Not only do many large online platforms offer CBT from trained providers, but a number of free and paidappsand self-guided courses have cropped up to help users practiceCBT coping skills. While these apps can never replace seeing a licensed therapist, counselor, or psychologist, we think they can be beneficial self-help tools to complement and reinforce therapy. To help you find the best online therapy companies and apps offering online CBT,we surveyed over 10,000 users of 80 online therapy platforms and directories. Then we tested these companies and 28 apps before compiling this list of the best online CBT services with the help of licensed therapistHannah Owens, LMSW. Here are the eight we recommend.
8 Best Online CBT Services We TestedBest for Depression:BrightsideBest for Anxiety:Online-Therapy.comBest for OCD:NOCDBest for Trauma:ThriveworksBest for Adjustment Disorder:WellniteBest for Starting Therapy Fast:BetterHelpBest for Relationships:ReGainBest for Chronic Pain:Amwell
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
We Tested the Top Online Therapy Companies—Here Are the Ones We Recommend
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Our Online Therapy MethodologyCurious about the extensive work we did to research and evaluate online therapy companies? Take a look at ouronline therapy methodology.
Our Online Therapy Methodology
Curious about the extensive work we did to research and evaluate online therapy companies? Take a look at ouronline therapy methodology.
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We Tried 100+ Therapy Services and Apps—And These Are the 8 Best for Online CBT
Guide to Choosing
Who Is Online CBT Therapy Right For?
FAQs
How We Tested and Reviewed
Best for Depression:Brightside
Price:$95-$349 per monthIs Insurance Accepted?:YesType Of Therapy:Individual Therapy, Medication Management, PsychiatryLearn More

Learn More
Why We Chose It
Pros & Cons
ProsOffers therapy and psychiatry nationwideExperienced therapists with CBT trainingOffers weekend and evening availabilityUnlimited messaging to therapistsHelps you track and visualize your progressCrisis Care program for people with elevated suicide riskInteractive self-care worksheets and lessonsConsMust be at least 18 to sign upNo couples, family, or group therapySlower therapist switching process
ProsOffers therapy and psychiatry nationwideExperienced therapists with CBT trainingOffers weekend and evening availabilityUnlimited messaging to therapistsHelps you track and visualize your progressCrisis Care program for people with elevated suicide riskInteractive self-care worksheets and lessons
Offers therapy and psychiatry nationwide
Experienced therapists with CBT training
Offers weekend and evening availability
Unlimited messaging to therapists
Helps you track and visualize your progress
Crisis Care program for people with elevated suicide risk
Interactive self-care worksheets and lessons
ConsMust be at least 18 to sign upNo couples, family, or group therapySlower therapist switching process
Must be at least 18 to sign up
No couples, family, or group therapy
Slower therapist switching process
Our Testing
We had four people (including one mental health professional, two people with moderate depression, and one person with anxiety) from New York, California, and North Carolina try therapy withBrightsidefor a month each. Brightside specializes in treating depression and anxiety, often using CBT. Overall, we were able to find competent therapists who provided customized treatment plans and high levels of care. We were glad that we could message our providers any time if we had questions about the CBT-based “homework” they assigned us or if we needed help coping with depression between sessions.When we had the energy and motivation to stay on top of our “homework,” we found it was a great opportunity to reflect on what we learned in sessions, challenge unhelpful thought patterns, and learn coping skills. In the process, we noticed an increase in quality of life and a decrease in depression.CautionHowever, self-guided CBT activities only bring new insights and skills if you can actually keep up with them. The homework Brightside provides might have been too overwhelming if we had been dealing with severe depression, suicidal thoughts, or executive dysfunction. If that sounds familiar, we suggest treatment with an in-person provider who can keep you accountable while still meeting you where you’re at.There are a few things to consider before trying Brightside therapy: First, services are only for individual adults. Also, the intake questionnaire asked questions about height and weight, ostensibly to calculate our body mass index (BMI). Answering this question may be triggering for thosedealing with an eating disorder; plus, wedon’t support the use of BMIas an indicator of mental or physical health, anyway. Finally, we experienced some frustrations when trying to switch therapists—for instance, North Carolina had few therapist options available at all, and in general, the providers we were referred to weren’t always actually taking new clients.
We had four people (including one mental health professional, two people with moderate depression, and one person with anxiety) from New York, California, and North Carolina try therapy withBrightsidefor a month each. Brightside specializes in treating depression and anxiety, often using CBT. Overall, we were able to find competent therapists who provided customized treatment plans and high levels of care. We were glad that we could message our providers any time if we had questions about the CBT-based “homework” they assigned us or if we needed help coping with depression between sessions.
When we had the energy and motivation to stay on top of our “homework,” we found it was a great opportunity to reflect on what we learned in sessions, challenge unhelpful thought patterns, and learn coping skills. In the process, we noticed an increase in quality of life and a decrease in depression.
CautionHowever, self-guided CBT activities only bring new insights and skills if you can actually keep up with them. The homework Brightside provides might have been too overwhelming if we had been dealing with severe depression, suicidal thoughts, or executive dysfunction. If that sounds familiar, we suggest treatment with an in-person provider who can keep you accountable while still meeting you where you’re at.
However, self-guided CBT activities only bring new insights and skills if you can actually keep up with them. The homework Brightside provides might have been too overwhelming if we had been dealing with severe depression, suicidal thoughts, or executive dysfunction. If that sounds familiar, we suggest treatment with an in-person provider who can keep you accountable while still meeting you where you’re at.
There are a few things to consider before trying Brightside therapy: First, services are only for individual adults. Also, the intake questionnaire asked questions about height and weight, ostensibly to calculate our body mass index (BMI). Answering this question may be triggering for thosedealing with an eating disorder; plus, wedon’t support the use of BMIas an indicator of mental or physical health, anyway. Finally, we experienced some frustrations when trying to switch therapists—for instance, North Carolina had few therapist options available at all, and in general, the providers we were referred to weren’t always actually taking new clients.
Plans & Pricing
What Users Say
We surveyed 100 users of Brightside:88% rated Brightside as very good or excellent overall94% rated their therapist’s qualifications as very good or excellent93% said that most or all of their needs were met at Brightside99% said they were likely or very likely to recommend Brightside to a friend or someone like them32% said their therapists were using CBT techniques with them
We surveyed 100 users of Brightside:
I’m a Mom Who Tried Brightside Online Therapy to Curb My Anxiety & Depression
Best for Anxiety:Online-Therapy.com
Price:$200-$440 per monthIs Insurance Accepted?:NoType Of Therapy:Couples Therapy, Individual TherapyLearn More

Being anxious can keep you stuck in a rut—but luckily, CBT has been proven very effective forgeneralized anxiety disorder(GAD) and othersubtypes of anxiety.Thanks to a combination of coping tools, self-paced learning, and CBT from experienced providers, we thinkOnline-Therapy.comcan help with setting and achieving realistic goals. We’re also glad that Online-Therapy.com offers couples therapy as well, as we’re no strangers to the waysanxiety impacts relationships.
