What is the Best Online Therapy Service? If you're looking for therapy but don't want to leave the comfort of your home, you're not alone. Online therapy is a growing resource for getting the support you need, right where you are. Whether you're going through stress, anxiety, depression, relationship struggles, or any other mental health challenges, online therapy can help you get the support you deserve at a price you can afford.
Best Option
Dream of getting quality mental healthcare without the usual hassle and high costs? That's what Sesame claims to offer. It's a marketplace that connects you directly with board-certified doctors across all 50 states, cutting out the predatory insurance company middleman to save you up to half the typical cost. You can book appointments for over 45 specialties, either online or in-person, often within just a couple of hours.
Mental health care for couples and individuals
Sesame offers a range of services, including online couples therapy, mental health consults, individual therapy sessions, psychiatric consultations, and prescription refill visits. If you're seeking mental health support, you have two main paths available: mental health consults and therapy sessions. Opt for a mental health consult with a primary care provider if you need basic guidance or medication management while in a stable condition. Therapy sessions, meanwhile, are more in-depth "get to know you" conversations where you'll discuss your history, current situation, and goals. Both services are available through convenient video appointments, making it easier to fit mental healthcare into your schedule.
Quality guaranteed
You can trust that every healthcare provider you'll work with through Sesame is fully qualified. This platform only accepts board-certified doctors and clinicians who have proven their credentials, education, and clean disciplinary record - which is a relief, compared to some popular platforms that allow unqualified people to pose as professionals. When you book an appointment through Sesame, you'll be meeting with a thoroughly vetted, experienced professional who knows their stuff.
Watch out for location-based quirks
Sesame's platform could use a little bit of work. It will automatically filter your results based on where you live (which helps ensure you're matched with licensed providers in your state), but it has an annoying habit of auto-correcting your searches after you hit enter, sometimes showing irrelevant results instead of simply telling you nothing is available. (Pro tip: If you're using a VPN, turn it off first - or just manually set your location in the search bar to see accurate results.)
Pricing and availability dependent on where you live
So how much will online therapy with Sesame cost? It will depend on where you live and who is available there, but we saw sessions starting at $78 (or $68 if we signed up for Sesame Plus membership) and up to $230. You may be able to find a therapist for as low as $45/session in your area. You can search for providers by typing in your symptoms or needs, and filter by their availability, credentials, gender, and language. If you need help quickly, you can even find therapists available within the next 2 hours. However, unlike some other online therapy platforms, you won't find specific filters for things like LGBTQ-friendly or religion-based therapists.
Sesame Plus saves you money on over 120 medical services
You can save even more money on your mental healthcare by joining Sesame Plus, which costs $10.99 monthly or $99 yearly. As a member, you'll get doctor visits starting at $37, save $10 on every appointment whether it's telehealth or in-person, and receive one free lab test each year worth $65. The membership covers everything from primary care to specialists, dentists, lab work, and, of course, online therapy.
You may be able to use your HSA/FSA funds
You don't need insurance to use Sesame's online therapy since they offer straightforward, upfront pricing for all services. While you'll pay for services directly rather than through insurance, you can still use your HSA or FSA funds to cover the costs. If you do have an insurance plan that includes out-of-network coverage, you might be able to submit your Sesame receipt for reimbursement - just check with your insurance company first to confirm.
More transparency about exclusions would be nice
You'll find help for common mental health concerns like depression, anxiety, and PTSD through Sesame's providers. However, there are a few things they can't help you with - one customer recently left a review saying that when she spoke with a doctor she found through Sesame, she was told that this company is not equipped to manage medications for some mental illnesses, including schizoaffective disorder and BPD. It's not mentioned prominently on their website, but they do state that their providers can't prescribe controlled substances through virtual visits. We also couldn't confirm whether Sesame provides services for kids or teens.
