While therapy is rarely free, there are affordable options to help support your mental health. (Getty Images)
This May is Mental Health Awareness Month, which makes it a crucial time to talk about something that often stands in the way of seeking support: the cost. While skipping therapy might feel like a necessary financial decision in the moment, it can have long-term consequences — emotionally, professionally and even financially. When mental health issues go untreated, they can lead to lost workdays, strained relationships and increased medical expenses. Yet, unfortunately for many, the price of therapy is a dealbreaker.
In fact, a Yahoo survey of 750 people found that 63% consider insurance coverage one of the most important factors when choosing a provider. And while online therapy has expanded access to mental health support, affordability remains a challenge.
Despite what some ads might suggest, most online therapy isn't free, but that doesn't mean you're out of options. Some platforms offer free trials, limited-use sessions or self-help tools. Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) through your job may cover a few therapy sessions at no cost. However, it's important to know that free options often come with restrictions such as limited therapist access, short-term support or a focus on self-guided tools rather than live sessions.
So, what's the best approach? If cost is a concern, look for online therapy services that are in-network with major insurance carriers or offer low-cost sessions for the underinsured. If you're considering free options, ensure they provide meaningful support, not just a chatbot or generic self-help articles. If you're concerned online therapy won't be as effective as in-person sessions, you can rest easy. A large body of research suggests that telehealth psychotherapy is just as effective as in-person therapy. Raha Mirian, a registered psychotherapist, confirms this, stating: "Research shows that online therapy can be equally as effective as in-person therapy. Clients rate their satisfaction with online therapy and the relationship with their therapist just as highly as they do with traditional in-person therapy." Yahoo's therapy survey also revealed that 90% of respondents would recommend online therapy to family and friends.
Content concerning mental health is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical or health advice. Consult a medical professional for questions about your health. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, call 911, local emergency services, or 988 (the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline).
If you're ready to explore affordable online therapy, we've done the research for you. Our team consulted psychologists and mental health experts to determine what to look for in a quality provider. We then evaluated more than 50 online therapy platforms and directories, considering factors like insurance acceptance, treatment options, medication management, user reviews and cost per session. Continue reading to discover our top picks for the most affordable online therapy providers of 2025.
Update, May 14, 2025: We checked all service prices and availability. Our pick for the best overall affordable online therapy provider remains unchanged.
Insurance Accepted: Yes | Time until first appointment: One week | States available: All 50 | Types of therapy available: Individual talk therapy, couples therapy, individual teen therapy, medication management for adults
Finding the right therapist for a teenager can be challenging, but the need for accessible, effective care has never been greater. A recent Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Youth Risk Behavior report highlights the rising rates of anxiety, depression and other mental health struggles among teens, making early intervention critical. That’s why Talkspace is our top choice for online teen therapy — it offers flexible, tech-friendly options that meet teens where they are, both in terms of communication and convenience.
Talkspace stands out because it allows teens to choose how they engage in therapy. They can connect with their therapist through live video, text messaging or chat-based therapy, allowing them to express themselves in a way that feels most natural. The ability to message their therapist between sessions also provides continuous support, which can be especially helpful for teens navigating daily stressors.
Another significant advantage is that Talkspace offers medication management for teens needing additional support beyond talk therapy. Appointments are flexible, and since therapy is conducted via smartphone or tablet, teens can access care anywhere they feel comfortable.
Insurance accepted: Yes | Time until first appointment: Varies by location. Ranges from same-day to 2 weeks | States available: All 50 states | Types of therapy offered: Individual, couples, family, psychiatry, children 10+ and teens
If you're looking for comprehensive care suitable for the entire family, our best overall choice, Amwell, is a superb option. This telehealth platform offers various physical and mental health services, including urgent care, pediatrics, women's health, nutrition counseling, therapy and psychiatry.
Therapy sessions are available for adults, couples, families and children between the ages of 10 and 17, and psychiatry visits are available for adults over 18. Providers are board-certified in psychiatry and neurology, licensed psychologists, therapists and counselors.
