Top 15 Online Therapy and Counseling Programs 2024
Last Update on February 28, 2024 : Published on January 31, 2021
The content in this article is thoroughly researched and written based on the extensive testing and reviewing by a reviews team and does not reflect the viewpoints of the Calm Sage editorial team. Calm Sage could receive a commission from product purchased mentioned or featured in this article.
Who is the first person you rush to when you need urgent help?
Or
Who tops your Emergency SOS contact list?
I bet it has to be someone from your family or a close friend! Because they are our comfy pillow whom we just want to lay our head on in times of difficulties.
But, sometimes we need an expert to help us deal with our problems, take care of our mental health, and be the ear you wish to pour your heart out to. Therapy can help us cope with the current situations in a healthy manner thus, helping us be happier.
Taking Online Therapy or Telehealth is becoming Most people Choice. Basically, You assistance from professionals but, unlike clinical setup, getting help on your screen.
Fact Check: Currently, 76 percent of U.S. hospitals connect with patients and consulting practitioners at a distance through the use of video and other technology.
Let us find out the best online therapy and counseling programs in Detail that are available for us.
Our Top Picks
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BetterHelp Winning Points
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Overall Score: 9/10
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Talkspace Key Features
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Overall Score: 8/10
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Regain Key Features
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Overall Score: 8/10
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Best and Affordable Online Therapy Services:
1. BetterHelp: Best Online Therapy Overall
Pricing: $40/week (has a free 7-day trial)
Mode of Therapy: Chat, Messaging, Phone, Video
Best for: Live Chat Sessions
Mobile App: iOS, Android
BetterHelp is one of the largest online therapy services in the world. With the largest pool of licensed therapists, it provides a wide range of services from family therapists, social workers, counselors, and other professionals. The brownie point is they encourage you to change therapists if the current therapist isn’t a good match.
Disclaimer: As BetterHelp Affiliate, We may receive compensation from BetterHelp or other sources if you purchase products or services through the links provided on this page.
Check Complete Review for Betterhelp
Pros:
- The therapists encourage live sessions.
- You are provided with worksheets and homeworks for effective treatment.
- The therapy process is well explained.
- Allows you to communicate with the therapist through different channels.
- Unlimited sessions with a dedicated professional therapist.
- Convenient and easy-to-use mobile app.
- Sessions can begin within 24 hours of signup.
- They offer a 30 day free trial period (which is not usual in traditional therapy).
- Switching therapists is easy and seamless with no extra cost.
Cons:
- You don’t get a chance to choose your therapist.
- There is only one pricing plan.
- Sometimes responses from therapists may feel generic.
Book Your First Therapy for Free
2. TalkSpace: Best for Easy Therapy Environment
Pricing: $65/week
Mode of Therapy: Messaging, Phone, Video (not available via desktop)
Mobile App: iOS, Android
TalkSpace has its own name in the field of online counseling services. They offer a wide range of treatment services including CBT, mindfulness, psychodynamic therapy, and dialectical behavioral therapy that makes it well-equipped for various mental health issues. The brownie point is that you get regular opportunities to offer feedback.
Pros:
- It is a simple and easy to navigate user-friendly website with a simple sign-up process.
- A verified licensed counselor helps you pick the right therapist for you.
- Communication is available via text messaging, video messaging, and audio messaging.
- Flexible plans to meet your needs.
- Live sessions with your chosen therapist.
Cons:
- If you cancel in the middle of the month, you’ll still be billed for the whole.
- Response time from the therapist may be delayed due to time differences.
- Doesn’t have a free trial available.
3. ReGain: Best for Couple Therapy
Pricing: $65/week
Mode of Therapy: Chat, Messaging, Phone, Video
Mobile App: iOS, Android
The forte of this online counseling platform is relationships. They help their users to deal with a variety of relationship challenges by selecting their own goals. It offers you the full choice to decide on the counselor you wish to work with on your issues (in terms of age and gender). The brownie point is there are no extra charges for the two-person counseling as compared to the single person and even if you can’t be physically together for a session you can connect through texting.
