The 18 best online therapy services for 2025 - chof 360 news

Cost: $160 to $240 for intake sessions and $135 to $195 for follow-ups.| Insurance accepted: Yes | Insurance companies: Most, including UnitedHealthcare, Humana, BlueCross, Aetna, Cigna | Medicare accepted: Yes | Medicaid accepted: No | Time until the first appointment: Same-day appointments available | States available: District of Columbia and all states except Vermont | Types of therapy offered: Individual, couples, teen, children, family, groups, psychiatry | Notable features: In-person appointments, teen counseling

Deciding to start therapy is a big step, and when you’re ready, the last thing you want is to sit on a waitlist. That’s why Thriveworks is our top choice — it cuts out the waiting game, offering same-day and next-day appointments in all states except Vermont. Research shows that access to timely services is a key component of quality health care, and Thriveworks delivers with its mental health services.

Beyond speed, Thriveworks offers therapy for individuals, couples, children, teens, families and groups, as well as psychiatry services for those who need both talk therapy and medication management. Its licensed therapists provide evidence-based support for anxiety, depression, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), grief and addiction, using proven methods like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). If your insurance is accepted, sessions could cost as little as $0.

And if telehealth isn’t for you, that's no problem. Thriveworks also offers in-person sessions in many states, including dedicated children’s therapy centers in select locations.

Cost: $95-$349 per month | Insurance accepted: Yes | Insurance companies: Many, including Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, Anthem | Medicare accepted: Yes | Medicaid accepted: Yes | Time until the first appointment: In 2 days | States available: All 50 states | Types of therapy offered: Individual therapy and psychiatry for adults | Notable features: Mobile app, text-based therapy

Psychiatry services can be cost-prohibitive, with some competitors charging over $300 per session. However, Brightside — our top pick for online psychiatry — offers affordable medication management at a fraction of the cost. Even for those without insurance or who are underinsured, the initial intake appointment is just $95.

The process is straightforward, and you could have a telehealth appointment within 2 days. After completing a short questionnaire about your needs, you're matched with a provider for an intake session, where they may prescribe medication if appropriate. Once you start treatment, you'll track your symptoms and attend follow-up appointments to ensure your medication is working effectively.

Brightside doesn’t list the length of its initial intake session on its website, but when chof360 tested the service, our tester’s first appointment with a psychiatrist lasted 45 minutes. Follow-up sessions typically run about 15 minutes. For additional support, you can add weekly 30-minute therapy sessions for $299 per month.

Cost: $22-59 monthly depending on subscription length (7-day free trial) | Insurance accepted: No | Insurance companies: N/A | Medicare accepted: No | Medicaid accepted: No | Time until the first appointment: Less than 24 hours | States available: All 50 states | Types of therapy offered: Emotional support groups for divorce, grief, codependency and depression | Notable features: Mobile app, audio support groups

Let’s be real: Therapy is expensive. A single session of cognitive behavioral therapy can cost over $100, and if you need weekly sessions, it adds up quickly. That’s why Circles is our top pick for online support groups — it offers a more affordable way to connect with others who understand what you're going through. With groups led by peers and mental health professionals, Circles provides support for addiction, grief, divorce, depression, anxiety, trauma and codependency.

Unlike traditional therapy, Circles focuses on community-driven support rather than one-on-one counseling. It also includes educational seminars with actionable mental health tools. Plus, you can join a session anytime, anywhere, since groups run 24/7.

While Circles no longer offers free groups beyond its trial period, its membership remains one of the most cost-effective ways to access ongoing mental health support.

Cost: $99-$129 per session, without insurance | Insurance accepted: Yes | Insurance companies: UnitedHealthcare, BlueCross, Aetna and more | Medicare accepted: Yes | Medicaid accepted: No | Time until the first appointment: Varies based on location, provider and service needed | States available: All 50 states | Types of therapy offered: Individual, couples, children, teens, psychiatry | Notable features: Mobile app, text-based therapy, teen counseling

When you’re paying for insurance, choosing a therapy provider that accepts it makes sense. Many online therapy platforms don’t, but Amwell stands out by accepting over 40 insurance plans and making mental health care far more accessible than most competitors.

Amwell offers therapy and psychiatry for a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), PTSD, grief, LGBTQ+ counseling, couples therapy and more. Signing up is simple: start by selecting your insurance provider, choose a therapist and book an appointment based on availability. If your therapist isn’t the right fit, switching is easy.