Amwell doesn't use a subscription model — you pay for services as you go. The cost of therapy varies by the type of provider: You'll pay $109 per session with a master's level therapist and $129 per session with a doctoral-level therapist. Psychiatry sessions cost $279 for the initial visit and $109 for follow-ups. However, what you actually pay may be much lower if you have insurance, as Amwell accepts more than 40 insurance plans.
It's worth noting that Amwell's website isn't the easiest to navigate. Information about out-of-pocket costs and family therapy services is complicated to find. Finding the right therapist can be equally time-consuming as no search filters exist. However, customer service representatives are available by phone 24/7.
Insurance accepted: No | Time until first appointment: Varies by therapist and location | States available: All 50 states and Canada | Types of therapy offered: Individual, couples, family, group, children and teens
Open Path Collective is a nonprofit therapy directive geared exclusively to the underinsured. The collective provides low-cost therapy to people who are uninsured, who can’t afford market rates for therapy sessions and those who have an annual household income below $100,000. Although they specify this requirement on the website, Open Path doesn’t request any financial records and operates on the honor system.
The selection of available services is genuinely comprehensive. Therapists at Open Path have a wide range of specialties, including common areas of focus like anxiety, stress and relationship issues, along with more obscure areas of expertise such as compulsive spending, social media dependence and religious trauma. The list of treatment modalities is equally diverse, with options that include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dance movement therapy, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) and the Gottman Method. On top of that, there are therapists available for all ages — from preschoolers to seniors.
As for pricing, there's a one-time membership fee of $65 and therapy rates are based on a sliding scale. While the exact cost can vary by income level and provider, Open Path outlines a price range so you know what to expect.
Therapy costs vary depending on the provider's credentials. Sessions with a therapist-in-training cost $30. Individual therapy with a licensed mental health provider ranges from $40 to $70 per session, while couples and family therapy with a licensed provider costs between $40 and $80 per session.
Once you sign up, you can search for a therapist in the Open Path directory. It's highly detailed and easy to use. Search filters include location, type (online or in-person), cost, modalities, ages treated, languages spoken, therapist race/ethnicity, specialty areas and treatment orientation.
Open Path also offers online wellness courses for personal use and for individuals who need to take court-ordered classes on topics like anger management, domestic violence and self-esteem. A one-time fee of $5 allows access to the library. Courses are free; you only pay if you need a certificate. Prices are easy to find on the website.
Insurance accepted: Yes | Time until first appointment: 1 week or less | States available: All 50 states | Types of therapy offered: Individual, couples, family, children and teens aged 10 and older, psychiatry
Of all the online therapy platforms I’ve tried, MDLive is the one I recommend most for those with insurance. The telehealth company is a one-stop shop offering comprehensive medical and mental health services. Available services include urgent care, primary doctor visits, psychiatry and therapy sessions for adults, couples, families, teens and children 10 and older.
While the website states therapy sessions last between 45 and 60 minutes, in my experience, every session was at least an hour. Unlike some other virtual therapy platforms, the system doesn’t automatically kick you out after a certain amount of time, and my therapist would regularly go a few minutes over to wrap up our sessions more effectively.
Providers are highly qualified board-certified psychiatrists and licensed therapists with 10 years of experience or more. They cover a variety of mental health conditions, including addiction, anxiety, stress, trauma, depression and PTSD.
Best of all, there’s no price difference between types of therapy; family and couple sessions are priced the same as individual sessions. Plus, it’s affordable. Initial psychiatry visits cost $299, while follow-ups are $159. Talk therapy sessions are $179, with follow-ups at $140. MDLive also accepts insurance, so your out-of-pocket cost may be much less or free, depending on your copay.
Insurance accepted: Yes | Time until first appointment: 1-5 days | States available: All 50 states | Types of therapy offered: Individual, psychiatry, crisis care
Brightside Health is our top choice for online psychiatry because it offers comprehensive, high-quality care, including medication management and therapy. While many online therapy platforms focus solely on talk therapy, psychiatric care goes beyond that. It addresses mental health conditions through evaluation, diagnosis and treatment planning, which may include prescription medication when necessary.