Positive customer reviews
You'll find plenty of satisfied customers on Sesame - the platform has earned an average of 4.5 stars from almost 3,000 reviews, with 82% of people giving them a perfect score. While many users praise how easy it is to get prescriptions and work with their providers, there aren't too many reviews specifically about therapy services. Still, booking is straightforward, and their "A" rating from the Better Business Bureau suggests you can trust their service. (Though as always, your experience may vary depending on the provider you choose.)
Start your search for online therapy at Sesame
If you're looking for affordable therapy while still getting quality care, we think Sesame strikes the most responsible balance. You'll get access to licensed, credentialed therapists at reasonable prices. We suggest starting your search with Sesame - if you can't find an available therapist in your state, you can always explore other platforms.
Very Good
Unlike the rival services in our review that focus on talk therapy, Mindbloom provides therapeutic ketamine treatments you can do from home. Founded in 2018, they've helped thousands of people break free from anxiety and depression through supervised ketamine sessions. If you're picturing a sketchy drug experience, think again - this is legitimate, clinician-supervised therapy that's showing impressive results. Their approach combines medication with therapeutic guidance and community support to help rewire neural pathways and create lasting positive changes.
Get matched with a tailored program
You'll start by taking a quick assessment to learn if you're a good fit for ketamine therapy. As you move through the questions about your life and how satisfied you feel with it, you'll see encouraging stats and reviews from people who share your goals. Then, based on your answers, you'll get matched with a program tailored to your needs - including breaking free from anxiety, working through depression, learning self-love, handling tough emotions, and processing grief.
Ketamine therapy helps you rewire neural connections
Ketamine works by helping your brain produce a special protein called BDNF that promotes neural growth and helps rewire old behavioral patterns. When you receive treatment, it normalizes activity in your brain's default mode network, which can help break you free from negative thought patterns that fuel anxiety and depression. The effects aren't just temporary - many people find relief that lasts for months, though you might need occasional booster sessions to maintain the benefits.
What happens during your session
During your at-home ketamine therapy session, you'll take either tablets under your tongue or self-administer subcutaneous injections in a comfortable setting of your choice. You'll receive a Bloombox kit with everything you need, including a cozy eye mask and journal. Your expertly trained guide will help you prepare and answer questions before you begin. During the session, you can listen to specially designed therapeutic soundscapes through Mindbloom's app while the medication takes effect. To record your insights and experiences to look back on later, you can use voice journaling (which is helpful, since writing might be tricky). The app keeps track of your treatment progress and provides resources to help you get the most from each session.
Group support and community
You'll also have access to unlimited Integration Circles, which are guide-led group sessions where you can connect with others going through ketamine therapy. The community aspect includes a Facebook group where you can share experiences and get advice from others. Even though treatments happen at home, you won't be alone - members report feeling connected and supported throughout their journey.
$418 per month
Mindbloom will start you off with a 6-session package at $209 per session, coming to a total cost of $1,254. You can spread this out over 3 monthly payments of $418 - which is much more expensive than online talk therapy, but remember that this is a different kind of treatment altogether. Your Mindbloom treatment includes either ketamine tablets or injections, plus 3 coaching sessions with guides who'll support you throughout the process. You'll also get 2 check-ins with clinicians to track your progress, and unlimited access to group integration circles where you can connect with others on similar journeys.
Money-back guarantee and payment options
If the clinician decides this treatment isn't right for you, you'll get a full refund. If you go forward with your ketamine therapy, you might be able to get partial insurance reimbursement, and you can use HSA/FSA funds to pay for treatment. Insurance isn't typically accepted, however.
More success than with talk therapy
Based on major clinical studies with over 10,000 clients, ketamine therapy could be right for you if you're dealing with anxiety or depression that hasn't responded well to other treatments. The results are impressive - 89% of people saw improvements in their symptoms, and these improvements were stronger than both traditional talk therapy and antidepressant medications.
