Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)can feel daunting to live with. About 2.3% of adults in the United States will be diagnosed with OCD at some point in their lifetime, and nearly half of American adults living with OCD experience it as severely debilitating. Common behaviors can include rituals of handwashing or tapping items before walking through a door. Other times, OCD might present as intrusive thoughts that individuals direct at themselves or others.Finding treatment for OCD can feel especially complicated when factoring in cost, travel time, and the labor offinding a therapistwho is the right fit for you. This is why we rounded up thebest online therapyfor OCD.Despite the seriousness of this condition, it is possible to find an OCD therapist online. Online therapy offers anopportunity to heal from the comfort of your homewhile eliminating the stress of traffic, parking, and physically getting into the therapy room. We surveyed 100 users of these online therapy companies, as well as 100 users of online therapy directories, in order to better understand their services. We alsotested 55 online therapy companiesourselves and asked subject matter expertsHannah Owens, LMSW, andAmy Marschall, PsyD, for insight into the value of these services. There are plenty of options out there, and we’re confident you may meet your perfect match among some of our top picks for the best online OCD therapy.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)can feel daunting to live with. About 2.3% of adults in the United States will be diagnosed with OCD at some point in their lifetime, and nearly half of American adults living with OCD experience it as severely debilitating. Common behaviors can include rituals of handwashing or tapping items before walking through a door. Other times, OCD might present as intrusive thoughts that individuals direct at themselves or others.Finding treatment for OCD can feel especially complicated when factoring in cost, travel time, and the labor offinding a therapistwho is the right fit for you. This is why we rounded up thebest online therapyfor OCD.
Despite the seriousness of this condition, it is possible to find an OCD therapist online. Online therapy offers anopportunity to heal from the comfort of your homewhile eliminating the stress of traffic, parking, and physically getting into the therapy room. We surveyed 100 users of these online therapy companies, as well as 100 users of online therapy directories, in order to better understand their services. We alsotested 55 online therapy companiesourselves and asked subject matter expertsHannah Owens, LMSW, andAmy Marschall, PsyD, for insight into the value of these services. There are plenty of options out there, and we’re confident you may meet your perfect match among some of our top picks for the best online OCD therapy.
The 9 Best Online OCD ServicesMost Comprehensive:NOCDBest for CBT Therapy:Online-Therapy.comBest for People With OCD and ADHD:WellniteBest for Psychiatry:TalkiatryBest With Insurance:AmwellBest Value:BrightsideBest Availability:ThriveworksBest for Low-Fee Sessions:Open Path CollectiveBest Inclusive Directory:National Queer and Trans Therapists of Color Network
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
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.
We Tested Online OCD Services So You Don’t Have To—Here, 9 Expert-Approved PicksView AllWe Tested Online OCD Services So You Don’t Have To—Here, 9 Expert-Approved PicksOur Top PicksNOCDOnline-Therapy.comWellniteTalkiatryAmwellBrightsideThriveworksOpen Path CollectiveNational Queer and Trans Therapists of Color NetworkSee More (6)Compare ProvidersGuide to ChoosingIs Online Therapy for OCD Right for Me?FAQsHow We Tested and Reviewed
We Tested Online OCD Services So You Don’t Have To—Here, 9 Expert-Approved PicksView All
View All
We Tested Online OCD Services So You Don’t Have To—Here, 9 Expert-Approved Picks
Guide to Choosing
Is Online Therapy for OCD Right for Me?
FAQs
How We Tested and Reviewed
Most Comprehensive:NOCD
Learn More
Why We Chose It
NOCD is a unique online therapy platform that specializes in treating OCD. We chose it as the most comprehensive online therapy treatment for OCD because of its effective treatment modalities (including exposure and response prevention therapy, considered the gold standard in OCD treatment), range of insurance plans accepted, and strengths-based approach. We especially appreciate that it offers services for children and teens and even has 24/7 support available.
Pros & Cons
ProsAccepts insuranceOffered in all 50 statesTreats all OCD subtypesOffers therapy for children (ages 5 and up) and teensOffers 24/7 supportHas an appUses exposure and response prevention therapyConsOut-of-pocket fees are expensiveOnly offers one treatment modalityDoesn’t accept Medicaid
ProsAccepts insuranceOffered in all 50 statesTreats all OCD subtypesOffers therapy for children (ages 5 and up) and teensOffers 24/7 supportHas an appUses exposure and response prevention therapy
Accepts insurance
Offered in all 50 states
Treats all OCD subtypes
Offers therapy for children (ages 5 and up) and teens
Offers 24/7 support
Has an app
Uses exposure and response prevention therapy
ConsOut-of-pocket fees are expensiveOnly offers one treatment modalityDoesn’t accept Medicaid
Out-of-pocket fees are expensive
Only offers one treatment modality
Doesn’t accept Medicaid
Our Testing
We testedNOCDfrom Massachusetts and found it to be a fantastic fit for those with OCD due to its range of qualified providers with specialized experience in OCD treatment. Our user experience was fantastic, beginning with the easy-to-navigate site that even had a directory listing all of its clinicians. We appreciated this detail because it gave us the opportunity to get a feel for our therapist options before committing.During the first few sessions, the focus was on history-taking, with special attention paid to family dynamics and our overall mental health. From there, goals were created, specifically honing in on our most bothersome symptoms of OCD. After our goals were established, we then beganexposure and response prevention (ERP) therapy exercises. We were thrilled to use this modality, considering it is the recommended treatment for OCD. “Exposure and response prevention therapy, a sub-type ofcognitive behavioral therapy, is considered the gold standard when treating OCD,” says subject matter expert Hannah Owens, LMSW. We loved that the work began pretty quickly in the therapeutic relationship. Plus, we could message our therapist any time between sessions.NOCD is intense—you can expect to be in two sessions per week for at least the first four weeks. This might be tricky for those who work, have children, or are in school full-time. NOCD generally discourages switching therapists so clients can maintain consistency, which may be problematic for some. But just because it is discouraged doesn’t mean it isn’t possible.
