Top 15 Online Therapy and Counseling Programs 2024

Last Update on February 28, 2024 : Published on January 31, 2021
Top-Online-Counseling

The content in this article is thoroughly researched and written based on the extensive testing and reviewing by a reviews team and does not reflect the viewpoints of the Calm Sage editorial team. Calm Sage could receive a commission from product purchased mentioned or featured in this article.

Who is the first person you rush to when you need urgent help?

Or

Who tops your Emergency SOS contact list?

I bet it has to be someone from your family or a close friend! Because they are our comfy pillow whom we just want to lay our head on in times of difficulties.

But, sometimes we need an expert to help us deal with our problems, take care of our mental health, and be the ear you wish to pour your heart out to. Therapy can help us cope with the current situations in a healthy manner thus, helping us be happier.

Taking Online Therapy or Telehealth is becoming Most people Choice. Basically, You assistance from professionals but, unlike clinical setup, getting help on your screen.

Fact Check: Currently, 76 percent of U.S. hospitals connect with patients and consulting practitioners at a distance through the use of video and other technology. 

Let us find out the best online therapy and counseling programs in Detail that are available for us.

Our Top Picks

BetterHelp Winning Points

  • Special Offer 40% Off First Month With “CalmSage” Code
  • Unlimited in-app messaging sessions with a professional therapist
  • Largest pool of licensed therapists (over 25,000 professional therapists)
  • Convenient and easy-to-use mobile app (for iOS and Android)

Overall Score: 9/10

download

Talkspace Key Features

  • All therapists are licensed and background-checked
  • Convenient and easy-to-use mobile app
  • Offer a robust direct-to-consumer therapy service

Overall Score: 8/10

download

Regain Key Features

  • Specializes in relationship counseling
  • All therapists are licensed and experienced
  • Allows couples more flexibility in scheduling sessions

Overall Score: 8/10

download

Best and Affordable Online Therapy Services:

1. BetterHelp: Best Online Therapy Overall


BetterHelp

Pricing: $40/week (has a free 7-day trial)

Mode of Therapy: Chat, Messaging, Phone, Video

Best for: Live Chat Sessions

Mobile App: iOS, Android

BetterHelp is one of the largest online therapy services in the world. With the largest pool of licensed therapists, it provides a wide range of services from family therapists, social workers, counselors, and other professionals. The brownie point is they encourage you to change therapists if the current therapist isn’t a good match.

Disclaimer: As BetterHelp Affiliate, We may receive compensation from BetterHelp or other sources if you purchase products or services through the links provided on this page.

Check Complete Review for Betterhelp

Pros:

  • The therapists encourage live sessions.
  • You are provided with worksheets and homeworks for effective treatment. 
  • The therapy process is well explained. 
  • Allows you to communicate with the therapist through different channels. 
  • Unlimited sessions with a dedicated professional therapist.
  • Convenient and easy-to-use mobile app.
  • Sessions can begin within 24 hours of signup.
  • They offer a 30 day free trial period (which is not usual in traditional therapy).
  • Switching therapists is easy and seamless with no extra cost.

Cons:

  • You don’t get a chance to choose your therapist. 
  • There is only one pricing plan.
  • Sometimes responses from therapists may feel generic.

Book Your First Therapy for Free

2. TalkSpace: Best for Easy Therapy Environment


talkspace

Pricing: $65/week

Mode of Therapy: Messaging, Phone, Video (not available via desktop)

Mobile App: iOS, Android

TalkSpace has its own name in the field of online counseling services. They offer a wide range of treatment services including CBT, mindfulness, psychodynamic therapy, and dialectical behavioral therapy that makes it well-equipped for various mental health issues. The brownie point is that you get regular opportunities to offer feedback. 

Pros:

  • It is a simple and easy to navigate user-friendly website with a simple sign-up process. 
  • A verified licensed counselor helps you pick the right therapist for you. 
  • Communication is available via text messaging, video messaging, and audio messaging. 
  • Flexible plans to meet your needs.
  • Live sessions with your chosen therapist. 

Cons:

  • If you cancel in the middle of the month, you’ll still be billed for the whole.
  • Response time from the therapist may be delayed due to time differences.
  • Doesn’t have a free trial available. 

