Top 10 Best Online Therapy & Counseling Services of 2023
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You can now prioritize your mental health and connect with licensed therapists from the comfort and privacy of your own home. Rather than visiting a therapist at a traditional office, online therapy allows you to access mental health professionals via video calls, phone calls, chat rooms, and even text messaging.
When it comes to finding the best online therapy provider for your needs there are many factors to consider, and with so many options it can be hard to tell which is going to be the right one to fit your needs. That’s why we’re here to help. We’ve compiled a list of the top 10 online therapy providers to help make the decision process easier.
Who is the Best Online Therapy Provider for Your Needs?
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Online Therapy Providers We Recommend
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BetterHelp Online Therapy & Counseling Review & Ratings 20238493 reviews We’ve scoured the web in search of credible sources of ratings and reviews data on providers we feature. We believe this helps provide a more holistic view of how each provider is scoring, and can be an additional point of consideration when making your decision of which provider may be right for you.Visit SiteMost Popular
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Cerebral Online Therapy & Counseling Services Review 20234581 reviews We’ve scoured the web in search of credible sources of ratings and reviews data on providers we feature. We believe this helps provide a more holistic view of how each provider is scoring, and can be an additional point of consideration when making your decision of which provider may be right for you.
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Calmerry Online Therapy & Counseling Services Review 2023216 reviews We’ve scoured the web in search of credible sources of ratings and reviews data on providers we feature. We believe this helps provide a more holistic view of how each provider is scoring, and can be an additional point of consideration when making your decision of which provider may be right for you.
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Faithful Counseling Online Therapy & Counseling Services Review 202371 reviews We’ve scoured the web in search of credible sources of ratings and reviews data on providers we feature. We believe this helps provide a more holistic view of how each provider is scoring, and can be an additional point of consideration when making your decision of which provider may be right for you.
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Pride Counseling Online Therapy & Counseling Services Review 202352 reviews We’ve scoured the web in search of credible sources of ratings and reviews data on providers we feature. We believe this helps provide a more holistic view of how each provider is scoring, and can be an additional point of consideration when making your decision of which provider may be right for you.
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Amwell Online Therapy & Counseling Services Review 20234 reviews We’ve scoured the web in search of credible sources of ratings and reviews data on providers we feature. We believe this helps provide a more holistic view of how each provider is scoring, and can be an additional point of consideration when making your decision of which provider may be right for you.
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Teen Counseling Online Therapy & Counseling Services Review 202396 reviews We’ve scoured the web in search of credible sources of ratings and reviews data on providers we feature. We believe this helps provide a more holistic view of how each provider is scoring, and can be an additional point of consideration when making your decision of which provider may be right for you.
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Online-Therapy.com Online Therapy & Counseling Services Review 202333 reviews We’ve scoured the web in search of credible sources of ratings and reviews data on providers we feature. We believe this helps provide a more holistic view of how each provider is scoring, and can be an additional point of consideration when making your decision of which provider may be right for you.
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Talkspace Online Therapy & Counseling Services Review 202364 reviews We’ve scoured the web in search of credible sources of ratings and reviews data on providers we feature. We believe this helps provide a more holistic view of how each provider is scoring, and can be an additional point of consideration when making your decision of which provider may be right for you.
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ReGain Online Therapy & Counseling Services Review 202374 reviews We’ve scoured the web in search of credible sources of ratings and reviews data on providers we feature. We believe this helps provide a more holistic view of how each provider is scoring, and can be an additional point of consideration when making your decision of which provider may be right for you.
Our Top 10 Best Online Therapy Services
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BetterHelp8493 reviews We’ve scoured the web in search of credible sources of ratings and reviews data on providers we feature. We believe this helps provide a more holistic view of how each provider is scoring, and can be an additional point of consideration when making your decision of which provider may be right for you.Find a licensed counselor and start online therapy today Read BetterHelp ReviewVisit Site
- Best for — Best online therapy for a broad range of issues, including anxiety and depression
- Pricing — $60-$90 per week
- Modes of communication — video, text message, chat, telephone
BetterHelp offers online therapy services to adults ages 18 and older, increasing access to individual therapy. BetterHelp’s multi-channel approach emphasizes convenience and flexibility, with professional advice available via online chat, text messaging, telephone and video. During a virtual therapy session, your therapist may opt to employ dialectical behavior therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy or other approaches to address your concerns and help you improve your coping skills.