The only drawback? Your location affects therapist availability. Someone in Los Angeles may have over 50 therapists to choose from and access same-day appointments, while a user in Kentucky may find fewer than 15 options and wait a bit longer. Still, if you want to use your insurance for online therapy, Amwell is one of the best options. 

Cost: $30-$70 per session, one-time membership fee of $65 | Insurance accepted: No | Medicare accepted: No | Medicaid accepted: No | Insurance companies: N/A | Time until first appointment: Varies by provider availability | States available: All 50 states, Canada | Types of therapy offered: Individual, couples, family and group | Notable features: In-person and video sessions

If you’re uninsured or have minimal coverage, therapy can easily cost $100 or more per session — putting essential mental health care out of reach for many. That’s why Open Path Collective is our top choice for the underinsured. This online directory connects people with affordable therapy, offering sessions for as little as $30 with student interns and $30 to $70 with licensed professionals, often comparable to an insurance copay.

With over 30,000 providers across the U.S. and Canada, Open Path offers a wide selection of therapists, including those specializing in couples therapy and other niche areas. As a therapist myself, I’ve seen firsthand how valuable this resource is. Many of my colleagues provide top-tier care at significantly reduced rates through Open Path, and countless clients have found life-changing support. If full-price therapy isn’t an option, this directory makes quality telehealth and in-person care far more accessible.

Cost: $155-$200 per session | Insurance accepted: No, but reimbursement may be possible | Insurance companies: N/A | Medicare accepted: No | Medicaid accepted: No | Time until the first appointment: 2-6 days | States available: All 50 states | Types of therapy offered: Couples | Notable features: Self-guided digital tools, video sessions

Couples therapy goes beyond fixing problems. It helps strengthen relationships, improve communication and maintain connection. That’s why Ours is our top pick for couples counseling. It offers therapy for a range of relationship challenges, including premarital counseling, conflict resolution, intimacy, major life transitions and more. Unlike many therapy platforms, Ours exclusively works with fully licensed therapists with specialized training in evidence-based couples therapy techniques like the Gottman Method and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). The clinical care team thoroughly vets every therapist to ensure you’re matched with a high-quality provider who understands the unique dynamics of couples therapy.

Beyond traditional sessions, Ours emphasizes proactive relationship maintenance. Couples don’t have to wait for significant issues to seek support. The platform provides free digital tools like weekly reflection exercises, journal prompts and virtual card decks to help partners deepen their connection between sessions.

Telehealth therapy sessions are available in all 50 states through 50-minute video sessions. The initial consultation is $50, and a la carte sessions are $200 per hour. Packages can save you up to 25%.

Cost: Varies based on therapist | Insurance accepted: Yes | Insurance companies: Varies based on therapist | Medicare accepted: Varies based on therapist | Medicaid accepted: Varies based on therapist | Time until the first appointment: Varies based on therapist | States available: All 50 states | Types of therapy offered: Individual, couples, teens, children, family, groups, psychiatry | Notable features: Free get-matched service, community blog, podcasts

For many Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) individuals and 2SLGBTQIA+ people, finding a therapist who truly understands their lived experiences is essential. Inclusive Therapists makes this process effortless with a vast directory designed to prioritize diversity, cultural competence and identity-affirming care. Unlike general therapy platforms, this directory centers on therapists with diverse identities. It offers extensive filtering options to help clients find the right provider based on cultural background, spiritual orientation, specialty, fees and insurance acceptance.

Inclusive Therapists also offers a free Get Matched service for those who prefer a more hands-off approach. Instead of searching independently, you can fill out a short form with your preferences and up to three providers will reach out to you directly. This feature ensures you connect with mental health professionals who align with your identity and therapeutic needs, making the search process more accessible and stress-free.

While the sheer number of providers can feel overwhelming, taking your time and scheduling multiple consultations can help you find the right fit. If culturally competent, identity-affirming care is a top priority, this is the best platform to help you find it.

Cost: $185-$250 per session | Insurance accepted: No | Insurance companies: Reimbursable by most out of network plans | Medicare accepted: Not stipulated | Medicaid accepted: Not stipulated | Time until the first appointment: 2-3 days | States available: 42 states | Types of therapy offered: Individual, couples | Notable features: Teen counseling, in-person sessions

According to a national survey from the U.S. Census Bureau, LGBTQ adults are significantly more likely to experience symptoms of anxiety and depression compared to non-LGBTQ adults. Our favorite option for LGBTQ therapy — Gay Therapy Center — offers individual and couples therapy from highly qualified LGBTQ providers.