Not for those with heart or breathing issues
You should not try ketamine therapy if you're allergic to ketamine, have uncontrolled high blood pressure, serious heart problems, severe breathing issues, or if you're pregnant or nursing. You'll also need to skip this treatment if you have symptoms of psychosis or mania. When using ketamine, you'll need a treatment monitor present (like a trusted friend or family member) and should avoid driving until you've had a full night's sleep.
Real users share life-changing results
You might be wondering what actual results look like with ketamine therapy. Users report dramatic improvements that traditional therapy couldn't deliver. In one case, an aerospace whistleblower found relief during an incredibly stressful year, breaking free from a frozen state to move forward with life. Another user experienced total transformation after just three sessions - from better sleep to renewed job interest and improved organization skills.
Recommended, but perhaps not as first choice
If you're struggling with anxiety or depression that hasn't improved with traditional treatments, Mindbloom's at-home ketamine therapy could be worth exploring (especially if you're tired of endless talk therapy sessions that don't seem to get anywhere). While the $418 monthly price tag isn't cheap, the impressive 89% success rate and lasting results make it a compelling option for those who qualify. Just remember that you'll need a treatment monitor, and you should skip this if you have heart problems, breathing issues, or are pregnant. For those who do qualify, this innovative approach could offer the breakthrough you've been looking for in your mental health journey.
Very Good
When you need mental health support, Brightside Health offers online therapy and psychiatry services that you can access quickly - in as little as 2 days. Through their platform, you'll find treatment for various mental health conditions, starting at age 13. While they began by focusing on anxiety and depression, they've grown to help with other challenges like insomnia, trauma, PTSD, stress, and burnout. They use cognitive behavioral therapy and can help manage your medications too.
Online therapy starting at $299/month
You can choose from three different plans at Brightside: basic psychiatry for $95 monthly plus medication costs (with insurance), therapy for $299 monthly which includes four 45-minute video sessions and unlimited messaging, or a combined plan that gives you both services for $349 monthly (that's a $45 savings).
Providers adapt your care plan based on your progress
You'll start by completing a lengthy assessment - set aside at least half an hour. After that, you'll be matched with a provider and book a video session: either a 30-minute psychiatry consultation or a 45-minute therapy session. During these sessions, you'll talk about what's bothering you and create a personalized plan together. As you continue treatment, you'll have regular check-ins with your provider (weekly for therapy, every few months for psychiatry), complete self-guided lessons to build helpful skills, and track your progress through questionnaires. You can message your provider anytime with questions, and they'll use your responses and progress to adjust your care along the way.
Most common mental health conditions covered
Brightside advertises "care for even the most severe cases" for the following conditions:
Some conditions are not treatable through Brightside
You can get online mental health care through Brightside if you're 13 or older and dealing with common issues like anxiety or depression. They even offer crisis care if you're having thoughts of suicide. But you'll need to look elsewhere if you have ongoing high-risk self-harm behaviors, schizophrenia, severe substance use, or certain medical conditions like kidney disease (and honestly, that's smart - some conditions really do need in-person care). They also can't prescribe controlled substances. If you'd like to see a list of medications they can prescribe, they've made a list available on their website.
Brightside uses AI to determine the best medications and dosages for you
Your provider will use Brightside's PrecisionRx AI tool to analyze over 100 data points about you and consider 1,000+ medication combinations to find the best fit for your needs. (These data points come from your video sessions and the self-guided lessons you complete.) And it seems to work pretty well - their data shows that 70% of people respond well to their first prescribed medication, and 75% of patients reach remission within 12 weeks.
Your providers are qualified mental health pros
You'll work with carefully selected therapists and psychiatrists who are licensed in your state. All therapists have master's or doctorate degrees and specialize in evidence-based care for anxiety and depression. For medication management, you'll see either a psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner (PMHNP) who's been thoroughly vetted.
