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6 days ago · Compare 10 online therapy platforms based on cost, therapist credentials, insurance eligibility and more. Find out which service suits your needs and budget for individual, couples or psychiatry therapy.
- Overview
- A quick look at the best online therapy services
- How we chose the best online therapy platforms
- Who is online therapy best for?
- What can you expect from online therapy?
- What are the benefits of seeing an online therapist?
- What should you look for in online therapy platforms?
- How much does online therapy cost?
- Frequently asked questions about online therapy services
- Takeaway
- GeneratedCaptionsTabForHeroSec
•Our picks
•Comparison
•How we chose
•Who it’s best for
•Expectations
•Benefits of online therapy
•Best overall: Doctor on Demand | Skip to review
•Best for 24/7 access: BetterHelp | Skip to review
•Most affordable: 7 Cups | Skip to review
•Best for crisis care: Brightside Health | Skip to review
•Best for couples: Regain | Skip to review
•Best for a multifaceted approach: Online-Therapy.com | Skip to review
Our team of medical experts carefully vetted each online therapy service. They considered the medical credibility, business practices, and social impact of each platform to ensure they meet our high standards.
A mental health professional from the Healthline Medical Network medically reviewed this article to provide insights, offer advice, and verify that the medical content is accurate.
We considered many criteria when selecting the best online therapy platforms, including:
•mental health professionals who are all licensed social workers, psychotherapists, psychologists, or psychiatrists
•positive customer feedback
•flexible payment options and fees
Teletherapy is good for people who prefer a range of communication formats and are comfortable using technology to communicate and disclose personal information. It’s important to have a quiet, private area, a functional device, and a strong, reliable internet connection.
Online therapy can be beneficial for a variety of people and conditions. It can address several types of issues and feelings, from anxiety and depression to stress and life changes.
Online therapy is also suitable for people who:
•feel more comfortable in their own environment
•cannot leave their home due to a disability or health condition
•lack transportation access
Matching with a therapist
Like face-to-face therapy, you may have the opportunity to pick your therapist. This depends on the platform you use, though, since some options match you with a mental health professional who best fits your needs and goals. However, some teletherapy platforms allow you to sift through a list of available therapists and counselors.
Your first appointment
Also like in-person therapy, your initial appointment may consist of getting to know one another. Your therapist may ask you questions about: •what you’re looking to accomplish in therapy •any traumas or triggers •whether you’ve been to therapy before •whether you’ve received any mental health condition diagnoses •whether you’re currently taking any medications for mental health conditions •any goals you have moving forward If you filled out any questionnaires or intake documents prior to meeting, your therapist may go through your answers with you to ensure everything is correct.
Communicating with your online therapist
Some people tend to prefer online therapy because all communication is done virtually. This will ultimately depend on the platform you choose, your therapist, and any subscriptions you’ve signed up for. You may have the ability to chat via messaging or audio call between sessions. For many users, online therapy is more convenient if you have consistent access to a computer or smartphone. However, don’t expect your therapist to respond immediately if you don’t have a scheduled appointment. In some cases, it can take them hours or days to reply.
Highlights
•It’s convenient: With many platforms, you can meet with your therapist via phone call, messaging, or live video from the comfort of your own home. •It may be more accessible: Depending on the platform you choose, it may be easier to make appointments outside typical business hours, find the right therapist, and receive consistent access to them via texting or messaging. •It may be less expensive than in-person therapy: Online therapy can be cheaper than in-person therapy, depending on the treatment or plan you’re seeking. •Some platforms offer homework and activities: If you want to get more out of your online therapy experience, some apps and websites allow your therapist to assign homework and activities specific to your treatment between appointments.
Drawbacks
•Insurance won’t always pay for online therapy: Some insurance networks don’t yet recognize online therapy, so you may have to pay out of pocket depending on your coverage. Additionally, some teletherapy platforms don’t accept insurance, either. •It’s not typically suitable for more severe mental health conditions: Some mental health conditions, like eating disorders or addiction, are better suited for in-person or group therapy than online therapy. •It’s not for emergency mental health situations: It’s best not to rely on online therapy for emergencies. In the case of a mental health crisis, call the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988, or call 911. •It requires consistent internet access: Online therapy requires a consistent, reliable internet connection and a smart device or computer. Additionally, public computers and Wi-Fi networks are not the best ways to access online therapy because of privacy concerns. Was this helpful?
To choose an online therapy platform, think about which issues you want to focus on and your goals. Decide your communication preference and how often you wish to have sessions and their duration.
Questions to ask when comparing professionals:
•What does the plan include?
•How much does the subscription cost?
•What is the price for add-ons?
•What are the cancellation and refund policies?
There’s no doubt that therapy is expensive. The average out-of-pocket cost for a session can range from $75–$150. Fortunately, online counseling — in many cases — is more affordable.
If you have insurance that covers mental health services, start by contacting them to see if the service you’re interested in is part of their network. You’ll also want to find out if the online platform you’re using takes insurance. Many companies do not, so it’s worth looking at a few different sites to see if one fits your needs and accepts insurance.
Some top online therapy programs offer different subscription plans to make counseling more affordable. Some private therapists who provide online counseling offer a sliding scale, with some willing to lower costs as much as 50 percent.
