- We spent more than 7,500 hours researching over 70 online therapy platforms, and our testers signed up for the 14 most popular platforms to bring you our top picks.
- Our testers tested each platform for at least four weeks, focusing on the sign-up process, therapist selection, therapy session quality and customer service interactions.
- We surveyed over 1,200 online therapy users, held focus group interviews with both users and therapists and consulted over 60 mental health experts.
- We scored each platform on four different indexes, including affordability, data privacy, availability, and inclusivity.
Learn more about how we tested online therapy platforms.
Key takeaways
- BetterHelp is our best affordable online therapy platform overall due to the site’s extensive therapist network, extra features, and competitive pricing.
- We’ve learned that online therapy users without insurance can expect to pay between $200–$450 a month for virtual therapy. With insurance, copays can be as low as $20 or less per visit.
- Through surveys, focus groups, and testing, we determined important factors to consider when choosing an online therapy platform, including pricing, types of therapy offered, therapist availability and connection methods, data privacy, and ease of use.
The Handbook team knows that therapist fees, prescription medications, and secondary costs— like transportation and childcare—can make it hard to get the mental health care you need. A recent study by Mental Health America shows that 42 percent of Americans with a mental illness who did not receive treatment said that cost was the reason.
Online therapy platforms offer one avenue for users to access care and compare costs. To find the most affordable options, we researched 70 online therapy sites and personally tested 14, many of which includes online therapy that accepts insurance. Learn about our top five picks for the best affordable online therapy platforms in this review.
Our picks for the best affordable online therapy platforms
- BetterHelp: Best overall
- Brightside: Best for using insurance
- Online-Therapy: Best for couples
- Talkspace: Best text therapy option
- Talkiatry: Best for psychiatry and medication management
Data privacy on mental health platforms
- Attend your online therapy appointment in a private location, preferably not on a public Wi-Fi network.
- Use your personal computer when possible.
- Look out for checkboxes during sign-up to opt out of data tracking or medical information disclosure.
- Sign up with your email, not using a social login like Facebook.
- Choose a strong password to create a secure account login.
- Carefully review the platform’s privacy policy to understand what data they collect, how it’s used, and with whom it’s shared.
The best affordable online therapy reviews
BetterHelp: Best overall
Why BetterHelp is our pick for best overall
BetterHelp offers an affordable alternative to traditional in-person therapy with weekly sessions starting at $70 per session and numerous financial aid options. It’s easy to book appointments and switch therapists, and our testers liked the bonus features, such as group therapy sessions, webinars, and the ability to text their therapist between sessions.
Who should use BetterHelp: Individuals seeking therapy for common concerns like anxiety or depression who prefer the convenience of online therapy.
Who should not use BetterHelp: BetterHelp may not be ideal for people in crisis, with severe mental health conditions, needing court-ordered therapy or substance abuse treatment, or those who strongly prefer in-person therapy or require couples/family therapy.
BetterHelp tester insights
BetterHelp can be an affordable mental health care option for people who don’t have insurance. Weekly sessions cost between $70–$100 per session and clients are billed every four weeks.
“Research is clear that consistent attendance [in therapy sessions] is important for individuals to benefit from treatment,” explains therapist Colleen Marshall, Vice President of Two Chairs. “If individuals in need of therapy are not able to afford treatment, they will not see the true benefits of what therapy can provide.” BetterHelp’s regular billing cycle and transparent pricing may make it easier for users to build therapy into their monthly budget and to build therapy into their lives.
Affordability and flexibility are key with BetterHelp. Hear how one of our testers benefited from their accommodating customer service when they needed to adjust their plan due to scheduling conflicts:
From one of our BetterHelp testers
“I was going to be out of town and unable to have an appointment that week, so I emailed customer service to ask them to adjust my rate that month to account for the missing session. They replied promptly and removed the charge for that missed week from my account.”
Our testers tried different methods for lowering the monthly BetterHelp fee. One tester recommended using a discount code, like the one included in this article, which lowered her bill from $360 to $288 per month. Our tester also applied for financial aid through BetterHelp, which involved filling out an eligibility form. The form asks about your employment status, income, and whether or not you’re a veteran or a person of color. While our tester was not able to get clear answers about BetterHelp’s eligibility criteria, she did end up qualifying for financial aid. It’s worth noting that, in our February 2024 survey of 100 BetterHelp users, 89 percent of respondents felt that BetterHelp was a good value relative to the money they spent.
