For the past three years, we have consistently tested and reviewed dozens of online therapy companies and directories in order to bring you the absolute best in online therapy. We’ve spent months every year personally trying out over 80 online therapy companies and directories ourselves, participating in therapy and bringing our insights from those experiences directly to you. From the sign-up process to the financial details to our feelings about our therapy sessions themselves, we are dedicated to the most accurate, thorough, and personalized testing results that will lead you to the very best online therapy company for your needs.The 8 Best Online Therapy Companies We’ve TestedBest for Availability:BetterHelpMost Comprehensive:TalkspaceBest for Anxiety and Depression:BrightsideBest for Beginners:TeladocBest for Kids:Little OtterMost Inclusive:TherapyDenBest for Medication Management:Doctor on DemandMost Affordable:E-Therapy Cafe82Companies 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.Privacy:Curious about the extensive work we did to research and evaluate online therapy companies? Take a look at ouronline therapy methodology.

For the past three years, we have consistently tested and reviewed dozens of online therapy companies and directories in order to bring you the absolute best in online therapy. We’ve spent months every year personally trying out over 80 online therapy companies and directories ourselves, participating in therapy and bringing our insights from those experiences directly to you. From the sign-up process to the financial details to our feelings about our therapy sessions themselves, we are dedicated to the most accurate, thorough, and personalized testing results that will lead you to the very best online therapy company for your needs.

The 8 Best Online Therapy Companies We’ve TestedBest for Availability:BetterHelpMost Comprehensive:TalkspaceBest for Anxiety and Depression:BrightsideBest for Beginners:TeladocBest for Kids:Little OtterMost Inclusive:TherapyDenBest for Medication Management:Doctor on DemandMost Affordable:E-Therapy Cafe

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

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

Privacy:

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

We Tested the Top Online Therapy Companies—Here Are the Ones We RecommendView AllWe Tested the Top Online Therapy Companies—Here Are the Ones We RecommendOur Top PicksBetterHelpTalkspaceBrightsideTeladocLittle OtterTherapyDenDoctor on DemandE-Therapy CafeSee More (5)Compare ProvidersHow We TestedWe Also Tested…How We Tested and Reviewed Online Therapy ServicesFAQ

We Tested the Top Online Therapy Companies—Here Are the Ones We RecommendView All

View All

We Tested the Top Online Therapy Companies—Here Are the Ones We Recommend

How We Tested

We Also Tested…

How We Tested and Reviewed Online Therapy Services

FAQ

Best for Availability:BetterHelp

Price:$280 - $400 per monthIs Insurance Accepted?:NoType Of Therapy:Couples Therapy, Individual Therapy, Teen CounselingLearn More

Person using laptop on Betterhelp website

Learn More

Why We Chose It

Available in all 50 states and 200 countries internationally with tons of flexible time slots, BetterHelp takes our pick for the online therapy service with the best availability. You can expect to have an easy time scheduling and rescheduling appointments and can choose the therapy format that works best for you.

Pros & Cons

Lots of appointment time slots are available

Easy to reschedule appointments

Available in all 50 states and 200 countries internationally

Can choose from individual, teen, or couples therapy

ConsQuality of care can vary widely with therapistsDoes not accept insurance

Quality of care can vary widely with therapists

Does not accept insurance

Our Testing

In the summer of 2024, we asked a first-timer to online therapy to try outBetterHelpto see how its accessibility, quality of care, and overall user experience measure up. Upon experiencing the various appointment time slots available, the ability to filter therapist search based on identity, and its widespread reach around the globe, we decided that the extensive availability of BetterHelp’s services is unmatched.

Though there was initially a challenge with the therapists—our first one didn’t show up to our scheduled appointment—BetterHelp apologized and quickly got us connected to a new provider. This new therapist had the demeanor of a “nonjudgmental friend.” She remained rather fluid in her therapeutic style, meaning she let us lead much of the session, but she did provide helpful homework and reading suggestions, in addition to being an intent listener. We especially loved how easy scheduling was and noted that our therapist always had multiple time slots for us to choose from.

“Once I had to cancel because of a work issue, and my therapist immediately offered rescheduling options.”- BetterHelp tester, a busy mom looking for flexible day-to-day support

“Once I had to cancel because of a work issue, and my therapist immediately offered rescheduling options.”

  • BetterHelp tester, a busy mom looking for flexible day-to-day support

Based on this experience, we think that Betterhelp’s number one strength is the ease and flexibility of scheduling sessions.

Plans & Pricing

Does BetterHelp Accept Insurance?NoSubscription Required?YesOut-of-Pocket Costs:$240-$360 per month, depending on location and therapist availability in your area

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 them67% found their therapist had early morning, evening, and weekend availability, thus offering them flexible scheduling options

We surveyed 100 users of BetterHelp:

Read the FullBetterHelp Review: We Tried the App with 7 People—Is It Reliable?

I’m a Mom Who Tried BetterHelp Online Therapy to Address Parenting Challenges

Most Comprehensive:TalkspacePrice:$276 to $436 per month for therapy subscriptionsIs Insurance Accepted?:YesType Of Therapy:Couples Therapy, Individual Therapy, Medication Management, Psychiatry, Teen CounselingLearn MoreWhy We Chose ItTalkspace does it all—it offers a wide variety of therapy types to choose from, at multiple price points, and with flexible appointment times. You can expect an easy but thorough sign-up process and may be able to utilizehealth insuranceto cover your costs of care, making Talkspace the most comprehensive online therapy company we tried.Pros & ConsProsOffers a wide variety of treatment options, including teens and couples counseling and medication managementEasy to switch to a new therapistQuick and easy sign-up processCan message your therapist any timeVideo, audio, and messaging session options availableAccepts some insurance plansAvailable in all 50 statesConsSessions are only 30 minutes longSubscription is requiredOur TestingWe tried outTalkspacetwice for a month in the summer of 2024–one of us explored individual therapy while the other opted to try out couples therapy. We were curious if Talkspace provides the care it claims to, and it did not disappoint. We feel like this is the most comprehensive online therapy platform we’ve tried based on the variety of services available (individual,couples, andteentherapy as well aspsychiatry), range of appointment times, and ability to choose to hold your therapy sessions in different formats (messaging, phone, or video).The last time we used Talkspace’s individual therapy, we were seeking care for a recent traumatic event. Recovery after a trauma is an especially sensitive time, which is why we so appreciated how easy it was to get started with Talkspace—no extra stress there. We quickly found ourselves building a rapport with our therapist, proving that we didn’t need to sacrifice quality care for comprehensiveness. We were able to book sessions after hours, which was great for ensuring our therapy appointments didn’t have to coincide with our workday. Plus, our therapist sent us thoughtful messages outside of our sessions that felt very meaningful.In fact, we were so pleased with our experience that we decided to stick with our provider even after our testing period ended.“I would, and have chosen to, continue with this therapist because I think she is excellent.”- Talkspace tester, who wanted to process a recent trauma and work on her communication skillsAlthough one of the main selling points of Talkspace’s comprehensive services is the opportunity to partake in couples counseling as well, when we tried out that service this year, we had a not-so-great experience with our first therapist. We felt that the therapist we were matched with did not behave professionally—it seemed like he was conducting our session from his car, and we actually suspected that he was inebriated. After switching to another therapist, which was a seamless process, it still didn’t feel like the best fit. However, we’ve tested Talkspace’s multiple services nine other times across the past three years—including its couples therapy—and overall, those experiences were overwhelmingly positive, making us more than comfortable to recommend Talkspace no matter what kind of therapy you’re seeking.Plans & PricingDoes Talkspace Accept Insurance?Yes—Aetna, Cigna, Optum, Careleon, and RegenceSubscription Required?Yes, for all services except medication managementOut-of-Pocket Costs:-$276 a month for unlimited messaging therapy five days a week-$396 a month for weekly video sessions and unlimited messaging-$436 a month for weekly video sessions, unlimited messaging, and access to Talkspace workshops-$436 per month for couples therapy for weekly sessions and unlimited messaging-$65 per session for additional couples therapy sessions-$299 for initial psychiatric evaluation and $175 for medication management follow-up sessionsWhat 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 them80% stated the platform was better than other online therapy services they triedRead the FullTalkspace Online Therapy ReviewI’m a Licensed Therapist Who Tried Talkspace to See if Its Care Met My Standards