ProsSpecializes in CBT for a range of conditions, including anxietyWeekend and evening availabilityView provider bios and dashboard before payingOffers self-paced CBT course, online journal, activity planner, and moreAvailable nationwideContact with therapists five days a weekNew clients get a 20% discount on the first month of any planConsNot in network with any insurance plansNo psychiatry or medication managementMust be 18+ to sign up
ProsSpecializes in CBT for a range of conditions, including anxietyWeekend and evening availabilityView provider bios and dashboard before payingOffers self-paced CBT course, online journal, activity planner, and moreAvailable nationwideContact with therapists five days a weekNew clients get a 20% discount on the first month of any plan
Specializes in CBT for a range of conditions, including anxiety
Weekend and evening availability
View provider bios and dashboard before paying
Offers self-paced CBT course, online journal, activity planner, and more
Available nationwide
Contact with therapists five days a week
New clients get a 20% discount on the first month of any plan
ConsNot in network with any insurance plansNo psychiatry or medication managementMust be 18+ to sign up
Not in network with any insurance plans
No psychiatry or medication management
Must be 18+ to sign up
To testOnline-Therapy.com’s individual and couples therapy, we enlisted the help of six people, including two mental health professionals—hailing from South Dakota, California, Michigan, New York, and Pennsylvania—who live with anxiety as well as stress, grief, depression, and ADHD. Overall, we found the tools and self-guided CBT course accessible and insightful. We ended our testing confident that the platform’s licensed and vetted therapists can be a good option for adults and couples looking for help with mild-to-moderate conditions likesocial anxiety disorder(SAD),health anxiety,panic attacks,speech anxiety, and, of course,general anxiety disorder.
“Considering how much you would typically pay for counseling services I do think the cost of this service was fair."-Online-therapy.com tester, who was seeking support as a new mother
“Considering how much you would typically pay for counseling services I do think the cost of this service was fair.”
-Online-therapy.com tester, who was seeking support as a new mother
Some potential downsides to keep in mind: First, insurance isn’t accepted, so we had to be able to afford the full cost of a therapy subscription. There are no psychiatric or medication management services either, and this company is only for people 18 and older. One therapist seemed distracted during sessions, and we heard pings on their phone and sounds that suggested they might be in the car. But it’s worth noting that when we had to switch therapists, we found the process very easy and fast. We also experienced some technical difficulties in sessions. The live chat function was especially prone to preventing us from communicating fluidly; these sessions felt like a stilted text message conversation rather than a therapy session. However, we were offered make-up sessions to compensate for the frustration and wasted time.
Is Insurance Accepted:No, but therapists can provide superbills for you to seek at least partial out-of-network coverage; HSA/FSA acceptedSubscription Required:YesOut-of-Pocket Costs:Basic plan is $200 per month for the self-guided CBT program, unlimited messaging with a therapist, and access to worksheets, yoga videos, an online journal, and an activity plan; Standard plan is $320 per month for one 45-minute session per week via live video, text, or voice, plus everything included in Basic; Premium is $440 per month for two sessions per week, plus the benefits of Standard plan; Couples is $440 per month for one 45-minute couples therapy session per week conducted via video, text, or voice, plus access to everything in the Basic plan for both of you; 20% discount for the first month
We surveyed 102 users of Online-Therapy.com:89% rated Online-Therapy.com as very good or excellent overall88% rated their therapist’s qualifications as good, very good, or excellent95% said that most or all of their needs were met at Online-Therapy.com99% said they were likely or very likely to recommend Online-Therapy.com to a friend or someone like them24% said their therapists were using CBT techniques with them
We surveyed 102 users of Online-Therapy.com:
Read the FullWe Tried Online-Therapy.com - These Were Our Experiences
Best for OCD:NOCD

While many people associate OCD with a fear of germs, there are many more ways to experienceobsessions and/or compulsions, as well as the rituals and other behaviors that “feel right” to do but actually cause more distress. Obsessive-compulsive disorder traits can manifest ashoarding disorder,relationship obsessions, orbody dysmorphic disorder(BDD), to name only a few examples. If that sounds familiar, specialized OCD treatment might be the solution—and we thinkNOCD, the largest platform focused on this family of disorders, is a great place to start your search. Its therapists utilize CBT andexposure and response prevention(ERP) therapy, which are considered the gold standards for OCD treatment.
ProsAccepts insurancePediatric, teen, and adult OCD therapyTherapists with CBT and ERP training24/7-monitored community forumUnlimited messaging to therapistsServes the U.S., the U.K., Australia, and parts of CanadaProvider bios available without sign-upFree support groups availableConsLimited providers availableNo psychiatry or medication managementWebsite lacks accessibility features
ProsAccepts insurancePediatric, teen, and adult OCD therapyTherapists with CBT and ERP training24/7-monitored community forumUnlimited messaging to therapistsServes the U.S., the U.K., Australia, and parts of CanadaProvider bios available without sign-upFree support groups available
Accepts insurance
Pediatric, teen, and adult OCD therapy
Therapists with CBT and ERP training
24/7-monitored community forum
Serves the U.S., the U.K., Australia, and parts of Canada
Provider bios available without sign-up
Free support groups available
ConsLimited providers availableNo psychiatry or medication managementWebsite lacks accessibility features
Limited providers available
Website lacks accessibility features
To testNOCD, we had someone from Massachusetts with OCD try four sessions over two weeks. NOCD is the only platform we’re aware of that specializes in treatingmultiple types of OCDand related conditions likeskin-picking disorder. Its therapists receive training to use CBT, as well as ERP, an approach that involves gradually being exposed to triggering thoughts or situations and learning to find healthier ways of coping that don’t involve distressing compulsions or rituals.Overall, we found it to be a strong option for those who respond well to CBT and ERP.We were quickly matched with a suitable therapist who impressed us with their knowledge of OCD and started therapy only four days after registering for an account. The cost of the program included unlimited messaging to our therapist anytime, and our personalized treatment plan started out with extra support—two sessions per week. The app has two tools: a self-guided exercise to complement therapy, as well as an “S.O.S.” tool that can recommend an exposure exercise based on what was causing the most trouble at the moment. We also had access to free support groups offered throughout the day, seven days per week; we attended a few groups and found them comforting and full of camaraderie.We think NOCD is a good choice for many, though it isn’t for everyone. Some evidence indicates that ERP may only be effective about 50% to 60% of the time, and in our NOCD testing experience, it became apparent that continuing with ERP might have worsened some of our symptoms.There weren’t any accessibility features that we could find to accommodate our visual impairments so we couldn’t read all of the site’s content. Although we stopped scheduling new sessions after two weeks, it was clear that finishing the whole program would’ve required a significant time commitment, since both CBT and ERP require exercises outside of therapy sessions.Still, considering the issues we’ve had with previous therapists not understanding OCD well enough to treat us effectively, we think NOCD is a great place to get help with obsessions and compulsions.
To testNOCD, we had someone from Massachusetts with OCD try four sessions over two weeks. NOCD is the only platform we’re aware of that specializes in treatingmultiple types of OCDand related conditions likeskin-picking disorder. Its therapists receive training to use CBT, as well as ERP, an approach that involves gradually being exposed to triggering thoughts or situations and learning to find healthier ways of coping that don’t involve distressing compulsions or rituals.Overall, we found it to be a strong option for those who respond well to CBT and ERP.
We were quickly matched with a suitable therapist who impressed us with their knowledge of OCD and started therapy only four days after registering for an account. The cost of the program included unlimited messaging to our therapist anytime, and our personalized treatment plan started out with extra support—two sessions per week. The app has two tools: a self-guided exercise to complement therapy, as well as an “S.O.S.” tool that can recommend an exposure exercise based on what was causing the most trouble at the moment. We also had access to free support groups offered throughout the day, seven days per week; we attended a few groups and found them comforting and full of camaraderie.