With three flexible plans, Brightside provides standalone psychiatric care for $95 per month, which includes an initial consultation and ongoing medication management. Therapy is available for $299 per month (including four video sessions and unlimited messaging), and a combined therapy and psychiatry plan costs $349 per month.
Brightside accepts insurance, although coverage varies by location. It's in-network with many of the most popular insurance providers, including Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare and Allegiance. Some Medicare and Medicaid plans are also accepted. The website makes it easy to verify whether your insurance is accepted. If not, you can pay out-of-pocket or with FHA/HSA funds.
Beyond traditional psychiatric services, Brightside sets itself apart with its Crisis Care program, a first-of-its-kind, short-term treatment plan for individuals at high risk of suicide. The program ensures patients receive care within 48 hours by a clinician trained in Collaborative Assessment and Management of Suicidality (CAMS). The program includes weekly therapy, continuous risk monitoring and psychiatric consultation for medication support if needed. One downside is that, unlike the rest of Brightside’s services, Crisis Care is only available to select states and those with insurance.
Insurance accepted: No | Time until first appointment: 1 day | States available: All 50 states | Types of therapy offered: Individual
Messaging-based therapy offers a level of accessibility and flexibility that traditional therapy simply can’t match. For those who process thoughts better through writing, need support throughout the week rather than waiting for a scheduled session or have unpredictable schedules, messaging therapy is a convenient way to stay connected with a therapist. That’s precisely why Calmerry is our top pick for the best messaging-based therapy platform — it’s built around unlimited text-based communication, making mental health support more immediate and approachable. Although Calmerry emphasizes messaging, video therapy sessions are also available.
Calmerry has an extensive network of more than 600 licensed providers, including psychologists, social workers, therapists and counselors. Providers have a wide range of specialties with expertise in helping patients with depression, anxiety, OCD, trauma, anger management and relationship issues, to name a few. While some platforms allow you to browse provider bios and choose your therapist, Calmerry matches you based on your initial intake survey. But rest assured, real people do the matching, not a computer algorithm.
Calmerry is often compared to Talkspace, another popular messaging-based therapy service, but it's more affordable and flexible. The platform offers four different subscription plans, allowing users to choose between text-only therapy or a combination of messaging and live video sessions. Pricing starts at $57 per week for unlimited text messaging, while plans that include live video sessions range from $62.50 to $90 per week. Discounts are frequently available, making Calmerry one of the most cost-effective therapy options.
Insurance accepted: No | Time until first appointment: Varies by state | States available: 42 states, Puerto Rico, Canada, Ireland, Australia and the U.K. (Not available in HI, MS, MT, NH, ND, OR, WV, WY and D.C.) | Types of therapy offered: Individual, couples
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one of the most effective and widely used approaches in psychotherapy and has even been called the "gold standard." It provides structured, goal-oriented techniques to help individuals manage anxiety, depression, OCD and other mental health issues. Online-Therapy.com is our top online therapy platform for CBT because it goes beyond traditional talk therapy, offering a comprehensive, structured program designed around this evidence-based approach.
Unlike platforms that simply pair users with CBT-trained therapists, Online-Therapy.com provides an interactive, eight-part CBT program that includes educational videos, therapist-supported worksheets, journaling, an activity planner and even yoga. This multifaceted approach allows users to actively engage with CBT techniques between sessions, reinforcing progress in a way that traditional weekly therapy often doesn’t.
Therapy plans include unlimited messaging with a therapist, with options to add 45-minute live sessions via video, phone or chat. For those who prefer self-paced learning or need a mix of guidance and independent work, this platform provides an ideal balance. Individual and couples therapy are available, with pricing starting at $60 per week for the self-guided program with therapist support and plans going up to $120 per week for multiple live sessions. Prices are discounted by 20% for the first month.
Insurance accepted: No | Time until first appointment: About a week | States available: All 50 states | Types of therapy offered: Life coaching for individual and couples
Life coaching is a structured approach to personal development that helps you set and achieve goals, build confidence and work through challenges in your career, relationships and well-being. Unlike therapy, which focuses on diagnosing and treating mental health conditions, life coaching is future-focused and designed to help you create tangible progress in life.
