When it comes to mental health treatment, cost is often a major barrier. According to Mental Health America, over 40% of Americans who live with mental illness report that they’re not able to get treatment because they can’t afford it. (1) According to therapist Rychel Johnson, “Many people who could benefit from mental health therapy don’t seek help due to cost being inaccessible, or their insurance plans aren’t helping to cover the cost.”
Online therapy services can make mental health treatment more affordable and accessible, even to those who couldn’t otherwise pay for it. Our mental health experts gathered the top affordable online therapy options, all of which are doing their part to ensure that everyone who needs it can get mental health support. We’ve ranked the best online therapy services in terms of price, quality, trustworthiness, ethics, and more.
Here are our picks, based on our reviewers’ expertise and research, of the top affordable online therapy options.
Editor’s pick for affordable online therapy
Our top pick for the best affordable therapy service, BetterHelp, is particularly affordable for those without insurance, with rates starting at just $65 per week.
Our picks for the best affordable online therapy
- Best without insurance: BetterHelp
- Best for people who are new to therapy: Online-therapy.com
- Best for Medicare: Brightside Health
- Best for insurance coverage: Talkspace
- Best for specialized treatment: Open Path Collective
Compare affordable online therapy
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| BetterHelp | Online-therapy.com | Brightside Health | Talkspace | Open Path Collective | |
| Rating | |||||
| Session type | Individual, Couples | Individual, Couples | Individual | Individual, Couples | Individual |
| Cost per month | $280+ | $320+ | $299+ | $275+ | $30+/session (Plus $65 membership fee) |
| Accepts insurance | No | No | Yes | Yes | No |
| Offers medication prescriptions | No | No | Yes | Yes | No |
Best affordable online therapy without insurance: BetterHelp
Key product features
What you should know
BetterHelp is the world’s largest online therapy platform, boasting a network of over 30,000 licensed therapists. Although BetterHelp doesn’t accept insurance, its out-of-pocket costs are affordable for many.
- BetterHelp does not accept any insurance plans.
- The out-of-pocket costs range from $70 to $100 per week, depending on factors like your location and therapist availability.
- With the extensive network of therapists that BetterHelp provides, you can find providers specializing in a wide range of concerns.
- BetterHelp offers financial aid and sliding scale fees for low-income individuals.
Why we like BetterHelp as best without insurance
If you don’t have insurance coverage or your copay or deductible is too high to get support for a reasonable price, you need to look for an online therapy provider with affordable out-of-pocket pricing. This is where online therapy company BetterHelp excels; although it doesn’t accept insurance, it keeps weekly rates accessible.
BetterHelp’s individual therapy services cost $70 to $100 weekly, billed every four weeks. This includes one weekly video, phone, or chat session with your therapist (lasting between 30 and 45 minutes) and messaging between sessions. The exact cost depends on location and therapist availability in your state.
If that’s out of your budget, consider asking BetterHelp for financial aid. Its website states that it offers financial assistance and sliding-scale fees for lower-income individuals, although it doesn’t disclose its exact eligibility requirements. In addition, if you are a first responder, veteran, or frontline worker, you qualify for a free month of therapy.
Many people are wary of BetterHelp’s stance on privacy after it was fined by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) for allegedly selling users’ private information to third-party advertisers and social media companies. (2) Despite this understandable concern, if you’re looking for affordable online therapy without going through insurance, BetterHelp remains one of your best options.
To learn more about how BetterHelp compares to other platforms, see our Talkspace vs BetterHelp guide.
What customers are saying
Despite the allegations it has faced, BetterHelp has a 4.5 rating on TrustPilot and a 4.8 rating on the Apple Store. Users love how easy it is to sign up, and many report that the quality of the therapists is good, especially considering the price.
One Apple Store customer with the username “Alexhoneyyy,” who identifies as low-income, writes a raving review about their positive experience with their BetterHelp therapist:
“Since I travel for work a lot and I’m low-income, the convenience of BetterHelp seemed like a quick and easy solution. I was matched with Daphne and immediately felt relief. She has been overwhelmingly understanding, kind, and considerate. The fact that I can text her between sessions about what’s going on in my life means we don’t have to waste 15 minutes of our sessions playing catch-up before delving into everything—such a game-changing experience in therapy. I was so happy and she was the first therapist I matched with.”
