Written by LaKeisha Fleming, Fortune Recommends Writer
The COVID-19 pandemic opened the floodgates for online video communication, which has helped normalize remote appointments with therapists, psychiatrists, and counselors. (1)
In 2020, 31% of Americans met remotely with a doctor or mental health professional. That number rose to 38% a year later. For some platforms, the increase has been even more pronounced. (2) In May 2020, 74% of mental health appointments booked on Zocdoc were virtual, soaring to 87% by May 2022. (3) Even older adults are moving to virtual, considering telehealth use increased by almost 20% among adults aged 70 and older since the pandemic. (4)
These trends strongly suggest that more people are comfortable obtaining mental health care without meeting a therapist in person. “A silver lining of the pandemic was improved access to meeting consumers literally where they are,” said therapist Rychel Johnson. “Now it’s easier than ever to get online and meet, opening access for more providers and consumers alike.”
Online-Therapy.com provides mental health care for individuals and couples from licensed therapists who offer solutions based on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a type of talk therapy centered on making positive changes in thinking and behavior. (5)
Key product features
What you should know
- Online-Therapy.com offers three pricing options to fit your budget and a discount for the first month of service, making it more accessible and affordable for individuals seeking mental health support by providing a cost-effective introduction to their therapy programs.
- You can communicate with a therapist through live sessions or unlimited texting, allowing you to select the mode of communication that best suits your comfort level and schedule.
- Online-Therapy.com doesn’t accept insurance, meaning that all therapy services costs are out-of-pocket. However, it strives to keep its pricing competitive and offer financial assistance to make its services more accessible.
- You can apply for financial aid if you’re lower income, a student, or a veteran, providing additional support to those needing financial assistance to access quality mental health care and ensuring that cost is not a barrier to receiving help.
- Each subscription offers messaging with a therapist, an activity plan, access to videos, a daily journal, and other tools to help you succeed. This provides a comprehensive suite of resources designed to support your mental health journey and enhance the effectiveness of your therapy.
What is Online-Therapy.com?
Online-Therapy.com is a comprehensive telehealth platform that offers cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) options for individuals seeking help with various mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, stress, and relationship problems.
The platform provides a structured, step-by-step program that includes a variety of tools, such as worksheets, journals, and live sessions with licensed therapists. The primary focus of Online-Therapy.com is to deliver effective, evidence-based therapy through an accessible and user-friendly online interface, making mental health support available to anyone with an internet connection.
In addition to individual therapy, Online-Therapy.com offers various resources to enhance the therapeutic process. These resources include daily activity plans, yoga and meditation videos, and access to a personal therapist who provides regular feedback and support.
The platform emphasizes affordability and flexibility, offering three subscription options that cater to different needs and budgets.
How does Online-therapy.com work?
During sign-up, you select individual or couples therapy and complete a questionnaire to identify your therapy needs. You then have to answer several additional questions, such as your age and the preferred gender of your therapist and create an account before you can proceed.
After creating an account, you choose the subscription plan that works best for you. Our tester was a little surprised to have to pay for the plan without seeing their provider options.
After paying, you gain access to the online therapy program and therapy tools and are assigned a therapist based on the profile information you provided. If the therapist you’re matched with isn’t a good fit, you can switch providers through a button on your dashboard.
With individual therapy, the basic therapy subscription doesn’t offer live therapy sessions like the standard and premium plans do. Depending on your plan, Online-Therapy.com offers several ways to connect with your therapist.
Live video therapy sessions
Suppose you select the Standard or Premium subscription plans. In that case, you can access live video therapy sessions, which offer face-to-face interaction with your therapist from the comfort of your home. Scheduling these live sessions is straightforward; you can simply click the dedicated button on your dashboard to book and start the session at the scheduled time. This management of sessions in one location is particularly beneficial for users who may find navigating technology and online platforms difficult.
Each live video therapy session lasts 45 minutes, providing ample time to discuss concerns and work through your therapeutic exercise with your therapist.
Live chat sessions
If seeing your therapist face-to-face seems daunting, you can opt for live chat sessions. These sessions offer a less intimidating alternative while still allowing real-time communication with your therapist. They are also 45 minutes long and conducted through a text-based interface, which some users might find more comfortable and convenient.
Accessing these sessions is easy. You click the session button on your account dashboard to direct you to the chat interface, where you can engage in a real-time conversation with your therapist. This option is ideal for those who may feel anxious about video calls or prefer the anonymity that text communication can provide.
