The Best Online Trauma Therapy, Tried and Tested

Trauma can happen to any of us. It’s an emotional and physical response to a dangerous or horrific event like sexual or physical assault, being in a natural disaster, or witnessing a car accident. If your emotions stay bottled up, you could suffer the long-term effects of trauma, which include mood swings, flashbacks, nightmares, dissociation (feeling like you’re having an out-of-body experience), anger, being on high alert, and physical symptoms like headaches and nausea.The official diagnosis for these longer-term symptoms is post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD. In addition, PTSD can be the result of complex trauma, or repeated trauma in the form of microaggressions, emotional abuse, neglect, and more. This is called complex PTSD.There are manytherapeutic methods for treating trauma and PTSD,including medication, prolonged exposure therapy, trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy, eye movement desensitization reprocessing (EMDR), narrative exposure therapy, and cognitive processing therapy. If you think you may be experiencing trauma or a trauma-related diagnosis, you can seek treatment for trauma in person or online. Here are the online therapy companies and directories we recommend based on our research because theyserve diverse populations, offer a variety of modalities, and provide quality online trauma counseling.

There are manytherapeutic methods for treating trauma and PTSD,including medication, prolonged exposure therapy, trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy, eye movement desensitization reprocessing (EMDR), narrative exposure therapy, and cognitive processing therapy. If you think you may be experiencing trauma or a trauma-related diagnosis, you can seek treatment for trauma in person or online. Here are the online therapy companies and directories we recommend based on our research because theyserve diverse populations, offer a variety of modalities, and provide quality online trauma counseling.

The 8 Best Online Trauma Therapy ServicesMost Affordable:BetterHelpBest for Kids and Teens:Little OtterBest for PTSD:TalkspaceBest for Gender and Sexuality-Based Trauma:Inclusive Therapists DirectoryBest for Couples:ReGainBest for Psychiatry:TalkiatryBest for Religious Trauma:Reclamation CollectiveBest Directory:Choosing Therapy

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Our Online Therapy MethodologyCurious about the extensive work we did to research and evaluate online therapy companies? Take a look at ouronline therapy methodology.

Our Online Therapy Methodology

Curious about the extensive work we did to research and evaluate online therapy companies? Take a look at ouronline therapy methodology.

The Best Online Trauma Therapy, Tried and TestedView AllThe Best Online Trauma Therapy, Tried and TestedOur Top PicksBetterHelpLittle OtterTalkspaceInclusive Therapists DirectoryReGainTalkiatryReclamation CollectiveChoosing TherapySee More (5)Compare ProvidersGuide to ChoosingIs Online Trauma Counseling Right For You?FAQsMethodology

The Best Online Trauma Therapy, Tried and TestedView All

View All

The Best Online Trauma Therapy, Tried and Tested

Compare Providers

Guide to Choosing

Is Online Trauma Counseling Right For You?

FAQs

Methodology

Most Affordable:BetterHelp

BetterHelpLearn MoreSpecial OfferVerywell Mind readers get20% off their first monthof BetterHelp membership.This offer is a partnership between Verywell Mind and BetterHelp. If you click this link and sign up for the BetterHelp membership, we will receive a commission.Learn more.

BetterHelpLearn More

BetterHelp

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Special OfferVerywell Mind readers get20% off their first monthof BetterHelp membership.This offer is a partnership between Verywell Mind and BetterHelp. If you click this link and sign up for the BetterHelp membership, we will receive a commission.Learn more.

Verywell Mind readers get20% off their first monthof BetterHelp membership.This offer is a partnership between Verywell Mind and BetterHelp. If you click this link and sign up for the BetterHelp membership, we will receive a commission.Learn more.

Verywell Mind readers get20% off their first monthof BetterHelp membership.

This offer is a partnership between Verywell Mind and BetterHelp. If you click this link and sign up for the BetterHelp membership, we will receive a commission.Learn more.

Key Specs

Price:$70 to $100 per weekInsurance Accepted:NoTypes of Therapy:Individual

Why We Chose It

BetterHelp is the most affordable and accessible option for acute and complex trauma therapy if you don’t have insurance. Out-of-pocket subscription costs at BetterHelp are generally less than they are at competitive online therapy sites.

Pros & Cons

Has thousands of licensed therapists, many of whom specialize in traumaServes all 50 U.S. states as well as some international locationsDiscounts and financial aid availableSeveral communication options, including phone, video, and live chatHelpful resources availableCan pay with HSA or FSA cardNo group, teen, children’s, couples, or family counselingNo medication management or psychiatrySome sessions may not be long enough for trauma work

Has thousands of licensed therapists, many of whom specialize in trauma

Serves all 50 U.S. states as well as some international locations

Discounts and financial aid available

Several communication options, including phone, video, and live chat

Helpful resources available

Can pay with HSA or FSA card

No group, teen, children’s, couples, or family counselingNo medication management or psychiatrySome sessions may not be long enough for trauma work

No group, teen, children’s, couples, or family counseling

No medication management or psychiatry

Some sessions may not be long enough for trauma work

Our Testing

When we tried BetterHelp’s services ourselves, we were, for the most part, satisfied with the support we received. And in the cases when we weren’t, we liked how easy it was to switch providers. Many of our therapists were warm and insightful and were able to establish a rapport with us—something that is important when seeking treatment for trauma, because developing and maintaining a safe space to share and explore your feelings and experiences is paramount to trauma work.

“My therapist provided interesting and helpful worksheets throughout the process. Betterhelp has a portal where you can always communicate with your therapist, so it’s easy to share information or thoughts as they pop up."—BetterHelp tester, who was trying online therapy for the first time

—BetterHelp tester, who was trying online therapy for the first time

We did, however, experience some technical difficulties, such as unreliable video or audio in our online sessions; this could disrupt a session and make it more difficult to dive into more serious topics without distractions. We also had one therapist who was a no-show for an appointment and didn’t answer any messages. However, we were able to switch to a new provider quickly and found the next therapist very communicative, punctual, and considerate.

Plans and Pricing

What Users Say

We surveyed 100 users of BetterHelp:87% rated BetterHelp as very good or excellent overall87% rated their therapist’s qualifications as very good or excellent95% said that most or all of their needs were met at BetterHelp96% are likely or very likely to recommend BetterHelp to a friend or someone like them20% were seeking treatment after a traumatic event

We surveyed 100 users of BetterHelp:

BetterHelp Online Therapy Review

Best for Kids and Teens:Little OtterLittle OtterLearn MoreKey SpecsPrice:$195 to $500 per session (self-pay rates)Insurance Accepted:Yes, four plansTypes of Therapy:Children, parents, couples, families, psychiatryWhy We Chose ItServing children ages newborn to 14,Little Otteris one of the most comprehensive online therapy platforms for young people. Its staff includes both clinical advisors and therapists who specialize in developmental and acute trauma. A robust resource library on the Little Otter website offers articles about things like intergenerational trauma, when to seek out a trauma therapist, and how to talk to your kids about school shootings.Pros & ConsProsServes children 0 to 14 years oldProvides parent training, family support, and couples counselingOffers psychiatric services and medication managementDiscounted session bundles are availableProvides helpful resourcesConsOnly accepts four small, location-specific insurance plansSessions are relatively expensive without insuranceOnly available in 14 statesOur TestingLittle Otteris our choice for childhood trauma treatment because it emphasizes a holistic approach to therapy and psychiatry that includes treatment for your child, you, and your family. The practitioners at Little Otter use trauma-informed approaches and modalities to address issues like major life changes, the death or loss of a parent, abuse, and other traumatic events. We tested Little Otter in California, Pennsylvania, and New York, and we were overall impressed with the company’s inclusive approach to children’s mental health care.“My son has not had any real panic attacks since he started therapy. He still gets anxious at times, but I’ve watched him work through all the tools he’s gained to handle his feelings."—Little Otter tester, whose 11-year-old has worked with Little Otter for over a yearBeyond trauma therapy, Little Otter specializes in anxiety, depression, and focus—which can all besymptoms of unprocessed trauma. We were pleasantly surprised at how quickly our care teams at Little Otter were able to connect with our young children, and we felt like the amount of time our therapists spent with us (parents), our children, and ourselves and our children together was perfectly balanced and effective. We appreciated the quick connection that our 10-year-old (now age 11) made with the therapist and the effective use ofcognitive behavioral therapy(CBT) for a child suffering frompanic attacksandgeneralized anxiety.Although in some cases we wished there was more diversity amongst our providers (a BIPOC therapist would have gone a long way for our diverse families), we came to quickly trust our therapists—important when treating children and imperative when treating children who have experienced trauma. The downside of Little Otter? The price. As much as we liked our care teams, in most cases we could not have continued receiving services with the company because of the high out-of-pocket costs.Plans and PricingInsurance Accepted:Yes, but only four insurance plans: AmeriHealth, Sana, Independence Blue Cross (in Delaware and Pennsylvania), and Florida Blue. However, the providers will fill out reimbursement forms and accept HSA/FSA payments.Subscription Required:NoOut-of-Pocket Costs:$195perstandard therapy session; $390 for a 90-minute assessment; $500 for a 75-minute psychiatry evaluation; $250 per 30-minute psychiatry follow-up. You can also sign up for discounted bundles: $527 for an assessment bundle (90-minute assessment and one standard therapy session); $702 for a 4-session bundle, $1,326 for an 8-session bundle, and $1,989 for a 12-session bundleWhat Users SayWe surveyed 100 users of Little Otter:86% rated Little Otter as very good or excellent overall86% rated their therapist’s qualifications as very good or excellent96% said that most or all of their needs were met at Little Otter95% are likely or very likely to recommend Little Otter to a friend or someone like them19% were seeking treatment after a traumatic eventLittle Otter Review