Negative reviews mostly revolve around billing practices and customer services. Many customers complain that they were billed even when they didn’t receive therapy or, on some occasions, after trying to cancel.
On TrustPilot, a reviewer named Paul explains: “I contacted BetterHelp and had the program explained to me. I said I was not interested in the service. I was billed, and BetterHelp will [not] contact me or speak to me about the issue. I have contacted the billing agency, and they will not return calls or emails.”
Check out our full BetterHelp review for more information.
Specs
| Price | Starting at $70/week |
| Insurance accepted | No |
| Medicaid/Medicare accepted | No |
| Treatment options | Therapy only |
| Ages | 13+ (teens and adults) |
| Free trial | Yes; for veterans, first responders, and frontline workers only |
| Modalities | Individuals and couples (through sister site ReGain.com) |
Best affordable online therapy for people new to therapy: Online-Therapy.com
Key product features
What you should know
Online-Therapy.com has been providing therapy online since 2009. The platform’s unique subscription includes a self-help course based on cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), with activities and prompts. This can be a great choice for people who are new to therapy and need additional mental health tools beyond weekly sessions.
- Online-Therapy.com does not accept insurance.
- Its program is based on CBT. You work through a self-help CBT course, and your therapist provides feedback.
- Its basic subscription costs $50 per week. This plan only includes the self-help course and other online tools and does not include therapy sessions.
- A subscription with one live therapy session weekly (plus the online tools included in the basic subscription) starts at $80 per week.
- You can get two weekly sessions starting at only $110 per week.
Why we like Online-Therapy.com for people new to therapy
Online-Therapy.com’s platform is unique among its competitors. Its program is entirely based on CBT, an evidence-based practice that’s been shown to significantly reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, chronic pain, addiction, and more. CBT helps you identify and change unhelpful thinking patterns that get you stuck in painful feelings and behaviors. (3)
“A core principle of CBT is the idea that psychological issues are rooted in these faulty ways of thinking, impacting multiple areas of our everyday lives. By learning to recognize cognitive distortions, you can unlearn some patterns and problem-solve to cope with challenging situations. Over time, your confidence to handle future stressful scenarios can improve with CBT.”
Rychel Johnson, therapist and expert reviewer
Online-Therapy.com includes two key components: a self-help CBT course and weekly live sessions with a therapist. You can work through your eight-section CBT course at your own pace, and your assigned therapist will share feedback about the work you’ve accomplished. During weekly live sessions, you can also discuss any insights that have come up for you and anything else you’re going through.
You can meet with your therapist weekly via video, phone, or text. Between sessions, you can work on your course or message your therapist.
Online-Therapy.com’s basic subscription, which includes only the course and the additional tools (no live therapy sessions), costs $50 a week. A subscription for one weekly 45-minute live session with a licensed therapist is $80 per week, though you can frequently find discounts for new users. If you’d like more support, you can sign up for a premium subscription at $110 per week and get two therapy sessions weekly.
If these costs are still prohibitive for you, Online-Therapy.com states that it offers financial aid, which you can apply for during checkout. However, the criteria it uses to accept or deny applications is unclear.
In addition to the CBT course and weekly therapy, Online-Therapy.com offers a wide range of wellness tools, including helpful worksheets, an online journal, an activity planner, and yoga and meditation videos. Because of these features, its program delivers excellent value for money and makes it a good choice for people new to therapy who may require additional guidance and education.
Check out our full Online-Therapy.com review for more information.
What customers are saying
People online enjoy the CBT model of Online-Therapy.com and the self-help course.
“I’ve done many online paid and free courses concerning happiness and self-help. But they just touch on subjects. This, however, digs deep until you find an answer. Yes, there is some of the generic ‘get enough sleep,’ ‘exercise,’ ‘take a break,’ etc. advice. But the content seems to revolve around your life problems and finding answers to them. I believe this can and will help many people out there. Their online courses are great and help you see your problems.”
