Online therapy costs $50 to $110 per week on average for a subscription service, or $20 to $50 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 $80 to $135+ 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:

• Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs)– LCSWs typically have a graduate degree and 2+ years of experience in the field providing individual, couples, or family therapy.
• Licensed Addiction Counselors (LACs) – Most LACs have a bachelor's degree and at least a year of specialized training focused on addiction.
• Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs) – LPCs hold a master's or doctoral degree in counseling or a similar field and are trained to diagnose and treat mental and emotional disorders using a variety of therapeutic techniques. LPCs are sometimes called "licensed clinical professional counselors" or "licensed mental health counselors".
• Licensed Marriage and Family Therpists (LMFTs) – LMFTs have at least a master's degree and focus their practice on couples and family therapy.
• Psychiatrists – Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in diagnosing and treating mental health problems using medication, therapy, or both. Having more years of education and training, Psychiatrists typically cost more than a counselor or licensed therapist.
• Psychologists – Psychologists typically hold at least a doctoral degree, have completed a year-long internship, and have passed a national licensing exam. Psychologists are not medical doctors and cannot prescribe medication. Instead, they use talk therapy to diagnose and treat mental and emotional problems.

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:

• Voice your preferences and what you need out of therapy to ensure you find the best therapist for you personally.
• Ask your primary care doctor, trusted friends, or family members for recommendations.
• Refer to the list of preferred providers if using your company’s Employee Assistance Program coverage.
• Confirm their licensing information and qualifications.
• Read their reviews on Thervo, Google, and other online sources.

Consider asking the following question to help you find the best online therapist for your needs:

• Are you a licensed therapist?
• What education and training have you had?
• How long have you been a therapist?
• What types of therapy do you specialize in?
• Will online therapy work for my specific issue?
• How does your online therapy service work exactly?
• What methods of communication do you use?
• How long are your sessions?
• How many sessions do you think I need?
• What should I expect for my first session?
• Do you assign homework between sessions?
• What is your policy for cancellations, late arrivals, and missed appointments?
• Do you offer a payment plan or sliding scale rates?