Best for Kids and Teens:Little Otter

Little OtterLearn MoreKey SpecsPrice:$195 to $500 per session (self-pay rates)Insurance Accepted:Yes, four plansTypes of Therapy:Children, parents, couples, families, psychiatryWhy We Chose ItServing children ages newborn to 14,Little Otteris one of the most comprehensive online therapy platforms for young people. Its staff includes both clinical advisors and therapists who specialize in developmental and acute trauma. A robust resource library on the Little Otter website offers articles about things like intergenerational trauma, when to seek out a trauma therapist, and how to talk to your kids about school shootings.Pros & ConsProsServes children 0 to 14 years oldProvides parent training, family support, and couples counselingOffers psychiatric services and medication managementDiscounted session bundles are availableProvides helpful resourcesConsOnly accepts four small, location-specific insurance plansSessions are relatively expensive without insuranceOnly available in 14 statesOur TestingLittle Otteris our choice for childhood trauma treatment because it emphasizes a holistic approach to therapy and psychiatry that includes treatment for your child, you, and your family. The practitioners at Little Otter use trauma-informed approaches and modalities to address issues like major life changes, the death or loss of a parent, abuse, and other traumatic events. We tested Little Otter in California, Pennsylvania, and New York, and we were overall impressed with the company’s inclusive approach to children’s mental health care.“My son has not had any real panic attacks since he started therapy. He still gets anxious at times, but I’ve watched him work through all the tools he’s gained to handle his feelings."—Little Otter tester, whose 11-year-old has worked with Little Otter for over a yearBeyond trauma therapy, Little Otter specializes in anxiety, depression, and focus—which can all besymptoms of unprocessed trauma. We were pleasantly surprised at how quickly our care teams at Little Otter were able to connect with our young children, and we felt like the amount of time our therapists spent with us (parents), our children, and ourselves and our children together was perfectly balanced and effective. We appreciated the quick connection that our 10-year-old (now age 11) made with the therapist and the effective use ofcognitive behavioral therapy(CBT) for a child suffering frompanic attacksandgeneralized anxiety.Although in some cases we wished there was more diversity amongst our providers (a BIPOC therapist would have gone a long way for our diverse families), we came to quickly trust our therapists—important when treating children and imperative when treating children who have experienced trauma. The downside of Little Otter? The price. As much as we liked our care teams, in most cases we could not have continued receiving services with the company because of the high out-of-pocket costs.Plans and PricingInsurance Accepted:Yes, but only four insurance plans: AmeriHealth, Sana, Independence Blue Cross (in Delaware and Pennsylvania), and Florida Blue. However, the providers will fill out reimbursement forms and accept HSA/FSA payments.Subscription Required:NoOut-of-Pocket Costs:$195perstandard therapy session; $390 for a 90-minute assessment; $500 for a 75-minute psychiatry evaluation; $250 per 30-minute psychiatry follow-up. You can also sign up for discounted bundles: $527 for an assessment bundle (90-minute assessment and one standard therapy session); $702 for a 4-session bundle, $1,326 for an 8-session bundle, and $1,989 for a 12-session bundleWhat Users SayWe surveyed 100 users of Little Otter:86% rated Little Otter as very good or excellent overall86% rated their therapist’s qualifications as very good or excellent96% said that most or all of their needs were met at Little Otter95% are likely or very likely to recommend Little Otter to a friend or someone like them19% were seeking treatment after a traumatic eventLittle Otter Review

Little OtterLearn More

Little Otter

Little Otter logo

Key SpecsPrice:$195 to $500 per session (self-pay rates)Insurance Accepted:Yes, four plansTypes of Therapy:Children, parents, couples, families, psychiatryWhy We Chose ItServing children ages newborn to 14,Little Otteris one of the most comprehensive online therapy platforms for young people. Its staff includes both clinical advisors and therapists who specialize in developmental and acute trauma. A robust resource library on the Little Otter website offers articles about things like intergenerational trauma, when to seek out a trauma therapist, and how to talk to your kids about school shootings.Pros & ConsProsServes children 0 to 14 years oldProvides parent training, family support, and couples counselingOffers psychiatric services and medication managementDiscounted session bundles are availableProvides helpful resourcesConsOnly accepts four small, location-specific insurance plansSessions are relatively expensive without insuranceOnly available in 14 statesOur TestingLittle Otteris our choice for childhood trauma treatment because it emphasizes a holistic approach to therapy and psychiatry that includes treatment for your child, you, and your family. The practitioners at Little Otter use trauma-informed approaches and modalities to address issues like major life changes, the death or loss of a parent, abuse, and other traumatic events. We tested Little Otter in California, Pennsylvania, and New York, and we were overall impressed with the company’s inclusive approach to children’s mental health care.“My son has not had any real panic attacks since he started therapy. He still gets anxious at times, but I’ve watched him work through all the tools he’s gained to handle his feelings."—Little Otter tester, whose 11-year-old has worked with Little Otter for over a yearBeyond trauma therapy, Little Otter specializes in anxiety, depression, and focus—which can all besymptoms of unprocessed trauma. We were pleasantly surprised at how quickly our care teams at Little Otter were able to connect with our young children, and we felt like the amount of time our therapists spent with us (parents), our children, and ourselves and our children together was perfectly balanced and effective. We appreciated the quick connection that our 10-year-old (now age 11) made with the therapist and the effective use ofcognitive behavioral therapy(CBT) for a child suffering frompanic attacksandgeneralized anxiety.Although in some cases we wished there was more diversity amongst our providers (a BIPOC therapist would have gone a long way for our diverse families), we came to quickly trust our therapists—important when treating children and imperative when treating children who have experienced trauma. The downside of Little Otter? The price. As much as we liked our care teams, in most cases we could not have continued receiving services with the company because of the high out-of-pocket costs.Plans and PricingInsurance Accepted:Yes, but only four insurance plans: AmeriHealth, Sana, Independence Blue Cross (in Delaware and Pennsylvania), and Florida Blue. However, the providers will fill out reimbursement forms and accept HSA/FSA payments.Subscription Required:NoOut-of-Pocket Costs:$195perstandard therapy session; $390 for a 90-minute assessment; $500 for a 75-minute psychiatry evaluation; $250 per 30-minute psychiatry follow-up. You can also sign up for discounted bundles: $527 for an assessment bundle (90-minute assessment and one standard therapy session); $702 for a 4-session bundle, $1,326 for an 8-session bundle, and $1,989 for a 12-session bundleWhat Users SayWe surveyed 100 users of Little Otter:86% rated Little Otter as very good or excellent overall86% rated their therapist’s qualifications as very good or excellent96% said that most or all of their needs were met at Little Otter95% are likely or very likely to recommend Little Otter to a friend or someone like them19% were seeking treatment after a traumatic eventLittle Otter Review

Price:$195 to $500 per session (self-pay rates)Insurance Accepted:Yes, four plansTypes of Therapy:Children, parents, couples, families, psychiatry

Serving children ages newborn to 14,Little Otteris one of the most comprehensive online therapy platforms for young people. Its staff includes both clinical advisors and therapists who specialize in developmental and acute trauma. A robust resource library on the Little Otter website offers articles about things like intergenerational trauma, when to seek out a trauma therapist, and how to talk to your kids about school shootings.