—”TomDC777,” Reddit user
Reviews are more mixed regarding the live therapy sessions. The same Reddit review above reports that they were told no therapists were available for 3-4 weeks. In addition, they state that when they were able to schedule a session, the time wasn’t long enough, especially through chat.
A former client on TrustPilot, Cathy A., writes, “[I] wrote emails to a therapist who was assigned to me. However, the therapist only acknowledged the things I did. For example, I told her, in detail, the argument I had with my Mom. The therapist wrote back, acknowledging I had an argument with my Mom. That’s all she did. After one week of it, I had enough and canceled my subscription. You get what you pay for. And with Online-Therapy.com, you don’t get much.”
Read our full Online-therapy.com review for more information.
Specs
| Price | Starting at $80/week |
| Insurance accepted | No |
| Medicaid/Medicare accepted | No |
| Treatment options | Therapy and self-help course |
| Ages | 18+ |
| Free trial | No, but the first month is 20% off |
| Modalities | Individual and couples |
Best affordable online therapy for Medicare: Brightside Health
Key product features
What you should know
Brightside Health offers evidence-based therapy for a range of mental health conditions at an affordable price. Most commercial insurance plans and Medicaid and Medicare are accepted in select states. If you don’t have coverage, you can still receive treatment with its affordable private pay option.
- Brightside is the only option on our list that accepts Medicaid and MedAdvantage plans (accepted in select states).
- Brightside also accepts most commercial insurance plans nationwide. Its website makes it easy to check your coverage.
- You can choose from medication only, therapy only, or combined plans.
- Brightside’s therapists offer evidence-based treatment for people with anxiety, depression, insomnia, and PTSD.
- Brightside offers a unique Crisis Care program that works with people with a heightened risk for suicide.
Why we like Brightside Health as best for Medicare
Brightside is the only online therapy provider on our list that accepts Medicare and Medicaid (in select states only). This makes mental health treatment accessible for low-income people who may not otherwise be able to afford it. A recent study found that those with Medicaid are more likely to suffer from suicidal thoughts, so the benefit of an online therapy provider that accepts Medicaid can’t be overstated. (4, 5)
Its decision to accept Medicare plans also helps Brightside reach the older adult population. Research shows that mental disorders, especially depression, are more common in older adults. (6) Anxiety is also prevalent in older adult populations, impacting about 6% of the 65+ population according to healthcare claim records stats, which may be limited. (7) Brightside only accepts Medicaid and Medicare in certain states, although it is continually expanding. You can check your coverage through Its website or contact them with any questions.
Brightside also accepts many commercial insurance plans, including Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, and Allegiance. Its website makes it easy to check your insurance coverage and even offers a helpful insurance terms glossary to make the process as simple as possible.
For those who don’t have any insurance coverage, there are private-pay options. Plans for medication management only start at $95 a month. Plans that include weekly therapy are more expensive, starting at $299 a month—still comparable to most other platforms on this list.
When we reviewed Brightside’s functionality, we noted that it offers a seamless online therapy experience optimized for desktop and mobile use. The app’s user-friendly interface makes it easy to schedule appointments, access therapy materials, and communicate with your therapist through secure messaging. Brightside uses an algorithm matching clients with therapists specializing in their specific mental health needs.
Another feature we love is the symptom and mood tracking. This helps therapists adjust treatment plans as needed for optimal outcomes, which is especially beneficial for clients with chronic conditions.
View our full Brightside review for more information.
What customers are saying
Brightside users enjoy the quality of care and the fact that they receive support quickly. Many say that it was easy to receive services through insurance and that the services they received were helpful. However, it’s worth noting that Brightside’s Trustpilot rating is a 1.4-star average out of 5.
“When the decision was made to try medication, we could not get in to see any providers in our area for months. My husband found the Brightside app, and we could schedule a Zoom appointment within 36 hours. Within three hours, we had the medication in hand.”
—”Mama Bear,” TrustPilot reviewer
A review of Brightside’s app on the Apple Store by user “GibbyPhD” states, “Affordable with or without insurance, Brightside has made a big difference not only for myself but my entire family. My husband uses therapy services for work and anxiety stresses. My daughter used it while going through a traumatic life and relationship episode. My son has used it for severe depression and medication management, while has helped get his daily routine and life back on track.”
