Online therapy is growing in popularity, with nearly 4 in 10 people in the United States opting for mental health care via telehealth services. This is an increase of 31% since the fall of 2020. (1) This growth is not surprising, considering its convenience and effectiveness.
Plus, online therapy makes mental health services more accessible, especially for people in rural areas. In the U.S., there is a significant shortage of therapists, particularly in rural areas. One 2022 report found that 47% of people in the U.S. are living in a mental health workforce shortage area. (2) Meanwhile, another report found that 25 million people cannot access care when needed. (3)
“Access to affordable and quality mental health care is vital,” says Dr. Geralyn Dexter, PhD, LMHC, a licensed mental health counselor. “Without it, an individual may struggle to cope with daily stressors, experience new or worsening mental health symptoms, and disruption at home, work, school, and in relationships. By offering different ways of communicating, scheduling options, pricing tiers, clinicians with varying areas of expertise, and medication options in some cases, online therapy platforms are starting to bridge the gap for many.”
Fortunately, online therapy providers like Calmerry are addressing that need by offering affordable online therapy across the U.S., making therapy an option for people who may not have been able to get help before. To help you determine if an online therapy provider is the right solution for you, we explore the pros and cons of Calmerry below. We also detail how the platform works, how much it costs, whether it accepts insurance, and much more to give you the insight you need.
Key product features
What you should know
Calmerry is an online therapy platform that offers affordable therapy in all 50 states in the U.S. Founded in 2020 in response to the need for mental health support during the COVID-19 lockdown, the company’s goal is to make therapy accessible. (4)
- People who want a flexible therapy experience will appreciate that they can choose a text-only therapy option or choose to get a subscription with two to four video sessions as well.
- Calmerry is one of the most affordable online therapy options available, ranging in price from $57 to $90 per week (without discounts) or $228 to $360 per month.
- This online therapy provider is ideal for people who are looking for an affordable and accessible therapy option.
- Calmerry complements its online therapy with various tools, including self-assessment tools, worksheets, reflection tools, and a mood journal (available with some plans).
- Regardless of your subscription plan, every person receiving therapy with Calmerry will receive a personalized therapy plan.
What is Calmerry online therapy?
Calmerry is an online therapy provider designed to be affordable, accessible, and easy to use. Equipped with more than 1,000 licensed and credentialed therapists, this company offers therapy in all 50 states at a manageable price point. And if you’re not sure online therapy is right for you, you can try a single video session for $120 without committing to a subscription plan.
We also appreciate the extra tools that the company offers to complement your therapy experience, including self-reflection tools, worksheets, and self-help assessments. Plus, each plan comes with a personalized therapy plan, which can be helpful for those who want a tangible pathway for their therapy process.
Depending on your plan, you also get access to a mood journal, which is a daily prompt to assess your mood. You also can look back to see how your mood changes from day to day and take some reflection notes with your therapist. All of this can be shared with your therapist if you choose.
Calmerry offers three subscription options ranging in price from $57 to $90 per week, though it does offer a discounted rate for the first month. Even without the discounts, these fees are well below the average therapy price. (5)
With the base tier, you receive unlimited messaging only and no video therapy sessions. For messaging only, you can reach out to your counselor at any time, but you should expect them to respond one to two times a day during their five working days and be prepared for delays. The middle tier and the top tier include unlimited messaging as well as two 30-minute video sessions and four 30-minute video sessions, respectively, each month. And, though you are matched with a therapist, you can change at any time if the match is not a good fit by using the online chat option in your portal.
However, we do wish the company offered more than just individual therapy. Its platform can feel limiting for people looking for family therapy or couples counseling. Likewise, if you need a diagnosis or have medication management needs, Calmerry does not provide these services. It also does not accept insurance, nor does it provide online therapy for kids younger than 18 years old.
Overall, Calmerry is a basic online therapy provider with minimal extra features or options. This simple and straightforward structure is what allows the company to keep its therapy costs at a lower price. (Though we do wish it offered financial assistance for those who cannot afford the base fees.)
What our experts say
Dr. Dexter states, “If you’re looking for affordable individual therapy, Calmerry may be a good fit for you. While you can’t get a diagnosis or medication management, you can use the tools offered through the platform to your advantage. The mood journal and self-assessments allow you to monitor your symptoms and recognize when things are getting better or worse. It’s information you can use to talk with your therapist about how things are changing and what you need. It helps keep you aligned on your goals and can provide some direction for the work you’re doing. The worksheets can be a great way for you to dive deeper into specific topics, explore your thoughts, or practice skills. You can bring what you’re learning to your sessions and discuss it further with your provider. Leveraging the tools available on Calmerry can help you get more out of therapy.”