ProsServes children 0 to 14 years oldProvides parent training, family support, and couples counselingOffers psychiatric services and medication managementDiscounted session bundles are availableProvides helpful resourcesConsOnly accepts four small, location-specific insurance plansSessions are relatively expensive without insuranceOnly available in 14 states

Serves children 0 to 14 years old

Provides parent training, family support, and couples counseling

Offers psychiatric services and medication management

Discounted session bundles are available

Provides helpful resources

ConsOnly accepts four small, location-specific insurance plansSessions are relatively expensive without insuranceOnly available in 14 states

Only accepts four small, location-specific insurance plans

Sessions are relatively expensive without insurance

Only available in 14 states

Little Otteris our choice for childhood trauma treatment because it emphasizes a holistic approach to therapy and psychiatry that includes treatment for your child, you, and your family. The practitioners at Little Otter use trauma-informed approaches and modalities to address issues like major life changes, the death or loss of a parent, abuse, and other traumatic events. We tested Little Otter in California, Pennsylvania, and New York, and we were overall impressed with the company’s inclusive approach to children’s mental health care.“My son has not had any real panic attacks since he started therapy. He still gets anxious at times, but I’ve watched him work through all the tools he’s gained to handle his feelings."—Little Otter tester, whose 11-year-old has worked with Little Otter for over a yearBeyond trauma therapy, Little Otter specializes in anxiety, depression, and focus—which can all besymptoms of unprocessed trauma. We were pleasantly surprised at how quickly our care teams at Little Otter were able to connect with our young children, and we felt like the amount of time our therapists spent with us (parents), our children, and ourselves and our children together was perfectly balanced and effective. We appreciated the quick connection that our 10-year-old (now age 11) made with the therapist and the effective use ofcognitive behavioral therapy(CBT) for a child suffering frompanic attacksandgeneralized anxiety.Although in some cases we wished there was more diversity amongst our providers (a BIPOC therapist would have gone a long way for our diverse families), we came to quickly trust our therapists—important when treating children and imperative when treating children who have experienced trauma. The downside of Little Otter? The price. As much as we liked our care teams, in most cases we could not have continued receiving services with the company because of the high out-of-pocket costs.

“My son has not had any real panic attacks since he started therapy. He still gets anxious at times, but I’ve watched him work through all the tools he’s gained to handle his feelings."—Little Otter tester, whose 11-year-old has worked with Little Otter for over a year

“My son has not had any real panic attacks since he started therapy. He still gets anxious at times, but I’ve watched him work through all the tools he’s gained to handle his feelings.”

—Little Otter tester, whose 11-year-old has worked with Little Otter for over a year

Beyond trauma therapy, Little Otter specializes in anxiety, depression, and focus—which can all besymptoms of unprocessed trauma. We were pleasantly surprised at how quickly our care teams at Little Otter were able to connect with our young children, and we felt like the amount of time our therapists spent with us (parents), our children, and ourselves and our children together was perfectly balanced and effective. We appreciated the quick connection that our 10-year-old (now age 11) made with the therapist and the effective use ofcognitive behavioral therapy(CBT) for a child suffering frompanic attacksandgeneralized anxiety.

Although in some cases we wished there was more diversity amongst our providers (a BIPOC therapist would have gone a long way for our diverse families), we came to quickly trust our therapists—important when treating children and imperative when treating children who have experienced trauma. The downside of Little Otter? The price. As much as we liked our care teams, in most cases we could not have continued receiving services with the company because of the high out-of-pocket costs.

Insurance Accepted:Yes, but only four insurance plans: AmeriHealth, Sana, Independence Blue Cross (in Delaware and Pennsylvania), and Florida Blue. However, the providers will fill out reimbursement forms and accept HSA/FSA payments.Subscription Required:NoOut-of-Pocket Costs:$195perstandard therapy session; $390 for a 90-minute assessment; $500 for a 75-minute psychiatry evaluation; $250 per 30-minute psychiatry follow-up. You can also sign up for discounted bundles: $527 for an assessment bundle (90-minute assessment and one standard therapy session); $702 for a 4-session bundle, $1,326 for an 8-session bundle, and $1,989 for a 12-session bundle

We surveyed 100 users of Little Otter:86% rated Little Otter as very good or excellent overall86% rated their therapist’s qualifications as very good or excellent96% said that most or all of their needs were met at Little Otter95% are likely or very likely to recommend Little Otter to a friend or someone like them19% were seeking treatment after a traumatic event

We surveyed 100 users of Little Otter:

Little Otter Review

Best for PTSD:TalkspaceTalkspaceLearn MoreKey SpecsPrice:$69 to $109 per individual therapy session; $435 for psychiatry evaluation and one follow-up session; couples therapy starts at $436 per month (self-pay rates)Insurance Accepted:YesTypes of Therapy:Individual, couples, teens, psychiatryWhy We Chose ItTalkspace has more than 5,000 therapists and psychiatrists, many of whom can treat people experiencing PTSD because of acute, developmental, and complex trauma. The Talkspace website also has a wealth of resources about trauma and PTSD.Pros & ConsProsThousands of licensed therapistsServes all 50 statesRelatively low ratesAccepts several insurance plansSeveral communication options, including text and video or audio messagingHelpful additional resourcesConsMust commit to a monthly subscriptionYou can’t see therapist bios before signing upTherapy sessions start at 30 minutes (which may not be long enough for trauma work)Our TestingWe had 11 people from all walks of life, from stay-at-home moms to licensed mental health professionals, testTalkspacein New York, Minnesota, North Carolina, Florida, Missouri, Kansas, California, South Dakota, Iowa, and Indiana—and we were mostly pleased with the services we received. Talkspace rises above other large online therapy platforms in the resource department for clients with PTSD; and it offers a test that assesses how likely it is that you have PTSD based on your responses about several symptoms, including having disturbing dreams of a traumatic event and feeling agitated and on high alert.In our experiences with Talkspace—where we tested individual, couples, and teen therapy via both video session and text chat—our providers were knowledgeable and helpful, guiding our sessions and offering insights without overstepping. Many provided “homework” between sessions from the wide variety of resources the company offers. There are also blog posts that cover the definition of trauma, plus specific considerations for veterans, racial injustice, intergenerational trauma, abandonment trauma, mass shootings, sexual assault, and more.“I have a place to work through hard relationships, process emotions, and break some unhealthy coping habits I hadn’t been aware of. I come away feeling a little lighter. I chose a two-week cadence [for sessions], though as I do the work on that recent trauma, I can change my frequency at any time."—Talkspace tester, who sought individual therapy after a family traumaAlthough we felt as though our sessions were too short (which could be especially problematic for someone who needs time to dig into their trauma), the quality of our providers often made up for it. That said, while most therapists were excellent, we had a couple of experiences with therapists who seemed distracted and unprofessional. Thankfully, it’s easy to change providers, but it’s important to know that it may take some time to find a good fit.Plans and PricingInsurance 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; Talkspace psychiatry cost $299 with follow-ups sessions that are $175. Bundle discounts are also available for users who want to schedule multiple follow-up sessions at a time.What Users SayWe surveyed 100 users of Talkspace:92% rated Talkspace as very good or excellent overall89% rated their therapist’s qualifications as very good or excellent95% said that most or all of their needs were met at Talkspace97% are likely or very likely to recommend Talkspace to a friend or someone like them18% were seeking treatment after a traumatic eventTalkspace Online Therapy Review

