How much does online therapy cost?
How much does online therapy cost?
$50 – $110 average cost per week (membership plan)
$85 – $135+ average cost per session (without insurance or membership plan)
Online therapy cost
Online therapy costs $50 to $110 per week, depending on your location and the membership plan and therapy format. Most sites offer two or three plans—the lowest-priced plan includes therapy via text messaging only, while the other plans include unlimited messaging plus one or more live video sessions per week.
Some online therapy networks charge $85 to $135+ per session instead of offering a membership plan. These providers are more likely to accept insurance than membership sites, and copays range from $20 to $50 per session on average, depending on your insurance.
| Platform type | Average cost (without insurance) |
Therapy formats offered |
|---|---|---|
| Membership site | $50 – $110 per week | Live video sessions, text messaging, email, phone sessions, and/or online chat |
| Provider network | $85 – $135+ per session | Live video and phone sessions |
Many therapists who offer in-person therapy also offer online sessions. However, their prices are typically the same for both in-person and online therapy services. Therapy costs $100 to $250 per session on average without insurance or $20 to $60 per session for the copay with insurance.
Affordable online therapy providers
Our editorial team evaluated over two dozen online therapy platforms to determine which ones offer the best range services for the best price. Each platform provides different therapy formats, and many membership plans include additional features. The table below lists prices and details for our top picks.
| Platform | Cost (without insurance)* |
Therapy formats offered |
|---|---|---|
| Online therapy membership platforms | ||
| BetterHelp | $69 – $95 per week | Video, phone, text messaging, live chat |
| Brightside | $65 – $70 per week | Video, text messaging |
| Calmerry | $50 – $85 per week | Video, text messaging, audio messaging |
| Cerebral | $60 – $70 per week | Video, phone, text messaging |
| E-Therapy Café | $100 – $110 per week | Video, phone, email, live chat |
| Online-Therapy | $50 – $110 per week | Video, text messaging |
| Regain | $65 – $90 per week | Video, phone, text messaging, live chat |
| TalkSpace | $69 – $109 per week | Video, text messaging |
| Online therapy networks | ||
| Doctor On Demand | $134 per session | Video |
| LiveHealth Online | $85 – $100 per session | Video |
| MDLIVE | $108 per session | Video |
| Open Path Collective | $40 – $70 per session, plus a $65 one-time membership fee |
Video, phone |
| Sesame | $86 – $277 per session | Video, phone |
| Synergy e-Therapy | $100 – $250 per session | Video, phone |
| Teladoc | $99 per session | Video |
*For therapy with a licensed therapist, counselor, or psychologist; does not include psychiatrists or medication management.
Online therapy platforms with membership plans often quote prices by the week but bill every 4 weeks. Most providers allow you to cancel your membership at any time.
Online therapy cost factors
The provider, therapy format, and these other factors affect the cost of online therapy:
Membership plan vs. individual sessions: Online therapy membership platforms are typically cheaper than providers who charge by the session. However, insurance providers are less likely to cover membership sites, and the cheapest plans don't include live therapy sessions.
Therapy format: Online therapy plans include text messaging, live online chat, email, phone, live video sessions, or a combination of formats. Low-cost plans are typically limited to text messaging or email support, while plans priced at the higher end of the range include live video sessions plus unlimited messaging or other formats.
Additional features: Some online therapy membership plans come with additional features, like access to pre-recorded video or audio programs, a guidebook, or an app or online tools to track your progress.
Location: Most states do not allow therapists to practice across state lines, even when offering online sessions. Due to these regulations, online therapy sites will pair you with a therapist licensed to practice in your state. The number of therapists available in your area impacts the price.
Insurance: Your therapy costs will be lower if the provider accepts your insurance and is in-network on your plan. With insurance, copays can be as low as $20 per session, depending on the plan.
What is online therapy?
Online therapy refers to mental health services provided via the web, telephone, or mobile app using methods like live video or phone sessions, text messaging, online chat, and email. Interaction with the therapist can take place in real-time or in a time-delayed format, depending on your preference.
Online therapy is also called e-therapy, e-counseling, telepsychology, teletherapy, and cyber-counseling.
How does online therapy work?
After joining an online therapy site and filling out a questionnaire about your needs and preferences, the site will pair you with a therapist who is licensed in your state and specializes in your area of concern. All online therapy platforms allow you to choose your therapist or change therapists if you're not happy.
