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Online therapy has transformed mental healthcare — making licensed, professional support accessible from anywhere. No commute, no waiting rooms, and often at a fraction of the cost of traditional in-person therapy.
We've tested the five most popular platforms to help you find the right fit. Whether you're dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, or workplace stress, there's an option here for you.
Our #1 Pick: BetterHelp
The world's largest online therapy platform. 30,000+ licensed therapists. Match within 24 hours. Free therapist switching.
Get Started with BetterHelp →Affiliate link — we earn a commission at no extra cost to you
Our Top 5 Picks at a Glance
| Platform | Best For | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BetterHelp | Overall Best | 4.5 | $65-90/wk | Try Free → |
| Talkspace | Insurance | 4.2 | $69-109/wk | Try Free → |
| Online-Therapy.com | Budget + CBT | 4.3 | $40-88/wk | Try Free → |
| Cerebral | Therapy + Meds | 4.0 | $85-325/mo | Try Free → |
| Calmerry | Affordable | 4.1 | $50-80/wk | Try Free → |
1. BetterHelp — Best Overall
Rating: 4.5/5 · Price: $65-90/week · 30,000+ therapists
BetterHelp is the largest online therapy platform and our top recommendation for most people. The massive therapist network means you're likely to find someone who specialises in your exact concern — whether that's anxiety, depression, PTSD, relationship issues, or workplace stress.
Key strengths: Fastest matching (24 hours), free unlimited therapist switching, group therapy sessions included, journaling feature, and phone/video/text communication options.
Limitations: No insurance accepted, no medication management, some therapist quality variance.
Read our full BetterHelp review.
2. Talkspace — Best for Insurance Coverage
Rating: 4.2/5 · Price: $69-109/week (or copay with insurance) · 5,000+ therapists
Talkspace's biggest advantage is insurance coverage. If your insurer covers Talkspace, you could pay as little as your standard therapy copay ($20-50 per session) — making it dramatically cheaper than any competitor. They also offer psychiatry services for medication management.
Key strengths: Insurance accepted, psychiatry available, employer programmes, messaging-only plan option.
Limitations: Smaller therapist network, slower matching (48-72 hours), less flexible therapist switching.
Read our full Talkspace review or our BetterHelp vs Talkspace comparison.
3. Online-Therapy.com — Best for CBT on a Budget
Rating: 4.3/5 · Price: $40-88/week
Online-Therapy.com specialises in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) — the most evidence-based approach for anxiety and depression. Their structured programme includes worksheets, activity plans, and journaling alongside therapist sessions. At $40/week for the basic plan, it's the most affordable quality option available.
Key strengths: Most affordable, CBT-focused (evidence-based), structured worksheets and tools, 90-day cookie duration for our readers, yoga and meditation exercises included.
Limitations: Smaller therapist network, less flexible than BetterHelp, CBT focus may not suit everyone.
4. Cerebral — Best for Therapy + Medication
Rating: 4.0/5 · Price: $85-325/month
Cerebral combines therapy and medication management in one platform. A prescriber evaluates your needs and can prescribe antidepressants, anti-anxiety medication, or other treatments, whilst a therapist works with you on coping strategies and behavioural change.
Key strengths: Integrated therapy + medication, insurance accepted for some plans, comprehensive treatment approach.
Limitations: More clinical feel, medication-focused marketing, higher price point for combined services.
Full Comparison Table
| Feature | BetterHelp | Talkspace | Online-Therapy | Cerebral |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price (no ins.) | $65-90/wk | $69-109/wk | $40-88/wk | $85-325/mo |
| Insurance | No | Yes | No | Some plans |
| Psychiatry | No | Yes | No | Yes |
| Therapist count | 30,000+ | 5,000+ | Smaller | Medium |
| Match speed | 24 hrs | 48-72 hrs | 24-48 hrs | 48 hrs |
| Video sessions | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Messaging | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Couples therapy | Yes | Yes | No | No |
How Online Therapy Works
Most platforms follow the same basic process:
- Sign up (5-10 min) — complete a questionnaire about your concerns and preferences
- Get matched (24-72 hrs) — the platform assigns a licensed therapist based on your needs
- Start therapy — communicate via text, phone, or video depending on your plan
- Ongoing sessions — weekly or biweekly sessions with additional messaging between sessions
- Adjust as needed — switch therapists, change plans, or cancel anytime
How Much Does Online Therapy Cost?
Without insurance, expect to pay $40-110 per week ($160-440/month). This is significantly less than traditional in-person therapy, which averages $100-200 per session in the US.
With insurance (Talkspace, Cerebral), costs drop to your standard copay — typically $20-50 per session.
Most platforms offer financial aid for those who can't afford full price. BetterHelp and Talkspace both have assistance programmes.
Combining Therapy with Meditation
The most effective approach to anxiety and depression isn't therapy OR meditation — it's both. Therapy provides professional guidance, personalised strategies, and accountability. Meditation provides daily self-management tools that reinforce therapeutic progress between sessions.
We recommend:
- A meditation app (Headspace or Calm) for daily practice
- Yoga 2-3 times per week for physical stress release
- Breathing exercises for in-the-moment anxiety management
- Online therapy for professional support and guided progress
FAQs
Is online therapy as effective as in-person therapy?
Research consistently shows that online therapy is equally effective as face-to-face therapy for depression, anxiety, and most common mental health concerns. The convenience factor also means people attend more consistently.
How do I know if I need therapy vs just meditation?
Meditation is excellent for mild stress, general anxiety, and wellbeing maintenance. Consider therapy if symptoms are persistent (lasting 2+ weeks), affecting daily functioning, or if you're dealing with specific issues like trauma, relationship problems, or substance use.
Can I use multiple platforms?
You can switch between platforms, but using two simultaneously isn't recommended — it creates conflicting therapeutic approaches. Pick one and give it at least 4-6 weeks before evaluating.