Live phone sessions
If you prefer talking on the phone, you can schedule a 45-minute live phone session with your therapist, offering another flexible option for receiving therapy. Unlike traditional phone calls, your therapist will not call your phone number; instead, you use your smartphone or any other device to connect to the web-based phone session through the Online-Therapy.com platform.
This method ensures privacy and security while allowing you to benefit from auditory interaction with your therapist. It can be particularly helpful for those who feel more comfortable expressing themselves verbally without the added pressure of video.
Couples therapy sessions
Along with individual therapy, Online-Therapy.com offers online couples counseling, providing a structured approach to address relationship issues and improve communication between partners. (6)
The couples therapy plan includes a weekly session with a licensed therapist, where both partners participate together to work on their relationship dynamics. Additionally, each person has access to their online therapy program, including activities, a daily journal, and other supportive tools designed to enhance the therapeutic process. This approach allows couples to work on their issues both together and individually. (7)
Addressing relationship concerns alongside the partner in couples sessions and processing needs individually can help partners address needs from multiple perspectives. “Even in couples therapy, certain topics are difficult to discuss with both parties present,” Johnson says. “Individual therapy alongside couples work can encourage deeper emotional processing.”
Couples therapy costs $88 per week, with a 20% discount for the first month. Thus, it’s a cost-effective solution for those seeking professional help to strengthen their relationships.
Who is Online-Therapy.com right for?
Online-Therapy.com can be an excellent option for various individuals and couples looking for accessible, affordable, and structured mental health support. Here are some specific groups who might find Online-Therapy.com particularly beneficial:
- Individuals seeking CBT: This is ideal for people who prefer evidence-based treatment approaches and are looking for a structured therapy program to change negative thought patterns and behaviors.
- People with busy schedules: Individuals who find it difficult to attend in-person therapy sessions due to work, school, or family commitments. This is also great for users who need the flexibility to schedule sessions at convenient times.
- Residents in remote or underserved areas: People living in rural or remote areas with limited access to local mental health professionals would benefit from using Online-Therapy.com. Additionally, those in areas where mental health services are scarce or have long waiting lists. (8)
- People needing continuous support: This platform benefits individuals who need access to a therapist between sessions through messaging. It’s also great for people who need additional resources, like worksheets, journals, and activity plans, to support their therapy.
- Anxiety and depression sufferers: Online-Therapy.com is ideal for users experiencing anxiety or depression who need accessible and consistent support, as well as those looking for specialized programs to address these specific mental health issues. (9)
A huge benefit of online therapy is being able to receive therapy in the place where you’re most comfortable and at ease. Teletherapy has added perks for older adults.
Online therapy could appeal to older adults because it allows them to access care in their own homes without the need for travel and transportation, which can be a struggle for some. If an older adult has mobility issues or health conditions that make traveling to appointments difficult, teletherapy can reduce those barriers by having therapy where it is convenient for you.
With Online-Therapy.com, you can conduct live therapy sessions in a way that works for you. You can use the chat live therapy option if you prefer not to be seen on camera or don’t want to speak directly with a therapist.
Who should seek an alternative to Online-Therapy.com
While Online-Therapy.com is reasonably priced, the platform doesn’t accept insurance. If you’re looking for an online therapy platform that accepts insurance, we recommend you try Brightside or Talkspace.
Therapists on the platform also cannot prescribe medication; only licensed psychiatrists can do this. (10) If you’re looking for a mental health condition diagnosis and medication management, we recommend you explore platforms that offer psychiatry services like Sesame, Talkiatry, or Brightside.
Online counseling is not generally recommended for people who are self-harming or experiencing thoughts of suicide. Additionally, people with serious substance abuse and complex mental health symptoms may require In-person sessions.
Although Online-Therapy.com strives to be user-friendly, some older adults may be concerned about working with technology. Your comfort level with technology and using video platforms can be a challenge. This has improved with platforms and smartphones that are making this much easier, but it can still be challenging for some. Also, having access to tools like smartphones and computers can be a barrier.
Types of counseling offered by Online-Therapy.com
Online-Therapy.com offers two categories of counseling: individual and couples. All of the company’s therapy options offer unlimited messaging. Couples therapy and two individual therapy plans include live video counseling sessions.
Online-Therapy.com does not offer group therapy sessions. If you’re interested in joining a support group or virtual group session, we recommend you explore BetterHelp.
