Verbatim response from Perplexity
The cost of online therapy per month varies significantly depending on the platform, the type of service (subscription vs. per-session), and whether you have health insurance.
Here is a general breakdown of monthly costs for popular online therapy options:
1. Subscription-Based Models (Monthly Packages)
These platforms typically charge a flat weekly or monthly fee that includes messaging, video sessions, and sometimes additional tools.
- BetterHelp:
- Without Insurance: Approximately $280 – $400 per month (based on weekly rates of $70–$100).
- With Insurance: Costs vary; some users pay as little as ~$92 per month (e.g., with a $23 copay for 4 sessions).
- Talkspace:
- Without Insurance: Approximately $276 – $436 per month.
- Messaging only: ~$69/week ($276/month).
- Video + Messaging: ~$99/week ($396/month).
- Video + Messaging + Workshops: ~$109/week ($436/month).
- Couples therapy starts at $436/month.
- With Insurance: Copays average $25 or less per session, potentially making the total monthly cost very low if covered. Some insured members have $0 copays.
- Without Insurance: Approximately $276 – $436 per month.
- Online-Therapy.com:
- Without Insurance: Starts at $48 per week, which is roughly $192 per month (often discounted for the first month to ~$154/month).
- Calmerry:
- Without Insurance: Starts at $50 per week (
$200/month) for text therapy, up to $90 per week ($360/month) for live video plans.
- Without Insurance: Starts at $50 per week (
- Ritual:
- Individual Therapy: Starts at $144 per month.
- Couples Therapy: Starts at $240 per month.
2. Per-Session Models (Pay as You Go)
These platforms charge a fee for each individual session. You pay only for the sessions you attend.
- Octave Therapy:
- With Insurance: Average cost is $28 per session. If you see a therapist once a week, the monthly cost is roughly $112.
- Without Insurance (Out-of-Pocket): Starts at $170 per session (individual) or $190 (couples). One session per week would cost ~$680–$760 per month.
- Doctor On Demand:
- With Insurance/Employer: Many users pay $0 per session.
- Without Insurance: Starts at $134 per session. Four sessions a month would cost ~$536.
- Open Path Psychotherapy Collective:
- Cost: $30 – $70 per session (plus a one-time $65 membership fee).
- Monthly Estimate: For 4 sessions/month, the cost is $120 – $280 (excluding the one-time fee).
3. Key Factors Influencing Cost
- Insurance Coverage: This is the biggest variable. Many platforms (Talkspace, Doctor On Demand, BetterHelp) accept insurance, which can reduce your cost to a standard copay (often $0–$30) or even free coverage.
- Frequency: Subscription models are often better if you see a therapist weekly. Per-session models are better if you only need occasional support.
- Financial Aid: Platforms like BetterHelp offer financial aid programs that can lower subscription costs.
Summary Estimate:
- Low Cost (With Insurance): $0 – $50/month (depending on copay).
- Average Cost (Without Insurance, Subscription): $200 – $400/month.
- High Cost (Without Insurance, Per-Session): $500 – $800/month (for weekly sessions).
Note: Prices listed are estimates based on data available in 2026 and may fluctuate based on region and specific therapist credentials.