Online therapy is a convenient and affordable way to access mental health support from anywhere, anytime. Online therapy apps allow you to connect with licensed therapists through phone calls, video chats, text messages, or emails. You can choose the app that best suits your needs, preferences, and budget.
But how do you know which online therapy app is right for you? There are many factors to consider, such as the cost, the quality of the therapists, the features, the specialties, and the reviews. To help you make an informed decision, we have compared the top 5 online therapy apps of 2023, based on our research and user feedback. We have also included a bonus free option for those who want to try online therapy without spending any money.
BetterHelp: Best for Specialty Care
BetterHelp is one of the most popular and trusted online therapy apps in the market. It has over 20,000 licensed therapists who can help you with a wide range of issues, such as depression, anxiety, stress, relationships, trauma, grief, and more. BetterHelp also offers specialized services for couples and teens.
BetterHelp matches you with a therapist who is compatible with your goals, preferences, and needs. You can communicate with your therapist through unlimited text messages, live chat sessions, phone calls, or video sessions. You can also switch therapists at any time if you are not satisfied with your match.
BetterHelp costs between $60 to $90 per week (billed every four weeks), depending on the plan you choose. You can cancel your subscription at any time. BetterHelp does not accept insurance, but it offers financial aid for those who qualify.
BetterHelp has received positive reviews from users who praise its convenience, effectiveness, and customer service. BetterHelp also has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
You can learn more about BetterHelp and sign up for a free trial here: https://www.betterhelp.com/
Talkspace: Best for Messaging
Talkspace is another well-known and reputable online therapy app that has over 5 million users and over 3,000 licensed therapists. Talkspace specializes in providing therapy through text messages, which can be ideal for those who prefer writing over talking or who want to access therapy on their own schedule.
Talkspace matches you with a therapist who is experienced in your specific issue, such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, addiction, or eating disorders. You can send unlimited text messages to your therapist anytime and anywhere. Your therapist will respond once or twice a day (depending on your plan), five days a week. You can also schedule live video sessions with your therapist if you want.
Talkspace costs between $65 to $100 per week (billed monthly), depending on the plan you choose. You can cancel your subscription at any time. Talkspace accepts some insurance plans and offers discounts for students and military personnel.
Talkspace has received positive reviews from users who appreciate its affordability, flexibility, and responsiveness. Talkspace also has an A- rating from the BBB.
You can learn more about Talkspace and sign up for a free trial here: https://www.talkspace.com/
Cerebral: Best Plan Variety
Cerebral is a relatively new online therapy app that focuses on providing comprehensive care for mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, insomnia, ADHD, and more. Cerebral offers three types of plans: Therapy Only ($99/month), Medication + Therapy ($325/month), and Medication + Coaching ($99/month).
Cerebral matches you with a licensed therapist or a psychiatric nurse practitioner who can prescribe medication if needed. You can communicate with your provider through video sessions or text messages. You can also access online courses and worksheets to supplement your treatment.
Cerebral costs between $99 to $325 per month (billed monthly), depending on the plan you choose. You can cancel your subscription at any time. Cerebral does not accept insurance directly but provides invoices that you can submit to your insurance company for reimbursement.
Cerebral has received positive reviews from users who value its holistic approach, personalized care, and convenience. Cerebral also has an A rating from the BBB.
You can learn more about Cerebral and sign up for a free trial here: https://getcerebral.com/
LiveHealth Online: Best Accessibility
LiveHealth Online is an online therapy app that is part of Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS), one of the largest health insurance companies in the US. LiveHealth Online connects you with licensed therapists and psychiatrists who can provide online therapy and medication management for various mental health issues, such as stress, anxiety, depression, grief, and more.
LiveHealth Online matches you with a provider who is available in your state and who accepts your insurance plan. You can communicate with your provider through video sessions that last up to 45 minutes. You can also send messages to your provider between sessions.
LiveHealth Online costs between $0 to $95 per session (billed per session), depending on your insurance coverage and copay. You can pay with your credit card, debit card, or health savings account (HSA). LiveHealth Online accepts most major insurance plans and offers discounts for BCBS members.
LiveHealth Online has received positive reviews from users who appreciate its ease of use, quality of care, and affordability. LiveHealth Online also has an A+ rating from the BBB.
You can learn more about LiveHealth Online and sign up for a free trial here: https://livehealthonline.com/
MDLive: Best for Longer Sessions
MDLive is an online therapy app that offers online therapy and psychiatry services for a variety of mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, PTSD, OCD, and more. MDLive has over 1,000 licensed therapists and psychiatrists who can provide online therapy and medication management.
MDLive matches you with a provider who is licensed in your state and who meets your preferences and needs. You can communicate with your provider through video sessions that last up to 60 minutes. You can also send messages to your provider between sessions.
MDLive costs between $0 to $108 per session (billed per session), depending on your insurance coverage and copay. You can pay with your credit card, debit card, or HSA. MDLive accepts most major insurance plans and offers discounts for some employers and organizations.
MDLive has received positive reviews from users who value its longer sessions, variety of providers, and security features. MDLive also has an A+ rating from the BBB.
You can learn more about MDLive and sign up for a free trial here: https://www.mdlive.com/
Bonus Free Option: 7 Cups
7 Cups is a free online therapy app that offers emotional support and counseling for anyone who needs someone to talk to. 7 Cups has over 300,000 trained listeners and volunteers who can provide online chat support for various issues, such as stress, anxiety, depression, loneliness, relationships, and more.
7 Cups matches you with a listener who is available 24/7 and who speaks your language. You can communicate with your listener through text chat sessions that last as long as you want. You can also join online support groups and forums to connect with other people who share your experiences.
7 Cups is completely free to use for anyone who wants to chat with a listener. However, if you want to chat with a licensed therapist, you will have to pay $150 per month (billed monthly). You can cancel your subscription at any time. 7 Cups does not accept insurance but offers financial aid for those who qualify.
7 Cups has received positive reviews from users who appreciate its accessibility, anonymity, and community. 7 Cups also has an A rating from the BBB.
You can learn more about 7 Cups and sign up for a free trial here: https://www.7cups.com/
Conclusion
Online therapy apps are a great way to access mental health support from the comfort of your home or wherever you are. Online therapy apps offer different features, specialties, and prices that can suit your needs and preferences. However, online therapy apps are not a substitute for emergency or crisis care. If you are in danger of harming yourself or others, please call 911 or go to the nearest hospital immediately.
We hope this comparison of the top 5 online therapy apps (plus a bonus free one) has helped you find the best option for you. Remember that online therapy is not a one-size-fits-all solution. You may have to try different apps or providers until you find the one that works best for you. The most important thing is that you take care of yourself and seek help when you need it.
We wish you all the best on your journey to better mental health!
Already on your mental health journey? Take a look here for our top tips to reduce stress at home!
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