Top 10 Best Online Therapy Services – Invest In Your Mental Health

Top 10 Best Online Therapy Services in 2024 – Invest In Your Mental Health

Online therapy services present a convenient and innovative approach to mental healthcare. The fact is, in-person therapy has limited flexibility, availability, and pricing. Perhaps more significantly, in-person sessions became more challenging due to lockdowns and social distancing requirements. These changes have resulted in the increased utilization of online healthcare over recent years, and studies suggest that the rise is here to stay.

As online therapy—also referred to as “e-therapy” or “internet “therapy”—c” in” es to expand, so ” does the number of providers available to choose from. When searching for an exemplary virtual therapy service for your needs, you must consider factors such as pricing, modes of communication, and therapists' backgrounds.therapists'Bestt Online Therapy Services in 2024:

• BetterHelp – Best online therapy site overall
• Cerebral – Best for affordable monthly pricing
• Online-Therapy.com – Best online cognitive behavioural therapy
• Thriveworks – Best for treatment covered by insurance
• ReGain – Best for online relationship therapy
• Pride Counseling – Best online therapy for LGBTQ+
• Talkspace – Best for unlimited messaging and flexible payment plans
• Calmerry – Best for a wide range of therapy types
• Amwell – Best for ease of access
• Faithful Counseling – Best for devoted Christian counselors

Our Methodology: How We Reviewed the Best Online Therapy Services

To find the best e-therapy options, we compared several vital factors, s including:

• Price, affordability, and plans (weekly vs. monthly pricing, overall cost)
• Methods of communication (text messaging, voice calls, video calls)
• Number of therapists available and theispecializationsns (anxiety, depression, addiction)
• Accreditations and hiring requirements (PsyD, Ph.D., LCSW, LPS)

Types of therapy offered (CBT, psychoanalysis)

Our Top 10 Best Online Therapy Services

BetterHelp is one of the largest providers of online therapy services, letting you get matched with a licensed professional therapist in less than 24 hours. You can communicate with your therapist via phone, video call, live chat, or text.

While the platform doesn't take insurance, it doesn't offer financial aid to patients with tighter budgets.

Why we chose BetterHelp: BetterHelp's app andonliBetterHelp'saree are both user-friendly, giving you access to self-help worksheets on various topics, including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and conflict resolution.

Our experience: BetterHelp reviews are positive,e and the service is reasonably priced. We like that BetterHelp counsellors have a rigorous vetting process.

PROS

• Message your therapist anytime
• Studies show the platform is effective
• Operates in 200+ countries and 82 languages

CONS

• Therapists cannot prescribe medication to finspecializeded therapists.

Cerebral offers online talk therapy sessions for people suffering from conditions such as anxiety, depression, and insomnia. Their professional counsellors provide a holistic treatment plan tailored to your needs. Cerebral'ss two-tiered app, Cerebral” TalkTalk there,apy, and proper medication prescriptions allow you to manage your symptoms and achieve a more balanced lifestyle.

Why we chose Cerebral: Cerebral is one of the most affordable options on our list while still providing you with high-quality care.

Our experience: We like that the cerebral team checks every month monitors your medication reactions, and helps you make the necessary adjustments to ensure your treatment progresses as intended.

PROS

• Very affordable pricing plans
• Team of care providers for a holistic approach
• Online sessions & medications delivered to your door

CONS

• : Not all plans are available nationwide and do not cover all mental health issues. Online-Therapy.com has a network of counsellors from various fields of expertise, primarily focusing on CBT. In addition, their platform hosts a range of interactive worksheets, activities, and self-help assignments to help guide you through its program.

Depending on your preference, you can communicate with your counsellor via text, audio, or video chat.

Why we chose Online-Therapy.com: this online therapy provider allows you to switch therapists anytime during treatment. Their journaling tool is another helpful way to keep track of your efforts and improve your well-being.

Our experience: Unlike other online therapy services, Online-Therapy.com allows you to view recommended therapist profiles and choose your counsellor based on user reviews, specializations, and accreditations.