What customers are saying
Calmerry has good online reviews, and customers appear to be happy with its services. For instance, it has a 4.3 out of 5 rating on Trustpilot from 60 reviews, though it does not have a profile on the Better Business Bureau. The majority of people appreciate the quality, attentiveness, and professionalism of the therapists, and several have noted the affordability.
For instance, Jonas H., a verified Trustpilot reviewer, notes that his therapist is compassionate and affordable.
“Calmerry has been my lifeline during a tough time…and I feel genuinely cared for. I also appreciate that it’s affordable, especially when other services I’ve tried were either too expensive or the therapist wasn’t engaged.”
Jonah H., verified Trustpilot reviewer
Luca P., another Trustpilot verified reviewer, had a similar experience. “I wasn’t sure what to expect from online therapy, but Calmerry exceeded my expectations,” they say. “The flexibility to have therapy sessions around my busy schedule is a big plus.”
That said, customers who signed up for the messaging-only option seem more dissatisfied with the service than those who opted for video and messaging. For instance, verified Trustpilot reviewer John J. likens the messaging to texting a ghost. “You hardly get a reply back, and when you do, it feels like a canned response, and they don’t even respond to what you said.”
Specs
| Session type | Individual |
| Price | $49.50 to $73.75 per week (during the first month); after that it ranges from $228 per month to $360 per month |
| Accepts insurance | No |
| Prescribes medication | No |
| Messaging | Yes, unlimited |
| Mobile accessibility | Yes |
| Therapy options | Video and messaging or messaging only |
Our Calmerry online therapy experience
During my review of Calmerry, I started by filling out the online questionnaire to get matched with a therapist. Overall, the questions were thorough, asking what I wanted to work on and how I would rate different aspects of my mental health. The questionnaire also included questions about my mental health, including my mood and my expectations for a therapist.
From there, Calmerry asked what I wanted to work on and gave me a list of topics, including things like anger management, anxiety, codependency, grief, substance abuse, violence, and abuse. I selected self-esteem because no categories seemed to match what I was looking for. I would have loved to see an option like “other” with a blank to fill in ideas, as the list seemed short and not very thorough.
At the end of the questionnaire, the system gives you a wellness score, which they say is based on WHO-5 or the World Health Organization-Five Well-Being Index. This brief self-report questionnaire consists of five statements used to measure a person’s mental well-being over the past two weeks. This tool is widely used in clinical and population-based studies and was an interesting addition to the questionnaire. (6)
I also appreciated the transparency of the prices during the signup process. I knew exactly what the price would be long before I completed the questionnaire. Though I did not complete the signup and get assigned a counselor, Calmerry posted potential therapists in my dashboard area for the central Ohio area, and all seemed experienced and knowledgeable.
I also liked that the website offers several free self-assessment tools you can complete anytime. These tools could help to pinpoint problem areas. For instance, there is a perceived stress questionnaire, which can provide good insight into your current situation. It also offers an anxiety questionnaire.
Overall, I thought Calmerry seemed like a good online therapy option with affordable prices. People with social anxiety may particularly like the company’s text therapy option, especially if they are reluctant to get online therapy due to the video element. I do wish the questionnaire had more options; I didn’t see anything about specific conditions like OCD or ADHD (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder), which its website says it treats. So, it felt like its questionnaire was incomplete, and I wonder if the therapist matches truly align with what people need.
How we test online therapy platforms
When testing online therapy platforms, we consider convenience and accessibility, as well as the credentials of the therapists on the platform. We also evaluate the cost, value, support, resources, and privacy and security policies.
Therapist quality—30%
A top-notch teletherapy service should feel both personal and professional, not impersonal or generic. It should connect users with certified and experienced therapists, not unqualified individuals. Here’s what we look for:
- Expertise
- Personalization
- Interaction quality
Accessibility and convenience—30%
Teletherapy directly impacts an individual’s ability to seek, engage with, and benefit from mental health services. Whether it’s a scheduling issue, lack of transportation, or being physically unable to see a therapist in person, everyone’s situation is different. Teletherapy is here to help change that. With the convenience of teletherapy being a significant advantage, we evaluate:
- Ease of use
- Availability
- Platform reliability
Cost and value—20%
Unfortunately, mental health services are not a financial privilege for most people who don’t have insurance that covers it. In an era where mental health care is more necessary, yet often more expensive than ever, assessing the cost-effectiveness of teletherapy services becomes not just relevant but essential.
