Overview
Online therapy, also referred to as telehealth, has become increasingly popular for a variety of different reasons including, connivence, COVID-19, and cost. Online therapy can come in many different forms including, video cll, chat room, email, or voice call. Online therapy has been proven to be just as effective as in person and is often prefered by people for having more privacy. Seeking mental health services can be scary and you may not know where to start. There are many different online counseling services available that specialize in different areas including, therapy for couples, therapy for families, therapy for LGBTQIA+ community, etc. Verywellmind.com, a website that provides health and wellness information by health professionals, surveyed 100 users off 33 different online therapy programs to find the best ones. Below you can find the results of the best online therapy programs to find one that may work for you. You can also visit Verywellmind.com to see their research on online therapy conducted by a licensed mental health counselor and psychotherapist.
Best Online Therapy Programs According to Mary K. Tatum, MS, LMHC, Verywellmind.com
Best Overall: BetterHelp
Pros:
- Therapist bios displayed on website before signup
- All therapists are licensed
- Multiple communication methods available
Cons:
- No medication management services
- No free trial
- Therapist chosen for you
Runner Up, Best Overall: Talkspace
Pros:
- Medication management services available
- Multiple subscriptions options with varying price tiers
- Some services covered by insurance
Cons:
- Can only choose therapist from algorithm-selected matches
- Additional services can get expensive
- No therapist bios on website prior to signup
Best with Insurance: Cerebral
Pros:
- Accepts insurance
- Offers both talk therapy and medication management
- Doctors' bios on website
Cons:
- Insurance varies by state
- Therapist matched for you
- Company is still expanding insurance options
Best for Couples: ReGain
Pros:
- All therapists are licensed
- Specialized in couples
- Unlimited messaging anytime for both partners
Cons:
- Messaging may not allow for depth communications
- Therapist is chosen for you
- No medication management services
Best without Insurance: Wellnite
Pros:
- Very affordable monthly subscription
- Board certified doctors on staff
- Subscription includes medication management and CBT therapy
Cons:
- Company focused on treating anxiety and depression only
- No doctor bios on website prior to signing up
- No insurance accepted
Best for Psychiatry: Teladoc
Pros:
- Serves teenagers and adults in over 130 countries
- Fully licensed therapists and psychiatrists
- Offers medication management (except for bipolar disorder and schizophrenia)
- In-network with many insurance plans
Cons:
- May be expensive without coverage or reimbursement
- Only offers individual talk therapy and psychiatry sessions
- Must create an account to see provider bios and check insurance coverage
Best for Families: Rethink My Therapy
Pros:
- Affordable subscription rates
- Offers therapy and medication management
- Offers individual, couples, and family sessions
Cons:
- Does not accept insurance
- Does not offer live messaging
- Sessions booked based on therapist availability
Best for the BIPOC Community: Ayana Therapy
Pros:
- Matches clients with therapists that share similar backgrounds or values
- Focuses on serving unserved communities
- Creates a safe space for marginalized people
Cons:
- No medication management services
- No couples or group therapy
- Pricing not listed on the website before signup
Best for Flexible Scheduling: Amwell
Pros:
- Offers ability to schedule sessions as needed
- Some therapists are available nights and weekends
- Offers couples therapy and access to psychiatrists
Cons:
- Virtual video sessions only
- No free consultation sessions
- No subscriptions or bundle services offered
Best for the LGBTQIA+ Community: Pride Counseling
Pros:
- Subscription comes with live session and unlimited messaging
- All therapists are licensed and specialize in working with the LGBTQIA+ community
- Multiple communication options
Cons:
- You don’t choose your therapist
- No psychiatry or medication management services
- No free trial
Best for Group Therapy: Circles
Pros:
- Topic-specific groups available at different times led by licensed therapists
- Seven-day free trial and billed weekly
- Unlimited messaging with therapist and group members
Cons:
- It’s more an emotional support service than therapy
- Services not covered by insurance
- Does not list emergency resources
Best for Christians: Faithful Counseling
Pros:
- All therapists agree to the same statement of faith
- Tiered-pricing to fit different budgets
- Multiple ways to communicate with your therapist
Cons:
- Sessions are only 30 minutes
- No guarantee that you’ll be matched with a therapist who aligns with your requests
- Some therapists give generic worksheets with little interaction
With the growth in online therapy, each program offers different qualities to suit your needs. It is important to research which one may be best for you. Online therapy is accessible, you have the ability to stay in a space you find comfortable and it can also be more affordable. With the variety of online therapy programs out there, do not hesitate to seek out help for your mental health. For an in-depth analysis of each online therapy program, visit Verywellmind.com to assist you in your research on finding the perfect fit for you.
References
1. Tatum, Mary K. “Best Online Therapy Programs of 2021.” Verywell Mind, Verywell Mind, 25 Sept. 2021, https://www.verywellmind.com/best-online-therapy-4691206.