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Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we: Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices? We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness. There are a few choices you have to find affordable online therapy. We break them down for you here with overviews and hands-on reviews.
Being able to access mental health help from the comfort of your home has never been easier. Reasonable online therapy is now super accessible, especially since all you need is a device and a reliable internet connection.
While some online therapy platforms are more expensive than others, we scoped out the top therapy platforms to find the most affordable online therapy options.
Best overall 4.8 (3.2k+) from online-therapy.com Accepts insurance: doesn’t accept insurance directly, but you may be eligible for reimbursement depending on your plan Services offered: individual therapy, couples therapy Cost: from $50 per week Healthline visitors get 20% off the first month. Discount is applied automatically.
Psych Central's review Why it’s best overall: Online-Therapy.com offers specialized training courses based on your individual mental health needs, as well as helpful learning tools like worksheets, videos, and tests. Online-Therapy.com also has low costs and a variety of specialties their therapists are trained in.Cost: $40 per week for text-based therapy and $88 per week for two weekly video calls and express replies from your therapist.
Online-Therapy.com takes a cognitive behavioral therapy approach to treatment, which is a well-researched form of online therapy to treat depression. It allows people to learn how to recognize and avoid unhelpful thoughts and behavior patterns that negatively affect their lives.
In addition to traditional talk therapy, Online-Therapy.com offers specialized training courses to help you manage mental health issues such as: anger, anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder , and more.
To help keep your progress on track they also offer a series of worksheets, yoga and meditation videos, digital journals, and activity plans.
Online-Therapy.com has a sliding scale of prices to help make its services fit most people’s budgets. There’s also a 20% discount off your first month for whichever plan you choose.
Pros & cons The platform offers three subscription plans, depending on your needs to get therapy All plans include daily therapist replies, Monday through Friday You can find a daily journal, videos, and tests to reaffirm the concepts Therapists may have varying credentials and experience levels Not all subscription levels include live video conferencing with a therapist The platform offers three subscription plans, depending on your needs to get therapy All plans include daily therapist replies, Monday through Friday You can find a daily journal, videos, and tests to reaffirm the concepts Therapists may have varying credentials and experience levels Not all subscription levels include live video conferencing with a therapist Product details Therapy formats: live sessions via video, audio, text chat, plus texts and worksheets Prescribes medication: no Privacy: HIPAA compliant App availability: not available Financial aid: yes Therapy formats: live sessions via video, audio, text chat, plus texts and worksheets Prescribes medication: no Privacy: HIPAA compliant App availability: not available Financial aid: yes Best access and availability 4.8 (374k+) from BetterHelp Accepts insurance: no Therapy formats: text, chat, voice, video Services offered: individual therapy Healthline visitors get 20% off the first month.
Psych Central's review Why we chose BetterHelp: BetterHelp is one of the largest therapy platforms worldwide, offering an increasing number of highly qualified therapists. They also have multiple ways of communication available, and scheduling is flexible and based on your schedule.Cost: Subscription costs start from $65 per week.With BetterHelp, you get access to a wide network of licensed therapists and mental health professionals whom you can chat with live over instant messaging, phone, or video.
Based on your responses to their survey, BetterHelp will pair you with a therapist it determines will be a good match.
You can choose to change therapists at any time , but it may be best to give one a few sessions to see if they’re what you were hoping for.
Only individual therapy is available through BetterHelp. Couples therapy is available through BetterHelp’s sister site ReGain Counseling. Both rates are relatively affordable. The subscription cost for BetterHelp can run from $65–$100 a week, depending on your location, your preferences, and any additional therapy options you might want to add on. However, they don’t take insurance.
If you’re interested in learning more about BetterHelp , consider reading our in-depth review.
What our tester says
Healthline SEO associate Heather Riesbeck tested BetterHelp for more than a month to continue her therapy journey and manage OCD symptoms , while also growing in personal aspects of her life.
