In the United States, an estimated 57.8 million adults live with a mental illness. Plus, many people go through short-term mental health challenges with which they could use a bit of extra help moving forward. But over 70% of those who need mental health services lack access. Fortunately, online therapy is making it easier for anyone with an internet connection to get the treatment they need. Here’s a look at the 10 best online therapy sites around.
BetterHelp
BetterHelp is a highly accessible online therapy platform that gives people access to trained and licensed mental health professionals. After signing up, users can have one one-on-one sessions with their assigned therapist every week. Plus, they can message their therapist at any time using the included messaging platform.
If the first therapist selected by BetterHelp isn’t a fit, users can change to a new one at any time. There are counselors available in every state, and each posts a bio that users can review before making an appointment. The biggest drawback is that there is only one plan type available. Additionally, BetterHelp does not accept insurance.
Talkspace
Talkspace provides users with a wide array of therapy options and several subscription plans. Plus, unlike some alternatives, it does accept insurance, and appropriately licensed professionals can prescribe medication. There are also specialty services for teens, which is somewhat unique among online therapy platforms.
After signing up, users have a consultation to help match them with an appropriate therapist. Users get to select the one that meets their needs. One drawback is that there isn’t a sliding scale for pricing. Additionally, some users may consider the extensive directory overwhelming.
Talkiatry
Talkiatry provides mental health services from licensed professionals, and it also accepts many kinds of insurance. Those who plan on paying out of pocket will need to reach out for a self-pay quote, but one is available upon request.
Users get to choose their psychiatrist instead of having one automatically matched, providing some extra flexibility. The initial consultation is also free, which can help users ensure the service is right for their needs before fully signing up. The biggest drawback may be that Talkiatry is available in fewer than half of all U.S. states, so it’s limited in that regard when compared to other sites.
Thriveworks
Thriveworks offers a wide array of counseling services, either as self-pay appointments or with payments through medical insurance. Plus, it provides access to therapists and psychiatrists, so medication options are potentially available. The company also has facilities in several cities, allowing for in-person visits to those who are nearby.
When it comes to drawbacks, membership fees don’t cover the cost of the therapy sessions, so there are two expenses to contend with when using the service. There also isn’t a messaging option to connect with the assigned counselor.
ReGain
ReGain offers both individual and couples counseling with licensed therapists, and the platform focuses primarily on relationships. After completing a profile, the system matches users with an appropriate mental health professional. Users can communicate using the provided messaging service.
During live couples counseling sessions, both partners need to be in the same room, as they share an account together. There’s no three-way option, which some find inconvenient. Additionally, while the prices are competitive based on similar platforms, ReGain doesn’t generally take insurance, so the costs must be paid out of pocket.
MDLive
MDLive is a broader online healthcare platform that also offers access to licensed mental healthcare providers. One benefit is that it provides access to psychiatrists, so it’s an option for getting medication. Additionally, users can choose their provider or request to see an available one right away, regardless of the time of day.
MDLive does accept many types of insurance. Otherwise, the costs are covered on a per-appointment basis, as no subscription plan is available. One downside is that the price can be higher than with some alternative platforms. Additionally, there isn’t any chat or email support.
Open Path
Open Path has some of the lowest prices, and there’s also a discount for student intern sessions, which can make counseling highly affordable. However, users do have to pay a membership fee first, but it’s relatively low and lasts a lifetime. Additionally, the platform doesn’t accept insurance.
Users can search the directory to find a suitable therapist, and the cost is the same regardless of whom they choose (barring the discounted rate for interns). There are both online and in-person options available (depending on how close the nearest facility is), giving users even more flexibility.
Teladoc Health
Teladoc Health is another one of the broader online healthcare platforms, providing access to more than just therapists. It’s also a nationwide platform that accepts many types of insurance, including some Medicaid and Medicare plans. Users also get to select their counselor from the beginning instead of getting matched by the platform.
As for downsides, there are no discounts available, so the costs are essentially fixed. Additionally, users might not know the exact price until they sign up, making it hard to ensure it fits within a budget beforehand.
7 Cups
7 Cups offers therapy subscription plans with licensed counselors for a relatively low monthly fee, though covering the cost with insurance isn’t an option. Additionally, users can connect with volunteer listeners or other forms of emotional support at any time for free, though those individuals aren’t necessarily trained therapists.
While the listeners do go through some training, users indicate that the experience is a bit mixed, so it’s best not to assume that it equates to counseling from a licensed professional. Further, some state that the companion app is a bit buggy, which can frustrate some users.
Pride Counseling
Pride Counseling focuses on the LGBTQIA+ community, offering people access to LGBTQIA+-affirming counselors. The providers are well-versed in the challenges the community faces, and they specialize in supporting LGBTQIA+ individuals.
As with many of these services, the platform uses user profiles to match people to an appropriate licensed mental healthcare provider. There are many counseling options available, including video, phone, and messenger-based options. The cost for services is comparable to most other platforms, though Pride Counseling doesn’t generally accept insurance. It’s also geared toward adults, and there are no medication options available.
