We tried 65 online therapy platforms — here are the ones we recommend

Best for Text-Based Therapy

BetterHelp

Pros

• Easy-to-use website
• Over 30,000 licensed therapists available
• Can message your therapist between sessions
• Financial aid is available
• Easy to switch therapists
• Offers a variety of therapy formats

Cons

• Accepts insurance in only 13 states
• No medication management
• Therapists cant make mental health diagnoses

Key Facts to Remember

• Accepts insurance:Yes, but not all states
• Types of therapy offered: Individual
• Ages served: 18 and up
• Medication management: No
• Session format:Video, audio, live chat, messaging
• Price:Starting at $70-$100 per week without insurance

BetterHelp earned its spot as the best option for text-based therapy due to its single subscription price, easy-to-use website, and extensive therapist network.

The platform is designed with user convenience in mind, allowing people to sign up quickly, match with a therapist, and start messaging within the same day. Whether users are new to therapy or have experience seeking mental health support, BetterHelps intuitive interface ensures that navigating the platform is seamless. This accessibility is especially beneficial for those who may feel overwhelmed in traditional therapy settings, offering a low-pressure way to reach out for help.

With a variety of therapy formats and access to over 30,000 licensed therapists, BetterHelp makes it easier to find a good therapist for text-based therapy, compared with smaller online therapy companies.

Unlike traditional therapy, where communication is often limited to scheduled appointments, BetterHelp allows users to send messages to their therapist anytime, offering continuous support and flexibility. Whether sharing daily struggles, asking follow-up questions, or seeking reassurance, the ability to stay connected with a therapist can be beneficial.

Erin Heger tested BetterHelp for us, and even though she was disappointed that she couldnt choose her own provider, she says that her therapist was warm and compassionate. She also appreciated the straightforward sign-up process, affordable pricing, and minimal technical issues.

Best for Teens

Teen Counseling

Pros

• Tailored to treating teens
• Subscription pricing
• Easy to switch therapists
• Evening sessions available
• Separate messaging for teen and parent

Cons

• Doesnt accept insurance
• No medication management
• Cannot choose your therapist

Key Facts to Remember

• Accepts insurance:No
• Types of therapy offered: Teen
• Ages served: 13 to 19
• Medication management: No
• Session format:Video, audio, live chat
• Price:Starting at $70-$100 per week without insurance

Not all of the 65 online therapy platforms we tested provide therapy for adolescents, but of the ones that do, Teen Counseling is our top choice. Its network of licensed therapists who specialize in adolescent issues truly sets it apart from its competitors.

Teen Counseling, which is owned by BetterHelp, costs between $280 to $400 per month. The price fluctuates depending on where you live and how many therapists are available in your area.

Therapists at Teen Counseling specialize in teen mental health and can help with concerns ranging from social anxiety and academic stress to issues balancing sports and peer pressure. Therapy is available for teens ages 13 to 19, and they have the option to sign up on their own or have their parents or caregivers sign them up, allowing both parties to be involved in the therapeutic process. The site says that parents and caregivers cant join the sessions between the teen and their therapist, but they can opt to meet with the therapist separately.

Multiple therapy formats are available, including video, phone, and live chat sessions, which is similar to other online therapy platforms. Olivia Campbell, a health journalist, tested Teen Counseling for us with her son, noting his preference for live chat sessions. I really appreciate that Teen Counseling offers [chat therapy], because its a very effective way to get texting-native kids to participate in therapy when they are extremely video or phone-call shy,Campbell says.

Meeting teens where they are comfortable, even if its 45 minutes of live texting, is incredibly important in building a therapeutic relationship.

The convenience of accessing therapy from home eliminates potential barriers, such as transportation or scheduling conflicts, making it easier for teens to commit to improving their mental health.

Best Crisis Resource

Brightside Health

Pros

• Asynchronous messaging with your provider
• Guided lessons and psychoeducational materials
• Offers telehealth support for clients with severe mental health issues
• Accepts many insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid
• Medication management available
• Available in all 50 states and Washington, DC
• Progress trackers available

Cons

• No-show and late cancellation fees apply
• Only type of therapy offered is cognitive behavioral therapy
• Cannot prescribe controlled substances
• Use of progress trackers required, which might be uncomfortable for some

Key Facts to Remember

• Accepts insurance:Yes
• Types of therapy offered: Individual, crisis care
• Ages served: 13 and up
• Medication management: Yes
• Session format:Video call, asynchronous messaging
• Price:$299 to $349 per month

While many online therapy platforms clearly state that they will not work with patients in crisis, Brightside Health is paving an effective and realistic way for online mental health care providers to include crisis care.