We testedNOCDfrom Massachusetts and found it to be a fantastic fit for those with OCD due to its range of qualified providers with specialized experience in OCD treatment. Our user experience was fantastic, beginning with the easy-to-navigate site that even had a directory listing all of its clinicians. We appreciated this detail because it gave us the opportunity to get a feel for our therapist options before committing.
During the first few sessions, the focus was on history-taking, with special attention paid to family dynamics and our overall mental health. From there, goals were created, specifically honing in on our most bothersome symptoms of OCD. After our goals were established, we then beganexposure and response prevention (ERP) therapy exercises. We were thrilled to use this modality, considering it is the recommended treatment for OCD. “Exposure and response prevention therapy, a sub-type ofcognitive behavioral therapy, is considered the gold standard when treating OCD,” says subject matter expert Hannah Owens, LMSW. We loved that the work began pretty quickly in the therapeutic relationship. Plus, we could message our therapist any time between sessions.
NOCD is intense—you can expect to be in two sessions per week for at least the first four weeks. This might be tricky for those who work, have children, or are in school full-time. NOCD generally discourages switching therapists so clients can maintain consistency, which may be problematic for some. But just because it is discouraged doesn’t mean it isn’t possible.
Plans & Pricing
What Users Say
We surveyed 100 users of NOCD:88% rated NOCD as very good or excellent overall94% rated their therapist’s qualifications as very good or excellent95% said that most or all of their needs were met at NOCD97% said they were likely or very likely to recommend NOCD to a friend or someone like them51% said that NOCD was better or much better than other services they’d used in the past
We surveyed 100 users of NOCD:
Read the FullNOCD Online Therapy Review
Best for CBT Therapy:Online-Therapy.com
Price:$200-$440 per monthIs Insurance Accepted?:NoType Of Therapy:Couples Therapy, Individual TherapyLearn More
Cognitive behavioral therapyis one of the recommended therapy modalities for OCD and can even be just as effective as medication.We chose Online-Therapy.com as the best online service for CBT therapy because it focuses exclusively on CBT, offers unlimited messaging, and has plenty of homework you can complete between sessions. While it doesn’t accept insurance, it has a wealth of resources, giving you a lot of bang for your buck.
ProsSpecializes in CBTPlenty of resources to use between sessionsLive video, audio, and chat messagingEasy to change therapistsCan message your therapist between sessionsConsDoesn’t accept insuranceTherapists cannot provide diagnoses
ProsSpecializes in CBTPlenty of resources to use between sessionsLive video, audio, and chat messagingEasy to change therapistsCan message your therapist between sessions
Specializes in CBT
Plenty of resources to use between sessions
Live video, audio, and chat messaging
Easy to change therapists
Can message your therapist between sessions
ConsDoesn’t accept insuranceTherapists cannot provide diagnoses
Doesn’t accept insurance
Therapists cannot provide diagnoses
We asked five people from New York, South Dakota, Michigan, California, and Pennsylvania to testOnline-Therapy.comand we found it to be a well-rounded platform that lives up to its mission of offering effective cognitive-behavioral tools. We liked the various modes of communication, the ease of changing therapists, the flexible scheduling, and the affordable price tag.
“I did appreciate that there was a lot of flexibility in my therapist’s schedule. There was an option to chose sessions very early in the morning up until 9 p.m. Almost anyone could find a time within their schedule to meet."—Online-Therapy.com tester, who sought support as a new mother
“I did appreciate that there was a lot of flexibility in my therapist’s schedule. There was an option to chose sessions very early in the morning up until 9 p.m. Almost anyone could find a time within their schedule to meet.”
—Online-Therapy.com tester, who sought support as a new mother
We’ll be honest—our experience wasn’t without hiccups. We had a therapist who seemed distracted during sessions and then didn’t seem to remember which homework they’d given to us. We also experienced some technical difficulties and had to switch therapists to find our perfect match. It’s also worth noting that the qualifications among providers range from licensed clinical social workers and marriage and family therapists to clinical counselors. This means that each provider’s training will vary significantly and that not every provider is technically a licensed therapist. Additionally, the service is best for those who already have a diagnosis of OCD since Online-Therapy.com providers do not offer diagnoses.