Its licensed therapists are all members of the LGBTQ community, with an average of 10 years of experience providing therapy services. The therapists also have expertise in treating a variety of issues, including anxiety, depression, trauma, obsessions, polygamy and more, through various modalities, such as psychodynamic therapy, mindfulness-based therapy and affirmative therapy.

Like many other online therapy platforms, Gay Therapy Center matches you with a therapist based on your needs and location. But unlike most platforms, which use an online form and an algorithm to match you, Gay Therapy Center personalizes the process. To find your match, you first engage in a free 15-minute consultation with the company’s founder or the client intake coordinator to discuss your therapy needs and what you’re looking for in a provider. Then, once you receive your match, you can schedule your first appointment, which is generally available within 2 to 3 days.

You can access therapy online in 42 states and in person, in New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Washington, D.C. Insurance isn’t accepted, but you may receive reimbursement. One downside is that Gay Therapy Center is pricier, with sessions ranging between $185 and $250.

Cost: $110-$210 per session | Insurance accepted: Yes | Insurance companies: Various | Medicare accepted: Some plans | Medicaid accepted: No | Time until the first appointment: Unlisted | States available: All 50 states | Types of therapy offered: Individual, messaging | Notable features: Text-based therapy, children and teen counseling

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) has been reclassified as a separate condition from anxiety disorders; anxiety remains a core struggle for up to 75% of those with OCD. That’s why NOCD stands out as the best platform for treating both OCD and anxiety-related conditions. Unlike general therapy platforms, NOCD exclusively focuses on OCD treatment, ensuring that every provider is a licensed therapist trained specifically in OCD and its related conditions, including anxiety and depression.

What sets NOCD apart is its rigorous, comprehensive training program and continuing education for therapists. Every provider is extensively trained in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy, the gold-standard treatment for OCD. Before working with clients, therapists undergo evaluation to ensure they can effectively deliver ERP. Many also have additional expertise in PTSD, hoarding disorders and body-focused repetitive behaviors like skin-picking and hair-pulling.

NOCD offers therapy in all 50 states, accepts insurance and provides unlimited messaging between sessions. A 60-minute live video session costs $210, while a 30-minute session is $110. While pricing isn’t listed upfront on the website, their customer support team is highly responsive and transparent, offering clear information without pushy sales tactics. If you're looking for specialized, evidence-based care for OCD and anxiety, NOCD is the best option available.

Cost: $15-$249 per month | Insurance accepted: Yes | Insurance companies: Aetna, Cigna, Oscar and more | Medicare accepted: Yes | Medicaid accepted: No |Time until first appointment: Unlisted | States available: Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, Washington and Washington, D.C. | Types of therapy offered: Individual, messaging | Notable features: Moderated support groups, anonymous community forum, daily affirmations

With 29.5 million people over the age of 12 struggling with alcohol use disorder (AUD) in 2022 alone, finding accessible, practical support is critical. In a culture where drinking is deeply embedded in social life, cutting back or quitting can feel isolating. However, our favorite option for AUD, Monument, makes the process easier with an inclusive, flexible approach to AUD treatment.

Unlike traditional rehab programs, Monument offers a low-cost, accessible membership model that provides 24/7 support for just $15 monthly. This includes access to a moderated support forum, expert-led support groups, daily affirmations and self-guided courses designed to help individuals navigate their relationship with alcohol. For those who need additional care, Monument also offers therapy and medication-assisted treatment (MAT), with insurance options available. Therapy costs range from $149 to $249 monthly, while MAT appointments cost $100 per session.

Cost: $200-$350 per session | Insurance accepted: Yes | Insurance companies: Independence Blue Cross, AmeriHealth (NJ), Sana and more | Medicare accepted: No | Medicaid accepted: No |Time until first appointment: Varies based on provider availability | States available: California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, D.C | Types of therapy offered: Children and adolescent therapy, medication management, parent coaching | Notable features: Teen counseling, mobile app, parent coaching

When one family member struggles, the whole family feels it. Little Otter takes a holistic approach to children's mental health, offering therapy and medication management for kids up to 14, along with parent coaching — a key feature that sets it apart from other platforms.

Parent coaching is unique to Little Otter. When sending a child to therapy, parents often have questions and concerns about understanding their treatment and learning how to best support them. Little Otter acknowledges this by providing parents with dedicated coaching sessions filled with tools, guidance and resources.

