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The 3 Best Online Therapy Platforms for Anxiety
Best For Therapist Choices
BetterHelp
- The most therapists available – choose from 26,000+ therapists
- Coping tools to use between your sessions.
- Financial assistance.
Best for Anxiety and Medication
Brightside
- Can prescribe medication.
- Treats a wide range of conditions directly related to anxiety.
- Use code AGG50 for $50 off your first month of anxiety and depression treatment, including medication and therapy.
Best For Unlimited Messaging
Talkspace
- Messaging option for sessions.
- One of the most affordable options.
- Choose from three therapist matches.
Anxiety can be a crippling condition to live with. If you deal with it, you’re not alone. Generalized anxiety disorder impacts the lives of 40 million adults—19.1% of the U.S. population. Only 43.2% of people are receiving treatment, according to the Anxiety & Depression Association of America.
Treatment consists of therapy or a combination of medication and therapy. Today, it’s easier to take advantage of therapy sessions. With several online platforms to choose from, you can chat with a qualified counselor online conveniently.
But with such a range of platforms, how do you know which ones are legitimate? When you’re speaking to someone about personal information and feelings you’re dealing with, you want the best.
| Brand | Rating | Price | Message Between Appointments? | Choice of Providers? | Insurance Accepted? | Session Length | Progress Tracker | Mobile App | Easy to Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BetterHelp | |
$240-$360/month | From your state. | 30-45 minutes | |||||
| Brightside | |
$299/month with no medication | You are matched automatically but it’s changeable. | 30 minutes (First session is 45 minutes) | |||||
| Talkspace | |
Messaging+video is $396/month | You can choose from 3 therapists. | 45 minutes |
Top 3 Online Therapy Platforms for Anxiety
- BetterHelp – Best For Therapist Choices
- Brightside – Best for Anxiety and Medication
- Talkspace – Best For Unlimited Messaging
Countless Online Therapists Available
-
Overall Rating4/5
- Access to over 26,000 therapists
- Financial assistance
- Set value…Coping tools
Cost
- $240-$360/month
Overview
BetterHelp is a perfect option if you’re looking for a convenient and easy way to take charge of anxiety. The sliding scale fee is a generous touch to the platform. While they don’t take insurance, you can save money on the monthly amount if you meet the criteria. Learn more about Better Help here to see if it’s the right fit for you.
Best for Anxiety and Medication Combined
-
Our Rating4/5
- Progress tracker
- Medication management
- Insurance accepted
- Use code AGG50 for $50 off your first month of anxiety and depression treatment, including medication and therapy.
Cost
- $299/month with no medication
Overview
Brightside is an easy-to-use therapy app to tackle your anxiety. Whether you’re looking for talk therapy like CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) or medication as a combination therapeutic approach, Brightside is worth looking into. With insurance coverage, you can’t go wrong, especially if you plan on taking advantage of the medication option, too.
Accepts Insurance and Unlimited Messaging
-
Our Rating4/5
- Known for its unlimited messaging
- Accepts insurance
- Different plan options
Cost
- Messaging+video is $396/month
Overview
Talkspace is quickly gaining momentum in the online therapy space. With its insurance option and various plans, it makes for a desirable option for many. Unlimited messaging gives peace of mind. Sometimes between appointments, it’s nice to know you can send your therapist a quick message if needed.
What is Online Therapy for Anxiety Like?
When people seek therapy in general, they are usually concerned about discreteness. While you get that with in-person therapy, you stay in the comfort of your home (expanding the discreteness). Depending on which platform you choose, you will typically answer questions when you sign up. Based on where you live, the platform will list therapists in your state unless they auto-generate one for you. Each of the three platforms above allow you to change your therapist at any time.
Once you’ve chosen a therapist, it’s time to set up your appointment. During your first appointment, that’s when your therapist will take the time to get to know you. Usually they check your background information, find out how long you’ve been dealing with your symptoms, and anything else that can help. Some therapists give homework and tools for you to do after your appointment.
Is Online Therapy Just as Good as In-Person Therapy?
Research has revealed that online therapy can effectively treat anxiety, trauma, and depression. They found that there isn’t a difference in patient satisfaction whether the treatment is in-person or online.
Some people prefer the in-person interaction of traditional therapy, while others find it more convenient to have access to sessions from the comfort of their home. Another reason why online therapy is such an attractive option for many is they feel more comfortable in their home, which means they could open up even more to the therapist.
Benefits of Online Therapy
Convenience
Because you can sit on the couch in your pajamas if you want to, there’s total comfort. Not to mention, if you have a busy schedule with work or children, this allows more time in your day.
Increased accessibility
You can access an online therapist anywhere in the United States. All you need is internet access. Right now, it can take weeks to months to get into certain therapists in person. Online options open up the endless potential to receive mental health care fast.
More anonymity
It’s not uncommon to be self-conscious about going to a therapist. After all, you’re telling them things you likely wouldn’t tell anyone else. It can be hard to get those feelings out in the open. Some people feel more secure in their home and more anonymous, despite the therapist knowing their name.
Flexibility
Online counseling allows you to choose from a wide range of counselors. To put this into perspective. Better Help alone has over 20,000 therapists. Of course, you have to choose one in your state, but they usually have a decent amount to choose from. This allows you to choose the perfect therapist that meets your scheduling needs and who you can openly talk to comfortably.
Cost-Effective
Online therapy is almost always cheaper than going to in-person therapy. For example, most monthly plans online can range from $240 up to almost $400+ per month. However, that is multiple appointments. If you go to an in-person therapist, you’re going to pay around that for one session, or even more depending on where you live.
If you or someone you know is struggling with anxiety, there’s no reason to try and deal with it alone. Choose from one of the best online therapy platforms for anxiety to learn the tools you can apply to your everyday life. Anxiety can be debilitating to deal with, but once you have those tools in your toolbox, you will feel a huge weight lift from your shoulders.
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.