Pros:
- The platform is dedicated to relationship counseling, and the professionals are experts in the field.
- If you want to add your partner to the therapy, it does not charge extra (which makes it cost-effective).
- Video sessions are encouraged.
- An individual takes a thorough questionnaire into account that assesses his relationship closely.
Cons:
- The couple and therapist can’t connect together through video calls (the option is not available as of now).
- On some occasions, the response time from the counselor can take longer than usual.
Disclaimer: As BetterHelp Affiliate, We may receive compensation from BetterHelp or other sources if you purchase products or services through the links provided on this page.
4. iCounseling : Best for Unlimited Therapist Access
Pricing: $60 to $80/week
Mode of Therapy: Chat, Messaging, Phone, Video
Mobile App: iOS, Android
Key Features:
- All therapists are licensed and experienced
- 256-bit SSL encryption (ensuring safety)
- User-friendly platform
A hub of mental health professionals this online therapy platform offers different ways to connect with the therapist. After filling up a small assessment you will be paired with your therapist. With whom you can connect through chats and phone calls. The team of therapists is certified and experienced.
5. Teen Counseling: Best for Teen Therapy
Pricing: $45/week
Mode of Therapy: Chat, Messaging, Phone, Video
Mobile App: iOS, Android
Key Features:
- Specializes in counseling teenagers
- All therapists are licensed and experienced
- Parents communicate with their child’s therapist independently
Growing up is no less than a zig-zag road to travel on. Teenagers have their own set of problems which could be best addressed by specialists dealing with them. This counseling platform deals with mental issues being faced by individuals between the age brackets 13-19. It provides a teen with a chat room, where they can exchange messages with a counselor and get answers. So, no waiting for booking an appointment here, you can speak with a counselor each time.
The brownie point is that it offers subscription-based services with no minimum sessions limit attached to it.
Disclaimer: As BetterHelp Affiliate, We may receive compensation from BetterHelp or other sources if you purchase products or services through the links provided on this page.
6. Pride Counselling: Best for LGBTQ Therapy
Pricing: $65/week
Mode of Therapy: Chat, Messaging, Phone, Video
Mobile App: iOS, Android
Key Features:
- Specializes in serving the LGBTQ community
- All therapists are licensed and experienced
- HIPAA compliant
Whatever LBTQ related mental health issues one is facing, this online counseling platform is there to provide a professional, accessible, discreet, and affordable treatment approach. It prioritizes your confidentiality and privacy. Plus, it also offers a secure room for messaging purposes. The brownie point here is if at any point you choose to work with another counselor on your issues, you are free to switch.
7. Amwell: Best for Holistic Treatment
Pricing: Varies between $59 and $99 per visit; Psychiatry – $199 for the initial visit, $95 for follow-ups
Mode of Therapy: Online video sessions, phone calls, and messaging
Mobile App: iOS, Android
Key Features:
- It is accredited by the American Telemedicine Association
- The platform offers the most number of therapists for your help
- It also accepts insurance
Amwell has a team of licensed therapists, psychiatrists, and other health care providers to offer you holistic treatment. This online therapy platform has a network of nearly 350+ mental health professionals. You can find therapy for children, teens, and adults all under one roof. The professionals are trained, certified, and experienced. The fact that Amwell is a safe and secure therapy platform that allows you to maintain anonymity makes it a great choice for many.
8. Doctor on Demand: Best for single video sessions
Pricing: 129 to $299/session
Mode of Therapy: Video chats
Mobile App: iOS, Android
Key Features:
- The platform uses your computer’s location to determine the therapist availability.
- You get to connect with your therapist within a few minutes so you don’t have to go through the hassle of waiting.
- They allow you to select a therapist from the available therapists licensed in your area.
A team of licensed professionals from different professionals is available for your help on this platform. Here you can select your appointment first, then see which therapists are available, and then select a therapist. The therapy sessions are booked in 25-55 minute sessions.