We think NOCD is a good choice for many, though it isn’t for everyone. Some evidence indicates that ERP may only be effective about 50% to 60% of the time, and in our NOCD testing experience, it became apparent that continuing with ERP might have worsened some of our symptoms.There weren’t any accessibility features that we could find to accommodate our visual impairments so we couldn’t read all of the site’s content. Although we stopped scheduling new sessions after two weeks, it was clear that finishing the whole program would’ve required a significant time commitment, since both CBT and ERP require exercises outside of therapy sessions.
Still, considering the issues we’ve had with previous therapists not understanding OCD well enough to treat us effectively, we think NOCD is a great place to get help with obsessions and compulsions.
We surveyed 100 users of NOCD:88% rated NOCD as very good or excellent overall94% rated their therapist’s qualifications as very good or excellent95% said said that most or all of their needs were met at NOCD97% said they were likely or very likely to recommend NOCD to a friend or someone like them46% said their therapists were using CBT techniques with them
We surveyed 100 users of NOCD:
Read the FullNOCD Online Therapy Review
Best for Trauma:Thriveworks

An important and very common reason to seek therapy is to heal from traumatic experiences, and—once again—CBT and its subtypes are effective in-person and online options to try for trauma and PTSD.We particularly likeThriveworksbecause we received quality, trauma-informed care; the platform can also treat a range of other concerns in almost the entire family. If wanted (and appropriate), its board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioners (NPs) can also prescribe psychiatric medication to address anxiety and PTSD symptoms.
ProsTrauma-informed CBT and DBTTreats children and adults2,200+ licensed cliniciansGood customer service340 brick-and-mortar clinicsPsychiatry and medication management availableChoose your own therapist
Trauma-informed CBT and DBT
Treats children and adults
2,200+ licensed clinicians
Good customer service
340 brick-and-mortar clinics
Psychiatry and medication management available
Choose your own therapist
No live chat sessions or messaging features
Some states have fewer providers
Two of us came to therapy looking for tools to cope with trauma. Our sessions helped us learnmindfulness,emotional regulation, anddistress tolerance. We had many positive experiences with the platform, and most providers were warm and competent. Additionally, most providers we saw accepted insurance—including Medicare—which is another big draw for people who qualify for these programs due to trauma and/or another disability.
However, not all our experiences were positive ones. In one case, a therapist appeared pushy and judgmental—and even seemed to suggest that our trauma was somehow our fault. This particular session was cut short, and luckily, the fee was waived. We also had no way to message our other therapists between sessions, which could be problematic for someone dealing with the effects of trauma who needs support between sessions. The platform could use more CBT-specific tools and resources like mood trackers and activity planners, as well as more search filters to make it easier to find providers with similar backgrounds and identities. Finally, the services can also be expensive without insurance, and some states have fewer therapists available.
We surveyed 100 users of Thriveworks:88% rated Thriveworks as very good or excellent90% rated their therapist’s qualifications as very good or excellent97% said said that most or all of their needs were met at Thriveworks96% said they were likely or very likely to recommend Thriveworks to a friend or someone like them32% said their therapists were using CBT techniques with them
We surveyed 100 users of Thriveworks:
I’m a Psychologist With ADHD Living in a Therapy Desert, So I Tried Thriveworks
Best for Adjustment Disorder:Wellnite
Price:$95 per month (charged bi-weekly) for medication management only; $450 per month for regular therapy sessions; $245 per month for medication management and 1-2 monthly therapyIs Insurance Accepted?:YesType Of Therapy:Individual Therapy, Medication ManagementLearn More

If you’re having a persistently difficult time adjusting to a stressful life change or loss, you might have what’s called anadjustment disorder. Luckily, CBT can help with this, too.We like thatWellnite’stherapists can combine CBT, DBT,ACT(acceptance and commitment therapy), and many other techniques and approaches to help teens and adults with a wide range of conditions, including adjustment disorders. If medication is called for, Wellnite psychiatrists can provide evaluation and prescribing services. And, if you’ve got one of the accepted PPO insurance plans, you can receive out-of-network reimbursement for your sessions.
ProsProviders with CBT and DBT trainingOffers psychiatry/medication managementVideo, audio, and chat sessions availableAccepts clients 13 years old and upOffers couples therapy and a supportive communitySliding scale rates availableFlexible session lengths and availabilityConsNot yet available in all statesDoesn’t accept FSA/HSA paymentsOut-of-network PPO coverage through reimbursement only
ProsProviders with CBT and DBT trainingOffers psychiatry/medication managementVideo, audio, and chat sessions availableAccepts clients 13 years old and upOffers couples therapy and a supportive communitySliding scale rates availableFlexible session lengths and availability
Providers with CBT and DBT training
Offers psychiatry/medication management
Video, audio, and chat sessions available
Accepts clients 13 years old and up
Offers couples therapy and a supportive community
Sliding scale rates available
Flexible session lengths and availability
ConsNot yet available in all statesDoesn’t accept FSA/HSA paymentsOut-of-network PPO coverage through reimbursement only
Not yet available in all states
Doesn’t accept FSA/HSA payments
Out-of-network PPO coverage through reimbursement only
We had one person in Massachusetts and one mental health professional in Texas tryWellnitetherapy (but not psychiatry) for a month. Neither of us had an adjustment disorder, but our experience still showed that Wellnite is a compelling option for teens and adults who are experiencing difficulties coping with change and loss, especially if there’s a chance that medication might be necessary.
Wellnite therapists are trained to provide multiple types of CBT to help therapy seekers fight anxiety, cope with grief and loss, and learn to accept the changes that are causing so much distress. Our therapists were warm and encouraging and met us where we were without sounding too scripted. There’s a lot of flexibility built in, too, which we thought was great for fitting therapy into a busy schedule and adapting to fluctuations in our mood and energy levels. We could choose from video, audio, or live chat sessions, as well as more frequent (but shorter) sessions, or less frequent (but longer) sessions.
NoteOur Wellnite providers led us through breathing and relaxation techniques, visualizations, and guided meditation exercises, and—of course—used plenty of CBT in our sessions and in our homework. Many therapists on the platform send clients guidebooks, worksheets, and journal prompts; however, be aware that Wellnite lacks some of the tools (like trackers, journals, and activity planners) that are built into many competitors’ apps.
Our Wellnite providers led us through breathing and relaxation techniques, visualizations, and guided meditation exercises, and—of course—used plenty of CBT in our sessions and in our homework. Many therapists on the platform send clients guidebooks, worksheets, and journal prompts; however, be aware that Wellnite lacks some of the tools (like trackers, journals, and activity planners) that are built into many competitors’ apps.