PROS

• Affordable compared to other providers
• Choose your therapist and switch anytime you want
• Easy-to-follow wellness exercises

CONS

• The lowest-tier plan does not include live sessions
• Therapists on the platform cannot prescribe medication

Thriveworks' services include face-to-face and over-the-phone therapy sessions. Their network of professionals is experienced across various specialities, including individual talk therapy, psychiatry, couples/family therapy, child therapy, and more.

Why did we choose Thriveworks? Thriveworks is in-network with most insurance plans, so you only have to cover a copay for therapy sessions. Even if you do not cover youryou'rehriveworkss is still affordable.

Our experience: Thriveworks stands out from other online therapy services by offering same- or next-day appointments and keeping wait times to a minimum. You can also contact your therapist between sessions if needed.

PROS

• Health insurance from significant providers typically accepted
• Online or in-person at 300+ locations

CONS

• No ability to massage therapists
• Some services are location-restricted

ReGain offers convenient online relationship therapy for couples and individuals. Their service matches you with a licensed therapist specifically chosen to address your needs and goals. Its monthly subscription grants one live video or phone session weekly and 24/7 access to an online therapist.

We chose ReGain: ReGain understands everyone's situation and offers reduced fees to those with financial difficulties or disabilities.

Our experience: With ReGain, you can choose your therapy appointments entirely around your schedule. This makes it a particularly convenient option if you are restricted in time.

PROS

• Therapistspecializeze in a wide range of relationship issues
• User-friendly appDiscountst available to those in need

CONS

• Not appropriate fortress
• Does not work in-network with insurance providers

Pride Counseling boasts budget-friendly online therapy for members of the LGBTQ+ community.

Pride Counseling charges weekly rather than per session, allowing for multiple meetings within the same week. It also has a mobile app that offers access to all of the website's features, with the benefit of receiving mobile mental health support.

Pride Counseling omits family therapy or support groups, which could be beneficial to LGBTQ+ individuals. They also do not work in-network with insurance providers, although their low weekly counselling rates make it more affordable than traditional in-person therapy. We e ose Pride Counse. PrideCounseling's most significant benefit is that it offers a safe, supportive environment for LGBTQ+ community members to address their mental health issues, with all therapists explicitly trained for this community's needs.

Ourexcommunity'sridee Counseling emphasizes discretion by allowing you to sign up with a nickname, while other services typically require your full legal name.

PROS

• All therapists specialize in LGBTQ+ counselling
• Android and iOS app
• Pay per week rather than per session

CONS

• No support group options
• Does not accept insurance

Talkspace is an e-therapy platform that offers counselling and psychiatric treatment for teens, adults, and couples. They employ a detailed matching process to connect you with a licensed and experienced therapist based on your circumstances.

They accept insurance and offer three weekly payment plans. The two higher-tier plans include live sessions, but only the highest-tier plan includes therapy via messaging with guaranteed daily text responses to any questions.

Why we chose Talkspace: Talkspacspecializeses in over 40 areas of clinical therapy, so you can feel confident that your needs will be met.

Our experience: We were impressed by the practical response times that Talkspace therapists and counsellors demonstrate. Whenever you need help, their care providers are available to lend support.

PROS

• Over 40 clinical approaches and treatments
• Suitable for adults, teens, and couples
• Can offer prescriptions through its psychiatry services

CONS

• Requires internet connection
• Live sessions are only available on more expensive plans

Calmerry is an e-therapy network with therapists trained in various specialities, including grief counselling, couples counselling, and LGBTQ-related therapy. They give you two ways to communicate with counsellors–texting and video sessions.

All plans include texting at any time, receiving daily responses from therapists, and the option to switch counsellors or cancel at any time.

Why we chose Calmerry: Calmerry performs thorough background checks on its therapists to ensure the quality and reliability of the counselling services you receive.

Our experience: Calmerrydoesn'tt match yourn'tthetherapistrrr blog provides information about therapy methods (including CBT, emotion-focused therapy, and dialectical behaviour therapy) so you can understand which approach fits your needs.

PROS

• Convenient app for on-the-go therapy
• An extensive blog about therapy and mental health
• Mental health assistants are  readily available

CONSDoesn'tt accept insuranceDoesn'tnablee privacy protection

Amwell offers flexible online therapy with a network of over 350 professional counsellors specializing in various therapy methods. Their platform is accessible through their website or mobile app and doesn't require you to do it—instead, they conveniently allow you to pay per appointment.

