Short answer: it depends a lot. Monthly costs typically range from about $0 (free/EAP/Medicaid) up to $1,000+ (private weekly therapy). A useful rule of thumb is to think in per-session terms and multiply by how often you plan to meet. Typical cost breakdown (approximate): Independent licensed therapists (private pay): $75–$250+ per 50‑minute session. Weekly sessions = about $300–$1,000+ per month. Good if you want continuity with a local or specialized clinician. Insurance / in‑network teletherapy: $0–$50 per session (copay) or coinsurance until your deductible is met. Costs vary by plan; call your insurer or search in‑network providers. Subscription online therapy platforms: BetterHelp — roughly $240–$360/month for weekly live sessions + unlimited messaging; large network and flexible messaging-based support. Talkspace — roughly $260–$450/month depending on plan; offers therapy and psychiatry options. Calmerry — typically lower than some competitors (varies by plan); budget-friendly message-plus-session model. These give convenience and more predictable monthly pricing than per‑session private pay. Medication management / telepsychiatry platforms: Cerebral, Talkspace Psychiatry, Amwell Psychiatry — prices vary; if covered by insurance, copays apply. Without insurance expect monthly fees for telemed visits and meds (can be $90–$300+/month depending on visits/medication). Lower‑cost / sliding scale options: Open Path Collective — $30–$60 per session for qualifying people. Community mental health centers, university training clinics, sliding‑scale private clinicians — often $0–$80 per session. Group therapy or peer groups — often $10–$50/week. App-based tools (not a licensed therapist but helpful/cheap): Woebot, Wysa, Youper — typically $8–$30/month for premium plans; good for CBT-style coaching or crisis tools but not a substitute for therapy when you need a licensed clinician. Other notes: Employer EAPs often provide a small number (typically 3–8) of free therapy sessions. If you have Medicare/Medicaid, teletherapy coverage and costs vary by program and state—check your plan. Many platforms and therapists offer financial aid or sliding scales; ask upfront. If you tell me (1) whether you have insurance, (2) how often you want sessions, and (3) whether you prefer messaging, video, or in‑person, I can estimate a more specific monthly cost and suggest the best options for your budget.
Read full answer with sources →Best Online therapy
Virtual therapy and psychiatry platforms matching patients with licensed clinicians.
As of Aug 6, 2026, the Online therapy brands AI engines recommend most are Talkspace, BetterHelp, and Cerebral. Talkspace leads with 87% AI visibility across ChatGPT, Claude, Perplexity, and Google AI.
| # | Brand | AI visibility | Trend | Avg position | Mentions | History |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 86.7% | steady | 2.6 | 52 | ||
| 2 | 80.0% | steady | 2.5 | 48 | ||
| 3 | 35.0% | ▲ 8.3 pp▲ 2 places | 4.1 | 21 | ||
| 4 | 30.0% | ▼ 3.3 pp▼ 1 place | 5.6 | 18 | ||
| 5 | 23.3% | ▼ 10.0 pp▼ 1 place | 4.2 | 14 | ||
Unlock the full Online therapy leaderboard 244 more ranked brands, plus every other category. Free, one email, no spam. | ||||||
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Selling online therapy? See the answers you are losing.
The free AI Visibility Audit maps every question above to your brand: where you show up, where competitors win, and which sources decide it.
Visibility by engine
Share of each engine's answers mentioning the brand, latest day.
| Brand | ChatGPT | Claude | Perplexity | Google AI |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Talkspace | 93% | 87% | 73% | 93% |
| BetterHelp | 87% | 87% | 60% | 87% |
| Cerebral | 20% | 73% | 13% | 33% |
| Amwell | 60% | 0% | 13% | 47% |
| Psychology Today | 40% | 33% | 0% | 20% |
| Brightside Health | 40% | 20% | 13% | 13% |
| Open Path Collective | 40% | 40% | 7% | 0% |
| Online-Therapy.com | 7% | 0% | 33% | 33% |
Most cited sources
The sites AI engines lean on when answering online therapy questions. This is where AI visibility is won.