Our testers were enthusiastic about BetterHelp’s bonus features, including:
- The ability to text with your therapist between sessions.
- Participating in the platform’s bonus features, like group therapy sessions.
- The user-friendly app makes it easy to schedule and attend appointments.
What other BetterHelp users say
The Handbook team knows having a positive relationship with your therapist is important. Research consistently shows that a strong relationship between therapist and client—often referred to as the therapeutic alliance—is linked to positive therapy outcomes. Our February 2024 survey of 100 BetterHelp users showed that 88 percent of users were either satisfied or very satisfied with their therapist on the platform.
To learn more about BetterHelp, read our BetterHelp review.
Brightside: Best for using insurance
Why Brightside is our pick for best for using insurance
Brightside is our pick for the best affordable platform for using insurance because it accepts many major insurance carriers, including Medicare and some Medicaid programs. Brightside offers plans for both therapy and psychiatry, and has a Crisis Care program for people with an elevated risk of suicide. Our testers liked that they could message their provider anytime and enjoyed the interactive video lessons included with their membership.
Who should use Brightside: Insured adults seeking accessible, affordable therapy for common concerns like anxiety or depression.
Who should not use Brightside: People in crisis, with severe mental health conditions, or needing couples/family therapy.
Brightside tester insights
Like BetterHelp, Brightside offers a therapy plan that is billed monthly: $299 for four sessions per month, including the ability to message your provider at any time. Unlike BetterHelp, Brightside also offers an online psychiatry plan and a combined therapy and psychiatry plan. For people without insurance, the psychiatry plan could be a good deal. Depending on where you live, the cost for an initial psychiatric evaluation can be as high as $346 per month. In contrast, Brightside charges $95 per month for an initial, comprehensive evaluation and ongoing follow-up messaging with your provider throughout the month. You can then schedule follow-up sessions with your provider as needed.
Brightside psychiatry providers can diagnose and prescribe medications for many mental health conditions, including depression and anxiety. It’s important to know, though, that Brightside providers will not prescribe controlled substances A controlled substance is a drug, medication, or chemical whose manufacture, distribution, and use is regulated by the federal government. such as benzodiazepines (like Xanax or Ativan) for anxiety or stimulants (like Adderall) for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Brightside accepts insurance from a number of large carriers. Here’s a complete list of Brightside’s accepted insurance plans, as of June 2024:
- Aetna (all 50 states)
- Ambetter (all states, except CT, HI, ME, MA, RI, VT, WI)
- Anthem (CA only)
- Allegiance (all 50 states)
- Blue Shield of California
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Montana
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois
- Cigna (all states, except MN)
- Florida Blue
- Meritain (all 50 states)
- PEHP (UT)
- UnitedHealthcare (all 50 states)
Brightside is also unique because it accepts Medicare Part B in some states, certain Medicare Advantage plans, and certain Medicaid plans. Nebraska residents can use Nebraska’s Total Care Medicaid coverage to pay for Brightside services. To find out if Brightside takes your Medicare plan, visit the insurance section of Brightside’s FAQ page. If you’re not sure what your copay or deductibles are, Brightside will help you check your coverage. It’s always a good idea, if possible, to call your insurance company to ask about mental health coverage before seeking a provider.
For symptoms of depression in particular, a combination of psychiatry and therapy can be more effective than therapy alone. Brightside’s Psychiatry + Therapy plan offers users weekly therapy sessions with the added support of a psychiatrist who can prescribe and manage any medications that may be beneficial for your mental health condition. It’s also possible for providers to share notes with your other provider on the platform, making it easy for therapists and psychiatrists to communicate about your progress and needs.
One of our testers contacted Brightside customer support to reestablish their account, which had lapsed since they last used the platform. Customer support fixed the issue and quickly connected her with a list of therapists to choose from since the therapist she’d previously worked with was unavailable.
Like BetterHelp, Brightside will initially match you with a provider based on your answers to a series of questions. But switching is always an option if you don’t like the provider you’re matched with. Our tester noted that after she asked to switch therapists, she received an email with the profiles of seven providers who matched her needs. She liked the opportunity to read through the bios and make her own choice.
