Skip to main content

    Online Therapy Apps

    Talk to a real therapist from home.

    When therapy helps

    • Depression or persistent low mood.
    • Anxiety, panic, intrusive worry.
    • Grief — especially complicated grief or one that doesn\'t lift after 6+ months.
    • Life transitions — retirement, illness, empty nest, loss of identity.
    • Caregiver stress / caregiver burnout.
    • Marital strain.
    • Insomnia, anger, addiction.

    BetterHelp

    $60-90/wk

    Biggest. 30,000+ therapists. Match-and-switch easily. Text, phone, video.

    Often runs new-customer discounts.

    Talkspace

    $70-110/wk

    Accepts many insurance plans (Cigna, Aetna, Optum). Includes psychiatry option.

    Best if you want insurance to pay.

    Brightside

    $95/mo for therapy + $95 for psychiatry

    Combines therapy + psychiatric medication. For people who may need both.

    Real psychiatrist, not just therapist.

    Cerebral

    $30-300/mo varies

    Subscription-based. Sometimes covers ADHD/anxiety meds.

    Mixed reviews; check current state of company.

    Headway

    Insurance copay

    Find an in-network therapist who accepts your insurance. Skip the navigation.

    Best for using insurance.

    Open Path Collective

    $30-80/session sliding scale

    Non-profit. Affordable therapy for people without good insurance.

    Best low-income option.

    Local hospital sliding scale

    Income-based, often $0-25/visit

    Many large hospitals offer income-based therapy. Especially university hospitals.

    Quality often as good as private.

    Free crisis resources

    • 988 — Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (call or text). Available 24/7.
    • Crisis Text Line — text HOME to 741741.
    • Veterans Crisis Line — 988 then press 1.
    • SAMHSA Helpline — 1-800-662-4357. Mental health and substance.
    • NAMI Helpline — 1-800-950-6264.
    • Friendship Line for Older Adults — 1-800-971-0016. Counseling for loneliness.

    Use Medicare for therapy

    Original Medicare covers 80% of mental health visits with a Medigap plan covering the rest. Find Medicare-accepting therapists at psychologytoday.com (filter by insurance) or your patient portal.

    Where to start

    Sign up for BetterHelp\'s 7-day trial OR ask your primary care doctor for a referral. The first therapist is rarely the right fit — give it 2-3 sessions before deciding. Don\'t hesitate to switch.