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; 20% discount for the first month
We surveyed 100 users of Online-Therapy.com:89% rated Online-Therapy.com as very good or excellent overall88% rated their therapist’s qualifications as very good or excellent95% said that most or all of their needs were met at Online-Therapy.com99% said they were likely or very likely to recommend Online-Therapy.com to a friend or someone like them4% were seeking treatment for OCD
We surveyed 100 users of Online-Therapy.com:
Read the FullWe Tried Online-Therapy.com - These Were Our Experiences
Best for People With OCD and ADHD:Wellnite
Price:$95 per month (charged bi-weekly) for medication management only; $450 per month for regular therapy sessions; $245 per month for medication management and 1-2 monthly therapyIs Insurance Accepted?:YesType Of Therapy:Individual Therapy, Medication ManagementLearn More
Almost 12% of individuals living with OCD also have ADHD, making it incredibly important to access providers who are versed in treating both of these conditions.Despite this statistic, it can be challenging to find high-quality online care that can treat multiple mental health conditions—and Wellnite does just that. Wellnite is a dynamic mental health platform that offers cognitive behavioral therapy for those experiencing both OCD and ADHD. We appreciate its warm providers, ability to get an appointment quickly, and reasonable price points.
ProsAccepts insuranceReasonable out-of-pocket price pointsProviders have great bedside mannerAbility to begin seeing a therapist within just 24 hoursConsFormat of sessions can be informalDoesn’t match you with a therapist
ProsAccepts insuranceReasonable out-of-pocket price pointsProviders have great bedside mannerAbility to begin seeing a therapist within just 24 hours
Reasonable out-of-pocket price points
Providers have great bedside manner
Ability to begin seeing a therapist within just 24 hours
ConsFormat of sessions can be informalDoesn’t match you with a therapist
Format of sessions can be informal
Doesn’t match you with a therapist
We testedWellnitefrom Texas and Massachusetts and, although we had some technical issues and had to switch therapists a few times, we ultimately found Wellnite to be an excellent provider of high-quality therapy and appreciated the variety of therapy techniques used. For example, we tried working with an art therapist and then switched to a solution-focused therapist. We noticed that many providers fuse therapeutic styles, incorporating the tenets of cognitive behavioral therapy with other modalities. Wellnite also claims that it can treat both OCD and ADHD, an unusual combination in the world of online therapy.
Some things to be aware of: When browsing providers, you can’t filter based on condition. This can make the process of finding a therapist take longer, but you can always reach out to customer service for help. The initial session is only 30 minutes long, but afterward, you can choose if you’d like to continue with 30-minute, 45-minute, or 60-minute sessions. In our experience, we think the initial session should be 60 minutes long so there is adequate time to build rapport and discuss treatment goals. We were able to choose our own provider, which may be overwhelming for some but is fantastic for those who have a specific idea of what they’re looking for in a therapist. It is also easy to switch therapists, in case your first one isn’t a fit.
We surveyed 100 users of Wellnite:88% rated Wellnite as very good or excellent overall94% rated their therapist’s qualifications as very good or excellent95% said that most or all of their needs were met at Wellnite98% said they were likely or very likely to recommend Wellnite to a friend or someone like them6% were seeking treatment for OCD
We surveyed 100 users of Wellnite:
Best for Psychiatry:Talkiatry
Price:Depends on your insuranceIs Insurance Accepted?:Yes. BCBS, Optum, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, Medicare, and othersType Of Therapy:Individual Therapy, Medication Management, PsychiatryLearn More
ProsAccepts insuranceSessions are long and comprehensiveNo limitations on types of medications prescribedCan be referred to talk therapy as part of treatmentConsOnly available to those with insuranceDoesn’t accept Medicaid
ProsAccepts insuranceSessions are long and comprehensiveNo limitations on types of medications prescribedCan be referred to talk therapy as part of treatment
Sessions are long and comprehensive
No limitations on types of medications prescribed
Can be referred to talk therapy as part of treatment
ConsOnly available to those with insuranceDoesn’t accept Medicaid
Only available to those with insurance
We testedTalkiatrytwice from New York and were impressed with its lengthy appointments, acceptance of insurance, and the way it sends prescriptions directly to your pharmacy. Seeking out medication management and psychiatry can be difficult—it tends to be expensive, plus it can be nerve-wracking to trust a stranger to prescribe you pills. To add to that, it is common for initial intake sessions to be 30 minutes and follow-up sessions just 15 minutes. Instead, Talkiatry offers an hour-long initial session and 30-minute follow-ups.OCD is often treated withselective serotonin reuptake inhibitors(SSRIs), which are a type of anti-depressant, in conjunction with talk therapy.While Talkiatry primarily focuses on psychiatry, it also has a roster of therapists that the staff psychiatrists may refer clients to as part of their treatment plan. We love this holistic approach to mental health care. Talkiatry listed its specialties asADHD,anxiety,bipolar disorder,depression, OCD, andPTSD. After we chose the specialty that pertained to us (which would include clicking OCD), we were asked if we were struggling with any other issues. There also were some questions to assess for our current functioning, if we’re using drugs, and if we’re having suicidal thoughts. From there, we were matched with a provider.Some psychiatrists offered to order blood work through our primary care provider in the initial appointment, which only served as further evidence of Talkiatry’s commitment to medically sound and effective care. That being said, we did have a lackluster experience with one of our first providers. They were cold and clinical, leaving us eager to switch practitioners. To do so, we had to call customer service. While that turned into a bit of an ordeal, we ended up feeling much better about the new psychiatrist. Just a heads-up—Talkiatry is not accessible without insurance, so paying out of pocket is not possible.
