and comfortable mental health care from a licensed therapist.
for December 2025
convenient, and comfortable mental health care from a licensed therapist.
for December 2025
therapy on your terms, on your time.
- 30K+ professional & credentialled therapists
- Affordable therapy for your mental health
- Get 20% off on your first order
This influences where, how and in what order such listings appear on this site.
- Get matched with licensed, Christian therapists from BetterHelp network
- Message anytime, plus live chat & video
- Financial aid if you meet certain criteria
- You decide the level of religion involved
This influences where, how and in what order such listings appear on this site.
- See a therapist within two days
- Book online and meet virtually or in-person
- Use insurance, co-pay as low as $0
- Message your therapist between sessions
This influences where, how and in what order such listings appear on this site.
- Therapy for couples and individuals
- Detailed questionnaire to assess your needs
- 3-way call for couples in separate locations
- Licensed marriage and family therapists
This influences where, how and in what order such listings appear on this site.
- Easy counselor matching
- Change therapists anytime
- 24/7 messaging available
- Flexible options tailored to your needs
This influences where, how and in what order such listings appear on this site.
- Virtual mental health covered by insurance
- 600+ expert psychiatrists
- No subscription fees and flexible booking
- In network with major insurers
This influences where, how and in what order such listings appear on this site.
- Access a large directory of licensed and available online therapists
- Advanced filters to find the right therapist
- Read through therapist profiles and expertise
- Extensive support information and guides
This influences where, how and in what order such listings appear on this site.
- 30K+ professional & credentialled therapists
- Affordable therapy for your mental health
- Get 20% off on your first order
This influences where, how and in what order such listings appear on this site.
Online therapy is a great tool for those looking to improve their mental health by providing accessible and affordable care anywhere, anytime. Compare the benefits of online therapy and how it adapts to your needs.
| Feature | Online Therapy | In-Office Therapy |
|---|---|---|
Fast & flexible scheduling | ||
Affordable pricing | ||
Phone sessions | ||
Video sessions | ||
Live-chat sessions & messaging | ||
Available anywhere on any device | ||
Sessions with a licensed therapist | ||
Personalized treatment plans | ||
Medication management | ||
Group therapy & workshops |
What Is Online Therapy and How Does It Work?
Online therapy—also called virtual counseling or teletherapy—lets individuals access mental health support using digital tools like video calls, phone calls, live chat, or messaging. Instead of commuting to an office, you can connect with a licensed therapist remotely via your device.
Why Online Therapy Has Grown in Demand
People choose therapy online for its accessibility, flexible communication methods, and lower costs. It’s especially helpful for those with limited mobility or living in underserved areas.
Step-by-Step: How Online Counseling Services Work
- Start With a Questionnaire. Answer questions about your goals, background, and current challenges. Sharing optional details like beliefs, identity, or relationship status can help match you to a compatible therapist.
- Get Matched With a Therapist. Platforms either assign a licensed professional based on your profile or let you choose from a list. You can switch therapists anytime if you're not progressing.
- Begin Therapy. Most platforms allow immediate messaging. You can also schedule voice or video sessions, depending on your plan.
- Ongoing Sessions. Choose the pace that suits you—weekly calls, daily messaging, or as-needed check-ins.
What Can You Get Help With Online?
Online counseling services cover a wide range of specializations, including:
- Anxiety, depression, OCD, bipolar disorder
- Anger management and emotional regulation
- Online relationship counseling, divorce, infidelity
- Family, parenting, and child/teen issues
- Gender identity and LGBTQ+ topics
- Spiritual guidance
- Eating concerns: anorexia, bulimia, binge eating
- Insomnia and sleep support
- Grief, loss, and trauma recovery
- Postpartum challenges and chronic pain
Who Are the Therapists?
Online therapists are certified and trained professionals, holding credentials like:
- PhD/PsyD – Clinical Psychologists
- LPC/LPCC – Licensed Professional Counselors
- LCSW/LMSW – Licensed Clinical Social Workers
- LMFT – Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists
All are approved to provide care based on your state’s regulations.
Our Top 3 Online Therapy Services
In a Nutshell
BetterHelp is a 100% online therapy platform, with over 30,000 licensed therapists serving clients globally. The site matches you with a therapist who can help you with issues like depression, anxiety, bereavement, and more. Its standard membership includes weekly 1-to-1, 30-minute sessions, messages, live chat, and group webinars. Prices are affordable compared to traditional therapy, and you can access BetterHelp on any device.
