Some of the links on this page may link to our affiliates. Learn more about our ad policies.
The Best Online Therapy Companies for 2023
Our Top Pick
- Diverse therapy specialties
- Financial aid available
- No contract, cancel anytime
Best for Unlimited Messaging
- Unlimited messaging
- Therapists work with a wide range of mental health issues
- Online mood and reflection tool to help track progress
Best for LGBTQ+ Community
- Dedicated to LGBTQ+ users
- Licensed therapists
- Message, text, talk, or video chat
Best Online Therapy Companies for 2023
- Our Top PIck Overall – BetterHelp
- Best Full-Service Program – TalkSpace
- Best for Unlimited Messaging – Calmerry
- Best for Anxiety and Depression – Brightside
- Best for Relationship Therapy – ReGain
- Best for Specific Mental Health Issues – Cerebral
- Best for Multiple Options for Healthcare Access – Amwell
- Best Service for LGBTQ Community – Pride Counseling
- Best Primary Care Help – Lemonaid
How Did We Select The Best E-Therapy Companies?
Our team of expert reviewers examined and live-tested each company. We are rating on several factors including:
- Price, affordability, and plans (weekly vs. monthly pricing, overall cost)
- What types of communications are offered (text messaging, voice calls, video calls.
- Quantity of therapists available and their specializations (anxiety, depression, addiction)
- Accreditations and hiring requirements (PsyD, Ph.D., LCSW, LPS)
- Types of therapy offered (CBT, psychoanalysis)
- Overall customer service and user experience
What Is Online Therapy?
For the most part, we aren’t shy about discussing our physical health in relationships. Even though our emotional, psychological and social well-being are just as important as our physical health, we aren’t comfortable talking to others about how we think and feel.
In recent years, online mental health therapy has emerged as a way for people to speak with a professional from the comfort of their homes. Online therapy is website or app-based. You can text, call, message, or video chat with a licensed therapist about what you’re thinking, feeling, and experiencing, and they will give you feedback on how to cope or what you should work on changing to help you.
Is Online Therapy as Effective as In-Person Therapy?
Whatever crisis you may be experiencing, seeking help is an important step to take for your own personal well-being. Traditional therapy is where you meet regularly with a therapist in person. You make an appointment, go to their office or facility, and discuss what is happening face-to-face.
Online therapy may seem less personal and, thus, less helpful. But research has found that it is an effective way to treat a majority of mental health issues and illnesses. It may not be the right approach for everyone, but it is more convenient, less expensive, and more immediate. We’ve looked into the best online therapy services to help you determine which option might be best for you.
Best Online Therapy Companies At A Glance
| Brand | Rating | Cost | Licensed Therapists | Contract Required | Prescriptions | Insurance Coverage | Available Nationwide | Video/Phone Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BetterHelp | |
$65-$90/week | ||||||
| Talkspace | |
$69/week | ||||||
| Calmerry | |
$50 per week; $228 – $360/month | ||||||
| Brightside | |
$349/month | ||||||
| Regain | |
$60-$90/week | ||||||
| Cerebral | |
$99-$325/month | ||||||
| Amwell | |
$109-$129 for therapy; $109-$279 for psychiatry | ||||||
| Pride Counseling | |
$60-$90/week | ||||||
| Lemonaid | |
Variable based on treatment |
Best Online Therapy Providers for 2023
There are so many options, and people’s individual needs are so specific, which can make it hard to narrow down what’s a good fit and what’s not. We have compiled our list of the best online therapy programs to help make an appropriate choice for you and your own life situation, including cost, services, credentials, and reviews.
Best Overall
-
Overall Rating4.5/5
- Licensed therapists
- Financial aid available
- Live sessions offered
- Does not accept insurance
We chose BetterHelp as our Best Overall and gave them an exceptional rating of 4.5 out of 5 for several reasons. BetterHelp offers the most diverse selection of licensed therapists. Their therapists are patient listeners and really engage with you. They are a very responsive company and will act quickly to address your needs, whether that means finding a new therapist or adjusting your membership.
BetterHelp Overview
BetterHelp claims to be the world’s largest online therapy platform. It offers access to psychologists, marriage and family therapists, clinical social workers, and board-licensed professional counselors. All are licensed, trained, and accredited.
BetterHelp matches you to a therapist according to the type of issues you are dealing with based on your online questionnaire. The therapy process can be conducted through text, phone, or live video sessions.
Cost
BetterHelp is a membership service. It doesn’t require a contract and you can cancel at any time. There are different plans and depending on your needs, it may cost between $60 and $90 a week. Generally, BetterHelp will end up costing between $240 and $360 dollars per month.