Testers also noted that the Brightside mobile app made it easy to join sessions and take assessments.
From one of our Brightside testers
“The (Brightside) app is such a great feature. It has charts that help you track your anxiety and stress levels and offers easy access to book appointments and join appointments. It also has a Resources section with short self-care videos to help develop tools to manage feelings and resources for crisis situations if needed.”
What other Brightside users say
In our February 2024 survey of 100 Brightside users, 83 percent were able to use insurance to help pay for services. From that same survey, we found 82 percent of users somewhat agreed or completely agreed that Brightside was a good value relative to the money they spent.
In our October 2023 survey of 600 online therapy users, 76 percent of Brightside users rated their therapist as good or very good, a lower rating than therapists on BetterHelp.
For more information, read our Brightside review.
Online-Therapy.com: Best for couples
Why Online-Therapy.com is our pick for best for couples
Online-Therapy.com is our best online therapy choice for couples looking for an affordable option because they offer CBT-based couples therapy for $110 per week, or $440 per month—a rate that our research shows to be similar to or less than the cost of most in-person couples therapy. Financial aid is also available to qualifying couples.
We also like the many bonus features included in Online-Therapy.com plans like digital journals, yoga videos, and worksheets.
Who should use Online-Therapy.com: Self-motivated individuals and couples seeking affordable online therapy
Who should not use Online-Therapy.com: Individuals who don’t want to focus on self-directed work or those who prefer in-person therapy
Online-Therapy.com tester insights
To start couples therapy on Online-Therapy.com, click “Couples Therapy (for us)” on their main page. You’ll then answer a few questions about what areas of your relationship you’re hoping to improve and any difficulties you may be encountering like infertility, anger management, and grief. You’ll then create an account and Online-Therapy.com will send you a list of therapist recommendations to choose from. If you don’t like the first provider or their availability doesn’t match yours, switching providers is always an option.
In terms of value, couples pay $440 per month for weekly sessions or about $110 per session. Included in that fee is the ability for both partners to message their provider at any time as well as an eight-section self-guided therapy program for each person. The self-guided therapy program includes worksheets (with daily therapist replies Monday through Friday), digital journals, and yoga and meditation videos.
Our tester was also able to apply for and secure financial aid for a 30 percent discount, though they wished it was made more apparent in the sign-up process.
From one of our Online-Therapy.com testers
“It’s not highlighted anywhere in the (Online-Therapy.com) sign-up process, but you can apply for financial aid … Financial aid approval is immediate. I received a 30 percent discount for services automatically after submitting (information about my employment status, children, and household income).”
Our tester noted that Online-Therapy.com is set up as a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy-based program involving “mental health study, worksheets, live sessions, chat messaging, a journal, activity planning, yoga, and tests.” While our tester found these additional features helpful, she wished her therapist had interacted more with the special features and mentioned them in sessions.
From our user survey
In our February 2024 survey of 100 Online-Therapy.com users, 88 percent said the therapy they received met their expectations. From the same survey, 87 percent of users said their provider made them feel seen.
Online-Therapy.com providers also got high marks for making their clients feel comfortable, with 90 percent of users reporting in the survey that their therapist created a safe space.
What other Online-Therapy.com users say
In our February 2024 survey of Online-Therapy.com users, 84% reported that they interacted positively with their therapist, and over 90% of users felt that their therapist created a safe place for them to speak.
88% were happy with the therapist the platform assigned them, and 91% were pleased with the intake process. In most cases, this translates to very happy customers.
Read our in-depth Online-Therapy.com review for more information.
Talkspace: Best text therapy
Why Talkspace is our pick for best for text therapy
Talkspace is our choice for the best text-based therapy because its messaging therapy plan is available to people 13 and older. We also like that the text-based plan has text, audio, and video options, so users can choose which type of message they want to send and receive.
Who should use Talkspace: Individuals look for affordable, unlimited text-based therapy.
Who should not use Talkspace: Not suitable for those who need frequent, face-to-face therapy.
Talkspace tester insights
Though it is not right for everyone or every condition, two-way messaging therapy can be effective for treating certain types of depression and anxiety. The Talkspace messaging plan costs $69 per week ($276 billed monthly). This fee includes unlimited messaging with your therapist via text, audio message, or video message.