Visit BetterHelpPros
- 20% Discount (up to $50 off)
- Flexible scheduling
- You can message your therapist anytime
- Subscription includes group webinars, journaling tools, worksheets and more HSA/FSA eligible
- Financial aid available to those who qualify
- Switch therapists or cancel anytime
Cons
- Doesn’t accept insurance
- Therapists can’t diagnose mental health disorders (e.g. bipolar disorder, schizophrenia)
- No prescription medications available
- Doesn’t provide court-ordered therapy
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Cerebral4581 reviews We’ve scoured the web in search of credible sources of ratings and reviews data on providers we feature. We believe this helps provide a more holistic view of how each provider is scoring, and can be an additional point of consideration when making your decision of which provider may be right for you.Prioritize your mental health and talk to an online therapist Read Cerebral ReviewVisit Site
- Best for — Best online therapy for medication management
- Pricing — starts at $99 a month
- Modes of communication — Video calls, phone, messaging via website and app
Cerebral Online Therapy is a 100% online counseling and support platform devoted to your mental health. It works on a subscription model and bundles online counseling services and medication management into one low monthly fee. Cerebral can be used for general support, psychotherapy, and assistance in managing and changing medications.Cerebral Online Therapy is a 100% online counseling and support platform devoted to your mental health. It works on a subscription model and bundles online counseling services and medication management into one low monthly fee. Cerebral can be used for general support, psychotherapy, and assistance in managing and changing medications.
Visit CerebralPros
- Prescription medications available
- Support for a wide variety of mental health conditions
- Therapists with experience treating substance use disorders
- Video and telephone therapy options
- Care management available
Cons
- Doesn’t accept clients under the age of 18
- Stipulates that clients with insurance must attend video therapy sessions
- May take up to 7 days to schedule the first appointment with a prescriber
- Only offers non-stimulant treatments for ADHD
- Bills medications separately from therapy and care management services
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Calmerry216 reviews We’ve scoured the web in search of credible sources of ratings and reviews data on providers we feature. We believe this helps provide a more holistic view of how each provider is scoring, and can be an additional point of consideration when making your decision of which provider may be right for you.Start talking to an online therapist in the comfort of your own home Read Calmerry ReviewVisit Site
- Best for — Best online counseling service for busy professionals
- Pricing — $45-$89.99 per week
- Modes of communication — Video, chat, voice, messaging
Calmerry is a convenient and affordable solution to finding a qualified licensed mental health counselor to provide online therapy to treat you in the comfort of your own space. All Calmerry online counselors have professional licenses in your state and have a master’s or doctorate degree in their field, and Calmerry only contracts with online therapists that have a state licensure in good standing.
Visit CalmerryPros
- Therapists have experience treating a wide range of mental health conditions
- 600+ licensed providers available
- No charge for switching therapists
- Support agents available 24/7
- Online therapy starting at $42 per month
Cons
- Doesn’t accept insurance
- No live chat or telephone therapy available
- Doesn’t provide therapy to children or teens
- No group therapy available
- Therapist options are hidden until you purchase a plan
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Faithful Counseling71 reviews We’ve scoured the web in search of credible sources of ratings and reviews data on providers we feature. We believe this helps provide a more holistic view of how each provider is scoring, and can be an additional point of consideration when making your decision of which provider may be right for you.Find an online Christian counselor and start your therapy journey Read Faithful Counseling ReviewVisit Site
- Best for — Best for those looking for online Christian counseling
- Pricing — $240-$360, billed every 4 weeks
- Modes of communication — Video, phone, text
Faithful Counseling offers online counseling and mental health therapy for Christians, providing an outlet for devout Christians who feel more comfortable talking to members of their own faith. It offers a number of contact options (text, phone, video) as well as reasonably priced services.