The other place to check is with your EAP. Many employers offer mental health benefits as part of their EAP package.
Is online therapy effective?
Plenty of research supports the effectiveness of online therapy. In general, live video calls are most similar to face-to-face therapy sessions and offer the most benefit. Many people appreciate the variety of available communication formats, such as text, video calls, and chat rooms. A 2019 study suggests psychotherapy platforms offering several digital communication options can effectively treat depression. According to research from 2017, internet-based CBT is an economical and effective way to treat several mental health conditions, including phobias, bipolar disorder, and OCD. Research from 2021 found that live video psychotherapy sessions were as effective as in-person sessions. The video sessions involving CBT for anxiety, depression, and PTSD were most effective. Plenty of research supports the effectiveness of online therapy. In general, live video calls are most similar to face-to-face therapy sessions and offer the most benefit. Many people appreciate the variety of available communication formats, such as text, video calls, and chat rooms. A 2019 study suggests psychotherapy platforms offering several digital communication options can effectively treat depression. According to research from 2017, internet-based CBT is an economical and effective way to treat several mental health conditions, including phobias, bipolar disorder, and OCD. Research from 2021 found that live video psychotherapy sessions were as effective as in-person sessions. The video sessions involving CBT for anxiety, depression, and PTSD were most effective.
What kind of therapist is right for me?
To determine the best type of therapist for your needs, consider your main reason for having therapy and whether you require a diagnosis or medications. There are different types of mental health professionals, such as: •Psychologist: Psychologists offer psychotherapy that relates to behaviors, emotions, and thoughts. Psychologists have a doctorate degree, typically a PhD or PsyD, and can provide psychological testing to diagnose and provide treatment recommendations. In most states, they’re unable to prescribe medications. •Psychiatrist: A psychiatrist is either a doctor of medicine (MD) or osteopathic medicine (DO). They diagnose and treat mental health conditions and can prescribe medications. •Licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT): LMFTs have a master’s degree. They provide counseling to families and married couples to resolve specific concerns and treat mental health conditions. In some states, LMFTs can diagnose mental health conditions. •Licensed professional counselor (LPC): An LPC has a master’s degree. They treat mental health conditions, and in some states, can diagnose them. •Licensed clinical social worker (LCSW): LCSWs have master’s degrees in social work and are licensed to provide diagnosis and counseling services to clients. •Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner — board certified (PMHNP-BC): PMHNHP-BCs are nurses with a master’s or doctorate degree. They specialize in mental health diagnosis, counseling, treatment, and can prescribe medications. To determine the best type of therapist for your needs, consider your main reason for having therapy and whether you require a diagnosis or medications. There are different types of mental health professionals, such as: •Psychologist: Psychologists offer psychotherapy that relates to behaviors, emotions, and thoughts. Psychologists have a doctorate degree, typically a PhD or PsyD, and can provide psychological testing to diagnose and provide treatment recommendations. In most states, they’re unable to prescribe medications. •Psychiatrist: A psychiatrist is either a doctor of medicine (MD) or osteopathic medicine (DO). They diagnose and treat mental health conditions and can prescribe medications. •Licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT): LMFTs have a master’s degree. They provide counseling to families and married couples to resolve specific concerns and treat mental health conditions. In some states, LMFTs can diagnose mental health conditions. •Licensed professional counselor (LPC): An LPC has a master’s degree. They treat mental health conditions, and in some states, can diagnose them. •Licensed clinical social worker (LCSW): LCSWs have master’s degrees in social work and are licensed to provide diagnosis and counseling services to clients. •Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner — board certified (PMHNP-BC): PMHNHP-BCs are nurses with a master’s or doctorate degree. They specialize in mental health diagnosis, counseling, treatment, and can prescribe medications.
Does insurance cover online therapy?
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, more insurance companies have begun to cover online therapy. Online therapy coverage depends on your insurance plan, therapist, and state regulations. There are other ways to tell if your insurance covers online therapy, including calling your insurance company, checking with your company’s HR department, and asking your therapist what types of insurance they take. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, more insurance companies have begun to cover online therapy. Online therapy coverage depends on your insurance plan, therapist, and state regulations. There are other ways to tell if your insurance covers online therapy, including calling your insurance company, checking with your company’s HR department, and asking your therapist what types of insurance they take.
Online therapy is making mental health services accessible and more affordable for many people.
With the ability to see a counselor at your convenience and in your own home, virtual visits may become the new norm, at least for a while.
Compare the features, costs, and pros and cons of the top online therapy platforms based on testing, research, and surveys. Find out which service suits your needs and preferences for individual, couples, or group counseling.
Compare the features, costs, and ratings of the top online therapy platforms, including BetterHelp, Talkspace, Brightside, and more. Find out which one suits your needs, preferences, and budget.
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related to: top 10 online therapy sitesSonderMind connects you directly to great, licensed therapists based on your unique needs. Get matched with a local therapist today for online video or in-person therapy sessions.
Phone, Video or Live Chat. 100% Online Therapy. Convenient, Discreet, Professional. Personalized Therapy for a Happier You. Our Quiz Helps Match You to the Right Therapist.
Immediate Help From the Privacy and Comfort of Your Home. Start Your Online Therapy Today! Wondering Which Online Therapy Provider to Choose? We've Got the Top 3 Choices Here.
