In recent years, telehealth has exploded in popularity. You can schedule an urgent care visit, get treated for common ailments, or see a therapist, all from your phone or computer. In fact, you don’t even have to see or talk to your therapist if you don’t want to—you can have entire therapy sessions via text message.Text-based therapy can provide a flexible, accessible way to get immediate support from a qualified therapist. It’s a great option for people with social anxiety, deaf people who are struggling to find an ASL-fluent therapist, or people who express themselves better through writing. While text-based therapy is not a replacement for live therapy if you have a more serious diagnosis, studies have shown that it can beeffective for milder anxiety and depression.
The 8 Best Text Therapy ServicesBest for Availability:TalkspaceBest for Anxiety and Depression:BrightsideBest for Group Support:CirclesBest for Flexible Communication Options:E-Therapy CafeBest for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy:Online-Therapy.comBest Free Resource/Text-Based Emergency Resource:Crisis Text LineBest for Teens:TeenCounselingBest for Peer Counseling:7 Cups
82Companies reviewed8,400Total users surveyed350Data points analyzedWe surveyed 100 users from 55 online therapy companies and 27 therapist directories to understand their experiences with these services. Then, we tested the services ourselves across multiple states, conducted comprehensive data collection research, and evaluated our results with the help of a licensed therapist.
82Companies reviewed8,400Total users surveyed350Data points analyzed
82Companies reviewed
Companies reviewed
8,400Total users surveyed
Total users surveyed
350Data points analyzed
Data points analyzed
8 Online Text Therapy Companies We Tested and RecommendView All8 Online Text Therapy Companies We Tested and RecommendOur Top PicksTalkspaceBrightsideCirclesE-Therapy CafeOnline-Therapy.comCrisis Text LineTeenCounseling7 CupsSee More (5)Compare ProvidersHow to ChooseFAQsHow We Tested
8 Online Text Therapy Companies We Tested and RecommendView All
View All
8 Online Text Therapy Companies We Tested and Recommend
How to Choose
FAQs
How We Tested
Best for Availability:Talkspace
Price:$276 to $436 per month for therapy subscriptionsIs Insurance Accepted?:YesType Of Therapy:Couples Therapy, Individual Therapy, Medication Management, Psychiatry, Teen CounselingLearn More
Learn More
Why We Chose It
Talkspace was one of the very first companies to offer text-based therapy—and it still delivers. Talkspace offers text therapy alone or alongside live video sessions, and its text-based therapy plans include asynchronous and live messaging options depending on your preferences. The plans are accessible in all 50 states to adults, teens, and couples. We were impressed with the flexibility of these messaging options and how quickly our therapists responded to us.
Pros & Cons
ProsWide variety of licensed mental health professionalsUnlimited messaging availableTherapists are guaranteed to respond at least five days a weekAccepts insuranceMedication management availableConsSome insurance plans not acceptedMessages may be assessed with AI technologyPrices may vary based on location
ProsWide variety of licensed mental health professionalsUnlimited messaging availableTherapists are guaranteed to respond at least five days a weekAccepts insuranceMedication management available
Wide variety of licensed mental health professionals
Unlimited messaging available
Therapists are guaranteed to respond at least five days a week
Accepts insurance
Medication management available
ConsSome insurance plans not acceptedMessages may be assessed with AI technologyPrices may vary based on location
Some insurance plans not accepted
Messages may be assessed with AI technology
Prices may vary based on location
Our Testing
We asked 12 people to testTalkspace’s services from a variety of different states, including Iowa, North Carolina, Missouri, and New York, in order to see how useful this therapy was for people with different backgrounds and careers. And overall, we were impressed. Every plan we tried at Talkspace—including the couples therapy plan—includes text-based therapy. In fact, when we signed up as an adult or teen, we had the option of selecting a plan that only includes text therapy (no live sessions) for as little as $69 a week.
In all these plans, we could message our therapist anytime, and we were guaranteed to receive at least one response a day five days a week—though some therapists responded more than once. Usually, it only took a couple of hours to hear back unless we messaged late on a Friday. This form of therapy was particularly convenient when we were busy: We could write to our therapist during our commute to work or on our coffee break, for example, without worrying about having to carve out 30 to 45 minutes for a live therapy session during the workday.
—Talkspace tester, who turned to online therapy to work through a recent trauma
It is worth noting, though, that we found the quality of our therapists’ responses to vary quite a bit based on who we were working with. For example, a few responses from therapists were somewhat phoned in and even boilerplate, while other therapists seemed to take the time to read our messages and respond with thoughtful, engaging responses that prompted us to do some reflection.
At Talkspace, you also have the option of signing up for a plan with live chat sessions. This method of communication works pretty much the same way as the asynchronous messaging except that you and your therapist pick a time to be in the chat portal at the same time. Rather than wait hours for a response, your therapist responds in real time. However, this form of chat isn’t for everyone. At times, we found it difficult to get our thoughts across quickly enough in a live chat because we wanted to rush to finish typing so our therapist could respond.