Visit Faithful CounselingPros
- Has Christian therapists available to address faith-based issues
- All therapists have professional licenses
- Multiple communication methods
- Has multiple measures in place
- Allows cancellation at any time
Cons
- Doesn’t offer services to minors
- No medications available
- Doesn’t accept insurance
- Therapists can’t make formal diagnoses
- Doesn’t provide court-ordered therapy
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Pride Counseling52 reviews We’ve scoured the web in search of credible sources of ratings and reviews data on providers we feature. We believe this helps provide a more holistic view of how each provider is scoring, and can be an additional point of consideration when making your decision of which provider may be right for you.Find the best LGBTQ+ online therapist for you Read Pride Counseling ReviewVisit Site
- Best for — Best online therapy for LGBQT+ counseling
- Pricing — $60 to $90 per week
- Modes of communication — Video, phone, message, chat
Pride Counseling offers online therapy tailored to the needs of LGBTQIA+ individuals. If you sign up for online counseling via Pride, you’ll be able to connect with a therapist via telephone, messaging, chat or video – all four methods designed in a way that protects clients’ safety. Pride’s monthly subscription also allows you to message your therapist anytime with one of its LGBTQ-friendly therapists.
Visit Pride CounselingPros
- No long-term commitments
- LGBTQ-friendly therapists available
- Multiple communication methods
- Accessible platform for users with disabilities
- Licensed mental health professionals with at least 3 years of experience
Cons
- Doesn’t accept insurance
- No medication management/prescription services available
- Online counselors may not provide letters of recommendation for HRT or gender-affirming surgery
- Company terms of service prevents therapists from diagnosing specific mental health conditions
- May take several days to match with a therapist
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Amwell4 reviews We’ve scoured the web in search of credible sources of ratings and reviews data on providers we feature. We believe this helps provide a more holistic view of how each provider is scoring, and can be an additional point of consideration when making your decision of which provider may be right for you.Find a licensed therapist and start online counseling today Read Amwell ReviewVisit Site
- Best for — Best online counseling for those who only want virtual therapy
- Pricing — $109-$129 per session
- Modes of communication — Video
Amwell is an innovative online therapy and counseling service that offers easily accessible virtual sessions via its mobile app. Amwell partners with a network of licensed clinicians who can address mental health concerns through online counseling and therapy services. They can also connect you with providers that can send medications directly to your local pharmacy.
Visit AmwellPros
- Psychiatrists available to prescribe medications
- Clients can choose their therapists
- Accepts multiple insurance plans
- No monthly commitment required
- No additional charge for weekend/holiday appointments
Cons
- Each visit costs at least $109
- Not all services are covered by insurance
- $20 fee for appointments canceled less than 24 hours before their scheduled time
- Psychiatry services only available to adults (18+)
- Prescribers can’t order controlled substances
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Teen Counseling96 reviews We’ve scoured the web in search of credible sources of ratings and reviews data on providers we feature. We believe this helps provide a more holistic view of how each provider is scoring, and can be an additional point of consideration when making your decision of which provider may be right for you.Find the best online teen counselor for you Read Teen Counseling ReviewVisit Site
- Best for — Best online therapy for teens
- Pricing — $60-$90 per week
- Modes of communication — Video, phone, chat, messages
Teen Counseling is an online counseling service designed specifically for teens. The site’s licensed online therapists have extensive experience working with teenagers and advising them on issues ranging from bullying to school-related anxiety. Teen Counseling also offers four communication methods, making it easy for teens to get the virtual therapy they need.
Visit Teen CounselingPros
- Plans provide the option to message your therapist at any time
- Four communication methods available
- Every adolescent-specialty therapist must be a licensed professional in good standing
- In-depth screening helps users find the right therapist
- Ability to change therapists when desired (after initial match is made)
Cons
- Users don’t get to pick their therapists
- Teen Counseling doesn’t work with insurance
- No medications or prescription management
- Therapists aren’t permitted to provide emergency support
- Therapist may be in a different state and unaware of resources in your area
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Online-Therapy.com33 reviews We’ve scoured the web in search of credible sources of ratings and reviews data on providers we feature. We believe this helps provide a more holistic view of how each provider is scoring, and can be an additional point of consideration when making your decision of which provider may be right for you.Get matched with a qualified online therapist Read Online-Therapy.com ReviewVisit Site
- Best for — Best online counseling for cognitive behavioral therapy
- Pricing — $200-$440 a month
- Modes of communication — Video, phone, text
Online-Therapy.com is a monthly subscription service the company has designed to provide patients with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy via messaging or chatting with an online counselor. CBT is commonly used to treat those with depression and anxiety, and this virtual therapy is meant to give users the tools to better overcome mental health issues.
