and start your journey now.
for November 2025
convenient, and comfortable mental health care from a licensed therapist.
Services November 2025
to an online psychiatrist.
- Mental health made simple
- Affordable sessions, accepts insurance
- Next day sessions can be available
- Match with a therapist or psychiatrist
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Combined services of psychiatric intervention with qualified therapists
- Flat monthly rate, free emotional assessment
- Monthly progress check-ins with counselor
- Video, audio, & text with two professionals
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.
- 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.
- Mental health made simple
- Affordable sessions, accepts insurance
- Next day sessions can be available
- Match with a therapist or psychiatrist
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.
| Online | InOffice | |
|---|---|---|
Fast & flexible scheduling | ||
Affordable pricing | ||
Phone sessions | ||
Video sessions | ||
Live-chat sessions | ||
Anywhere on any device | ||
Sessions with a licensed therapist | ||
Personalized treatment plans | ||
In-person visits |
What Is Online Therapy and How Does It Work?
Understanding Online Therapy
Online therapy, also known as teletherapy or virtual therapy, is a method of delivering psychological support through digital platforms. It aims to improve mental well-being, alleviate symptoms of mental health conditions like anxiety and depression, and address their underlying causes. Unlike traditional in-person sessions, online therapy allows patients and licensed therapists to communicate via text, voice messaging, live chat, and video calls.
Benefits of Online Therapy
Accessibility
Online therapy breaks geographical barriers, providing access to mental health services for individuals in remote or underserved areas. It is particularly beneficial for those with mobility issues or tight schedules.
Affordability
Compared to traditional therapy, online therapy often comes at a lower cost. Many platforms offer various pricing plans, making mental health support more financially accessible.
Convenience
With online therapy, sessions can be scheduled at times that suit the patient, including evenings and weekends. This flexibility allows individuals to receive support without disrupting their daily routines.
Our Top 3 Online Therapy Services
In a Nutshell
UpLift offers virtual therapy and psychiatry services, aiming to make mental health care accessible and affordable. With a user-friendly platform, it connects individuals to licensed professionals for various mental health needs across different specializations.
Features
- Mental health made simple
- Affordable sessions, accepts insurance
- Next day sessions can be available
- Match with a therapist or psychiatrist
Pros
- Accepts multiple insurance plans
- Offers both therapy and psychiatry services
- User-friendly online platform
- No subscription fees; pay per session
Cons
- Limited availability across U.S. states
- Some reports of therapist scheduling issues
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
How Online Therapy Works
- Initial Assessment: Patients complete a questionnaire detailing their mental health history, current concerns, and preferences.
- Therapist Matching: Based on the assessment, the platform matches the patient with a suitable licensed therapist. Some services allow patients to choose from a list of available therapists.
- Communication: Patients can communicate with their therapists through various methods, including messaging, phone calls, and video sessions, depending on the chosen plan.
- Ongoing Support: Therapists provide continuous support, coping strategies, and interventions tailored to the patient's needs.
Specializations in Online Therapy
Online therapy platforms offer a wide range of specializations, including:
- Family and relationship counseling
- Anger management
- Child and adolescent therapy
- Treatment for depression, anxiety, OCD, bipolar disorder, and borderline personality disorder
- Grief counseling and trauma therapy
- Support for eating disorders
- Sleep disorder management
- LGBTQ+ affirmative therapy
Accessibility
The best therapy apps allow you to message your online therapist 24/7 without scheduling an appointment, and they’ll respond when they’re available. Anybody with a stable internet connection can use online counselling, making it particularly useful for individuals with reduced mobility or who reside in rural communities.
Qualifications of Online Therapists
Therapists providing online services hold the same credentials as those in traditional settings, including:
- Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC)
- Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW)
- Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT)
- Psychologists (PhD, PsyD)
Cost of Online Therapy
The cost of online therapy varies based on the platform and services offered. Some platforms charge a flat monthly fee, while others offer tiered pricing based on the level of support. Many services accept insurance or offer financial aid to make therapy more affordable.
Choosing the Right Online Therapy Platform
When selecting an online therapy service, consider the following:
- Cost: Ensure the pricing fits your budget and check if insurance is accepted.
- Communication Methods: Determine if you prefer messaging, phone calls, or video sessions.
- Therapist Specialization: Look for therapists who specialize in the areas you need support.
- Platform Usability: Choose a user-friendly platform with reliable customer support.
Is Online Therapy Right for You?
Online therapy is suitable for many individuals seeking mental health support. However, it may not be appropriate for those experiencing severe mental health crises or conditions requiring intensive in-person intervention. In such cases, immediate in-person support is recommended.
Finding an Online Psychiatrist
For those seeking psychiatric services online, consider the following steps:
- Research: Look for platforms offering psychiatric evaluations and medication management.
- Verify Credentials: Ensure the psychiatrist is licensed and experienced in treating your specific condition.
- Check Availability: Confirm the psychiatrist's availability aligns with your schedule.
- Assess Communication Preferences: Determine if the psychiatrist offers your preferred mode of communication.
FAQs
Q1: How do I find the best online psychiatrist near me?
A: Utilize reputable online therapy platforms that match you with licensed psychiatrists based on your location and needs.
Q2: Can online psychiatrists prescribe medication?
A: Yes, many online psychiatrists can prescribe medications, depending on state regulations and the platform's services.
Q3: Is online psychiatric therapy effective?
A: Studies indicate that online psychiatric therapy can be as effective as in-person sessions for various mental health conditions.
Q4: What should I consider when choosing an online psychiatry service?
A: Consider factors like cost, insurance acceptance, therapist qualifications, communication methods, and platform usability.
Q5: Are there online psychiatry services that accept insurance?
A: Yes, some online psychiatry platforms accept insurance. It's essential to verify with the specific platform and your insurance provider.
Controlled Substances and Online Prescriptions
Important Note on Prescriptions for Controlled Substances:
Due to the Ryan Haight Online Pharmacy Consumer Protection Act, medications classified as controlled substances—such as benzodiazepines (e.g., Xanax, Ativan)—typically cannot be prescribed online without an initial in-person medical evaluation. This federal law was designed to prevent misuse and ensure patient safety.
While some exceptions exist—such as during certain public health emergencies or when care is delivered by providers registered under a special telemedicine waiver—these are limited and regulated.
In addition, prescribing controlled substances requires a special DEA license for both the individual provider and the business offering the service. This is distinct from regular online therapy, which typically involves talk therapy and does not include medication management for controlled substances. If you're seeking treatment that involves prescription medications like benzodiazepines, please understand that this will likely require an in-person visit with a qualified healthcare provider.
Disclaimer
BestOnlineTherapyServices.com does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you think you have an emergency, please contact your doctor or a healthcare professional with your local emergency number immediately.