10 Best Online Therapy Programs of 2024

Online therapy allows you to access a licensed therapist from the comfort and safety of the home.

This is an excellent option for those who live in small towns with limited access to therapists, as well as people with busy schedules or those who want to stay safe in the face of a pandemic.

Whatever your reason for seeking virtual therapy, it is helpful to know the best online therapy platforms.

Opting for therapy is always considered as the last-gasp effort for any relationship that is on the rocks. It can help a struggling couple stick together. Besides, it helps happy couples become happier.

Just like each illness has a prescribed medicine, every relationship problem needs a different approach and you must aim to find a therapist from Marriage.com, a trusted source for relationship therapy for a customized session to meet your specific needs.

Top 10 online therapy programs in 2023

The top online therapy programs of the year can be divided into several categories:

• Best overall online therapy

1. Talkspace

Talkspace is consistently rated as the best therapist app.

Features

This platform allows users the option to participate in virtual therapy via text, audio, or video messaging, and users also have the option to participate in live teletherapy sessions.

How it Works

During the intake process, you complete a questionnaire, and then a human matches you to a therapist that suits your needs. Once matched with a therapist, you will work with that person for the duration of your time on Talkspace.

Most therapists specialize in a specific area, such as anxiety or eating disorders, so you can be sure you will find a therapist who is appropriate for your situation. All therapists on the platform are licensed professionals.

Pricing

You can access Talkspace via both desktop and mobile devices, and the monthly cost ranges from $260 to $396, depending upon the service package you choose.

The most inexpensive package includes text, video, and audio messaging, whereas the most expensive package includes these services plus four live video sessions per month.

Services Provided

Talkspace offers virtual therapy services.

Mode of Therapy

There are multiple options available, such as text, audio, and video messaging with a therapist, as well as live video sessions.

Mobile App

The Talkspace app is available for iOS and Android.

You can access Talkspace here to get started.

• Online counseling for teens

2. Teen Counseling

Teen Counseling is ranked as the top therapist online for teenagers.

Features

This online platform utilizes licensed therapists who can help teens cope with a variety of struggles, including stress, low self-esteem, and bullying.

How it Works

Parents must complete a sign-up process for their teens, after which point the teen will be assigned to a private counselor. While sessions are confidential, the counselor will notify parents if there is something happening that could place the teen in danger.

Pricing

Various plans are available, ranging from $90 to $120 per week. One drawback of this program is that if a teen is mandated by the court to attend counseling, this platform does not fulfill that court order. However, it does provide teens with unlimited access to a therapist.

Services Provided

Teen Counseling provides virtual therapy.

Mode of Therapy

Virtual therapy on Teen Counseling can include text messaging, live chats, video conferencing, or phone calls.

Mobile App

The app is available for iOs and Android.

 Visit the platform’s website to learn more. 

• Teletherapy for couples

3. ReGain

ReGain is the top choice for online therapy platforms for couples.

Features

This service allows you to talk to a therapist about marital problems from the comfort of home, and all providers on the platform have a professional license, which may include licensure as a psychologist, clinical social worker, marriage and family therapist, or professional counselor.

How it Works

To use this platform, couples begin by completing a questionnaire, and the results automatically match them to a therapist who meets their needs.

The two members of the couple share an account and receive live therapy sessions together with a therapist, with the option for each person to have individual sessions as needed.

Pricing

The cost ranges from a total of $40 to $70 per week. You must have access to a webcam to use this service, and you and your partner must be in the same room during sessions, as the platform cannot support three-way video conferencing.

Text messaging is also available, but couples are encouraged to participate in live sessions.

Services Provided

ReGain provides individual and couples’ counseling.

Mode of Therapy

Live video sessions are the preferred mode of therapy, but couples have the option to receive text messaging services.

Mobile App

ReGain has an app available for both iOS and Android.

You can learn more about ReGain at their website. 

• Online therapist for LGBTQ community

4. Pride Counseling 

Pride Counseling provides a safe space for members of the LGBTQ community to participate in video therapy.