You can search for available therapists by using the filters on the platform and easily schedule an appointment once you find the right one. This means you can contact between sessions; the upside is you spend less time waiting for the help you need.

Why we chose Amwell: Amwell is a one-stop shop for all of your healthcare needs, including but not limited to therapy services. Its professionals can even write you a prescription if necessary. also,, Amwell is connected to 125 insurance providers, which can help lower out-of-pocket costs.

Our experience: Unlike most online therapy providers, you don't have to wait for a donation to a therapist when using Amwell.   Heirilter-and-find process puts more agency in your hands, giving you the relevant information you need to choose the right counsellor.

PROS

• Select a therapist and make an appointment straight away
• Covered by most insurance providers
• Get a prescription without visiting the doctor's office
  

  CONS

• Does doctor service,, but doesn't the United States
• No communication is possible between scheduled appointments

Faithful Counseling is an online platform that sspecialisesclinics and therapy and incorporates the Christian teachings of the Bible.  Tstherapists are all licensed and certified in their field and submit their belief statements to ensure they are consistent with the Faithful Counseling Statement.

The provider uses a sophisticated matching process to connect you with a therapist who pspecializesn in both your mental health challenges and your branch of Christianity.   Hiseans is a suitable platform if your faith is essential and you want to incorporate biblical teachings into your treatment.  n easy registration process, a simple and attractive display, and a simple appointment booking function make it easy for Christians seeking faith-based counselling to try Faithful Counseling.

Why did we choose Loyal Consulting?  papplicationjournal

PROS

• 6000+ ttherapistsspspecializingg in Christian counselling messaging services
• Available via website or free app

CONS

• The matching process may take 1-2 days
• Cannot select a specific therapist

How to Compare the Best Online Therapy Services

Quality of service, therapist credentials, cost of care, and modes of communication are essential features to consider when comparing the best online mental health services. We've compiled the chart to see how our top 10 online therapy platforms differ regarding overall user reviews, affordability and how you'll communicate with your counsellor.

For example, if you prefer to communicate with your licensed therapist by phone, you should check whether this means is available on any particular online counselling service.

Our Methodology: How We Reviewed the Best Online Therapy Services & Sites

To find the best e-therapy options, we compared several vital factors, s including:

• Price, affordability, and plans (weekly vs. monthly pricing, overall cost)
• Methods of communication (text messaging, voice calls, video calls)
• Number of therapists available and theispecializationsns (anxiety, depression, addiction)
• Accreditations and hiring requirements (PsyD, Ph.D., LCSW, LPS)
• Types of therapy offered (CBT, psychoanalysis)
  

  What Is Online Therapy and What Makes It a Viable Alternative to In-Person Therapy?

  Online therapy is a virtual version of traditional, in-person psychotherapy.  nOnlinecounsellors use the same interventions as in-person providers, including CBT, dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT), trauma therapy, and talk therapy.

According to a 2022 depression research and treatment meta-analysis by social worker Carly M. Charron and epidemiologist Kevin M. Gorey, e-therapy programs—especially involving video calls—can be just as effective as in-person treatment.

Online therapy is also a more accessible option for those who cannot afford traditional psychotherapy, struggle to commute to appointments, or are concerned about the perceived stigma of being seen entering a psychotherapist's office.  sychotherapist'ssicss: How Online Therapy Works?

To start, you answer a few demographic questions, specify which mental health issue you need support with, get screened for depression and suicidality, and state which characteristics you want in a counsellor.

Depending on the platform, this data is analysed by either an algorithm or a natural person.   Oure then matched with a web therapist aligned with your preferences and trained to treat your specific mental health concerns.

From there, the online therapy program process unfolds as it would in person.   Out with a therapist for about 45-55 minutes weekly to discuss a personal difficulty, gain insight into its origins and impact on your life, and find ractical tools to help you address it.

These tools can include emotion regulation techniques, communication skills, and strategies to identify and change troublesome thoughts and behaviours.