We surveyed 102 users of Wellnite:88% rated Wellnite as very good or excellent overall94% rated their therapist’s qualifications as very good or excellent95% said said that most or all of their needs were met at Wellnite98% said they were likely or very likely to recommend Wellnite to a friend or someone like them24% said their therapists were using CBT techniques with them
We surveyed 102 users of Wellnite:
Best for Starting Therapy Fast:BetterHelp
Price:$280 - $400 per monthIs Insurance Accepted?:NoType Of Therapy:Couples Therapy, Individual Therapy, Teen CounselingLearn MoreSpecial OfferVerywell Mind readers get20% off their first monthof BetterHelp membership.This offer is a partnership between Verywell Mind and BetterHelp. If you click this link and sign up for the BetterHelp membership, we will receive a commission.Learn more.Why We Chose ItSometimes you’re just looking to start therapy somewhere ASAP and don’t require highly specialized treatments or medication management. If that’s you (and you’re not under 18), we thinkBetterHelpis worth considering. Many of its 35,000-plus providers use CBT in sessions, and the fact that there are so many therapists available meant that we could have our first sessions within a day or two of signing up. That sure beats waiting for weeks or months to begin working on the thoughts and stressors that are bringing us down in the present.
Price:$280 - $400 per monthIs Insurance Accepted?:NoType Of Therapy:Couples Therapy, Individual Therapy, Teen CounselingLearn More

Special OfferVerywell Mind readers get20% off their first monthof BetterHelp membership.This offer is a partnership between Verywell Mind and BetterHelp. If you click this link and sign up for the BetterHelp membership, we will receive a commission.Learn more.
Verywell Mind readers get20% off their first monthof BetterHelp membership.This offer is a partnership between Verywell Mind and BetterHelp. If you click this link and sign up for the BetterHelp membership, we will receive a commission.Learn more.
Verywell Mind readers get20% off their first monthof BetterHelp membership.
This offer is a partnership between Verywell Mind and BetterHelp. If you click this link and sign up for the BetterHelp membership, we will receive a commission.Learn more.
Sometimes you’re just looking to start therapy somewhere ASAP and don’t require highly specialized treatments or medication management. If that’s you (and you’re not under 18), we thinkBetterHelpis worth considering. Many of its 35,000-plus providers use CBT in sessions, and the fact that there are so many therapists available meant that we could have our first sessions within a day or two of signing up. That sure beats waiting for weeks or months to begin working on the thoughts and stressors that are bringing us down in the present.
ProsOver 35,000 licensed therapistsServes all 50 states and 200 countriesFinancial aid for eligible clientsEasy to switch therapistsUnlimited messages to your therapistAccepts FSA/HSA paymentsStart therapy quicklyConsMust be 18 to sign upNot in-network with insuranceNo medication management or psychiatry
ProsOver 35,000 licensed therapistsServes all 50 states and 200 countriesFinancial aid for eligible clientsEasy to switch therapistsUnlimited messages to your therapistAccepts FSA/HSA paymentsStart therapy quickly
Over 35,000 licensed therapists
Serves all 50 states and 200 countries
Financial aid for eligible clients
Easy to switch therapists
Unlimited messages to your therapist
Accepts FSA/HSA payments
Start therapy quickly
ConsMust be 18 to sign upNot in-network with insuranceNo medication management or psychiatry
Must be 18 to sign up
Not in-network with insurance
No medication management or psychiatry
Thanks to its network of tens of thousands of therapists,BetterHelpis effectively the fastest way to begin individual CBT in any state in the country. To test the platform, we had seven people in different locations (Massachusetts, New York, Missouri, Kansas, and the U.K.) and one Californian mental health pro try therapy for a month. Our overall good experiences in sessions left us confident that BetterHelp is a great place for starting therapy fast; in fact, we were able to begin sessions within a few days.Many of the therapists who work with BetterHelp offer CBT, and there are a whole host of other approaches on offer as well, including DBT,psychodynamic therapy, andemotionally focused therapy(EFT). We appreciated the convenience of being able to choose between live text, phone, and video sessions each week since sometimes life circumstances made it difficult to appear on camera. We felt generally satisfied with the quality of care we received, and when we didn’t, we liked how easy it was to switch providers. In one instance, a therapist was a no-show for an appointment and was unresponsive to messages. We reached out to Betterhelp and got a quick apology and a list of new therapist options. The next therapist did make it to the appointment and was very communicative.“Scheduling was very easy, and my therapist always had multiple time options for me to choose from. Once, I had to cancel because of a work issue, and my therapist immediately offered rescheduling options. I think the ease and flexibility of scheduling sessions with BetterHelp is its number one strength."-BetterHelp tester, who had never tried online therapy beforeWe wish that BetterHelp accepted insurance, that there was a guaranteed response time for therapists to respond to messages, and that it didn’t practice surge pricing (meaning that the prices shown differ depending on the state and how many therapists are available in that area). It’s also not appropriate for more serious mental health concerns or for finding specialized care. Still, if you need to start individual talk therapy, and you need to start it now, BetterHelp is a very accessible option.
Thanks to its network of tens of thousands of therapists,BetterHelpis effectively the fastest way to begin individual CBT in any state in the country. To test the platform, we had seven people in different locations (Massachusetts, New York, Missouri, Kansas, and the U.K.) and one Californian mental health pro try therapy for a month. Our overall good experiences in sessions left us confident that BetterHelp is a great place for starting therapy fast; in fact, we were able to begin sessions within a few days.
Many of the therapists who work with BetterHelp offer CBT, and there are a whole host of other approaches on offer as well, including DBT,psychodynamic therapy, andemotionally focused therapy(EFT). We appreciated the convenience of being able to choose between live text, phone, and video sessions each week since sometimes life circumstances made it difficult to appear on camera. We felt generally satisfied with the quality of care we received, and when we didn’t, we liked how easy it was to switch providers. In one instance, a therapist was a no-show for an appointment and was unresponsive to messages. We reached out to Betterhelp and got a quick apology and a list of new therapist options. The next therapist did make it to the appointment and was very communicative.
“Scheduling was very easy, and my therapist always had multiple time options for me to choose from. Once, I had to cancel because of a work issue, and my therapist immediately offered rescheduling options. I think the ease and flexibility of scheduling sessions with BetterHelp is its number one strength."-BetterHelp tester, who had never tried online therapy before
“Scheduling was very easy, and my therapist always had multiple time options for me to choose from. Once, I had to cancel because of a work issue, and my therapist immediately offered rescheduling options. I think the ease and flexibility of scheduling sessions with BetterHelp is its number one strength.”
-BetterHelp tester, who had never tried online therapy before
We wish that BetterHelp accepted insurance, that there was a guaranteed response time for therapists to respond to messages, and that it didn’t practice surge pricing (meaning that the prices shown differ depending on the state and how many therapists are available in that area). It’s also not appropriate for more serious mental health concerns or for finding specialized care. Still, if you need to start individual talk therapy, and you need to start it now, BetterHelp is a very accessible option.
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% said they were likely or very likely to recommend BetterHelp to a friend or someone like them28% said their therapists were using CBT techniques with them
We surveyed 100 users of BetterHelp:
Read the FullBetterHelp Review: We Tried the App with 7 People—Is It Reliable?
Best for Relationships:ReGain
Price:$260-$360+ per monthIs Insurance Accepted?:NoType Of Therapy:Couples Therapy, Individual TherapyLearn More

Cognitive behavioral couples therapy (CBCT) is one of the most well-established approaches tocouples therapy.If you need relationship help and you want to try CBCT,ReGain’s got you. Its network of over 12,000 providers throughout the country are trained to offer many evidence-based modes of relationship therapy to both individuals and couples, including CBT techniques. With the ability to send unlimited messages between sessions, it was easy to stay in touch with our therapists, who helped us adapt to stressful life changes, such as adjusting to the birth of a child. We felt the platform’s worksheets, journaling, and guided activities were a great way to practice CBT skills, whether we worked on them alone or with a spouse.