While the messaging-only plan doesn’t include live video sessions, we like that the video messaging option allows users to see and be seen by their therapist. While your therapist’s responses may not be immediate, you will receive regular responses from your therapists with follow-up questions, goal-setting advice, and more.
Our tester, who signed up for a Video + Messaging therapy plan, found that her initial therapist wasn’t as responsive via text as she would have liked. If you request a new therapist, you’ll receive an email with a list of possible matches to choose from. Our tester was offered nine potential matches when she switched therapists.
From one of our Talkspace testers
“I liked that I could switch therapists easily, especially before I interacted with my initial match. By switching therapists easily, I avoided any awkward interactions with the therapist that I didn’t connect with.”
Talkspace accepts insurance for all of its plans, including its messaging plan. They work with several large health insurance carriers, including Aetna, Cigna, and Optum. We like that Talkspace makes it easy to check your coverage before you even sign up for an account. Just go to their insurance page, click “Check My Coverage,” and fill in your insurance details. You may need to contact your insurance company directly to get exact information about copays and deductibles for mental health care, but Talkspace makes it easy to find out if your plan will cover their services.
What other Talkspace users say
In our October 2023 survey of 600 online therapy users, 82 percent of Talkspace users were able to get an appointment with a provider within one to two weeks, with 24 percent connecting with a therapist in less than a day.
In our February 2024 survey of 100 Talkspace users, 88 percent were satisfied with the therapist they’d been matched with. Your connection with your therapist is a key component of how successful your therapy will be. If you don’t connect with your initial therapist—on Talkspace or any other platform—ask to switch to a new provider.
To learn more about Talkspace, read our Talkspace review.
Talkiatry: Best for psychiatry and medication management
Why Talkiatry is our pick for best for psychiatry and medication management
We think Talkiatry is the best affordable option for psychiatry and medication management because the platform offers psychiatry services for the cost of your insurance copay. Talkiatry treats many common mental health conditions, including ADHD, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. We like that Talkatry serves children, teens, and adults. While Talkiatry does not score highly on our Affordability Index because it requires insurance and does not offer an out-of-pocket option for users, it can be an affordable option for those with in-network insurance coverage.
Who should use Talkiatry: Individuals seeking medication management for mental health conditions
Who should not use Talkiatry: People who need therapy sessions without medication or lack insurance coverage accepted by Talkiatry
Talkiatry tester insights
We like that Talkiatry offers access to an in-network psychiatrist when you need it, often within one week of signing up and sometimes in as little as 24 hours. We talked to one Talkiatry user who was able to schedule her first appointment for the next day after signing up. She also shared that refilling prescriptions is easy with Talkiatry, and that her medication is typically ready the same day that she requests a refill.
To get started on Talkiatry, fill out the form on their website’s home page to see if they take your plan. One drawback of Talkiatry is that they only see patients whose insurance they accept. Fortunately, they do work with a number of large carriers, including Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and some Medicare plans. If they do take your insurance, you’ll be directed to answer a series of questions about your insurance, location (Talkiatry is available in 43 states), and clinical needs. You’ll then receive a list of providers who meet your needs. You can schedule your own appointment at a time that works for you.
From one of our Talkiatry testers
“I feel like it used to be incredibly difficult to find a psychiatrist in person and Talkiatry makes it incredibly accessible for people. They accept a lot of insurances which was incredibly helpful. The process is easy and they’re quick to match you with a psychiatrist.”
Talkiatry providers can treat children as young as six years old and specialize in a wide range of mental health conditions, including anxiety, ADHD, bipolar disorder, depression, and substance use disorder. Your Talkiatry provider will work closely with you to determine a plan of care. If that plan of care includes medication, Talkiatry providers can write prescriptions. They can also provide referrals for talk therapy. Talkiatry providers can also write prescriptions for some controlled substances like Ritalin and Xanax. The fee you pay for a Talkiatry session does not include the cost of any prescription medications. You will pay for those at your pharmacy.
What other Talkiatry users say
In our February 2024 survey of 100 Talkiatry users, 91 percent had positive interactions with their psychiatrist. At the time of the survey, 80 percent of respondents were satisfied with the reduction of symptoms after using Talkiatry.