Plans & Pricing
Insurance Accepted:Yes, accepts Aetna, Optum, Cigna, Carelon, and Regence health insurance plans; accepts FSA/HSA paymentsSubscription Required:YesOut-of-Pocket Costs:Messaging-only plans start at $69 per week; video and messaging therapy starts at $99 per week; video, messaging, and workshops start at $109 per week; adults can also add on psychiatry sessions ($299 for an initial evaluation, then $175 for follow-up visits)
What Users Say
We surveyed 100 users of Talkspace:
Read the FullTalkspace Online Therapy Review
Best for Anxiety and Depression:Brightside
Price:$95-$349 per monthIs Insurance Accepted?:YesType Of Therapy:Individual Therapy, Medication Management, PsychiatryLearn More
A study found that text-based therapy helps people with anxiety and depression (two of the most common mental health conditions in the United States) experience fewer symptoms.Out of the 80 online therapy companies we reviewed, Brightside was the only one that focuses specifically on treating those two conditions via live video or text therapy. Its personalized care plans, unlimited messaging support, and in-depth self-paced assignments also stood out to us.
ProsTherapist matching based on in-depth assessmentUnlimited messaging and weekly video sessionsSelf-paced audio lessons and exercisesMedication management availableConsNo same-day appointmentsCan’t pick your therapist or easily switch providersAdditional video sessions cost extra
ProsTherapist matching based on in-depth assessmentUnlimited messaging and weekly video sessionsSelf-paced audio lessons and exercisesMedication management available
Therapist matching based on in-depth assessment
Unlimited messaging and weekly video sessions
Self-paced audio lessons and exercises
ConsNo same-day appointmentsCan’t pick your therapist or easily switch providersAdditional video sessions cost extra
No same-day appointments
Can’t pick your therapist or easily switch providers
Additional video sessions cost extra
We had four people, including one therapist, from New York, North Carolina, and California testBrightside’s services in order to determine if its specializations inanxietyanddepressionallowed it to deliver the quality of care we were looking for. And we’re pleased to report that it did: We found Brightside’s therapists offered useful, comforting support for anxiety and depression via messaging, in virtual therapy sessions, and with its weekly check-in quizzes. We appreciated that unlimited messaging comes with every plan available, making it an ingrained aspect of Brightside’s approach to care.We also found that the text-based therapy services at Brightside worked better than most of the 79 other services we reviewed. Our therapists were typically prompt when responding, and never sent canned answers. They would also routinely assess our progress along the way, providing two-way feedback via message to make any necessary changes to our treatment plan. The text therapy was also supplemented with online self-care resources, such as self-paced lessons, skill-building exercises, and worksheets.“Overall, I feel I’ve gained new approaches to tackling certain situations and thought processes. I’ve also learned new breathing techniques to help with anxiety rather than relying on medication. So far, therapy has been helpful and I’m glad I gave it a shot."—Brightside tester, who sought online therapy for anxiety and panic attacksHowever, it’s worth noting that in at least one case the person who conducted our intake appointment seemed dismissive, brushing off our issues with a cold and off-putting tone. Thankfully, this was not the case with the actual therapist—we found her warm and kind and she put us at ease.
We had four people, including one therapist, from New York, North Carolina, and California testBrightside’s services in order to determine if its specializations inanxietyanddepressionallowed it to deliver the quality of care we were looking for. And we’re pleased to report that it did: We found Brightside’s therapists offered useful, comforting support for anxiety and depression via messaging, in virtual therapy sessions, and with its weekly check-in quizzes. We appreciated that unlimited messaging comes with every plan available, making it an ingrained aspect of Brightside’s approach to care.
We also found that the text-based therapy services at Brightside worked better than most of the 79 other services we reviewed. Our therapists were typically prompt when responding, and never sent canned answers. They would also routinely assess our progress along the way, providing two-way feedback via message to make any necessary changes to our treatment plan. The text therapy was also supplemented with online self-care resources, such as self-paced lessons, skill-building exercises, and worksheets.
“Overall, I feel I’ve gained new approaches to tackling certain situations and thought processes. I’ve also learned new breathing techniques to help with anxiety rather than relying on medication. So far, therapy has been helpful and I’m glad I gave it a shot."—Brightside tester, who sought online therapy for anxiety and panic attacks
“Overall, I feel I’ve gained new approaches to tackling certain situations and thought processes. I’ve also learned new breathing techniques to help with anxiety rather than relying on medication. So far, therapy has been helpful and I’m glad I gave it a shot.”
—Brightside tester, who sought online therapy for anxiety and panic attacks
However, it’s worth noting that in at least one case the person who conducted our intake appointment seemed dismissive, brushing off our issues with a cold and off-putting tone. Thankfully, this was not the case with the actual therapist—we found her warm and kind and she put us at ease.
We surveyed 100 users of Brightside:
Brightside Review
Best for Group Support:Circles
Price:$15-$49 per monthIs Insurance Accepted?:NoType Of Therapy:Group Therapy, Peer SupportLearn More
Group therapyandsupport groupscan provide a great deal of comfort and encouragement, especially when you’re going through something hard like a divorce. But finding an in-person group can also feel overwhelming and intimidating. That’s why we liked Circles: it offers virtual support groups via both video and text chat that are professionally led. All the groups are dedicated to divorce and relationship challenges, and you can message Circles' experts in between weekly sessions at any time for 24/7 support.