Aging.com users can get 20% off your first month!
Learn More about BetterHelp
Our BetterHelp Review
BetterHelp vs Talkspace Comparison Review
BetterHelp Therapy for Anxiety
What to Know Before Choosing Online Therapy
Best Full-Service Program
-
Overall Rating4/5
- Licensed therapists
- Live sessions offered
- Specialized therapy available for individuals, couples and teenagers, veterans, LGBTQIA+
- Covered by some insurance plans
Talkspace has been around since 2012, and that’s one of the many reasons we gave it 4 out of 5 stars. In addition to offering counseling for a variety of disorders, they also offers psychiatric services and can provide prescriptions if you need one – a major factor in giving it our Best for Full-Service ranking. We found that their therapists will respond daily to you, which is a feature you may not get with other companies.
Talkspace Overview
Talkspace is an online therapy website that connects you with licensed therapists from the device you choose. The company allows you to send text, audio, picture, or video messages any time you want. The therapists are licensed providers who respond daily to you—up to five times a week. If you prefer face-to-face interaction talk therapy, Talkspace offers live sessions so you and your therapist can speak by video or phone.
After answering a few questions, Talkspace uses an algorithm to suggest three potential therapists to you. You can choose the one from the provided options that you think is the best fit. Talkspace is a subscription service with plans that include weekly live sessions and messaging support anytime. Talkspace offers separate psychiatry sessions with a licensed psychiatric prescriber who can prescribe medicine, should you need it.
Talkspace Cost
Talkspace is a subscription service, and how much you pay depends on the type of subscription you choose. There is no contract to sign, and you can cancel the service at any time:
- Messaging Therapy – $65/week
- Live Therapy – $99/week
- Live & Messaging Therapy – $129/week
Talkspace psychiatry sessions are a bit more expensive compared to other online therapy providers. The initial evaluation is $249 and each follow-up session is $125 each. There are also bundle packages for new and existing clients.
More About Talkspace
Learn More About How Talkspace Therapy Works
Talkspace for Anxiety
Why Do People Not Seek Mental Health Treatment?
Best for Unlimited Messaging
-
Overall Rating4/5
- Unlimited messaging
- Therapists work with a wide range of mental health issues
- Online mood and reflection tool to help track progress
If you’re someone who communicates most often through messaging, then Calmerry is a good choice for you. They offer unlimited messaging and video conferencing, but you won’t be able to have a phone conversation with your therapist, which we consider a drawback. We gave it 4 out of 5 stars for several unique reasons including the fact that you can pay week to week, if you choose, and its chatbot tool which helps you identify patterns and changes in the way you feel.
Calmerry Overview
Calmerry is a relatively new online chat and mental health support portal. It’s only been in operation a couple of years, but offers help for a wide range of issues and disorders. It offers three different plans for you to choose from: each has unlimited messaging and ranges in price from $230 to $360 a month. Calmerry offers a special weekly package for $65 a month if you aren’t ready to commit to a subscription plan. You can start therapy and go week to week, instead of month to month. One thing that makes Calmerry unique is it only offers messaging and video conferencing therapy sessions. Most other companies give you the option of conducting therapy through phone calls. The company also offers a chatbot tool to help you track your mood and reflect on your day to help you process your emotions and identify patterns in your feelings.
Calmerry Cost
Calmerry costs range from $230 per month to $360 per month, depending on the plan you choose. Calmerry doesn’t take insurance, so you can’t use your HSA or FSA. Paying out of pocket is the only option. Calmerry has three subscription plans:
- Unlimited Messaging Plan – $230/month
- Unlimited Messaging Plus One Video Session – $300/month
- Unlimited Messaging Plus Four Video Sessions – $360/month
More About Calmerry
Calmerry Mental Health Therapy Review
How Often Should You Go to Therapy?
Best for Anxiety and Depression
-
Overall Rating4/5
- Use code AGG50 for $50 off your first month of anxiety and depression treatment, including medication and therapy
- Specializes in treatment of anxiety, depression and other specific disorders
- Certain providers can prescribe medication
- Licensed therapists
- Multiple plan options
- Video Sessions
Most of the online therapy companies that we’ve reviewed offer treatment for anxiety and depression, but we think Brightside is the best option. While their therapists treat a wide variety of disorders, they all specialize in helping those with anxiety and depression. If you struggle with depression, we like that you’ll be connected to a psychiatrist immediately after your initial online assessment – no waiting period. We gave it 4 out of 5 stars for its multiple plan options, ability to prescribe medication, and their large staff of licensed therapists.