We testedTalkiatrytwice from New York and were impressed with its lengthy appointments, acceptance of insurance, and the way it sends prescriptions directly to your pharmacy. Seeking out medication management and psychiatry can be difficult—it tends to be expensive, plus it can be nerve-wracking to trust a stranger to prescribe you pills. To add to that, it is common for initial intake sessions to be 30 minutes and follow-up sessions just 15 minutes. Instead, Talkiatry offers an hour-long initial session and 30-minute follow-ups.
OCD is often treated withselective serotonin reuptake inhibitors(SSRIs), which are a type of anti-depressant, in conjunction with talk therapy.While Talkiatry primarily focuses on psychiatry, it also has a roster of therapists that the staff psychiatrists may refer clients to as part of their treatment plan. We love this holistic approach to mental health care. Talkiatry listed its specialties asADHD,anxiety,bipolar disorder,depression, OCD, andPTSD. After we chose the specialty that pertained to us (which would include clicking OCD), we were asked if we were struggling with any other issues. There also were some questions to assess for our current functioning, if we’re using drugs, and if we’re having suicidal thoughts. From there, we were matched with a provider.
Some psychiatrists offered to order blood work through our primary care provider in the initial appointment, which only served as further evidence of Talkiatry’s commitment to medically sound and effective care. That being said, we did have a lackluster experience with one of our first providers. They were cold and clinical, leaving us eager to switch practitioners. To do so, we had to call customer service. While that turned into a bit of an ordeal, we ended up feeling much better about the new psychiatrist. Just a heads-up—Talkiatry is not accessible without insurance, so paying out of pocket is not possible.
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 them9% were seeking treatment for OCD
We surveyed 100 users of Talkiatry:
Best With Insurance:Amwell
Price:Up to $99Is Insurance Accepted?:YesType Of Therapy:Couples Therapy, Family Therapy, Individual Therapy, Medication Management, Psychiatry, Teen CounselingLearn More
Amwell offers efficient telehealth services and accepts a wide variety of insurance plans. Plus, you can book an appointment within a few days, and switching therapists is ultra-easy. Being able to use your health insurance can lessen stress and allow you to truly focus on beginning to address your OCD symptoms and feel better. Plus, Amwell offers medication management and psychiatry, allowing you to get all your OCD-related needs met under one roof.
ProsAccepts many insurance plansLow commitment—pay per sessionWide range of treatment modalitiesEasy to switch therapistsMedication management and therapy availableConsWebsite is hard to navigateCan’t view therapist bios until sign-up
ProsAccepts many insurance plansLow commitment—pay per sessionWide range of treatment modalitiesEasy to switch therapistsMedication management and therapy available
Accepts many insurance plans
Low commitment—pay per session
Wide range of treatment modalities
Easy to switch therapists
Medication management and therapy available
ConsWebsite is hard to navigateCan’t view therapist bios until sign-up
Website is hard to navigate
Can’t view therapist bios until sign-up
We know that making the decision to seek treatment for OCD can be hard enough—you don’t need to jump through extra hoops to find a provider that will accept your insurance. In fact, trying to find a provider you like that takes your insurance can be extremely complicated.Amwellaccepts most major insurance plans and lets you switch providers easily, allowing you to find the perfect in-network therapist or psychiatrist.We asked nine people to test Amwell from North Carolina, Kentucky, Missouri, California, Mississippi, Florida, and New York. Overall, we were pleased with our experiences with adult therapy. Signing up is super quick and you can browse provider profiles to see which one feels like a fit. Amwell is super clear on its website that it treats a variety of conditions, including OCD, and in the event we didn’t feel connected with our therapist, we were able to switch quickly. To switch, we simply booked an appointment with a different provider—it is a pay-per-session model, which is perfect for those who aren’t sure they’re ready to commit to a full month, especially if you’re paying out of pocket and don’t want to pay a large sum upfront.“In the first appointment, [the therapist] offered up some ideas for vitamins to take, books to read, and breathing techniques, which was nice to have in the toolkit."—Amwell tester, who was looking for individual therapy for postpartum supportProviders have a variety of qualifications. You can expect to choose from clinical social workers, marriage and family therapists, psychologists, and professional counselors. There are also nurse practitioners, psychiatrists, and general practitioners available for medication management and psychiatry. The most troublesome part of Amwell? The platform it uses for video sessions. We experienced various technical difficulties, some of which led to canceled or rescheduled sessions. If this happens to you, don’t be afraid to call customer service for some extra support.