Sign up for TalkSpace

3. ReGain: Best for Couple Therapy


ReGain

Pricing: $65/week

Mode of Therapy: Chat, Messaging, Phone, Video

Mobile App: iOS, Android

The forte of this online counseling platform is relationships. They help their users to deal with a variety of relationship challenges by selecting their own goals. It offers you the full choice to decide on the counselor you wish to work with on your issues (in terms of age and gender). The brownie point is there are no extra charges for the two-person counseling as compared to the single person and even if you can’t be physically together for a session you can connect through texting.

Pros:

  • The platform is dedicated to relationship counseling, and the professionals are experts in the field.
  • If you want to add your partner to the therapy, it does not charge extra (which makes it cost-effective).
  • Video sessions are encouraged.
  • An individual takes a thorough questionnaire into account that assesses his relationship closely.

Cons:

  • The couple and therapist can’t connect together through video calls (the option is not available as of now).
  • On some occasions, the response time from the counselor can take longer than usual.

Disclaimer: As BetterHelp Affiliate, We may receive compensation from BetterHelp or other sources if you purchase products or services through the links provided on this page.

Sign up for Regain

4. iCounseling : Best for Unlimited Therapist Access


iCounseling.com-logo

Pricing: $60 to $80/week

Mode of Therapy: Chat, Messaging, Phone, Video

Mobile App: iOS, Android

Key Features:

  • All therapists are licensed and experienced
  • 256-bit SSL encryption (ensuring safety)
  • User-friendly platform 

A hub of mental health professionals this online therapy platform offers different ways to connect with the therapist. After filling up a small assessment you will be paired with your therapist. With whom you can connect through chats and phone calls. The team of therapists is certified and experienced. 

Sign up for iCounseling

5. Teen Counseling: Best for Teen Therapy


Pricing: $45/week

Mode of Therapy: Chat, Messaging, Phone, Video

Mobile App: iOS, Android

Key Features:

  • Specializes in counseling teenagers
  • All therapists are licensed and experienced
  • Parents communicate with their child’s therapist independently

Growing up is no less than a zig-zag road to travel on. Teenagers have their own set of problems which could be best addressed by specialists dealing with them. This counseling platform deals with mental issues being faced by individuals between the age brackets 13-19. It provides a teen with a chat room, where they can exchange messages with a counselor and get answers. So, no waiting for booking an appointment here, you can speak with a counselor each time. 

The brownie point is that it offers subscription-based services with no minimum sessions limit attached to it. 

Disclaimer: As BetterHelp Affiliate, We may receive compensation from BetterHelp or other sources if you purchase products or services through the links provided on this page.

Sign up for Teen Counseling

6.  Pride Counselling: Best for LGBTQ Therapy


Pricing: $65/week

Mode of Therapy: Chat, Messaging, Phone, Video

Mobile App: iOS, Android

Key Features:

  • Specializes in serving the LGBTQ community
  • All therapists are licensed and experienced
  • HIPAA compliant

Whatever LBTQ related mental health issues one is facing, this online counseling platform is there to provide a professional, accessible, discreet, and affordable treatment approach. It prioritizes your confidentiality and privacy. Plus, it also offers a secure room for messaging purposes. The brownie point here is if at any point you choose to work with another counselor on your issues, you are free to switch. 

Sign up for Pride Counseling

7. Amwell: Best for Holistic Treatment


Pricing: Varies between $59 and $99 per visit; Psychiatry – $199 for the initial visit, $95 for follow-ups

Mode of Therapy: Online video sessions, phone calls, and messaging

Mobile App: iOS, Android

Key Features:

  • It is accredited by the American Telemedicine Association
  • The platform offers the most number of therapists for your help
  • It also accepts insurance

Amwell has a team of licensed therapists, psychiatrists, and other health care providers to offer you holistic treatment. This online therapy platform has a network of nearly 350+ mental health professionals. You can find therapy for children, teens, and adults all under one roof. The professionals are trained, certified, and experienced. The fact that Amwell is a safe and secure therapy platform that allows you to maintain anonymity makes it a great choice for many. 

Sign up for Amwell

8. Doctor on Demand: Best for single video sessions


doctorondemand logo

Pricing: 129 to $299/session

Mode of Therapy: Video chats

Mobile App: iOS, Android

Key Features:

  • The platform uses your computer’s location to determine the therapist availability. 
  • You get to connect with your therapist within a few minutes so you don’t have to go through the hassle of waiting.
  • They allow you to select a therapist from the available therapists licensed in your area.