ProsFocus on relationship-based CBTTherapy for individuals and couplesVideo or audio sessionsUnlimited messaging with your therapistPartners can join sessions from separate devicesQualified, adaptable therapistsFlexible session timesConsDoesn’t accept insuranceShort session timesPartners can see each others’ messages
ProsFocus on relationship-based CBTTherapy for individuals and couplesVideo or audio sessionsUnlimited messaging with your therapistPartners can join sessions from separate devicesQualified, adaptable therapistsFlexible session times
Focus on relationship-based CBT
Therapy for individuals and couples
Video or audio sessions
Unlimited messaging with your therapist
Partners can join sessions from separate devices
Qualified, adaptable therapists
Flexible session times
ConsDoesn’t accept insuranceShort session timesPartners can see each others’ messages
Doesn’t accept insurance
Short session times
Partners can see each others’ messages
To evaluateReGain, five people—one each in Ohio and the United Kingdom, and three in New York—and one mental health professional in South Dakota tried relationship-focused therapy for a month, either as a couple or just as an individual. Overall, we were pleased with the quality of services we received, and we think it’s more affordable than traditional couples therapy.We found it easy to sign up for and use this nationally available service, and the intake matching process enabled most of us to find qualified therapists who we liked within 48 hours. The service also has an app, which we found convenient for joining sessions from any location. When switching therapists was necessary, it was easy to do so: We clicked a button indicating that we wanted a new therapist, and ReGain sent us new matches within 48 hours. This came up in at least one instance where there wasn’t much structure to sessions, and the therapist seemed to make assumptions without asking many questions, so we needed to switch providers.One thing testing made abundantly clear to us? A single 45-minute session was not always long enough for two people to discuss their concerns, thoughts, and behaviors in depth. Ending a session on a frustrated and emotionally charged note and then having to deal with the fallout offline, without a mediator, usually left us angrier than when the session began.TipWe definitely think it’s worth taking advantage of the ability to schedule two sessions back-to-back, although our therapists' schedules didn’t always have this kind of availability.It also made some of us uncomfortable to have to share the messaging room with our spouses. Additionally, when we tried to get therapy as individuals, we encountered several therapists who seemed disinterested in the prospect of working in a one-on-one format. This gave us the impression that ReGain is a better option for those working on their relationships as a couple.
To evaluateReGain, five people—one each in Ohio and the United Kingdom, and three in New York—and one mental health professional in South Dakota tried relationship-focused therapy for a month, either as a couple or just as an individual. Overall, we were pleased with the quality of services we received, and we think it’s more affordable than traditional couples therapy.
We found it easy to sign up for and use this nationally available service, and the intake matching process enabled most of us to find qualified therapists who we liked within 48 hours. The service also has an app, which we found convenient for joining sessions from any location. When switching therapists was necessary, it was easy to do so: We clicked a button indicating that we wanted a new therapist, and ReGain sent us new matches within 48 hours. This came up in at least one instance where there wasn’t much structure to sessions, and the therapist seemed to make assumptions without asking many questions, so we needed to switch providers.
One thing testing made abundantly clear to us? A single 45-minute session was not always long enough for two people to discuss their concerns, thoughts, and behaviors in depth. Ending a session on a frustrated and emotionally charged note and then having to deal with the fallout offline, without a mediator, usually left us angrier than when the session began.
TipWe definitely think it’s worth taking advantage of the ability to schedule two sessions back-to-back, although our therapists' schedules didn’t always have this kind of availability.
We definitely think it’s worth taking advantage of the ability to schedule two sessions back-to-back, although our therapists' schedules didn’t always have this kind of availability.
It also made some of us uncomfortable to have to share the messaging room with our spouses. Additionally, when we tried to get therapy as individuals, we encountered several therapists who seemed disinterested in the prospect of working in a one-on-one format. This gave us the impression that ReGain is a better option for those working on their relationships as a couple.
We surveyed 100 users of ReGain:87% rated ReGain as very good or excellent overall93% rated their therapist’s qualifications as very good or excellent98% said that most or all of their needs were met at ReGain98% said they were likely or very likely to recommend ReGain to a friend or someone like them23% said their therapists were using CBT techniques with them
We surveyed 100 users of ReGain:
Read the FullReGain Online Therapy Review
Best for Chronic Pain:Amwell
Price:Up to $99Is Insurance Accepted?:YesType Of Therapy:Couples Therapy, Family Therapy, Individual Therapy, Medication Management, Psychiatry, Teen CounselingLearn More

While it’s not a cure for chronic pain, adding CBT—even online CBT—to yourpain toolkitcan have an impact on chronic pain levels.We thinkAmwellis a strong option for people with chronic pain to find mental and physical health care in one place. Not only does it have psychiatrists and therapists with training in CBT and other subtypes at the ready, but it also offers general telehealth care and even physical therapy so you can start to tackle pain from multiple angles. Finally, Amwell is in-network with a wide range of insurance companies, and its self-pay prices are lower than the national average, which is important if your pain has made it hard to work enough to afford traditional therapy.
ProsAccepts insurance and offers superbillsAvailable in all 50 states and D.C.Offers CBT, DBT, ACT, and other evidence-based techniquesServes clients 10 and olderOffers individual, couples, and adolescent therapyPsychiatry, medical care, and physical therapy availableChoose your own providers and switch providers easilyConsTherapy sessions are on the short side$40 cancellation feeSome states have fewer providers (especially for kids)
ProsAccepts insurance and offers superbillsAvailable in all 50 states and D.C.Offers CBT, DBT, ACT, and other evidence-based techniquesServes clients 10 and olderOffers individual, couples, and adolescent therapyPsychiatry, medical care, and physical therapy availableChoose your own providers and switch providers easily
Accepts insurance and offers superbills
Available in all 50 states and D.C.
Offers CBT, DBT, ACT, and other evidence-based techniques
Serves clients 10 and older
Offers individual, couples, and adolescent therapy
Psychiatry, medical care, and physical therapy available
Choose your own providers and switch providers easily
ConsTherapy sessions are on the short side$40 cancellation feeSome states have fewer providers (especially for kids)
Therapy sessions are on the short side
$40 cancellation fee
Some states have fewer providers (especially for kids)
We had three people and one child (with parental consent) from New York, Florida, and both Carolinas, plus one therapist from California, try individual, couples, and teen therapy atAmwellfor a month. It’s important to note that our main concerns were issues other than chronic pain (like ADHD, depression, anxiety, stress, and worry about starting high school) and that we didn’t test the psychiatry or general medical services. Still, our research and our mostly positive experiences in therapy—plus input from one of the authors of this roundup, who’s had pain from fibromyalgia, scoliosis, and otherinvisible illnessesfor decades—left us with the impression that Amwell is a solid place to start gaining CBT coping skills to address a wide variety of concerns, including chronic pain.
“In the first appointment [the therapist] offered up some ideas for vitamins to take, books to read, and breathing techniques, which was nice to have in the toolkit."-Amwell tester, who was looking for postpartum support
“In the first appointment [the therapist] offered up some ideas for vitamins to take, books to read, and breathing techniques, which was nice to have in the toolkit.”
-Amwell tester, who was looking for postpartum support
There’s also an informative blog with educational posts on various aspects of mental health and therapy. CBT “homework” at Amwell, like at Wellnite, is a bit more ad hoc and therapist-directed than apps that have lots of built-in interactive tools, journals, and trackers.
