Top-Performing Therapy Methods of 2024: Authentically Reviewed and Validated
Affordable and adaptable online therapy choices are essential. They will provide sessions with certified and seasoned therapists. We examine 9 online therapy options and share our testers' experiences.
Examining the top online therapy choices
- Outstanding choice: BetterHelp | Jump to review
- Budget-friendly option: Talkspace | Jump to review
- Best for teen therapy: Teen Counseling Online Therapy | Jump to review
- ** optimal for couples: Regain Online Therapy | Jump to review**
- Best for no-cost assistance: 7 Cups | Jump to review
- Excellent for behavioral therapy: Online-Therapy.com | Jump to review
- Best for culturally tailored treatment: Therapy for Black Girls | Jump to review
- Best for those uninsured: Open Path Psychotherapy Collective | Jump to review
- Best for medication: Cerebral | Jump to review
Online therapy should not be utilized during mental health emergencies
If you or someone else is experiencing thoughts of self-harm, a prevention hotline can help. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is accessible 24/7 at 988. During a crisis, individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing can utilize their preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988.
Alternatively, you can call 911 or local emergency services.
BetterHelp$70 to $100 per week
Important observations about online therapy
overall
Online therapy services generally range from $40 to $150 per week, depending on the chosen platform and plan.
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We named BetterHelp as the outstanding choice due to its vast network of licensed therapists, diverse communication options, such as live chat, phone, and video, and user-friendly interface.
• live chat• messages• phone call• video call
When deciding on an online therapy service, consider factors such as the platform's pricing, the types of communication methods provided, therapist qualifications, user reviews, and whether the service offers specialized therapy for individual needs.
Top online therapy choices
Talkspace$69 to $109 per week
Here, we explore some of the top online therapy options available.
smaller budgets
All of these services have been evaluated by Medical News Today editors. All opinions are their own. Due to the sensitive nature of the services covered in this article, the editors chose to write anonymously or use pseudonyms for their reviews.
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Analyzing the leading online therapy choices
• messages• live video
The table below compares these online therapy services based on price, session platforms, and more.
| Outstanding choice for | Insurance accepted? | Therapy platforms || --- | --- | --- || BetterHelp$70 to $100 per week | overall | no | • live chat• messages• phone call• video call || Talkspace$69 to $109 per week | smaller budgets | some | • messages• live video || Teen Counseling$65 to $90 per week | teenagers | no | • messages• live chat• phone call• video call || ReGain$65 to $90 per week | couples | no | • messages• live chat• phone call• video call || 7 Cups$159 to $299 per month | free support | no | • live chat• chat rooms• forums• messaging || Online-Therapy.com$50 to $110 per week | behavioral therapy | no | • self-guidedvideo and text content• text chat• audio call• video call || Therapy for Black Girlscost per session variesfrom $9.99 per month for Sister Circle | culturally responsive treatment | no | in-person and virtual appointments || Open Path$40 to $70 per session plus one-time payment of $65 | people without insurance | no | • in-person• video || Cerebral$95 to $365 per month | medication | yes | • video• phone |
Teen Counseling$65 to $90 per week
How we selected the top online therapy choices
teenagers
Medical News Today includes reputable, well-regarded online therapy providers with a range of prices and features.
no
In addition, MNT examines some of the following factors:
• messages• live chat• phone call• video call
- Types of therapy: MNT includes online therapy providers that offer various therapy services.
- Communication: MNT selects companies that provide a combination of video, phone, or text sessions.
- Price: MNT includes online therapy options that offer affordable or moderately priced mental health services.
- Provider quality: MNT selects companies that collaborate with licensed healthcare professionals with appropriate mental health experience.
- Trust: MNT includes companies that operate transparently regarding their services, mental health professionals, and leadership.
- Business standards: MNT chooses companies that comply with safe and ethical business and marketing practices.
- Reputation: MNT includes companies that have no warnings from governing bodies, have no unresolved lawsuits, and have positive standings with the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
- State restrictions: Certain therapists might not have a permit to practice beyond their home state's borders.