Most Comprehensive:Talkspace

Price:$276 to $436 per month for therapy subscriptionsIs Insurance Accepted?:YesType Of Therapy:Couples Therapy, Individual Therapy, Medication Management, Psychiatry, Teen CounselingLearn MoreWhy We Chose ItTalkspace does it all—it offers a wide variety of therapy types to choose from, at multiple price points, and with flexible appointment times. You can expect an easy but thorough sign-up process and may be able to utilizehealth insuranceto cover your costs of care, making Talkspace the most comprehensive online therapy company we tried.Pros & ConsProsOffers a wide variety of treatment options, including teens and couples counseling and medication managementEasy to switch to a new therapistQuick and easy sign-up processCan message your therapist any timeVideo, audio, and messaging session options availableAccepts some insurance plansAvailable in all 50 statesConsSessions are only 30 minutes longSubscription is requiredOur TestingWe tried outTalkspacetwice for a month in the summer of 2024–one of us explored individual therapy while the other opted to try out couples therapy. We were curious if Talkspace provides the care it claims to, and it did not disappoint. We feel like this is the most comprehensive online therapy platform we’ve tried based on the variety of services available (individual,couples, andteentherapy as well aspsychiatry), range of appointment times, and ability to choose to hold your therapy sessions in different formats (messaging, phone, or video).The last time we used Talkspace’s individual therapy, we were seeking care for a recent traumatic event. Recovery after a trauma is an especially sensitive time, which is why we so appreciated how easy it was to get started with Talkspace—no extra stress there. We quickly found ourselves building a rapport with our therapist, proving that we didn’t need to sacrifice quality care for comprehensiveness. We were able to book sessions after hours, which was great for ensuring our therapy appointments didn’t have to coincide with our workday. Plus, our therapist sent us thoughtful messages outside of our sessions that felt very meaningful.In fact, we were so pleased with our experience that we decided to stick with our provider even after our testing period ended.“I would, and have chosen to, continue with this therapist because I think she is excellent.”- Talkspace tester, who wanted to process a recent trauma and work on her communication skillsAlthough one of the main selling points of Talkspace’s comprehensive services is the opportunity to partake in couples counseling as well, when we tried out that service this year, we had a not-so-great experience with our first therapist. We felt that the therapist we were matched with did not behave professionally—it seemed like he was conducting our session from his car, and we actually suspected that he was inebriated. After switching to another therapist, which was a seamless process, it still didn’t feel like the best fit. However, we’ve tested Talkspace’s multiple services nine other times across the past three years—including its couples therapy—and overall, those experiences were overwhelmingly positive, making us more than comfortable to recommend Talkspace no matter what kind of therapy you’re seeking.Plans & PricingDoes Talkspace Accept Insurance?Yes—Aetna, Cigna, Optum, Careleon, and RegenceSubscription Required?Yes, for all services except medication managementOut-of-Pocket Costs:-$276 a month for unlimited messaging therapy five days a week-$396 a month for weekly video sessions and unlimited messaging-$436 a month for weekly video sessions, unlimited messaging, and access to Talkspace workshops-$436 per month for couples therapy for weekly sessions and unlimited messaging-$65 per session for additional couples therapy sessions-$299 for initial psychiatric evaluation and $175 for medication management follow-up sessionsWhat 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 them80% stated the platform was better than other online therapy services they triedRead the FullTalkspace Online Therapy ReviewI’m a Licensed Therapist Who Tried Talkspace to See if Its Care Met My Standards

Price:$276 to $436 per month for therapy subscriptionsIs Insurance Accepted?:YesType Of Therapy:Couples Therapy, Individual Therapy, Medication Management, Psychiatry, Teen CounselingLearn More

Hand holding phone using Talkspace app

Why We Chose ItTalkspace does it all—it offers a wide variety of therapy types to choose from, at multiple price points, and with flexible appointment times. You can expect an easy but thorough sign-up process and may be able to utilizehealth insuranceto cover your costs of care, making Talkspace the most comprehensive online therapy company we tried.Pros & ConsProsOffers a wide variety of treatment options, including teens and couples counseling and medication managementEasy to switch to a new therapistQuick and easy sign-up processCan message your therapist any timeVideo, audio, and messaging session options availableAccepts some insurance plansAvailable in all 50 statesConsSessions are only 30 minutes longSubscription is requiredOur TestingWe tried outTalkspacetwice for a month in the summer of 2024–one of us explored individual therapy while the other opted to try out couples therapy. We were curious if Talkspace provides the care it claims to, and it did not disappoint. We feel like this is the most comprehensive online therapy platform we’ve tried based on the variety of services available (individual,couples, andteentherapy as well aspsychiatry), range of appointment times, and ability to choose to hold your therapy sessions in different formats (messaging, phone, or video).The last time we used Talkspace’s individual therapy, we were seeking care for a recent traumatic event. Recovery after a trauma is an especially sensitive time, which is why we so appreciated how easy it was to get started with Talkspace—no extra stress there. We quickly found ourselves building a rapport with our therapist, proving that we didn’t need to sacrifice quality care for comprehensiveness. We were able to book sessions after hours, which was great for ensuring our therapy appointments didn’t have to coincide with our workday. Plus, our therapist sent us thoughtful messages outside of our sessions that felt very meaningful.In fact, we were so pleased with our experience that we decided to stick with our provider even after our testing period ended.“I would, and have chosen to, continue with this therapist because I think she is excellent.”- Talkspace tester, who wanted to process a recent trauma and work on her communication skillsAlthough one of the main selling points of Talkspace’s comprehensive services is the opportunity to partake in couples counseling as well, when we tried out that service this year, we had a not-so-great experience with our first therapist. We felt that the therapist we were matched with did not behave professionally—it seemed like he was conducting our session from his car, and we actually suspected that he was inebriated. After switching to another therapist, which was a seamless process, it still didn’t feel like the best fit. However, we’ve tested Talkspace’s multiple services nine other times across the past three years—including its couples therapy—and overall, those experiences were overwhelmingly positive, making us more than comfortable to recommend Talkspace no matter what kind of therapy you’re seeking.Plans & PricingDoes Talkspace Accept Insurance?Yes—Aetna, Cigna, Optum, Careleon, and RegenceSubscription Required?Yes, for all services except medication managementOut-of-Pocket Costs:-$276 a month for unlimited messaging therapy five days a week-$396 a month for weekly video sessions and unlimited messaging-$436 a month for weekly video sessions, unlimited messaging, and access to Talkspace workshops-$436 per month for couples therapy for weekly sessions and unlimited messaging-$65 per session for additional couples therapy sessions-$299 for initial psychiatric evaluation and $175 for medication management follow-up sessionsWhat 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 them80% stated the platform was better than other online therapy services they triedRead the FullTalkspace Online Therapy ReviewI’m a Licensed Therapist Who Tried Talkspace to See if Its Care Met My Standards

Talkspace does it all—it offers a wide variety of therapy types to choose from, at multiple price points, and with flexible appointment times. You can expect an easy but thorough sign-up process and may be able to utilizehealth insuranceto cover your costs of care, making Talkspace the most comprehensive online therapy company we tried.

ProsOffers a wide variety of treatment options, including teens and couples counseling and medication managementEasy to switch to a new therapistQuick and easy sign-up processCan message your therapist any timeVideo, audio, and messaging session options availableAccepts some insurance plansAvailable in all 50 statesConsSessions are only 30 minutes longSubscription is required

ProsOffers a wide variety of treatment options, including teens and couples counseling and medication managementEasy to switch to a new therapistQuick and easy sign-up processCan message your therapist any timeVideo, audio, and messaging session options availableAccepts some insurance plansAvailable in all 50 states

Offers a wide variety of treatment options, including teens and couples counseling and medication management

Easy to switch to a new therapist

Quick and easy sign-up process

Can message your therapist any time

Video, audio, and messaging session options available

Accepts some insurance plans

Available in all 50 states

ConsSessions are only 30 minutes longSubscription is required

Sessions are only 30 minutes long

Subscription is required

We tried outTalkspacetwice for a month in the summer of 2024–one of us explored individual therapy while the other opted to try out couples therapy. We were curious if Talkspace provides the care it claims to, and it did not disappoint. We feel like this is the most comprehensive online therapy platform we’ve tried based on the variety of services available (individual,couples, andteentherapy as well aspsychiatry), range of appointment times, and ability to choose to hold your therapy sessions in different formats (messaging, phone, or video).The last time we used Talkspace’s individual therapy, we were seeking care for a recent traumatic event. Recovery after a trauma is an especially sensitive time, which is why we so appreciated how easy it was to get started with Talkspace—no extra stress there. We quickly found ourselves building a rapport with our therapist, proving that we didn’t need to sacrifice quality care for comprehensiveness. We were able to book sessions after hours, which was great for ensuring our therapy appointments didn’t have to coincide with our workday. Plus, our therapist sent us thoughtful messages outside of our sessions that felt very meaningful.In fact, we were so pleased with our experience that we decided to stick with our provider even after our testing period ended.“I would, and have chosen to, continue with this therapist because I think she is excellent.”- Talkspace tester, who wanted to process a recent trauma and work on her communication skillsAlthough one of the main selling points of Talkspace’s comprehensive services is the opportunity to partake in couples counseling as well, when we tried out that service this year, we had a not-so-great experience with our first therapist. We felt that the therapist we were matched with did not behave professionally—it seemed like he was conducting our session from his car, and we actually suspected that he was inebriated. After switching to another therapist, which was a seamless process, it still didn’t feel like the best fit. However, we’ve tested Talkspace’s multiple services nine other times across the past three years—including its couples therapy—and overall, those experiences were overwhelmingly positive, making us more than comfortable to recommend Talkspace no matter what kind of therapy you’re seeking.

We tried outTalkspacetwice for a month in the summer of 2024–one of us explored individual therapy while the other opted to try out couples therapy. We were curious if Talkspace provides the care it claims to, and it did not disappoint. We feel like this is the most comprehensive online therapy platform we’ve tried based on the variety of services available (individual,couples, andteentherapy as well aspsychiatry), range of appointment times, and ability to choose to hold your therapy sessions in different formats (messaging, phone, or video).