Visit Online-Therapy.comPros
- Convenient monthly subscription
- Licensed therapists and the ability to switch
- You can message your therapist anytime
- Live sessions with video, voice or texting
- Accessible worldwide
Cons
- No free trial
- No financial aid
- No free trial
- Live sessions not available with basic package
- Does not accept insurance
- No group therapy offered
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Talkspace64 reviews We’ve scoured the web in search of credible sources of ratings and reviews data on providers we feature. We believe this helps provide a more holistic view of how each provider is scoring, and can be an additional point of consideration when making your decision of which provider may be right for you.Take the first step and sign up for online counseling Read Talkspace ReviewVisit Site
- Best for — Best online therapy that accepts insurance
- Pricing — $69 per month
- Modes of communication — Video, phone, chat, messaging, audio messaging
Talkspace is an online therapy service that helps users connect with trained therapists. By offering virtual therapy, Talkspace makes it easier and more convenient for users to discuss their problems with a neutral third party. Talking with an online counselor is especially helpful for users who don’t live near a therapist or would have difficulty fitting in-person therapy sessions into their busy schedules. That’s why Talkspace offers messaging, phone calls and video chats with experienced online therapists.
Visit TalkspacePros
- Participate in online therapy from anywhere with an internet connection
- Strong measures are in place to ensure the safety of your data
- Licensed psychiatrists available
- No charge for switching therapists
- Covered by many insurance plans
Cons
- Not covered by Medicare or Medicaid
- Live online counseling sessions aren’t included in the Messaging Therapy plan
- Analyzes the content of messages using artificial intelligence (AI does not replace your human therapist)
- Group counseling not available
- Live sessions typically end after 30 minutes
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ReGain74 reviews We’ve scoured the web in search of credible sources of ratings and reviews data on providers we feature. We believe this helps provide a more holistic view of how each provider is scoring, and can be an additional point of consideration when making your decision of which provider may be right for you.Get the online couples counseling you need to help your relationship flourish Read ReGain ReviewVisit Site
- Best for — Best online therapy for couples therapy
- Pricing — $60-$90 per week
- Modes of communication — video, phone, messaging
ReGain specializes in connecting users with online therapists who have experience guiding couples through their relationship challenges. Using a variety of techniques, each virtual therapist helps users improve their communication skills and learn how to resolve conflict in a healthy way. For users who’d feel more comfortable communicating with a therapist directly, individual virtual therapy is also an option.
Visit ReGainPros
- ReGain focuses on couples counseling
- You can message your therapist anytime with subscription plans
- Users don’t have to share their real names
- Costs less than face-to-face couples therapy
- All therapists are licensed
Cons
- Virtual counselors can’t prescribe medications
- No free trial available
- The matching process may take several days
- Both partners have access to all messages
Compare Top Online Therapy Websites
| Reviews | Editor’s rating |
Best for
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Pricing
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Modes of communication
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Accreditation
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BetterHelp
Visit Site
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8493 reviews
We’ve scoured the web in search of credible sources of ratings and reviews data on providers we feature. We believe this helps provide a more holistic view of how each provider is scoring, and can be an additional point of consideration when making your decision of which provider may be right for you.
|
Best online therapy for a broad range of issues, including anxiety and depression | $60-$90 per week | video, text message, chat, telephone | PsyD, LMFT, LCSW/LMSW, LPC | |
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Cerebral
Visit Site
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4581 reviews
We’ve scoured the web in search of credible sources of ratings and reviews data on providers we feature. We believe this helps provide a more holistic view of how each provider is scoring, and can be an additional point of consideration when making your decision of which provider may be right for you.
