Teletherapy online mental health services have made psychotherapy more convenient and accessible than ever before. People of all demographics seeking psychological and psychiatric therapy can use these platforms to acquire the help they need. In fact, according to a YouGov study of more than 1,200 U.S. adults conducted for Forbes Health, 21% of Americans have used a teletherapy service in the previous year. An astounding 63 percent of people who have utilized a service found it an effective type of treatment.
However, the whole procedure of picking out the best online therapy sites from several options available with different pricing tiers and a mix of therapy format options can get a bit overwhelming. But you don’t have to worry! Because we have got you covered. Continue reading to learn about our top selections for the best online therapy sites to suit your needs.
Top 7 Best Online Therapy Platforms For Virtual Therapy:
- Calmerry: Overall Best Online Therapy Services With Flexible Counseling Plans
- TalkSpace: Recommended For Psychiatry Services Online
- Online-Therapy.com: Most Effective for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- BetterHelp: Popular Online Counseling Platforms For Virtual Counseling Services
- Regain: Trusted Online Therapy Providers For Couple’s Therapy
Here are the detailed reviews of our top picks:
#1. Calmerry – Overall Best Online Therapy Services With Flexible Counseling Plans
Calmerry is the sixth brand on our list which offers a flexible and convenient solution to your mental health issues. It is an online therapy service that works around your schedule and allows you to speak with a licensed therapist whenever you want.
An assessment is the first step in Calmerry’s online therapy. You are asked a series of questions regarding your mental health, preferences, and objectives. Subscription plans based on your replies are available, ranging from traditional to behavioral therapy.
Calmerry’s highly qualified team carefully selects the therapist ideal for your needs. The idea is to match you with an online counselor who can assist you in achieving your objectives. Calmerry is one of the most economical options, with sessions starting at $45 per week.
What could be better than an affordable and qualified therapist who doesn’t cost a kidney? Calmerry is your place to go to deal with self-esteem, relationship issues and emotional abuse in a safe and comfortable environment. Moreover, it also offers a 30 percent discount to new signups for the first month of treatment.
Highlights
- Highly qualified and certified team of therapists
- 24/7 access to help
- 24/7 customer support
- Affordable and convenient
- Offers multiple communication channels
Pros
- Offers a range of subscription plans
- 30% discount in the first month
- Therapists are hand-picked by a team of experts
- Scheduled live sessions as and when needed
- Offers help via the private portal, email or phone
- The website has access to useful resources
- Secures private information
Cons
- No free trials
- The website is a bit misleading
- Does not offer medication management
- Service is not covered by health insurance
- No psychiatrists available
⇒ Visit the Official Website of Calmerry
#2. TalkSpace – Recommended For Psychiatry Services Online
Talkspace, founded in 2012, was one of the first online treatment companies to operate, and its services have only grown since then. Psychiatry, medication management, couples therapy, and teen therapy are now among the services available. If your plan is in-network, the company also works with selected insurance companies and EAP programs, which helps them become cheaper. They also accept FSA and HSA cards for payment. Talkspace complies with HIPAA regulations, and its privacy rules are publicly published on its website.
If you’re looking for psychiatric services, TalkSpace should be on your list of potential providers. People of different ages use the network, including Michael Phelps and Demi Lovato. It has also received mention in outlets such as The Huffington Post, Business Insider, and Mashable and has over 60,000 five-star reviews online.