Features

Therapists on this platform are specifically trained to work with LGBTQ populations, and they are all licensed.

How it Works

Within a few days of signing up for Pride Counseling, you will be matched to a personal counselor, but if the counselor is not a good fit, you have the option to switch.

Pricing

The average cost of therapy ranges from $90 to $120 per week but is billed monthly. Users have the option to communicate with their counselor via live chat, exchanging messages, talking over the phone, or using video conferencing.

Services Provided

Pride Counseling offers online marriage counseling and messaging.

Mode of Therapy

Services are available via live chat, messages, phone call, and video conferencing.

Mobile App

The app is compatible with both iOS and Android.

Learn more about Pride Counseling here.

• Best platforms for mental & physical health

5. Amwell

If you prefer a platform that allows you to receive treatment for physical and mental health issues in one location, Amwell is a top choice.

Features

This is among the best online therapy sites because it offers the option to see a doctor for medical issues as well. With this platform, appointments are available 24/7.

How it Works

Simply create an account,  access the platform via their website or mobile app, and schedule with the provider that works for you.

Pricing

The cost of Amwell is per visit, as this platform does not offer a subscription service. The out-of-pocket cost for a 45-minute visit with a therapist ranges from $109 to $129, depending upon whether the therapist is a master’s or doctoral level practitioner, but insurance may lower costs for some people.

Services Provided

Amwell offers individual counseling in addition to couples’ therapy, as well as psychiatry services, urgent care, pediatrics, women’s health, nutrition counseling, and breastfeeding support.

Mode of Therapy

Therapy services are offered via live video conferencing on Amwell.

Mobile App

Amwell has an app for both iOS and Android devices.

You will meet with your therapist face-to-face via the website or mobile app.

• Online psychiatry

6. MDLIVE

Some people looking for such therapy may prefer a psychiatrist who can prescribe medications in addition to offering counseling services.For those in need of a psychiatrist, MDLive is the top choice.

Features

This platform offers comprehensive telemedicine services and has a department specializing in psychiatry for those with a range of mental health concerns, such as bipolar disorder, depression, and addiction.

How it Works

It takes just 15 minutes to set up your account, and after you are registered, you can choose a psychiatrist who seems to be a good fit for you and schedule an appointment. You can select a phone appointment, a secure online video, or an appointment via the platform’s mobile app.

 Pricing

The first visit with a psychiatrist on this platform is $284, with follow-up appointments running at $108.

While MdLive does not offer a subscription service, your costs may be lower with insurance. You can also transition to seeing a counselor after your initial meeting with a psychiatrist, which can reduce costs.

Services Provided

Aside from therapy, MDLive provides dermatology and urgent care services.

Mode of Therapy

Therapy sessions through MDLive are provided via phone or video.

Mobile App

MDLive offers an app for both iOS and Android.

Create an account on the platform’s website to get started.

• Budget-friendly online therapy

7. 7 Cups

If your budget is limited, 7 Cups is the best platform for seeing a therapist online.

Features

While free online therapy is probably too good to be true, 7 Cups does offer access to free emotional support from trained volunteers. This platform also provides a chat room where you can connect with others experiencing similar struggles.

How it Works

Create an account on the 7 Cups website, and choose either the free option or a paid subscription.

If you choose the free option, you’ll have instant access to emotional support. If you opt for a paid subscription, which is the best option if you need the assistance of a licensed professional, you will need to provide some additional information to link you to a therapist who is a good match for you.

Pricing

While services through 7 Cups are not typically covered by health insurance, a monthly subscription is $150, which is significantly lower than many of the best online therapy platforms.

Services Provided

7 Cups offers therapy in the form of messaging, as well as free emotional support from trained volunteers and a chat room where users can get support from others dealing with similar issues.

Mode of Therapy

Therapy services are in the form of messaging via the 7 Cups platform.

Mobile App

Both iOS and Android devices can access this platform’s app. 

• Best virtual therapy for CBT

8. Online-Therapy.com

According to experts, cognitive behavioral therapy is the gold standard for counseling, as it is the most researched model of therapy, and it has been determined to be beneficial. If you are in the market for such a therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy or CBT is a strong choice.