Unlimited messaging with experts available
Small, focused peer support groups
Multiple groups for divorce/breakups and relationship problems
14-day money back guarantee
ConsDoesn’t accept insuranceNo one-on-one therapyGroups are only focused on divorce and relationships
Doesn’t accept insurance
No one-on-one therapy
Groups are only focused on divorce and relationships
We had two people testCircles—one was a therapist herself and the other was someone who had recently experienced a loss—and overall, we had positive experiences. We liked that, at the time, we were able to chat via text with both our group facilitators and the other group members. Since we tested Circles, however, the way it operates has changed. When we tried it, there were both paid audio groups and free chat-based groups available; Circles now only offers subscription-based audio groups focused on divorce/breakups and narcissistic relationships. However, it still offers unlimited messaging with its mental health experts at any time, meaning that if we tried its groups again, we could access chat-based support between group sessions.We found our groups (or “Circles”) to be highly effective; our facilitators, who were all licensed mental health professionals, were able to deftly lead our groups, checking in with each member and allowing us to share on our own terms. The atmosphere was non-judgmental and supportive, and we appreciated that we could chime in via text even if we did not feel like speaking. We also liked how professional yet warm the group facilitators were. After setting the ground rules, one facilitator even shared their own experience with the topic (childhood trauma), which helped establish a sense of trust with us and among the group members.Circles now promises a customized healing plan to each member (an improvement from when we tested it), although when we tried it, groups on a variety of topics were available, rather than just divorce and relationships. In addition, one thing that sets Circles apart from other online services is that you can remain completely anonymous: this makes for a group support service that is completely on your own terms.
We had two people testCircles—one was a therapist herself and the other was someone who had recently experienced a loss—and overall, we had positive experiences. We liked that, at the time, we were able to chat via text with both our group facilitators and the other group members. Since we tested Circles, however, the way it operates has changed. When we tried it, there were both paid audio groups and free chat-based groups available; Circles now only offers subscription-based audio groups focused on divorce/breakups and narcissistic relationships. However, it still offers unlimited messaging with its mental health experts at any time, meaning that if we tried its groups again, we could access chat-based support between group sessions.
We found our groups (or “Circles”) to be highly effective; our facilitators, who were all licensed mental health professionals, were able to deftly lead our groups, checking in with each member and allowing us to share on our own terms. The atmosphere was non-judgmental and supportive, and we appreciated that we could chime in via text even if we did not feel like speaking. We also liked how professional yet warm the group facilitators were. After setting the ground rules, one facilitator even shared their own experience with the topic (childhood trauma), which helped establish a sense of trust with us and among the group members.
Circles now promises a customized healing plan to each member (an improvement from when we tested it), although when we tried it, groups on a variety of topics were available, rather than just divorce and relationships. In addition, one thing that sets Circles apart from other online services is that you can remain completely anonymous: this makes for a group support service that is completely on your own terms.
Insurance Accepted:NoSubscription Required:YesOut-of-Pocket Costs:Monthly subscriptions for $29 per month, 6-month subscriptions for $129 ($21.50 per month), or yearly subscriptions for $179 ($14.9 per month)
We surveyed 102 users of Circles:
Circles Review
Best for Flexible Communication Options:E-Therapy Cafe
Price:$55-$65 per sessionIs Insurance Accepted?:NoType Of Therapy:Couples Therapy, Individual TherapyLearn More
Talk therapy in its traditional form—talking face-to-face with a therapist either in person or virtually—can be offputting, especially if you have social anxiety. That’s why we liked that E-Therapy Cafe offers a variety of different text-based therapy formats, including not only asynchronous messaging but also live chat and e-journaling, which allows you to write in-depth messages to your provider and receive an answer back within a day or two.
ProsVariety of subscription plans availableLive chat and e-journaling supportAvailable all around the worldMilitary, student, and first responder discountsConsDoesn’t offer medication managementDoesn’t take insuranceSmaller pool of available therapists and coaches than some other platforms
ProsVariety of subscription plans availableLive chat and e-journaling supportAvailable all around the worldMilitary, student, and first responder discounts
Variety of subscription plans available
Live chat and e-journaling support
Available all around the world
Military, student, and first responder discounts
ConsDoesn’t offer medication managementDoesn’t take insuranceSmaller pool of available therapists and coaches than some other platforms
Doesn’t offer medication management
Doesn’t take insurance
Smaller pool of available therapists and coaches than some other platforms
We had four people testE-Therapy Cafe’s services in Colorado, Michigan, and California to see how well the company delivered therapy across the country. We were impressed with the sheer number of therapy communication options it offered. We could schedule live video sessions and live e-chats, or use an “e-journaling” option, where we could write up to a 700-word journal entry, to which our therapist would respond within 24 hours with a more elaborate answer than what we got in the basic chat.While the chat function is designed more for quick questions and replies, we really liked how easy it was to use via our patient portal and how quickly therapists responded to our messages. That said, while our therapist responded within 24 hours, we couldn’t access her response via the portal due to technical difficulties. The therapist reached out to customer service on our behalf, and the company was able to correct the error within three days. And while e-journaling wasn’t our preferred method of communication—it felt long to have to write out our feelings in 700 words and then tedious to wait for a response—we appreciated the flexibility, because this method might work well if we were traveling and didn’t have time for a live session.The biggest drawback of E-Therapy Cafe is that its live sessions (both over video call and live chat) are only 30 minutes long. This is on the shorter side compared to the other companies we tested, but the price of therapy at E-Therapy Cafe offsets this downside in our opinion: E-Therapy Cafe offers the least expensive subscription therapy service out of the 80 companies we reviewed. It’s also one of the most flexible in terms of scheduling—therapists were able to meet early in the morning and late into the evening to accommodate us.