The last time we used Talkspace’s individual therapy, we were seeking care for a recent traumatic event. Recovery after a trauma is an especially sensitive time, which is why we so appreciated how easy it was to get started with Talkspace—no extra stress there. We quickly found ourselves building a rapport with our therapist, proving that we didn’t need to sacrifice quality care for comprehensiveness. We were able to book sessions after hours, which was great for ensuring our therapy appointments didn’t have to coincide with our workday. Plus, our therapist sent us thoughtful messages outside of our sessions that felt very meaningful.

In fact, we were so pleased with our experience that we decided to stick with our provider even after our testing period ended.

“I would, and have chosen to, continue with this therapist because I think she is excellent.”- Talkspace tester, who wanted to process a recent trauma and work on her communication skills

Although one of the main selling points of Talkspace’s comprehensive services is the opportunity to partake in couples counseling as well, when we tried out that service this year, we had a not-so-great experience with our first therapist. We felt that the therapist we were matched with did not behave professionally—it seemed like he was conducting our session from his car, and we actually suspected that he was inebriated. After switching to another therapist, which was a seamless process, it still didn’t feel like the best fit. However, we’ve tested Talkspace’s multiple services nine other times across the past three years—including its couples therapy—and overall, those experiences were overwhelmingly positive, making us more than comfortable to recommend Talkspace no matter what kind of therapy you’re seeking.

Does Talkspace Accept Insurance?Yes—Aetna, Cigna, Optum, Careleon, and RegenceSubscription Required?Yes, for all services except medication managementOut-of-Pocket Costs:-$276 a month for unlimited messaging therapy five days a week-$396 a month for weekly video sessions and unlimited messaging-$436 a month for weekly video sessions, unlimited messaging, and access to Talkspace workshops-$436 per month for couples therapy for weekly sessions and unlimited messaging-$65 per session for additional couples therapy sessions-$299 for initial psychiatric evaluation and $175 for medication management follow-up sessions

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 them80% stated the platform was better than other online therapy services they tried

We surveyed 100 users of Talkspace:

Read the FullTalkspace Online Therapy Review

I’m a Licensed Therapist Who Tried Talkspace to See if Its Care Met My Standards

Best for Anxiety and Depression:BrightsidePrice:$95-$349 per monthIs Insurance Accepted?:YesType Of Therapy:Individual Therapy, Medication Management, PsychiatryLearn MoreWhy We Chose ItWe love a platform that can truly and effectively treat the conditions the company states it specializes in. This is why Brightside, which focuses specifically on treatment for anxiety and depression, is our top pick as the best online therapy service for these conditions. Frompanic attackstogeneralized anxiety disordertounipolar andbipolar depression, Brightside has repeatedly proven to us that it means business when it comes to anxiety and depression treatment.Pros & ConsProsSpecializes in anxiety and depressionMedication management is availableVariety of subscription plans to choose fromAccepts a wide range of insurance plansConsIntake session can feel impersonalInsurance coverage varies based on locationOur TestingAfter experiencing panic attacks for the first time, we turned toBrightside Healthin the summer of 2024 to try out its online therapy services for anxiety. After only a few sessions, we found ourselves becoming equipped with useful coping tools, allowing us to navigate our anxiety without having to turn tomedication. With an experience like this, plus excellent user ratings, we are confident that Brightside Health is the best online therapy platform for anxiety and depression.Our therapist took an active role in the therapeutic process, even coming to session with surveys to go over with us in order to understand how we handled various emotions in different situations. We were also assigned homework, which consisted of activities that would gently push us out of our comfort zone between sessions to help reduce our symptoms of anxiety. By the end of the testing period, we were already planning on continuing our treatment with this therapist.“Overall, I feel I’ve gained new approaches to tackling certain situations and thought processes. I’ve also learned newbreathing techniquesto help with anxiety rather than relying on medication.”- Brightside tester, who was seeking treatment for panic attacksWe also tried out Brightside Health three other times in the past three years for both anxiety and depression, and the company has been consistently great at its niche of helping individuals suffering from these conditions. Something we specifically noticed was that Brightside could offer a bit more flexibility for choosing a provider to work with, which is especially important to finding a therapist with whom we could quickly establish atherapeutic rapport—the basis of effective anxiety and depression treatment. All of our experiences with this company vouch for the professionalism, efficacy, and overall quality care Brightside Health offers.Plans & PricingDoes Brightside Accept Insurance?Yes, including Aetna, Ambetter, Anthem, Cigna, and UnitedHealthcareSubscription Required?YesOut-of-Pocket Costs:-$95 per month plus your pharmacy copay (if you have insurance prescription benefits) for the psychiatry plan, which includes an evaluation with a medication management provider, ongoing support and monitoring, and any necessary adjustments to medication-$299 per month for weekly 45-minute video therapy sessions and unlimited messaging with a licensed therapist-$349 per month for everything included in both the psychiatry and therapy planWhat Users SayWe surveyed 100 users of Brightside Health:88% rated Brightside Health 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 Brightside Health99% are likely or very likely to recommend Brightside Health to a friend or someone like them78% were seeking therapy for anxiety and 68% were seeking therapy for depressionI’m a Mom Who Tried Brightside Online Therapy to Curb My Anxiety & Depression

Best for Anxiety and Depression:Brightside

Price:$95-$349 per monthIs Insurance Accepted?:YesType Of Therapy:Individual Therapy, Medication Management, PsychiatryLearn MoreWhy We Chose ItWe love a platform that can truly and effectively treat the conditions the company states it specializes in. This is why Brightside, which focuses specifically on treatment for anxiety and depression, is our top pick as the best online therapy service for these conditions. Frompanic attackstogeneralized anxiety disordertounipolar andbipolar depression, Brightside has repeatedly proven to us that it means business when it comes to anxiety and depression treatment.Pros & ConsProsSpecializes in anxiety and depressionMedication management is availableVariety of subscription plans to choose fromAccepts a wide range of insurance plansConsIntake session can feel impersonalInsurance coverage varies based on locationOur TestingAfter experiencing panic attacks for the first time, we turned toBrightside Healthin the summer of 2024 to try out its online therapy services for anxiety. After only a few sessions, we found ourselves becoming equipped with useful coping tools, allowing us to navigate our anxiety without having to turn tomedication. With an experience like this, plus excellent user ratings, we are confident that Brightside Health is the best online therapy platform for anxiety and depression.Our therapist took an active role in the therapeutic process, even coming to session with surveys to go over with us in order to understand how we handled various emotions in different situations. We were also assigned homework, which consisted of activities that would gently push us out of our comfort zone between sessions to help reduce our symptoms of anxiety. By the end of the testing period, we were already planning on continuing our treatment with this therapist.“Overall, I feel I’ve gained new approaches to tackling certain situations and thought processes. I’ve also learned newbreathing techniquesto help with anxiety rather than relying on medication.”- Brightside tester, who was seeking treatment for panic attacksWe also tried out Brightside Health three other times in the past three years for both anxiety and depression, and the company has been consistently great at its niche of helping individuals suffering from these conditions. Something we specifically noticed was that Brightside could offer a bit more flexibility for choosing a provider to work with, which is especially important to finding a therapist with whom we could quickly establish atherapeutic rapport—the basis of effective anxiety and depression treatment. All of our experiences with this company vouch for the professionalism, efficacy, and overall quality care Brightside Health offers.Plans & PricingDoes Brightside Accept Insurance?Yes, including Aetna, Ambetter, Anthem, Cigna, and UnitedHealthcareSubscription Required?YesOut-of-Pocket Costs:-$95 per month plus your pharmacy copay (if you have insurance prescription benefits) for the psychiatry plan, which includes an evaluation with a medication management provider, ongoing support and monitoring, and any necessary adjustments to medication-$299 per month for weekly 45-minute video therapy sessions and unlimited messaging with a licensed therapist-$349 per month for everything included in both the psychiatry and therapy planWhat Users SayWe surveyed 100 users of Brightside Health:88% rated Brightside Health 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 Brightside Health99% are likely or very likely to recommend Brightside Health to a friend or someone like them78% were seeking therapy for anxiety and 68% were seeking therapy for depressionI’m a Mom Who Tried Brightside Online Therapy to Curb My Anxiety & Depression

Price:$95-$349 per monthIs Insurance Accepted?:YesType Of Therapy:Individual Therapy, Medication Management, PsychiatryLearn More