- reddit.com114
- helpguide.org94
- talkspace.com86
- healthline.com80
- betterhelp.com70
- growtherapy.com61
- pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov55
- youtube.com36
Tracked buyer intent questions
The full set of 15customer questions for this category. Three run each day in rotation, so the whole set is covered every five days. Today's three are highlighted.
- discoveryI think I need therapy but cannot afford 200 dollars per session. What are my options?
- discoveryWhat are the best online therapy platforms in 2026?
- qualifiedWhich online therapy platforms take insurance?
- validationDoes online therapy actually work as well as in person therapy?Today
- pricingHow much does online therapy cost per month?Today
- qualifiedWhat is the best online therapy for anxiety?Today
- qualifiedHow do I find a therapist quickly without a long waitlist?
- qualifiedWhat is the best online psychiatry service for medication management?
- comparisonOnline therapy platforms vs mental health apps: what is the difference?
- pricingWhat are the best affordable therapy options without insurance?
- validationHow do I know if an online therapist is licensed and legit?
- qualifiedWhat is the best online couples therapy?
- qualifiedWhat is the best online therapy for teenagers?
- validationCan I switch therapists easily on online therapy platforms?
- qualifiedWhat is the best online therapy for depression that includes medication support?
Recent AI answers
The “best” online therapy for anxiety depends on what you need (evidence‑based CBT vs. ongoing coaching, whether you need medication, insurance coverage, budget, preference for video vs. text). Below are top options by common priorities, with brief reasons: BetterHelp — large national network, flexible messaging/video/phone sessions, generally quick matching and affordable subscription pricing. Good if you want easy access to licensed therapists and flexible communication. Not typically covered by insurance. Talkspace — similar to BetterHelp with strong messaging features and option for live video; also offers psychiatry in some states. Good if you prefer messaging-based therapy and want the option of medication management. Brightside Health — focuses specifically on anxiety and depression using evidence‑based protocols (CBT) and offers integrated therapy plus medication management. Good if you want a program explicitly built for anxiety with measurable outcomes. SonderMind — emphasizes matching you to a dedicated licensed therapist and works with many insurance plans. Good if you want in-network coverage and consistency with one clinician. Doctor On Demand (now part of Amwell) — offers licensed therapists and board‑certified psychiatrists and accepts many insurances. Good if you want telepsychiatry/therapy under your insurance. Spring Health / Ginger (Headspace Health) — typically available as employer‑provided benefits; fast access to coaching, therapy, and psychiatry. Good if your employer covers it and you want rapid intake. Apps to complement therapy: Headspace or Calm for mindfulness and stress reduction (not a substitute for therapy); SilverCloud or other guided CBT programs for self‑help. How to choose: Prioritize evidence‑based CBT/ERP for most anxiety disorders. If you may need meds, choose a service with psychiatry/med management (Brightside, Doctor On Demand, Talkspace/Cerebral depending on state). Check therapist credentials, specialties (anxiety, OCD, trauma), and whether the platform allows switching therapists. Consider insurance coverage, cost, communication format (video vs. text), and availability in your state. Try platforms’ trial sessions or initial matching to see fit. Safety note: if you are in crisis or are thinking of harming yourself, contact local emergency services or a crisis line (US: 988) right away. If you tell me your priorities (insurance, budget, need for meds, preference for video vs text, or specific anxiety type like panic/OCD), I can recommend the single best match for your situation.
Read full answer with sources →Online Therapy Costs Per Month The cost varies widely depending on the platform and your needs: Popular Platforms & Pricing BetterHelp – ~$240–$360/month (4 sessions), billed weekly at $60–$90/week Talkspace – ~$276–$436/month depending on plan (messaging + video options) Cerebral – ~$85–$325/month (good for medication management too) Brightside – ~$95–$349/month (specializes in anxiety/depression) Teladoc – ~$99 per session, pay as you go Ways to Reduce Costs Insurance: Many platforms now accept insurance, which can drop costs significantly BetterHelp offers financial aid for qualifying users Open Path Collective offers sessions for $30–$80 for lower-income individuals FSA/HSA accounts can often be used for therapy costs Key Considerations With insurance, you may only pay a copay ($20–$50/session) Messaging-only plans are cheaper but less effective for some people Video sessions are generally more comparable to in-person therapy Recommendation: Check if your insurance covers Talkspace or Teladoc first — that's usually the most affordable route if you have coverage. Would you like help choosing based on a specific concern?