We had four people testE-Therapy Cafe’s services in Colorado, Michigan, and California to see how well the company delivered therapy across the country. We were impressed with the sheer number of therapy communication options it offered. We could schedule live video sessions and live e-chats, or use an “e-journaling” option, where we could write up to a 700-word journal entry, to which our therapist would respond within 24 hours with a more elaborate answer than what we got in the basic chat.
While the chat function is designed more for quick questions and replies, we really liked how easy it was to use via our patient portal and how quickly therapists responded to our messages. That said, while our therapist responded within 24 hours, we couldn’t access her response via the portal due to technical difficulties. The therapist reached out to customer service on our behalf, and the company was able to correct the error within three days. And while e-journaling wasn’t our preferred method of communication—it felt long to have to write out our feelings in 700 words and then tedious to wait for a response—we appreciated the flexibility, because this method might work well if we were traveling and didn’t have time for a live session.
The biggest drawback of E-Therapy Cafe is that its live sessions (both over video call and live chat) are only 30 minutes long. This is on the shorter side compared to the other companies we tested, but the price of therapy at E-Therapy Cafe offsets this downside in our opinion: E-Therapy Cafe offers the least expensive subscription therapy service out of the 80 companies we reviewed. It’s also one of the most flexible in terms of scheduling—therapists were able to meet early in the morning and late into the evening to accommodate us.
Insurance Accepted:No, but E-Therapy Cafe will provide superbills that you can submit to insurance for partial reimbursementSubscription Required:Both pay-as-you-go and subscription options availableOut-of-pocket costs:ETCTrial, $55 (one trial session, valid for 30 days after purchase); ETCStraight, $65 per session (extendable half-hour video, phone, email/chat session); ETCFlex, $470 (eight sessions per month, non-renewing); ETC90, $440 (90-day pack of 24 sessions); ETCReflect, $65 for between session support (e-journal); ETCPet, $170 (emotional support animal prescription for those who qualify)
We surveyed 100 E-Therapy Cafe users:
I Needed A Therapist That Could See Me After Work—So I Tried E-Therapy Cafe
Best for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy:Online-Therapy.com
Price:$200-$440 per monthIs Insurance Accepted?:NoType Of Therapy:Couples Therapy, Individual TherapyLearn More
Cognitive behavioral therapy(CBT) is a solution-focused form of therapy that helps people identify negative behaviors and learn how to adjust them. It is considered a gold standard in terms of therapeutic approaches.What’s more, studies have shown text-based therapy aligns particularly well with CBT, largely due to the “homework” that accompanies this style of treatment (which often needs to be written out).That’s why we felt it was important to find a company that specializes in this therapy technique—and does it well over text-based therapy—and Online-Therapy.com does just that.
ProsAll therapists practice CBTCan guarantee responses from your therapist with “express replies”Variety of text-based therapy modalities availableLots of online resources in addition to therapyConsDoesn’t take insuranceNo medication managementNo app
ProsAll therapists practice CBTCan guarantee responses from your therapist with “express replies”Variety of text-based therapy modalities availableLots of online resources in addition to therapy
All therapists practice CBT
Can guarantee responses from your therapist with “express replies”
Variety of text-based therapy modalities available
Lots of online resources in addition to therapy
ConsDoesn’t take insuranceNo medication managementNo app
No medication management
No app
We asked six people to testOnline-Therapy.comfrom California, New York, and South Dakota. Two of our testers were also therapists well acquainted with CBT as a therapy technique, so we could really assess how well the Online-Therapy.com therapists were using this approach with their patients. And of all the companies that use CBT, Online-Therapy.com stood out: Most therapists are knowledgeable and supportive (in our experience) and the platform offers live video sessions, live chat sessions, e-journaling, and asynchronous messaging with therapists.“This service would be helpful for someone that wanted constant contact with a counselor because many of the plans included a lot of access to a therapist."—Online-Therapy.com tester, who was looking for a better online therapy experience than she’d had in the pastOnline-Therapy.com’s online therapy program consists of eight sections of CBT exercises, resources, and hands-on tools, as well as unlimited messaging with a provider. One thing to note: A major aspect of CBT is homework outside of therapy sessions. As such, our therapists regularly sent us numerous worksheets to complement our treatment in conjunction with the CBT resources available through our subscription. We appreciated what this aspect of therapy is designed to do, but at times, the amount of paperwork could feel overwhelming and like we were back in school. Additionally, in one case, a therapist seemed to forget what homework they’d assigned us, which gave us a sense that it was a bit generic and unhelpful.We appreciated the multitude of text-based communication methods available, and for the most part, they worked well. However, while we could message our therapist at any time, we didn’t always receive a response. In addition, we had some trouble with the live chat function. When it came time for our session, our therapist didn’t appear to be present, so we messaged her in our patient portal, and she said she was having technical difficulties. We tried to have the chat session, but it was filled with long lags between responses. Our therapist was very understanding, though, and offered us a free video session to make up for the technical issues.