Here’s what we factor into a teletherapy’s cost and value rating:
- Pricing transparency
- Insurance and coverage
- Value for money
Support and resources—10%
Good mental health habits don’t end after each session. It’s a constant task we must continue to practice. Access to additional support and resources is invaluable for clients seeking to deepen their understanding of mental health issues, learn additional coping strategies, or continue therapeutic work in between sessions. Beyond the therapy sessions, additional support can enhance the therapeutic experience.
Our factors in this rating include:
- Supplementary materials
- Customer support
- Aftercare
Privacy and security—10%
While teletherapy is an incredibly convenient way to seek mental health, it poses some risks. Maintaining client confidentiality and data security is paramount in teletherapy. As clients entrust teletherapy services with their mental health information, stories, and vulnerabilities, the responsibility of these platforms to protect such information is paramount.
Here’s what we’re looking for:
- Compliance with HIPAA and data protection laws
- Encryption and security measures
- Anonymity options
Compare Calmerry
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Calmerry | Brightside | Talkspace | Online-therapy.com | BetterHelp | |
| Rating | |||||
| Cost | $57-$90 per week (without discounts) | $95-$349 per month | $69-$109 per week | $60-$120 per week | $70-$100 per week |
| Session type | Individual | Individual | Individual, couples, teens, veterans, LGBTQIA+ | 4.3 | Individual |
| Ages treated | 18 and older | 13 and older | 13 and older | 18 and older (teens must have a parent’s consent) | 18 and older |
How does Calmerry online therapy work?
Once you sign up for Calmerry online therapy, you communicate with your therapist through the portal and unlimited messaging. You will schedule live sessions with your therapist if your subscription includes video sessions. Some plans include two sessions per month, while other plans include four.
If you’re receiving messaging-only therapy, you can access a virtual therapy room 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and leave a message for your therapist anytime. Keep in mind that text therapy involves asynchronous communication, so Calmerry doesn’t guarantee a response in a particular time frame. However, you can expect your counselor to respond one to two times a day during their five working days.
If your subscription includes video therapy, you can schedule a session using the therapy space’s video chat room. These sessions are held in real time and may feel more personal than text-only therapy.
You will also have access to several other features to complement your therapy experience. These include self-assessment tools, worksheets, self-reflection tools, and a mood journal (available with video subscriptions).
Who is Calmerry online therapy right for?
Because Calmerry is an online therapy provider, it may be right for people 18 and older with limited mobility or irregular schedules who need more flexibility. Calmerry also can be accessed from rural areas, which means people in remote areas or those who lack transportation may find it more convenient than in-person therapy.
Even people with social anxiety may find that Calmerry is a good choice for them because they can choose text-only therapy and not have to deal with videos or in-person counseling while still addressing their concerns. (7) Calmerry also might be a good choice for people who don’t have insurance or those who are on a tight budget or limited income, especially since their subscription plans are affordable.
Who should seek an alternative to Calmerry online therapy?
Calmerry therapy is not recommended for people who are in crisis or those who could benefit from face-to-face therapy settings, such as those who have conditions like bipolar disorder, severe depression, or those experiencing psychosis. (8) If you or someone you love is in crisis or contemplating suicide, call or text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 for support and assistance from a trained counselor. If they are in immediate danger, call 911.
Likewise, if you have a child who needs therapy or if you need couples counseling or family therapy, Calmerry is not the right choice. Calmerry therapy also may not be suitable for people who struggle with technology or have an unreliable internet connection. Because the company doesn’t accept insurance, those with mental health coverage on their insurance plan may want to research online therapy platforms that take insurance—unless their co-pay is similar to the subscription cost at Calmerry.
Can Calmerry prescribe medication?
Calmerry does not offer access to online psychiatrists or other medical doctors, so it cannot prescribe medication. Suppose you take prescription medication for depression, anxiety, or another mental health condition. In that case, it’s important to maintain your appointments with the healthcare provider who prescribes those medications—even if you get therapy from Calmerry. The therapists within the network won’t be able to write prescriptions for you, and you don’t want to risk a lapse in medication. Stopping a medication, even if you’re feeling better, may cause unpleasant or harmful side effects. (9)
Can I receive a mental health diagnosis through Calmerry?