Features
- 30K+ professional & credentialled therapists
- Affordable therapy for your mental health
- Get 20% off on your first order
Most Popular Products
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Pros
- Quick matching to licensed therapists based on your needs
- High availability of therapists
- Caters to a wide variety of groups (LGBTQIA+, Christian, teens, etc.)
- Change therapists easily
- Video and phone sessions, live chat, message your therapist anytime
- Anywhere, anytime therapy with the iOS and Android apps
Cons
- Standard weekly video sessions are only 30-45 minutes
- Therapists can’t diagnose illnesses or prescribe medication
- BetterHelp can’t substitute face-to-face therapy in every case
In a Nutshell
Faithful Counseling is a good solution for anybody looking for a blend of traditional and spiritual therapy. One of the best aspects of the platform is being able to decide for yourself, with the help of your therapist, the role you want faith to play in your sessions. The well-thought-out questionnaire and large network of 6,000 licensed therapists also mean you’re likely to find the right counselor for you in a very short period of time. Faithful Counseling’s therapists blend empirically validated therapy with Biblical wisdom and religious perspective to respond to a large number of issues, from grief or anger counseling to stress, anxiety, and depression. The pricing is on par with competitors, and financial aid is available for those who need it. If you’re looking to benefit from therapy that will work with, rather than against your spiritual beliefs, Faithful Counseling may be right for you.
Features
- Get matched with licensed, Christian therapists from BetterHelp network
- Message anytime, plus live chat & video
- Financial aid if you meet certain criteria
- You decide the level of religion involved
Most Popular Products
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Pros
- Licensed, Christian therapists from the BetterHelp network
- Message anytime, plus live chat & video
- Financial aid available for those who meet certain criteria
- Choose to what degree religion will be involved in your therapy
- Short and quick, but relatively thorough questionnaire
Cons
- No customer chat or phone support
- Prices may vary based on your location and preferences
In a Nutshell
Grow Therapy is an online therapy platform with 6,000+ licensed therapists across the US. It connects you with therapists who can help with 30+ specialties—from anxiety and depression to ADHD, addiction, and more.
Features
- See a therapist within two days
- Book online and meet virtually or in-person
- Use insurance, co-pay as low as $0
- Message your therapist between sessions
Most Popular Products
Pros
- Accepted by most major insurance providers and affordably priced
- Highly qualified therapists with 12+ years experience on average
- See a therapist within two days
- Talk therapy and medical treatments for 30+ specialties
- Virtual or in-person sessions
- Smooth scheduling and billing processes
Cons
- Cash rates can be expensive without insurance coverage
- No mobile app
Online Therapy Costs Explained
Common Pricing Models
- Flat monthly fee – Includes messaging and sessions
- Pay-per-session – Used by some platforms
- Extra charges – May apply for video or voice calls
Payment Options
- Some platforms accept insurance
- Others offer Medicaid-compatible plans
- Financial aid may be available
- Free tools exist but usually offer self-guided programs only
Why Choose Therapy Online?
- Affordability-Online options often cost less than in-person sessions and include more communication modes.
- Accessibility-Anyone with internet access can use online counseling, even in rural or underserved areas.
- Flexibility-Therapists can reply via messaging, and many platforms let you schedule live sessions at your convenience.
- Comfort-Express yourself through the method you prefer—text, audio, or video—from a familiar environment.
Choosing the Right Online Therapy Platform
Ask yourself:
- What’s included in the pricing plan?
- Does the platform offer features like journaling or mood tracking?
- Do you want to use your phone, computer, or both?
- Is the app interface clear and easy to use?
How to Choose the Right Online Therapist
Match to Your Needs
Pick someone experienced in the issues you're facing, whether it’s anxiety, relationships, or trauma.
Evaluate Comfort
If you're not comfortable with your therapist, ask for a switch. It often takes trying 2–3 therapists to find the right fit.
Confirm Licensing
Make sure your therapist is licensed in your state and meets the platform’s credential checks.
Understand the Approach
Some use cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT); others use mindfulness-based or solution-focused techniques. Discuss your preferences.
Check Availability
Choose someone who can work with your schedule and responds in a timeframe that suits your communication needs.
In Case of Emergency
Online therapy is not suitable if you’re facing an urgent mental health situation. Please call:
911 for emergencies
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
Whether you're exploring therapy for the first time or returning after a break, online therapy offers flexible, modern mental health support that fits into your lifestyle. From relationship challenges to stress or anxiety, online counseling services make it easier to take that first step.