Best for PTSD:Talkspace

TalkspaceLearn MoreKey SpecsPrice:$69 to $109 per individual therapy session; $435 for psychiatry evaluation and one follow-up session; couples therapy starts at $436 per month (self-pay rates)Insurance Accepted:YesTypes of Therapy:Individual, couples, teens, psychiatryWhy We Chose ItTalkspace has more than 5,000 therapists and psychiatrists, many of whom can treat people experiencing PTSD because of acute, developmental, and complex trauma. The Talkspace website also has a wealth of resources about trauma and PTSD.Pros & ConsProsThousands of licensed therapistsServes all 50 statesRelatively low ratesAccepts several insurance plansSeveral communication options, including text and video or audio messagingHelpful additional resourcesConsMust commit to a monthly subscriptionYou can’t see therapist bios before signing upTherapy sessions start at 30 minutes (which may not be long enough for trauma work)Our TestingWe had 11 people from all walks of life, from stay-at-home moms to licensed mental health professionals, testTalkspacein New York, Minnesota, North Carolina, Florida, Missouri, Kansas, California, South Dakota, Iowa, and Indiana—and we were mostly pleased with the services we received. Talkspace rises above other large online therapy platforms in the resource department for clients with PTSD; and it offers a test that assesses how likely it is that you have PTSD based on your responses about several symptoms, including having disturbing dreams of a traumatic event and feeling agitated and on high alert.In our experiences with Talkspace—where we tested individual, couples, and teen therapy via both video session and text chat—our providers were knowledgeable and helpful, guiding our sessions and offering insights without overstepping. Many provided “homework” between sessions from the wide variety of resources the company offers. There are also blog posts that cover the definition of trauma, plus specific considerations for veterans, racial injustice, intergenerational trauma, abandonment trauma, mass shootings, sexual assault, and more.“I have a place to work through hard relationships, process emotions, and break some unhealthy coping habits I hadn’t been aware of. I come away feeling a little lighter. I chose a two-week cadence [for sessions], though as I do the work on that recent trauma, I can change my frequency at any time."—Talkspace tester, who sought individual therapy after a family traumaAlthough we felt as though our sessions were too short (which could be especially problematic for someone who needs time to dig into their trauma), the quality of our providers often made up for it. That said, while most therapists were excellent, we had a couple of experiences with therapists who seemed distracted and unprofessional. Thankfully, it’s easy to change providers, but it’s important to know that it may take some time to find a good fit.Plans and PricingInsurance 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; Talkspace psychiatry cost $299 with follow-ups sessions that are $175. Bundle discounts are also available for users who want to schedule multiple follow-up sessions at a time.What Users SayWe surveyed 100 users of Talkspace:92% rated Talkspace as very good or excellent overall89% rated their therapist’s qualifications as very good or excellent95% said that most or all of their needs were met at Talkspace97% are likely or very likely to recommend Talkspace to a friend or someone like them18% were seeking treatment after a traumatic eventTalkspace Online Therapy Review

TalkspaceLearn More

Talkspace

Talkspace logo

Key SpecsPrice:$69 to $109 per individual therapy session; $435 for psychiatry evaluation and one follow-up session; couples therapy starts at $436 per month (self-pay rates)Insurance Accepted:YesTypes of Therapy:Individual, couples, teens, psychiatryWhy We Chose ItTalkspace has more than 5,000 therapists and psychiatrists, many of whom can treat people experiencing PTSD because of acute, developmental, and complex trauma. The Talkspace website also has a wealth of resources about trauma and PTSD.Pros & ConsProsThousands of licensed therapistsServes all 50 statesRelatively low ratesAccepts several insurance plansSeveral communication options, including text and video or audio messagingHelpful additional resourcesConsMust commit to a monthly subscriptionYou can’t see therapist bios before signing upTherapy sessions start at 30 minutes (which may not be long enough for trauma work)Our TestingWe had 11 people from all walks of life, from stay-at-home moms to licensed mental health professionals, testTalkspacein New York, Minnesota, North Carolina, Florida, Missouri, Kansas, California, South Dakota, Iowa, and Indiana—and we were mostly pleased with the services we received. Talkspace rises above other large online therapy platforms in the resource department for clients with PTSD; and it offers a test that assesses how likely it is that you have PTSD based on your responses about several symptoms, including having disturbing dreams of a traumatic event and feeling agitated and on high alert.In our experiences with Talkspace—where we tested individual, couples, and teen therapy via both video session and text chat—our providers were knowledgeable and helpful, guiding our sessions and offering insights without overstepping. Many provided “homework” between sessions from the wide variety of resources the company offers. There are also blog posts that cover the definition of trauma, plus specific considerations for veterans, racial injustice, intergenerational trauma, abandonment trauma, mass shootings, sexual assault, and more.“I have a place to work through hard relationships, process emotions, and break some unhealthy coping habits I hadn’t been aware of. I come away feeling a little lighter. I chose a two-week cadence [for sessions], though as I do the work on that recent trauma, I can change my frequency at any time."—Talkspace tester, who sought individual therapy after a family traumaAlthough we felt as though our sessions were too short (which could be especially problematic for someone who needs time to dig into their trauma), the quality of our providers often made up for it. That said, while most therapists were excellent, we had a couple of experiences with therapists who seemed distracted and unprofessional. Thankfully, it’s easy to change providers, but it’s important to know that it may take some time to find a good fit.Plans and PricingInsurance 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; Talkspace psychiatry cost $299 with follow-ups sessions that are $175. Bundle discounts are also available for users who want to schedule multiple follow-up sessions at a time.What Users SayWe surveyed 100 users of Talkspace:92% rated Talkspace as very good or excellent overall89% rated their therapist’s qualifications as very good or excellent95% said that most or all of their needs were met at Talkspace97% are likely or very likely to recommend Talkspace to a friend or someone like them18% were seeking treatment after a traumatic eventTalkspace Online Therapy Review

Price:$69 to $109 per individual therapy session; $435 for psychiatry evaluation and one follow-up session; couples therapy starts at $436 per month (self-pay rates)Insurance Accepted:YesTypes of Therapy:Individual, couples, teens, psychiatry

Talkspace has more than 5,000 therapists and psychiatrists, many of whom can treat people experiencing PTSD because of acute, developmental, and complex trauma. The Talkspace website also has a wealth of resources about trauma and PTSD.

ProsThousands of licensed therapistsServes all 50 statesRelatively low ratesAccepts several insurance plansSeveral communication options, including text and video or audio messagingHelpful additional resourcesConsMust commit to a monthly subscriptionYou can’t see therapist bios before signing upTherapy sessions start at 30 minutes (which may not be long enough for trauma work)

Thousands of licensed therapists

Serves all 50 states

Relatively low rates

Accepts several insurance plans

Several communication options, including text and video or audio messaging

Helpful additional resources

ConsMust commit to a monthly subscriptionYou can’t see therapist bios before signing upTherapy sessions start at 30 minutes (which may not be long enough for trauma work)

Must commit to a monthly subscription

You can’t see therapist bios before signing up

Therapy sessions start at 30 minutes (which may not be long enough for trauma work)

We had 11 people from all walks of life, from stay-at-home moms to licensed mental health professionals, testTalkspacein New York, Minnesota, North Carolina, Florida, Missouri, Kansas, California, South Dakota, Iowa, and Indiana—and we were mostly pleased with the services we received. Talkspace rises above other large online therapy platforms in the resource department for clients with PTSD; and it offers a test that assesses how likely it is that you have PTSD based on your responses about several symptoms, including having disturbing dreams of a traumatic event and feeling agitated and on high alert.In our experiences with Talkspace—where we tested individual, couples, and teen therapy via both video session and text chat—our providers were knowledgeable and helpful, guiding our sessions and offering insights without overstepping. Many provided “homework” between sessions from the wide variety of resources the company offers. There are also blog posts that cover the definition of trauma, plus specific considerations for veterans, racial injustice, intergenerational trauma, abandonment trauma, mass shootings, sexual assault, and more.“I have a place to work through hard relationships, process emotions, and break some unhealthy coping habits I hadn’t been aware of. I come away feeling a little lighter. I chose a two-week cadence [for sessions], though as I do the work on that recent trauma, I can change my frequency at any time."—Talkspace tester, who sought individual therapy after a family traumaAlthough we felt as though our sessions were too short (which could be especially problematic for someone who needs time to dig into their trauma), the quality of our providers often made up for it. That said, while most therapists were excellent, we had a couple of experiences with therapists who seemed distracted and unprofessional. Thankfully, it’s easy to change providers, but it’s important to know that it may take some time to find a good fit.

