Comparison
Best Online Therapy Services — How to Compare Your Options
An independent guide to comparing online therapy services — what they cost, who they may suit, the factors that matter most and how we evaluate providers.
How online therapy services differ
Online therapy services fall into a few broad models:
- Subscription platforms that match you with a therapist and bundle messaging and live sessions.
- Per-session telehealth practices, often in-network with insurers.
- Directories that help you find independent therapists offering video sessions.
The right choice depends on your budget, whether you want to use insurance, the type of support you need, and how much you value choosing your own therapist.
What to look for
- Licensed clinicians who can practice where you live.
- Clear pricing — including what happens after any introductory offer.
- Easy cancellation and the ability to pause.
- Therapist choice and the option to switch.
- Privacy — read how your data is used, and whether it is shared with advertisers.
- Formats — live video is the most studied; messaging-only has less evidence.
Who online therapy may suit
People with mild to moderate symptoms of common conditions such as anxiety, depression or stress, who have a private space and a stable internet connection.
Who may need a different level of care
People in crisis, with severe symptoms, active substance withdrawal, or conditions requiring close monitoring may need in-person or more intensive care. If you are in immediate danger, see Get Help Now.
Side-by-side comparison
| Service | May suit | Pricing | Insurance | Medication | Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BetterHelp | Adults who want weekly talk therapy with messaging between sessions | $70–$100 per week, billed as a subscription; cancel anytime. Price varies with location, preferences and therapist availability. | Offered to eligible members only, with an average copay of $23 per session. HSA and FSA cards accepted. | Not offered | Read review |
| PlushCare | Insured adults who want therapy and a prescribing doctor in one place | Therapy $169 per session. Doctor visits $129 without insurance, plus a membership of $19.99/month or $149/year. | Accepts many insurance plans. PlushCare says most patients with in-network insurance pay $30 or less per doctor visit. FSA/HSA receipts provided for therapy. | Available | Read review |
- May suit
- Adults who want weekly talk therapy with messaging between sessions
- Pricing
- $70–$100 per week, billed as a subscription; cancel anytime. Price varies with location, preferences and therapist availability.
- Insurance
- Offered to eligible members only, with an average copay of $23 per session. HSA and FSA cards accepted.
- Medication
- Not offered
- May suit
- Insured adults who want therapy and a prescribing doctor in one place
- Pricing
- Therapy $169 per session. Doctor visits $129 without insurance, plus a membership of $19.99/month or $149/year.
- Insurance
- Accepts many insurance plans. PlushCare says most patients with in-network insurance pay $30 or less per doctor visit. FSA/HSA receipts provided for therapy.
- Medication
- Available
Prices and coverage change often. Always confirm current details with the provider.
How we evaluate services
Every service in our comparisons is assessed against the same criteria. Commercial relationships never change our criteria, our findings or the order in which services appear. Full methodology.
Clinician credentials
Are clinicians licensed, and can you verify their credentials and the jurisdictions they practice in?
Evidence-based care
Does the service offer approaches with research support, and does it measure progress?
Pricing transparency
Are total costs, billing frequency and cancellation terms clear before you sign up?
Insurance and affordability
Does it accept insurance, provide superbills, or offer lower-cost options?
Privacy and data practices
How is health information stored and shared? Is any data used for advertising?
Safety and crisis policy
Does the service screen for risk, explain what happens in a crisis and refer to higher levels of care when needed?
Access and fit
How quickly can you start, can you choose or switch clinicians, and are formats (video, phone, messaging) suitable?
When to seek professional help
Consider talking with a doctor or licensed mental health professional if symptomslast for more than two weeks, keep coming back, or make it harder to manage work, school, relationships or daily tasks. You don’t need to wait until things feel severe — getting support early often makes things easier.
If you’re thinking about harming yourself or are in immediate danger, call your local emergency number. In the US, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline).Crisis resources in other countries.
Explore care optionsFrequently asked questions
How much does online therapy cost?
Is online therapy covered by insurance?
How do you choose which services to include?
References
We rely on government health agencies, professional medical organizations, peer-reviewed research and academic institutions. Read our sourcing standards.
About this article
Written by
ExploreMentalHealth Editorial Team
Our editors research and write every article using government health agencies, professional medical organizations and peer-reviewed research, following our published editorial standards.
- First published
- September 19, 2026
- Last updated
- September 25, 2026
- Last medically reviewed
- Review pending