
Online therapy costs $50 to $100 per week on average for a subscription service, or $20 to $40 copay per session if your insurance covers it. An online therapy subscription may include multiple methods of online communication, such as video chats, text, and email.
In addition to subscription-based therapy services, many private practice therapists now offer virtual sessions. Virtual therapy costs $70 to $200 per session for individual therapy, while virtual couples therapy costs $90 to $230 per session. Several factors affect the cost per session, including therapist's specific credentials, experience, and whether you're buying one session or a multiple session package.
There are several types of online therapists with varying levels of education, experience, and specialization, including:
Many online therapists take insurance. Therapists and therapy subscription services that do take insurance will typically post this on their website. However, check first with your insurance provider about your specific plan, coverage, requirements, and copay information. Some insurance plans offer full coverage for online therapy while others only cover it if it includes video calls.
Some online therapists are qualified to diagnose mental health conditions, while others are not. Licensing requirements vary by state, but typically you would need a psychiatrist or psychologist to diagnose you. Some conditions are easier to diagnose than others, so a qualified therapist may refer to you to an in-person doctor to assess and confirm the diagnosis.
Most online therapists are licensed therapists but not medical doctors, and therefore cannot prescribe medication. An online psychiatrist or other licensed medical doctor can prescribe medication to treat a mental health condition.
Research shows online therapy can be as effective as in-person therapy. Many therapists and online therapy platforms use video calling which allows you and the therapist to communicate in almost the same way that you would if you were in the same room. Online therapy's convenience may also remove some of the stresses associated with getting to a traditional in-person therapy session.
Thervo.com can help you find a therapist near you who also offers online services, making it easier to shift to in-person therapy if you choose to do so in the future. When searching for an online therapist, be sure to:
Consider asking the following question to help you find the best online therapist for your needs:
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