They offer different forms of treatment ranging from talk therapy to medical management, ensuring overall wellness. Their system is HIPAA-compliant making it a safe online counseling service provider.
9. 7 Cups of Tea: Best for Group Support
Pricing: $150/month (also offers free service)
Mode of Therapy: Chat, Messaging, Phone, Video
Mobile App: iOS, Android
Key Features:
- Get a personalized chat room
- HIPAA compliant platform
- Offers help with wide-range of mental health issues
The only community-oriented online therapy platform is 7 Cups of Tea. It offers therapy and counseling services through licensed professionals along with a community of listeners. Unlike licensed professionals, they are the ones who want to help people live better. The brownie point here is that it offers two types of support- one is there 100% free service with a ‘listener’ choice and the other one is a paid service with a certified therapist.
10. MDLive Counselling: Best for Psychiatric Help
Weekly Price: $99/session
Mode of Therapy: Chat, Messaging, Phone, Video
Mobile App: iOs, Android
Key Features:
- Offers both counseling and psychiatric services online
- Provides reimbursement for certain insurance companies
- It makes use of a collaborative and interactive calendar
This online counseling platform not only provides counseling services but also provides psychiatric help. It lets you take control of deciding a counselor for self-dependence on various demographic details. They have a variety of online counseling services to offer for various mental health conditions. The brownie point is that while a therapist can offer you therapies, psychiatrists can help you by prescribing medication (if you are up for it).
More Online Therapy Programs Worth Trying:
11. Ginger: Best for Easy App-Based Approach
Pricing: Free for content library and chat. For video appointments, prices vary on the basis of insurance.
Mode of Therapy: Chat and video calls.
Mobile App: iOS, Android
Key Features:
- They take insurance into consideration
- They have a catalog of interactive, skill-developing content (for free)
- Convenient and easy-to-use mobile app
This online mental health support offers free and 24/7 mental health support. The platform is only available via an app. All you have to do is open your app and connect with a behavioural health coach at any time (24/7). However, for a more personalized and deeper level of communication you can have a paid video session with the professional. The app also offers effective exercises for you to practice, making it interactive.
12. Breakthrough: Best for Easy Appointment
Pricing: $99 per session
Mode of Therapy: Phone, Video, Chat
Mobile App: iOS, Android
Key Features:
- Video and chat sessions
- Easy to use appointment scheduler
- HIPAA compliant
This online therapy platform is acquired by MDLive. The online counseling is provided hereby licensed therapists and clinical social workers. It allows you to choose a therapist depending on the type of therapy you are seeking. They offer an easy-to-use scheduling platform. The brownie point is that it offers around the clock customer support to answer your questions through live chat.
13. Online-Therapy.com: Best for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Pricing: $47.96/week
Mode of Therapy: Chat, Messaging, and Worksheets
Mobile App: NA
Key Features:
- All counselors trained in CBT therapy
- Weekly 30-minute live chat sessions
- They provide a complete toolbox of resources
The forte of this online therapy website is cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). The idea behind CBT is the identification of thoughts that are causing disturbing feelings and behaviors. The brownie point is they also offer meditation and yoga videos along with CBT.
Sign up for Online-Therapy.com
14. Manastha: Best for Reclaiming your Inner Harmony
Pricing: $60 for a session (depends on the package you opt for)
Mode of Therapy: Chat, Messaging, Phone, Video
Mobile App: NA
Key Features:
- Offers online healing along with online therapy
- Around the clock service and assistance
- Variety of packages to choose from
Manastha definitely offers help with mental health issues through its large pool of mental health professionals. But, that’s not it, this online counseling program also aims to help people find a sense of fulfillment and peace. The brownie point here is, it is more than online therapy, it indeed is a complete process of ‘guidance and healing.’
15. Now&Me : Best for Peer Support
Pricing: ₹3/min
Mode of Therapy: In-app Text or Call
Mobile App: iOS, Android
Services Provided Globally
Now&Me is one of the top-rated mental health apps in India. Trusted by over 200,000 users, this app provides expert guidance and support at extremely affordable prices. If you want to talk about depression, anxiety, or relationship issues or meet like-minded people, the Now&Me app has it all.
