The 18 best online therapy services for 2025

A broken arm or nasty wound would send you straight to the doctor, but when it comes to mental health, many people wait or go without care. Your mind deserves the same attention as your body, yet nearly half of those in need never get the treatment they deserve. For some, it's a lack of insurance. For others, it's a packed schedule or living miles from the nearest therapist. Online therapy changes that, bringing mental health support straight to your screen at your convenience — no commute required.

Content concerning mental health is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical or health advice. Consult a medical professional for questions about your health. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, call 911, local emergency services or 988 (the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline).

"With online therapy, a person is able to meet with a therapist from home. Online therapy is usually over the internet and is typically video-based. However, online therapy can take place via phone calls or text messages," explains Jay Serle, licensed marriage and family therapist and clinical psychologist. Online options are available for individuals, couples and families, with specialized options for LGBTQ people, grief support and substance use disorder. Many platforms also allow you to select therapists based on race, ethnicity or gender.

But is online therapy effective? "Online therapy is just as effective as in-person therapy, and in some cases, it might be even more beneficial due to its flexible nature," says Brianna Paruolo, psychotherapist, licensed clinical mental health counselor (LCMHC) and founder of On Par Therapy. Research supports this, with studies from 2021 and 2022 confirming that online therapy is a reliable alternative to the traditional in-person approach.

To make sense of the many online therapy options available, we researched over 50 providers and narrowed them down to our top 18, based on overall benefits and specific needs. Our selection process included input from mental health professionals, in-house testing and insights from 750 Yahoo survey respondents. I also leveraged my clinical experience as a social worker to evaluate each service.

We focused on affordability, insurance compatibility, diverse therapy approaches and a strong network of licensed therapists nationwide. Whether you need individual therapy, couples counseling or low-cost therapy, we're confident you'll find what you need on this list.

Table of contents

Update, Feb. 24, 2025: We checked all product prices and availability and expanded our list to include online therapy services for maternal mental health, faith-based therapy, veterans, eating disorders, neurodivergent individuals and older individuals. We also added details of other services we considered. Our number one pick for the best overall online therapy remains unchanged.

Best online therapy overall

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Other top online therapy providers we recommend for 2025

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How to seek immediate help

If you're experiencing a mental health crisis or emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately. If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of self-harm, call or text the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) hotline at 800-950-6264 or call or text 988.

The Trevor Project offers a 24/7 suicide prevention and crisis intervention hotline for LGBTQ youth and their loved ones. Call 1-866-488-7386, text START to 678-678 or send a confidential instant message to a counselor through TrevorChat. More resources are available at thetrevorproject.org.

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Factors to consider when looking for an online therapy provider

Searching for an online mental health provider can feel daunting. Here are some things to keep in mind when making your selection.

• Fees: Many online therapy providers use a subscription model or charge fees that insurance may not cover, with costs varying based on your chosen services. Start by setting a weekly or monthly budget for therapy. If you're unsure where to begin, review your monthly expenses to see what you can realistically allocate, then multiply that amount by 12 and divide by 52 to estimate your weekly budget. If therapy isn't financially feasible right now, consider Circles, which offers free emotional support groups.

• Type of care: Define the support you need — individual therapy, medication management for your child or a mix of personal and couples counseling for family concerns. Clarifying your needs will make finding the right mental health provider easier.

• Insurance: More than 6 in 10 Yahoo survey respondents said finding a therapist who accepts their insurance was a top priority. However, not all online mental health providers take insurance. If that's a must for you, consider Amwell, which accepts over 40 insurance plans and operates in all 50 states. If you have Medicare or Medicaid, check their list of approved online therapy providers to see your options.

• Therapists: Some platforms assign a therapist, while others let you choose. If having a say in your provider matters to you, look for services with a searchable directory where you can filter by gender, cultural background, treatment approach and other key criteria.

• Availability: Not all providers operate nationwide. Before signing up, check that the platform has therapists licensed to practice in your state.

• Appointments: For 21% of our survey respondents, finding a therapist with a flexible schedule was a top priority. However, availability varies widely. Some providers offer same-day sessions, while others have wait times of up to a month. If you need quick access to therapy, look for services with same-day or same-week appointments.

• Medication management: 18.3% of our survey respondents cited the ability to receive a prescription as a key factor in choosing a therapist. If this is important to you, look for providers that offer psychiatric care, such as Amwell, Brightside or Talkspace.

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How we chose

We thoroughly researched more than 50 online therapy companies and directories, evaluating fees, provider quality, wait times, industry reputation, HIPAA compliance, cultural competency and any history of data breaches — an issue even large healthcare providers have faced.

To gain deeper insights, we surveyed 750 people who had tried online or in-person therapy to understand their experiences and perceptions. As a licensed mental health professional, I also applied my clinical expertise and firsthand experience with online platforms to vet each provider, ensuring I'd feel confident using any of them.

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FAQs

How does online therapy work?

"Online therapy connects people seeking treatment with licensed mental health professionals through secure video calls, phone sessions or messaging platforms," explains Melodie Simmons, licensed professional counselor (LPC) and certified eating disorder specialist–consultant (CEDS-C) at Equip. "Clients can participate in therapy from the comfort of their homes with flexible scheduling options. Sessions function like in-person therapy, with therapists providing support and guidance tailored to each person's needs," she adds.

Is online therapy as effective as in-person therapy?

Research shows that online therapy can be as effective as in-person sessions for many people and mental health concerns. "There really isn't anything I can't do virtually with a client that I would be more capable of doing in person," says Cina Hoey, psychotherapist and licensed clinical social worker.

In addition, virtual therapy's flexibility often leads to more consistent sessions, which can improve results. Online therapy may be a better fit if you prefer therapy from home or need a more adaptable schedule.