“I found the process of registering for an account very easy. I answered a relatively quick yet thorough questionnaire on my background, identity, beliefs, feelings, goals…” and more.
She also added that before communicating with the therapist via text and live phone calls, before meeting, her therapist provided information on their education, professional work, counseling style and philosophy, area of specialization, and more.
Riesbeck affirms she’d “definitely recommend this product. I have very high expectations for therapy due to previous positive experiences, and I was very impressed with the quality of the sessions. I also really appreciated having several options for communication, so I could have care that balanced my needs with my availability and capacity to participate.”
She also added that appointments are very flexible to reschedule and cancel, but “if I went a while without a session, my therapist would reach out to see how I was doing and try to get me thinking about my goals again. I am overall very happy with their services.”
Healthline SEO associate Heather Riesbeck tested BetterHelp for more than a month to continue her therapy journey and manage OCD symptoms , while also growing in personal aspects of her life.
“I found the process of registering for an account very easy. I answered a relatively quick yet thorough questionnaire on my background, identity, beliefs, feelings, goals…” and more.
She also added that before communicating with the therapist via text and live phone calls, before meeting, her therapist provided information on their education, professional work, counseling style and philosophy, area of specialization, and more.
Riesbeck affirms she’d “definitely recommend this product. I have very high expectations for therapy due to previous positive experiences, and I was very impressed with the quality of the sessions. I also really appreciated having several options for communication, so I could have care that balanced my needs with my availability and capacity to participate.”
She also added that appointments are very flexible to reschedule and cancel, but “if I went a while without a session, my therapist would reach out to see how I was doing and try to get me thinking about my goals again. I am overall very happy with their services.”
Pros & cons Therapists have at least 3 years and 1,000 hours of hands-on experience The service has a flat monthly fee There is a 7 day free-trial available You can stay anonymous Doesn't accept insurance Therapists cannot diagnose conditions or prescribe medication The platform doesn't offer court-ordered therapy Therapists have at least 3 years and 1,000 hours of hands-on experience The service has a flat monthly fee There is a 7 day free-trial available You can stay anonymous Doesn't accept insurance Therapists cannot diagnose conditions or prescribe medication The platform doesn't offer court-ordered therapy Product details App availability: iOS and Google Play Prescribes medication: no App availability: iOS and Google Play Prescribes medication: no Best for insurance 4.8 (32.2k+) from App Store Services offered: talk therapy, couples therapy, individual therapy, psychiatry, teen therapy, LGBTQIA+ therapy, therapy for veterans Therapy formats: text messaging, video chat, and audio messaging Accepts insurance: yes Use code "HEALTHLINE85" for $85 off .
Psych Central's review Why we chose Talkspace: Talkspace is unique in that it tries to work with various insurance providers that cover therapy, as well as some EAPs. They also offer several subscription plans to match your budget needs best.Cost: $30 copay with insurance; starts at $69 a week without insuranceIn an effort to offer affordable therapy to more people, Talkspace has worked with insurance providers to make sure many health insurance plans cover therapy services they offer.
Talkspace may also be covered under your employer’s employee assistance program (EAP) if they have a policy in place.
To find out whether the cost of Talkspace therapy is included or discounted through your employer or insurance plan, you can talk with your human resources representative or call the member services department on your insurance card.