Phone, Video, or Chat: Choosing the Best Format for Online Therapy

In 2020, John O. Apsychopathyy, a sociology study conducted by Hietanen, found that eye contact during video calls produces physiological arousal comparable to in-person interactions.  amatchingyour therapist's body and expressions, making eye contact, and letting them do the same can be more engaging for both of you.

However, some clients may prefer phone or text due to concerns such as a poor internet connection, a schedule that prevents them from sitting in front of a camera, or simply because these options may be cheaper.

According to a 2022 Current Psychiatry Reports research review led by Patricia W. Chen, telephone therapy is effective in treating many mental health conditions, so rest assured that this option is equally viable.

Plus, the 2022 Frontiers in Psychiatry review, led by Reham Shalabi, found that chat support is beneficial for individuals with addiction and psychosis and can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Benefits of Online Therapy: Why Choose This Approach?

Online therapy is convenient, flexible, and less expensive than in-person therapy, especially with a subscription plan.  o commute is necessary, so those who are housebound or have limited mobility can meet with a therapist from Pheromone.   Hisakes it much more feasible than in-person therapy for those looking for better health care options.

With online counselling, people also don't have to worry” about “seeing” coming and seeing “the” om” t” therapist's, officwhichtherapist'sd the potential perception of stigma.

Who Can Benefit from Online Therapy?

Online therapy is ideal and can significantly benefit those who:

• Experience mild to moderate symptoms.  apatientsstruggling with anxiety, depression, stress management, and relationship difficulties are all equally suited for virtual counselling.
• Suppose you have a busy lifestyle or live far from individual therapy options.  In that case, online counselling allows for remote and mobile support, which helps if you don't have time to go to donations.
• An insurance plan thdoesn'tn't cover ttherapydoesn'tsn'tn't have coverage doesn'tlineine therapy, which is often more affordable than in-person therapy, making it more affordable even for those without insurance options.
• Enjoy additional communication features.  ivirtualtherapy platforms can offer text messages, phone calls, and training modules in addition to therapy sessions.
• They are ready and willing to engage in therapy.   Heey to reaping the benefits of online and offline therapy is willingness and willingness to engage, which was shown to predict better treatment outcomes in a 2017 BMC Psychiatry study by psychologist Henning Kramp.

Considerations for Online Therapy: Who May Not Benefit?

Online therapy may not be helpful for those who:

• Is it an acute mental health crisis or has severe symptoms; patients with extreme symptoms of psychosis, anorexia, bulimia, or mood disorders are not suitable candidates for online talk therapy.  The conditions usually requires a higher level of care, such as hhospitalisationintensive outpatient programs, which Internet therapy does not offer.
• Is the court-mandated for mental health services?  individuals who who are court-ordered for treatment may not be suitable for e-therapy because therapists must complete paperwork that online platforms may not process.
• Prefers face-to-face communication.  nOnlinetherapy sessions are not face-to-face by design, so they itheymay not be as beneficial for those who like to interact with their therapist in person.

How Much Does Online Therapy Cost?

Online therapy can range from $60 to $200 per session.   Hisepends on the platform, subscription plan and type of therapy you choose.   Omeervices include medication management or psychotherapy in their plans, which can affect the total cost.  Whether hWhetheryou see the provider via video, phone, or chat can also affect the final price.

Many online platforms such as Thriveworks, Cerebral, Talkspace and Amwell also accept insurance to help offset costs.

Free Online Therapy Services: Availability and Limitations

While you may be hard-pressed to find free online counselling services, several online mental health support services offer emergency help.

These include crisis lines with text and chat features like the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Chat and Text service.   Heational Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) also offers free online support groups.

Saving with Online Therapy: Financial Benefits to Consider

A 2022 survey by Zencare found that the average cost of therapy in the US is $182 per session, with higher rates depending on the statistics, at least $728, whidoesn'tn't take inaccountdoesn'tinging costs or potential lost revenue due to time spent in a session or commuting.

In contrast, most virtual therapy sessions conducted through affordable online therapy platforms are under $100, billed on a weekly or monthly basis, according to users' subscriptiplans'ns' small fee often includes additional features such as worksheets, educational content, and unlimited messaging with a therapist that are often not included with individual therapy.