A team of licensed professionals from different professionals is available for your help on this platform. Here you can select your appointment first, then see which therapists are available, and then select a therapist. The therapy sessions are booked in 25-55 minute sessions.

They offer different forms of treatment ranging from talk therapy to medical management, ensuring overall wellness. Their system is HIPAA-compliant making it a safe online counseling service provider. 

Sign up for Doctor on Demand

9. 7 Cups of Tea: Best for Group Support


7 Cups of Tea

Pricing: $150/month (also offers free service)

Mode of Therapy: Chat, Messaging, Phone, Video

Mobile App: iOS, Android

Key Features:

  • Get a personalized chat room
  • HIPAA compliant platform
  • Offers help with wide-range of mental health issues

The only community-oriented online therapy platform is 7 Cups of Tea. It offers therapy and counseling services through licensed professionals along with a community of listeners. Unlike licensed professionals, they are the ones who want to help people live better. The brownie point here is that it offers two types of support- one is there 100% free service with a ‘listener’ choice and the other one is a paid service with a certified therapist.

Sign up for 7 Cups of Tea

10. MDLive Counselling: Best for Psychiatric Help


MDLive Counselling

Weekly Price: $99/session

Mode of Therapy: Chat, Messaging, Phone, Video

Mobile App: iOs, Android

Key Features:

  • Offers both counseling and psychiatric services online
  • Provides reimbursement for certain insurance companies
  • It makes use of a collaborative and interactive calendar

This online counseling platform not only provides counseling services but also provides psychiatric help. It lets you take control of deciding a counselor for self-dependence on various demographic details. They have a variety of online counseling services to offer for various mental health conditions. The brownie point is that while a therapist can offer you therapies, psychiatrists can help you by prescribing medication (if you are up for it).

Sign up for MDLive

More Online Therapy Programs Worth Trying:


11. Ginger: Best  for Easy App-Based Approach

ginger online counselling logo

Pricing: Free for content library and chat. For video appointments, prices vary on the basis of insurance. 

Mode of Therapy: Chat and video calls.

Mobile App: iOS, Android

Key Features:

  • They take insurance into consideration
  • They have a catalog of interactive, skill-developing content (for free)
  • Convenient and easy-to-use mobile app

This online mental health support offers free and 24/7 mental health support. The platform is only available via an app. All you have to do is open your app and connect with a behavioural health coach at any time (24/7). However, for a more personalized and deeper level of communication you can have a paid video session with the professional. The app also offers effective exercises for you to practice, making it interactive.

Check More Details

12. Breakthrough: Best for Easy Appointment

Breakthrough

Pricing: $99 per session

Mode of Therapy: Phone, Video, Chat

Mobile App: iOS, Android

Key Features:

  • Video and chat sessions
  • Easy to use appointment scheduler
  • HIPAA compliant

This online therapy platform is acquired by MDLive. The online counseling is provided hereby licensed therapists and clinical social workers. It allows you to choose a therapist depending on the type of therapy you are seeking. They offer an easy-to-use scheduling platform. The brownie point is that it offers around the clock customer support to answer your questions through live chat. 

Check More Details 

13. Online-Therapy.com: Best  for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Online-Therapy.com

Pricing: $47.96/week

Mode of Therapy: Chat, Messaging, and Worksheets

Mobile App: NA

Key Features:

  • All counselors trained in CBT therapy
  • Weekly 30-minute live chat sessions
  • They provide a complete toolbox of resources

The forte of this online therapy website is cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). The idea behind CBT is the identification of thoughts that are causing disturbing feelings and behaviors. The brownie point is they also offer meditation and yoga videos along with CBT. 

Sign up for Online-Therapy.com

14. Manastha: Best for Reclaiming your Inner Harmony


Manastha

Pricing: $60 for a session (depends on the package you opt for)

Mode of Therapy: Chat, Messaging, Phone, Video

Mobile App: NA

Key Features:

  • Offers online healing along with online therapy
  • Around the clock service and assistance
  • Variety of packages to choose from

Manastha definitely offers help with mental health issues through its large pool of mental health professionals. But, that’s not it, this online counseling program also aims to help people find a sense of fulfillment and peace. The brownie point here is, it is more than online therapy, it indeed is a complete process of ‘guidance and healing.’