E-Therapy Cafe is our top choice for life coaching because it offers a unique blend of counseling and coaching. It gives adults access to "life baristas" who are certified life coaches, with most also holding licenses as therapists or counselors. This dual expertise means clients can receive practical guidance while benefiting from emotional support. However, it's important to note that while many baristas are licensed mental health practitioners, they're not licensed in every state and can only legally provide therapy services in states where they hold a license.
The platform provides flexible session formats, including video, phone, live messaging and an e-journal option where clients can submit written journal entries and receive thoughtful responses within 48 hours. While this option is certainly not for everyone, it gives users more flexibility since journal entries don't need to be scheduled like live sessions and may suit those who prefer a more reflective, writing-based approach to coaching.
Sessions are competitively priced at $65 for 30 minutes, with discounted trial sessions available for $55. Clients can also purchase package deals for ongoing support, such as eight sessions for $470 per month or 24 sessions per quarter for $1,320. Evening and weekend availability ensures greater flexibility, and most users can schedule their first session within a few days of signing up.
Insurance accepted: N/A | Time until first appointment: Less than 24 hours | States available: All 50 states | Types of therapy offered: Emotional support groups for a wide range of topics including divorce, grief, codependency and depression
Group therapy provides a sense of community and shared experience that individual therapy often lacks. It can be especially valuable for those dealing with grief, trauma, addiction or life transitions, helping people connect with those in similar situations. That’s why Circles is our best online group therapy option. It offers affordable, 24/7 access to support groups led by licensed mental health professionals, making it one of the most accessible group therapy platforms.
On the Circles platform, you can join groups that align with your needs, covering topics like anxiety, depression, divorce, trauma and codependency. Unlike traditional therapy, Circles allows you the flexibility to participate actively in discussions or simply listen and observe, offering a comfortable way to ease into group support. The option to remain anonymous also ensures privacy, benefiting those hesitant to share their struggles.
Beyond peer support, Circles provides educational seminars that equip participants with actionable tools to improve their mental health. And because the platform operates 24/7, there’s always a space to connect, regardless of time zone or schedule constraints.
Insurance accepted: No | Time until first appointment: Not listed | States available: All 50 states | Types of therapy offered: Individual and couples
Couples therapy helps strengthen communication, deepen connection and build a more resilient relationship. Our Ritual is our favorite option for online couples therapy as unlike traditional couples counseling, which often focuses on resolving conflicts, Our Ritual blends therapy with relationship education, making it an ideal choice for couples looking to proactively invest in their relationship.
What sets Our Ritual apart is its structured, goal-oriented approach. Users choose a “pathway” tailored to specific relationship challenges, such as communication, intimacy or parenting, and follow a guided program with video lessons, journal prompts and exercises. This structured format allows couples to work on their relationship at their own pace while still receiving expert guidance.
Sessions are with licensed relationship experts — including psychologists, marriage and family therapists and clinical social workers. They use evidence-based therapy approaches, such as emotionally focused therapy (EFT) and the Gottman Method. While there are clear elements of traditional couples therapy involved, sessions are typically much shorter at around 20-40 minutes.
Weekly individual sessions cost $128 monthly, while couples sessions cost $208 monthly. There are discounts for buying packages for multiple months.
Another key advantage of Our Ritual is its flexibility. You can engage in sessions individually or with your partner, giving you the option to work on personal growth alongside relationship improvement.
Insurance Accepted: No | Time until first appointment: Not listed | States available: All 50 states and Canada | Types of therapy available: Peer support, talk therapy, messaging therapy
7 Cups is an online platform that provides emotional support through trained volunteer listeners. It offers a free, accessible way for individuals to connect with someone who can lend an empathetic ear, making it a valuable option for those who may not have access to traditional therapy due to financial constraints or other barriers.
The platform allows users to engage in text-based conversations with volunteer listeners who have undergone basic training in active listening and emotional support. These anonymous conversations provide a safe space for users to express their thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment. The service is available 24/7, making it convenient for those who need immediate emotional support but may not require or be ready for professional therapy.
