Key takeaways
- Online therapy platforms connect users with licensed therapists for mental health support.
- The best options stand out for their affordability, flexible communication methods, user satisfaction, and tailored therapy services.
- We rated BetterHelp as the best overall due to its extensive therapist network, accessible communication, and user-friendly interface.
Online therapy is not suitable for people in a mental health crisis
If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, a prevention hotline can help. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24 hours a day at 988. During a crisis, people who are hard of hearing can use their preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988.
Alternatively, you can call 911 or local emergency services.
Below, we look at some of the best online therapy options a person can consider.
All of these services have undergone testing from Medical News Today editors. All opinions are their own. Due to the sensitive nature of the services in this article, the editors chose to write anonymously or used pseudonyms for their reviews.
The table below compares these online therapy services by price, session platforms, and more.
| Best for | Cost | Insurance accepted? | Therapy platforms | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BetterHelp | overall | $70 to $100 per week | no | • live chat • messages • phone call • video call |
| Talkspace | smaller budgets | $69 to $109 per week | some | • messages • live video |
| Teen Counseling | teenagers | $70 to $100 per week | no | • messages • live chat • phone call • video call |
| ReGain | couples | $70 to $100 per week | no | • messages • live chat • phone call • video call |
| 7 Cups | free support | $159 to $299 per month | no | • live chat • chat rooms • forums • messaging |
| Online-Therapy.com | behavioral therapy | $50 to $110per week | no | • self-guided video and text content • text chat • audio call • video call |
| Therapy for Black Girls | culturally responsive treatment | varies, depends on therapist | no | in-person and virtual appointments |
| Open Path | people without insurance | $40 to $70 per session, plus one-time payment of $65 | no | • in-person • video |
| Cerebral | medication | $95 to $365per month | yes | • video • phone |
Medical News Today includes reputable, well-received online therapy providers with a range of price points and features.
Additionally, MNT looks at some of the following factors:
- Types of therapy: MNT includes online therapy providers that offer a range of therapy services.
- Communication: MNT chooses companies that offer a mix of video, phone, or text sessions.
- Price: MNT aims to include online therapy options that offer affordable or reasonably priced mental health services.
- Provider quality: MNT includes companies that only work with licensed healthcare professionals with appropriate experience in mental health.
- Trust: MNT includes companies that operate transparently regarding their services, mental health professionals, and leadership.
- Business standards: MNT chooses companies that follow safe and ethical business and marketing practices.
- Reputation: MNT chooses companies that have no warnings from governing bodies, have no unresolved lawsuits, and have positive standings with the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Some of the advantages and disadvantages of online therapy are as follows:
Pros
- Sharing personal information: A person may find sharing personal or difficult details easier online than in person.
- Travel: People do not need to account for traveling time or costs.
- Illness or injury: Those who cannot leave their homes can still access therapy.
- Cost: Online therapy is typically more cost-effective than in-person therapy.
- Convenience: A person with a busy schedule can arrange sessions at convenient times.
Cons
- State licenses: Some therapists may not have a license to operate outside their home state.
- Crisis: Online therapy is not appropriate in a mental health crisis. A person should seek immediate assistance by calling 911 or the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.
- Insurance: Many insurers do not cover online therapy. A person should contact their insurance provider to confirm benefits.
- Specific psychiatric conditions: Online therapy may not be appropriate for some mental health conditions.
- Security and privacy: As with all digital communication, people cannot guarantee the security of private and personal information online.
- Communication errors: Online therapy depends on technology, which may sometimes fail.
Online therapy is a type of talk therapy service. A person may use online therapy instead of a face-to-face appointment with a therapist or counselor. Some reasons a person may choose online therapy include:
- finding it difficult to leave their home
- having a busy schedule
- living in a remote area
- feeling safer online
People may find online therapy convenient as they can have sessions from the comfort of their homes or another location of their choice. However, a person must have a reliable internet connection and a private room where they will not be disturbed during therapy sessions.
People may wish to discuss online therapy with a doctor to determine whether it is appropriate for their needs.
If a person is in crisis or needs immediate or urgent care, they should call 911 or their local emergency number.
People in a mental health crisis should not use online therapy. They should instead call emergency services or the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline on 988.
Additionally, some people may prefer not to speak with a therapist virtually. They may find it difficult if they do not have a private space to have their session or if they have difficulty connecting to the internet. Additionally, therapists may not respond quickly to messages outside of scheduled appointment times.
People need to pick the platform that they feel best suits their needs and preferred communication style. Messaging may be better than video calls if a person prefers greater anonymity. Video calls are a suitable option for those looking to balance the experience of in-person therapy with the convenience of online therapy.
Online and in-person therapy can be similar in many ways. However, there are certain differences a person should expect if they choose online therapy.
In online therapy, a person may not be able to pick their therapist before their first session. This may not be suitable for people who want to feel comfortable with the therapist before they start working with them.