Talkspace offers a few membership plans:
$260/month for unlimited messaging and daily replies from your therapist$316/month for unlimited messaging and one 30-minute live video therapy session per month$396/month for unlimited messaging and four 30-minute live video therapy sessions per monthPros & cons Talkspace chatrooms are available 24/7 You can choose to connect with your online therapist in real time via video, audio, or chat options Talkspace is available in all 50 United States and Canada Therapists are only available Monday through Friday Psychiatrists cannot prescribe controlled medication such as Adderall or Xanax Text- and chat-based therapy formats don't work for everyone Talkspace chatrooms are available 24/7 You can choose to connect with your online therapist in real time via video, audio, or chat options Talkspace is available in all 50 United States and Canada Therapists are only available Monday through Friday Psychiatrists cannot prescribe controlled medication such as Adderall or Xanax Text- and chat-based therapy formats don't work for everyone Product details Privacy: HIPAA compliant and NCQA accredited App availability: iOS and Google Play Financial aid: discounts available for certain groups (i.e., parents, first responders, teachers, military, etc.) if you pay out of pocket Privacy: HIPAA compliant and NCQA accredited App availability: iOS and Google Play Financial aid: discounts available for certain groups (i.e., parents, first responders, teachers, military, etc.) if you pay out of pocket Insurance coverage: not accepted Services offered: in-person or online psychotherapy Therapy formats: in-person or online Psych Central's review Why we chose it: If you’re uninsured or underinsured, Open Path Collective offers you the opportunity to access affordable therapy options, both in-person and online by paying a one-time fee of $65.Cost: $65 for lifetime membership; $40 to $70 per individual therapy session; $40 to $80 per family/couple sessionOpen Path Collective is a nonprofit organization that offers affordable online therapy services, both in-office and online, for people who are without insurance or whose insurance lacks sufficient mental health coverage.
Here’s how it works:
Use the Open Path search feature to find affordable therapists near you. Once you find one you like, complete a brief registration form and pay a one-time membership fee of $65. Once you’re a member, you can engage in psychotherapy sessions ranging from $40 to $80 per session ($30 for student intern-led sessions). Pros & cons The therapy platform is available to anyone who cannot afford typical therapy prices, or make less than $100,000 per year Couples therapy online only requires one membership fee, not two You can change therapists if you feel it's not a good match You can't use your insurance to cover the membership fee Membership fee is non-refundable The therapy platform is available to anyone who cannot afford typical therapy prices, or make less than $100,000 per year Couples therapy online only requires one membership fee, not two You can change therapists if you feel it's not a good match You can't use your insurance to cover the membership fee Membership fee is non-refundable Product details Privacy: HIPAA compliant App availability: none available Privacy: HIPAA compliant App availability: none available Services offered: individual therapy Therapy formats: virtual Psych Central's review Why Crisis Text Line: The Crisis Text Line lets you immediately connect with a trained volunteer if you’re having a mental health crisis .Cost: free
The Crisis Text Line is a free service that responds to text messages from people in a crisis. This service made up of volunteers, is available to anyone who is in a painful emotional crisis or thinking about ending their own life .
These volunteers are not licensed therapists and can’t offer medical advice, but they’re there to: listen, support, and help bring you back to a calmer state.
If you feel like you’re in a crisis and need to reach out to someone who will listen, you can text a message to 741741 in the United States and Canada.
Text “HOME” in the U.S. and Canada
Text “HOME” in Ireland
Text “SHOUT” in the U.K.
Within just a few minutes, you will be connected with a trained volunteer who will help you and lend their support until you feel that you’re in a safer space to end the conversation.
Note: The crisis text line says any keywords typed solo in your opening message can activate a secure conversation.
Pros & cons The service is free It's available 24/7 The service is NOT a substitute for therapy Affiliate services are available for the United Kingdom and Ireland The service is free It's available 24/7 The service is NOT a substitute for therapy Affiliate services are available for the United Kingdom and Ireland Product details Prescribes medication: no App availability: not available Financial aid: n/a Prescribes medication: no App availability: not available Financial aid: n/a Best for all ages 4.9 (43.1k+) from App Store Insurance coverage: Academic Health Plan, Aetna, Anthem, APWU, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and 40 more Services offered: therapy, psychiatry, nutrition counseling, women’s health, breastfeeding support, pediatrics Therapy formats: video Psych Central's review Why we chose it: Amwell offers a one-stop resource for many of your healthcare needs. With Amwell, you can see a physician for your sore throat and schedule an appointment with a therapist to discuss your anxiety .Cost: $99 or less per therapy session; $199 initial visit; $95 follow-up visits for a psychiatristWith Amwell, you not only get access to telehealth therapy sessions with psychologists, but you can also get online appointments for non-emergency medical issues with psychiatrists, nutritionists, lactation consultants, urgent care, and more.
