Top 10 Best Online Therapy & Counseling Services of 2023 

Leigh Morgan
Leigh Morgan
Last updated:
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top 10 best online therapy providers

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?

  • BetterHelp BetterHelp – Best selection of licensed counselors
  • Cerebral Cerebral – Best online therapy for medication management
  • Calmerry Calmerry – Best online counseling service for busy professionals
  • Faithful Counseling Faithful Counseling – Best for those looking for online Christian counseling
  • Pride Counseling Pride Counseling – Best online therapy for LGBTQ+ counseling
  • Amwell Amwell – Best online counseling for those who only want virtual therapy
  • Teen Counseling Teen Counseling – Best online therapy for teens
  • Online-Therapy.com Online-Therapy.com – Best online counseling for cognitive behavioral therapy
  • Talkspace Talkspace – Best online therapy that accepts insurance
  • ReGain ReGain – Best online therapy for couples therapy

Online Therapy Providers We Recommend

  1. BetterHelp Online Therapy & Counseling Review & Ratings 2023

    Editor’s rating

    8.3

    Exceptional

    Visit Site
    Most Popular
  2. Cerebral Online Therapy & Counseling Services Review 2023

    Editor’s rating

    8

    Telemedicine

  3. Calmerry Online Therapy & Counseling Services Review 2023

    Editor’s rating

    8.7

    Convenient

  4. Faithful Counseling Online Therapy & Counseling Services Review 2023

    Editor’s rating

    8.2

    Christian Therapists

  5. Pride Counseling Online Therapy & Counseling Services Review 2023

    Editor’s rating

    8.1

    LGBTQ Focused

  6. Amwell Online Therapy & Counseling Services Review 2023

    Editor’s rating

    8.4

    24/7 Doctors & Therapists

  7. Teen Counseling Online Therapy & Counseling Services Review 2023

    Editor’s rating

    7.9

    Teen Focused

  8. Online-Therapy.com Online Therapy & Counseling Services Review 2023

    Editor’s rating

    7.2

    Happiness Focused

  9. Talkspace Online Therapy & Counseling Services Review 2023

    Editor’s rating

    8.1

    Offers Psychiatry

  10. ReGain Online Therapy & Counseling Services Review 2023

    Editor’s rating

    8.1

    Couples Focused

Our Top 10 Best Online Therapy Services

  1. BetterHelp

    Editor’s rating

    8.3

    Exceptional

    BetterHelp
    Find a licensed counselor and start online therapy today Read BetterHelp Review
    Visit 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.

    Pros

    • 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
    Visit BetterHelp BetterHelp
    BetterHelp

    BetterHelp

  2. Cerebral

    Editor’s rating

    8

    Telemedicine

    Cerebral
    Prioritize your mental health and talk to an online therapist Read Cerebral Review
    Visit 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.

    Pros

    • 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
    Visit Cerebral Cerebral
    Cerebral

    Cerebral

  3. Calmerry

    Editor’s rating

    8.7

    Convenient

    Calmerry
    Start talking to an online therapist in the comfort of your own home Read Calmerry Review
    Visit 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.

    Pros

    • 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
    Visit Calmerry Calmerry
    Calmerry

    Calmerry

  4. Faithful Counseling

    Editor’s rating

    8.2

    Christian Therapists

    Faithful Counseling
    Find an online Christian counselor and start your therapy journey Read Faithful Counseling Review
    Visit 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.

    Pros

    • 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
    Visit Faithful Counseling Faithful Counseling
    Faithful Counseling

    Faithful Counseling

  5. Pride Counseling

    Editor’s rating

    8.1

    LGBTQ Focused

    Pride Counseling
    Find the best LGBTQ+ online therapist for you Read Pride Counseling Review
    Visit 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.

    Pros

    • 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
    Visit Pride Counseling Pride Counseling
    Pride Counseling

    Pride Counseling

  6. Amwell

    Editor’s rating

    8.4

    24/7 Doctors & Therapists

    Amwell
    Find a licensed therapist and start online counseling today Read Amwell Review
    Visit 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.

    Pros

    • 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
    Visit Amwell Amwell
    Amwell

    Amwell

  7. Teen Counseling

    Editor’s rating

    7.9

    Teen Focused

    Teen Counseling
    Find the best online teen counselor for you Read Teen Counseling Review
    Visit 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. 

    Pros

    • 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
    Visit Teen Counseling Teen Counseling
    Teen Counseling

    Teen Counseling

  8. Online-Therapy.com

    Editor’s rating

    7.2

    Happiness Focused

    Online-Therapy.com
    Get matched with a qualified online therapist Read Online-Therapy.com Review
    Visit 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.

    Pros

    • 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
    Visit Online-Therapy.com Online-Therapy.com
    Online-Therapy.com

    Online-Therapy.com

  9. Talkspace

    Editor’s rating

    8.1

    Offers Psychiatry

    Talkspace
    Take the first step and sign up for online counseling Read Talkspace Review
    Visit 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.

    Pros

    • 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
    Visit Talkspace Talkspace
    Talkspace

    Talkspace

  10. ReGain

    Editor’s rating

    8.1

    Couples Focused

    ReGain
    Get the online couples counseling you need to help your relationship flourish Read ReGain Review
    Visit 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.

    Pros

    • 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
    Visit ReGain ReGain
    ReGain

    ReGain

Compare Top Online Therapy Websites

Compare Table
Reviews Editor’s rating
Best for
Pricing
Modes of communication
Accreditation
BetterHelp
BetterHelp Visit Site

Editor’s rating

8.3

Exceptional

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
Cerebral
Cerebral Visit Site

Editor’s rating

8

Telemedicine

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
Calmerry
Calmerry Visit Site

Editor’s rating

8.7

Convenient

Best online counseling service for busy professionals $45-$89.99 per week Video, chat, voice, messaging LMFT, LCSW, LMSW, LPC
Faithful Counseling
Faithful Counseling Visit Site

Editor’s rating

8.2

Christian Therapists

Best for those looking for online Christian counseling $240-$360, billed every 4 weeks Video, phone, text LPC, LCSW, LMSW, LMFT, PhD., PsyD
Pride Counseling
Pride Counseling Visit Site

Editor’s rating

8.1

LGBTQ Focused

Best online therapy for LGBQT+ counseling $60 to $90 per week Video, phone, message, chat LPC, LMFT, LCSW, LMSW, PhD, PsyD
Online-Therapy.com
Online-Therapy.com Visit Site

Editor’s rating

7.2

Happiness Focused

Best online counseling for cognitive behavioral therapy $200-$440 a month Video, phone, text MA, LPC, LMFT, NCC, LCSW, MMH, MSW
Teen Counseling
Teen Counseling Visit Site

Editor’s rating

7.9

Teen Focused

Best online therapy for teens $60-$90 per week Video, phone, chat, messages LPC, LMFT, LCSW, PhD, PsyD
Amwell
Amwell Visit Site

Editor’s rating

8.4

24/7 Doctors & Therapists

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.

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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