Read full answer with sources →Best Online Therapy Options for Anxiety Here are the top recommendations: Best Overall BetterHelp - Largest network of licensed therapists, easy matching process, and affordable subscription pricing (~$60-100/week). Great for ongoing anxiety treatment with flexible messaging and video sessions. Best for Structured Treatment Talkspace - Offers evidence-based CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), which is highly effective for anxiety. Also accepts many insurance plans, making it more affordable. Best for Medication + Therapy Cerebral - Combines therapy with psychiatric care, so you can get anxiety medication prescribed and managed alongside counseling. Best Budget Option Open Path Collective - Significantly reduced rates ($30-80/session) for those without insurance coverage. Best for Self-Guided Support Calm or Headspace - Not therapy, but excellent for anxiety management through meditation and mindfulness at low monthly costs. Quick Tips for Choosing Check insurance coverage first (Talkspace and Cerebral often accept it) Look for CBT-trained therapists specifically for anxiety Read therapist bios carefully to find anxiety specialists If your anxiety is severe, consider consulting a doctor alongside online therapy for a comprehensive treatment plan.
Read full answer with sources →The cost of online therapy can vary significantly depending on several factors, but generally, you can expect to pay between $60 and $150 per week for individual therapy sessions. This translates to roughly $240 to $600 per month. Here's a breakdown of what influences the cost and some specific examples of providers: Factors Affecting Cost: Provider Type: Licensed Therapists (LMFTs, LCSWs, LPCs): These are typically the most expensive but offer specialized care. Psychologists (PhDs, PsyDs): Often the highest cost due to their extensive training. Psychiatrists (MDs): Usually charge the most as they can prescribe medication. Their services might focus more on medication management. Trainee Therapists or Therapists with Less Experience: May offer lower rates. Session Length and Frequency: Most sessions are 45-60 minutes. If you opt for more frequent sessions, your monthly cost will increase. Platform/Service: Different online therapy platforms have different pricing structures. Some offer subscription models, while others charge per session. Location: While online, some providers may adjust rates based on their location or the client's location (though this is less common with established platforms). Insurance Coverage: This is a HUGE factor. Many insurance plans cover a portion or all of online therapy costs. Sliding Scale Fees: Some therapists and platforms offer sliding scales, where the cost is adjusted based on your income. Examples of Online Therapy Providers and Their General Pricing: BetterHelp: This is one of the largest online therapy platforms. Cost: Typically around $60-$90 per week (billed monthly, so approximately $240-$360 per month). This fee usually covers unlimited messaging with your therapist and one live session per week (your therapist determines the exact format). Why Recommend: They offer a wide network of therapists and a convenient matching process. They also have a financial aid program for those who qualify. Talkspace: Another very popular and established online therapy service. Cost: Pricing varies by plan, but generally ranges from $69-$99 per week (billed monthly, so approximately $276-$396 per month). Their plans often include unlimited messaging and a live video session per week or month, depending on the tier. Why Recommend: They offer various plans including individual therapy, couples therapy, and even therapy for teens. They have a large network of licensed professionals. Cerebral: This platform focuses on mental health and can include therapy and/or medication management. Cost: Therapy-only plans can start around $85-$100 per month for unlimited messaging, and live sessions are often an additional charge or included in higher-tier plans. Their pricing can be a bit more complex and may include medication management services. Why Recommend: They offer a comprehensive approach if you might also benefit from medication management. Lyra Health: This is often an employer-sponsored benefit, so the cost to you as an individual could be very low or even free. Cost: Varies widely depending on employer benefits, but often results in no out-of-pocket cost for the employee. Why Recommend: If your employer offers Lyra Health, it's an excellent and affordable option to explore first. Individual Private Practice Therapists: Many licensed therapists now offer online sessions through platforms like Zoom, Doxy.me, or their own websites. Cost: This can range from $100 to $200+ per session, meaning $400 to $800+ per month. However, many offer sliding scales. Why Recommend: You might find a therapist with very specific expertise that aligns with your needs. You also build a direct relationship with your provider. Important Considerations: Insurance: Always check if your insurance plan covers online therapy. Many plans now do, significantly reducing your out-of-pocket costs. You'll want to understand your co-pay or deductible. Free Trials/Initial Consultations: Some platforms offer free initial consultations or discounts for the first month. No Insurance? Look for platforms that offer sliding scales or consider therapists who are in training or have lower rates. To get the most accurate pricing, it's best to visit the websites of the platforms or individual therapists you're interested in and check their specific pricing pages or contact them directly.