We noticed a few downsides in our testing, though: When using insurance, we weren’t told our final out-of-pocket cost for each provider until the system had processed our policies before each appointment. We experienced occasional glitches when trying to schedule appointments. We also wish there were more search filters for choosing your therapist. We also had issues filtering for postpartum therapy and repeatedly got no results even though there were available therapists who listed postpartum as a specialty. Other than that, we believe Amwell is a great platform to try if you need virtual CBT mental health care for chronic pain—especially if you have insurance.
Is Insurance Accepted:Yes, and accepts FSA/HSA paymentsSubscription Required:NoOut-of-Pocket Costs:Up to $99 per session for therapy (though in one instance, we paid $109); initial psychiatry sessions are $279, with follow-ups coming in at $95 each.
We surveyed 100 users of Amwell:88% rated Amwell as very good or excellent overall93% rated their therapist’s qualifications as very good or excellent98% said said that most or all of their needs were met at Amwell95% said they were likely or very likely to recommend Amwell to a friend or someone like them31% said their therapists were using CBT techniques with them
We surveyed 100 users of Amwell:
With Kids at Home, I Have Little Spare Time—So I Tried Online Therapy at Amwell
Hide, not for me
Guide to Choosing the Best Online CBT for You
Whether you’re looking for a CBT app or anonline therapy platform, there are a number of considerations when deciding what’s the best fit for you. They include:
Online therapy can be beneficial for someone who needs flexibility in scheduling—for instance, early mornings, evenings, or weekends—and format. CBT itself is especially helpful for those experiencing mild to moderate conditions like anxiety and depression and for those dealing with stress. Online CBT services are certainly a starting point, and our subject matter expert,Dr. Amy Marschall, notes that using a CBT app is better than doing nothing at all to build skills if that’s all you have access to. But, it’s important to note that apps and even full-blown online therapy platforms are not suitable for emergencies. If you’re in crisis or experiencing severe mental health issues, seek immediate, in-person mental healthcare services.
Frequently Asked QuestionsWhether online or in-person, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a well-studied type of therapy that focuses on cognition (thoughts) and behavior (actions).In sessions, CBT therapists point out problematic thinking patterns, irrational beliefs, and distorted perceptions and help you learn how to challenge and change those thoughts. Homework is a big part of reinforcing the skills you’ve worked on in therapy, so be prepared to receive handouts, reading recommendations, suggested activities, and worksheets to practice CBT techniques between sessions. If you stick with it, CBT and its homework may help you shift the thoughts that pop into your head and develop new patterns of behavior.Yes, online CBT “has a strong evidence base for many mental health concerns, including reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety,” says Dr. Marschall, meaning it’s an effective treatment for a wide variety of mental health disorders, including OCD, depression, panic disorders, phobias, substance use disorders, generalized anxiety, and more.“It can also be a great resource for folks who do not have the means to receive long-term care,” she adds, “as many CBT protocols are time-limited.” It’s not for everyone, though—particularly if you have certain conditions like severe depression, psychosis, asevere personality disorder(like antisocial personality), and/or anintellectual disability.Also, be aware thatneurodivergent childrenare often encouraged to “act more neurotypical” using behavioral therapies, which can lead to shame and trauma.Thecost of CBT therapy can vary widely. You can find CBT therapy online for as low as $30 for a session with a student intern all the way up to $250 per session and beyond. It’s important to compare prices from different companies or different providers. Online therapy companies that have subscriptions or offer discounted session bundles can often be an affordable way to get therapy. Self-guided apps are also potentially effective as a supplement to therapy, with free and paid options available at a wide range of price points.Marschall puts it this way: “While there are self-guided apps and resources for implementing CBT techniques independently, it is important to remember that these are not a substitute for therapy. Yes, you can track your thoughts, emotions, triggers, et cetera, on your own, but this is not the same as receiving treatment from a qualified therapist. If you cannot access mental health care, I would say that self-guided CBT resources can be better than nothing. However, I have yet to discover a therapeutic resource that replaces therapy altogether.”A CBT therapy session lasts anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, much like other forms of therapy. Short sessions may not be sufficient to make real, lasting progress, however.A session length of 45 minutes or more is ideal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Whether online or in-person, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a well-studied type of therapy that focuses on cognition (thoughts) and behavior (actions).In sessions, CBT therapists point out problematic thinking patterns, irrational beliefs, and distorted perceptions and help you learn how to challenge and change those thoughts. Homework is a big part of reinforcing the skills you’ve worked on in therapy, so be prepared to receive handouts, reading recommendations, suggested activities, and worksheets to practice CBT techniques between sessions. If you stick with it, CBT and its homework may help you shift the thoughts that pop into your head and develop new patterns of behavior.
Yes, online CBT “has a strong evidence base for many mental health concerns, including reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety,” says Dr. Marschall, meaning it’s an effective treatment for a wide variety of mental health disorders, including OCD, depression, panic disorders, phobias, substance use disorders, generalized anxiety, and more.“It can also be a great resource for folks who do not have the means to receive long-term care,” she adds, “as many CBT protocols are time-limited.” It’s not for everyone, though—particularly if you have certain conditions like severe depression, psychosis, asevere personality disorder(like antisocial personality), and/or anintellectual disability.Also, be aware thatneurodivergent childrenare often encouraged to “act more neurotypical” using behavioral therapies, which can lead to shame and trauma.
Thecost of CBT therapy can vary widely. You can find CBT therapy online for as low as $30 for a session with a student intern all the way up to $250 per session and beyond. It’s important to compare prices from different companies or different providers. Online therapy companies that have subscriptions or offer discounted session bundles can often be an affordable way to get therapy. Self-guided apps are also potentially effective as a supplement to therapy, with free and paid options available at a wide range of price points.
Marschall puts it this way: “While there are self-guided apps and resources for implementing CBT techniques independently, it is important to remember that these are not a substitute for therapy. Yes, you can track your thoughts, emotions, triggers, et cetera, on your own, but this is not the same as receiving treatment from a qualified therapist. If you cannot access mental health care, I would say that self-guided CBT resources can be better than nothing. However, I have yet to discover a therapeutic resource that replaces therapy altogether.”
A CBT therapy session lasts anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, much like other forms of therapy. Short sessions may not be sufficient to make real, lasting progress, however.A session length of 45 minutes or more is ideal.
What If You’re Having Thoughts of Harming Yourself?
If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, please reach out to one of the resources below.
LGBTQIA+ youth can reach out to The Trevor Project.
Transgender adults can call the Trans Lifeline at 877-565-8860.
The Best Mental Health Apps, Tried and Tested
How We Tested and Reviewed Online Therapy Services
We evaluated 80 onlinetherapy companiesandtherapist directoriesin order to compile this list. We also tried around 20 mental health and wellness apps, some of which offer CBT tools.
Firsthand Experience
As part of our research, we signed up for talk therapy at all 55 online therapy companies we reviewed. We tested each company’s therapy services, and if the company offered other services (such as couples therapy and 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. We also tried out the mobile apps for several weeks to see how well they helped us learn skills and track thoughts and moods.
User and Brand Surveys
In addition, we surveyed more than 8,000 therapy users: 100 at each of the 55 online therapy companies and 25 therapist directories. We collected over 100 different data points, asking users to evaluate each company’s services, from their therapist’s qualifications to whether they found a therapist who met all their needs to how they’d rate the company overall. We also sent questionnaires to each company we considered, asking for their perspectives on the services they provide, and we interviewed former patients and therapists at the companies where possible.