Because Calmerry does not have psychiatrists or other medical doctors in its network, you won’t be able to receive a mental health diagnosis. It also doesn’t offer the necessary screening tools for making an official diagnosis, even though psychologists may be trained to diagnose mental health conditions.
That said, you can still get therapy through Calmerry for some mental health conditions like anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), eating disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and more. However, you may have to complement your online therapy with regular visits with another healthcare provider, especially if you have been prescribed medication.
Calmerry subscription plans
Calmerry offers three subscription plans, billed every four weeks. The least expensive option is $57 per week or $228 monthly and includes text-only therapy. With this plan, you can message your therapist as often as you want, but you will not have any real-time sessions with them like you would with their two other subscription plans. You also will receive a personalized therapy plan, free self-help tools, and worksheets. You can switch counselors anytime.
With the second-tier plan, which costs $77.50 per week or $310 per month, you will receive two 30-minute video sessions, unlimited text messaging, a personalized therapy plan, free self-help tools and worksheets, and a free mood journal. The third plan is $90 per week or $360 per month, including everything the second tier includes. The difference is that you will receive four 30-minute video sessions per month.
Calmerry pricing
Calmerry subscriptions are billed every four weeks and range from $57 to $90 weekly (without any promotions). This means monthly costs can range between $228 to $360, depending on your subscription. This pricing falls well below the national average for a single therapy session in the U.S., typically between $100 and $200, depending on where you live. (5) This makes it one of the most affordable online therapy platforms.
How therapists are onboarded
If you’re interested in becoming a therapist on Calmerry, the onboarding process listed on the website appears relatively simple. You simply register online with your email, complete a survey, and submit your documents showing that you are a fully licensed mental health professional. Once verified, Calmerry will reach out to you by email.
From there, you will complete your online profile and add a photo. You also will tell potential clients a little about yourself and highlight your specialties. After you’re matched with clients, you will accept them and engage with them via text messages five days a week. You also will have video sessions with those who signed up for that therapy.
How many therapists are on the platform?
Calmerry’s website indicates that it has more than 1,000 licensed mental health professionals and spans all 50 states. However, it’s important to note that this number may vary as people come and go and depending on how many therapists are in each state, that could also fluctuate. Because Calmerry’s intake questionnaire asks which state you are located in, you should be able to confirm that it still offers therapy in your state before signing up.
Onboarding new users
Signing up for Calmerry is a relatively simple process. On the website, you will fill out a form that includes your email address, the state you live in, and your therapy needs. Based on your answers, the company will match you with a licensed therapist, though you can change therapists at any time if you feel your therapist is not a good match for you. After you choose your subscription plan, you can start messaging and schedule video sessions (if your plan includes that option). You will notice a variety of self-assessment tools and tools to track your progress.
How are new users matched with a therapist?
People new to Calmerry are matched with a therapist after completing a questionnaire. But you can change therapists anytime if the one you’re working with is not a good fit for you. We noticed when reviewing Calmerry that our portal contained several different therapist options, so if the first one you’re assigned to is not a good match, you can choose one of the others in your state.
Calmerry vs. BetterHelp
Calmerry and BetterHelp are both online therapy providers operating in all 50 states and offer services for people 18 and older. Neither accepts insurance, and both are priced competitively. However, BetterHelp is more extensive and has more therapists to choose from, while Calmerry is more affordable—$57 to $90 per week compared to $70 to $100 per week. That said, BetterHelp offers financial assistance for those who need it, meaning it may be a better option than Calmerry for those with limited financial resources. That said, people who want to use their insurance, need medication management or are in crisis may want to look at other options. Read our BetterHelp review for more information on the popular online therapy platform.
How to choose the therapy platform for you
Most people who use online therapy find it effective, provided they find the right fit. (10) If you’re considering online therapy to address the mental health challenges you are faced with, it’s important to research your options and make sure the provider matches your expectations and budget. Here are some things to consider when making your decision.
- Location: When using online therapy, your therapist must be licensed in the state you’re located in—even when using the internet. Before doing anything else, make sure the online therapy provider offers therapy in your state. (11)
- Scheduling: Scheduling online therapy tends to be more flexible than in-person therapy. But if you have limited time, ensure the online therapy provider meets your needs before signing up. You want to make sure appointment times are available when you have set aside time for therapy.