Read more in our Talkiatry review.
Other affordable online therapy platforms to consider
Inclusive Therapists: Best for People of Color
Inclusive Therapists is an online marketplace that makes it easy to find providers who meet your needs and preferences—including therapists who share one or more aspects of your identity. You can search for providers based on numerous factors, including cultural knowledge, languages, gender identity, ethnic and racial identity, sexual orientation, spiritual knowledge/faith, therapeutic approach, specialties, and more. Examples of filter options include Biracial/Multiracial; Person Living with Disability or Living with Chronic Pain/Illness; Gender Nonbinary, Non-Conforming, Queer, Expansive, or Agender; and Jewish Diaspora.
You can also search by insurance provider. Once you’ve shared your preferences and location, you’ll receive a spreadsheet via email with provider names and contact information. You may also receive emails directly from therapists who share their availability.
Many of the providers on this platform take insurance or have sliding scale fees.
Charlie Health: Best for Teens
Charlie Health provides personalized mental health care for teens and young adults. Their primary offering is intensive outpatient care, which is intended for those who need more than weekly support from a therapist. Clinical mental health providers at Charlie Health offer a variety of evidence-based approaches, including art therapy, drama therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy. We like that Charlie Health accepts many large insurance carriers, including Medicaid.
To learn more, read our Charlie Health review.
Handbook Tip #1
We talked to therapist Colleen Marshall, LMFT and Vice President of Two Chairs, to help Handbook readers learn ways to make therapy more affordable. Here are her tips:
- If you have health insurance, call your insurance carrier and ask about your mental health benefits. Specifically, find out the amount of your copays for therapy and psychiatry, as this is what you’ll pay out-of-pocket for each session. If you have mental health benefits, access your therapy through those benefits by finding an in-network provider.
- If you’re paying out of pocket, determine how much you can afford to pay for a therapist within your budget and then look for one within that range. Ask providers if they offer sliding scale fees or tiered payment options.
- Research low-fee clinics or community mental health agencies in your region by calling 211 or contacting your region’s Department of Health and Human Services.
- Consider virtual therapy options, which reduce costs by eliminating transportation and childcare costs.
How we test and choose the most affordable online therapy platforms
The Handbook Team researched over 70 online therapy and psychiatry platforms, directories, and networks. Based on our research, we signed up for the top 14 platforms to test out for ourselves, and then evaluated them to ensure they provided high quality services for their cost.
First-hand testing experience
The testers explored the platforms and attended online therapy sessions for at least four weeks. They were instructed to test the platforms from the perspective of a real user, paying attention to how easy or difficult it was to find a therapist they could talk to. Additionally, the testers were located throughout the United States, allowing us to assess the availability of providers in different locations. Testers logged their experiences in a diary and came together to share their findings when testing concluded. They also tested the process of changing therapists if needed.
Online therapy surveys
We collected survey responses from more than 2,000 users of online therapy and psychiatry services across different age groups. These surveys asked current users of the top 10 online therapy and online psychiatry platforms to assess each service. Their feedback provided valuable insights into how users utilize the unique features of each platform and also helped us understand their perspectives on important issues such as data privacy.
Focus groups
We conducted focus groups with practicing online therapists and current users of online therapy and psychiatry to understand what each group values while engaging in online sessions. We asked the therapists about the advantages and disadvantages of teletherapy and discovered the factors that influence users to choose one online therapy and psychiatry platform over another.
Our online therapy and psychiatry rating indexes
We created a unique rating index to see how varying platforms measure up to four key factors:
- Affordability: We looked for platforms with affordable out-of-pocket prices. We also included counseling services that accept insurance or offer financial aid.
- Data privacy: We examined how each platform collects and handles user data. If a brand didn’t have this info available on their website, we reached out to learn from them directly.
- Therapist availability: We collected data on a brand’s total number of in-network therapists and their appointment availability in different states.
- Inclusivity: We evaluated platforms on their inclusivity and diversity of practitioners. We also noted if a platform allows you to filter therapists by ethnicity or gender identity.
Mental health experts
A group of seasoned mental health professionals offered insight on online therapy platforms for this article, helping us ensure that it contains up-to-date information and expert knowledge.