Research
Expert Recommendations
Once we completed this testing and these surveys, we evaluated our findings with the help of two licensed therapists—Hannah Owens, LMSWandAmy Marschall, PsyD—in order to make our recommendations. These therapists provided extensive insight into the ethics and efficacy of online therapy as well as information about relevant therapeutic modalities and approaches.
vgajic / Getty Images

Article SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Stavropoulos V, Cokorilo S, Kambouropoulos A, Collard J, Gomez R.Cognitive behavioral therapy online for adult depression: A 10 year systematic literature review.Curr Psychiatry Res Rev.2019;15(3):152-170. doi:10.2174/1573400515666190628125914David D, Cristea I, Hofmann SG.Why cognitive behavioral therapy is the current gold standard of psychotherapy.Front Psychiatry.2018;9:4. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2018.00004Maj A, Michalak N, Graczykowska A, Andersson G.The effect of internet-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy for depression and anxiety on quality of life: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.Internet Interventions.2023;33:100654. doi:10.1016/j.invent.2023.100654National Institute of Mental Health.Major depression.Luong HK, Drummond SPA, Norton PJ.Elements of the therapeutic relationship in CBT for anxiety disorders: A systematic review.J Anxiety Disord.2020;76:102322. doi:10.1016/j.janxdis.2020.102322Hull TD, Malgaroli M, Connolly PS, Feuerstein S, Simon NM.Two-way messaging therapy for depression and anxiety: Longitudinal response trajectories.BMC Psychiatry.2020;20(1). doi:10.1186/s12888-020-02721-xSimpson HB, Hezel DM.Exposure and response prevention for obsessive-compulsive disorder: a review and new directions.Indian J Psychiatry.2019;61(Suppl 1):S85-S92. doi:10.4103/psychiatry.indianjpsychiatry_516_18International OCD Foundation.Exposure and response prevention (ERP).Law C, Boisseau CL.Exposure and response prevention in the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder: Current perspectives.Psychol Res Behav Manag.2019;12:1167-1174. doi:10.2147/prbm.s211117Knaevelsrud C, Maercker A.Internet-based treatment for PTSD reduces distress and facilitates the development of a strong therapeutic alliance: A randomized controlled clinical trial.BMC Psychiatry.2007;7(13). doi:10.1186/1471-244x-7-13American Psychological Association.Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).Simon N, McGillivray L, Roberts NP, Barawi K, Lewis CE, Bisson JI.Acceptability of internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy (I-CBT) for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): a systematic review.Eur J Psychotraumatol.2019;10(1). doi:10.1080/20008198.2019.1646092Morgan MA, Kelber MS, Bellanti DM, et al.Outcomes and prognosis of adjustment disorder in adults: A systematic review.J Psychiatric Res.2022;156:498-510. doi:10.1016/j.jpsychires.2022.10.052Doss BD, Roddy MK, Wiebe SA, Johnson SM.A review of the research during 2010–2019 on evidence‐based treatments for couple relationship distress.J Marital Fam Ther.2021;48:283-306. doi:10.1111/jmft.12552Mariano TY, Wan L, Edwards RR, Jamison RN.Online teletherapy for chronic pain: A systematic review.J Telemed Telecare.2021;27(4):195-208. doi:10.1177/1357633x19871746Thorn BE.Ronald Melzack Award Lecture: Putting the brain to work in cognitive behavioral therapy for chronic pain.Pain. 2020;161(Supplement 1):S27-S35. doi:10.1097/j.pain.0000000000001839Tang W, Kreindler D.Supporting homework compliance in cognitive behavioural therapy: Essential features of mobile apps.JMIR Mental Health.2017;4(2):e20. doi:10.2196/mental.5283Wenzel A.Basic strategies of cognitive behavioral therapy.Psychiatr Clin North Am.2017;40(4):597-609. doi:10.1016/j.psc.2017.07.001Kumar V, Sattar Y, Bseiso A, Khan S, Rutkofsky IH.The effectiveness of internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy in treatment of psychiatric disorders.Cureus.2017;9(8):e1626. doi:10.7759/cureus.1626Oud M, de Winter L, Vermeulen-Smit E, et al.Effectiveness of CBT for children and adolescents with depression: A systematic review and meta-regression analysis.Eur Psychiatr.2019;57:33-45. doi:10.1016/j.eurpsy.2018.12.008Agras WS, Fitzsimmons-Craft EE, Wilfley DE.Evolution of cognitive-behavioral therapy for eating disorders.Behav Res Ther.2017;88:26-36. doi:10.1016/j.brat.2016.09.004Gautam M, Tripathi A, Deshmukh D, Gaur M.Cognitive behavioral therapy for depression.Indian J Psychiatr.2020;62(Suppl2):S223-S229. doi:10.4103/psychiatry.indianjpsychiatry_772_19De Geest RM, Meganck R.How do time limits affect our psychotherapies? A literature review.Psychol Belg.2019;59(1):206-226. doi:10.5334/pb.475
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.Stavropoulos V, Cokorilo S, Kambouropoulos A, Collard J, Gomez R.Cognitive behavioral therapy online for adult depression: A 10 year systematic literature review.Curr Psychiatry Res Rev.2019;15(3):152-170. doi:10.2174/1573400515666190628125914David D, Cristea I, Hofmann SG.Why cognitive behavioral therapy is the current gold standard of psychotherapy.Front Psychiatry.2018;9:4. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2018.00004Maj A, Michalak N, Graczykowska A, Andersson G.The effect of internet-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy for depression and anxiety on quality of life: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.Internet Interventions.2023;33:100654. doi:10.1016/j.invent.2023.100654National Institute of Mental Health.Major depression.Luong HK, Drummond SPA, Norton PJ.Elements of the therapeutic relationship in CBT for anxiety disorders: A systematic review.J Anxiety Disord.2020;76:102322. doi:10.1016/j.janxdis.2020.102322Hull TD, Malgaroli M, Connolly PS, Feuerstein S, Simon NM.Two-way messaging therapy for depression and anxiety: Longitudinal response trajectories.BMC Psychiatry.2020;20(1). doi:10.1186/s12888-020-02721-xSimpson HB, Hezel DM.Exposure and response prevention for obsessive-compulsive disorder: a review and new directions.Indian J Psychiatry.2019;61(Suppl 1):S85-S92. doi:10.4103/psychiatry.indianjpsychiatry_516_18International OCD Foundation.Exposure and response prevention (ERP).Law C, Boisseau CL.Exposure and response prevention in the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder: Current perspectives.Psychol Res Behav Manag.2019;12:1167-1174. doi:10.2147/prbm.s211117Knaevelsrud C, Maercker A.Internet-based treatment for PTSD reduces distress and facilitates the development of a strong therapeutic alliance: A randomized controlled clinical trial.BMC Psychiatry.2007;7(13). doi:10.1186/1471-244x-7-13American Psychological Association.Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).Simon N, McGillivray L, Roberts NP, Barawi K, Lewis CE, Bisson JI.Acceptability of internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy (I-CBT) for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): a systematic review.Eur J Psychotraumatol.2019;10(1). doi:10.1080/20008198.2019.1646092Morgan MA, Kelber MS, Bellanti DM, et al.Outcomes and prognosis of adjustment disorder in adults: A systematic review.J Psychiatric Res.2022;156:498-510. doi:10.1016/j.jpsychires.2022.10.052Doss BD, Roddy MK, Wiebe SA, Johnson SM.A review of the research during 2010–2019 on evidence‐based treatments for couple relationship distress.J Marital Fam Ther.2021;48:283-306. doi:10.1111/jmft.12552Mariano TY, Wan L, Edwards RR, Jamison RN.Online teletherapy for chronic pain: A systematic review.J Telemed Telecare.2021;27(4):195-208. doi:10.1177/1357633x19871746Thorn BE.Ronald Melzack Award Lecture: Putting the brain to work in cognitive behavioral therapy for chronic pain.Pain. 2020;161(Supplement 1):S27-S35. doi:10.1097/j.pain.0000000000001839Tang W, Kreindler D.Supporting homework compliance in cognitive behavioural therapy: Essential features of mobile apps.JMIR Mental Health.2017;4(2):e20. doi:10.2196/mental.5283Wenzel A.Basic strategies of cognitive behavioral therapy.Psychiatr Clin North Am.2017;40(4):597-609. doi:10.1016/j.psc.2017.07.001Kumar V, Sattar Y, Bseiso A, Khan S, Rutkofsky IH.The effectiveness of internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy in treatment of psychiatric disorders.Cureus.2017;9(8):e1626. doi:10.7759/cureus.1626Oud M, de Winter L, Vermeulen-Smit E, et al.Effectiveness of CBT for children and adolescents with depression: A systematic review and meta-regression analysis.Eur Psychiatr.2019;57:33-45. doi:10.1016/j.eurpsy.2018.12.008Agras WS, Fitzsimmons-Craft EE, Wilfley DE.Evolution of cognitive-behavioral therapy for eating disorders.Behav Res Ther.2017;88:26-36. doi:10.1016/j.brat.2016.09.004Gautam M, Tripathi A, Deshmukh D, Gaur M.Cognitive behavioral therapy for depression.Indian J Psychiatr.2020;62(Suppl2):S223-S229. doi:10.4103/psychiatry.indianjpsychiatry_772_19De Geest RM, Meganck R.How do time limits affect our psychotherapies? A literature review.Psychol Belg.2019;59(1):206-226. doi:10.5334/pb.475
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.
Stavropoulos V, Cokorilo S, Kambouropoulos A, Collard J, Gomez R.Cognitive behavioral therapy online for adult depression: A 10 year systematic literature review.Curr Psychiatry Res Rev.2019;15(3):152-170. doi:10.2174/1573400515666190628125914David D, Cristea I, Hofmann SG.Why cognitive behavioral therapy is the current gold standard of psychotherapy.Front Psychiatry.2018;9:4. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2018.00004Maj A, Michalak N, Graczykowska A, Andersson G.The effect of internet-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy for depression and anxiety on quality of life: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.Internet Interventions.2023;33:100654. doi:10.1016/j.invent.2023.100654National Institute of Mental Health.Major depression.Luong HK, Drummond SPA, Norton PJ.Elements of the therapeutic relationship in CBT for anxiety disorders: A systematic review.J Anxiety Disord.2020;76:102322. doi:10.1016/j.janxdis.2020.102322Hull TD, Malgaroli M, Connolly PS, Feuerstein S, Simon NM.Two-way messaging therapy for depression and anxiety: Longitudinal response trajectories.BMC Psychiatry.2020;20(1). doi:10.1186/s12888-020-02721-xSimpson HB, Hezel DM.Exposure and response prevention for obsessive-compulsive disorder: a review and new directions.Indian J Psychiatry.2019;61(Suppl 1):S85-S92. doi:10.4103/psychiatry.indianjpsychiatry_516_18International OCD Foundation.Exposure and response prevention (ERP).Law C, Boisseau CL.Exposure and response prevention in the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder: Current perspectives.Psychol Res Behav Manag.2019;12:1167-1174. doi:10.2147/prbm.s211117Knaevelsrud C, Maercker A.Internet-based treatment for PTSD reduces distress and facilitates the development of a strong therapeutic alliance: A randomized controlled clinical trial.BMC Psychiatry.2007;7(13). doi:10.1186/1471-244x-7-13American Psychological Association.Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).Simon N, McGillivray L, Roberts NP, Barawi K, Lewis CE, Bisson JI.Acceptability of internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy (I-CBT) for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): a systematic review.Eur J Psychotraumatol.2019;10(1). doi:10.1080/20008198.2019.1646092Morgan MA, Kelber MS, Bellanti DM, et al.Outcomes and prognosis of adjustment disorder in adults: A systematic review.J Psychiatric Res.2022;156:498-510. doi:10.1016/j.jpsychires.2022.10.052Doss BD, Roddy MK, Wiebe SA, Johnson SM.A review of the research during 2010–2019 on evidence‐based treatments for couple relationship distress.J Marital Fam Ther.2021;48:283-306. doi:10.1111/jmft.12552Mariano TY, Wan L, Edwards RR, Jamison RN.Online teletherapy for chronic pain: A systematic review.J Telemed Telecare.2021;27(4):195-208. doi:10.1177/1357633x19871746Thorn BE.Ronald Melzack Award Lecture: Putting the brain to work in cognitive behavioral therapy for chronic pain.Pain. 2020;161(Supplement 1):S27-S35. doi:10.1097/j.pain.0000000000001839Tang W, Kreindler D.Supporting homework compliance in cognitive behavioural therapy: Essential features of mobile apps.JMIR Mental Health.2017;4(2):e20. doi:10.2196/mental.5283Wenzel A.Basic strategies of cognitive behavioral therapy.Psychiatr Clin North Am.2017;40(4):597-609. doi:10.1016/j.psc.2017.07.001Kumar V, Sattar Y, Bseiso A, Khan S, Rutkofsky IH.The effectiveness of internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy in treatment of psychiatric disorders.Cureus.2017;9(8):e1626. doi:10.7759/cureus.1626Oud M, de Winter L, Vermeulen-Smit E, et al.Effectiveness of CBT for children and adolescents with depression: A systematic review and meta-regression analysis.Eur Psychiatr.2019;57:33-45. doi:10.1016/j.eurpsy.2018.12.008Agras WS, Fitzsimmons-Craft EE, Wilfley DE.Evolution of cognitive-behavioral therapy for eating disorders.Behav Res Ther.2017;88:26-36. doi:10.1016/j.brat.2016.09.004Gautam M, Tripathi A, Deshmukh D, Gaur M.Cognitive behavioral therapy for depression.Indian J Psychiatr.2020;62(Suppl2):S223-S229. doi:10.4103/psychiatry.indianjpsychiatry_772_19De Geest RM, Meganck R.How do time limits affect our psychotherapies? A literature review.Psychol Belg.2019;59(1):206-226. doi:10.5334/pb.475
Stavropoulos V, Cokorilo S, Kambouropoulos A, Collard J, Gomez R.Cognitive behavioral therapy online for adult depression: A 10 year systematic literature review.Curr Psychiatry Res Rev.2019;15(3):152-170. doi:10.2174/1573400515666190628125914
David D, Cristea I, Hofmann SG.Why cognitive behavioral therapy is the current gold standard of psychotherapy.Front Psychiatry.2018;9:4. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2018.00004
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