Person using tablet on the Brightside website

Why We Chose ItWe love a platform that can truly and effectively treat the conditions the company states it specializes in. This is why Brightside, which focuses specifically on treatment for anxiety and depression, is our top pick as the best online therapy service for these conditions. Frompanic attackstogeneralized anxiety disordertounipolar andbipolar depression, Brightside has repeatedly proven to us that it means business when it comes to anxiety and depression treatment.Pros & ConsProsSpecializes in anxiety and depressionMedication management is availableVariety of subscription plans to choose fromAccepts a wide range of insurance plansConsIntake session can feel impersonalInsurance coverage varies based on locationOur TestingAfter experiencing panic attacks for the first time, we turned toBrightside Healthin the summer of 2024 to try out its online therapy services for anxiety. After only a few sessions, we found ourselves becoming equipped with useful coping tools, allowing us to navigate our anxiety without having to turn tomedication. With an experience like this, plus excellent user ratings, we are confident that Brightside Health is the best online therapy platform for anxiety and depression.Our therapist took an active role in the therapeutic process, even coming to session with surveys to go over with us in order to understand how we handled various emotions in different situations. We were also assigned homework, which consisted of activities that would gently push us out of our comfort zone between sessions to help reduce our symptoms of anxiety. By the end of the testing period, we were already planning on continuing our treatment with this therapist.“Overall, I feel I’ve gained new approaches to tackling certain situations and thought processes. I’ve also learned newbreathing techniquesto help with anxiety rather than relying on medication.”- Brightside tester, who was seeking treatment for panic attacksWe also tried out Brightside Health three other times in the past three years for both anxiety and depression, and the company has been consistently great at its niche of helping individuals suffering from these conditions. Something we specifically noticed was that Brightside could offer a bit more flexibility for choosing a provider to work with, which is especially important to finding a therapist with whom we could quickly establish atherapeutic rapport—the basis of effective anxiety and depression treatment. All of our experiences with this company vouch for the professionalism, efficacy, and overall quality care Brightside Health offers.Plans & PricingDoes Brightside Accept Insurance?Yes, including Aetna, Ambetter, Anthem, Cigna, and UnitedHealthcareSubscription Required?YesOut-of-Pocket Costs:-$95 per month plus your pharmacy copay (if you have insurance prescription benefits) for the psychiatry plan, which includes an evaluation with a medication management provider, ongoing support and monitoring, and any necessary adjustments to medication-$299 per month for weekly 45-minute video therapy sessions and unlimited messaging with a licensed therapist-$349 per month for everything included in both the psychiatry and therapy planWhat Users SayWe surveyed 100 users of Brightside Health:88% rated Brightside Health 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 Brightside Health99% are likely or very likely to recommend Brightside Health to a friend or someone like them78% were seeking therapy for anxiety and 68% were seeking therapy for depressionI’m a Mom Who Tried Brightside Online Therapy to Curb My Anxiety & Depression

We love a platform that can truly and effectively treat the conditions the company states it specializes in. This is why Brightside, which focuses specifically on treatment for anxiety and depression, is our top pick as the best online therapy service for these conditions. Frompanic attackstogeneralized anxiety disordertounipolar andbipolar depression, Brightside has repeatedly proven to us that it means business when it comes to anxiety and depression treatment.

ProsSpecializes in anxiety and depressionMedication management is availableVariety of subscription plans to choose fromAccepts a wide range of insurance plansConsIntake session can feel impersonalInsurance coverage varies based on location

ProsSpecializes in anxiety and depressionMedication management is availableVariety of subscription plans to choose fromAccepts a wide range of insurance plans

Specializes in anxiety and depression

Medication management is available

Variety of subscription plans to choose from

Accepts a wide range of insurance plans

ConsIntake session can feel impersonalInsurance coverage varies based on location

Intake session can feel impersonal

Insurance coverage varies based on location

After experiencing panic attacks for the first time, we turned toBrightside Healthin the summer of 2024 to try out its online therapy services for anxiety. After only a few sessions, we found ourselves becoming equipped with useful coping tools, allowing us to navigate our anxiety without having to turn tomedication. With an experience like this, plus excellent user ratings, we are confident that Brightside Health is the best online therapy platform for anxiety and depression.Our therapist took an active role in the therapeutic process, even coming to session with surveys to go over with us in order to understand how we handled various emotions in different situations. We were also assigned homework, which consisted of activities that would gently push us out of our comfort zone between sessions to help reduce our symptoms of anxiety. By the end of the testing period, we were already planning on continuing our treatment with this therapist.“Overall, I feel I’ve gained new approaches to tackling certain situations and thought processes. I’ve also learned newbreathing techniquesto help with anxiety rather than relying on medication.”- Brightside tester, who was seeking treatment for panic attacksWe also tried out Brightside Health three other times in the past three years for both anxiety and depression, and the company has been consistently great at its niche of helping individuals suffering from these conditions. Something we specifically noticed was that Brightside could offer a bit more flexibility for choosing a provider to work with, which is especially important to finding a therapist with whom we could quickly establish atherapeutic rapport—the basis of effective anxiety and depression treatment. All of our experiences with this company vouch for the professionalism, efficacy, and overall quality care Brightside Health offers.

After experiencing panic attacks for the first time, we turned toBrightside Healthin the summer of 2024 to try out its online therapy services for anxiety. After only a few sessions, we found ourselves becoming equipped with useful coping tools, allowing us to navigate our anxiety without having to turn tomedication. With an experience like this, plus excellent user ratings, we are confident that Brightside Health is the best online therapy platform for anxiety and depression.

Our therapist took an active role in the therapeutic process, even coming to session with surveys to go over with us in order to understand how we handled various emotions in different situations. We were also assigned homework, which consisted of activities that would gently push us out of our comfort zone between sessions to help reduce our symptoms of anxiety. By the end of the testing period, we were already planning on continuing our treatment with this therapist.

“Overall, I feel I’ve gained new approaches to tackling certain situations and thought processes. I’ve also learned newbreathing techniquesto help with anxiety rather than relying on medication.”- Brightside tester, who was seeking treatment for panic attacks

“Overall, I feel I’ve gained new approaches to tackling certain situations and thought processes. I’ve also learned newbreathing techniquesto help with anxiety rather than relying on medication.”

  • Brightside tester, who was seeking treatment for panic attacks

We also tried out Brightside Health three other times in the past three years for both anxiety and depression, and the company has been consistently great at its niche of helping individuals suffering from these conditions. Something we specifically noticed was that Brightside could offer a bit more flexibility for choosing a provider to work with, which is especially important to finding a therapist with whom we could quickly establish atherapeutic rapport—the basis of effective anxiety and depression treatment. All of our experiences with this company vouch for the professionalism, efficacy, and overall quality care Brightside Health offers.

Does Brightside Accept Insurance?Yes, including Aetna, Ambetter, Anthem, Cigna, and UnitedHealthcareSubscription Required?YesOut-of-Pocket Costs:-$95 per month plus your pharmacy copay (if you have insurance prescription benefits) for the psychiatry plan, which includes an evaluation with a medication management provider, ongoing support and monitoring, and any necessary adjustments to medication-$299 per month for weekly 45-minute video therapy sessions and unlimited messaging with a licensed therapist-$349 per month for everything included in both the psychiatry and therapy plan

We surveyed 100 users of Brightside Health:88% rated Brightside Health 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 Brightside Health99% are likely or very likely to recommend Brightside Health to a friend or someone like them78% were seeking therapy for anxiety and 68% were seeking therapy for depression

We surveyed 100 users of Brightside Health:

I’m a Mom Who Tried Brightside Online Therapy to Curb My Anxiety & Depression

Best for Beginners:Teladoc

Price:$119 - $299Is Insurance Accepted?:YesType Of Therapy:Couples Therapy, Individual Therapy, Psychiatry, Teen CounselingLearn More

Person using laptop on Teladoc website

Therapy—even online therapy—can be intimidating for newcomers, but Teladoc makes the process incredibly easy. From being able to choose your own therapist to a super simple sign-up process, we believe this company is the best for those new to online therapy.

ProsEasy sign-up processCan choose your own therapistAccepts a wide range of insurance plansOffers medication managementConsMight be difficult to find evening or weekend availabilityUnable to view provider profiles prior to sign-up

ProsEasy sign-up processCan choose your own therapistAccepts a wide range of insurance plansOffers medication management

Easy sign-up process

Can choose your own therapist

Offers medication management

ConsMight be difficult to find evening or weekend availabilityUnable to view provider profiles prior to sign-up

Might be difficult to find evening or weekend availability

Unable to view provider profiles prior to sign-up

In the summer of 2024, we asked someone who had never tried online therapy before to testTeladoc’s individual therapy services. Between the easy sign-up process and the ability to choose our own therapist, plus the wide range of insurance plans it accepts, we easily identified this platform as a great go-to for therapy newcomers like ourselves.

“I’ve never tried online therapy and was skeptical about the online aspect…but I thought the sign-up process was easy and not intimidating for first-timers like myself.”- Teladoc tester, who was seeking support for women’s health issues

“I’ve never tried online therapy and was skeptical about the online aspect…but I thought the sign-up process was easy and not intimidating for first-timers like myself.”

  • Teladoc tester, who was seeking support for women’s health issues

One thing we especially appreciated as newcomers was that our therapist was active in the session and recommended books and journaling for between sessions, making our first experience with online therapy even easier and more helpful.

We’ve tested Teladoc five other times over the last few years, and each time we have enthusiastically recommended it. However, one tester noted that it was a challenge to not be able to speak to your therapist between sessions, meaning there isn’t a dedicated messaging portal for you and your provider. If you opt to use Teladoc, be sure to ask your therapist the best way to get in touch between sessions.

