Top 10 Best Online Therapy Services in 2024 - Invest In Your Mental Health
Online therapy services present a convenient and innovative approach to mental healthcare. The fact is, in-person therapy has its limits in terms of flexibility, availability, and pricing. Perhaps more significantly, in-person sessions became exceedingly more difficult to attain in the wake of lockdowns and social distancing requirements. These changes resulted in the increased utilization of online healthcare over recent years—and studies suggest that the rise is here to stay.
As the field of online therapy—also referred to as "e-therapy" or "internet therapy"—continues to expand, so does the number of providers available to choose from. When searching for the right virtual therapy service for your needs, it’s important to consider factors such as pricing, modes of communication, and therapists’ backgrounds.
To help guide your selection, we’ve reviewed the best online therapy services available today.
Our Top 10 Best Online Therapy Services in 2023
- Message your therapist anytime
- Studies show the platform is effective
- Operates in 200+ countries and 82 languages
- Therapists can’t prescribe medication
- Harder to find specialized therapists
BetterHelp is one of the largest providers of online therapy services, letting you get matched with a licensed professional therapist in less than 24 hours. You’ll be able to communicate with your therapist by phone, video call, live chat, or text messaging.
While the platform doesn’t take insurance, it does offer financial aid for patients with tighter budgets.
Why we chose BetterHelp: BetterHelp’s app and online platform are both user-friendly, giving you access to self-help worksheets on various topics, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and conflict resolution.
Our experience: BetterHelp reviews are positive and the service is reasonably priced. We like the fact that BetterHelp counselors each go through a rigorous vetting process.
- Affordable compared to other providers
- Choose your own therapist and switch anytime you want
- Easy-to-follow wellness exercises
-
Lowest-tier plan does not include live sessions
- Therapists on the platform cannot prescribe medication
Online-Therapy.com has a network of counselors from various fields of expertise, with a primary focus on CBT. In addition, their platform hosts a range of interactive worksheets, activities, and self-help assignments to help guide you through its program.
Depending on your preference, you can communicate with your counselor via text, audio, or video chat.
Why we chose Online-Therapy.com: This online therapy provider allows you to switch therapists at any point during treatment. Their journaling tool is another helpful way to keep track of your efforts and improve your well-being.
Our experience: In contrast with some other online therapy services, Online-Therapy.com allows you to view recommended therapist profiles and choose your own counselor based on user reviews, specializations, and accreditations.
- Team of care providers for a holistic approach
- Very affordable pricing plans
- Online sessions & medications delivered to your door
- Not all plans available nationwide
- Doesn’t cover all mental health issues
Cerebral offers online talk therapy sessions for people suffering from conditions such as anxiety, depression, and insomnia. Their team of professional counselors provide you with a holistic treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Cerebral’s two-tiered approach of talk therapy and proper medication prescriptions allows you to manage your symptoms and achieve a more balanced lifestyle.
Why we chose Cerebral: Cerebral is one of the more affordable options on our list, while still providing you with a high quality of care.
Our experience: We like the fact that Cerebral’s team checks in with you every month, monitors your medication reactions, and helps you make the necessary adjustments to ensure your treatment progresses as intended.
- Online or in-person at 300+ locations
- Health insurance from major providers typically accepted
- Excellent customer service
- No ability to message with therapists
- Some services are location-restricted
Thriveworks’ services include online, face-to-face, and over-the-phone therapy sessions. Their network of professionals are experienced across a wide variety of specialties, including individual talk therapy, psychiatry, couples/family therapy, child therapy, and more.
Why we chose Thriveworks: Thriveworks is in-network with most insurance plans, so you only have to cover a copay for therapy sessions. Even if you’re not covered by insurance, Thriveworks is still a very affordable option.
Our experience: Thriveworks stands out from other online therapy services by offering same- or next-day appointments, keeping wait times to a minimum. You can also contact your therapist between sessions if needed.