The sign-up process is }family-centered, beginning with a family mental health assessment. By answering a few questions, parents receive a report providing a big picture of their child’s emotional and behavioral needs.

After the assessment, families book a free 30-minute kickoff session to receive a customized care plan. The Little Otter app makes tracking progress simple and offers real-time updates on treatment. This thoughtful, detail-oriented approach sets Little Otter apart from its competitors.

However, high out-of-pocket costs and limited insurance acceptance are drawbacks. But for families looking for comprehensive, family-inclusive mental health care for children, Little Otter remains the best choice.

Cost: $69-$109 weekly; $65 for additional sessions | Insurance accepted: Yes | Insurance companies: Cigna, Optum, Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield and more | Medicare accepted: Yes | Medicaid accepted: No |Time until first appointment: 1 week | States available: All 50 states | Types of therapy offered: Individual talk therapy, couples therapy, individual teen therapy, medication management for adults | Notable features: Messaging, mobile app, video sessions

Getting counseling for your teen may feel like an uphill battle, but it may be life-changing or even life-saving, according to a recent CDC report on youth risk behavior. Talkspace understands the immense need for teen therapy and meets your teen where they are — in both treatment modality and location — which is why it's our top pick for online teen counseling. Talkspace's reputation centers on its talk and message-based therapy, which is right up most teens' alley.

Teens can attend therapy sessions in a live chat room with the therapist through text messaging or live video sessions. This allows them to participate in the sessions how they want and from wherever they feel comfortable.

Best of all, if your teen needs medication in addition to talk therapy, you can combine talk therapy with medication management appointments all in one place. This enables you to add or remove medication management from your teen's treatment as you determine what works best. Appointments are flexible, and you can cancel anytime.

Cost: $150-$220 per session and self-paced resources from $8- $97 | Insurance accepted: Yes | Insurance companies: Most | Medicare accepted: Unlisted | Medicaid accepted: Unlisted |Time until first appointment: Unlisted | States available: 15 states | Types of therapy offered: Individual talk therapy, self-led courses | Notable features: Learning center, video sessions

Motherhood is transformative, but it's also physically, mentally and emotionally exhausting. From pregnancy and postpartum recovery to balancing work, relationships and the overwhelming mental load of parenting, moms often find themselves struggling in silence. All too often, traditional therapy doesn't account for the unique challenges moms face. That's where our top choice for maternal mental health — Momwell — comes in.

Momwell is explicitly designed for moms at every stage, from preconception to pregnancy, postpartum and beyond. The platform's licensed therapists specialize in maternal mental health, covering everything from postpartum depression and anxiety to mom guilt, identity loss and balancing career and family.

The Momwell therapists are trained in maternal mental health, so there's no need to explain why intrusive thoughts, birth trauma or sleep deprivation affect your mental state. Momwell therapists get it. Beyond therapy, Momwell offers coaching, educational resources and workshops on emotional regulation, parenting struggles and relationship challenges post-baby.

Cost: A one-time fee of $45, then $258-$398 a month | Insurance accepted: No | Insurance companies: N/A | Medicare accepted: No | Medicaid accepted: No | Time until first appointment: Immediate availability | States available: 50 states | Types of therapy offered: Individual talk therapy, couples therapy, individual teen therapy | Notable features: Teen counseling, risk-free guarantee

For some people, faith plays a decisive role in their mental health. Those seeking therapy that aligns with their spiritual beliefs will appreciate My Counselor as it's one of the most comprehensive Christian counseling services available. With a reported 93.6% success rate, this platform integrates biblical wisdom with clinically proven therapy techniques, ensuring you receive spiritual guidance and professional mental health support.

Unlike general therapy platforms that may offer faith-based options as an afterthought, My Counselor is fully dedicated to Christian counseling. Its licensed therapists are trained in Neuroscience-Informed Christian Counseling, which combines evidence-based psychological techniques with biblical principles.

There are also a wide range of services, including individual mental health therapy, marriage counseling, premarital counseling and family therapy. Plus, My Counselor offers a risk-free guarantee: If you're unsatisfied with your first session, the platform will cover the cost and find you a better fit or provide a full refund, no questions asked.