Does Teladoc Accepts Insurance?Yes, over 60 insurance plans, including Aetna, UnitedHealthcare, Medicare, and MedicaidSubscription Required?NoOut-of-Pocket Costs:-$119 per 60-minute therapy session-$299 for the initial psychiatry visit-$129 for psychiatry follow-ups

We surveyed 100 users of Teladoc:94% rated Teladoc as very good or excellent overall89% rated their therapist’s qualifications as very good or excellent94% said that most or all of their needs were met at Teladoc98% are likely or very likely to recommend Teladoc to a friend or someone like them83% are still working with their Teladoc therapist, indicating a high level of user satisfaction

We surveyed 100 users of Teladoc:

As a Busy Mom, I Needed Flexible, Affordable Therapy—and I Found That with Teladoc

Best for Kids:Little OtterPrice:$195 for standard therapy session; $500 for general psychiatry evaluation; $250 for follow-up psychiatry sessionsIs Insurance Accepted?:YesType Of Therapy:Children’s Therapy, Couples Therapy, Family Therapy, Medication Management, Psychiatry, Teen CounselingLearn MoreWhy We Chose ItOnline therapy for kidscan be tricky—after all, even if you are able to find a service that treats children (a rarity in the online therapy space), it takes a skilled provider to engage a child long enough for them to reap the benefits of virtual mental health services. We’re pleased to say Little Otter is our top pick for the online therapy service that’s best for kids thanks to its thoughtful intake process, professional providers, and effective therapeutic tools for the whole family.Pros & ConsProsTherapy and medication management for children ages 0-14Services are available for children, parents, and familiesDetailed intake process to match your child with the right providerConsLimited number of insurance plans acceptedOut-of-pocket fees may be cost-prohibitive for someOur TestingOur 11-year-old son, who as a ten-year-old was experiencing regular panic attacks andgeneralized anxiety, has been seeing a therapist throughLittle Otterfor the past year, and the results have been remarkable. Our son has not experienced a single panic attack since starting therapy with Little Otter. These results, as well as our previous positive experiences with this company, make Little Otter our obvious pick for the best kids online therapy provider.As you can likely imagine, getting a child to warm up to a therapist via telehealth is no small feat. Yet, after just one short intake session, Little Otter matched our son with a provider with whom he connected very quickly.“Our son had been reluctant to talk to a therapist at first, but loved [his Little Otter provider] instantly.”- Little Otter tester, whose son was experiencing anxiety and panic attacksAnother bonus was how we as parents were seamlessly involved in the treatment process. We were sometimes invited to join sessions with our son, and it was easy to message the therapist between sessions if we felt that something was missed or we needed extra support.We also tried out Little Otter four other times in the past few years, and there was a clear theme amongst our findings: The providers are excellent and the clinical skills are there, but the fees are highly cost-prohibitive, especially if the company does not accept your insurance plan. While it offers discounts if you buy sessions in bulk, these prices can still prove to be inaccessible to some. However, most of the time, we found the services to be worth the cost.Plans & PricingDoes Little Otter Accept Insurance?Yes, four plans—Independence Blue Cross, AmeriHealth, Sana, and Florida BlueSubscription Required?NoOut-of-Pocket Costs:-Free intake “kickoff” session-$390 for initial 90-minute therapy assessment-$195 per 45-minute individual child therapy session (sessions can be bundled for further savings)-$195 per parent coaching and/or parent training session-$500 for initial 75-minute psychiatric evaluation-$250 per psychiatry follow-up sessionWhat 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 them82% were able to easily find a therapist that fit the criteria they were looking forMy Son Needed a Therapist, So We Tried Little Otter—Here’s What Happened

Best for Kids:Little Otter

Price:$195 for standard therapy session; $500 for general psychiatry evaluation; $250 for follow-up psychiatry sessionsIs Insurance Accepted?:YesType Of Therapy:Children’s Therapy, Couples Therapy, Family Therapy, Medication Management, Psychiatry, Teen CounselingLearn MoreWhy We Chose ItOnline therapy for kidscan be tricky—after all, even if you are able to find a service that treats children (a rarity in the online therapy space), it takes a skilled provider to engage a child long enough for them to reap the benefits of virtual mental health services. We’re pleased to say Little Otter is our top pick for the online therapy service that’s best for kids thanks to its thoughtful intake process, professional providers, and effective therapeutic tools for the whole family.Pros & ConsProsTherapy and medication management for children ages 0-14Services are available for children, parents, and familiesDetailed intake process to match your child with the right providerConsLimited number of insurance plans acceptedOut-of-pocket fees may be cost-prohibitive for someOur TestingOur 11-year-old son, who as a ten-year-old was experiencing regular panic attacks andgeneralized anxiety, has been seeing a therapist throughLittle Otterfor the past year, and the results have been remarkable. Our son has not experienced a single panic attack since starting therapy with Little Otter. These results, as well as our previous positive experiences with this company, make Little Otter our obvious pick for the best kids online therapy provider.As you can likely imagine, getting a child to warm up to a therapist via telehealth is no small feat. Yet, after just one short intake session, Little Otter matched our son with a provider with whom he connected very quickly.“Our son had been reluctant to talk to a therapist at first, but loved [his Little Otter provider] instantly.”- Little Otter tester, whose son was experiencing anxiety and panic attacksAnother bonus was how we as parents were seamlessly involved in the treatment process. We were sometimes invited to join sessions with our son, and it was easy to message the therapist between sessions if we felt that something was missed or we needed extra support.We also tried out Little Otter four other times in the past few years, and there was a clear theme amongst our findings: The providers are excellent and the clinical skills are there, but the fees are highly cost-prohibitive, especially if the company does not accept your insurance plan. While it offers discounts if you buy sessions in bulk, these prices can still prove to be inaccessible to some. However, most of the time, we found the services to be worth the cost.Plans & PricingDoes Little Otter Accept Insurance?Yes, four plans—Independence Blue Cross, AmeriHealth, Sana, and Florida BlueSubscription Required?NoOut-of-Pocket Costs:-Free intake “kickoff” session-$390 for initial 90-minute therapy assessment-$195 per 45-minute individual child therapy session (sessions can be bundled for further savings)-$195 per parent coaching and/or parent training session-$500 for initial 75-minute psychiatric evaluation-$250 per psychiatry follow-up sessionWhat 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 them82% were able to easily find a therapist that fit the criteria they were looking forMy Son Needed a Therapist, So We Tried Little Otter—Here’s What Happened

Price:$195 for standard therapy session; $500 for general psychiatry evaluation; $250 for follow-up psychiatry sessionsIs Insurance Accepted?:YesType Of Therapy:Children’s Therapy, Couples Therapy, Family Therapy, Medication Management, Psychiatry, Teen CounselingLearn More

Person using laptop on Little Otter website

Why We Chose ItOnline therapy for kidscan be tricky—after all, even if you are able to find a service that treats children (a rarity in the online therapy space), it takes a skilled provider to engage a child long enough for them to reap the benefits of virtual mental health services. We’re pleased to say Little Otter is our top pick for the online therapy service that’s best for kids thanks to its thoughtful intake process, professional providers, and effective therapeutic tools for the whole family.Pros & ConsProsTherapy and medication management for children ages 0-14Services are available for children, parents, and familiesDetailed intake process to match your child with the right providerConsLimited number of insurance plans acceptedOut-of-pocket fees may be cost-prohibitive for someOur TestingOur 11-year-old son, who as a ten-year-old was experiencing regular panic attacks andgeneralized anxiety, has been seeing a therapist throughLittle Otterfor the past year, and the results have been remarkable. Our son has not experienced a single panic attack since starting therapy with Little Otter. These results, as well as our previous positive experiences with this company, make Little Otter our obvious pick for the best kids online therapy provider.As you can likely imagine, getting a child to warm up to a therapist via telehealth is no small feat. Yet, after just one short intake session, Little Otter matched our son with a provider with whom he connected very quickly.“Our son had been reluctant to talk to a therapist at first, but loved [his Little Otter provider] instantly.”- Little Otter tester, whose son was experiencing anxiety and panic attacksAnother bonus was how we as parents were seamlessly involved in the treatment process. We were sometimes invited to join sessions with our son, and it was easy to message the therapist between sessions if we felt that something was missed or we needed extra support.We also tried out Little Otter four other times in the past few years, and there was a clear theme amongst our findings: The providers are excellent and the clinical skills are there, but the fees are highly cost-prohibitive, especially if the company does not accept your insurance plan. While it offers discounts if you buy sessions in bulk, these prices can still prove to be inaccessible to some. However, most of the time, we found the services to be worth the cost.Plans & PricingDoes Little Otter Accept Insurance?Yes, four plans—Independence Blue Cross, AmeriHealth, Sana, and Florida BlueSubscription Required?NoOut-of-Pocket Costs:-Free intake “kickoff” session-$390 for initial 90-minute therapy assessment-$195 per 45-minute individual child therapy session (sessions can be bundled for further savings)-$195 per parent coaching and/or parent training session-$500 for initial 75-minute psychiatric evaluation-$250 per psychiatry follow-up sessionWhat 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 them82% were able to easily find a therapist that fit the criteria they were looking forMy Son Needed a Therapist, So We Tried Little Otter—Here’s What Happened

Online therapy for kidscan be tricky—after all, even if you are able to find a service that treats children (a rarity in the online therapy space), it takes a skilled provider to engage a child long enough for them to reap the benefits of virtual mental health services. We’re pleased to say Little Otter is our top pick for the online therapy service that’s best for kids thanks to its thoughtful intake process, professional providers, and effective therapeutic tools for the whole family.