Highlights
- Over one-million users
- Over 3000 Licensed professionals
- Offers insurance plans
- The algorithm chooses your counselor
- Different pricing plans are available
Pros
- Specializes in couples and teens counseling
- 24/7 live chat option available
- Offers financial assistance
- Flexible schedules
- Offers medication management services
- A free 10-minute call with the therapist on signing up
Cons
- It can get a bit pricey
- Algorithm-based selection of a therapist
- Not recommended for emergencies
⇒ Visit the Official Website of TalkSpace
#3. Online-Therapy.com – Most Effective for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
CBT therapy delivered online has been demonstrated to be as effective as in-person counseling while being less expensive. This is something that Online-Therapy.com, a Swedish firm that serves various English-speaking countries, including the United States, understands: it has built an online therapy platform dedicated solely to this style of treatment.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), one of the most popular psychotherapeutic treatments for addressing mental health disorders, is the foundation of the Online-Therapy.com system. Once you’ve been matched with a therapist, Online-Therapy.com walks you through comprehensive information sections in video, audio, and text formats. Patients can fill out worksheets, write, and explore online therapy programs and short yoga videos in addition to live treatment sessions (which can also be delivered through video, voice, and chat).
The highly trained professionals use the CBT technique to address various mental health concerns such as bipolar disorder, relationship issues, insomnia, depression, agoraphobia, anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Online-Therapy.com provides a comprehensive toolkit to help you progress through each session. Worksheets, activity planners, and journals for various CBT tools are available on the platform. Thanks to end-to-end encryption, all information on the site is safe and secure.
Highlights
- Platform-based on CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy)
- Instant help available through any device
- Affordable option
- Different Subscription plans
- Access to a comprehensive toolkit
- Confidential, encrypted, secure and anonymous
Pros
- Certified professionals in CBT
- 20 % discount available for the first month
- The website and app is user-friendly
- Allows you to stay anonymous
- Can pause your subscription anytime
Cons
- Doesn’t offer 24-7 help
- Does not offer medication management
- Service is not covered by health insurance
- Does not offer group therapy or couple therapy
- Live sessions are only limited to 30 minutes
⇒ Visit the Official Website of Online-Therapy.com
#4. BetterHelp – Popular Online Counseling Platforms For Virtual Counseling Services
Betterhelp is one of the most renowned online therapy firms today for a reason: it is a simple-to-use, reasonably priced online therapy service that will meet the requirements of many people.
Users can read full biographies of the therapists at BetterHelp before signing up. This assures you that you’ll be able to find someone with whom you can form a trusting relationship before you start the signup procedure. BetterHelp is also quite forthcoming about safeguarding patient information and privacy, displaying thorough information on its webpage.
The process is very simple to sign up at BetterHelp. After completing a questionnaire and setting up your account, a computer algorithm will match you with a therapist for your individual needs. This usually takes around 24 hours, and you can request a different counselor at any time.
BetterHelp has almost 21,000 certified clinical professionals, family and marriage counselors, and professional therapists in its network. The organization has aided 1.6 million people through online counseling since its establishment.
BetterHelp offers greater client satisfaction ratings than its top competitors, according to the users surveyed:
- Seventy-two percent said the services they received from BetterHelp were excellent or very good.
- Ninety-one percent said they were likely or extremely likely to refer BetterHelp to someone in a similar situation.
Highlights
- Over 12,000 certified, accredited, and experienced counselors are available through BetterHelp.
- Flexible in choosing the right mental health professional as per your needs through the filter option.
- Online services available through chat, message, video or phone
- Unlimited chat with your counselor
- Can change your counselor with just one-click
- Highest-rated online therapy platform available in the U.S.
Pros
- Easy-to-access app and website
- Users can choose their preferred method of communication
- Financial assistance available
- All therapists are licensed
Cons
- No free trial option
- Counselors cannot diagnose illness or prescribe medications
- Treatment is not covered by health insurance
- The algorithm chooses your therapist after analyzing your questionnaire
#5. ReGain – Trusted Online Therapy Providers For Couple’s Therapy
ReGain distinguishes out as a program focused solely on assisting couples with their mental health and relationship problems. All of our therapists are completely licensed, which sets us apart from some of the other similar counseling businesses out there. When we surveyed, eighty-six percent of users stated their therapists’ qualifications were outstanding, and ninety percent said they would prefer working with ReGain therapists.