Outpatient mental health care has certain limitations when it comes to managing serious mental health issues and mental health crises, especially those offered virtually. Those with symptoms or diagnoses that are labeled severe often struggle to find outpatient support because providers do not feel qualified to treat their symptoms or prefer not to work with clients who might present with a crisis. While providers have the right to set boundaries around their scope of practice, this can mean the clients who need the most need are often left without.

Brightside Healths Crisis Care program is specifically designed for clients who experience active suicidal ideation, have recently survived suicidal behavior, or have recently been hospitalized for suicidality. It is not a replacement for emergency services that are needed for people who are seriously planning to harm themselves now or in the very near future. But it can provide fast virtual mental health care for others experiencing a crisis.

In addition to Crisis Care specifically, people can also benefit from Brightside Healths other services, individual therapy and medication management. Amy Marschall, PsyD, a licensed psychologist and health writer, tested individual therapy at Brightside Health, and in her review she highlights benefits such as flexible scheduling, a variety of payment options, and a user-friendly design. Also, beyond her therapy sessions, she says she found Brightside Healths additional activities like tracking symptoms and challenging maladaptive thoughts to be helpful throughout her time testing the service.

Best With Insurance

Talkspace

Pros

• Accepts most insurance plans
• Switching therapists is easy
• Includes a variety of therapy options and medication management
• Offers in-app tools for coping strategies
• Affordable subscription tiers

Cons

• Cannot choose your therapist
• Video sessions are only 30 minutes
• No financial aid available

Key Facts to Remember

• Accepts insurance:Yes
• Types of therapy offered: Individual, couples, teens
• Ages served: 13 and up
• Medication management: Yes
• Session format:Video, audio, or messaging
• Price:$69 to $109 per week

Talkspace may be one of the better-known online therapy platforms today, but thats not just because its been around for a long time. Of all the online therapy companies we tested, it stands out as the most user-friendly option, thanks to its convenient subscription model, simple-to-use platform and app, and variety of therapy formats including text, audio, and video messaging.

Talkspaces subscription tiers range from $69 to $109 per week, depending on the type of therapy format you choose. One of Talkspaces biggest advantages is its financial accessibility. It accepts most major insurance plans, including Cigna Healthcare, Optum, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Aetna, and Medicare (in select states), along with Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), which provide employees with free mental health support.

The variety of therapy types offered individual, couples, or teen therapy is an additional benefit, compared with other subscription-based platforms. Medication management is also available on Talkspace, creating a one-stop shop for those desiring psychiatric care alongside talk therapy.

Erin Heger, a health journalist, tested Talkspaces individual therapy and had a mostly positive experience with the platform. She appreciated having the ability to message her therapist between sessions and the various options for increasing financial accessibility (accepting insurance and EAPs, tiered pricing, and the option to pay with a health savings account or flexible spending account). Unfortunately, the advice I received from both therapists I tried on the platform felt a bit impersonal, which made it hard to connect, Heger states.

Because of this, Talkspace might be a better fit for individuals who are new to therapy. Not only does its subscription structure keep therapy affordable it can also help users stay accountable for attending therapy on a consistent basis.

Best for Couples

OurRitual

Pros

• Personalized, self-guided app offers resources between sessions
• Specializes in relationship work
• Both individual and couples sessions are available
• Affordable monthly rates
• Educational and therapeutic content is evidence-based and thoroughly researched
• Therapeutic tools are available, such as progress tracking and a journal
• Option of anonymity is available

Cons

• Weekly sessions required
• No option to pay per session; subscription plan is the only option
• Does not accept insurance

Key Facts to Remember

• Accepts insurance:No
• Types of therapy offered: Individual and couples
• Ages served: 18 and up
• Medication management: No
• Session format:Video
• Price:Starting at $24 per month for couples

From its personalized app experience to its additional therapeutic tools, OurRitual focuses on relational work in a unique and effective way, allowing couples to strengthen their relationship with ease.