That being said, the top-ranked virtual therapy platform for CBT is Online-Therapy.com

Features

This platform provides you with worksheets, journals, and a 30-minute live chat with your therapist each week.

How it Works

You can begin by selecting areas you’d like to work on, and then you’ll be matched with a therapist.

Once you select a plan, you will be given immediate access to online tools, including worksheets, journals, and activities. You will then be able to schedule sessions with your therapist via messages, live video, voice chats, or text chat sessions.

Pricing

The cost ranges from $32 to $64 per week depending upon the plan you select, and first-time subscribers receive a 20 percent discount the first month.

Services Provided

This platform offers virtual therapy services, as well as worksheets, journals, and online activities.

Mode of Therapy

Therapy sessions are available via messaging, live video, voice chat, and texting.

Mobile App

This provider does not offer an app because services are optimized for all devices. You can simply log on from your device, no matter where you are.

Learn more here. 

• The largest online therapy network

9. BetterHelp

If you’re looking for a network with the most licensed therapists, BetterHelp should be your go-to.

Features

This network offers access to over 12,000 licensed therapists, so you can be sure that you will find a mental health professional who is a strong match for your unique situation.

How it Works

Users begin by completing a questionnaire to create an account, and they are then matched to a therapist who suits their needs. It takes about 24 hours for users to be matched to a therapist, and there is an option to switch therapists.

Pricing

You can receive individual, couples, or family counseling via this network, and services are available via live video conferencing, phone calls, live chat, or exchanging messages. You can expect to pay $90 to $120 per week, which is billed monthly.

Services Provided

BetterHelp provides individual, family, and relationship counseling services.

Mode of Therapy

Therapy is available in the form of live video sessions, phone calls, live chat, and messaging.

Mobile App

The BetterHelp app is compatible with both iOS and Android devices.

Explore services and get started here.

• Best online therapy for one session

10. Doctor on Demand

Many online therapy platforms require a subscription service, but if you are looking for a single session to determine if video therapy is right for you, Doctor on Demand is the number one choice.

Features

If you work with a psychiatrist as part of your therapy, this provider can send prescriptions to your local pharmacy if medication is necessary to treat conditions like anxiety or depression.

How it Works

Complete an assessment to get started, and then choose a therapist or psychiatrist among available options to schedule a single appointment.

Pricing

A 25-minute appointment with a psychologist runs $129, whereas a 50-minute session is $179. If you meet with a psychiatrist, an initial 45-minute consultation will cost $299, and 15-minute follow-up appointments are $128. This provider does accept insurance.

Services Provided

Doctor on Demand provides virtual sessions with psychologists, therapists, and psychiatrists. You can receive talk therapy as well as medication management.

Mode of Therapy

Services are provided via video conferencing.

Mobile App

Doctor on Demand will work on both iOS and Android devices.

Simply create an account on their website, and then schedule a video appointment with a therapist of your choice.

Related Reading: 10 Best Online Marriage Counseling Programs of 2021

Tips to consider when choosing an online therapy program

1. Consider the cost

When you’re looking for an online therapy program, you are probably concerned about cost of therapy. 

2. Consider convenience

You want a program that allows you to receive virtual therapy from the comfort of home while also being affordable. 

3. Consider quality

Beyond considering cost and convenience, you want to ensure that you are using a quality therapist app. When selecting a provider for therapy, it is important to ensure that the providers are mental health professionals.

4. Choose licensed therapists

The best online therapy sites employ licensed clinicians, such as social workers, psychologists, marriage and family therapists, professional counselors, and psychiatrists. It is a red flag if the providers on a therapy website are not licensed.

5. Look for skills and experience

You should also consider the years of experience that a provider on an online therapy site has. Ideally, you want a provider who has several years of experience. Online therapy requires a special skill set. So, it is important for your provider to be experienced.

Related Reading: Benefits of Online Couples Therapy

How to afford online therapy?

When seeking therapy, people often wonder, “How expensive is therapy online?”