In our experiences with Talkspace—where we tested individual, couples, and teen therapy via both video session and text chat—our providers were knowledgeable and helpful, guiding our sessions and offering insights without overstepping. Many provided “homework” between sessions from the wide variety of resources the company offers. There are also blog posts that cover the definition of trauma, plus specific considerations for veterans, racial injustice, intergenerational trauma, abandonment trauma, mass shootings, sexual assault, and more.

“I have a place to work through hard relationships, process emotions, and break some unhealthy coping habits I hadn’t been aware of. I come away feeling a little lighter. I chose a two-week cadence [for sessions], though as I do the work on that recent trauma, I can change my frequency at any time."—Talkspace tester, who sought individual therapy after a family trauma

—Talkspace tester, who sought individual therapy after a family trauma

Although we felt as though our sessions were too short (which could be especially problematic for someone who needs time to dig into their trauma), the quality of our providers often made up for it. That said, while most therapists were excellent, we had a couple of experiences with therapists who seemed distracted and unprofessional. Thankfully, it’s easy to change providers, but it’s important to know that it may take some time to find a good fit.

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; Talkspace psychiatry cost $299 with follow-ups sessions that are $175. Bundle discounts are also available for users who want to schedule multiple follow-up sessions at a time.

We surveyed 100 users of Talkspace:92% rated Talkspace as very good or excellent overall89% rated their therapist’s qualifications as very good or excellent95% said that most or all of their needs were met at Talkspace97% are likely or very likely to recommend Talkspace to a friend or someone like them18% were seeking treatment after a traumatic event

We surveyed 100 users of Talkspace:

Talkspace Online Therapy Review

Best for Gender and Sexuality-Based Trauma:Inclusive Therapists Directory

The Inclusive Therapists Directory centers around LGBTQIA2S+-affirming and culturally responsive counseling. Serving clients in the U.S., Canada, and Hong Kong, the directory aims to help deliver equitable mental health care to people in marginalized communities, many of whom have experienced trauma related to their identities.

ProsLists therapists in the U.S., Canada, and Hong KongAllows for finding a therapist based on identity, such as sexual orientation, race, and abilityWill match you with a therapist based on your needs, such as fee, identity, and locationSome listed therapists offer sliding-scale ratesConsA directory rather than an online therapy company

Lists therapists in the U.S., Canada, and Hong Kong

Allows for finding a therapist based on identity, such as sexual orientation, race, and ability

Will match you with a therapist based on your needs, such as fee, identity, and location

Some listed therapists offer sliding-scale rates

ConsA directory rather than an online therapy company

A directory rather than an online therapy company

TheInclusive Therapists directorysupports accessible mental health care for the QTBIPOC community—the intersection between the LGBTQIA2S+ and BIPOC communities. Through Inclusive Therapists, you can find a provider who can help you with not only gender- or sexuality-specific trauma such as transgender trauma, but also abuse, loss, human trafficking trauma, PTSD, racial trauma, and religious trauma (all of which might be tied to your gender or sexual identity).We tested Inclusive Therapists across 18 ZIP codes looking for therapists for 37 different hypothetical scenarios, such as searching for an anger management specialist or seeking help with panic attacks. Inclusive Therapists performed particularly well for those who needed help with trauma, including a wide array of therapists who could help survivors of family abuse and those with complex PTSD due to years of ableism because of a disability.The directory includes listings for therapy for individuals, couples, families, children and teens, and group therapy, as well as psychiatric care, medication management, and coaching.

We tested Inclusive Therapists across 18 ZIP codes looking for therapists for 37 different hypothetical scenarios, such as searching for an anger management specialist or seeking help with panic attacks. Inclusive Therapists performed particularly well for those who needed help with trauma, including a wide array of therapists who could help survivors of family abuse and those with complex PTSD due to years of ableism because of a disability.

The directory includes listings for therapy for individuals, couples, families, children and teens, and group therapy, as well as psychiatric care, medication management, and coaching.

We surveyed 100 users of Inclusive Therapists:94% rated Inclusive Therapists as very good or excellent overall89% rated their therapist’s qualifications as very good or excellent95% said that most or all of their needs were met at Inclusive Therapists98% are likely or very likely to recommend Inclusive Therapists to a friend or someone like them33% were seeking trauma-focused therapy

We surveyed 100 users of Inclusive Therapists:

Best for Couples:ReGainReGainLearn MoreKey SpecsPrice:$65 to $90 per weekInsurance Accepted:NoTypes of Therapy:Individual, couples, relationshipsWhy We Chose ItReGain, a BetterHelp subsidiary, is our top pick for best trauma-informed and trauma-related couples and relationship counseling because it focuses solely on couples and relationship therapy. ReGain therapists specialize in a variety of issues, including trauma and grief.Pros & ConsProsThousands of licensed therapistsEducational resources availableLess expensive than many other online relationship therapy servicesSeveral communication options, including text and video or audio messagingConsHave to commit to a monthly payment planCan’t review therapist bios before signing upDoes not take insuranceOur TestingSix people from New York, South Dakota, Ohio, and the U.K. testedReGain’s couples and individual relationship therapy, and while we did not specifically seek help for trauma, it is hard to beat this company’s affordability and flexibility. In addition to employing therapists who specialize in trauma, ReGain offers helpful resources on developmental, childhood, and acute trauma that may be affecting your relationships. The company’s online resources also offer advice on whether you should seek trauma therapy.One of the things we appreciated the most about ReGain was the fact that we and our partners could access our sessions from different devices—which might come in handy if you are in different locations or it makes you more comfortable to have some physical distance from your partner when talking about something serious like emotional trauma. We also found that ReGain offers individual relationship counseling, so if you need to discuss a traumatic event that has affected your relationship but you don’t feel comfortable sharing that work with your partner, you can work one-on-one with a therapist to understand your relationship and its challenges on your own.“My husband and I both work 9 to 5, so we are unavailable during the day for the most part. [Our therapist] was very willing to work with us to find a time that best suits us even if that time was out of her typical schedule."—ReGain tester, who is a newlywed in a long-distance relationshipThere are a few things to keep in mind, however, when considering ReGain. The therapy sessions are only 30 to 45 minutes long, which often left us feeling like we’d started a fight with our partner that we didn’t have the chance to finish. In addition, we had an experience with a therapist who seemed to make assumptions and project biases, leading to a lack of understanding and comfort. However, we found that most therapists were competent, welcoming, and skilled at moderating our couples sessions.Plans and PricingInsurance Accepted:No, and does not accept payment through flexible spending accounts (FSAs) or health savings accounts (HSAs)Subscription Required:YesOut-of-Pocket Costs:$65 to $90 per week, billed monthlyWhat Users SayWe surveyed 100 users of ReGain:87% rated ReGain as very good or excellent overall93% rated their therapist’s qualifications as very good or excellent98% said that most or all of their needs were met at ReGain98% are likely or very likely to recommend ReGain to a friend or someone like them11% were seeking treatment after a traumatic event