Key Features:
- Chat with top experts who are available 24×7.
- Access to thoroughly vetted free content to feel less lonely.
- Join the Now&Me community and get a dose of daily affirmations, guidance, and peer support for free.
This was the list of the best online therapy and counseling services available online for our help.
However, we understand, just getting a list of the best counseling services available won’t serve the purpose. There are many questions associated with online mental health counseling that is likely to follow.
Scroll down to find all your answers about online counseling and therapy.
When I say online therapy the first question that is likely to pop in your mind is-
Frequently Asked Question:
Should you Take Online Therapy?
Well, the answer to this is YES! In fact, why not? Shouldn’t taking care of ourselves top the priority chart for all of us? Well, if the reason Self-care does not suffice, here is a list of reason as to why you may consider online counseling as an option:
- You get licensed mental health professional help at your fingertips
- Unlike typical clinic settings, you can be in your comfort zone and place
- You don’t have to wait for months on a waiting list to get an appointment from the best
- There is a large pool of counselors, psychologists, therapists, psychiatrists, and listeners for you to choose for
- If you are not comfortable at first sharing our identity, you can take it slow and keep it confidential
- Instead of waiting for weeks to open up about what is bothering you, online counseling platforms offer around the clock services.
- You are free to choose appointment time as per your convenience and not the other way round
We hope this list helps you understand that YES you may opt for online counseling services, considering the list of perks it has to offer you over traditional therapy.
The second question that is likely to follow is-
How Effective Online Therapies are?
With the growing wave of online therapy, the effectiveness of it is surely promising. By eliminating numerous barriers that offline therapies have online therapy platforms offer more convenience to communicate freely. Studies have time and again shown that online therapies are as effective as offline therapies.
An interesting study done by Stanford University School of Medicine can help you better to understand the effectiveness and efficiency of online counseling services. This study found that college students who needed a higher level of care for eating disorders were more likely to seek it out after participating in a digital body-image program and working with a coach online via asynchronous messaging through the online therapy company, over face-to-face interaction. Thus, effectiveness shouldn’t be a cause of concern for you.
In addition to this it is important to put light on the fact that historically, mental health care has been stigmatized. However, lately, the tides are changing in a positive direction and online therapy services have played a big role in this change.
NOTE: If your needs for mental health counseling are related to serious issues then seeking more than digital treatment is advised.
Keeping aside the effectiveness the second important concern is-
Is it Safe to Take Online Counseling Programs?
American Psychiatric Association (APA) the guiding body of Psychology and related concepts has developed its own guidelines for online counseling. Their guideline ensures that online therapies offer the same safety to its users as traditional therapies do. You can check these guidelines here. Some of the checks that should be considered are:
- The Therapist should be licensed
- The mode of payment should be transparent
- Check the privacy and confidentiality page
- Make sure no data is shared with any third-party app
TIP: If a website offers a free trial, do go for it first before paying for the full sessions.
Read More: Let’s Talk About Different Types of Basic Emotions!
How to Find the Best Online Therapy Platforms for Therapist?
With so many online counseling programs available online it definitely becomes difficult to pick one. But, by considering the following factors you can easily pick one of the best online therapies for yourself or your loved ones:
- Are the therapists licensed?
- Is the online counseling platform HIPAA compliant?
- Are their various modes of communication (ranging from chatting to video calls)?
- Check for the length and frequency of sessions.
- Are you given personal chat rooms?
- Do you have the freedom to choose your own therapist?
- Or can you switch to a new therapist if you face rapport building issues with the previous one?
- If you are not satisfied with the service offered, what is the refund process?
- Do they offer insurance coverage?
- Compare the pricing of different platforms and choose the best.
TIP: Do read the reviews!!!
