talkspace. Talkspace’s largest subscription plan has starting costs of over $500 monthly, compared to Calmerry’s largest subscription which has a flat cost of about $360 monthly.
While Talkspace has longer, 45-minute sessions than Calmerry’s 30-minute sessions, Calmerry is definitely a great option for people new to therapy who want to start working on their mental health. Calmerry doesn’t offer psychiatric services however, so if you have insurance or more money to spend for the additional medication management, Talkspace might be your better bet.
How to Sign Up for Calmerry
You can sign up through the Calmerry website.
13. WellNite
WellNite is a subscription-based online therapy and medication management platform for teens (13+), adults, couples, and families for $195 – $350 monthly. Depending on the subscription you choose, you may have weekly or biweekly 30-minute therapy sessions.
After you sign up and choose a subscription plan, WellNite will choose your top two therapist matches. You’re able to read therapists’ background and education to select the one you want. 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.
WellNite, much like Cerebral and Brightside, offer a stand alone therapy subscription and a medication + therapy subscription. WellNite’s therapy plan allows you to choose if you want six 30-minute sessions or three 60-minute sessions, which means they offer the longest therapy sessions for a subscription-based platform on our list. However, unlike Cerebral and Brightside, the medication + therapy plan does not allow you to see a licensed psychiatrist, but rather a medical doctor. This plan also only offers two 30-minute therapy sessions per month.
| Cost of Online Therapy | $195 - $350 Monthly |
| Frequency of Appointments | Weekly or Biweekly |
| Messaging with Therapist Between Appointments | No |
| Provider Choices | Automatically Matched |
| Can You Change Therapists? | Yes |
| Speed to First Appointment | 3-5 Days |
| Geographic Coverage | All 50 US States |
| Age Limitations | 13+ |
| Online Psychiatry Offered | Medication Management |
How Much Does WellNite Cost?
WellNite has two therapy subscription options available, a Therapy only plan that includes six, 30 minute sessions for $350 monthly, and a Medical Care + Therapy plan which includes two, 30 minute therapy sessions and one visit with a primary care doctor per month for $195.
WellNite mental health subscriptions include:
- Therapy Plan: Costs $350 monthly and includes six, 30-minute video sessions or three 60-minute video sessions, and member support 7 days a week
- Medical Care + Therapy Plan: Costs $195 monthly and includes two, 30 minute video sessions with a licensed therapist per month, one video consultation with a primary care doctor per month, wholesale pricing on any mental health medication & free delivery, member support 7 days a week
In a text message thread with WellNite, it was shared that you can also text them to ask for custom therapy plans (866-365-7751). 3
These custom therapy subscription options include:
- $180 monthly for three 30-minute sessions ($60 per session)
- $240 monthly for three 45-minute sessions ($80 per session)
You can also use your FSA/HSA card to pay for therapy on WellNite.
Does WellNite Take Insurance?
Yes, Wellnite currently accepts insurance plans in New York and California only, with plans to expand to other states soon. All other states can be issued an itemized bill to submit to their insurance providers for potential reimbursement.
What Sets WellNite Apart?
Despite the fact that WellNite’s medication + therapy plan only includes two 30-minute therapy sessions, it could still be a great option for those looking for a one-stop mental health shop. Brightside and Cerebral both have medication + therapy plans with costs ranging from $329 – $349 monthly, so while you get half the amount of therapy with WellNite, it’s also significantly cheaper and may be worth it if you’re paying out-of-pocket.
For those without insurance and struggling to find an affordable option, WellNite may be a good option. If you do have insurance, however, you may want to stick with Brightside or Cerebral since they accept more nationwide commercial insurance plans.
How to Sign Up for WellNite
You can sign up for an account on the WellNite website.
14. Cerebral
Cerebral is a subscription-based medication management and therapy service for adults 18 and older. During our independent and in-depth review of their platform, they earned 4.5 stars overall. With Cerebral, you can expect weekly, 45-minute live sessions with a licensed therapist for $259 – $329, depending on which subscription you choose. Much like BetterHelp and Talkspace, you will be able to text your therapist in-between live sessions and receive replies daily. Cerebral not only accepts several major insurance providers, they also accept 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.
| Cost of Online Therapy | $259 - $329 Monthly |
| Frequency of Appointments | Weekly |
| Messaging with Therapist Between Appointments | Yes |
| Provider Choices | Self-Select |
| Can You Change Therapists? | Yes |
| Speed to First Appointment | 3-7 Days |
| Geographic Coverage | Therapy: AL, AZ, AK, CA, FL, GA, HI, IL, IN, KS,KY, LA, MD, MI, MN, MS, MO, NE, NJ, NY, NC, OH, OK, PA, SC, TN, TX, VA, & WI Medication management is available All 50 States |
| Age Limitations | 18+ |
| Online Psychiatry Offered | Yes |
How Much Does Cerebral Cost?
Cerebral offers a Therapy Only plan for $259 monthly and a Medication + Therapy plan for $329 monthly.
Cerebral mental health subscription plans are:
- Therapy: Costs $259 monthly and includes weekly, 45 minute, live video or phone sessions with your therapist, the option to text message your therapist between live sessions, and regular progress tracking by your therapist
- Medication + Therapy: Costs $329 monthly and includes everything in the Therapy plan, plus diagnosis and prescription by prescriber, monthly medication delivery (shipping included in subscription). Medications usually cost $10 for those paying out-of-pocket.
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, 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 Take Insurance?
Yes, Cerebral takes Aetna, Cigna, United, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Magellan, Antham, and, in certain states, Medicare. Cerebral provides superbills to send to your out-of-network insurance provider for potential reimbursement.
What Sets Cerebral Apart?
Cerebral has subscriptions that are similar to Brightside, with a stand alone therapy option and a medication + therapy option. However, unlike Brightside, Cerebral can treat more than just anxiety and depression, with treatment options for bipolar disorder, and opioid and alcohol dependence available in select states.
Therapy with Cerebral is $20 cheaper than with Brightside, and $40 cheaper for the medication + therapy plan. Cerebral is in fewer states though, so Brightside may be a better option, especially if you are looking for comprehensive anxiety or depression treatment.
It’s also worth noting that Cerebral has recently been in the news due to over prescribing controlled medication, and is currently being investigated by the DOJ. Two weeks after this news broke, Cerebral lost its CEO and stopped prescribing controlled substances for new patients.
How to Sign Up for Cerebral
You can sign up through the Cerebral website.
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, 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.” 7
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
Monument
Monument is an online therapy platform that offers dedicated therapy and medication management for those dealing with alcohol dependence. Therapy costs with Monument are $149 – $249 monthly, depending on which plan you select. 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 the 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
Lifestance
Lifestance Health is an online therapy platform for kids and teens (as young as 2YO), individuals, couples, families, and offers group therapy options. 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. 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
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. 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. 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.
Health Sapiens
HealthSapiens is a telemedicine platform (like LiveHealth and Teladoc) that offers online therapy for individuals 18-years and older. Unlike other telemedicine platforms, HealthSapiens offers subscriptions to their therapy plan which costs $197 monthly. There is 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 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 except 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
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.