We asked six people to testOnline-Therapy.comfrom California, New York, and South Dakota. Two of our testers were also therapists well acquainted with CBT as a therapy technique, so we could really assess how well the Online-Therapy.com therapists were using this approach with their patients. And of all the companies that use CBT, Online-Therapy.com stood out: Most therapists are knowledgeable and supportive (in our experience) and the platform offers live video sessions, live chat sessions, e-journaling, and asynchronous messaging with therapists.
“This service would be helpful for someone that wanted constant contact with a counselor because many of the plans included a lot of access to a therapist."—Online-Therapy.com tester, who was looking for a better online therapy experience than she’d had in the past
“This service would be helpful for someone that wanted constant contact with a counselor because many of the plans included a lot of access to a therapist.”
—Online-Therapy.com tester, who was looking for a better online therapy experience than she’d had in the past
Online-Therapy.com’s online therapy program consists of eight sections of CBT exercises, resources, and hands-on tools, as well as unlimited messaging with a provider. One thing to note: A major aspect of CBT is homework outside of therapy sessions. As such, our therapists regularly sent us numerous worksheets to complement our treatment in conjunction with the CBT resources available through our subscription. We appreciated what this aspect of therapy is designed to do, but at times, the amount of paperwork could feel overwhelming and like we were back in school. Additionally, in one case, a therapist seemed to forget what homework they’d assigned us, which gave us a sense that it was a bit generic and unhelpful.
We appreciated the multitude of text-based communication methods available, and for the most part, they worked well. However, while we could message our therapist at any time, we didn’t always receive a response. In addition, we had some trouble with the live chat function. When it came time for our session, our therapist didn’t appear to be present, so we messaged her in our patient portal, and she said she was having technical difficulties. We tried to have the chat session, but it was filled with long lags between responses. Our therapist was very understanding, though, and offered us a free video session to make up for the technical issues.
Insurance Accepted:No, but therapists can provide superbills for you to seek at least partial out-of-network coverage; HSA/FSA acceptedSubscription Required:YesOut-of-Pocket Costs:Basic plan is $200 per month for the self-guided CBT program, unlimited messaging with a therapist, and access to worksheets, yoga videos, an online journal, and an activity plan; Standard plan is $320 per month for one 45-minute session per week via live video, text, or voice, plus everything included in Basic; Premium is $440 per month for two sessions per week, plus the benefits of Standard plan; Couples is $440 per month for one 45-minute couples therapy session per week conducted via video, text, or voice, plus access to everything in the Basic plan for both of you; there’s a 20% discount for the first month for all plans
We surveyed 100 users of Online-Therapy.com:
Read the FullWe Tried Online-Therapy.com - These Were Our Experiences
Best Free Resource/Text-Based Emergency Resource:Crisis Text Line
Price:FreeIs Insurance Accepted?:N/ALearn More
If you’re experiencing a mental health crisis, it’s important to get help immediately, but sometimes you may not feel like you can speak to someone directly in such a moment. That’s why we believe Crisis Text Line is such a vital resource. It offers 24/7, bilingual, free support via text with volunteer crisis counselors in the U.S. and internationally. Users can simply text “HOME” to 741741 (in the U.S. and Canada) to reach immediate support.
ProsFree, 24/7 support with trained volunteer crisis counselorsAvailable in the U.S., the U.K., Canada, and IrelandOffers text support in English and SpanishCrisis counselors can provide referrals for further helpAlso available via WhatsAppConsVolunteer crisis counselors are not necessarily licensed mental health professionalsGetting support may take more than five minutes during busy timesVolunteers may report you to emergency services if they think you’re in imminent danger of harming yourself
ProsFree, 24/7 support with trained volunteer crisis counselorsAvailable in the U.S., the U.K., Canada, and IrelandOffers text support in English and SpanishCrisis counselors can provide referrals for further helpAlso available via WhatsApp
Free, 24/7 support with trained volunteer crisis counselors
Available in the U.S., the U.K., Canada, and Ireland
Offers text support in English and Spanish
Crisis counselors can provide referrals for further help
Also available via WhatsApp
ConsVolunteer crisis counselors are not necessarily licensed mental health professionalsGetting support may take more than five minutes during busy timesVolunteers may report you to emergency services if they think you’re in imminent danger of harming yourself
Volunteer crisis counselors are not necessarily licensed mental health professionals
Getting support may take more than five minutes during busy times
Volunteers may report you to emergency services if they think you’re in imminent danger of harming yourself
When it comes to free mental health resources—especially those available 24/7 or to people in crisis—most are phone lines where you have to call in. But this is not the case with theCrisis Text Line, which offers free, 24/7, confidential emotional support via text from trained volunteers across the U.S., the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Canada. And while we did not test this service (because we did not think it would be ethical to try the service if we were not actually in crisis or to have someone actually in crisis test it for a review), we did speak with staff editors who have used it as well as licensed mental health professionals—all of whom recommend it.
All you have to do to reach the Crisis Text Line is text HOME to 741741 or reach out on WhatsApp. When you do so, you’ll immediately receive a response back letting you know that you have been connected and the service is looking for a volunteer to message you, which generally takes about five minutes (but can be longer). Text conversations at the Crisis Text Line have no set time limit, though most last 15 to 45 minutes. If you stop messaging for any reason or step away, they will ask you if you’re still there and wish to continue before disconnecting. They will also help wind the conversation to a close to help you transition out of the chat.
Insurance Accepted:N/ASubscription Required:N/AOut-of-Pocket Costs:The Crisis Text Line is free to use anytime and as often as you need.