OurRitual is designed to support couples in every step of their relationship journey, offering a subscription model that includes both live sessions and self-guided tools. The cost of four weekly couples sessions and access to the app is $260 per month for a three-month plan or $310 for a single month. The three-month plan is a significant commitment in terms of time and money. However, this could be a benefit for some couples, as it encourages consistency and accountability, allowing for deeper progress and long-term relationship improvements. Couples who want to achieve a specific goal, such as premarital counseling, may also benefit from this setup.

That said, the company offers a 14-day money-back guarantee under certain circumstances, which gives you time to decide if the platform is a good fit for you and your partner.

Jen Sinclair, a health and wellness writer who tested OurRituals services for us, thoroughly enjoyed her time using OurRituals couples services. The skills that my husband and I learned during our time on the platform really helped us communicate better, especially when it came to navigating transitions, Sinclair says. We enjoyed the exercises and came out stronger at the end of that month.

Another aspect that makes OurRitual stand out is that it allows clients to sign up using an anonymous name, which can be a benefit for those worried about their privacy or data on an online platform. This can be a specific advantage for individuals in the LGBTQ+ population who may be interested in maintaining their online privacy.

Best for Kids

Rula

Pros

• Users can choose their own therapist
• Individual and family therapy available
• In-network with most insurance
• Psychiatry services and medication management available for teens
• Portal allows for easy communication with therapist between appointments
• Available in all 50 states and Washington, DC

Cons

• High self-pay prices
• $99 charge for late cancellations or no-shows to therapy appointments
• $150 charge for late cancellations or no-shows to psychiatry appointments
• Not all providers accept all insurance companies listed

Key Facts to Remember

• Accepts insurance:Yes
• Types of therapy offered: Individual, family, couples, teen, child, psychiatry
• Ages served: 5 and up
• Medication management: Yes, for teens
• Session format:Video
• Price:$150 to $165 per session

Rula distinguishes itself as a standout provider by providing specialized teletherapy services for children starting at age 5, including child-centered play therapy and family therapy.

With Rula, kids can participate in individual therapy, family therapy, or a combination of both. Children tend to soak up and reflect stressors from other family members, so when a child is struggling with their mental health, its often (though not always) an indication that the parents or guardians are also having a difficult time. Addressing marital problems or mental health challenges faced by adults in the family can benefit the child by reducing the households overall stress level. Rulas platform allows each family member to see their own individual therapist as well as a family therapist, when appropriate. This allows the entire family to get support in one place, making it easier to meet the various challenges impacting the child.

Rula is in-network with most major insurance companies and asserts that it can typically accommodate therapy sessions within two business days, making it a great option for anyone who needs support right away.

Best for Trauma

Innerwell

Pros

• Users can choose their own therapist
• Thorough intake questionnaire
• Transparent pricing available before sign-up
• Uniquely focused on trauma modalities
• Can use multiple services at the same time
• Includes medication management

Cons

• Only available in 23 states
• Insurance only accepted in six states
• Must contact customer service to switch therapists
• Not all therapists are trained in EMDR

Key Specs

• Accepts insurance:Yes, in select states
• Types of therapy offered: Individual, EMDR, psychedelic integration
• Ages served: 18 and up
• Medication management: Yes
• Session format:Video
• Price:$100 to $375 per therapy session

Innerwell ranks as our top choice for trauma-response therapy due to its willingness to use novel approaches to target and treat trauma symptoms, which is unmatched by its competitors.

Julia Childs Heyl, a clinical social worker and mental health writer,tested individual therapy at Innerwell for us and found the platform to be user-friendly with an easy sign-up process and transparent pricing. Innerwell is a great fit for those who are interested in less-traditional approaches to mental health care but still want the convenience an online therapy service offers, she says. She also notes that, of the online therapy platforms shes tried, Innerwell feels the most like going to a private practice clinician, adding a sense of safety that is necessary for a client to receive effective trauma treatment.

Innerwell offers therapy sessions for $165 per 50-minute session, and if you want extra support between sessions, you can add 30-minute boosters for $100 after your initial intake. Psychiatry intake sessions are $350, with 30-minute follow-ups at $200 each. Ketamine treatments range from $83 to $125 per session, billed monthly, and you can choose from programs like the 8-Dose Foundation ($366 per month for three months) or the 24-Dose Extended ($525 per month for four months). If youre interested in psychedelic preparation and integration, sessions are $100 for 30 minutes or $165 for 50 minutes.

While Innerwell accepts insurance, it is limited to six states (California, Colorado, New York, Texas, Illinois, and Washington). Oftentimes, ketamine treatment is not covered by insurance, so its important to take your own benefits into consideration.