This makes Amwell a one-stop resource for keeping up with your mental and physical health, especially since all the professionals can work with each other if you want them to (i.e., in case you need medication).
Therapy sessions are about 45 minutes each and are available for kids ages 10–17 with parental consent. Plus, sessions are covered by many insurance providers to help keep your therapy costs down. You might even be able to pay $0 with insurance or a low copay.
If you’re looking for an affordable online therapy option without insurance, you can keep your costs down by picking a therapist with certain credentials. For example, the cost of each therapy session is $109 if you select a professional with a master’s degree or $129 if they have a doctoral degree.
If you’re interested in learning more about this platform, consider reading our in-depth review on Amwell .
Pros & cons No extra charge for weekends, holidays, or nights Amwell accepts insurance Therapy for children ages 10-17 is available with parental consent Therapy is more affordable if you choose a therapist with a master's degree rather than a PhD Healthcare and mental health professionals at Amwell cannot treat emergencies Amwell cannot take the place of your primary care physician Professionals at Amwell cannot order lab tests or prescribe controlled substances No extra charge for weekends, holidays, or nights Amwell accepts insurance Therapy for children ages 10-17 is available with parental consent Therapy is more affordable if you choose a therapist with a master's degree rather than a PhD Healthcare and mental health professionals at Amwell cannot treat emergencies Amwell cannot take the place of your primary care physician Professionals at Amwell cannot order lab tests or prescribe controlled substances Product details Privacy: HIPAA compliant App availability: iOS and Google Play Privacy: HIPAA compliant App availability: iOS and Google Play Best for LGBTQ+ experiences Insurance coverage: varies by therapist Services offered: individual therapy, teen therapy, relationship counseling, medication management, coaching, group therapy, sliding scale services, family therapy Therapy formats: live video session, also varies by therapist Psych Central's review Why we chose it: Inclusive Therapists is an online search tool and social advocate company. Its goals of ending discrimination and stigma in mental health align with Healthline’s own core values. They also have a sliding scale therapy filter, so you can find a therapist that has slots available to offer a sliding scale price to you.Cost: varies by therapistInclusive Therapists is a service dedicated to helping people in the LGBTQIA+ community with depression or other mental health challenges as well as other marginalized groups connect with sensitive therapists around the United States.
You can use their free search tool to connect with social-justice oriented therapists in your area. Their mission in the field of mental health is to dismantle racism, ableism, stigma, discrimination, classism, sanism, white cis-hetero patriarchy, and more.
Connecting with a culturally, racially, and stigma-conscious therapist may help improve outcomes from therapy. It is important to feel comfortable, safe, and able to communicate effectively with a therapist to get the most out of services.
When finding an online therapist or other therapy formats, you can ask questions that are meaningful to you to help ensure you find the right fit.
Pros & cons Therapists selected for their directory must provide supportive, unbiased care to all Listings are available throughout the United States Vast database and filters to search for a therapist Offers search for in-person therapy, online therapy, both Prices and insurance acceptance are not consistent across providers Options may be limited in certain areas of the country Therapists selected for their directory must provide supportive, unbiased care to all Listings are available throughout the United States Vast database and filters to search for a therapist Offers search for in-person therapy, online therapy, both Prices and insurance acceptance are not consistent across providers Options may be limited in certain areas of the country Product details Privacy: Inclusive Therapists uses encryption and firewalls to protect data and shares information only with third parties necessary for its services. App availability: no Financial aid: no Privacy: Inclusive Therapists uses encryption and firewalls to protect data and shares information only with third parties necessary for its services. App availability: no Financial aid: no Accepts insurance: depends on the therapist Services offered: individual therapy, couples therapy, teen therapy, family therapy, psychiatry/medication management Therapy formats: in person, virtual, one-on-one, group Psych Central's review Why we chose it: Therapy for Black Girls is unique in that it highlights and addresses the specific mental health needs of Black women. For example, a call to action or praise of “being so resilient ” is actually perceived by some to be dismissive of the human factor and lived experiences of marginalized groups.Cost: varies by therapistTherapy for Black Girls is an extension of the popular podcast with the same name.