We did not survey users of the Crisis Text Line, but we did speak with editors who shared they had used the service and with three licensed therapists about the service’s value to people in need of emotional support as soon as possible.“Sometimes, in moments of crisis, a connection of any kind—even through text—is enough to keep someone from hurting themselves,” explains Owens. “Texting is also a great option for someone who does not have the privacy you’d need for a phone call or who does not feel comfortable talking on the phone, especially about something as personal and serious as self-harm.”
We did not survey users of the Crisis Text Line, but we did speak with editors who shared they had used the service and with three licensed therapists about the service’s value to people in need of emotional support as soon as possible.
“Sometimes, in moments of crisis, a connection of any kind—even through text—is enough to keep someone from hurting themselves,” explains Owens. “Texting is also a great option for someone who does not have the privacy you’d need for a phone call or who does not feel comfortable talking on the phone, especially about something as personal and serious as self-harm.”
Best for Teens:TeenCounseling
Price:$260 to $360 per monthIs Insurance Accepted?:NoType Of Therapy:Individual Therapy, Teen CounselingLearn More
Mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety have become increasingly common among teens in recent years.This made Teen Counseling stand out in our testing: it serves teens aged 13 to 19 and offers support for common issues like bullying, self-esteem, anger, eating disorders, depression, and anxiety. And it allows them to communicate via text, which may be easier for some teens who feel more comfortable expressing themselves this way.
Offers licensed therapy to teens ages 13 to 19
Parents and teens get separate dedicated messaging rooms
Therapist bios available on website
ConsDoesn’t take insuranceNo medication management or psychiatry servicesPrices vary based on location and therapist
No medication management or psychiatry services
Prices vary based on location and therapist
To testTeen Counseling, we asked five parents and their teenagers to sign up from different states, including Michigan, Florida, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut. We and our teens were pleased with our experiences: the therapists were adept at working with and connecting with adolescents and handling issues many teens face, such asbullying,depression,anxiety,stress,self-esteem,body image, issues with school and relationships, andeating disorders. We felt our therapists were good listeners and validating (they often repeated what we said to make sure they understood), and the text-based therapy was easy to use (and popular with our teens).We could message our therapists asynchronously through the app or our portal anytime, day or night, and we heard back from our therapists at least once a day, five days a week. We found that the therapists’s responses were engaged and thoughtful. The text-based format also seemed to be appealing to our teens, who preferred to message about their feelings as needed rather than at a scheduled time. We could schedule live chat sessions, too, which again seemed to be a good format for teens who don’t like speaking on the phone, though we did find that the flow of conversation was disjointed in this format because we were constantly waiting for our therapists to type a response. This meant that, in the end, we covered less ground in a session.However, we especially appreciated the way the service handled parental involvement in the process. When we signed up with our teen, we both got our own online “room” to message our therapist. This meant that neither we nor our teens could see what the other person said to our therapists, which built trust in the process (especially for our teens) pretty quickly.
To testTeen Counseling, we asked five parents and their teenagers to sign up from different states, including Michigan, Florida, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut. We and our teens were pleased with our experiences: the therapists were adept at working with and connecting with adolescents and handling issues many teens face, such asbullying,depression,anxiety,stress,self-esteem,body image, issues with school and relationships, andeating disorders. We felt our therapists were good listeners and validating (they often repeated what we said to make sure they understood), and the text-based therapy was easy to use (and popular with our teens).
We could message our therapists asynchronously through the app or our portal anytime, day or night, and we heard back from our therapists at least once a day, five days a week. We found that the therapists’s responses were engaged and thoughtful. The text-based format also seemed to be appealing to our teens, who preferred to message about their feelings as needed rather than at a scheduled time. We could schedule live chat sessions, too, which again seemed to be a good format for teens who don’t like speaking on the phone, though we did find that the flow of conversation was disjointed in this format because we were constantly waiting for our therapists to type a response. This meant that, in the end, we covered less ground in a session.
However, we especially appreciated the way the service handled parental involvement in the process. When we signed up with our teen, we both got our own online “room” to message our therapist. This meant that neither we nor our teens could see what the other person said to our therapists, which built trust in the process (especially for our teens) pretty quickly.
Insurance Accepted:NoSubscription Required:YesOut-of-Pocket Costs:Ranges from $260 to $360 per month, depending on your location and therapist availability, and includes four live sessions (typically one $65 to $90 session per week) in the format of your choice, plus 24/7 messaging with your teen’s therapist
We surveyed 100 users of Teen Counseling:
Best for Peer Counseling:7 Cups
Price:Free peer services available; online therapy is $159–$299 per monthIs Insurance Accepted?:NoType Of Therapy:Individual Therapy, Peer SupportLearn More
Sometimes, it’s most helpful to have the support of a peer when you’re going through something, but not everyone has a reliable set of friends to call or text. 7 Cups offers a global emotional support community where people from around the world can find free, 24/7, anonymous online chat support from trained volunteer “active listeners” as well as their peers. It’s one of the only free peer support services that we came across.