ProsTherapy and medication management for children ages 0-14Services are available for children, parents, and familiesDetailed intake process to match your child with the right providerConsLimited number of insurance plans acceptedOut-of-pocket fees may be cost-prohibitive for some

ProsTherapy and medication management for children ages 0-14Services are available for children, parents, and familiesDetailed intake process to match your child with the right provider

Therapy and medication management for children ages 0-14

Services are available for children, parents, and families

Detailed intake process to match your child with the right provider

ConsLimited number of insurance plans acceptedOut-of-pocket fees may be cost-prohibitive for some

Limited number of insurance plans accepted

Out-of-pocket fees may be cost-prohibitive for some

Our 11-year-old son, who as a ten-year-old was experiencing regular panic attacks andgeneralized anxiety, has been seeing a therapist throughLittle Otterfor the past year, and the results have been remarkable. Our son has not experienced a single panic attack since starting therapy with Little Otter. These results, as well as our previous positive experiences with this company, make Little Otter our obvious pick for the best kids online therapy provider.As you can likely imagine, getting a child to warm up to a therapist via telehealth is no small feat. Yet, after just one short intake session, Little Otter matched our son with a provider with whom he connected very quickly.“Our son had been reluctant to talk to a therapist at first, but loved [his Little Otter provider] instantly.”- Little Otter tester, whose son was experiencing anxiety and panic attacksAnother bonus was how we as parents were seamlessly involved in the treatment process. We were sometimes invited to join sessions with our son, and it was easy to message the therapist between sessions if we felt that something was missed or we needed extra support.We also tried out Little Otter four other times in the past few years, and there was a clear theme amongst our findings: The providers are excellent and the clinical skills are there, but the fees are highly cost-prohibitive, especially if the company does not accept your insurance plan. While it offers discounts if you buy sessions in bulk, these prices can still prove to be inaccessible to some. However, most of the time, we found the services to be worth the cost.

Our 11-year-old son, who as a ten-year-old was experiencing regular panic attacks andgeneralized anxiety, has been seeing a therapist throughLittle Otterfor the past year, and the results have been remarkable. Our son has not experienced a single panic attack since starting therapy with Little Otter. These results, as well as our previous positive experiences with this company, make Little Otter our obvious pick for the best kids online therapy provider.

As you can likely imagine, getting a child to warm up to a therapist via telehealth is no small feat. Yet, after just one short intake session, Little Otter matched our son with a provider with whom he connected very quickly.

“Our son had been reluctant to talk to a therapist at first, but loved [his Little Otter provider] instantly.”- Little Otter tester, whose son was experiencing anxiety and panic attacks

“Our son had been reluctant to talk to a therapist at first, but loved [his Little Otter provider] instantly.”

  • Little Otter tester, whose son was experiencing anxiety and panic attacks

Another bonus was how we as parents were seamlessly involved in the treatment process. We were sometimes invited to join sessions with our son, and it was easy to message the therapist between sessions if we felt that something was missed or we needed extra support.

We also tried out Little Otter four other times in the past few years, and there was a clear theme amongst our findings: The providers are excellent and the clinical skills are there, but the fees are highly cost-prohibitive, especially if the company does not accept your insurance plan. While it offers discounts if you buy sessions in bulk, these prices can still prove to be inaccessible to some. However, most of the time, we found the services to be worth the cost.

Does Little Otter Accept Insurance?Yes, four plans—Independence Blue Cross, AmeriHealth, Sana, and Florida BlueSubscription Required?NoOut-of-Pocket Costs:-Free intake “kickoff” session-$390 for initial 90-minute therapy assessment-$195 per 45-minute individual child therapy session (sessions can be bundled for further savings)-$195 per parent coaching and/or parent training session-$500 for initial 75-minute psychiatric evaluation-$250 per psychiatry follow-up session

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 them82% were able to easily find a therapist that fit the criteria they were looking for

We surveyed 100 users of Little Otter:

My Son Needed a Therapist, So We Tried Little Otter—Here’s What Happened

Most Inclusive:TherapyDen

Price:Free to use, session fees vary based on the providerIs Insurance Accepted?:YesType Of Therapy:Children’s Therapy, Couples Therapy, Group Therapy, Individual Therapy, Medication ManagementLearn More

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ProsWide range of culturally-specific search filtersEmphasis on LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC folks seeking therapyFree to useMany therapists accept insuranceConsSmaller selection of therapists when compared to other directoriesIt’s a directory, so you will still need to contact the therapists directly to explore working together

ProsWide range of culturally-specific search filtersEmphasis on LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC folks seeking therapyFree to useMany therapists accept insurance

Wide range of culturally-specific search filters

Emphasis on LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC folks seeking therapy

Free to use

Many therapists accept insurance

ConsSmaller selection of therapists when compared to other directoriesIt’s a directory, so you will still need to contact the therapists directly to explore working together

Smaller selection of therapists when compared to other directories

It’s a directory, so you will still need to contact the therapists directly to explore working together

We took a pass at trying to find a therapist with very specific search criteria onTherapyDen, and this directory passed with flying colors. We were able to filter our results based on fee, insurance, specialty, and location, and we still found seven providers to choose from who met all our needs. Factoring in the ease of use and the range of search filters available, we believe TherapyDen is the most inclusive online therapy service available right now.

We’ve used TherapyDen twice in the past and both times we sang praises for the directory’s social justice-focused approach. However, there was one negative thing we flagged this year: the email button on each therapist’s profile takes you to a contact form through the directory rather than connecting you directly to the therapists themselves. However, this was a small complaint that ultimately did not affect the usefulness of TherapyDen.

We surveyed 100 users of TherapyDen:87% rated TherapyDen as very good or excellent overall87% rated their therapist’s qualifications as very good or excellent93% said that most or all of their needs were met with their TherapyDen provider96% are likely or very likely to recommend TherapyDen to a friend or someone like them89% said it was better or much better than other services they’ve used in the past

We surveyed 100 users of TherapyDen:

I Wanted to Find a Therapist With My Values So I Tried TherapyDen

Best for Medication Management:Doctor on DemandPrice:$129 - $299 per sessionIs Insurance Accepted?:YesType Of Therapy:Individual Therapy, Medication Management, Psychiatry, Teen CounselingLearn MoreWhy We Chose ItFinding affordable medication management services available for all ages is tough. Luckily, Doctor On Demand accepts plenty of insurance plans and offers psychiatric services for both kids and teens as well as adults—a tall order in the online therapy and psychiatry space, setting it apart from its virtual competitors.Pros & ConsProsIn-network with over 300 insurance plansAvailable in all 50 statesOffers medication management for kids, teens, and adultsEasy sign-up processDepending on location, appointments may be available within 48 hoursConsDoes not show insurance accepted before sign upOut-of-pocket expenses can be cost-prohibitiveOur TestingWe recently sought medication management services throughDoctor on Demandfor our teenage son who was suffering fromanxiety. We were relieved to meet with a psychiatrist who had excellent bedside manners and provided quality care. This experience, paired with the platform accepting a wide range of insurance plans and its availability nationwide, makes this our number-one pick for the best online therapy company for medication management.As you can imagine, engaging a teenager struggling with anxiety isn’t easy—add a computer screen between that teen and their provider and it becomes even more difficult. Yet, we were happy to report that the psychiatrist our son saw was a great listener and very understanding. The psychiatrist was also very respectful of our son’s autonomy, asking us to briefly step out of the room so our son could speak to the psychiatrist privately. This made us confident that our psychiatrist was providing our son with personal, tailored care.“One big thing that stood out to me was our provider’s interest in the mental health and medications of my son’s family members.”- Doctor on Demand tester, who was seeking psychiatric services for her sonWe were especially impressed that the psychiatrist utilized our family history information to develop our son’s treatment plan—a level of detail that, in our extensive testing experience, most online prescribers rarely reach.While our three other experiences testing this company in the past were generally positive, it is worth noting that it can be frustrating that Doctor On Demand doesn’t display the insurance plans it accepts before you sign up. Since out-of-pocket costs can be a bit steep, it would be nice to know whether your insurance will help cover the costs or not before starting the sign-up process.Plans & PricingDoes Doctor On Demand Accept Insurance?Yes, over 300 insurance plans, including Aetna, Cigna, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Kaiser PermanenteSubscription Required?NoOut-of-Pocket Costs:-$134 for 25-minute session with a psychologist-$184 for a 50-minute session with a psychologist-$299 for an initial 45-minute consultation with a psychiatrist-$129 for a 15-minute follow-up with a psychiatristWhat Users SayWe surveyed 100 users of Doctor On Demand:88% rated Doctor On Demand as very good or excellent overall91% rated their therapist’s qualifications as very good or excellent96% said that most or all of their needs were met at Doctor On Demand97% are likely or very likely to recommend Doctor On Demand to a friend or someone like them31% were seeking psychiatry services through Doctor on DemandRead the FullDoctor on Demand Online Therapy ReviewMy Teen Tried Doctor on Demand’s Psychiatry Services—and Had a Great Experience