Both the podcast and the therapy platform were designed to bring mental health issues to the forefront of Black communities and to help Black women overcome the stigma around mental illness .
This is important, as Black adults in the United States are more likely than their white counterparts to report persistent feelings of emotional distress, such as hopelessness and feeling like everything is a chore. Still, only one in three Black adults who live with mental health condition gets the help they need.
While it’s not necessary to have a therapist of your specific ethnicity or race, your therapist must have cultural competency . This means your therapist understands the beliefs and values important to you and your culture or community.
Before you choose a therapist , be sure to ask them all the questions that are important to you.
Pros & cons Platform strives to remove stigma around mental health issues in Black communities Can search for a therapist who offers in-person therapy, online therapy, or both Site features a blog written by various therapists on relevant topics Platform features licensed therapists in all 50 states Online community (Sister Circle) charges $9.99 per month to join Few in-person therapy options There are some navigation challenges on the website Platform strives to remove stigma around mental health issues in Black communities Can search for a therapist who offers in-person therapy, online therapy, or both Site features a blog written by various therapists on relevant topics Platform features licensed therapists in all 50 states Online community (Sister Circle) charges $9.99 per month to join Few in-person therapy options There are some navigation challenges on the website Product details App availability: no app Prescribes medication: depends on the healthcare professional Privacy: no information available App availability: no app Prescribes medication: depends on the healthcare professional Privacy: no information available When creating our list of the best affordable online therapy options, we kept these things in mind:
Price. This was a biggie for this list. Of course, affordability is relative because everyone is working with different budgets. But every service listed above is less expensive than a typical in-office session.Ease of use. How do users access their therapist, and what technical issues (and fixes) may they face?User reviews. What are current users saying about the quality of service in a therapy review or other publications?Therapist qualifications. Who are the counselors? What makes them qualified? How do they interact with clients?Therapist accessibility. How often can you check in and engage with your therapist?Vetting. All services have been vetted to ensure they meet PsychCentral’s medical , editorial , and business standards.Online therapy has made it easier to find help from licensed professionals from the comfort of your home and on your schedule.
While there’s no substitute for one-on-one evaluations, online services have opened up avenues for healing to people who were previously unable to access a qualified therapist due to:
cost geography some other barrier We realize that “affordable online therapy” means something different to each person based on their financial situation. What is affordable to one person may be inaccessible to another.
You can feel empowered to seek help , especially if you cannot find a service that fits your budget at first. Money shouldn’t be the barrier between you and the mental health therapy you need and deserve.
What is the difference between a counselor and a therapist?
The terms “counselor” and “therapist” can sometimes be used interchangeably, but they differ in their training and focus.
Counselors usually hold master’s degrees and provide short-term guidance for specific challenges like stress and relationships.
Therapists, often psychologists, hold advanced degrees and address diagnosable mental health issues like depression and trauma . They delve deeper into emotions and behaviors, aiming to address underlying concerns.
To be clear, psychologists are therapists, but not all therapists are psychologists .
The terms “counselor” and “therapist” can sometimes be used interchangeably, but they differ in their training and focus.
Counselors usually hold master’s degrees and provide short-term guidance for specific challenges like stress and relationships.
Therapists, often psychologists, hold advanced degrees and address diagnosable mental health issues like depression and trauma . They delve deeper into emotions and behaviors, aiming to address underlying concerns.
