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Our MarketWatch Guides Team considered affordability, therapy session formats, medication management and insurance availability to find the best online therapy options for 2024.
Online therapy platforms make mental health care accessible at home. Expanded access benefits people who live in therapist-scarce areas or face mobility or transportation barriers. It also offers convenient, flexible care for those who simply prefer virtual therapy sessions.
As online therapy gains traction, sifting through platform options can be a daunting task. The MarketWatch Guides team narrowed down the best online therapy platforms for 2024 so you don’t have to. We evaluated each platform’s pricing, plans, insurance coverage and session formats. Our online therapy lineup also includes providers with online psychiatry and medication management.
*Depending on location, therapist preferences and therapist availability.
☨Monthly cost may be lower if you pay quarterly or biannually.
Online therapy is effective for many people’s mental health needs. According to UCLA researchers, more than 60 studies show that virtual therapy is just as effective as in-person therapy for most people with depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Online therapists use a wide range of treatment modalities. Most research into online therapy thus far has looked at the effectiveness of CBT online. An academic article reviewed 17 studies to find that online CBT is just as, if not more, effective than in-person CBT. While this is promising, most research on the efficacy of online therapy so far is limited to discussions of CBT, anxiety and depression.
While research on other therapy modalities and mental health needs keeps developing, experts advise that online therapy isn’t for everyone. According to Steven Reidbord, MD, a psychiatrist in private practice in San Francisco, online therapy is only effective if it’s conducted by a mental health professional in a way that emulates traditional, in-person therapy. This is especially important for clients in need of complex diagnostic assessments. Some diagnoses rely on physical and nonverbal cues that are challenging to assess online.
Online therapy is also not recommended for those who are in emergency situations or crisis as they need more support than virtual therapy can offer.
Pros
Cons
Online therapy fees vary widely, ranging from $95–$440 monthly. Online therapy costs depend on insurance coverage, provider type, location and session frequency. Most platforms offer monthly subscriptions, while some offer weekly or per-session options. For the latter, your copay might cover your session cost if the provider accepts insurance.
Calmerry offers affordable messaging-based therapy for $228 monthly. BetterHelp offers affordable monthly subscriptions for live therapy sessions, ranging from $240 to $360 (with financial aid available to cut costs even more).
Some online therapy platforms have subscription plans, discount plans or sliding scales that reduce fees for those who qualify. For instance, you can save between 10% and 20% at Talkspace if you choose a quarterly or biannual billing plan, and BetterHelp has regular monthly discounts through its financial aid program. Online discount codes for online therapy platforms are occasionally available as well.
Look for platforms that allow you to pause your subscription anytime without a fee. Also, check to see if your employer has an employee assistance program (EAP) or if the platform accepts health savings accounts or flexible spending account cards.
Some online therapy platforms accept insurance—Brightside and Talkspace are in network with various insurance carriers. To confirm insurance coverage for an online therapy platform or provider, contact your insurer. Make sure your preferred provider is in-network with your insurance plan. Out-of-network care may cost more, but it’s worth asking your insurer if out-of-network reimbursement is an option.
You might also ask your preferred therapy platform if it accepts health savings accounts (HSA) or flexible spending account (FSA) cards. Clarify benefits and costs with your insurance provider before scheduling online therapy sessions.
Learn more in our guide about online therapy that takes insurance.
According to Medicare.gov, Medicare covers telehealth, including online psychotherapy. Check with your chosen provider or platform to see if they accept Medicare and to get a cost estimate.
Because of policy adjustments to the Affordable Care Act and the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA), mental health services are also available to Medicaid members. That includes in-person and online therapy, so it’s important to check with your online therapy platform to see if it accepts Medicaid.
Your mental health needs and personal preferences will shape your search for an online therapist. Most online therapy platforms have therapist bios or profiles. These are good tools for gauging compatibility, as are client reviews.
As you’re finding therapy online, remember that you can set up initial consults with providers before committing. You can also switch therapists for free on many platforms if your therapist isn’t a good fit. Note that it can take longer to build trust and connection with a therapist in online therapy, so it may be helpful to meet a few times before determining if a therapist is a good fit or not. Consider these factors as you choose a virtual therapy provider and platform:
Your first online therapy appointment might be a short consultation or a longer intake session. Come prepared to talk about yourself and your therapy goals while getting to know your therapist and their approach. Here are some ways to prepare:
To find the best online therapy, consider your mental health needs—whether that includes individual therapy, couples therapy, medication management or otherwise. Choose a platform that complements your goals and suits your budget.
Looking for affordability? BetterHelp offers discounted therapy through financial aid. Calmerry is another lower-cost option, with messaging therapy available at $228 per month. Have insurance and need to find an in-network therapist? You might opt for Talkspace’s ongoing subscription.
For a cognitive behavioral therapy approach (plus a self-paced online program to help between sessions), we recommend Online-Therapy.com. If you’re considering a combination of therapy and medication management, Brightside offers both for $349 per month and accepts insurance. Don’t have insurance? Sesame offers affordable virtual therapy and medication management.
If you are experiencing a mental health emergency or crisis, it is not safe to wait for an online therapy appointment. You should instead dial 911 or contact the following crisis hotlines that are available 24/7:
Studies show that online therapy is effective for many people, particularly for conditions like depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Research largely supports online cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as an effective alternative to in-person therapy. That said, online counseling may not suit everyone, especially those in need of complex diagnostic assessments or crisis support.
Online therapy typically isn’t free, but some online therapy platforms offer free sessions with financial assistance or insurance coverage. You can also access affordable or free alternatives, like online active-listener chats, support groups and crisis management resources.
The National Alliance on Mental Health’s (NAMI) HelpLine is a free peer-support resource. Volunteer listeners are not licensed therapists, but they can connect you with mental health resources: text “HelpLine” to 62640 or call the NAMI HelpLine at 800-950-6264. First responders and health care workers can access up to four free therapy sessions through the Therapy Aid Coalition.
The best online therapy platform for you depends on your mental health needs, as well as practical factors like budget and insurance. When choosing a platform or provider, consider therapist availability in your state, provider specialties and preferred therapy modality. Also consider your preferred session format (video calls, phone or messaging) and how many sessions you want per month. Keep in mind that some, not all, online therapy platforms also offer psychiatric care and medication management.
Although online therapy offers convenience, non-verbal cues can go under the radar in this setting. This can sometimes make it harder for providers to connect with and properly diagnose patients. Additionally, not all online therapy platforms accept insurance, and some research points to privacy risks and difficulties managing mental health crises online.
Other barriers to online therapy include unequal internet access, connectivity issues, and varying tech competencies. Technological hurdles can disrupt sessions, hindering the personal connection between clients and therapists. Distractions at home can also make it difficult to fully focus on your therapy session, so it is important to find a quiet place for your appointments.
If you have feedback or questions about this article, please email the MarketWatch Guides team at editors@marketwatchguides.