- Emergency situations: Online therapy is not fit for managing a mental health crisis. A person should seek immediate help by dialing 911 or calling the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.
- Insurance coverage: Many insurance providers do not include online therapy in their coverage plans. It would be beneficial to contact your insurance provider to confirm your benefits.
- Specific conditions: Some mental health conditions might not be suitable for online therapy.
- Privacy concerns: With digital communication, maintaining the confidentiality of personal data online can be challenging.
- Technical glitches: Online therapy relies heavily on technology, which can sometimes malfunction.
ReGain$65 to $90 per week
Inquiries about Therapy
couples
Here, we address common questions about therapy in depth.
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Does insurance cover online therapy?
• messages• live chat• phone call• video call
Some insurance plans might offer partial coverage for certain online therapy services. Contact your insurance provider to validate your coverage. Locating an online therapy service that accepts your insurance requires coordination with your insurance company and checking online reviews for recommendations.
Additionally, there are free online therapy options available online.
7 Cups$159 to $299 per month
Explore free online therapy.
free support
It might be possible to talk about financial assistance with your doctor. As of 2019, Medicare plans cover certain telehealth services, including mental health services.
no
Dive deeper into Medicare and mental health services.
• live chat• chat rooms• forums• messaging
What issues can therapy help with?
Online therapy might benefit people with mild to moderate mental health conditions, such as anxiety, depression, and panic attacks. It could also be a suitable option for people interested in relationship counseling.
Online-Therapy.com$50 to $110 per week
Online therapy can be convenient for people of all ages who wish to communicate with a licensed mental health professional. It may be particularly beneficial for individuals who cannot easily attend in-person sessions due to location, financial constraints, or health conditions that prevent them from leaving their homes.
behavioral therapy
Is online therapy as effective as in-person therapy?
no
Online therapy can be as effective as traditional in-person therapy for treating anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
• self-guidedvideo and text content• text chat• audio call• video call
A 2021 study showed that online therapy was effective during the COVID-19 pandemic in addressing anxiety and depression. A 2020 research review also indicated that teletherapy could effectively treat mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD. The most suitable online therapy for anxiety may vary based on an individual's unique needs.
Therapy is confidential. Therapists should inform their clients that they will not disclose session topics to outside parties unless there is a concern for safety. Clients may ask the therapist to explain when they might have to share information with relevant authorities.
Therapy for Black Girlscost per session variesfrom $9.99 per month for Sister Circle
Online therapy providers should adhere to a privacy policy, offering transparent information about how they store and protect a person's personal data. Individuals can ask their chosen therapy provider if it complies with the rules outlined in the HIPAA Privacy Rule and the HIPAA Security Rule.
culturally responsive treatment
Security and privacy are crucial in healthcare settings, and companies should have robust security measures. However, as with any online service, there is a risk of data theft, computer viruses, and hacking.
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Session duration
in-person and virtual appointments
Typically, counseling sessions last 45 to 60 minutes. However, the length can vary depending on the type of therapy, the therapist's approach, and the client's specific needs. Some sessions might be shorter or longer, depending on the circumstances.
What is online therapy?
Open Path$40 to $70 per session plus one-time payment of $65
Online therapy is a form of talk therapy service in which a person participates instead of a face-to-face session with a therapist or counselor. Here are some reasons why someone might choose online therapy:
people without insurance
- finding it difficult to leave their home
- having a busy schedule
- living in a rural area
- feeling more comfortable online
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Online therapy can be convenient as sessions can be held from the comfort of one's home or any private location. However, a person should have a dependable internet connection and a silent, interruption-free space for online therapy sessions.
• in-person• video
People might want to discuss online therapy with their doctor to determine if it is suitable for their needs.
If someone is in crisis or needs immediate assistance, they should contact emergency services or the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.
Cerebral$95 to $365 per month
Who should not use online therapy?
medication
People experiencing a mental health crisis should not opt for online therapy. Instead, they should immediately contact emergency services or the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.