However, many people on TrustPilot report that they were overcharged for services and billed higher-than-expected copays. Negative reviews state that their billing process is confusing and that they couldn’t contact anyone in the billing department when needed.
Stephanie B. on TrustPilot writes, “Intentionally charges fees for appointments and services that were not provided. Customer service goes around and around in circles and takes over a week to respond to issues.”
Another reviewer, Mona K., describes a frustrating situation with Brightside and insurance: “I signed up, and the message at the top upon entering my insurance was that Blue Cross and Brightside were partnered, so they accepted my insurance. Everything was good, starting therapy and medicine. Suddenly, I’m informed my insurance is no longer accepted.”
Specs
| Price | Starting at $299/month |
| Insurance accepted | Yes |
| Medicaid/Medicare accepted | Yes |
| Treatment options | Therapy and psychiatry |
| Ages | 18+ |
| Free trial | No |
| Modalities | Individual |
Best affordable online therapy for insurance coverage: Talkspace
Key product features
What you should know
Talkspace is a popular option for online therapy that accepts many major insurance plans. According to its website, users have an average copay of only $20 when paying for services with insurance.
- Talkspace accepts Aetna, Cigna, Optum, Regence, and other insurance plans.
- Their website makes insurance easy to understand and quotes the lowest possible copay (as low as $0 for some insurance plans) and the average copay for each insurance provider.
- There are thousands of licensed therapists available through Talkspace.
- Talkspace offers individual therapy, couples therapy, and psychiatry with prescription ability.
- Talkspace offers mental health services to teens, and teens living in New York City have access to free therapy.
Why we like Talkspace as best for insurance coverage
In our expert opinion, Talkspace is the best online therapy service for insurance. This online therapy provider accepts major insurance companies, including Aetna, Cigna, Optum, Providence, and more. In addition, many employers offer a free subscription to Talkspace as an employee benefit.
Talkspace breaks down the cost of getting services through insurance in a way that’s simple to understand. It claims the average copay per session (using insurance) is only $20. Sessions could even be free for you, depending on your coverage.
If you aren’t looking to go through insurance, you might find that the out-of-pocket costs for Talkspace are higher than other options. Its messaging-only plan starts at only $69 a week, but most people looking for therapy hope for live sessions. Its video sessions and live messaging plan cost $99 a week, or around $400 monthly. Out-of-pocket costs for online psychiatrists and couples therapy are even higher. The initial evaluation session for psychiatry is $299, and follow-up sessions are $175. Couples therapy starts at $436 per month. A unique feature of Talkspace is that its providers work with teens and couples (in addition to individual therapy and psychiatry). In addition, teens (aged 13 to 17) living in New York City get access to free services through NYC Teenspace.
When we dove deeper into Talkspace’s services, we noted that the platform employs a variety of evidence-based techniques to support mental health. Therapists are trained in CBT, dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and other modalities suited for anxiety and depression. Talkspace also offers specialized therapy sessions for PTSD, grief counseling, and stress management.
Overall, Talkspace is an effective and affordable online therapy option if you’re using your insurance plan or employee benefit. However, if you plan to pay out-of-pocket, the cost of Talkspace may be prohibitive.
Check out our full Talkspace review for more information.
What customers are saying
Apple users rave about Talkspace’s platform, earning it a 4.8 overall rating. They say that the program is affordable with insurance coverage and that switching therapists is easy. Like many other online therapy platforms, user opinions vary based on the individual therapist they were matched with.
“I have seen two different therapists at TS, and they were both very pleasant. The first one was a ‘no show’ to our second session and didn’t have a very clear strategy for the therapy in the first session, so I looked for another matched therapist. My second therapist is so amazing. She helps define the goal of each session, and we dig right in.”
Lindsey L., Apple Store reviewer
While some users have been lucky to get matched with a skilled therapist, others have left sessions feeling disappointed. Another Apple user with the username “Biggmeech” writes, “I was matched with a “therapist” and it was probably the most unhelpful experience I’ve ever had. The therapist was clearly not paying attention to me as I spoke.”