We know that making the decision to seek treatment for OCD can be hard enough—you don’t need to jump through extra hoops to find a provider that will accept your insurance. In fact, trying to find a provider you like that takes your insurance can be extremely complicated.Amwellaccepts most major insurance plans and lets you switch providers easily, allowing you to find the perfect in-network therapist or psychiatrist.
We asked nine people to test Amwell from North Carolina, Kentucky, Missouri, California, Mississippi, Florida, and New York. Overall, we were pleased with our experiences with adult therapy. Signing up is super quick and you can browse provider profiles to see which one feels like a fit. Amwell is super clear on its website that it treats a variety of conditions, including OCD, and in the event we didn’t feel connected with our therapist, we were able to switch quickly. To switch, we simply booked an appointment with a different provider—it is a pay-per-session model, which is perfect for those who aren’t sure they’re ready to commit to a full month, especially if you’re paying out of pocket and don’t want to pay a large sum upfront.
“In the first appointment, [the therapist] offered up some ideas for vitamins to take, books to read, and breathing techniques, which was nice to have in the toolkit."—Amwell tester, who was looking for individual therapy for postpartum support
“In the first appointment, [the therapist] offered up some ideas for vitamins to take, books to read, and breathing techniques, which was nice to have in the toolkit.”
—Amwell tester, who was looking for individual therapy for postpartum support
Providers have a variety of qualifications. You can expect to choose from clinical social workers, marriage and family therapists, psychologists, and professional counselors. There are also nurse practitioners, psychiatrists, and general practitioners available for medication management and psychiatry. The most troublesome part of Amwell? The platform it uses for video sessions. We experienced various technical difficulties, some of which led to canceled or rescheduled sessions. If this happens to you, don’t be afraid to call customer service for some extra support.
We surveyed 100 users of Amwell:88% rated Amwell 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 Amwell95% said they were likely or very likely to recommend Amwell to a friend or someone like them5% were seeking treatment for OCD
We surveyed 100 users of Amwell:
Best Value:Brightside
Price:$95-$349 per monthIs Insurance Accepted?:YesType Of Therapy:Individual Therapy, Medication Management, PsychiatryLearn More
Brightside Health offerscognitive behavioral therapy, a recommended form of OCD treatment, and psychiatry services at a price that many would find affordable. It also accepts a variety of insurance plans, making its services even more accessible. Talk therapy, psychiatry, and even virtual self-care lessons are offered in various plans. The company’s emphasis on providing evidence-based treatment, complete with weekly progress tracking, makes Brightside a fit for those who are ready to get to business. You can expect top-tier care from experienced therapists, a range of appointment times, and a treatment plan focused around CBT.
ProsAffordable monthly plansAvailable in all 50 statesAbility to quickly message your providerMatches you with a therapistAccepts insuranceConsCannot pick your own therapistCustomer service responses can take a whileSessions are brief
ProsAffordable monthly plansAvailable in all 50 statesAbility to quickly message your providerMatches you with a therapistAccepts insurance
Affordable monthly plans
Available in all 50 states
Ability to quickly message your provider
Matches you with a therapist
ConsCannot pick your own therapistCustomer service responses can take a whileSessions are brief
Cannot pick your own therapist
Customer service responses can take a while
Sessions are brief
“Overall, I feel I’ve gained new approaches to tackling certain situations and thought processes."—Brightside Health tester, who sought therapy for anxiety and panic attacks
“Overall, I feel I’ve gained new approaches to tackling certain situations and thought processes.”
—Brightside Health tester, who sought therapy for anxiety and panic attacks
We especially appreciated Brightside’s accessibility in terms of price. Its out-of-pocket fees are relatively low compared to theaverage price of therapy, and it also accepts some major insurance plans. This makes it even easier to get help for your OCD. Something that sets Brightside apart, other than its reasonably priced offerings, is its treatment structure. Sessions are just 30 minutes long and then outside of the session, there are supplemental self-care lessons that use the tenets of mindfulness and CBT. This is great for those who are strapped for time or love a good homework assignment. Psychiatry sessions are just 15 minutes long. That is quite brief, so that option is best for those who already have a diagnosis of OCD and are somewhat familiar with the medication that works well for them.
We did experience needing to switch therapists due to it not being a good fit and, in another instance, simply to try something new. However, in one situation, we ran into a customer service issue where the newly assigned therapist left the platform before we were able to see them. That ultimately led to a two-week-long lapse in care, but Brightside’s customer service was wonderful. The company offered a full refund for that month, indicating that it is willing to make things right should issues and errors occur.