Best for Medication Management:Doctor on Demand

Price:$129 - $299 per sessionIs Insurance Accepted?:YesType Of Therapy:Individual Therapy, Medication Management, Psychiatry, Teen CounselingLearn MoreWhy We Chose ItFinding affordable medication management services available for all ages is tough. Luckily, Doctor On Demand accepts plenty of insurance plans and offers psychiatric services for both kids and teens as well as adults—a tall order in the online therapy and psychiatry space, setting it apart from its virtual competitors.Pros & ConsProsIn-network with over 300 insurance plansAvailable in all 50 statesOffers medication management for kids, teens, and adultsEasy sign-up processDepending on location, appointments may be available within 48 hoursConsDoes not show insurance accepted before sign upOut-of-pocket expenses can be cost-prohibitiveOur TestingWe recently sought medication management services throughDoctor on Demandfor our teenage son who was suffering fromanxiety. We were relieved to meet with a psychiatrist who had excellent bedside manners and provided quality care. This experience, paired with the platform accepting a wide range of insurance plans and its availability nationwide, makes this our number-one pick for the best online therapy company for medication management.As you can imagine, engaging a teenager struggling with anxiety isn’t easy—add a computer screen between that teen and their provider and it becomes even more difficult. Yet, we were happy to report that the psychiatrist our son saw was a great listener and very understanding. The psychiatrist was also very respectful of our son’s autonomy, asking us to briefly step out of the room so our son could speak to the psychiatrist privately. This made us confident that our psychiatrist was providing our son with personal, tailored care.“One big thing that stood out to me was our provider’s interest in the mental health and medications of my son’s family members.”- Doctor on Demand tester, who was seeking psychiatric services for her sonWe were especially impressed that the psychiatrist utilized our family history information to develop our son’s treatment plan—a level of detail that, in our extensive testing experience, most online prescribers rarely reach.While our three other experiences testing this company in the past were generally positive, it is worth noting that it can be frustrating that Doctor On Demand doesn’t display the insurance plans it accepts before you sign up. Since out-of-pocket costs can be a bit steep, it would be nice to know whether your insurance will help cover the costs or not before starting the sign-up process.Plans & PricingDoes Doctor On Demand Accept Insurance?Yes, over 300 insurance plans, including Aetna, Cigna, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Kaiser PermanenteSubscription Required?NoOut-of-Pocket Costs:-$134 for 25-minute session with a psychologist-$184 for a 50-minute session with a psychologist-$299 for an initial 45-minute consultation with a psychiatrist-$129 for a 15-minute follow-up with a psychiatristWhat Users SayWe surveyed 100 users of Doctor On Demand:88% rated Doctor On Demand as very good or excellent overall91% rated their therapist’s qualifications as very good or excellent96% said that most or all of their needs were met at Doctor On Demand97% are likely or very likely to recommend Doctor On Demand to a friend or someone like them31% were seeking psychiatry services through Doctor on DemandRead the FullDoctor on Demand Online Therapy ReviewMy Teen Tried Doctor on Demand’s Psychiatry Services—and Had a Great Experience

Price:$129 - $299 per sessionIs Insurance Accepted?:YesType Of Therapy:Individual Therapy, Medication Management, Psychiatry, Teen CounselingLearn More

Person using phone on the Dr. on Demand app

Why We Chose ItFinding affordable medication management services available for all ages is tough. Luckily, Doctor On Demand accepts plenty of insurance plans and offers psychiatric services for both kids and teens as well as adults—a tall order in the online therapy and psychiatry space, setting it apart from its virtual competitors.Pros & ConsProsIn-network with over 300 insurance plansAvailable in all 50 statesOffers medication management for kids, teens, and adultsEasy sign-up processDepending on location, appointments may be available within 48 hoursConsDoes not show insurance accepted before sign upOut-of-pocket expenses can be cost-prohibitiveOur TestingWe recently sought medication management services throughDoctor on Demandfor our teenage son who was suffering fromanxiety. We were relieved to meet with a psychiatrist who had excellent bedside manners and provided quality care. This experience, paired with the platform accepting a wide range of insurance plans and its availability nationwide, makes this our number-one pick for the best online therapy company for medication management.As you can imagine, engaging a teenager struggling with anxiety isn’t easy—add a computer screen between that teen and their provider and it becomes even more difficult. Yet, we were happy to report that the psychiatrist our son saw was a great listener and very understanding. The psychiatrist was also very respectful of our son’s autonomy, asking us to briefly step out of the room so our son could speak to the psychiatrist privately. This made us confident that our psychiatrist was providing our son with personal, tailored care.“One big thing that stood out to me was our provider’s interest in the mental health and medications of my son’s family members.”- Doctor on Demand tester, who was seeking psychiatric services for her sonWe were especially impressed that the psychiatrist utilized our family history information to develop our son’s treatment plan—a level of detail that, in our extensive testing experience, most online prescribers rarely reach.While our three other experiences testing this company in the past were generally positive, it is worth noting that it can be frustrating that Doctor On Demand doesn’t display the insurance plans it accepts before you sign up. Since out-of-pocket costs can be a bit steep, it would be nice to know whether your insurance will help cover the costs or not before starting the sign-up process.Plans & PricingDoes Doctor On Demand Accept Insurance?Yes, over 300 insurance plans, including Aetna, Cigna, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Kaiser PermanenteSubscription Required?NoOut-of-Pocket Costs:-$134 for 25-minute session with a psychologist-$184 for a 50-minute session with a psychologist-$299 for an initial 45-minute consultation with a psychiatrist-$129 for a 15-minute follow-up with a psychiatristWhat Users SayWe surveyed 100 users of Doctor On Demand:88% rated Doctor On Demand as very good or excellent overall91% rated their therapist’s qualifications as very good or excellent96% said that most or all of their needs were met at Doctor On Demand97% are likely or very likely to recommend Doctor On Demand to a friend or someone like them31% were seeking psychiatry services through Doctor on DemandRead the FullDoctor on Demand Online Therapy ReviewMy Teen Tried Doctor on Demand’s Psychiatry Services—and Had a Great Experience

Finding affordable medication management services available for all ages is tough. Luckily, Doctor On Demand accepts plenty of insurance plans and offers psychiatric services for both kids and teens as well as adults—a tall order in the online therapy and psychiatry space, setting it apart from its virtual competitors.

ProsIn-network with over 300 insurance plansAvailable in all 50 statesOffers medication management for kids, teens, and adultsEasy sign-up processDepending on location, appointments may be available within 48 hoursConsDoes not show insurance accepted before sign upOut-of-pocket expenses can be cost-prohibitive

ProsIn-network with over 300 insurance plansAvailable in all 50 statesOffers medication management for kids, teens, and adultsEasy sign-up processDepending on location, appointments may be available within 48 hours

In-network with over 300 insurance plans

Offers medication management for kids, teens, and adults

Depending on location, appointments may be available within 48 hours

ConsDoes not show insurance accepted before sign upOut-of-pocket expenses can be cost-prohibitive

Does not show insurance accepted before sign up

Out-of-pocket expenses can be cost-prohibitive

We recently sought medication management services throughDoctor on Demandfor our teenage son who was suffering fromanxiety. We were relieved to meet with a psychiatrist who had excellent bedside manners and provided quality care. This experience, paired with the platform accepting a wide range of insurance plans and its availability nationwide, makes this our number-one pick for the best online therapy company for medication management.As you can imagine, engaging a teenager struggling with anxiety isn’t easy—add a computer screen between that teen and their provider and it becomes even more difficult. Yet, we were happy to report that the psychiatrist our son saw was a great listener and very understanding. The psychiatrist was also very respectful of our son’s autonomy, asking us to briefly step out of the room so our son could speak to the psychiatrist privately. This made us confident that our psychiatrist was providing our son with personal, tailored care.“One big thing that stood out to me was our provider’s interest in the mental health and medications of my son’s family members.”- Doctor on Demand tester, who was seeking psychiatric services for her sonWe were especially impressed that the psychiatrist utilized our family history information to develop our son’s treatment plan—a level of detail that, in our extensive testing experience, most online prescribers rarely reach.While our three other experiences testing this company in the past were generally positive, it is worth noting that it can be frustrating that Doctor On Demand doesn’t display the insurance plans it accepts before you sign up. Since out-of-pocket costs can be a bit steep, it would be nice to know whether your insurance will help cover the costs or not before starting the sign-up process.

We recently sought medication management services throughDoctor on Demandfor our teenage son who was suffering fromanxiety. We were relieved to meet with a psychiatrist who had excellent bedside manners and provided quality care. This experience, paired with the platform accepting a wide range of insurance plans and its availability nationwide, makes this our number-one pick for the best online therapy company for medication management.

As you can imagine, engaging a teenager struggling with anxiety isn’t easy—add a computer screen between that teen and their provider and it becomes even more difficult. Yet, we were happy to report that the psychiatrist our son saw was a great listener and very understanding. The psychiatrist was also very respectful of our son’s autonomy, asking us to briefly step out of the room so our son could speak to the psychiatrist privately. This made us confident that our psychiatrist was providing our son with personal, tailored care.