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Additionally, some people might prefer not to work with a therapist virtually. They might struggle with finding a private space for their sessions or with internet connectivity. In addition, therapists might not always respond promptly outside of scheduled appointment times.
• video• phone
People should choose a platform that best fits their needs and communication preferences. Messaging might be more suitable for those seeking greater anonymity, while video calls may be more appropriate for individuals who want to balance the experience of in-person therapy with the convenience of online therapy.
- objectives for the sessions
- past encounter with therapy
- any mental health diagnoses mentioned
- medications they're currently taking
- problems affecting their mental health at the moment
- traumatic events or triggers
The therapist might also glance over any evaluations the individual completed with the company before their initial meeting.
Finding the Right Online Therapist for You
A person needs to identify their main motivations for visiting a therapist. They can strive to find a therapist who focuses on their area of need. Considering the therapist's qualifications, if available, is a good idea.
It is imperative that a person's therapist is licensed.
A person may opt for a specific type of therapist according to their needs. The types of therapists include:
- Psychiatrists: Psychiatrists can prescribe medication if necessary. They are both medical doctors and psychologists.
- Psychologists: Psychologists cannot prescribe medication. They have training in the human mind and behavior, and how these two intertwine. They generally specialize in treating 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 both groups and individuals with mental health conditions or substance abuse issues.
- Licensed clinical social workers: Social workers help individuals with interpersonal issues and improve their well-being. They can refer individuals to community or government services they may require or help them resolve problems by directing them to pertinent resources.
Find tips on aining access to therapy without insurance.
Some services permit individuals to select preferences for their therapist's gender, age, or religion.
Many online therapy services enable people to switch therapists if desired.
Is Online Therapy Regulated?
As a form of telehealth care, online therapy is subject to regulation to some extent, although the regulation can be inconsistent and confusing. Licensed therapists must comply with the standards of the state in which they operate and the state in which their clients reside. Some healthcare organizations and states have multistate compacts that simplify the process.
Additionally, reputable online therapy providers must adhere to federal and state regulations concerning:
- privacy, as per 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
Commonly Asked Questions About Online Therapy
The ideal online therapy platform can vary based on an individual's needs and preferences. People can examine customer reviews and determine if their insurance will cover the platform's cost.
BetterHelp is more budget-friendly than Talkspace. BetterHelp charges $70 to $100 per week, while Talkspace charges $69 to $109 per week. On Talkspace, initial psychiatry sessions cost $299, and subsequent sessions cost $175 each.
Yes, BetterHelp is a reputable company that utilizes licensed healthcare professionals to deliver mental health care online. The BBB accredited BetterHelp in 2015.
Research suggests that online therapy can be effective in reducing psychological stress due to depression, anxiety, interpersonal sensitivity, and obsessive-compulsive disorders. However, every person's experience with therapy, whether in person or online, will be unique.
To have the best chance of a fruitful and positive experience with therapy, a person can find a therapist who specializes in their condition or concern, understands their culture, identity, or lifestyle, and provides professional and sensitive support.
Talkspace is a popular platform for online therapy with licensed mental health care professionals. However, it is an expensive investment — people can expect to pay at least $69 per week for therapy services and around $299 for an initial psychiatry appointment.
To make the service worthwhile, Talkspace offers a user-friendly website, personalized matches with therapists, and convenient video and messaging platforms for appointments.
However, online therapy may not work for everyone, and people need to ensure that Talkspace's healthcare professionals offer the type of therapy they require on a platform that meets their needs.
As of now, BetterHelp does not have the capability to prescribe any medication, including Xanax.
7 Cups is a legitimate site. However, the free service only allows a person access to forums and chat rooms. The listeners are volunteers, not licensed professionals.
The 'othermentalhealth' and 'therapy' words can be incorporated into the following sentences:
- Participating in 'othermentalhealth' therapies online can help individuals manage various mental health issues from the comfort of their own homes.
- Regular 'therapy' sessions through online platforms can be beneficial for individuals who struggle with time and mobility constraints.