Brightside Overview
Brightside is an online mental health platform that specializes in treating anxiety, bipolar II, depression, insomnia, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorders, premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), phobias, postpartum depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), seasonal affective disorder (SAD), and social anxiety.
If you are struggling with depression, once you take the online assessment, you’ll be connected to a psychiatrist for a video consultation. The consultation usually lasts around 15 minutes and ends with a plan for the best next steps for you. For other types of personality disorders, you’ll be connected with a licensed therapist who you can message as much as you might need someone to talk to and have a 30-minute video appointment with each week.
Brightside Cost
Brightside has three plans to choose from and they do accept insurance, so check with your provider to see if coverage is available. At the end of the free assessment, there’s a way to see if Brightside accepts your insurance.
- Medication Plan – $95/month plus pharmacy copay
- Therapy Plan – $299/month
- Medication & Therapy Plan – $349/month plus pharmacy copay
More About Brightside
Learn More About How Brightside Therapy Works
Brightside for Anxiety
Best for Relationship Therapy
-
Overall Rating3.5/5
- Specializes in relationship therapy
- Licensed therapists
- Does not prescribe medication
- Does not accept insurance
ReGain is our favorite choice for relationship therapy. It’s what they specialize in and they do it well. It’s an affordable option for couples who need some help improving their relationship. You can sign up for individual counseling or as a couple – either way, the focus will be on your relationship. The counselors are invested in helping you make improvements, but you may find some difficulty in scheduling time with yours – which is why we gave it a lower score of 3.5 stars out of 5.
ReGain Overview
ReGain is an online relationship therapy program for couples, as well as individuals. Once you sign up for the service, you’ll be matched to a therapist who fits your needs. You’ll submit whatever you want to discuss online through messaging, and your therapist will read the information and get back to you with guidance.
If you and your partner are taking part in the therapy together, you’ll share a joint account where you both can communicate with the therapist and all three parties will see the communication. All the therapists, clinical social workers, marriage and family therapists, and psychologists have master’s or Doctoral degrees and have at least three years or 1,000 hours of professional experience.
ReGain Cost
ReGain doesn’t accept insurance, so all your costs will be out of pocket. Plans range from $60-$90/week. ReGain will bill you every four weeks and you can pay by credit card or PayPal.
Aging.com users can get 20% off your first month!
More About ReGain
ReGain Mental Health Therapy Review
ReGain for Relationship Therapy
What Do Therapists Think When You Cry?
Best for Specific Mental Health Issues
-
Overall Rating4/5
- Can prescribe medication
- Wide range of mental health and disorder treatment
- Not all treatment types available nationwide
- Insurance coverage available for therapists in most states
- Licensed therapists
- Phone or video sessions
If you have a specific mental health issue and are looking for help, then Cerebral may be your best option. We gave it 4 out of 5 stars because of the range of disorders that their therapists and psychiatrists treat. We like that women can get specific help with postpartum or menopausal depression – which can often go unrecognized and untreated. We also like that Cerebral recognizes chronic obesity as a disorder, instead of a failure.
Cerebral Overview
Cerebral is an online mental health platform that treats anxiety, depression, insomnia, postpartum depression, menopausal depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in all 50 states. Treatment for ADHD, alcohol dependence, bipolar disorder, chronic obesity, and opioid use disorder are only offered in certain states.
Cerebral also treats a range of mental health issues from stress to anger to relationship struggles. Once you fill out the form online, you’ll be asked to choose a subscription plan. From there you will be assigned a provider or counselor that you will meet by video or phone within a week. You’ll have weekly sessions with your therapist, who can prescribe medication if needed.
Cerebral Cost
Medication & Care Counseling Plan – $99/month
Medication & Therapy Plan – $325/month
Therapy Plan – $259/month
Best for Multiple Options for Healthcare Access
-
Overall Rating4/5
- Accepts some insurance plans
- Offers services for a large variety of disorders and issues
- Medicine can be prescribed
- Licensed therapists
- Video sessions
If you want to combine your primary care and mental health treatment into one place, then Amwell is our choice. We gave it 4 out 5 stars for the ability to choose your provider and be able to see a therapist, psychiatrist and primary care doctor. The expense per visit may be a drawback, but the services Amwell provides may outweigh that.
Amwell Overview
Amwell is a healthcare platform that offers a wide variety of services – everything from primary care to mental health treatment. Once you sign up online, you’ll be given a list of providers to choose from. When you’ve chosen a provider, you’ll have a video visit and be given a treatment plan with a set number of sessions. Therapists offer help with everything from anxiety to grief counseling.