The first session
The first online therapy session will typically involve conversations about what a person wants to gain from online therapy. The therapist may ask a person about the following:
- goals for the sessions
- previous experience with therapy
- any mental health diagnoses
- any medications they are taking
- issues currently affecting their mental health
- traumas or triggers
The therapist may also review any assessments a person took with the company before their first session.
A person needs to consider their main reasons for visiting a therapist. They can aim to find a therapist who specializes in the field in which they seek help. People may wish to view the therapist’s qualifications if these are available.
A person should always ensure that their therapist is licensed.
People may want to choose a certain type of therapist, depending on their needs. Types of therapists include:
- Psychiatrists: Psychiatrists can prescribe medication to a person if they feel this is necessary. A psychiatrist is both a medical doctor and a psychologist.
- Psychologists: Psychologists cannot prescribe medication. They have training in the mind and behavior, and the ways these two intertwine. They usually specialize in the treatment of mental health conditions.
- Licensed marriage and family therapists: These professionals specialize in relationship and family counseling.
- Licensed professional counselors: These counselors have a master’s degree and treat groups or individuals with mental health conditions or substance use concerns.
- Licensed clinical social workers: Social workers support people with interpersonal issues and support their well-being. They can refer people to community or government services they may need or help them resolve problems by directing them to relevant resources.
A person can also consider how they would like to communicate with their therapist. Some services offer one form of communication, while others have multiple communication options.
Some services allow individuals to provide preferences for their therapist’s gender, age, or religion.
Many online therapy services allow people to change therapists if they wish.
As a form of telehealth care, online therapy is regulated in several ways, although regulation can be inconsistent and difficult to understand. Licensed therapists must meet the standards of the state in which they operate and the state in which their clients live. Some healthcare organizations and states have multistate compacts that simplify the process.
Additionally, reputable online therapy providers must meet federal and state regulations addressing:
- privacy, according to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)
- breach of privacy notification
- the therapist’s duty to warn or protect the public from potentially dangerous clients
- mandatory reporting for child or elder abuse
- age of consent for children in therapy
The best online therapy platform can vary based on individual needs, preferences, and budget. When choosing a service, it can help to look at customer reviews and whether insurance coverage applies.
BetterHelp has a positive reputation on trusted review sites such as the BBB and tends to be
more affordable than many other companies. This may make it a suitable option for many people.
Yes, BetterHelp is a legitimate company that uses licensed healthcare professionals to deliver mental health care online. The BBB accredited BetterHelp in 2015.
Talkspace is a popular platform for online therapy with licensed mental health care professionals. It offers services for adults, teenagers, and couples via text messaging, video chat, and audio messaging.
However, online therapy will not suit everyone, and people need to check that Talkspace’s healthcare professionals offer the type of therapy they want on a platform that suits them.
Some insurance policies may partially cover the cost of some form of online therapy. A person should contact their plan provider to confirm their benefits. Finding the best online therapy that takes insurance will require discussions with a person’s health insurance company and checking online reviews for recommendations.
In addition, there are various free resources online that people can access. People may also be able to discuss financial assistance options with a doctor. As of 2019, Medicare plans cover some telehealth services, including mental health services.
Online therapy may benefit people with mild to moderate mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, and panic disorders. It may also be suitable for those interested in relationship counseling.
Online therapy can suit people of all ages who are seeking a convenient way to talk with a licensed mental health professional. It may work well for people who cannot easily access in-person sessions due to location, price, or health conditions that stop them from leaving the house.
Online therapy may be as beneficial as traditional in-person appointments for the treatment of various mental health disorders.
For example, a 2021 study found that online therapy during the COVID-19 pandemic was effective in helping people with anxiety and depression. A second 2020 research review reported similar findings for teletherapy. Additional research suggests it can effectively reduce psychological stress due to depression, anxiety, interpersonal sensitivity, and obsessive-compulsive disorders.
That said, every person’s experience with therapy, whether in person or online, will be unique. To get the most from therapy, it may help a person to find a therapist who specializes in their condition or concern, understands their culture, identity, or lifestyle, and provides professional and sensitive support.
Therapy is confidential. A therapist should explain to their clients that they will not share the topics they discuss in sessions with outside parties unless there is a safety concern. People can ask the therapist to explain when they may have to share information with relevant authorities.
Additionally, online therapy providers should have a privacy policy and offer transparent information on how they store and protect a person’s personal information. People can ask their chosen therapy provider if it complies with rules set out in the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), such as the HIPAA Privacy Rule and the HIPAA Security Rule.
Security and privacy are extremely important in healthcare settings, and companies should have robust protective systems. However, as with any online service, there is always a risk of data theft, computer viruses, and hacking.
Typically, counseling sessions last 45 to 60 minutes. The exact duration can vary according to the type of therapy, the therapist’s approach, and the client’s specific needs. Some sessions may be shorter or longer, depending on the circumstances.
Online therapy may be an effective option for people who prefer not to meet in person with a mental health care professional or are unable to do so.
There are many ways for people to access online therapy. Before using any online therapy service, it is important to clarify the costs and the required level of commitment.
Anyone with concerns that they may pose a danger to themselves or others should not use online therapy. Instead, they should call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.