Sign up for Manastha

15. Now&Me : Best for Peer Support

now and me

Pricing: ₹3/min

Mode of Therapy: In-app Text or Call

Mobile App: iOS, Android

Services Provided Globally

Now&Me is one of the top-rated mental health apps in India. Trusted by over 200,000 users, this app provides expert guidance and support at extremely affordable prices. If you want to talk about depression, anxiety, or relationship issues or meet like-minded people, the Now&Me app has it all.

Key Features: 

  • Chat with top experts who are available 24×7.
  • Access to thoroughly vetted free content to feel less lonely.
  • Join the Now&Me community and get a dose of daily affirmations, guidance, and peer support for free.

Sign up for Now&Me

This was the list of the best online therapy and counseling services available online for our help.

However, we understand, just getting a list of the best counseling services available won’t serve the purpose. There are many questions associated with online mental health counseling that is likely to follow.

Scroll down to find all your answers about online counseling and therapy.

When I say online therapy the first question that is likely to pop in your mind is-

Frequently Asked Question:

Should you Take Online Therapy?

Well, the answer to this is YES! In fact, why not? Shouldn’t taking care of ourselves top the priority chart for all of us? Well, if the reason Self-care does not suffice, here is a list of reason as to why you may consider online counseling as an option:

  • You get licensed mental health professional help at your fingertips
  • Unlike typical clinic settings, you can be in your comfort zone and place
  • You don’t have to wait for months on a waiting list to get an appointment from the best
  • There is a large pool of counselors, psychologists, therapists, psychiatrists, and listeners for you to choose for
  • If you are not comfortable at first sharing our identity, you can take it slow and keep it confidential
  • Instead of waiting for weeks to open up about what is bothering you, online counseling platforms offer around the clock services.
  • You are free to choose appointment time as per your convenience and not the other way round

We hope this list helps you understand that YES you may opt for online counseling services, considering the list of perks it has to offer you over traditional therapy.

The second question that is likely to follow is-

How Effective Online Therapies are?

With the growing wave of online therapy, the effectiveness of it is surely promising. By eliminating numerous barriers that offline therapies have online therapy platforms offer more convenience to communicate freely. Studies have time and again shown that online therapies are as effective as offline therapies.

An interesting study done by Stanford University School of Medicine can help you better to understand the effectiveness and efficiency of online counseling services. This study found that college students who needed a higher level of care for eating disorders were more likely to seek it out after participating in a digital body-image program and working with a coach online via asynchronous messaging through the online therapy company, over face-to-face interaction. Thus, effectiveness shouldn’t be a cause of concern for you.

In addition to this it is important to put light on the fact that historically, mental health care has been stigmatized. However, lately, the tides are changing in a positive direction and online therapy services have played a big role in this change.

NOTE: If your needs for mental health counseling are related to serious issues then seeking more than digital treatment is advised.

Keeping aside the effectiveness the second important concern is-

Is it Safe to Take Online Counseling Programs?

American Psychiatric Association (APA) the guiding body of Psychology and related concepts has developed its own guidelines for online counseling. Their guideline ensures that online therapies offer the same safety to its users as traditional therapies do. You can check these guidelines here. Some of the checks that should be considered are:

  • The Therapist should be licensed
  • The mode of payment should be transparent
  • Check the privacy and confidentiality page
  • Make sure no data is shared with any third-party app

TIP: If a website offers a free trial, do go for it first before paying for the full sessions.

Read More: Let’s Talk About Different Types of Basic Emotions!

How to Find the Best Online Therapy Platforms for Therapist?

With so many online counseling programs available online it definitely becomes difficult to pick one. But, by considering the following factors you can easily pick one of the best online therapies for yourself or your loved ones:

  • Are the therapists licensed?
  • Is the online counseling platform HIPAA compliant?
  • Are their various modes of communication (ranging from chatting to video calls)?
  • Check for the length and frequency of sessions.
  • Are you given personal chat rooms?
  • Do you have the freedom to choose your own therapist?
  • Or can you switch to a new therapist if you face rapport building issues with the previous one?
  • If you are not satisfied with the service offered, what is the refund process?
  • Do they offer insurance coverage?
  • Compare the pricing of different platforms and choose the best.

TIP: Do read the reviews!!!