Does Online-Therapy.com prescribe medication?
Therapists on the Online-Therapy.com platform cannot prescribe medication. If you need that level of service, review the best online psychiatrist platforms.
Can I receive a mental health diagnosis through Online-Therapy.com?
Online-Therapy.com providers also cannot diagnose mental health conditions. Suppose you’re looking for a diagnosis and medication management. In that case, you may want to see a psychiatrist in person to have a thorough discussion to ensure you are receiving the proper diagnosis and prescriptions.
How much does Online-Therapy.com cost?
Online-Therapy.com offers several subscription options to fit various budgets.
For individual therapy, there are three levels of service:
- Basic: Offers unlimited messaging at $50 per week
- Standard: Provides one live 45-minute therapy session per week for a weekly cost of $80
- Premium: Has two live weekly therapy sessions at $110 per week
Only one subscription option is available for couples therapy. Couples therapy starts at $110 per week and includes a live therapy session for the couple and individual therapy tools for each participant.
All plans offer a 20% discount for the first month.
Does Online-Therapy.com take Medicare or other insurance?
Online-Therapy.com is a subscription-based service that does not accept Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance. You can request itemized receipts from the platform to submit to your insurance company for reimbursement, but we recommend that you verify with your insurer that they’ll reimburse you.
Does Online-Therapy.com offer financial aid?
Online-Therapy.com offers financial aid for veterans, students, or lower-income patients. Click the “Apply for Financial Aid” button at checkout to learn more. Your application will be reviewed, and your cost will be updated automatically if approved.
How therapists are onboarded
Therapists on Online-Therapy.com are typically independent contractors rather than employees of the platform. This means that therapists have the flexibility to choose their working hours and the number of clients they take on.
While therapists are independent, Online-Therapy.com provides them with the tools and resources needed to effectively deliver therapy services to users. Online-Therapy.com follows a comprehensive onboarding process to ensure that only qualified and experienced professionals join the platform. The process typically includes:
- Application review: Therapists submit their applications, which include details about their licenses, qualifications, certifications, professional experience, identity documents, insurance, IPN numbers, etc. To be eligible, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Geographic eligibility: Practitioners must be based in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Ireland, or Australia.
- Therapy orientation: Applicants must have Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) as their primary therapy orientation.
- Educational requirements: A Master’s degree (MA, MS, MSW), or a Doctorate (Psy.D., Ph.D.) in counseling, social work, clinical psychology, or a related mental health field is required.
- Experience: A minimum of 3 years of experience and/or 2,000 hours of providing counseling services is required.
- Insurance: Applicants must have a professional malpractice liability insurance policy with minimum coverage limits of $1,000,000/$3,000,000 or a similar amount based on their country of practice.
- Disciplinary record: There must be no disciplinary actions against the applicant in the past 10 years.
- Specific licensing requirements:
- United States: Practitioners must be licensed by a state board to provide counseling (e.g., LCSW, LMFT, LPC, Psy.D.) and possess a National Provider Identifier (NPI) number.
- United Kingdom/Ireland: Practitioners must be fully accredited with BABCP, BACP, BPC, COSCA, IACP, NCPS, PSI, UKCP, or a similar body.
- Australia: Practitioners must be fully accredited with AASW, ACA, AHPRA, ARCAP, PACFA, or a similar organization.
- Canada: Practitioners must be fully accredited with ACSW, ACTA, BCACC, BCCSW, CCPA, CPCA, CPA, CCTNB, CRPO, NBASW, NSCCT, OCSWSSW, SASW, QCA, or a similar organization.
- Supervision: The platform does not accept interns or therapists who require supervision.
- Credentials verification: The platform conducts a thorough verification of the therapists’ credentials, ensuring that their therapeutic approach (CBT), experience, and alignment with the platform’s values meet the required standards.
- Training: Selected therapists may undergo platform-specific training to familiarize them with the online tools, resources, and procedures that Online-Therapy.com uses to deliver services using a demo version.
- Onboarding approval: Once all the steps are completed, therapists are approved to join the platform and start working with clients.
How many therapists are on the platform
We asked Online-Therapy how many therapists were on the platform, however, the exact number of therapists on Online-Therapy.com is subject to change as the platform continues to grow. However, the platform is known to have a sizable pool of qualified professionals in their respective fields.