• Unlimited Sessions and Flexible Communication Options

Unlike in-person therapy, which limits therapeutic interactions to face-to-face formats, online therapy platforms allow clients to see and speak with their therapists through video conferencing software, phone calls, text messages, and chat features.   Ostlatforms also allow unlimited texting outside of regular sessions with a therapist.

• Reduced Commuting Costs and Time

Average gas prices in America remain above $3.40, according to AAA.com, which means that driving to the totherapist'st's office adds to the atherapist'st'st amount to the actual monthly cost of individual therapy, along with tolls and parking fees.

Choosing the Right Online Therapy Service in 2023

To ensure you get the best results from virtual therapy and achieve better health, it's important to find online counselling services.  oconsiderthe following key factors to help you decide which is the best fit:

• Offered services: Choose platforms that appeal to you in ways such as CBT, DBT, Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), faith-based therapy such as Christian counselling, couples therapy, or affirmation therapy. Also, consider whether you need a provider who can prescribe medication.
• Features: closely examine the platform's addadditional platformwhich best fits peppersonalised therapyeds.  oOtherresources aare vailable to you in addition to therapy, such as courses, digital worksheets, and mood and progress trackers.   Example, Calmerry offers helpful tracking tools, and Online-Therapy.com ofprovidesoga classes.
  Value.  oconsiderhow much you are willing to pay for your mental health care, as not all online therapy platforms
• cost the same.   For Orxample, Online-Therapy.com offers services for under $40 per week.  nIncontrast, medication and therapy services from Cerebral, Amwell, Thriveworks, and Talkspace range from $99 to more than $200 per month if insurance is not an option.
• Ease of use.  theusability of online therapy platforms and mental health apps affects whether they are perceived as applicable, as researcher Amy Hai Yang Chan found in a 2021 review in the Journal of Psychiatry and Mental Health Nursing.

Finding the Right Therapist for You

It is essential to know what each type of therapist certification means so you can see what they can help you with.

Here are the five most common types of therapists:

• Psychiatrist (MD)

A psychiatrist has a medical degree, hen”e “MD”.  his means they  “re” “we” l versed in biological systems and will incorporate knowledge of brain and body biochemistry into their therapy sessions.  spsychiatristsare the only type of therapists on this list who can prescribe medication.

• Psychologists (PsyD, PhDPsychologistsst hold a doctoral degree between four and rigorous years of post-secondary education.  ssysreceive extensive training in clinical work with clients, while PhDs participate in research during their post-secondary education.

• Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

LPCs complete two-year, master-level programs in mental health counselling and psychotherapy.  Heyspspecializen psychological testing and diagnosis, and they've likely completed detraipost-master'sfic'sfic psychotherapy modalities, like CBT, DBT, and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT).

• Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)

LMFTs undergo two-year, master-level programs with a specific focus on marriage and family therapy; They'reMostt adept at supporting individuals, couples, and families with relationship or interpersonal difficulties.   Heyay undergoes additional post-master degree trials to spare them to work with specific demographics of people and conditions.

• Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

To be licensed at the clinical level, social workers must complete a two-year master-level program, demonstrate three years of supervised client-facing work, and pass a four-hour licensing exam.

Social workers are trained in a strengths-based approach, meaning ttheirclients' inherent capabilities and competencies rather than just focusing on deficits or diagnoses.  they'reey're ethically obligatory, as they serve vulnerable and oppressed populatiThey'reey're also versethThey'reems”seems approach t ” cli “i” al wo” k, meaning they view symptoms in light of the environment (familial, institutional, political) in which clients live, work, aunsocialized

Standard Treatment Fields in Online Therapy

Many therapists offer a range of modalities, including CBT, DBT, MBSR, and ACT—to name just Here's.Here's a closer ::there onlineline therapy treatment fields on your journey to better health:

• Couples Counseling

Online couples therapy involves spouses or partners grappling with difficulties such as communication, infidelity, possible separation, conflict, sexual dissatisfaction, financial challenges, growing apart, or simply struggling to adjust to significant life events like becoming a parent, experiencing infertility, or losing a child.