Pros24/7, free, anonymous online chat support from volunteer listeners and peersChat rooms available for many different mental health concernsMessaging with licensed therapists available with a monthly subscriptionMany free resources, like self-help guides and expert adviceAvailable in nearly 200 countries and over 150 languagesConsDoesn’t accept insuranceNo medication management availableVolunteer listeners aren’t licensed therapists
Pros24/7, free, anonymous online chat support from volunteer listeners and peersChat rooms available for many different mental health concernsMessaging with licensed therapists available with a monthly subscriptionMany free resources, like self-help guides and expert adviceAvailable in nearly 200 countries and over 150 languages
24/7, free, anonymous online chat support from volunteer listeners and peers
Chat rooms available for many different mental health concerns
Messaging with licensed therapists available with a monthly subscription
Many free resources, like self-help guides and expert advice
Available in nearly 200 countries and over 150 languages
ConsDoesn’t accept insuranceNo medication management availableVolunteer listeners aren’t licensed therapists
No medication management available
Volunteer listeners aren’t licensed therapists
We tested7 Cups' peer support services from Missouri, and found both its peer support and text-based therapy services to be affordable and accessible. We appreciated that if we needed support right away, we could message one of 7 Cups’ trained “active listeners” for free at any time to discuss any problems we were having. We found that, along with the listener chats available, the company also has a wide variety of free peer-based group chats. Common chat room topics includegrief,loneliness, breakups, chronic illness, and caregiving.Our listeners were warm and empathetic; and although one of them shared more about her own personal experiences than we were comfortable hearing, we could still see how that might benefit others who were specifically looking to relate to someone who had faced similar challenges. And while we appreciated the number of chat rooms available, going in and out of chat rooms felt overwhelming and impersonal at times. Still, we couldn’t overlook the convenience and assistance that comes with being able to connect with peers going through similar experiences and challenges as you at any time through 7 Cups.If you’re looking for text-assisted therapy services from a qualified mental health provider, you can sign up for a monthly text-based subscription for $150 per month, which provides chat-based therapy sessions. But remember, 7 Cups offersonlytext-based therapy rather than live chat, video, or audio sessions.
We tested7 Cups' peer support services from Missouri, and found both its peer support and text-based therapy services to be affordable and accessible. We appreciated that if we needed support right away, we could message one of 7 Cups’ trained “active listeners” for free at any time to discuss any problems we were having. We found that, along with the listener chats available, the company also has a wide variety of free peer-based group chats. Common chat room topics includegrief,loneliness, breakups, chronic illness, and caregiving.
Our listeners were warm and empathetic; and although one of them shared more about her own personal experiences than we were comfortable hearing, we could still see how that might benefit others who were specifically looking to relate to someone who had faced similar challenges. And while we appreciated the number of chat rooms available, going in and out of chat rooms felt overwhelming and impersonal at times. Still, we couldn’t overlook the convenience and assistance that comes with being able to connect with peers going through similar experiences and challenges as you at any time through 7 Cups.
If you’re looking for text-assisted therapy services from a qualified mental health provider, you can sign up for a monthly text-based subscription for $150 per month, which provides chat-based therapy sessions. But remember, 7 Cups offersonlytext-based therapy rather than live chat, video, or audio sessions.
Insurance Accepted:NoSubscription Required:NoOut-of-Pocket Costs:Free for group chat rooms, private peer chats, and access to “active listeners”; $150 for a monthly subscription that gives you access to a therapist you can live-chat with in scheduled sessions
We surveyed 100 users of 7 Cups:
Best for Availability$276 to $436 per month for therapy subscriptionsYesYesCouples Therapy, Individual Therapy, Medication Management, Psychiatry, Teen CounselingAudio, Live Chat, Messaging, Phone, Video ChatLearn MoreHide, not for meBest for Anxiety and Depression$95-$349 per monthYesYesIndividual Therapy, Medication Management, PsychiatryMessaging, Video ChatLearn MoreHide, not for meBest for Group Support$15-$49 per monthNoNoGroup Therapy, Peer SupportMessaging, Video ChatLearn MoreHide, not for meBest for Flexible Communication Options$55-$65 per sessionNoNoCouples Therapy, Individual TherapyLive Chat, Messaging, Video ChatLearn MoreHide, not for meBest for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy$200-$440 per monthNoYesCouples Therapy, Individual TherapyAudio, Messaging, Video ChatLearn MoreHide, not for meBest Free Resource/Text-Based Emergency ResourceFreeN/ANoN/AMessagingLearn MoreHide, not for meBest for Teens$260 to $360 per monthNoYesIndividual Therapy, Teen CounselingAudio, Live Chat, Messaging, Video ChatLearn MoreHide, not for meBest for Peer CounselingFree peer services available; online therapy is $159–$299 per monthNoNoIndividual Therapy, Peer SupportMessagingLearn MoreHide, not for me
Hide, not for me
Guide to Choosing the Best Text-Based Therapy Services
Here are some factors to take into consideration whenchoosing a text-based therapy service:
Who Are Text Therapy Services or Apps Right For?
Text-assisted therapy may be right for you if you:
Text-assisted therapy services may not be suitable for you if you:
If you have an urgent mental health need, you shouldn’t rely on text-assisted therapy. Please call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988, text “HOME” to the Crisis Text Line at 741741, or seek emergency medical help right away.