Learn more about our online therapy testing and review methodology.
Fill out the intake assessment.
Subscribe as a new user and invite their teen to join the platform.
Get matched with a therapist.
Go through steps to change therapists.
Schedule and attend four weeks of appointments.
Contact customer support with questions.
Explore other platform features, including digital journals and worksheets.
Review billing policies and cancel subscription.
In a mental health emergency
Online psychiatrists may not be the most appropriate resource to help in a mental health crisis. If you or someone you know is a danger to themselves or others around them, it is an emergency, and cannot wait for an online therapist’s response.
Don’t wait. You can find help immediately by:
- Visiting urgent care
- Calling or texting 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
- Chatting online at 988lifeline.org
- Calling the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)’s Helpline at 1-800-662-4357 or text your zip code to 435748
All the above options will connect you with trained professionals who can provide crisis support. You can find even more resources, including international options, on our helpline directory page.
How to choose an affordable therapist
Finding the right therapist is an important step in your mental health journey. It’s like finding the perfect pair of shoes – they need to fit well and feel comfortable for you to walk your path. Everyone has different preferences when it comes to therapy. Some people might connect better with a therapist who is direct and solution-oriented, while others might prefer a more empathetic and supportive approach. There are also factors like communication style (text, video chat, phone calls) and areas of expertise (anxiety, relationships, trauma) to consider.
The best online therapy platforms understand this. They offer a variety of therapists with diverse backgrounds and approaches, allowing you to find the perfect match for your needs. Don’t settle for a one-size-fits-all solution. Look for a platform that gives you options and flexibility. While affordability is important, remember that quality shouldn’t be compromised.
How much does online therapy cost?
The cost of an online therapy session through most platforms ranges from $65-$129 when paying out of pocket. For those using insurance, that rate can be as low as a $30 co-pay. One of the major benefits of online therapy is its potential affordability when compared to traditional in-person therapy, where each session typically ranges between $100-200.
Some insurance plans are required by law to cover online therapy under the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act. However, accessing these benefits can be challenging. Finding in-network therapists within your chosen online platform might be difficult, and insurance companies may have high deductibles or require multiple pre-approval steps before reimbursing sessions.
The lack of transparency and ease of access could be a barrier, particularly for those who depend on insurance to afford mental healthcare. Ideally, Medicare and Medicaid would provide more comprehensive coverage for online therapy services, thereby enhancing accessibility for low-income individuals and seniors. From the platforms on our list, Brightside and Talkspace currently accept Medicaid and Medicare, while Talkiatry accepts Medicaid.
Does insurance cover online therapy?
Some insurance companies cover telehealth services, including mental health therapy, but it varies by provider and plan. Factors such as network providers, state regulations, and the type of therapy offered can impact coverage. Before starting online therapy, contact your insurance company to confirm details, including any co-pays, deductibles, or restrictions.
Is online therapy less expensive than in-person therapy?
While the cost can vary depending on location and therapist experience, in-person therapy typically costs between $100 and $200 per session. Online therapy, on the other hand, can be more affordable, with some platforms offering sessions for as low as $60-$80 per week. This makes online therapy potentially more accessible for those on a budget. However, it’s important to consider factors like insurance coverage, co-pays, and potential limitations of online therapy compared to in-person sessions.
How to save money on mental health care
Finding affordable mental health care shouldn’t feel like a luxury. The good news is that resources are available to help you on your journey, including options for free online therapy. While free platforms can be a tempting starting point, it’s important to approach them with a critical eye. Not all free services are created equal, and some may lack the professional qualifications or secure features you deserve.
Here are some ways to save money on mental health services:
- Insurance: Check your health insurance plan to see if it covers online therapy services. Even if it does, there might be copays or deductibles to consider. It’s important to understand your specific plan and coverage details before starting therapy.
- Financial aid: Many online therapy platforms offer financial aid programs based on need. Don’t hesitate to inquire about these options; you might be surprised by what’s available.
- Local colleges: Psychology or social work programs in your area may offer low-cost or free therapy services provided by supervised graduate students.
- Community resources: Local community centers, mental health hotlines, and religious organizations may offer support groups or free/low-cost therapy services. Research resources in your area to see what might be available.