Depending on the therapy platform or provider, you'll have the option to schedule a live video or phone session or communicate with the therapist via unlimited messaging or email. Though most sites allow you to message the therapist 24/7, they typically limit response times to business hours on weekdays.
Many online therapy providers offer video sessions, messaging, and access to other features through their own dedicated app.
How long are online therapy sessions?
Online therapy sessions last 45 to 60 minutes, depending on the provider. Some providers offer a longer first session—called an intake session—to give them more time to learn more about your needs and the issues you're facing and discuss a plan for future sessions.
Is online therapy effective?
Several research studies have shown online therapy is as effective as in-person therapy for treating some mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, stress, eating disorders, addiction, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
However, online therapy is not right for everyone, and the effectiveness depends on the therapy delivery format, your personal preferences, and how often you attend sessions or actively participate in the therapy process.
Online therapy pros and cons
Online therapy is affordable and convenient, with little to no wait time for an appointment. Research has found that patients with quick and easy access to treatment experience better outcomes. Many people also find online therapy less intimidating than in-person therapy.
Though online therapy can be helpful for many people, there are some drawbacks to consider. Not all online providers are covered by insurance, and virtual communication sometimes makes it difficult for the therapist and client to interpret each other's body language.
The table below covers more benefits, advantages, and disadvantages of online therapy:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
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|
Online therapy FAQs
Does insurance cover online therapy?
Insurance covers some online therapy providers but not all, and many insurance plans consider online therapy sites out-of-network (OON) providers. In addition, some online therapy sites do not accept insurance.
Before subscribing to an online therapy membership plan or scheduling a virtual session, check with your insurance company and the therapy provider for details about coverage.
What is the cheapest online therapy?
Open Path Psychotherapy Collective offers low-cost online therapy at $40 to $70 per session plus a one-time $65 membership fee. Open Path is a non-profit organization that provides mental health services to individuals who are uninsured or underinsured and have an annual household income below $100,000.
You can also find affordable online therapy from pre-screened and vetted providers here on Thervo.
Does Medicare cover online therapy?
Medicare Part B covers online therapy and other telehealth services from in-network providers. However, you must first meet your deductible, and you will be responsible for 20% of the Medicare-approved cost for the service.
Medicare does not cover many online therapy providers that offer membership plans.
Does Medicaid cover online therapy?
Medicaid covers online therapy in most states. Medicaid's telehealth coverage varies by state, but nearly all states now include coverage for online mental and behavioral health services. However, not all online therapy providers accept Medicaid or other insurance plans.
Can I use my HSA for online therapy?
Yes, you can use your Health Savings Account (HSA) to pay for online therapy as long as a licensed professional provides the therapy. Individual therapy is considered an eligible medical expense, but marriage or family counseling does not qualify for HSA coverage.
Can an online therapist prescribe medication?
Therapists cannot prescribe medication online or in person in most U.S. states. An online psychiatrist can prescribe medication to treat most mental health conditions. Some online therapy sites offer psychiatry services, but prices for a session with a psychiatrist are typically higher than with a therapist.
Is online therapy confidential?
Online therapy providers must adhere to the same state and federal privacy and security regulations, professional standards, and codes of ethics as in-person providers. The therapist must maintain confidentiality, and the online provider must securely store all patient records and protect their data.
Finding affordable online therapy
When searching for a therapist, it's important to find one who has the right experience and excellent communication skills, specializes in treating your areas of concern, and makes you feel comfortable and respected. Follow these tips to find the best online therapist for you:
Decide on the online therapy format you prefer. Some providers only offer text messaging while others offer live video sessions, phone calls, live chat, or a combination of formats.
Ask your primary care doctor for recommendations.
Read reviews of online therapists on Thervo and Google.
Choose an online therapist who specializes in treating your concern or condition.
Ask the therapists which therapy styles they practice.
Confirm the online therapist is licensed to practice in your state.
Verify they accept your insurance. Confirm the coverage details and copay amount.
Ask about military, student, first responder, or senior discounts.
Ask the provider about their refund and cancellation policies.
Questions to ask online therapists
Ask these questions to confirm the online therapist is qualified and a good fit for you:
How long have you been a therapist?
Are you licensed to practice in my state?
What conditions do you specialize in treating?
What therapy styles do you practice?
Will online therapy be effective for my specific issue?
How does your online therapy service work?
Which communication methods do you use for online therapy?
How long is each session, and how many sessions do you think I'll need?
What should I expect during my first session?
Do you assign reading or homework in between sessions?
What is your cancellation and refund policy?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.