Frequently Asked QuestionsText-based therapy, or text-assisted therapy, is online therapy that is conducted through texting, live chat rooms, messaging, or e-journaling. Some text therapy services offer live chats in a designated “session room,” while others allow you to text your therapist at any time—aka asynchronous texting—via SMS or messaging in an app or online portal.Online therapy is typically paid for via a weekly or monthly subscription. Prices can range from $95 per month to $400 a month or more. Many online therapy subscriptions include at least one weekly live session (via text, audio, or video), as well as unlimited messaging with a mental health provider. Some online therapy platforms also offer pay-per-session payment models, which often cost $50 or more per session.Some online therapy services that offer text-based therapy, such as Brightside and Talkspace, take insurance. Other platforms will provide you with a superbill that you can submit to your insurance provider for potential reimbursement.One recent study suggests that text-based therapy with a licensed therapist effectively treats certain mental health conditions, such as depression.Research has also found that two-way text messaging therapy can help to treat symptoms ofgeneralized anxiety disorder(GAD).Another study found that text-based therapy is also effective in treatingsubstance use disorders(SUD) and psychotic disorders.Most text-assisted therapy platforms require payment, especially if you’re working with a licensed therapist. However, some crisis/emergency text therapy resources—such as the Crisis Text Line—are free to use. Others, such as 7 Cups, offer free peer support and advice from trained volunteers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Text-based therapy, or text-assisted therapy, is online therapy that is conducted through texting, live chat rooms, messaging, or e-journaling. Some text therapy services offer live chats in a designated “session room,” while others allow you to text your therapist at any time—aka asynchronous texting—via SMS or messaging in an app or online portal.
Online therapy is typically paid for via a weekly or monthly subscription. Prices can range from $95 per month to $400 a month or more. Many online therapy subscriptions include at least one weekly live session (via text, audio, or video), as well as unlimited messaging with a mental health provider. Some online therapy platforms also offer pay-per-session payment models, which often cost $50 or more per session.
Some online therapy services that offer text-based therapy, such as Brightside and Talkspace, take insurance. Other platforms will provide you with a superbill that you can submit to your insurance provider for potential reimbursement.
One recent study suggests that text-based therapy with a licensed therapist effectively treats certain mental health conditions, such as depression.Research has also found that two-way text messaging therapy can help to treat symptoms ofgeneralized anxiety disorder(GAD).Another study found that text-based therapy is also effective in treatingsubstance use disorders(SUD) and psychotic disorders.
Most text-assisted therapy platforms require payment, especially if you’re working with a licensed therapist. However, some crisis/emergency text therapy resources—such as the Crisis Text Line—are free to use. Others, such as 7 Cups, offer free peer support and advice from trained volunteers.
How We Tested and Reviewed Online Text Therapy Services
We evaluated 80 onlinetherapy companiesandtherapist directoriesin order to compile this list.
Firsthand Experience
As part of our research, we signed up for talk therapy at all 55 online therapy companies we reviewed. We tested each company’s therapy services, and if the company offered other services (such as couples therapy and child or teen therapy), we tested those too. Our testers are located all across the United States and abroad, meaning we have extensive information about each company’s services in a variety of areas.
User and Brand Surveys
In addition, we surveyed more than 8,000 therapy users: 100 at each of the 55 online therapy companies and the 25 therapist directories we researched and tested. We collected over 100 different data points in which we asked users to evaluate each company’s services, from their therapist’s qualifications to whether they found a therapist who met all their needs to how they’d rate the company overall. We also sent questionnaires to each company we considered, asking for their perspectives on the services they provide, and we interviewed former patients and therapists at the companies where possible.
Research
Expert Recommendations
Once we completed this testing and these surveys, we evaluated our findings with the help of three licensed therapists—Amy Marschall, PsyD;Nic Hardy, PhD, LCSW; andHannah Owens, LMSW—in order to make our recommendations. These therapists provided extensive insight into the ethics and efficacy of online therapy as well as information about relevant therapeutic modalities and approaches.
Article Sources
Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Hull TD, Malgaroli M, Connolly PS, Feuerstein S, Simon NM.Two-way messaging therapy for depression and anxiety: longitudinal response trajectories.BMC Psychiatry.2020;20(1):297. doi:10.1186/s12888-020-02721-x
Vahratian A.Symptoms of anxiety or depressive disorder and use of mental health care among adults during the covid-19 pandemic — United States, August 2020–February 2021.MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2021;70. doi:10.15585/mmwr.mm7013e2
David D, Cristea I, Hofmann SG.Why cognitive behavioral therapy is the current gold standard of psychotherapy.Front Psychiatry. 2018;9:4. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2018.00004
van Lotringen CM, Jeken L, Westerhof GJ, ten Klooster PM, Kelders SM, Noordzij ML.Responsible relations: a systematic scoping review of the therapeutic alliance in text-based digital psychotherapy.Front Digit Health. 2021;3:689750. doi:10.3389/fdgth.2021.689750
Racine N, McArthur BA, Cooke JE, Eirich R, Zhu J, Madigan S.Global prevalence of depressive and anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents during COVID-19: a meta-analysis.JAMA Pediatr. 2021;175(11):1142. doi:10.1001/jamapediatrics.2021.2482
Senanayake B, Wickramasinghe SI, Chatfield MD, Hansen J, Edirippulige S, Smith AC.Effectiveness of text messaging interventions for the management of depression: A systematic review and meta-analysis.J Telemed Telecare.2019;25(9):513-523. doi:10.1177/1357633X19875852
Hannah Owens, LMSW
Amanda Tust
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