You can sign up with your spouse or as an individual to address your relationship concerns. You can also choose to invite your companion at a later date. After you join up, you’ll have access to a private, secure “room” where you may talk with your therapist and receive responses and guidance 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can also book a live chat, phone, or video appointment with your counselor. The website has a wide range of articles available on mental health. Because they don’t offer three-way live sessions, both parties must be in the same space to communicate with the counselor in real-time.
ReGain is the effective solution to all your marriage concerns and counseling. While the online platform may have some cons, the benefits significantly outweigh the drawbacks.
Highlights
- Exclusive for relationship counseling
- Live online session via chat, video or phone call
- Fill out a questionnaire to get matched with the ideal therapist per your requirements.
- A safe space to address marriage related issues
Pros
- Licensed Therapists and counselors
- All counselors have specialized in relationship therapy
- The individual or both partners can avail of counseling services at no additional cost
- ReGain provides a free trial of one week when you sign up.
Cons
- ReGain does not prescribe medications.
- It is not ideal for court-ordered marriage therapy
- The three-way live sessions is not an option
- Does not accept insurance
#6. TeenCounseling.com
As the name suggests, TeenCounseling is one of teenagers’ top online therapy service providers. The online counseling platform offers a holistic approach to assisting and dealing with young adults with their mental health issues. Teen Counseling has more than 6000 certified mental health counselors to address teens’ psychological problems, such as peer pressure, bullying, and anxiety.
Even though the site supports the participation of parents, teenagers are supposed to fill out a questionnaire to sign up. Users can choose a time and place according to their preference, and they don’t have to set up appointments each week. The time and place remain the same throughout the process.
Teen Counseling is a secure platform, a judgment-free zone for teenagers to get help at their feasibility and comfort. The platform offers multiple communication methods for the users.
Highlights
- Over 7000 certified and licensed therapists onboard
- Groups sessions available for parents and teens
- Offers multiple communication channels
- You can choose your therapist
- A safe and non-judgmental zone for struggling teens
Pros
- All counselors are licensed and vetted
- Unlimited messaging service through live chat 24/7
- Sessions are private and confidential
- Qualified and experienced therapists in dealing with young adults
Cons
- Does not offer court-ordered therapy
- Treatment is not covered by health insurance
- Therapists cannot diagnose any illness
- Not recommended for emergencies
#7. Pride Counseling
Pride Counseling deals with the LGBTQ community, and they believe that this community is largely affected mentally due to bullying because of their sexual orientation. Pride Counseling therapists want to make mental health counseling services accessible and available to everyone regardless of gender. Pride Counseling tackles challenges that are common in the LGBTQ community. It employs highly qualified counselors who have dealt with various issues, including anxiety, depression, sleeplessness, and eating disorders.
After signing up, a therapist will be assigned to you based on your answers, preferences, and the challenges you’re dealing with. Although all of their counselors specialize in the LGBTQ community, each has a unique method and approach.
Highlights
- Exclusive for LGBTQ community
- Highly qualified and licensed therapists
- Offers 100 % privacy and confidentiality
- The algorithm chooses your counselor
- Convenient and Affordable
Pros
- Unlimited chat option available
- The chats are not deleted so that you can revisit them anytime
- Website and app are easy to use
- Live video sessions
Cons
- Treatment is not covered by health insurance
- Counselors cannot prescribe any medications
- Not recommended for emergencies
How Did We Choose The Best Online Therapy Providers ?
While it may sound very easy to get mental health counseling services online, it can be a real task to pick out the best online therapy service for yourself from the comfort of your own home. To smooth out finding the ideal online therapist, we have carefully compiled a list of available options considering strict criteria. We looked at the following checklist before composing this guide.
- Do therapists have the license to practice their services and provide counseling to the patients?
- Is the organization transparent about the payment options and fees?
- Do they have flexible payment options available?
- Do they offer several communication options that fit the requirements of people?
- Are the therapists experienced and have dealt with specific traumas and mental health issues?
Our top 7 picks passed all our stringent requirements. However, we cannot access the quality of online counseling because it will vary depending on therapists and personal experiences.