Cost: Free for those without insurance | Insurance accepted: Yes | Insurance companies: Most | Medicare accepted: Yes | Medicaid accepted: Yes | Time until first appointment: Same day if in crisis | States available: 20 states | Types of therapy offered: Individual talk therapy, couples therapy, family therapy | Notable features: Teen counseling, free treatment as needed

Military service brings distinct mental health challenges that don't disappear once duty ends. Combat trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), reintegration struggles, relationship strain and career transitions are realities that many veterans and active-duty service members face — often without the understanding or support civilians might take for granted. Sadly, stigma, financial concerns and long Veterans' Affairs (VA) wait times prevent many from seeking the care they need. That's why Cohen Veterans Network (CVN) is the best online therapy platform for veterans, offering fast, specialized and affordable care.

CVN is built exclusively for veterans, active-duty service members and their families. With a network of clinics across 20 states and virtual therapy options, CVN prioritizes fast access to high-quality care. Unlike VA services, which often involve long wait times, CVN makes it easy to get an appointment quickly, including same-day crisis support when needed.

CVN accepts most major insurance plans, including TRICARE, making therapy more affordable. For those without insurance, care is still available at little to no cost, ensuring financial barriers never prevent access to treatment.

Cost: $200-$275 without insurance | Insurance accepted: Yes | Insurance companies: Aetna, Cigna, First Health and more | Medicare accepted: No | Medicaid accepted: No | Time until first appointment: Unlisted | States available: Unlisted | Types of therapy offered: Individual talk therapy, family therapy, child and teen therapy | Notable features: Teen counseling, in-person therapy

Eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge-eating disorder are complex mental health conditions that impact physical and emotional well-being. Eating and Behavioral Health Associates is a leading option for people looking for evidence-based treatments for these disorders, as well as PTSD, anxiety, depression and chronic health conditions. The team of experienced clinicians offers various services, including individual therapy, group therapy and online therapy options.

Eating and Behavioral Health Associates uses a multidisciplinary approach to treatment, integrating various therapeutic modalities, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR). It offers specialized programs for all ages. For younger clients, the focus is on empowering the individual and their families with strategies to regain peace and freedom from disordered eating behaviors. Adult therapy aims to provide tools and support for creating a more balanced and restored sense of well-being.

The platform offers online therapy services in Ohio and a few other states. However, the availability in specific states depends on the presence of licensed therapists in those regions. Therefore, you'll need to contact the company directly to confirm service availability in your state.

Cost: $75-$395 without insurance | Insurance accepted: No | Insurance companies: N/A | Medicare accepted: No | Medicaid accepted: No | Time until first appointment: Unlisted | States available: Most | Types of therapy offered: Individual talk therapy, family therapy, child and teen therapy | Notable features: Teen counseling, parenting support

Playful Therapy Connections is a leading choice for neurodivergent individuals due to its commitment to celebrating neurodiversity and affirming identities. The practice offers various services to meet the unique needs of neurodivergent children, teens, adults and families.

The platform focuses on play therapy, which leverages the natural medium of play to help people express themselves comfortably, leading to improved self-expression and behaviors. The practice offers individual therapy for adults, focusing on anxiety, depression and the challenges of navigating a neurotypical world. Therapists employ a person-centered approach, ensuring each person's unique experiences and perspectives are honored and integrated into the therapeutic process.

In addition to individual therapy, Playful Therapy Connections offers facilitated group sessions, which allow people to connect with peers, share experiences and build social skills in a supportive environment. Furthermore, the platform offers dedicated support and coaching to caregivers of neurodivergent children, helping equip them with strategies to support development and manage challenges.

Cost: $100-$300 per session | Insurance accepted: Yes | Insurance companies: Many | Medicare accepted: Yes | Medicaid accepted: No | Time until first appointment: 24 hours | States available: 49 states | Types of therapy offered: Individual talk therapy, family therapy | Notable features: Wellness programs for healthy aging

Aging is a privilege, but with it sometimes comes challenges that can impact your quality of life. Total Life is our leading choice for online therapy for older individuals as it addresses the mental health needs in this demographic, such as anxiety, depression, cognitive decline and chronic pain.

Total Life's experienced therapists are well-versed in addressing issues prevalent among older adults. The services are delivered through a secure, easy-to-use online platform, which ensures therapy is accessible to those with mobility challenges or limited access to transportation.

Connecting with a therapist is streamlined. Simply reach out via the website or phone, verify your coverage and you will be matched with a suitable therapist for your first session within 24 hours.

A significant advantage of Total Life is that it accepts Original Medicare, which can cover up to 100% of therapy costs. As a result, many people can access high-quality mental health services with no out-of-pocket expenses.