What are the pros and cons of online therapy?

"One pro of online therapy is that it's very accessible. It's wonderful for people located in more remote locations or who may have issues with mobility that prevent them from seeking in-person help," notes Serle. "It's also very convenient and fairly affordable. Many online therapy platforms accept insurance," he continues.

Brooke Sprowl, licensed therapist, CEO and founder of My LA Therapy, also points out that online therapy is flexible and provides "a certain feeling of anonymity for the client." It's also more environmentally friendly as fewer cars are on the road.

"One significant con of online therapy is that you may not be able to reach your therapist outside of appointments," says Serle. Furthermore, "If you are in a crisis, you may be unable to reach your therapist quickly. Your only option might be to go to the nearest emergency room, which can be expensive."

Roma Williams, a licensed marriage and family therapist, author and founder of Unload It Therapy, agrees. She adds, "It may not be ideal for severe mental health crises that require immediate, in-person intervention." She also points out, "Some nuances in body language and energy shifts may be harder to pick up on." An example is someone tapping their partner to prevent them from saying something in the session.

How much does online therapy cost?

Prices range from $0 to $500 per session, depending on the provider, platform and insurance coverage. "Some therapists charge per session, while others offer subscription-based models," explains Simmons. "Many insurance plans cover virtual sessions, and some therapists offer sliding-scale fees for those with financial limitations."

Note that higher costs are typically associated with specialties like medication management or couples therapy.

Is online therapy secure and confidential?

Online therapy services must follow regulations to protect client confidentiality, including securing session content and digital data. "A therapist should do everything they can to ensure confidentiality, from using a HIPAA-compliant platform to securing client documentation and ensuring they are in a private location," says Hoey. However, privacy isn't just the therapist's responsibility — clients must also take precautions, like choosing a secure setting for sessions.

Despite strict regulations, some therapy platforms, including BetterHelp, have faced scrutiny for sharing sensitive client data. "It's important to ensure your clinician is utilizing a HIPAA-compliant EHR and video system," adds Paruolo. While many services have improved their privacy measures, reviewing privacy policies and opting out of data sharing where possible is always wise.

How do I choose the best therapist for me?

Start by identifying your needs — do you want a therapist with a specific background, identity or expertise? "Look for someone whose expertise aligns with your needs, but more importantly, someone you feel comfortable opening up to. A strong therapeutic connection is key to progress," advises Williams. Many platforms match you automatically, while others let you choose from a list. If you don't connect with your therapist, switch.

The right therapist should make you feel understood, supported and comfortable. "Finding a therapist you connect with is deeply personal and might not look the same for everyone," says Paruolo. "The right therapist should have you feeling three inches taller after a session and foster a nonjudgmental environment."

"For beginners, starting with a talk therapist who can help you sort out some issues is more manageable," adds Navjot Hughes, psychiatry nurse practitioner, psychotherapist, emotional intelligence coach and founder at Empower Mental Health. Many therapists offer free consultations, so leverage them to find the right fit.

Can an online psychiatrist prescribe medication?

Yes, in most cases. "Many psychiatrists, physician assistants and nurse practitioners who provide telehealth services can prescribe medication, though regulations vary by state," says Simmons. If medication is part of your treatment plan, ensure your provider is licensed in your state and experienced in treating your condition.

"This is an excellent option for those in rural areas, where prescribers can be scarce," adds Williams. However, controlled substances may have additional restrictions, so it's important to check state regulations and your provider's prescribing capabilities.

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Other services we considered

• BetterHelp: One of the largest online therapy platforms, BetterHelp connects users with thousands of licensed therapists and offers flexible communication options, including video, phone, messaging and live chat. While its subscription-based pricing can be more affordable than traditional therapy, it doesn't accept insurance, making it costly for some.

• 7 Cups: This platform provides free emotional support through trained listeners and low-cost therapy with licensed professionals. It also has an extensive peer support community with forums covering various mental health topics. However, 7 Cups is primarily a peer support platform, not a full therapy service. While it can be helpful for emotional check-ins and short-term support, it lacks structured therapy options and specialized mental health treatment, making it less comprehensive than other platforms on our list.

• Cerebral: A subscription-based mental health service that includes both therapy and medication management for conditions like anxiety and depression. It also accepts insurance, making it more affordable for some users. However, it is primarily focused on medication management rather than therapy-first approaches.

• Teladoc Health: As a broader telehealth platform, Teladoc provides access to medical and mental health care, including therapy and psychiatry. It accepts insurance and works with many major providers, making it a cost-effective option if you have coverage. However, mental health is not its primary focus, and the therapist selection process is more limited than that of dedicated mental health platforms.

• Doctor on Demand: This platform provides on-demand therapy and psychiatry, including prescription services. It accepts insurance, making it a convenient option for medical and mental health care in one place. However, therapy sessions can be expensive without insurance, with costs reaching up to $299 per visit.

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Meet the experts

• Cina Hoey, psychotherapist and licensed clinical social worker

• Navjot (Navi) Hughes, psychiatry nurse practitioner, psychotherapist, emotional intelligence coach and founder at Empower Mental Health

• Jay Serle, licensed marriage and family therapist and clinical psychologist

• Melodie Simmons, licensed professional counselor (LPC) and certified eating disorder specialist–consultant (CEDS-C) at Equip

• Brooke Sprowl, licensed therapist, CEO and founder of My LA Therapy

• Roma Williams, licensed marriage and family therapist, author and founder of Unload It Therapy

• Brianna Paruolo, psychotherapist, licensed clinical mental health counselor (LCMHC) and founder of On Par Therapy

Our health content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional on questions about your health.