We surveyed 100 users of Brightside:88% rated Brightside as very good or excellent overall94% rated their therapist’s qualifications as very good or excellent93% said that most or all of their needs were met at Brightside99% are likely or very likely to recommend Brightside to a friend or someone like them6% were seeking treatment for OCD
We surveyed 100 users of Brightside:
Best Availability:Thriveworks
Time is of the essence when seeking treatment for OCD, and when you’re ready to take the step towards seeing a therapist, you don’t want to wait to get started. Thriveworks offers a wide range of appointment times and even can accommodate same-day appointments, which is a rarity in the mental health world. Considering that many of its therapists also specialize in OCD, it only made sense that Thriveworks took our pick as the online OCD therapy service with the best availability.
ProsSame-day appointments availableAccepts insuranceOffers a range of treatments, including individual and couples therapyAvailable in 49 states and Washington, D.C.Can choose your own therapistConsCannot see therapist bios until after sign-upCannot message therapist between sessionsPsychiatrists have limited availability
ProsSame-day appointments availableAccepts insuranceOffers a range of treatments, including individual and couples therapyAvailable in 49 states and Washington, D.C.Can choose your own therapist
Same-day appointments available
Offers a range of treatments, including individual and couples therapy
Available in 49 states and Washington, D.C.
Can choose your own therapist
ConsCannot see therapist bios until after sign-upCannot message therapist between sessionsPsychiatrists have limited availability
Cannot see therapist bios until after sign-up
Cannot message therapist between sessions
Psychiatrists have limited availability
We had eight people testThriveworksfrom Missouri, Massachusetts, Kentucky, Kansas, Florida, New York, Ohio, and South Dakota. The first thing we noticed about this service is just the sheer volume of options. It is available in 49 states, has over 380 in-person treatment locations, treats a range of issues includingOCD, and offers therapy for the whole family—individuals, couples, children, and families.
Keep in mind that the availability of therapists can vary based on specialties and location. For example, in one case we had an experience with a therapist who seemed pushy and dismissive. When we tried to switch providers, we couldn’t find any other options in our area with the specialties we were seeking (in this case,EMDR therapyto help process trauma). Those who live in a more rural state may have fewer therapists to choose from. Additionally, Thriveworks’ psychiatrists and medication management providers typically do not have same-day availability due to the demand for their services.
We surveyed 100 users of Thriveworks:88% rated Thriveworks as very good or excellent overall90% rated their therapist’s qualifications as very good or excellent96% said that most or all of their needs were met at Thriveworks96% are likely or very likely to recommend Thriveworks to a friend or someone like them4% were seeking treatment for OCD
We surveyed 100 users of Thriveworks:
Best for Low-Fee Sessions:Open Path Collective
Price:$30 to $80 per session, one-time membership fee of $65Is Insurance Accepted?:NoType Of Therapy:Children’s Therapy, Couples Therapy, Family Therapy, Group Therapy, Individual Therapy, Teen CounselingLearn More
Therapy is expensive and if you don’t have health insurance, your options for care can feel incredibly slim. Open Path Collective is a directory listing a diverse roster of providers, plenty of whom specialize in OCD, that offer therapy for just $30 to $70 per session. This makes its services even cheaper than many folks’ copays. That, coupled with our excellent experience and great user survey feedback, makes Open Path Collective our pick as the best low-fee online OCD therapy.
ProsAll fees are offered on a sliding scaleDetailed search filtersWide range of providers with various specialties and identitiesFocus on diverse providersDirectory can be used to find both in-person and online therapists
All fees are offered on a sliding scale
Detailed search filters
Wide range of providers with various specialties and identities
Focus on diverse providers
Directory can be used to find both in-person and online therapists
Not all therapists reply to inquiries
We testedOpen Path Collectivein New York and found a therapist that we enjoyed working with, leading us to feel confident about this directory. Finding someone to work with was quite easy. We simply headed to the Open Path Collective website, typed in our ZIP code, and were presented with a list of therapists. From there, we were able to narrow our search further, identifying any specialties we’d like our therapist to focus on (including OCD), preferred types of treatment (including exposure and response prevention for OCD), therapist race or ethnicity, age specialty, and language. The only thing missing was an option to check off our therapist gender identity preference.Our therapist was professional, prompt, and thorough. We were asked to share our annual income and used that as a guide to settle at a final session fee of $50. The process felt rather democratic and reasonable. The only financial issue we had was the $65 membership fee, which we initially overlooked on the site. That being said, it is a one-time fee that helps power Open Path Collective’s incredible mission. We were disappointed that a couple of providers didn’t respond, but ultimately, we landed with a pretty great clinician after using this directory.Our most recent testing experience was just as positive. This time, we were able to see who was accepting new patients, taking out our previous guesswork. And even with very specific search parameters (including in-person sessions, an unusual offering for an online therapy directory), we were able to find nearly 20 providers who fit all of our needs.
We testedOpen Path Collectivein New York and found a therapist that we enjoyed working with, leading us to feel confident about this directory. Finding someone to work with was quite easy. We simply headed to the Open Path Collective website, typed in our ZIP code, and were presented with a list of therapists. From there, we were able to narrow our search further, identifying any specialties we’d like our therapist to focus on (including OCD), preferred types of treatment (including exposure and response prevention for OCD), therapist race or ethnicity, age specialty, and language. The only thing missing was an option to check off our therapist gender identity preference.