To be clear, psychologists are therapists, but not all therapists are psychologists .
How much does therapy cost on average?
An hour of therapy may range from $65 to $200 or more. If your insurance covers therapy, your copayment may range from $5 to $50 or more.
You can also ask your therapist if they offer a sliding rate scale based on income or if they could recommend someone who offers a sliding scale. Still, it’s good to keep in mind that sliding scale spots often fill up quickly, so you may need to be patient until you find a therapist who has a slot available.
An hour of therapy may range from $65 to $200 or more. If your insurance covers therapy, your copayment may range from $5 to $50 or more.
You can also ask your therapist if they offer a sliding rate scale based on income or if they could recommend someone who offers a sliding scale. Still, it’s good to keep in mind that sliding scale spots often fill up quickly, so you may need to be patient until you find a therapist who has a slot available.
Are online therapists cheaper?
If you’re paying out of pocket, online therapy is often cheaper than in-person therapy. But prices vary, depending on factors such as:
which services you use the credentials of the therapist how often you speak with a therapist therapy formats, such as online, in person, or group
If you’re paying out of pocket, online therapy is often cheaper than in-person therapy. But prices vary, depending on factors such as:
which services you use the credentials of the therapist how often you speak with a therapist therapy formats, such as online, in person, or group What are the alternatives to therapy when you can't afford it?
Finding affordable therapy can be tricky if you’re on a budget, but there are several alternative ways to help yourself:
Self-help resources : Explore books, articles, and online materials focused on mental health and self-improvement .Support groups : Join local or online support groups for a sense of community.Exercise : Engage in regular physical activity for mood and stress management .Mindfulness : Practice relaxation and mindfulness techniques to reduce anxiety .Reach out : Talk to friends and family about your feelings, and don’t hesitate to seek emotional support from them.Community resources : Explore low-cost or sliding-scale mental health services in your area.
Finding affordable therapy can be tricky if you’re on a budget, but there are several alternative ways to help yourself:
Self-help resources : Explore books, articles, and online materials focused on mental health and self-improvement .Support groups : Join local or online support groups for a sense of community.Exercise : Engage in regular physical activity for mood and stress management .Mindfulness : Practice relaxation and mindfulness techniques to reduce anxiety .Reach out : Talk to friends and family about your feelings, and don’t hesitate to seek emotional support from them.Community resources : Explore low-cost or sliding-scale mental health services in your area.How do people afford to go to therapy?
People afford therapy through various means, including:
Online therapy platforms also offer more affordable options for those seeking help without insurance. Additionally, some nonprofit organizations and community health centers provide accessible and affordable therapy services, ensuring that financial constraints don’t prevent individuals from getting the support they need.
People afford therapy through various means, including:
Online therapy platforms also offer more affordable options for those seeking help without insurance. Additionally, some nonprofit organizations and community health centers provide accessible and affordable therapy services, ensuring that financial constraints don’t prevent individuals from getting the support they need.
How much is therapy without insurance in the USA? Therapy rates can vary greatly throughout the United States. Location, speciality, therapy formats (in person, online, group, etc), and the practice itself can all affect the rates you will pay.
In-person therapy can range between about 100 to 250 dollars an hour. Some therapists may charge more, depending on what they help with, such as couples therapy or individual therapy.
You can also ask about sliding scale fees. Sliding scale means you may pay a bit less per hour based on your ability to pay, often based on your financial situation.
Therapy rates can vary greatly throughout the United States. Location, speciality, therapy formats (in person, online, group, etc), and the practice itself can all affect the rates you will pay.
In-person therapy can range between about 100 to 250 dollars an hour. Some therapists may charge more, depending on what they help with, such as couples therapy or individual therapy.
You can also ask about sliding scale fees. Sliding scale means you may pay a bit less per hour based on your ability to pay, often based on your financial situation.