It’s important to note that not every therapist is going to work for you, and sometimes it takes trial and error to find the right one for your needs.
Specs
| Price | Starting at $69/week |
| Insurance accepted | Yes |
| Medicaid/Medicare accepted | No |
| Treatment options | Therapy and psychiatry |
| Ages | 13+ (teens and adults) |
| Free trial | No |
| Modalities | Individual and couples |
Best affordable online therapy for specialized treatment: Open Path Collective
Key product features
What you should know
The Open Path Collective is a non-profit organization offering a nationwide network of providers who offer individual therapy sessions on a sliding scale. It doesn’t accept any insurance, as its platform is meant to bypass insurance altogether.
- Open Path’s therapists offer individual therapy both in-person and online.
- Its rates for therapy range from $40 to $70 per session. Sessions with interns are $30 per session.
- It serves people who are uninsured or underinsured, meaning they have a high deductible or a copay of over $70 per session.
- To use Open Path’s website, you must pay a one-time lifetime membership fee of $65. This fee helps cover Open Path’s operating costs.
- You must have a household income of $100,000 or less to access therapy through Open Path.
Why we like Open Path Collective as best for specialized treatment
Open Path Collective is not an app or online platform like the other options on this list. Rather, it’s a non-profit organization that connects clients to a nationwide online network of therapists who offer sessions for a reduced rate. Through Open Path, sessions cost between $40 and $70. Therapy with student interns starts at only $30 per session.
Open Path Collective strives to make mental health treatment accessible to everyone regardless of insurance status. Official reports show that 43% of working adults in America are “inadequately insured,” including 9% who are not insured at all. (8) Open Path therapists work toward mending this gap.
You’re eligible to see a therapist through Open Path Collective if you don’t have health insurance or are underinsured. (According to Its website, anyone with high deductible health coverage or office visit copays of over $70 per session is considered underinsured.) You must also have a household income of less than $100,000 a year to qualify. Open Path therapists don’t accept any form of insurance.
Open Path Collective is a network of therapists in the United States and Canada. Therapists do not pay a membership fee to join, but clients pay a lifetime membership fee of $65.
Therapists on Open Path Collective work privately, so you’ll find therapists with many specializations on the site. You can find individual, couples, and family therapists on Open Path and therapists who see clients of all ages. Open Path providers only offer talk therapy; no medication management or psychiatry services are available.
Most therapists on Open Path offer online therapy, but many offer in-person sessions. Ask potential therapists about their virtual therapy practices to ensure that online therapy is an option. In addition, keep in mind that many types of therapy for younger children, like play therapy, may be most effective in person—although many experts believe that even play therapy can be adapted to be done virtually. (9)
Overall, Open Path Collective is a trustworthy, credible, and important resource for people who otherwise could not afford online therapy.
What customers are saying
Based on online reviews, Open Path clients have differing experiences based on the therapist that they worked with. Overall, users are happy with the therapy experience through Open Path and rave about its affordability and ease of use.
“I found my therapist through Open Path, and I am so grateful. I never thought I’d be able to afford therapy and get the help I needed; it’s been life-changing.”
—”Dfk23,” Reddit user
“Life-changing” seems to be a common theme for people using Open Path. Another Reddit user, “Izakayasan,” states: “I’ve been seeing [my Open Path] therapist for two and a half months now, and she has completely changed my life. Her support has been invaluable to my recovery after suffering for 10+ years. Open Path has changed, and I’d even say saved my life. It may take a few tries to get the right therapist, but this is real, quality therapy from a licensed therapist who actually cares. I cannot recommend it enough to anyone who is struggling with their mental health and needs help now.”
Therapists also give their stamp of approval for Open Path Collective. Reddit user “Maribelle-” says: “As a therapist, it is one of the few low-cost therapy options I refer people to. I know a lot of great therapists who got their start in their own private practice through Open Path.”
Some users state that although therapy itself is positive through Open Path, the customer service department falters. According to Reddit user “No_Pattern_7160”: “The quality of therapists on the site is very high. But I don’t remember the customer service of the service itself being very helpful.”