An online couples therapist helps both partners better understand their mother's perspectivfather'sather's healthy communication and supports the practice of coping skills that help their relationship heal.

• Teen Therapy

Therapy for teens addresses the concerns and challenges of navigating that tricky time period between puberty and young adulthood.

Teen therapy can sometimes involve play therapy, whereby teens engage in games or activities that help them develop stronger bonds with their therapist and more readily express their true thoughts and feelings.

• LGBTQ+ Support

LGBTQ+ online therapy aims to affirm and accept non-heteroindividuals'iduals identindividuals'xualls'xual orientations in light of their unique concerns, stressors, and needs.

• Anxiety Treatment

Online therapy for anxiety targets the thought processes giving rise to anxious feelings and behaviours and supports individuals in practicing emotion regulation and mindfulness techniques that help reduce anxiety.

• Depression Therapy

Online depression counselling and online therapy for depression help clients identify and challenge detrainment beliefs and thoughts: “‘I'm “, I'm an f”blur”, I'll “, I'iserableis”rabe” I,' that rebel” at  I do.”

• Bipolar Disord”r Manage” ent

Effective online therapy for clients with bipolar disorder involves exploring the onset and course of symptoms, educating patients about the illness, and imparting emotion regulation skills.

Online therapists who treat bipolar disorder help clients identify and devise safety plans in anticipation of early signs of increasing mania, hypomania, or depression.OCD Treatment

Online therapy for OCD typically involves CBT and exposure therapy, which gradually increases real or imagined exposure to OCD triggers while practising practices that enhance tolerance,e like deep breathing and breathing visualisation interventions.

ACT, which seeks to increase cognitive flexibility and the pursuit of values-oriented behaviour, has also been shown to enhance the outcomes of standard OCD treatments.

5 Tips for Preparing for an Online Therapy Session: Maximize the benefits of your online therapy sessions and work to better health for your mental well-being. You should know how to prepare for them.  Eepthese tips in mind:

1Minimizeze Environmental Distractions

Distractions disrupt the therapeutic process and can interfere with your ability to learn new skills and make critical connections between past experiences and present behaviour.

2.  havea Backup Internet Connection Plan

Poor video quality, frozen video, or internet connection drops can disrupt and interfere with the quality of therapy you receive.

3.  e Present and Engaged During Sessions

It may seem more convenient to do virtual therapy from home or work to take care of tasks like checking email, folding laundry, putting away the dishes, etc.

4.  rrepairTalking Points or Discussion Topics

Please keep track of situations between therapy sessions that need support processing so you can dive into them once your session begins.Loglog logs on from home or doesn't have to sit and refocus in a waiting room, so we may not remember the essential challenges of our week.  oHowever jotting them down in a notebook or device keeps us accountable and gives an online therapist more opportunity and time to assist where we need it most.

• PTSD

A 2007 BMC Psychiatry study led by researcher Christine Knaevelsrud found that clients with PTSD saw significant symptom improvement after working with a virtual licensed therapist.

• Insomnia

Danish researchers overseen by psychologisO'Toole.  ‘Toole nointernO'Tooleveredoolevered cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) effectively improves sleep quality and total sleep time.

• Borderline Personality Disorder

A 2021 JMIR Mental Health review overseen by psychologist Margo Rivera found that online therapy involving DBT skills training and education improved borderline personaldisoclients clients' eregulaticlients'educedts'educed how often they fought or argued with others.

• Burnout

Researcher Jung-Hyun Park and colleagues observed in their 2022 systematic review that online interventions encouraging the emotional freedom technique (EFT) reduced symptoms of burnout among nurses.  aeatingdisorders

Additional Online Therapy Sites Revyou'reIf you're looking oyouyou'sdyouyou'sd our total reviews here:

• JustAnswer – Best for people who aren't ready for right Best for insured individuals struggling with anxiety and depression
• PrestoExperts – Best for paying a therapist by the minute rather than monthly

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Online Therapy in 2023: A Worthwhile Investment

Virtual therapy companies provide affordable alternatives to in-person therapy with comparable quality of care and outcomes.  evSeveralnline therapy services even take insurance, cutting costs further.

Online counselling options may seem limitless, but what's most important to you?