Best for Couples:ReGain

ReGainLearn MoreKey SpecsPrice:$65 to $90 per weekInsurance Accepted:NoTypes of Therapy:Individual, couples, relationshipsWhy We Chose ItReGain, a BetterHelp subsidiary, is our top pick for best trauma-informed and trauma-related couples and relationship counseling because it focuses solely on couples and relationship therapy. ReGain therapists specialize in a variety of issues, including trauma and grief.Pros & ConsProsThousands of licensed therapistsEducational resources availableLess expensive than many other online relationship therapy servicesSeveral communication options, including text and video or audio messagingConsHave to commit to a monthly payment planCan’t review therapist bios before signing upDoes not take insuranceOur TestingSix people from New York, South Dakota, Ohio, and the U.K. testedReGain’s couples and individual relationship therapy, and while we did not specifically seek help for trauma, it is hard to beat this company’s affordability and flexibility. In addition to employing therapists who specialize in trauma, ReGain offers helpful resources on developmental, childhood, and acute trauma that may be affecting your relationships. The company’s online resources also offer advice on whether you should seek trauma therapy.One of the things we appreciated the most about ReGain was the fact that we and our partners could access our sessions from different devices—which might come in handy if you are in different locations or it makes you more comfortable to have some physical distance from your partner when talking about something serious like emotional trauma. We also found that ReGain offers individual relationship counseling, so if you need to discuss a traumatic event that has affected your relationship but you don’t feel comfortable sharing that work with your partner, you can work one-on-one with a therapist to understand your relationship and its challenges on your own.“My husband and I both work 9 to 5, so we are unavailable during the day for the most part. [Our therapist] was very willing to work with us to find a time that best suits us even if that time was out of her typical schedule."—ReGain tester, who is a newlywed in a long-distance relationshipThere are a few things to keep in mind, however, when considering ReGain. The therapy sessions are only 30 to 45 minutes long, which often left us feeling like we’d started a fight with our partner that we didn’t have the chance to finish. In addition, we had an experience with a therapist who seemed to make assumptions and project biases, leading to a lack of understanding and comfort. However, we found that most therapists were competent, welcoming, and skilled at moderating our couples sessions.Plans and PricingInsurance Accepted:No, and does not accept payment through flexible spending accounts (FSAs) or health savings accounts (HSAs)Subscription Required:YesOut-of-Pocket Costs:$65 to $90 per week, billed monthlyWhat Users SayWe surveyed 100 users of ReGain:87% rated ReGain as very good or excellent overall93% rated their therapist’s qualifications as very good or excellent98% said that most or all of their needs were met at ReGain98% are likely or very likely to recommend ReGain to a friend or someone like them11% were seeking treatment after a traumatic event

ReGainLearn More

ReGain

ReGain Review Logo

Key SpecsPrice:$65 to $90 per weekInsurance Accepted:NoTypes of Therapy:Individual, couples, relationshipsWhy We Chose ItReGain, a BetterHelp subsidiary, is our top pick for best trauma-informed and trauma-related couples and relationship counseling because it focuses solely on couples and relationship therapy. ReGain therapists specialize in a variety of issues, including trauma and grief.Pros & ConsProsThousands of licensed therapistsEducational resources availableLess expensive than many other online relationship therapy servicesSeveral communication options, including text and video or audio messagingConsHave to commit to a monthly payment planCan’t review therapist bios before signing upDoes not take insuranceOur TestingSix people from New York, South Dakota, Ohio, and the U.K. testedReGain’s couples and individual relationship therapy, and while we did not specifically seek help for trauma, it is hard to beat this company’s affordability and flexibility. In addition to employing therapists who specialize in trauma, ReGain offers helpful resources on developmental, childhood, and acute trauma that may be affecting your relationships. The company’s online resources also offer advice on whether you should seek trauma therapy.One of the things we appreciated the most about ReGain was the fact that we and our partners could access our sessions from different devices—which might come in handy if you are in different locations or it makes you more comfortable to have some physical distance from your partner when talking about something serious like emotional trauma. We also found that ReGain offers individual relationship counseling, so if you need to discuss a traumatic event that has affected your relationship but you don’t feel comfortable sharing that work with your partner, you can work one-on-one with a therapist to understand your relationship and its challenges on your own.“My husband and I both work 9 to 5, so we are unavailable during the day for the most part. [Our therapist] was very willing to work with us to find a time that best suits us even if that time was out of her typical schedule."—ReGain tester, who is a newlywed in a long-distance relationshipThere are a few things to keep in mind, however, when considering ReGain. The therapy sessions are only 30 to 45 minutes long, which often left us feeling like we’d started a fight with our partner that we didn’t have the chance to finish. In addition, we had an experience with a therapist who seemed to make assumptions and project biases, leading to a lack of understanding and comfort. However, we found that most therapists were competent, welcoming, and skilled at moderating our couples sessions.Plans and PricingInsurance Accepted:No, and does not accept payment through flexible spending accounts (FSAs) or health savings accounts (HSAs)Subscription Required:YesOut-of-Pocket Costs:$65 to $90 per week, billed monthlyWhat Users SayWe surveyed 100 users of ReGain:87% rated ReGain as very good or excellent overall93% rated their therapist’s qualifications as very good or excellent98% said that most or all of their needs were met at ReGain98% are likely or very likely to recommend ReGain to a friend or someone like them11% were seeking treatment after a traumatic event

Price:$65 to $90 per weekInsurance Accepted:NoTypes of Therapy:Individual, couples, relationships

ReGain, a BetterHelp subsidiary, is our top pick for best trauma-informed and trauma-related couples and relationship counseling because it focuses solely on couples and relationship therapy. ReGain therapists specialize in a variety of issues, including trauma and grief.

ProsThousands of licensed therapistsEducational resources availableLess expensive than many other online relationship therapy servicesSeveral communication options, including text and video or audio messagingConsHave to commit to a monthly payment planCan’t review therapist bios before signing upDoes not take insurance

Thousands of licensed therapists

Educational resources available

Less expensive than many other online relationship therapy services

ConsHave to commit to a monthly payment planCan’t review therapist bios before signing upDoes not take insurance

Have to commit to a monthly payment plan

Can’t review therapist bios before signing up

Does not take insurance

Six people from New York, South Dakota, Ohio, and the U.K. testedReGain’s couples and individual relationship therapy, and while we did not specifically seek help for trauma, it is hard to beat this company’s affordability and flexibility. In addition to employing therapists who specialize in trauma, ReGain offers helpful resources on developmental, childhood, and acute trauma that may be affecting your relationships. The company’s online resources also offer advice on whether you should seek trauma therapy.One of the things we appreciated the most about ReGain was the fact that we and our partners could access our sessions from different devices—which might come in handy if you are in different locations or it makes you more comfortable to have some physical distance from your partner when talking about something serious like emotional trauma. We also found that ReGain offers individual relationship counseling, so if you need to discuss a traumatic event that has affected your relationship but you don’t feel comfortable sharing that work with your partner, you can work one-on-one with a therapist to understand your relationship and its challenges on your own.“My husband and I both work 9 to 5, so we are unavailable during the day for the most part. [Our therapist] was very willing to work with us to find a time that best suits us even if that time was out of her typical schedule."—ReGain tester, who is a newlywed in a long-distance relationshipThere are a few things to keep in mind, however, when considering ReGain. The therapy sessions are only 30 to 45 minutes long, which often left us feeling like we’d started a fight with our partner that we didn’t have the chance to finish. In addition, we had an experience with a therapist who seemed to make assumptions and project biases, leading to a lack of understanding and comfort. However, we found that most therapists were competent, welcoming, and skilled at moderating our couples sessions.

One of the things we appreciated the most about ReGain was the fact that we and our partners could access our sessions from different devices—which might come in handy if you are in different locations or it makes you more comfortable to have some physical distance from your partner when talking about something serious like emotional trauma. We also found that ReGain offers individual relationship counseling, so if you need to discuss a traumatic event that has affected your relationship but you don’t feel comfortable sharing that work with your partner, you can work one-on-one with a therapist to understand your relationship and its challenges on your own.

“My husband and I both work 9 to 5, so we are unavailable during the day for the most part. [Our therapist] was very willing to work with us to find a time that best suits us even if that time was out of her typical schedule."—ReGain tester, who is a newlywed in a long-distance relationship

—ReGain tester, who is a newlywed in a long-distance relationship

There are a few things to keep in mind, however, when considering ReGain. The therapy sessions are only 30 to 45 minutes long, which often left us feeling like we’d started a fight with our partner that we didn’t have the chance to finish. In addition, we had an experience with a therapist who seemed to make assumptions and project biases, leading to a lack of understanding and comfort. However, we found that most therapists were competent, welcoming, and skilled at moderating our couples sessions.

Insurance Accepted:No, and does not accept payment through flexible spending accounts (FSAs) or health savings accounts (HSAs)Subscription Required:YesOut-of-Pocket Costs:$65 to $90 per week, billed monthly

We surveyed 100 users of ReGain:87% rated ReGain as very good or excellent overall93% rated their therapist’s qualifications as very good or excellent98% said that most or all of their needs were met at ReGain98% are likely or very likely to recommend ReGain to a friend or someone like them11% were seeking treatment after a traumatic event

We surveyed 100 users of ReGain:

Best for Psychiatry:Talkiatry

Talkiatry logo

Price:Depends on your insurance (no self-pay options)Insurance Accepted:YesTypes of Therapy:Psychiatry, individual, children, teens

Many of Talkiatry’s board-certified psychiatrists specialize in treating post-traumatic stress disorder in addition to the symptoms of PTSD, including insomnia and anxiety.