Specs
| Price | $40 – $70/session |
| Insurance accepted | No |
| Medicaid/Medicare accepted | No |
| Treatment options | Therapy only |
| Ages | All ages |
| Free trial | No |
| Modalities | Individual, couples, family |
Our online therapy services testing methodology
In our search for the best affordable online therapy options, we’ve meticulously developed a methodology that prioritizes key elements crucial for a positive therapeutic experience at a reasonable cost. Our review process emphasizes the quality of therapists, accessibility, and ease of use of the platform, ensuring that therapy is both affordable and effective. Read our full teletherapy testing methodology for more in-depth information.
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. 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%
Having 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
How much does online therapy cost?
The price of online therapy depends on various factors, including your location, the therapist you choose, and the specializations you require. Many therapists charge the same fees for in-person and virtual therapy.
Online therapy through a platform is often more affordable than a private therapist. Our list of affordable online therapy platforms starts at just $65 per week for one weekly session with a licensed therapist. Online therapy with therapists outside of these platforms can be more costly, but it can also be more tailored. Our choice for the best overall affordable online therapy, Open Path Collective, offers individual sessions starting at only $30 (plus a $65 membership fee).
Whether you see an online therapist privately or through a platform, insurance can help lower the costs. Some insurance plans may even bring the cost of therapy down to $0.
What to look for when choosing an affordable online therapy provider
Seeing a therapist online is similar to seeing one in person in that your connection and trust with them is of utmost importance. When choosing an affordable online therapist, make sure you choose someone you feel comfortable with. It also helps to look for a therapist who specializes in your preferred therapy type and areas where you need support.
If you’re looking for affordable therapy, it’s probably because finances are a concern. One of your first steps when choosing an online therapist should be to talk with your insurance provider. Your insurance plan may cover online therapy, either through some of the above platforms or individual therapists in your area.
If you have insurance, look for an online therapy provider offering financial assistance or sliding scale fees. Many of the platforms above offer financial aid for their services.
Other affordable mental health and therapy options
On top of the options included on this list, here are some other ways you can access affordable mental health support:
- Look through your insurance panel to find a therapist whose services are covered by your benefits.
- Find therapists who offer sliding scale fees on online directories.
- Attend free online support groups, such as those offered by the National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI)
Call SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Association)’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) for referrals to affordable treatment providers and facilities.
FAQs
Can you get online therapy for free?
Quality online therapy is never free. However, your insurance plan can cover most or even all of the cost. Check with your insurance provider and choose an online therapist who is covered by your insurance. Some therapists and platforms also offer financial assistance, although you will likely still need to pay a small fee.
Is online therapy cheaper than in-person therapy?
Online therapy is sometimes cheaper than in-person therapy, especially when you go through platforms like the ones listed above. It depends on the therapist you choose and your insurance coverage. In many cases, your insurance copay will be the same whether you see your therapist online or in person.
Why does therapy cost so much?
Therapy is an investment in yourself. With the right therapist, you can overcome lifelong challenges, heal from past traumas, improve your self-esteem, and more. Therapy is a health intervention and is priced accordingly. In addition, therapists, like other medical professionals, must complete extensive schooling and training before getting licensed, which partially explains the high cost.
Is affordable online therapy trustworthy?
Overall, research has found online therapy to be as effective as in-person treatment, and online therapists use secure platforms to protect your confidential health information. (10) While it’s trustworthy in this sense, some affordable online therapy options have come under fire for less-than-trustworthy business practices, like selling information to third parties. Generally, the trustworthiness of your online therapy experience will depend greatly on the therapist you choose to work with. It’s best to do research and ask potential questions about any doubts you may have about their trustworthiness.
Our experts
Rychel Johnson, M.S., LCPC
Rychel 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 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.
Saya Des Marais, MSW
Fortune Recommends Mental Health Writer
About Author
Saya is a former therapist, mental health trainer, and freelance mental health writer. She holds a graduate degree in clinical social work from the University of Southern California, and has provided mental health services in community mental health clinics, schools, residential treatment facilities, and, most recently, a mental health app. Through her mental health content, she strives to make life-saving mental health research and information easily digestible to those who need it most.