Our therapist was professional, prompt, and thorough. We were asked to share our annual income and used that as a guide to settle at a final session fee of $50. The process felt rather democratic and reasonable. The only financial issue we had was the $65 membership fee, which we initially overlooked on the site. That being said, it is a one-time fee that helps power Open Path Collective’s incredible mission. We were disappointed that a couple of providers didn’t respond, but ultimately, we landed with a pretty great clinician after using this directory.
Our most recent testing experience was just as positive. This time, we were able to see who was accepting new patients, taking out our previous guesswork. And even with very specific search parameters (including in-person sessions, an unusual offering for an online therapy directory), we were able to find nearly 20 providers who fit all of our needs.
We surveyed 100 users of Open Path Collective:97% rated Open Path Collective as very good or excellent overall92% rated their therapist’s qualifications as very good or excellent98% said that most or all of their needs were met at Open Path Collective99% are likely or very likely to recommend Open Path Collective to a friend or someone like them8% were seeking treatment for OCD
We surveyed 100 users of Open Path Collective:
Best Inclusive Directory:National Queer and Trans Therapists of Color Network
Mental health disparities are a huge issue within the BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities. In fact, LGBTQ+ folks are over twice as likely to struggle with mental health concerns like depression, anxiety, and substance use than those who identify as straight.What’s more alarming is that BIPOC folks are subject to an increased prevalence of poverty, trauma, and even chronic illness due to the impacts of structural oppression. The National Queer and Trans Therapists of Color Network (NQTTCN) is a directory of mental health professionals who offer services specifically for queer and trans people of color—including those who are living with OCD.
ProsWide variety of services offeredDirectory is free to useEmphasis on culturally aware servicesSome providers also offer medication managementSome providers offer sliding-scale rates
Wide variety of services offered
Directory is free to use
Emphasis on culturally aware services
Some providers also offer medication management
Some providers offer sliding-scale rates
No therapist-matching feature
We tested theNational Queer and Trans Therapists of Color Network(NQTTCN) from Kentucky and were pleased to find a like-minded therapist who provided excellent quality of care. In the past, we’ve experienced dismal care from providers who wouldn’t even discuss racial identity in sessions because it made them feel uncomfortable. Needless to say, we went into using this directory with extraordinarily high standards.We were able to find a warm, empathetic, and genuine therapist. Our first session was 75 minutes long, which only lent to the quality of the experience. We were especially pleased with the fact that each therapist’s bio clearly stated whether they were accepting new patients; this saved us time and energy when looking through our results (after our filters, there were nine). We also liked that each bio listed the therapist’s phone number and email address. This set NQTTCN apart from other directories we tested, which often redirect you to a contact form through the site or don’t provide direct contact information at all.Our biggest drawback in using this directory was that we were unable to filter our search based on therapist specialties. To see what any therapist specializes in treating, you’ll have to head to their profile directly—and there definitely are providers who specialize in OCD, you just have to find them. While this is a bummer, we do feel that the breadth of providers focused on providing inclusive care makes up for this.
We tested theNational Queer and Trans Therapists of Color Network(NQTTCN) from Kentucky and were pleased to find a like-minded therapist who provided excellent quality of care. In the past, we’ve experienced dismal care from providers who wouldn’t even discuss racial identity in sessions because it made them feel uncomfortable. Needless to say, we went into using this directory with extraordinarily high standards.
We were able to find a warm, empathetic, and genuine therapist. Our first session was 75 minutes long, which only lent to the quality of the experience. We were especially pleased with the fact that each therapist’s bio clearly stated whether they were accepting new patients; this saved us time and energy when looking through our results (after our filters, there were nine). We also liked that each bio listed the therapist’s phone number and email address. This set NQTTCN apart from other directories we tested, which often redirect you to a contact form through the site or don’t provide direct contact information at all.
Our biggest drawback in using this directory was that we were unable to filter our search based on therapist specialties. To see what any therapist specializes in treating, you’ll have to head to their profile directly—and there definitely are providers who specialize in OCD, you just have to find them. While this is a bummer, we do feel that the breadth of providers focused on providing inclusive care makes up for this.
We surveyed 100 users of National Queer and Trans Therapists of Color Network:93% rated National Queer and Trans Therapists of Color Network as very good or excellent overall94% rated their therapist’s qualifications as very good or excellent99% said that most or all of their needs were met at National Queer and Trans Therapists of Color Network96% are likely or very likely to recommend National Queer and Trans Therapists of Color Network to a friend or someone like them9% were seeking treatment for OCD
We surveyed 100 users of National Queer and Trans Therapists of Color Network:
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Guide to Choosing the Best Online Therapy for OCD
Online therapy for OCD can be helpful if you live in an area with limited in-person providers or scheduling options, have difficulty entering an office setting for appointments, or want a therapist with a specific identity that’s not common where you live. Choosing an online provider might also be helpful if you’re concerned you’ll need to switch providers or want additional support from home.