Onboarding new users
The onboarding process for new users on Online-Therapy.com generally follows these steps:
- Account creation and assessment: Users start by creating an account and completing an initial questionnaire or assessment. This questionnaire helps determine their therapy needs and preferences, including the following:
- Type of therapy: Users can choose between individual or couples therapy.
- Focus areas: Users select what they would like help with, such as anxiety, depression, OCD, anger management, etc.
- Demographics: Age and gender are collected to help personalize the experience.
- Identity: Users can specify how they identify (e.g., straight, gay, lesbian, etc.).
- Therapist preferences: Users can express preferences for their therapist, including gender and whether they prefer an LGBTQ+ or BIPOC therapist.
- Live session preferences: Users can choose their preferred method for live sessions, such as video, voice-only, or text messaging.
- Therapist matching: Based on the questionnaire results, users are matched with a therapist.
- Plan selection: Users choose a therapy plan that suits their needs, ranging from basic self-help tools and therapist messaging to more comprehensive plans that include regular live sessions with a therapist.
- Payment: Users complete the payment process for the chosen plan.
- Access to resources: Users gain access to a range of online tools, worksheets, yoga, therapist messaging, and other resources that complement their live therapy sessions.
How are new users matched with a therapist?
Online-Therapy.com matches users with therapists based on several factors:
- Assessment results: The initial questionnaire helps determine the user’s specific needs.
- Therapist expertise: The platform considers the areas of expertise of the therapists to ensure they align with the user’s needs as much as possible.
- Availability: The system also takes into account the availability and location of therapists to ensure that users receive timely support.
- User preferences: If users have specific preferences, such as the gender of the therapist, LGBTQ+ and BIPOC preferences, or preferred communication style (e.g., video, phone, or text chat), these are also considered during the matching process.
We’ve Featured Online-Therapy.com in:
- Best Online Therapy Services
- Best Online Therapy Platforms for Depression
- Best Online Therapy Platforms for Anxiety
- Best Affordable Online Therapy Options
- Best Online Couples Counseling Platforms
- Best Online Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Options
- Best Online Anger Management Classes
Specs
| Trial period | N/A |
| Price | $50-$110 per week |
| Insurance coverage | No |
| Platform | No app available |
| Therapy options | Video, messaging, phone |
| Trial period | N/A |
Online-Therapy.com vs. other online therapy platforms
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| Online-Therapy.com | BetterHelp | Brightside | Talkspace | |
| Rating | ||||
| Monthly cost | $200–$440 | $280–$400 | $95–$349 | $276–$436 |
| Therapy option | Individual and couples therapy | Individual,couples, and teen therapy | Individual therapy | Individual, couples, and teen therapy |
| Insurance accepted | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Financial aid | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Prescriptions available | No | No | Yes | Yes |
FAQs
Is Online-Therapy.com the same as BetterHelp?
Online-Therapy.com and BetterHelp are two different online therapy platforms where patients can receive counseling. Each has options for people who want to receive therapy remotely.
Who owns Online-Therapy.com?
Carl Nordström is the CEO and founder of Online-Therapy.com.
Does Online-Therapy.com offer a free trial?
Online-Therapy.com does not offer a free trial. You can cancel your monthly subscription at any time. The service also offers financial aid.
Our experts
Rychel Johnson
Rychel Johnson, M.S., LCPC, is a licensed clinical professional counselor in Kansas. She owns a private practice specializing in anxiety treatment and social skills development. Rychel also enjoys extensive road trips and spending time with her husband, daughter, and two cats.
Krista Manning
Krista Manning is an accomplished medical copy editor and fact-checker who stands out in the pharmaceutical, health, and wellness domains. With a meticulous eye for detail and a command of medical language, Krista ensures the accuracy and clarity of content. Beyond her professional expertise, Krista is an advocate for mental health awareness. Recognizing the crucial intersection of psychological and physical well-being, she actively contributes to projects that promote mental health awareness within the healthcare narrative. Krista’s commitment extends beyond the pages she edits, emphasizing the holistic nature of health communication.
LaKeisha Fleming
Fortune Recommends Writer
About Author
LaKeisha Fleming is a writer, content creator, motivational speaker, instructor, and filmmaker. She is the founder and president of Vision 2:2 Productions, a multimedia production company. She began her career in television news, working for Cable News Network (CNN) in Atlanta. She has also worked as a writer and in various TV and film production roles for Tyler Perry Studios. Her other writing clients include Insider, Verywell Mind, Verywell Family, PsychCentral, and numerous others. Learn more about her work at www.lakeishafleming.com.