How To Choose Professional Therapy For Best Online Counseling Programs?
The therapists offered to differ per online platforms, just as they do with traditional in-person clinics. Some only have psychiatrists, while others only have therapists, and still, others only have counselors or skilled listeners. Each is good for a range of therapeutic aims and treatments, but understanding how they differ can be complicated. What you need to know before choosing the right virtual therapist is as follows:
- Difference between psychiatrist and psychologist
Psychiatrists have completed 4 years of education and several years of training in mental health. Although some psychiatrists include therapy in their meetings, their primary focus is on drugs, which they are qualified to administer owing to their education and training. As M.D.s, psychiatrists can diagnose and evaluate their patients.
Psychologists are qualified to practice psychotherapy at various degrees of education and training. However, psychologists cannot prescribe medications. Their primary focus is on therapy and not the drugs.
- Licensed Therapists
Mental health professionals and therapists go through getting registered and a license to practice their services and look after mentally affected people. This ensures that people do not succumb to scams and are provided with a minimum level of service. This further ensures that patients’ rights are also protected by licensing boards’ confidentiality and ethics rules.
It is always recommended to look for a licensed therapist whenever you need therapy – whether online or offline.
- Process of Choosing Therapist
The world is running on algorithms these days. Would you prefer to trust a human or a human-made algorithm to pick up your virtual therapist? While algorithms can find you a match using high-performance computer data processing, there’s something indisputably human about having someone else do it for you.
Multiple options are available on the best online therapy platforms. You’ll be able to switch therapists if one doesn’t work out. You don’t want to become locked in a match that doesn’t provide the emotional and mental support you require.
- The pool of Qualified Therapists
Some people might click with their therapists in a flick, while some may struggle to find their best counselor. So for the ease of users, it is recommended to choose the sites that offer broad networks of licensed professional therapists.
While having more therapists does not always imply better service, the two often go hand in hand. When it comes to matching you with the proper person, a large network gives the provider more alternatives. That way, you’ll have a therapist you’re comfortable speaking with during live sessions.
- Health Insurance
Most companies do not accept health insurance. You’ll have to pay out of pocket if you choose a certified therapist who doesn’t accept your health insurance. Of course, there are certain advantages to not having your insurance accepted. For example, you won’t have to worry about paying higher insurance rates or receiving diagnosis and treatment notes that could compromise your privacy. When an insurance-driven plan does not bind you, you also have complete control over your provider.
Some online counseling providers have business connections with employers, offering discounts or accepting EAPs (EAPs). Other businesses accept HSA or FSA cards, allowing you to pay for therapy using pre-tax cash.
- Pricing Plan
In general, online counseling is less expensive than private-practice counseling in person. However, not all online therapy businesses are run in the same way. Most of the clients on our best online therapy sites list prices between 60 $ and 120 $ per week. If you’re on a tight budget, Online-Therapy.com and Calmerry are the most cost-effective options, with sessions ranging from 32$ to 45 $.
While affordability can influence your provider to some extent, it also necessitates some compromises. Calmerry, for example, is cost-effective because clients can only video chat for 30 minutes every week. If you prefer face-to-face meetings, this could be a deal-breaker. Before locking at a low price, ensure that the providers suit your requirements.
Some online therapy websites operate on a subscription model, in which you pay a monthly fee for a set number of services, such as participating in a video therapy session or emailing a therapist. Subscriptions are frequently less expensive, especially if you do not have adequate health insurance coverage.
- Languages Offered
It is preferable to opt for a service that has an option of multiple languages being offered if your native language is not English. TalkSpace is an amazing example of a diversified and inclusive platform offering services in 30 different languages. Regional and cultural dialects, such as African American Vernacular English, are also included.
- Communication Channels
The most popular modes of online communication are conference videos, live chats and phone calls. However, these are not the only available options. You can opt for unlimited and 24-7 chat support if you are not comfortable with live video sessions.