But there can be limits to online OCD treatment. For example, if you’re experiencing severe thoughts of harming yourself or others, in-person sessions would likely be the best fit to provide you with the support needed. Another limit is the interventions used with exposure and response prevention therapy. “Certain in vivo exposures (exposures completed in person in the session) can be more difficult to do over telehealth if the client does not have certain things at home,” Dr. Marschall says. However, she has found that most therapists have been able to work around this issue.
Frequently Asked QuestionsCurrent research states that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most effective treatment for OCD. In particular, exposure and response prevention therapy (ERP), a subset of cognitive behavioral therapy, will provide the best results.Yes, OCD can be successfully treated without medication. In fact, cognitive behavioral therapy can be equally effective as medication.Everyone is unique and OCD treatment reflects that.Yes,NOCDoffers an app to help with OCD. In addition to accessing your therapy sessions, you can also attend support groups and live-streams with mental health professionals, as well as access a discussion board. This app is available for iOS and Android.
Frequently Asked Questions
Current research states that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most effective treatment for OCD. In particular, exposure and response prevention therapy (ERP), a subset of cognitive behavioral therapy, will provide the best results.
Yes, OCD can be successfully treated without medication. In fact, cognitive behavioral therapy can be equally effective as medication.Everyone is unique and OCD treatment reflects that.
Yes,NOCDoffers an app to help with OCD. In addition to accessing your therapy sessions, you can also attend support groups and live-streams with mental health professionals, as well as access a discussion board. This app is available for iOS and Android.
How We Tested and Reviewed Online Therapy Services
We evaluated 82 onlinetherapy companiesandtherapist directoriesin order to compile this list.
First-Hand 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 kid 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 27 therapist directories. We collected over 300 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 licensed therapistsAmy Marschall, PsyDandHannah Owens, LMSWin 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.
Marko Geber / Getty Images
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.National Institute of Mental Health.Obsessive-compulsive disorder.Cabarkapa S, King JA, Dowling N, Ng CH.Co-morbid obsessive–compulsive disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: neurobiological commonalities and treatment implications.Front Psychiatry. 2019;10:557. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00557Nazeer A, Latif F, Mondal A, Azeem MW, Greydanus DE.Obsessive-compulsive disorder in children and adolescents: epidemiology, diagnosis and management.Transl Pediatr.2020;9(Suppl 1):S76-S93. doi:10.21037/tp.2019.10.02National Alliance on Mental Illness.LGBTQ+.Law C, Boisseau CL.Exposure and response prevention in the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder: current perspectives.Psychol Res Behav Manag. 2019;12:1167–1174. doi:10.2147/PRBM.S211117
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.National Institute of Mental Health.Obsessive-compulsive disorder.Cabarkapa S, King JA, Dowling N, Ng CH.Co-morbid obsessive–compulsive disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: neurobiological commonalities and treatment implications.Front Psychiatry. 2019;10:557. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00557Nazeer A, Latif F, Mondal A, Azeem MW, Greydanus DE.Obsessive-compulsive disorder in children and adolescents: epidemiology, diagnosis and management.Transl Pediatr.2020;9(Suppl 1):S76-S93. doi:10.21037/tp.2019.10.02National Alliance on Mental Illness.LGBTQ+.Law C, Boisseau CL.Exposure and response prevention in the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder: current perspectives.Psychol Res Behav Manag. 2019;12:1167–1174. doi:10.2147/PRBM.S211117
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.
National Institute of Mental Health.Obsessive-compulsive disorder.Cabarkapa S, King JA, Dowling N, Ng CH.Co-morbid obsessive–compulsive disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: neurobiological commonalities and treatment implications.Front Psychiatry. 2019;10:557. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00557Nazeer A, Latif F, Mondal A, Azeem MW, Greydanus DE.Obsessive-compulsive disorder in children and adolescents: epidemiology, diagnosis and management.Transl Pediatr.2020;9(Suppl 1):S76-S93. doi:10.21037/tp.2019.10.02National Alliance on Mental Illness.LGBTQ+.Law C, Boisseau CL.Exposure and response prevention in the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder: current perspectives.Psychol Res Behav Manag. 2019;12:1167–1174. doi:10.2147/PRBM.S211117
National Institute of Mental Health.Obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Cabarkapa S, King JA, Dowling N, Ng CH.Co-morbid obsessive–compulsive disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: neurobiological commonalities and treatment implications.Front Psychiatry. 2019;10:557. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00557
Nazeer A, Latif F, Mondal A, Azeem MW, Greydanus DE.Obsessive-compulsive disorder in children and adolescents: epidemiology, diagnosis and management.Transl Pediatr.2020;9(Suppl 1):S76-S93. doi:10.21037/tp.2019.10.02
National Alliance on Mental Illness.LGBTQ+.
Law C, Boisseau CL.Exposure and response prevention in the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder: current perspectives.Psychol Res Behav Manag. 2019;12:1167–1174. doi:10.2147/PRBM.S211117
Hannah Owens, LMSW
Amanda Tust
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