While 7 Cups is an excellent option for those looking for peer support, it is essential to note that volunteer listeners are not licensed therapists and cannot provide professional mental health treatment. For those seeking professional care, the platform offers two paid options that connect users with licensed therapists for online counseling. Unlimited daily messaging with a therapist costs $159 monthly, and adding a weekly talk therapy session costs $299 monthly. The free version remains limited to peer support.
If you're experiencing a mental health crisis or emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately. If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of self-harm, call or text the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) hotline at 800-950-6264 or call or text 988.
The Trevor Project offers a 24/7 suicide prevention and crisis intervention hotline for LGBTQ youth and their loved ones. Call 1-866-488-7386, text START to 678-678 or send a confidential instant message to a counselor through TrevorChat. More resources are available at thetrevorproject.org.
Choosing an online therapy provider is a big decision, so it's worth doing some research first. Some of the key factors to consider include:
Cost: Consider the out-of-pocket price per session, insurance coverage and financial aid options. Some platforms offer sliding-scale rates and additional discounts, like subscriptions or bundled sessions.
Services offered: Are you looking for talk therapy only, or are you interested in psychiatry or medication management? Does the service offer counseling for individuals, or does it also include options for couples, families and groups? Ensure the chosen provider can offer the services you need before signing up.
Treatment modalities offered: Do you need help with depression, anxiety, OCD, substance use disorder or gambling addiction? Look for a provider who is not only trained in your field of need but can also offer treatment plans that incorporate the best modality for your needs, such as CBT, EMDR, EFT or CAMS.
Therapist selection: Can you choose your therapist, or are you matched with one? How easy is switching therapists if it's not the right fit? Consider therapist qualifications, credentials and areas of expertise. Does the platform have a wide range of providers in your area? Finally, diversity is an important consideration. According to clinical social worker Dr. Caroline Fenkel, it may be helpful to find a therapist from the same cultural background as you. "Feeling understood can make a big difference in your therapy experience," she explains.
Therapy session specifics: How is therapy provided? Are sessions live or asynchronous? Does the platform offer sessions via video, phone or messaging? Is there a way to contact your provider in between sessions? How long are therapy sessions? Are sessions available at night or on weekends?
Privacy: "It's important to confirm the provider has strict privacy and confidentiality protocols," says Dr. Espada-Campos. Choose a reputable, HIPAA-compliant company that takes steps to protect your health information.
Selecting the best online mental health providers involved comprehensive research and expert input. To create this list, our team spoke with a panel of psychologists, therapists and other mental health experts to learn more about online therapy and what to look for in a provider.
In our comprehensive evaluation of over 50 online therapy platforms, we assessed each based on cost, services offered, therapy modalities, therapist qualifications, availability of medication management, communication methods and geographic accessibility. We also considered the diversity of therapists and their areas of expertise to ensure coverage of various mental health conditions. Onboarding efficiency, defined as the time between registration and the first appointment, was appraised to ensure prompt access to care. Finally, user reviews were analyzed, and we focused on platforms exhibiting high satisfaction rates.
Online therapy operates through synchronous and asynchronous communication. Synchronous therapy involves real-time interactions between the therapist and client, closely mirroring traditional in-person sessions but conducted virtually. These sessions can be held via video calls, phone conversations or live chats and typically last 30 to 60 minutes.
Asynchronous therapy, on the other hand, involves time-delayed communications. Clients send messages to their therapists through secure online portals, similar to email. Therapists respond within a specified timeframe, often within 24 hours. This format eliminates the need for scheduled appointments, allowing clients to send messages anytime.
Online therapy offers several benefits. Some of the perks include:
Affordability: Online therapy typically costs less than in-person therapy, with rates ranging from around $30 to $110 per session for talk therapy. In comparison, in-person therapy costs, on average, $135-$213 per session, depending on location.
Accessibility: Individuals with limited mobility or who live in remote areas can easily find a therapist and attend sessions. Some people may also have mental health issues that make in-person therapy difficult or stressful, such as those who struggle with agoraphobia, says clinical psychologist Dr. Christina Hong-Huber. Online therapy also provides a greater diversity of providers to clients who may want a therapist with the same cultural or ethnic background, she says.