|
Best online therapy for medication management | starts at $99 a month | Video calls, phone, messaging via website and app | PsyD, PhD, LCSW, LMHC, LPC, LCPC, LMFT | |
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Calmerry
Visit Site
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216 reviews
We’ve scoured the web in search of credible sources of ratings and reviews data on providers we feature. We believe this helps provide a more holistic view of how each provider is scoring, and can be an additional point of consideration when making your decision of which provider may be right for you.
|
Best online counseling service for busy professionals | $45-$89.99 per week | Video, chat, voice, messaging | LMFT, LCSW, LMSW, LPC | |
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Faithful Counseling
Visit Site
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71 reviews
We’ve scoured the web in search of credible sources of ratings and reviews data on providers we feature. We believe this helps provide a more holistic view of how each provider is scoring, and can be an additional point of consideration when making your decision of which provider may be right for you.
|
Best for those looking for online Christian counseling | $240-$360, billed every 4 weeks | Video, phone, text | LPC, LCSW, LMSW, LMFT, PhD., PsyD | |
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Pride Counseling
Visit Site
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52 reviews
We’ve scoured the web in search of credible sources of ratings and reviews data on providers we feature. We believe this helps provide a more holistic view of how each provider is scoring, and can be an additional point of consideration when making your decision of which provider may be right for you.
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Best online therapy for LGBQT+ counseling | $60 to $90 per week | Video, phone, message, chat | LPC, LMFT, LCSW, LMSW, PhD, PsyD | |
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Online-Therapy.com
Visit Site
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33 reviews
We’ve scoured the web in search of credible sources of ratings and reviews data on providers we feature. We believe this helps provide a more holistic view of how each provider is scoring, and can be an additional point of consideration when making your decision of which provider may be right for you.
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Best online counseling for cognitive behavioral therapy | $200-$440 a month | Video, phone, text | MA, LPC, LMFT, NCC, LCSW, MMH, MSW | |
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Teen Counseling
Visit Site
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96 reviews
We’ve scoured the web in search of credible sources of ratings and reviews data on providers we feature. We believe this helps provide a more holistic view of how each provider is scoring, and can be an additional point of consideration when making your decision of which provider may be right for you.
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Best online therapy for teens | $60-$90 per week | Video, phone, chat, messages | LPC, LMFT, LCSW, PhD, PsyD | |
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Amwell
Visit Site
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4 reviews
We’ve scoured the web in search of credible sources of ratings and reviews data on providers we feature. We believe this helps provide a more holistic view of how each provider is scoring, and can be an additional point of consideration when making your decision of which provider may be right for you.
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Best online counseling for those who only want virtual therapy | $109-$129 per session | Video | Master’s and doctoral degrees |
Frequently Asked Questions
There are many reasons to choose online therapy, with choice, convenience, and comfort often being at the top of the list. Trying to find a quality mental health therapist or counselor is hard enough, particularly when you’re not in a large city where there may not be a plethora of options to choose from. Finding one with availability who you also like adds a whole different level of challenge. Opting for remote treatment increases your options exponentially, and often allows you to meet with someone far more quickly and more conveniently than having to travel to a therapist’s office. By taking the session at home or the venue of your choice, you can also make yourself more comfortable than you might be able to in an office environment.
The cost of treatment will vary depending on how often you need to be seen and, frequently, the credentials of the online therapist you’re looking to meet with. Most of the ones we’ve identified as being among the best will range from $50-150/week, which generally provides for one session, but may also include other on-demand options, including text-based or chat-based support.
Unfortunately, there aren’t a lot of good, free options when it comes to treatment of mental health issues, though Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) does provide a government service if you need to go the no-cost route.
Again, it depends. Some online therapy providers will accept health insurance directly, others require “private pay” (meaning: out-of-pocket) to keep their costs low. Depending on your personal or work medical insurance plan, you may be able to get full or partial reimbursement for your expenses, but this will vary greatly depending on the insurance provider and plan.
Sometimes, but not always. Nearly all of the best options for online therapy providers we’ve provided reviews to work directly with licensed mental health professionals, though.
Leigh Morgan is a freelance writer living in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She loves writing about all things in the health and wellness space.
www.MentalHelp.net does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or your local emergency number immediately. Always consult a medical professional before making personal healthcare decisions. If you’re experiencing suicidal thoughts, call a national suicide helpline immediately.
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