The therapy session cost will vary between different online therapy platforms. To make the therapy affordable, you might consider choosing a provider that accepts insurance, which can lower some of the treatment costs.

Check with your insurance provider to determine if they cover therapy services. Sometimes, employers will even contract with an online therapy provider, which may offset some of your costs.

If your insurance doesn’t cover the cost of therapy online, you can consider a budget-friendly program, such as 7 Cups, which runs at just $150 a month.

You may also consider programs that offer a cheaper subscription plan, such as Online-Therapy.com, which offers plans for just $32 per week.

Related Reading: The Pros and Cons of Online Relationship Counseling

Comparing online therapy platforms

Platform	Cost	Insurance Accepted?	Methods of Service Delivery
Talkspace	$260 to $396/month	Yes	Live Video, Text messaging, Audio messaging, Video messaging
Teen Counseling	$90 to $120/week	No	Text messaging, Live chat, Phone calls, Videoconferencing
ReGain	$40 to $70/week	No	Live video conferencing, Texting
Pride Counseling	$90 to $120/week	No	Live chat, Phone call, Text messaging, Videoconferencing
Amwell	$109 to $129 per 45-minute video conference	Yes	Video conferencing
MDLive	$284 for the first appointment, $108 for follow-up	Yes	App, Phone call, Videoconferencing
7 Cups	$150 per month, Free emotional support from trained volunteers	No	Chat
Online-Therapy.com	$32 to $64/week	No	Messages, Live Video, Text chat, Voice chat,
Better Help	$90 to $120/week	No	Live video conference, Live chat, Phone call, Text messaging
Dr. On-Demand	$299 for consultation with a psychiatrist, $128-$179 for appointments	Yes	Video conference, App

Related Reading:  Important Questions to Ask While Considering Online Therapy

Frequently asked questions

The following frequently asked questions can help you to decide if online therapy is right for you:

• What is online therapy?

Online therapy refers to any form of counseling that occurs without a client or patient having to report to a physical office or clinic for an appointment.

Sometimes called teletherapy or virtual therapy, online therapy allows you to connect with a licensed mental health professional from the comfort of home, using text or audio messaging, chat rooms, mobile apps, phone calls, or video conferencing.

You may communicate with your therapist via live, face-to-face video sessions, as well as through messages exchanged throughout the day.

• What should you look for in an online therapist?

It is important to choose an online provider who is a licensed therapist.

This includes social workers, psychologists, professional counselors, marriage and family therapists, and psychiatrists. You also want to select a provider who has the experience, especially with your particular area of concern.

For instance, if you are struggling with anxiety, you should select a provider with training or expertise in this area.

• What are the benefits of online therapy?

Such therapy is beneficial because it offers you the opportunity to connect with a therapist without reporting to an office or clinic. This is useful for those who have busy schedules and cannot make it to an office during business hours.

It can also be helpful for people who live in rural locations with limited access to a licensed therapist in their communities. It also offers you the opportunity to stay safe in the face of illness or pandemic.

While there are benefits to online therapy, people often ask, “Does such a therapy work?” The answer, according to research, is yes.

In fact, studies suggest that cognitive-behavioral therapy delivered virtually may be more effective than face-to-face therapy for reducing symptoms of depression.

The video below discusses when one must opt for online therapy and when it is not suitable. Check it out:

• How much does an online therapy session cost? 

“How expensive is therapy?” is a question many people ask when looking into an online counseling. The cost varies among different providers, and some may accept insurance, which could lower your out-of-pocket costs.

Costs can range from $150 per month for the cheapest services, all the way to $299 for a single appointment with a psychiatrist. Many programs offer subscription plans that users pay for monthly.

Related Reading: Dos and Don’Ts of Online Marriage Counseling

Conclusion

Online therapy is an option for those who struggle to find the time to make it to an office for counseling or who prefer the convenience of meeting with a therapist from home.

This method of counseling can be effective for those who prefer virtual therapy, and there are a range of therapy platforms available to meet various needs.

If you are interested in the therapy, there is probably a program that is suitable for your situation and budget.