With that answered! Let us talk business…
How Much Does Online Therapy Cost? (AVERAGE/TYPICALLY)
From the above write-up, one point is clear that depending on your needs and severity of the issue the charges are likely to vary widely. However, on an average a complete session might cost you somewhere between $150- $200, which is far more cost-effective than an office-based therapy. With treatment being as effective as traditional therapy, topped with your comfort. Thus, making online counseling services a win-win for you.
| Online Counselling Service | Best For | Weekly Price | Mode of Therapy | Mobile Application | What We Rate | Website |
| BetterHelp | Live Chat Sessions | $40/week (has a free 7-day trial) | Chat, Messaging, Phone, Video | Available for both iOS and Android | 4.4/5 | Visit Website |
| Online-Therapy.com | Cognitive Behavioral Therapy | $47.96/week | Chat, Messaging, and Worksheets | NA | 3.9/5 | Visit Website |
| Manastha | Reclaiming your inner harmony | $60 for a session | Chat, Messaging, Phone, Video | NA | 4.0/5 | Visit Website |
| TalkSpace | All purposes | $65/week | Messaging, Phone, Video (not available via desktop) | Available for both iOS and Android | 4.5/5 | Visit Website |
| ReGain | Couples | $65/week | Chat, Messaging, Phone, Video | Available for both iOS and Android | 4.3/5 | Visit Website |
| Breakthrough | All-around help | $99 per session | Phone, Video, Chat | Available for both iOS and Android | 3.3/5 | Visit Website |
| 7 Cups of Tea | Being heard | $150/month (also offers free service) | Chat, Messaging, Phone, Video | Available for both iOS and Android | 3.9/5 | Visit Website |
| Teen Counseling | Teenagers | $45/week | Chat, Messaging, Phone, Video | Available for both iOS and Android | 4.2/5 | Visit Website |
| MDLive Counselling | Psychiatric Help | $99/session | Chat, Messaging, Phone, Video | Available for both iOS and Android | 3.3/5 | Visit Website |
| Pride Counselling | LGBTQ+ | $65/week | Chat, Messaging, Phone, Video | Available for both iOS and Android | 4.1/5 | Visit Website |
| Now&Me | Peer Support | ₹3/min | In-app Text or Call | Available for both iOS and Android | 4.1/5 | Visit Website |
With all this information available to you now the choice is yours to go for online mental health counseling and choose the best online counseling service available for you.
If you have any other questions or queries pertaining to other than the best online counseling websites mentioned above, ask it out in the comment section below. We will be happy to answer it for you.
Also, if you have ever opted for any therapy or online mental health counseling, feel free to share your experience. You might just inspire someone!
Signing off…
More power to you 🙂
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Debunking the Top 10 Myths of Therapy and Online Therapy For You
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Online Therapy: Tips On How Can You Make Best Of It
Will Online Therapy Program Work for You?
Best Online Marriage Counseling Programs To Revive The Relationship
About The Author
Anjali Singh
Anjali Singh is a content curator in the field of Mental Health. She is currently done Ph.D. in Psychology. Her aim is to light up the world with positive vibes through her words, her idea of life is ‘Grow through what you go through’. Apart from this, she is a big-time pet lover.
Thanks! It's really helpful.
what a nicely written blog. I am going to try one of these
Hi Firstly! Great blog. Its precise and honest. For very long I had been searching for online counseling platforms and this blog has provided information about platforms I had been looking for. I am definitely going to try these out.
Thank you for sharing the list of sites where I can find online therapy. During this time it worked as a life savior for me. Also, your blogs are really soothing I love reading them.
This is all at one place kinda blog. Loved it! This list of best online therapies is indeed useful. Also, seeing an Indian platform shows it is well-researched.
Woahh, thanks for sharing. This article was quite informative and useful. It is so rare to come through such articles these days. Thanks for sharing.
Hi, nicely & well - researched blog. Definitely going to try one of these.
In this digital world all of these online therapies are helpful.
This list can be very fruitful for a lot of people. I'll love to share it further. Thanks
BetterHelp is the Best Online Therapy Overall in this list must share and recommended.