ProsDiverse practitionersThorough psychiatrist biosAccepts insuranceSpecializes in PTSDPractitioners licensed in 43 statesConsNo self-pay optionsNo discounted subscription plansAsks for a lot of personal information before you’re able to schedule

ProsDiverse practitionersThorough psychiatrist biosAccepts insuranceSpecializes in PTSDPractitioners licensed in 43 states

Diverse practitioners

Thorough psychiatrist bios

Accepts insurance

Specializes in PTSD

Practitioners licensed in 43 states

ConsNo self-pay optionsNo discounted subscription plansAsks for a lot of personal information before you’re able to schedule

No self-pay options

No discounted subscription plans

Asks for a lot of personal information before you’re able to schedule

We asked two different people in New York to testTalkiatry, and our experience was overall very positive. One of the things that stood out to us the most was that Talkiatry’s psychiatry sessions are twice as long as those of any of its competitors—each session lasts a full hour. This is imperative when diving into trauma work, as short sessions can leave you vulnerable and upset if you don’t have time to work through everything the session has brought up for you.Listing “PTSD” as one of the main specialties on its homepage, Talkiatry employs providers who can work with trauma-specific techniques, including eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)—an approach that is considered the gold standard in trauma work. Talkiatry also layers psychiatric care with cultural diversity to deliver trauma treatment, prioritizing hiring and serving people from diverse backgrounds and with diverse identities. This is especially important when dealing with trauma that occurred because of racism or homophobia.Talkiatry also stands out because it accepts insurance, which is difficult to find in the psychiatry world. It takes most major insurance policies and makes sure you’re covered before you begin. It’s important to note, however, that Talkiatryonlyaccepts insurance—you cannot pay out of pocket for its services. This means that those who are uninsured cannot access Talkiatry.

Listing “PTSD” as one of the main specialties on its homepage, Talkiatry employs providers who can work with trauma-specific techniques, including eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)—an approach that is considered the gold standard in trauma work. Talkiatry also layers psychiatric care with cultural diversity to deliver trauma treatment, prioritizing hiring and serving people from diverse backgrounds and with diverse identities. This is especially important when dealing with trauma that occurred because of racism or homophobia.

Talkiatry also stands out because it accepts insurance, which is difficult to find in the psychiatry world. It takes most major insurance policies and makes sure you’re covered before you begin. It’s important to note, however, that Talkiatryonlyaccepts insurance—you cannot pay out of pocket for its services. This means that those who are uninsured cannot access Talkiatry.

We surveyed 100 users of Talkiatry:86% rated Talkiatry as very good or excellent overall87% rated their therapist’s qualifications as very good or excellent96% said that most or all of their needs were met at Talkiatry95% are likely or very likely to recommend Talkiatry to a friend or someone like them21% were seeking treatment after a traumatic event

We surveyed 100 users of Talkiatry:

Talkiatry Review

Best for Religious Trauma:Reclamation Collective

Reclamation CollectiveLearn More

Reclamation Collective

Reclamation Collective Logo

Like other trauma, adverse religious experiences can shake your sense of safety and connection. The Reclamation Collective’s mission is to hold space for those who have experienced religious trauma and spiritual abuse.

Providers specifically address religious trauma

Diverse collection of additional resources

ConsSmall directoryRudimentary user interface

Small directory

Rudimentary user interface

In addition to a directory of counselors who specialize in religious trauma, the Reclamation Collective also offers online classes and support groups, in-person events and retreats, and other resources. One such resource is known as a “Ritual Circle,” which is a group experience specifically for the purpose of reclaiming spirituality after experiencing trauma with a religious community.

Although we did not survey users of this company, we are confident in recommending the Reclamation Collective directory because of its specific focus on religious trauma and its wide array of additional resources that can give much-needed support to anyone who has had a traumatic experience at the hands of a religious organization, community, or individual.

Best Directory:Choosing Therapy

Choosing Therapy

Out of the 25 online therapy directories that we evaluated, Choosing Therapy ranked among the highest in terms of overall experience and had the most appropriate provider choices for trauma treatment.

ProsRegistered therapists in all 50 U.S. statesEasily searchable directoryDetailed therapist biosCan find therapists who specialize in traumaConsPrices vary depending on location and therapistNot all therapists are licensedNo psychiatric care

ProsRegistered therapists in all 50 U.S. statesEasily searchable directoryDetailed therapist biosCan find therapists who specialize in trauma

Registered therapists in all 50 U.S. states

Easily searchable directory

Detailed therapist bios

Can find therapists who specialize in trauma

ConsPrices vary depending on location and therapistNot all therapists are licensedNo psychiatric care

Prices vary depending on location and therapist

Not all therapists are licensed

No psychiatric care

We tested theChoosing Therapyonline directory in 18 different ZIP codes and across 37 different scenarios in which someone might be looking for online therapy. Choosing Therapy performed well when searching for a provider of trauma work for survivors of family abuse as well as for sexual assault survivors—two scenarios for which it was particularly difficult to find appropriate therapists in the other 24 online therapy directories we tried.

The volume of therapists in the Choosing Therapy directory, combined with the number of helpful articles about everything from EMDR therapy and grief counseling to how to prepare for your first-ever therapy session, make Choosing Therapy a one-stop shop for trauma treatment, psychoeducation, and easy scheduling. The providers listed in the Choosing Therapy directory cover nearly everything, including child mental health, trauma therapy, gender identity and transgender health, and race and cultural identity. While it doesn’t include listings for psychiatrists or groups, it is easy to search for appropriate therapists using the “PTSD” or “Trauma” specialty filters when narrowing down your choices.

We surveyed 100 users of Choosing Therapy:88% rated Choosing Therapy as very good or excellent overall87% rated their therapist’s qualifications as very good or excellent96% said that most or all of their needs were met at Choosing Therapy96% are likely or very likely to recommend Choosing Therapy to a friend or someone like them13% were seeking treatment after a traumatic event

We surveyed 100 users of Choosing Therapy:

Compare the Best Online Trauma Counseling

Guide to Choosing the Best Online Trauma Therapy

Factors to consider when choosing online counseling for trauma include:

Online trauma counseling is right for anyone ready to address the impact of traumatic events they’ve been a part of, witnessed, or heard about, or who is concerned about some commonly occurring mental and physical health challenges, including depression, insomnia, and substance use.

Online counseling may be better than in-person if you feel more safe in your own space. Others might find the establishment of a “safe space” in a therapist’s office more grounding.

What If I’m Having Thoughts of Harming Myself?

If you are in crisis, having suicidal thoughts, or feel you may harm yourself, call 988, the national suicide and crisis lifeline. This is not the time to seek help through a therapy or psychiatry website. The trained staff at the suicide and crisis lifeline can help you address and deal with immediate mental health issues. This number is preferred over 911, where the first responders are the police and the person who takes the 911 call may have little training in or experience with mental health issues.

If you are considering calling 988, please know that your local police department may be notified of the emergency if the situation is severe and will often be the first to respond. This type of intervention can be traumatic and often damaging or fatal, particularly in communities of color that may have experienced police brutality and tension.

Frequently Asked Questions

Trauma-informed therapy is a method of applying compassion, clarity, and cultural humility to each session, so individual clients can start to feel safe during therapy sessions. Trauma-informed therapists try to avoid triggering a trauma or stress response.

Post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, is the long-term effect of unprocessed trauma. For someone to have a PTSD diagnosis, they must have been involved in, witnessed, or heard about a traumatic event or have been repeatedly exposed to details from traumatic events.For a PTSD diagnosis, you must also have recurrent intrusive negative thoughts, recurrent disturbing dreams, dissociative responses like having flashbacks, and experience intense and prolonged psychological distress and physiological responses when exposed to reminders of traumatic events or experiences.

For a PTSD diagnosis, you must also have recurrent intrusive negative thoughts, recurrent disturbing dreams, dissociative responses like having flashbacks, and experience intense and prolonged psychological distress and physiological responses when exposed to reminders of traumatic events or experiences.