Read full answer with sources →The "best" online therapy for anxiety can be highly personal, as it depends on your specific needs, preferences, and budget. However, several platforms are consistently well-regarded for their quality, accessibility, and effectiveness in treating anxiety. Here are a few top recommendations, along with why they stand out: For a Comprehensive and High-Quality Experience: Talkspace: Why: Talkspace offers a wide range of licensed therapists, including those specializing in anxiety disorders like GAD, social anxiety, and panic disorder. You can choose your therapist based on specialization, gender, and even their therapeutic approach (like CBT or DBT, which are very effective for anxiety). They offer various communication methods, including live video sessions, phone calls, text messaging, and audio messages, giving you flexibility. The platform is user-friendly and generally well-reviewed for its therapist matching and support. BetterHelp: Why: Similar to Talkspace, BetterHelp connects you with licensed therapists who can address anxiety. They emphasize a personalized approach to matching you with a therapist based on your reported needs. They offer live video sessions, phone calls, and messaging. BetterHelp is often praised for its affordability and accessibility, making it a great option if budget is a primary concern. For Specific Therapeutic Approaches or More Structure: Amwell (American Well): Why: Amwell is a well-established telemedicine platform that also offers mental health services. They have a large network of therapists and psychiatrists. While they offer general therapy, they are also known for their structured programs and the ability to connect with psychiatrists for medication management if needed, which can be beneficial for some anxiety conditions. Cerebral: Why: Cerebral focuses on a more integrated approach, combining therapy with potential medication management, especially for conditions like anxiety and depression. If you're open to a multidisciplinary approach and want to explore both therapeutic and pharmacological options under one roof, Cerebral is a strong contender. They offer online therapy sessions and can prescribe medication if appropriate. For Budget-Conscious Options or Specific Needs: Online-Therapy.com: Why: This platform is specifically designed around Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), a highly effective treatment for anxiety. They offer a structured program that includes weekly live therapy sessions, messaging with your therapist, a journal, worksheets, and progress tracking. The all-in-one package can be very beneficial for individuals who respond well to CBT and appreciate a guided experience. They also offer more affordable pricing than some of the larger platforms. Important Considerations When Choosing: Therapist Specialization: Ensure the therapist you choose has experience and expertise in treating anxiety disorders. Look for terms like "anxiety specialist," "CBT," "DBT," or "trauma-informed therapy." Therapeutic Approach: Different therapeutic approaches work better for different people. CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) and DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) are two of the most evidence-based for anxiety. Communication Style: Do you prefer live video sessions, phone calls, or asynchronous messaging? Most platforms offer a mix, but some might lean more heavily on one. Cost and Insurance: Online therapy costs can vary significantly. Check if the platform accepts your insurance or if they offer sliding scale fees. Licensing and Credentials: Ensure all therapists are licensed and in good standing in your state. Your Comfort Level: Ultimately, the most important factor is finding a therapist you feel comfortable and safe with. Many platforms allow you to switch therapists if the initial match isn't right. It's highly recommended to read recent reviews for any platform you're considering and take advantage of any introductory offers or initial consultations to see if it's a good fit for you.
Read full answer with sources →