Online therapy platforms connect you with licensed therapists for video, phone, or messaging sessions — often within a week of signing up, sometimes within 48 hours. They’ve expanded access to mental health care for owners in rural areas, with packed schedules, or who simply prefer talking from their own space. They work well for many concerns, though severe symptoms still require in-person care.
We compared the major online therapy platforms on therapist quality, insurance coverage, session formats, pricing, and specialty care. Here are the seven worth considering, plus what to look for.
If you’re in crisis, contact emergency services or the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Online therapy is not appropriate for acute mental health emergencies.
How we evaluated online therapy platforms
We weighed five factors: therapist licensing and matching quality, insurance coverage, session formats available (video, phone, text/messaging), pricing relative to in-person therapy, and specialty care for specific concerns (couples, teens, LGBTQ+, addiction).
1. Talkspace
Best for insurance coverage. Talkspace accepts insurance from many major plans, often making sessions $0-30 per visit. Therapists are all licensed in your state. Plans include weekly video sessions plus unlimited messaging. Best fit if your insurance covers it.
2. BetterHelp
Best for affordable self-pay. BetterHelp pricing runs $260-400/month for weekly live sessions plus messaging — often less than weekly in-person therapy. Doesn’t accept insurance directly. Strong therapist matching and easy switching if the first match isn’t right.
3. Brightside
Best for therapy plus medication. Brightside combines therapy with psychiatric medication management — one of the few platforms covering both. Pricing runs $95-349/month depending on plan. Best fit if you want coordinated care between therapy and medication.
4. Cerebral
Best for ADHD and anxiety care. Cerebral specializes in anxiety, depression, and ADHD treatment with therapy plus medication management options. Pricing runs $99-325/month. Note: Cerebral has faced regulatory scrutiny historically — confirm current operating status before signing up.
5. Online-Therapy.com
Best for CBT-based structured programs. Online-Therapy.com offers cognitive behavioral therapy programs with worksheets, journaling, and weekly therapist sessions. Pricing runs $200-440/month. Best for owners who want structured CBT homework alongside therapy.
6. Pride Counseling
Best for LGBTQ+ specialty care. Pride Counseling (a BetterHelp affiliate) matches you with therapists who specialize in LGBTQ+ concerns. Same pricing structure as BetterHelp. Best for owners who want a therapist with relevant lived experience and training.
7. Teen Counseling
Best for adolescent therapy. Teen Counseling (also a BetterHelp affiliate) provides therapy for ages 13-19, with parental consent flow and parent communication tools. Same pricing structure. Best fit for parents seeking therapy for a teen.
How to choose an online therapy platform
If you have insurance: Check Talkspace first.
If paying out of pocket: BetterHelp.
If you need medication management: Brightside.
If structured CBT appeals to you: Online-Therapy.com.
For LGBTQ+ care: Pride Counseling.
For teens: Teen Counseling.
If the first therapist isn’t a good fit, most platforms let you switch easily. Use that — fit between you and your therapist is one of the strongest predictors of therapy benefit.
Frequently asked questions
Is online therapy as effective as in-person? Research generally finds online therapy comparable to in-person for common concerns like anxiety, depression, and stress. Severe symptoms or conditions requiring physical observation typically still need in-person care.
Will insurance cover online therapy? Many insurance plans now cover online therapy, especially via Talkspace and through telehealth benefits. Coverage varies — check your specific plan.
Can I get a prescription through online therapy? Standard therapy platforms don’t prescribe — only those with affiliated psychiatric services (Brightside, Cerebral, etc.) can. Prescription rules vary by state and medication.
Want your brand on this list? If you offer online therapy or related mental health product and would like to be considered for inclusion in this article, email ken@cornerstonecontent.com with your product details. We review additions on a paid basis and will get back to you within one business day.