Amwell also offers psychiatry services from board-certified professionals who can prescribe medicine and will work in concert with your primary care physician to provide you with the best care possible.
Amwell Cost
Therapy – $99 per appointment
Psychiatry – $199 for first visit; $95 for follow-up visits
Best Service for LGBTQ Community
-
Overall Rating4/5
- Specifically designed for the LGBTQ community
- Not covered by insurance
- Licensed therapists
- Message, text, talk, or video chat
Pride Counseling won’t turn away anyone seeking therapy, but it’s specifically designed for members of the LGBTQ community which is why it earned our ‘Best Of’ recognition. We like the fact, that unlike many online therapy portals, Pride Counseling offers services beyond the United States. We gave it 4 out of 5 stars for its compassionate staff of therapists and the wide variety of issues and disorders they treat.
Pride Counseling Overview
Pride Counseling is an online therapy platform designed specifically for the LGBTQ community. Much like other platforms, you sign up and then are matched to a therapist in a short time. You can message, text, talk over the phone, or through video chat with your therapist. Messaging and texting can occur anytime. Video and phone conversations and same-day appointments are scheduled.
Pride Counseling Cost
Pride Counseling is a membership service but does not require a contract. You can be cancel at any time. Cost is based on your location, preferences, and therapist availability. You will be billed for the service every four weeks. They do not accept insurance. Plans range from $60-$90/week
Aging.com users can get 20% off your first month!
More About Pride Counseling
Learn More About Pride Counseling
What Does Online Therapy Treat?
Best Primary Care Help
-
Overall Rating4/5
- Can prescribe medication
- Limited services
- Does not accept insurance
- Specific pricing for each plan
- Licensed healthcare professionals
If you’re looking for an online doctor’s office, then Lemonaid is worth considering. In addition to mental health, they also offer basic healthcare services. We gave Lemonaid 4 out of 5 stars for its broad range of treatment options including health and wellness, insomnia, and smoking cessation programs. We really like the fact that the cost is low and medical testing is easy and convenient.
Lemonaid Health Overview
Lemonaid Health considers itself an online doctor’s office. They offer a wide variety of services beyond just mental health care, but when it comes to mental health, they only treat anxiety, depression, insomnia, and smoking cessation. When you sign up, you’ll be asked questions about your medical history. Your information will be reviewed by a doctor who will contact you within 24 hours to ask follow-up questions.
Treatment for anxiety and depression requires a live video chat, and if medication is being prescribed it will be sent to your home. Lemonaid offers general health and wellness coaching to give you guidance, support immediate help and direction. All of their mental health services offer unlimited messaging.
Lemonaid Health Cost
A consultation fee is only $25. This price covers an evaluation and prescription. The only thing the consultation cost doesn’t cover is your medication. Some services are a flat monthly fee that covers both consultations and medication that Lemonaid ships to your door, such as anxiety and depression services.
- Consultation Fee – $25
- Health & Wellness Coaching – $115/month
- Anxiety Treatment – $95/month
- Depression Treatment – $95/month
- Insomnia Treatment – $60/month
- Smoking Cessation – $15/month
More About Lemonaid Health
Lemonaid Health Review
Promoting Mental Health in Seniors
What Can I Expect in an Online Therapy Session?
You may wonder how online therapy works as you research companies that might interest you. Most will ask you to fill out a form online to give them some insight into your own mental health needs. From there, you will be matched up with a licensed professional, and an appointment will be set up for someone to talk to in a first meeting. Since these happen over the internet, the appointments are scheduled quickly, usually within a week.
Most appointments will be video consultations with a time limit of between 15 and 45 minutes. During that time, the therapists will learn more about you and what you may be struggling with. Having a solid internet connection when interacting with your therapist during video chat sessions is essential. You don’t want to spend time repeating yourself or not understanding what the therapist is saying because the video or audio keeps dropping out. After your free initial consultation, you’ll be given a plan that includes the time and date for your regular “meetings,” if they are offered. Most platforms allow unlimited texting or messaging through the app, so you can share your thoughts whenever you want. You may not get an immediate response, but you will get a timely one.
Most companies don’t require a contract; you can cancel the online therapy subscription anytime. Before you decide on a provider, consider these tips: Know the billing cycle. Many providers will bill monthly or automatically charge your credit card, but you’ll want to know when and how that works to avoid surprises.
Available Therapists
Therapy chats focus primarily upon synchronized communication between patients. This is not texting therapy in which it takes some patience to get the response. The patient also has the option to talk to the right therapist or person.