The most effective communication strategy is the most convenient for you. Consider a provider that offers video and live chat services if you like to speak with therapists in a relaxing setting. However, text messaging provides ease and connectivity if you’re on the go.
Finding the ideal virtual therapist can be a bit difficult and an overwhelming process. These are all the things you should know before making an informed choice for yourself. Your ease and comfortableness should be the topmost priority while making a selection.
FAQs Regarding Virtual Therapy Sites:
Q1: Online Therapy: What is it?
Online therapy, commonly referred to as teletherapy, is a method of communicating with a qualified mental health counselor over the phone or computer rather than in person. Messaging (similar to text or email), live chat, phone calls, and video chat are all common methods of communication.
In numerous ways, online counseling varies from in-person therapy. Typically, online therapists do not offer mental health diagnoses such as “generalized anxiety disorder” or “ADHD.” However, online psychiatry and medication management services have risen in popularity. In some circumstances, online treatment may not meet the requirements for “court-ordered therapy.”
If you’re concerned about the quality of your session, studies demonstrate that internet counseling is just as helpful as in-person treatment. Many people choose internet therapy because it provides them with more privacy, is more accessible, and is frequently less expensive.
Anxiety, insomnia, marital issues, PTSD, anger management, panic attacks are just a few examples of mental health concerns that can be dealt with using online counseling.
Q2: Is Online Counseling Helpful and Effective?
Online counseling is a useful type of mental health care, particularly for persons who find it difficult to carve out time for in-person therapy appointments. An online cognitive behavioral therapy program was useful in treating anxiety disorders in a 2014 study published in Behaviour Research and Therapy.
Moreover, online cognitive behavioral therapy was found to be just as effective as an in-person treatment for major depression, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder in a 2018 study published in the Journal of Anxiety Disorders.
It’s important to note that internet counseling is preferable to no therapy at all. It’s never been easier to obtain the support you need without commuting, inexpensive price structures, and 24-hour live chat rooms.
Q3: What is the Cost of Online Therapy?
Virtual therapy costs vary depending on the brand and model of communication. Video chats are generally more expensive than text messaging for most online therapy services. The cost of a weekly session ranges from 40 $ to 120 $. Medication management services and psychiatric treatments are additionally charged.
It’s worth noting that traditional in-person counseling has a substantially higher per-session cost. Patients pay an average of 90 $ to 150 $ per hour for face-to-face appointments, with rates rising dramatically in big metro areas such as New York City and San Francisco. Before committing to a plan, make sure you examine all of your alternatives to see which one is the best fit for you and see whether your job or health insurance provider has benefits that can help you with the cost of sessions.
Q4: What is the Best Mode of Communication – Live chat, Video Call or Phone?
The best online Therapy services offer multiple modes of communication. The best mode of communication is the one that’s best for you. Different people have different preferences regarding modes of communication. Some people find it easier to directly video call, while others find it hard to open up over a video call, so they prefer live chats.
Q5: Does Insurance Cover Online Therapy?
Telehealth services, such as online counseling are not covered equally by private and government-sponsored health insurance. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, most private health insurance plans cover some telehealth services. Meanwhile, telehealth is covered by Medicare and Medicaid in some circumstances.
If your insurance company accepts online therapy, the practitioner can charge your insurance company directly. Your deductibles and copays will still be your responsibility. If the site doesn’t accept insurance, you may be able to submit your bills to the insurer for reimbursement, depending on your plan. To use insurance, you may also require a diagnosis.
Q6: Is Online Counseling Confidential and Safe?
To maintain security and confidentiality, licensed mental health providers must adhere to licensing standards, HIPAA regulations and state legislation. Each website describes how they protect personal information.
In addition, most sites will let you speak with your therapist using a nickname (though they will normally ask for the phone number and name of the emergency contact).