With that answered! Let us talk business…

How Much Does Online Therapy Cost? (AVERAGE/TYPICALLY)

From the above write-up, one point is clear that depending on your needs and severity of the issue the charges are likely to vary widely. However, on an average a complete session might cost you somewhere between $150- $200, which is far more cost-effective than an office-based therapy. With treatment being as effective as traditional therapy, topped with your comfort. Thus, making online counseling services a win-win for you.

 

Online Counselling Service Best For Weekly Price Mode of Therapy Mobile Application What We Rate Website
BetterHelp Live Chat Sessions $40/week (has a free 7-day trial) Chat, Messaging, Phone, Video Available for both iOS and Android 4.4/5  Visit Website
Online-Therapy.com Cognitive Behavioral Therapy $47.96/week Chat, Messaging, and Worksheets NA 3.9/5  Visit Website
Manastha Reclaiming your inner harmony $60 for a session Chat, Messaging, Phone, Video NA 4.0/5  Visit Website
TalkSpace All purposes $65/week Messaging, Phone, Video (not available via desktop) Available for both iOS and Android 4.5/5  Visit Website
ReGain Couples $65/week Chat, Messaging, Phone, Video Available for both iOS and Android 4.3/5  Visit Website
Breakthrough All-around help $99 per session Phone, Video, Chat Available for both iOS and Android 3.3/5  Visit Website
7 Cups of Tea Being heard $150/month (also offers free service) Chat, Messaging, Phone, Video Available for both iOS and Android 3.9/5  Visit Website
Teen Counseling  Teenagers  $45/week Chat, Messaging, Phone, Video Available for both iOS and Android 4.2/5  Visit Website
 MDLive Counselling Psychiatric Help $99/session Chat, Messaging, Phone, Video Available for both iOS and Android 3.3/5  Visit Website
Pride Counselling LGBTQ+ $65/week Chat, Messaging, Phone, Video Available for both iOS and Android 4.1/5  Visit Website
Now&Me Peer Support ₹3/min In-app Text or Call Available for both iOS and Android 4.1/5  Visit Website

With all this information available to you now the choice is yours to go for online mental health counseling and choose the best online counseling service available for you.

If you have any other questions or queries pertaining to other than the best online counseling websites mentioned above, ask it out in the comment section below. We will be happy to answer it for you.

Also, if you have ever opted for any therapy or online mental health counseling, feel free to share your experience. You might just inspire someone!

Signing off…

More power to you 🙂

More Relevant Articles:

Debunking the Top 10 Myths of Therapy and Online Therapy For You

Eating Disorder Online Support Groups and Where to find them

Online Therapy: Tips On How Can You Make Best Of It

Will Online Therapy Program Work for You?

Best Online Marriage Counseling Programs To Revive The Relationship

About The Author

Anjali Singh
Anjali Singh

Anjali Singh is a content curator in the field of Mental Health. She is currently done Ph.D. in Psychology. Her aim is to light up the world with positive vibes through her words, her idea of life is ‘Grow through what you go through’. Apart from this, she is a big-time pet lover.

10 COMMENTS

  1. Akanksha Soni
    Akanksha Soni

    Thanks! It's really helpful.

  2. Anamika Sinha
    Anamika Sinha

    what a nicely written blog. I am going to try one of these

  3. Forb
    Forb

    Hi Firstly! Great blog. Its precise and honest. For very long I had been searching for online counseling platforms and this blog has provided information about platforms I had been looking for. I am definitely going to try these out.

  4. James
    James

    Thank you for sharing the list of sites where I can find online therapy. During this time it worked as a life savior for me. Also, your blogs are really soothing I love reading them.

  5. Saroj
    Saroj

    This is all at one place kinda blog. Loved it! This list of best online therapies is indeed useful. Also, seeing an Indian platform shows it is well-researched.

  6. Veschilia Roaneszche
    Veschilia Roaneszche

    Woahh, thanks for sharing. This article was quite informative and useful. It is so rare to come through such articles these days. Thanks for sharing.

  7. Shambhavi
    Shambhavi

    Hi, nicely & well - researched blog. Definitely going to try one of these.

  8. janny
    janny

    In this digital world all of these online therapies are helpful.

  9. Akshita
    Akshita

    This list can be very fruitful for a lot of people. I'll love to share it further. Thanks

  10. Nikhil Tevatia
    Nikhil Tevatia

    BetterHelp is the Best Online Therapy Overall in this list must share and recommended.

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