- Price and insurance: Pricing for online therapy varies significantly. Some platforms accept insurance, while others do not. You may also find providers offering a sliding fee scale or financial aid. Determine the exact cost of the service before signing up, including whether your insurance will cover it. You also need to know the cost associated with discounts and trials compared to your ongoing price.
- Method of communication: Different platforms offer different ways of communicating with your therapist, such as live chat, text messaging, phone calls, and video conferencing. If you prefer one method over another, make sure it’s available before you sign up.
- Cancellation policies: Before committing to online therapy, find out how to cancel your subscription and how the company handles refunds if you need to end the arrangement. This way, you will know what to expect. Also, find out how far in advance you must reschedule or cancel a therapist appointment and whether you will still be charged for it if you cancel the day of.
FAQs
Does Calmerry accept insurance?
Calmerry does not accept insurance, nor does it accept Medicare or Medicaid. However, you can request a receipt if your insurance company reimburses you for your therapy expenses. However, it offers manageable therapy prices often comparable to insurance company co-pays.
How much is Calmerry online therapy without insurance?
With the first month discount, you can expect to pay $49.50 to $73.75 per week or $198 to $295 per month. After that introductory month, the price of therapy ranges from $228 per month for unlimited messaging only to $360 per month for four live video sessions and unlimited messaging. The company also offers a package for $310 per month that includes two live video sessions and unlimited messaging. If you are unsure if online therapy is right for you, the company will allow you to try one live video session for $120 to see if it’s right for you.
Is Calmerry HIPAA compliant?
Calmerry appears to be a HIPAA-compliant website. The company indicates in the FAQ section that your personal information and therapy session data are encrypted on the servers. Its website also has several designations, including SECURE SSL Encryption and HIPAA Compliance, showing the company has taken the necessary steps to protect your information.
SECURE SSL Encryption refers to a Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) security protocol that encrypts data transmitted between a website and a user’s browser. This protection layer scrambles sensitive information like passwords and credit card details so that only Calmerry can decipher it. This prevents unauthorized access by hackers. (12)
The HIPAA compliance logo signifies that an organization has taken the necessary steps to comply with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) regulations. (13)
Our experts
Dr. Geralyn Dexter, PhD, LMHC
Geralyn Dexter, PhD, LMHC (she/her) is a writer, editor, professor, researcher, and clinician. She received a PhD in Psychology from Northcentral University, a Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling from Nova Southeastern University, and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Florida. Dr. Dexter has over a decade of clinical and editorial experience. She’s practiced and supervised in intensive outpatient, community-based settings, private practice, telehealth, and mental health startups. Dr. Dexter is also a qualitative researcher whose interests include suicidal ideation and behavior and non-suicidal self-injury.
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.
Sherri M. Gordon, CLC
Sherri M. Gordon, CLC
About Author
Sources
- American Psychiatric Association. New nationwide poll shows an increased popularity for telehealth services. Accessed October 27, 2024.
- American Counseling Association. A closer look at the mental health provider shortage. Accessed October 27, 2024.
- University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences. Mental health statistics. Accessed October 27, 2024.
- LinkedIn. Calmerry. Accessed October 27, 2024.
- Psychology Today. Cost and insurance coverage. Accessed October 27, 2024.
- Omani-Samani R, Maroufizadeh S, Almasi-Hashiani A, Sepidarkish M, Amini P. The WHO-5 Well-Being Index: A validation study in people with infertility. Iran J Public Health. 2019;48(11):2058-2064. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6961185/
- National Library of Medicine. Social anxiety disorder: Recognition, assessment and treatment. Accessed October 27, 2024.
- Greenwood H, Krzyzaniak N, Peiris R, et al. Telehealth versus face-to-face psychotherapy for less common mental health conditions: Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. JMIR Ment Health. 2022;9(3):e31780. https://doi.org/10.2196/31780
- National Institute of Mental Health. Mental health medications. Accessed October 27, 2024.
- Bulkes NZ, Davis K, Kay B, Riemann BC. Comparing efficacy of telehealth to in-person mental health care in intensive-treatment-seeking adults. J Psychiatr Res. 2022; 145:347-352. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpsychires.2021.11.003
- American Psychological Association. What to know about doing telehealth in a different state. Accessed October 27, 2024.
- Digicert. What is SSL, TLS & HTTPS? Accessed October 28, 2024.
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The HIPAA privacy rule. Accessed October 28, 2024.