Its important to remember that trauma treatment is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Whether its talk therapy, EMDR, medication, or ketamine treatment, finding the right approach depends on your unique experiences, needs, and comfort level. Thankfully, Innerwell offers all of these services, to help ensure that you find the right treatment for you.

Best for Groups

Grouport

Pros

• Affordable group therapy
• Personalized matching available
• DBT skills training offered in all 50 states
• Wide range of meeting times
• Variety of group topics
• Also offers individual, couples, family, and teen therapy

Cons

• Many topical groups are available in only three states
• Cannot use insurance
• Group therapy may not be a good fit for everyone

Key Facts to Remember

• Accepts insurance:No
• Types of therapy offered: Individual, couples, family, teen, group
• Ages served: 11 and up
• Medication management: No
• Session format:Video
• Price:$140 per month for group therapy; dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) skills group costs $25 per week, billed at $299 ($25/session x 12 sessions) for an initial 12-weeks, then billed at $100 a month ($25/session x 4 sessions/month)

Grouports structured discussions, use of licensed therapists, and wide variety of topics and meeting times make it a standout choice for those seeking affordable and accessible group therapy.

Group therapy may not be the right fit for everyone, but Grouport tries its best by intentionally including multiple meeting times per group and utilizing a care coordinator to match users to topical groups. Its prioritization of group therapy ensures that attention is paid to maintaining and improving the quality of the groups too.

With Grouport, users can access therapy groups via video sessions for just $35 per week. Its therapy groups cover multiple topics, such as anxiety and depression, parenting, grief, or borderline personality disorder. Unfortunately, Grouport operates most of its topical groups in just three states (New York, New Jersey, and Florida), which limits access for many. However, we appreciate that Grouport sets a maximum of 12 participants per group, which allows users to quickly get comfortable with the group setting even if they have not previously tried group therapy.

While our tester of Grouports services, Katie Mannion, was initially disappointed that she couldnt access the parenting group, she was impressed by her experience with the DBT skills group. A licensed therapist facilitated the groups content smoothly, always started sessions promptly, and moved effectively through the 12-week structured DBT curriculum. However, Mannion does note that her experience with the DBT group left something to be desired. It felt more like an educational workshop than true group therapy, but other groups could be different.

Best Directory

Zocdoc

Pros

• Can choose your own therapist
• Simple online scheduling
• Variety of therapists listed
• Can see therapist schedules before sign-up
• Provider availability varies

Cons

• Not all providers accept insurance
• Therapist availability depends on where you live

Key Facts to Remember

• Accepts insurance:Some providers do
• Types of therapy offered: Individual, couples, family, teen, child
• Ages served: Varies based on provider
• Medication management: Psychiatrists available in the directory
• Session format:Varies based on provider
• Price:Varies based on provider

Zocdoc is distinct in that it is a directory rather than a therapy provider itself. It allows users to specify their search with filters like types of insurance accepted, therapist credentials, and available schedule.

Brittany Vargas, who tested Zocdoc for us, says she appreciates how user-friendly the platforms search process and results page are. The provider pool was much better than what Ive seen on other platforms, and I loved seeing schedule info prominently displayed on each profile, she adds. While the system wasnt perfect, it saved me a lot of time, not having to email or call providers one by one to ask about availability.

A standout feature of this directory is the ability to book appointments directly via the platform, eliminating the need to visit another website to contact the therapist. While therapist availability may be limited in some areas, the user-friendly design and extensive selection of therapists make Zocdoc an excellent choice for individuals seeking a qualified clinician.

I was impressed by the quality of the clinicians, states Vargas. It was a diverse group, and the majority had high ratings.

We were also impressed by the specialized training of the therapists listed on Zocdoc. In addition to traditional modalities like cognitive behavioral therapy, our tester found professionals trained in innovative approaches such as somatic therapy and internal family systems an approach that helps individuals explore and heal different aspects of themselves, such as their inner critic. These modalities are harder to find in other directories.

Since Zocdoc is a directory, its best for individuals who already have an idea of what theyre looking for, such as a type of therapist they enjoy working with or a specific modality theyre looking to try.