Don’t stay with a therapist if they don’t seem like a good fit. Just because you’ve been assigned a therapist doesn’t mean you have to keep them. Just like any other service, if you feel like someone else will help you more—request a change. Before you sign up, find out about insurance. You can call your insurance company and find out if they cover the service you are considering. If you feel you may need medication as part of your therapy process, choose a provider who can prescribe it. Psychiatrists can write prescriptions, while therapists cannot.
Make sure you are working with a licensed professional. The therapist isn’t a legally protected word in many states, meaning anyone can offer services and call themselves a therapist. Choose a provider who makes it clear their practitioners are licensed and accredited. Many of the websites will have all their mental health professionals listed. If you want to verify for yourself, a Google search will likely turn up the therapist’s name and their licenses.
What’s the Difference between Mental Health and Mental Illness?
Often the terms mental health and mental illness are used interchangeably. But they aren’t the same. Mental illness is a disorder that can be diagnosed with a standard set of criteria. Mental illness doesn’t discriminate—it can affect anyone regardless of age, sex, race, or socioeconomic class. It likely stems from brain chemistry, genetics, or trauma and affects your behavior, mood, and thinking. Depression, anxiety disorders, and schizophrenia are all examples of mental illness.
On the other hand, mental health is our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It substantially impacts how we handle problems that arise, make decisions, and interact with the world and others. Grief, stress, eating disorders, and relationship struggles can all impact our lives and cause us to act differently. You can have mental health struggles but not have a mental illness.
How Do Online Therapy Websites Protect My Privacy?
Therapy for whatever issue you may be facing is a very personal and private journey. It’s important that you feel safe and protected when using any online platform. There are industry best practices to keep information private. So, you will want to make sure the service you choose follows those.
All companies have a privacy policy listed somewhere on their site. Chances are, you don’t ever look at or read them but it’s important to pay attention to them if you’re considering online mental health services. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Make sure they are HIPAA complaint and follow the same laws your doctor’s office does. They are not required to do that, but some mental health platforms will adopt HIPAA policies anyway. Your therapy sessions may not be face-to-face, but you should expect the same level of confidentiality if they were.
- Look for companies who encrypt data with 256-bit SSL security. It’s one of the most secure encryption methods used. If a company uses this, it will likely mention it in their privacy policy.
- Make sure when you have a video appointment, it’s done in a private ‘room.’ Where you decide to conduct your half of the appointment is ultimately up to you, since it’s your information you’ll be discussing. But you will want the licensed professional on the other end to be alone and in a secure place for you to share what you need to.
- If you decide to communicate with your therapist through the app on your phone, don’t share your phone or give someone your password. That can allow them access to information you may not want to share.
- Don’t connect your mental health therapy app to any social media accounts or third-party tools. That can open you up to unwanted advertising based on your information.
- Use a virtual private network (VPN) to mask your location and keep your internet service provider from knowing the websites you visit.
Are There Therapists You Can Just Text?
Yes, there are online therapists who offer text-based therapy services. This form of therapy is commonly known as “text therapy” or “online therapy via chat.” Text therapy involves communicating with a licensed therapist via a secure messaging platform.
Some platforms and apps offer text-based therapy services. Examples include BetterHelp, Talkspace, and Amwell. These services typically require users to create an account and complete a questionnaire before being matched with a licensed therapist who specializes in their specific needs.
Text therapy or messaging therapist provides a free chat synchronous method of accessing a mental healthcare provider by phone or computer. This means that it’s never necessary to wait for a meeting with your therapist.
Does Insurance Cover Online Therapy?
These days, most health insurance plans cover in-person therapy sessions. With the COVID-19 pandemic emerged a greater need for online health services – including those for mental health. Some insurance companies have started to cover free online therapy services, and you will likely be able to find an online therapy provider who will take your plan. It will depend on the therapist you choose, your insurance plan, and the state regulations where you live.
Most online mental health therapy companies will tell you on their website whether they take insurance and what type they accept. If you can’t find that information, you can always call your insurance company and ask. If you have Medicare, it covers online therapy for all its members. If you have Medicaid, coverage will depend on the state you live in.
Conclusion
Online mental health therapy is an effective tool to help you combat all types of issues. It works just as well as face-to-face interactions. Before choosing a provider, make sure the therapists are licensed and determine if your insurance will cover the sessions.
Content on this site is for reference and information purposes only. Do not rely solely on this content, as it is not a substitute for advice from a licensed healthcare professional. Aging.com assumes no liability for inaccuracies. Consult with your doctor before beginning any medications or programs.