- Employee assistance programs: Many employers offer EAPs, which provide confidential counseling and support services to employees and their families, often at no cost. Check with your HR department to see if your employer offers an EAP.
- Sliding scale therapy: Some therapists offer therapy on a sliding scale, meaning the fee is adjusted based on your income. Look for therapists in your area who advertise sliding scale rates.
- Mental health training centers: Hospitals or university-affiliated clinics may have mental health training centers that offer therapy services at reduced rates by therapists in training under the supervision of licensed professionals.
Our final verdict
Our overall pick for the most affordable online therapy platform is BetterHelp due to competitive pricing, financial aid options, and a variety of features beyond sessions. However, other platforms shine in specific areas. Brightside excels for insurance users with combined therapy-medication plans. Online-Therapy.com is a budget-friendly option for couples therapy, while Talkspace caters to those who prefer text-based therapy. Finally, Talkiatry focuses on medication management with a psychiatrist.
Remember, the right therapist is a personal choice. Affordable mental healthcare shouldn’t be a privilege. To help you narrow down your choices, we explored online therapy platforms, prioritizing affordability and accessibility. We also examined each platform’s included features and pricing structure. Lastly, we tested the platforms ourselves to give real user experiences and ensure that each option we recommend delivers on their promises.
Compare the best affordable online therapy platforms of 2024
| Services | Individual therapy | Individual therapy; Psychiatry | Individual and couples therapy | Individual, couples, and teen therapy; Psychiatry | Psychiatry |
| Ways to Connect | Messaging; Text, audio, or video sessions | Messaging; Video sessions | Messaging; Text, audio, or video sessions | Messaging; Text, audio, or video sessions | Messaging; Video sessions |
| Monthly Cost for Individual Therapy | $280–$400 | $299–$349* | $200–$440 | $276–$436* | Varies by insurance provider** |
| Takes Insurance? | No | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
* Or less, if you’re paying with insurance.
** Talkiatry is in-network insurance only.
Frequently asked questions
Online therapy costs vary by platform and provider. Some of the platforms we reviewed offer services for as little as $65 per session without insurance. With insurance, you can see a provider for the cost of your copay, which could be as low as $30 or less.
Online therapy platform costs may be lower than in-person therapy costs, which are typically about $100–$200 per session. This will depend on the platform you choose, if you are using insurance, and your location.
Many online therapy platforms take insurance, including Brightside, Talkspace, and Talkiatry.
Online therapy can be a good option if you are seeking treatment for certain mental health conditions and are comfortable attending sessions from home. If you prefer the intimacy of an in-person setting, or if you don’t have privacy at home, online therapy may not be ideal.
If you’re having a mental health crisis, don’t use online therapy. Call 988 or 911 and get help now.
Only psychiatrists can prescribe medication and most psychiatrists available through online platforms can prescribe medications as part of your treatment plan, but controlled substances like Ritalin and Xanax may not be available through your online provider.
- Reinert, M., Jr., Fritze, D., Nguyen, T. (October 2022). The state of mental health in America 2023 [Report]. Mental Health America. Link
- Hilty, D. M., Ferrer, D. C., Parish, M. B., Johnston, B., Callahan, E. J., & Yellowlees, P. M. (2013). The effectiveness of telemental health: A 2013 review. Telemedicine Journal and E-health, 19(6), 444–454. Link
- Stubbe, D. (2018). The therapeutic alliance: the fundamental element of psychotherapy. Focus, 16(4), 402–403. Link
- Rapfogel, N. (2022, May 26). The behavioral health care affordability problem. Center for American Progress. Link
- Kamenov, K., Twomey, C., Cabello, M., Prina, A.M., & Ayuso-Mateos, J. L. (2016). The efficacy of psychotherapy, pharmacotherapy and their combination on functioning and quality of life in depression: A meta-analysis. Psychological Medicine, 47(3), 414–425. Link
- Lebow, J., & Snyder, D. K. (2022). Couple therapy in the 2020s: Current status and emerging developments. Family Process, 61(4), 1359–1385. Link
- Hull, T. D., Malgaroli, M., Connolly, P.S., Feuerstein, S., & Simon, N. M. (2020). Two-way messaging therapy for depression and anxiety: Longitudinal response trajectories. BMC Psychiatry, 20(1). Link