Convenience: Online therapy is convenient because there's no need for travel or wait times. It's also more private, with no risk of encountering acquaintances.
Comfort: Licensed marriage and family therapist Jason Powell highlights an often-overlooked advantage of online therapy: the comfort it provides. He notes that clients can attend sessions from their couch or bed, perhaps with a blanket or a pet, adding, "Having that familiarity can make a big difference during challenging conversations around relationships, family wounds or trauma."
Finding free online therapy can be challenging, but several resources are available:
Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs): Many employers offer EAPs that provide free therapy sessions. Check with your HR department to see if this benefit is available.
Crisis Text Line: For immediate support, text HOME to 741741 to connect with a trained volunteer crisis counselor. This service is available 24/7 across the U.S.
Therapy Aid Coalition: If you're a first responder or healthcare worker, this organization offers free or low-cost therapy.
Online therapy can benefit many individuals seeking mental health support. Dr. Leonardo Vando, a board-certified psychiatrist, states, "It's great for anyone who needs mental health support and is willing to participate in treatment."
It is particularly suitable for those with limited access to in-person therapy, mobility challenges, busy schedules requiring flexibility or a preference for virtual settings. It's also valuable for those seeking a therapist with a shared culture, background, lived experience or a specific type of therapy or specialty. However, online therapy may not be appropriate for individuals in crisis, those with severe mental illnesses like psychosis or those needing close monitoring or controlled medication management. In such cases, in-person care is recommended.
Yes, online therapists have the same credentials as those who provide in-person therapy. As long as a therapist is licensed in your state, they can provide a diagnosis.
Most mental health conditions can be diagnosed online, says clinical psychologist Dr. Golee Abrishami, but not all. "There are some psychiatric conditions which may be better suited to an in-person assessment," she says. For example, if someone requires a medical evaluation or an MRI.
Research suggests that online therapy is as effective as traditional therapy. A review of 17 studies found that online cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) was more effective at reducing symptoms of depression than conventional therapy. It was also more cost-effective, with similar satisfaction rates.
Another study found that online counseling was highly effective in reducing psychological distress, depression and anxiety.
Although online therapy may offer the same level of expertise and support, it may not provide the same level of personal connection, says Jessica Plonchak, executive clinical director of ChoicePoint. Meeting face-to-face and being physically close to one another can help facilitate a deeper therapeutic relationship. "Ultimately, the effectiveness of therapy depends on how much effort has been put in by both sides."
Thriveworks offers in-person and online therapy with an extensive network of licensed therapists. While it accepts insurance and guarantees quick appointment availability, its out-of-pocket costs are high.
Ours is designed for couples therapy, offering structured relationship programs with guided exercises and licensed professionals. While innovative, it may not be the best fit for individuals seeking ongoing mental health support.
Gay Therapy Center specializes in LGBTQ mental health, offering therapy for individuals and couples. Though it provides dedicated support for LGBTQ clients, pricing is higher than many other online therapy platforms, with sessions ranging between $185 and $250.
NOCD focuses exclusively on treating obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) through evidence-based exposure and response prevention (ERP) therapy. While highly effective for OCD, it's not suited for those seeking general mental health services.
Sesame is a telehealth marketplace that connects users directly with doctors, therapists and mental health providers at transparent, flat-rate prices. While it offers affordable pay-per-session therapy from $94 with no membership required, provider availability varies by location, and insurance is not accepted.
Golee Abrishami, Clinical psychologist and head of clinical care at Octave
Caroline Fenkel, Licensed clinical social worker, chief clinical officer and co-founder at Charlie Health
Raha Mirian, Registered psychotherapist, founder of MindSeed Health
Jessica Plonchak, Executive clinical director of ChoicePoint
Jason Powell, Licensed marriage and family therapist and AASECT-certified sex therapist
Dr. Leonardo Vando, Board-certified psychiatrist and medical director at Mindbloom
Our health content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional on questions about your health.