Best for Psychiatry

Talkiatry

Pros

• In-network with most major insurance plans
• 60-minute intakes and 30-minute appointments allow more face time with your psychiatrist than other platforms
• Pairs you with a psychiatrist, but offers the option to switch providers
• Services available to patients as young as 5 years old
• Providers can prescribe controlled substances, including benzodiazepines and stimulants
• Allows unlimited asynchronous messaging with your provider
• Intake process is fast and easy
• Available in 43 states

Cons

• Does not let you use the service without insurance
• Does not accept Medicaid
• Does not treat all diagnoses, including schizophrenia and eating disorders
• Does not offer talk therapy unless you already see a psychiatrist

Key Facts to Remember

• Accepts insurance:Yes
• Types of therapy offered: Psychiatry
• Ages served: 5 and up
• Medication management: Yes
• Session format:Video, messaging
• Price:Varies based on insurance coverage

Of the 65 online therapy companies we tested, Talkiatry stands out as the most user-friendly option for psychiatric services. Its range of ages served (starting at 5 years old), longer-than-average appointment times, and ability to prescribe a wider variety of medications, such as controlled substances, sets Talkiatry apart.

Talkiatry requires insurance to use its services, which means it is not a good fit for people without insurance or those who prefer not to use their insurance for psychiatry services. Because of this, the cost of the service varies based on your insurance benefits. It also does not accept Medicaid, so people with Medicaid would need to seek support elsewhere.

Raki Swanson, a health writer, tested medication management services on Talkiatry for us and had an overall positive experience with her provider. The first session was very relaxing, and it was really easy to talk with the therapist, she says. She also notes that the flow of the conversation seemed natural, and even though the provider did have a set of questions she had to ask during the intake session, she didnt seem like she was asking them from a paper.

An initial appointment with a Talkiatry psychiatrist is 60 minutes, with follow-up appointments typically lasting 30 minutes. This is a great advantage of this platform, as many follow-up psychiatry appointments, both in person and online, tend to be around 15 minutes in length. Additionally, Talkiatry psychiatrists can prescribe controlled substances, including benzodiazepines and stimulant medications, when appropriate, while most other online psychiatry platforms cannot.

While Talkiatry provides mental health medication management for many different diagnoses, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder, it does not provide treatment for schizophrenia or eating disorders. It is also important to point out that even though Talkiatry does have therapists, you cant see one unless youre already seeing a Talkiatry psychiatrist.

Best for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Online-Therapy.com

Pros

• Unlimited messaging with your therapist between appointments
• Self-paced resources available
• Offers financial aid based on need, for those who cannot afford the service
• Option to schedule audio-only or live chat sessions in addition to video
• Individual and couples therapy available
• Many therapeutic tools included, such as worksheets, a journal, and physical exercises

Cons

• Does not accept insurance
• Basic plan does not include any live sessions
• No medication management services
• Only offers cognitive behavioral therapy
• Only subscription plans are available

Key Facts to Remember

• Accepts insurance:No
• Types of therapy offered: Individual, couples
• Ages served: Ages 18 and up
• Medication management: No
• Session format:Video, audio, or live chat
• Price:Starting at just $48 per week

While a number of online therapy platforms offer cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), Online-Therapy.com stands out for its exclusive focus on this modality, which includes therapists trained in CBT as well as access to additional CBT tools, making it a comprehensive and evidence-based option.

Online-Therapy.com is a subscription-based therapy platform that provides treatment to individuals or couples. We like that it offers different subscription tiers to fit any budget, plus a wealth of additional resources, including asynchronous messaging with therapists and self-guided therapeutic modules developed through the lens of CBT.

The platform offers individual and couples therapy, but not medication management. Additionally, Online-Therapy.com features numerous self-guided CBT resources and tools you can use outside of your sessions, including therapeutic worksheets, educational videos about mental health, a guided journal, an activity plan to help you articulate and achieve your goals, and a yoga practice.

Licensed therapistRiley Blanton tested the services at Online-Therapy.com for us and highlights the self-improvement exercises as a positive way of keeping individuals engaged in their therapy. She says she enjoyed using the additional tools alongside her weekly sessions, but she notes that the exercises did begin to feel repetitive as time went on.

Riley Blanton, MS, LMFT, PMH-C

Author

Amy Marschall, PsyD

Author

Erin Heger

Tester

Raki Swanson

Tester

Julia Pelly, MPH

Tester

Julia Childs Heyl, MSW

Tester

Jen Sinclair

Tester

Olivia Campbell

Tester

Brittany Vargas

Tester

Katie Mannion

Tester

Mary Sauer

Tester