“One big thing that stood out to me was our provider’s interest in the mental health and medications of my son’s family members.”- Doctor on Demand tester, who was seeking psychiatric services for her son

“One big thing that stood out to me was our provider’s interest in the mental health and medications of my son’s family members.”

  • Doctor on Demand tester, who was seeking psychiatric services for her son

We were especially impressed that the psychiatrist utilized our family history information to develop our son’s treatment plan—a level of detail that, in our extensive testing experience, most online prescribers rarely reach.

While our three other experiences testing this company in the past were generally positive, it is worth noting that it can be frustrating that Doctor On Demand doesn’t display the insurance plans it accepts before you sign up. Since out-of-pocket costs can be a bit steep, it would be nice to know whether your insurance will help cover the costs or not before starting the sign-up process.

Does Doctor On Demand Accept Insurance?Yes, over 300 insurance plans, including Aetna, Cigna, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Kaiser PermanenteSubscription Required?NoOut-of-Pocket Costs:-$134 for 25-minute session with a psychologist-$184 for a 50-minute session with a psychologist-$299 for an initial 45-minute consultation with a psychiatrist-$129 for a 15-minute follow-up with a psychiatrist

We surveyed 100 users of Doctor On Demand:88% rated Doctor On Demand as very good or excellent overall91% rated their therapist’s qualifications as very good or excellent96% said that most or all of their needs were met at Doctor On Demand97% are likely or very likely to recommend Doctor On Demand to a friend or someone like them31% were seeking psychiatry services through Doctor on Demand

We surveyed 100 users of Doctor On Demand:

Read the FullDoctor on Demand Online Therapy Review

My Teen Tried Doctor on Demand’s Psychiatry Services—and Had a Great Experience

Most Affordable:E-Therapy Cafe

Price:$55-$65 per sessionIs Insurance Accepted?:NoType Of Therapy:Couples Therapy, Individual TherapyLearn More

Person using laptop on E-Therapy Cafe

Therapy can beso expensivethat many don’t have the opportunity to try it out. E-Therapy Cafe offers sessions for an out-of-pocket price lower than many insurance co-pays, making it our pick for the most affordable online therapy.

ProsPricing is transparently outlined on the websitePricing is relatively affordableVarious packages make session fees even more affordableCouples therapy is the same price as individual therapyConsSessions purchased in a monthly package do not roll over to the following monthDoesn’t accept insurance

ProsPricing is transparently outlined on the websitePricing is relatively affordableVarious packages make session fees even more affordableCouples therapy is the same price as individual therapy

Pricing is transparently outlined on the website

Pricing is relatively affordable

Various packages make session fees even more affordable

Couples therapy is the same price as individual therapy

ConsSessions purchased in a monthly package do not roll over to the following monthDoesn’t accept insurance

Sessions purchased in a monthly package do not roll over to the following month

Doesn’t accept insurance

We have repeatedly called out how accessible E-Therapy Cafe is, noting that it has been best for when we’re going through some challenges and are seeking consistent check-ins and accountability on our healing journey. When we tried out E-Therapy Cafe’s couples therapy (and yes, couples therapy doesn’t cost a penny more!), we were impressed that we could schedule sessions as late as 9 p.m., which was perfect for our busy lives. And while sometimes we sawlife coachesrather than therapists through the platform, thisdifference in credentialswas clearly indicated, so we didn’t feel tricked or cheated, and we always had positive experiences nonetheless.

“Although we technically received couples coaching (neither of the therapists we worked with were licensed in our state), it didn’t detract from the experience or quality of care we received.”- E-Therapy Cafe tester, who tried couples counseling with her partner

“Although we technically received couples coaching (neither of the therapists we worked with were licensed in our state), it didn’t detract from the experience or quality of care we received.”

  • E-Therapy Cafe tester, who tried couples counseling with her partner

However, although the mental health services we received were top-notch, a common theme throughout our testing was that the website was a bit outdated and clunky. We also felt as though the providers could be more diverse. But despite these drawbacks, our past testing insights leave us confident many will be able to find excellent care at an affordable price with E-Therapy Cafe.

Does E-Therapy Cafe Accept Insurance?NoSubscription Required?NoOut-of-Pocket Costs:-$55 for first session, $65 for all sessions after-$470 for eight sessions per month-$440 per month for 24 sessions over a three-month period-$65 for digital journal/email sessions-$170 for an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) assessment, evaluation, and consultation

We surveyed 100 users of E-Therapy Cafe:85% rated E-Therapy Cafe as very good or excellent overall88% rated their therapist’s qualifications as very good or excellent96% said that most or all of their needs were met at E-Therapy Cafe95% are likely or very likely to recommend E-Therapy Cafe to a friend or someone like them82% identified the platform as affordable or very affordable

We surveyed 100 users of E-Therapy Cafe:

I Needed A Therapist That Could See Me After Work—So I Tried E-Therapy Cafe

Best for Availability$280 - $400 per monthNoYesCouples Therapy, Individual Therapy, Teen CounselingMessaging, Phone, Video ChatLearn MoreHide, not for meMost Comprehensive$276 to $436 per month for therapy subscriptionsYesYesCouples Therapy, Individual Therapy, Medication Management, Psychiatry, Teen CounselingAudio, Live Chat, Messaging, Phone, Video ChatLearn MoreHide, not for meBest for Anxiety and Depression$95-$349 per monthYesYesIndividual Therapy, Medication Management, PsychiatryMessaging, Video ChatLearn MoreHide, not for meBest for Beginners$119 - $299YesNoCouples Therapy, Individual Therapy, Psychiatry, Teen CounselingAudio, Video ChatLearn MoreHide, not for meBest for Kids$195 for standard therapy session; $500 for general psychiatry evaluation; $250 for follow-up psychiatry sessionsYesNoChildren’s Therapy, Couples Therapy, Family Therapy, Medication Management, Psychiatry, Teen CounselingMessaging, Video ChatLearn MoreHide, not for meMost InclusiveFree to use, session fees vary based on the providerYesNoChildren’s Therapy, Couples Therapy, Group Therapy, Individual Therapy, Medication ManagementN/ALearn MoreHide, not for meBest for Medication Management$129 - $299 per sessionYesYesIndividual Therapy, Medication Management, Psychiatry, Teen CounselingAudio, Video ChatLearn MoreHide, not for meMost Affordable$55-$65 per sessionNoNoCouples Therapy, Individual TherapyLive Chat, Messaging, Video ChatLearn MoreHide, not for me

Hide, not for me

There are online therapy companies we tested this year that are noticeably absent from our recommended picks. Here are the companies we tested that didn’t meet our high standards, along with reasons why we didn’t include them.

When choosing an online therapy provider, we recommend that you read the company’s privacy guidelines before you sign up to better understand whether it is HIPAA-compliant and whether it shares any private information with third parties.

We evaluated 82 online therapy companies andtherapist directoriesin order to compile our list of top recommendations. Here is a breakdown of our research and testing process.

Firsthand Experience

As part of our research, we signed up for talk therapy with all 55 online therapy companies we reviewed. We tested each company’s therapy services, and if the company offered other services (like 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. We collected 350 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

Frequently Asked Questions

Online therapy is great for most folks who are seeking out convenient therapy treatments for everyday challenges or conditions like mild to moderate anxiety and depression. However, it isn’t right for everyone. “Online therapy, in general, is not a good fit for people living with severe mental illness like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder (unless the company specifically states that it treats these conditions),” explains Owens. These conditions, she says, typically need a higher level of care that only in-person therapy can provide.

The price of online therapy varies greatly—for example, companies on this list range from $55 to $500 per session. If you can use insurance benefits to help fund your care, that will likely decrease the final cost.

This is dependent on the therapy service you select. Some have subscription-based models, meaning you have to pay monthly for your services. Others offer the ability to pay per session.

Yes, insurance can cover online therapy, but this is dependent on the insurance plan and the online therapy provider. Check with the online therapy company to determine if it accepts your plan.

Some online therapy companies, likeBrightside Health, accept Medicare and Medicaid. Most do not. Again, check with the individual service to find out.

Yes; legally, what you tell your therapist must stay private due to the Health Information and Portability Accountability Act (HIPAA).There are, however, some limitations to HIPAA where a therapist is legally required to break confidentiality. These limitations include if you’re suicidal and are deemed a danger to yourself or others, or if a child, elder, or dependent is being harmed. You can always ask your therapist to explain confidentiality limitations in full detail during your sessions.

Verywell Mind / A. Huang

Multiple devices standing on a living room coffee table that are opened to websites in the Online Therapy Awards 2024

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.Federal Trade Commission.FTC says online counseling service BetterHelp pushed people into handing over health information – and broke its privacy promises.U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.Summary of the HIPAA Security Rule.

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.Federal Trade Commission.FTC says online counseling service BetterHelp pushed people into handing over health information – and broke its privacy promises.U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.Summary of the HIPAA Security Rule.

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.

Federal Trade Commission.FTC says online counseling service BetterHelp pushed people into handing over health information – and broke its privacy promises.U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.Summary of the HIPAA Security Rule.

Federal Trade Commission.FTC says online counseling service BetterHelp pushed people into handing over health information – and broke its privacy promises.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.Summary of the HIPAA Security Rule.

Hannah Owens, LMSW

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