Companies like Teen Counseling and TalkSpace use high-grade encryption to protect your financial and personal information. Hackers and computer viruses will have a hard time interfering with your therapeutic experience because of the cutting-edge security. It’s also a good idea to keep your software and applications up to date to lessen the odds of a breach of your information.
Q7: What Are the Benefits of Virtual Therapy?
Online therapy is similar to in-person therapy in that it is a counseling session with a professional therapist or psychiatrist that takes place at your house rather than in an office.
Online counseling is extremely discreet and may safeguard people’s privacy and confidentiality in ways that in-person treatment just cannot.
Moreover, online treatment is more approachable and accessible. Access to internet therapy makes it simpler to remove the stigma that has long been associated with mental health disorders.
Online treatment is typically both convenient and affordable. You may typically arrange your therapy sessions for times that are most convenient for you because you will be attending therapy sessions online in the comfort of your own home.
Individuals who are disabled or housebound can benefit from online counseling. When it comes to getting mental health care, mobility can be a major challenge.
However, it is important to note that not all mental health disorders can be treated using online services.
You can also use the best supplements for anxiety to relieve stress effectively.
Q8: What Type of Mental Health Disorders Can be Treated with Virtual Therapy?
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic’s consequences, many people will require mental health assistance. Virtual therapy may be more appropriate for some problems and issues than others. Anxiety problems, guilt issues and body image concerns are frequently appropriate and helpful to address with online counseling. Some other issues that can be addressed through virtual counseling are PTSD, panic disorders, relationship issues, cognitive disorders, behavioral problems, anxiety disorders and depression.
Q9: Are online Therapists Licensed Professionals?
The training of mental health practitioners is determined by their specific field and the state in which they work. A Ph.D. is frequently required for psychologists, while an M.D. is required for psychiatrists. Almost all of the websites listed employ experts who are certified to conduct video therapy to customers in the state in which they are licensed. Before you join up, double-check the type of mental health practitioner you’ll be connected with.
Every therapist must be licensed in the state in which they work. Before they can serve real patients, licensed clinical social workers must complete certification and training. Most websites include information about a therapist’s license, such as when they received it and their license number.
Take the time to thoroughly go over your therapists’ certifications and qualifications. Companies that are not transparent about their therapist’s qualification and license information should be marked as shady and never trusted with their mental health.
Q: Can a Virtual Therapist prescribe drugs or medication?
Whether you meet with them online or in person, not all marriage and family therapists can prescribe medicine. A handful of the online counseling firms we looked at have plans that include medicine as part of the pricing plan.
Best Nootropics are also an alternative to drugs that ultimately betters mental health.
Q10: How to Get Ready for an Online Counseling Session?
Make sure you can talk to your online therapist in a private setting, such as your car, if you’re at work or home and can’t find an appropriate location.
If you’re having video therapy, make sure your surroundings are well-lit so the therapist can see you clearly. Before your session, make sure your computer, internet connection, and other essential gear are in working order.
During your therapy session, try to keep distractions to a minimum. You may, for example, put a sign on the entrance asking people not to come in during a specific time period.
Q11: What Is the Process for Filing a Complaint About Online Therapy?
If you have a complaint about an online therapy platform, let the site know about it first. After that, you can contact the FDA and the Federal Trade Commission. To make a complaint against a specific therapist, contact the state agency in charge of the therapist’s profession’s license. Psychiatrists, psychologists, licensed therapists, and counselors all have different licensing requirements.
Concluding – Best Online Counseling & Therapy Sites With Expert Psychologists:
Even during the pandemic Covid-19, the world didn’t stop. Hence, people struggle with their mental health because of everything going around. But, the best online therapy options out there provide just the right solution to regain your mental health.
It is always recommended to do your research beforehand prior to opting for an online therapist. BetterHelp is a one-stop solution to all your mental health concerns and is at the top of our list of best online therapy. If you are looking for a more affordable option, then Calmerry might be a better option for you. However, if you are looking for a more specified form of therapy, you might want to consider a more exclusive option such as Pride Counseling or ReGain.