For some trauma-focused therapies, like narrative exposure therapy, research shows that 12 to 20 weekly 60-minute sessions can have positive outcomes for easing symptoms of PTSD.That said, it can be hard to predict how long therapy will take to treat trauma and common co-occurring conditions, like substance use. Your therapist or psychiatrist will develop a treatment plan based on your unique needs.

Generally, during initial therapy sessions, your therapist or psychiatrist will ask questions about the challenges you are facing and why you are in treatment. They may run assessments to evaluate the level of trauma you’ve been exposed to, the severity of depression and anxiety you’re experiencing, and more. At the end of the first session, they may make a diagnosis, particularly if you are using insurance and a diagnosis is required for coverage or reimbursement.

Some studies suggest that you need to have a memory in order to process trauma, while other research acknowledges that remembering details from traumatic events is often difficult.Much of the experience may live in your implicit (or unconscious) memory, and be hard to access or articulate with words.“Your body reacts to trauma whether or not it forms a lasting working memory,” explains Owens. “Often, unexplained physical symptoms and emotional defense mechanisms can be traced back to a past trauma even if the memory of the trauma is buried.”

Studies of some modalities, like trauma-focusedcognitive behavioral therapyandEMDR, suggest that online and in-person sessions are equally effective.You may also find that you feel more relaxed and safe in your own home or space. For folks who are experiencing overwhelm, travel to a therapist’s office and the time it takes may cause additional stress.

Specifically, we evaluated each company on website usability, sign-up process, subscription offerings, client privacy protections, and how easy it is to change therapists. We then looked at therapist qualifications, the types of therapy that offered quality of care, client-therapist communication options, session length, medication management practices, and the therapist assignment process. Finally, we looked at cost, value for money, whether the company takes insurance, overall user satisfaction, and the likelihood that clients would recommend them.Read our full online therapy methodology to see how we evaluated each service.

To evaluate directories, we looked at 25 sites and surveyed 100 users of each. For more details,read our online therapy directory review methodology.

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Psychologist with patient discussing over smart phone

Article SourcesVerywell 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.Schrader C, Ross A.A review of PTSD and current treatment strategies.Mo Med.2021;118(6):546-551.American Psychological Association.Clinical practice guideline for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder: Narrative exposure therapy (NET).Bisson JI, Ariti C, Cullen K, et al.Guided, internet based, cognitive behavioural therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder: pragmatic, multicentre, randomised controlled non-inferiority trial (Rapid).BMJ. 2022;377:e069405. doi:10.1136/bmj-2021-069405Watkins LE, Sprang KR, Rothbaum BO.Treating PTSD: a review of evidence-based psychotherapy interventions.Front Behav Neurosci.2018;12:258. doi:10.3389/fnbeh.2018.00258Ranjbar N, Erb M, Mohammad O, Moreno FA.Trauma-informed care and cultural humility in the mental health care of people from minoritized communities.Focus (Am Psychiatr Publ). 2020;18(1):8-15. doi:10.1176/appi.focus.20190027May H, Paskell R, Davies C, Hamilton-Giachritsis C.Having permission not to remember: perspectives on interventions for post-traumatic stress disorder in the absence of trauma memory.Eur J Psychotraumatol. 2022;13(1):2055295. doi:10.1080/20008198.2022.2055295Damis LF.The role of implicit memory in the development and recovery from trauma-related disorders.NeuroSci. 2022;3(1):63-88. doi:10.3390/neurosci3010005Mischler C, Hofmann A, Behnke A, et al.Therapists’ experiences with the effectiveness and feasibility of videoconference-based eye movement desensitization and reprocessing.Front Psychol. 2021;12:748712. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2021.748712

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.Schrader C, Ross A.A review of PTSD and current treatment strategies.Mo Med.2021;118(6):546-551.American Psychological Association.Clinical practice guideline for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder: Narrative exposure therapy (NET).Bisson JI, Ariti C, Cullen K, et al.Guided, internet based, cognitive behavioural therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder: pragmatic, multicentre, randomised controlled non-inferiority trial (Rapid).BMJ. 2022;377:e069405. doi:10.1136/bmj-2021-069405Watkins LE, Sprang KR, Rothbaum BO.Treating PTSD: a review of evidence-based psychotherapy interventions.Front Behav Neurosci.2018;12:258. doi:10.3389/fnbeh.2018.00258Ranjbar N, Erb M, Mohammad O, Moreno FA.Trauma-informed care and cultural humility in the mental health care of people from minoritized communities.Focus (Am Psychiatr Publ). 2020;18(1):8-15. doi:10.1176/appi.focus.20190027May H, Paskell R, Davies C, Hamilton-Giachritsis C.Having permission not to remember: perspectives on interventions for post-traumatic stress disorder in the absence of trauma memory.Eur J Psychotraumatol. 2022;13(1):2055295. doi:10.1080/20008198.2022.2055295Damis LF.The role of implicit memory in the development and recovery from trauma-related disorders.NeuroSci. 2022;3(1):63-88. doi:10.3390/neurosci3010005Mischler C, Hofmann A, Behnke A, et al.Therapists’ experiences with the effectiveness and feasibility of videoconference-based eye movement desensitization and reprocessing.Front Psychol. 2021;12:748712. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2021.748712

Schrader C, Ross A.A review of PTSD and current treatment strategies.Mo Med.2021;118(6):546-551.American Psychological Association.Clinical practice guideline for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder: Narrative exposure therapy (NET).Bisson JI, Ariti C, Cullen K, et al.Guided, internet based, cognitive behavioural therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder: pragmatic, multicentre, randomised controlled non-inferiority trial (Rapid).BMJ. 2022;377:e069405. doi:10.1136/bmj-2021-069405Watkins LE, Sprang KR, Rothbaum BO.Treating PTSD: a review of evidence-based psychotherapy interventions.Front Behav Neurosci.2018;12:258. doi:10.3389/fnbeh.2018.00258Ranjbar N, Erb M, Mohammad O, Moreno FA.Trauma-informed care and cultural humility in the mental health care of people from minoritized communities.Focus (Am Psychiatr Publ). 2020;18(1):8-15. doi:10.1176/appi.focus.20190027May H, Paskell R, Davies C, Hamilton-Giachritsis C.Having permission not to remember: perspectives on interventions for post-traumatic stress disorder in the absence of trauma memory.Eur J Psychotraumatol. 2022;13(1):2055295. doi:10.1080/20008198.2022.2055295Damis LF.The role of implicit memory in the development and recovery from trauma-related disorders.NeuroSci. 2022;3(1):63-88. doi:10.3390/neurosci3010005Mischler C, Hofmann A, Behnke A, et al.Therapists’ experiences with the effectiveness and feasibility of videoconference-based eye movement desensitization and reprocessing.Front Psychol. 2021;12:748712. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2021.748712

Schrader C, Ross A.A review of PTSD and current treatment strategies.Mo Med.2021;118(6):546-551.

American Psychological Association.Clinical practice guideline for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder: Narrative exposure therapy (NET).

Bisson JI, Ariti C, Cullen K, et al.Guided, internet based, cognitive behavioural therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder: pragmatic, multicentre, randomised controlled non-inferiority trial (Rapid).BMJ. 2022;377:e069405. doi:10.1136/bmj-2021-069405

Watkins LE, Sprang KR, Rothbaum BO.Treating PTSD: a review of evidence-based psychotherapy interventions.Front Behav Neurosci.2018;12:258. doi:10.3389/fnbeh.2018.00258

Ranjbar N, Erb M, Mohammad O, Moreno FA.Trauma-informed care and cultural humility in the mental health care of people from minoritized communities.Focus (Am Psychiatr Publ). 2020;18(1):8-15. doi:10.1176/appi.focus.20190027

May H, Paskell R, Davies C, Hamilton-Giachritsis C.Having permission not to remember: perspectives on interventions for post-traumatic stress disorder in the absence of trauma memory.Eur J Psychotraumatol. 2022;13(1):2055295. doi:10.1080/20008198.2022.2055295

Damis LF.The role of implicit memory in the development and recovery from trauma-related disorders.NeuroSci. 2022;3(1):63-88. doi:10.3390/neurosci3010005

Mischler C, Hofmann A, Behnke A, et al.Therapists’ experiences with the effectiveness and feasibility of videoconference-based eye movement desensitization and reprocessing.Front Psychol. 2021;12:748712. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2021.748712

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