BBB grade has improved, but there are still issues
The last time we reviewed Brightside Health, they had a "D-" grade from the Better Business Bureau. Things are looking up now with a "B+" grade, but we're still concerned about their ratio of positive to negative reviews elsewhere on the internet. On one platform, for example, they received a 4.0 average score, but it was comprised of only 55% 5-star reviews… and 33% 1-star reviews. Complaints range from therapists no-showing sessions, duplicate bills, and charges that are higher than their invoices. On the other hand, some customers have had great experiences, citing knowledgeable and caring providers. Not many people mention value for money as a positive, though, unless they're one of the lucky few for whom insurance covers what they pay.
Watch out for insurance surprises
You'll want to be extra careful about insurance coverage with Brightside Health. Some users report being told their insurance would cover treatment, only to get hit with unexpected bills ranging from $500 to $2,400. Make absolutely sure you understand the exact costs and get written confirmation about insurance coverage before starting treatment.
Best for mild to moderate anxiety/depression if you can afford it
We have a few hesitations about Brightside health, mainly surrounding their billing practices. The monthly costs are doable, but potential insurance coverage issues and unexpected fees make it a risky choice for individuals with a fixed or limited income. Progress tracking requirements, no-show fees, and the CBT-focused approach may not suit everyone's needs. You also don't seem to be able to choose your own therapist. Consider this option if you're comfortable with structured therapy and have thoroughly verified your insurance coverage - but keep your expectations realistic.
Good
Looking for a therapist can feel overwhelming when you're juggling concerns about insurance, location, and availability. That's where MyWellbeing steps in to help. This NYC-based service takes the hassle out of therapy-hunting by matching you with the right professional through a quick questionnaire. The best part? The matching service is completely free for clients (though therapists pay to be part of the network). You don't pay until you find your match. When founder Alyssa Petersel struggled to find her own therapist in New York, she created the solution she wished she'd had.
Finding your perfect match
When you're ready to start, you can either use MyWellbeing's matching service or browse their provider database yourself. If you choose the matching route, they'll consider important factors like your budget, location, and therapy style preferences to connect you with three compatible therapists. Each therapist's profile shows their background, availability, and approach to therapy, and you'll get free phone consultations to help you find the right fit. Before you start this process, though, you might want to search their database for therapists licensed in your state - some states have hundreds, while others have just a few.
$100 to $300 per session
You can expect to pay between $100 to $300 per therapy session through MyWellbeing, and while they've negotiated these rates to be up to 70% lower than what providers typically charge, it's still more expensive than some other online therapy services in our review. That said, while they don't work directly with insurance, you might get 50-100% reimbursed through out-of-network benefits if you have a PPO plan. Some therapists offer sliding scale rates as low as $100, and if you go through their partner clinics, you might pay as little as $35 per session.
A wide range of therapy specialties to meet your needs
On MyWellbeing, you'll find therapists who can help with just about any challenge you're facing, from everyday stress to more complex issues. Whether you're dealing with anxiety, relationship problems, career changes, or identity questions, MyWellbeing's providers cover over 50 different specialties. They can support you through specific situations like breakups, burnout, and family planning, or help you work on personal growth areas like finding your voice and building self-esteem.
Limited reviews make it hard to judge
While a lot of their offerings look great, they simply don't have enough reviews to offer a clear perspective on customer satisfaction. With only three video reviews on the MyWellbeing site and nothing from the BBB the last time we reviewed them and the same now, we can only go off of what the site promises. Since the site is completely free, it might be worth it to explore some of the therapy options in your area. Just make sure they have therapists in your state, or even remote therapy might not be an option for you here.
No risk in giving it a go
You might want to proceed with caution since MyWellbeing has very few customer reviews to back up their promises (which always makes us a bit skeptical). While their free matching service sounds appealing, they only have three video testimonials and no BBB presence to verify their claims. Still, since there's no cost to try their matching service, you could check if they have therapists in your area - just remember that availability varies significantly by state.
Average
You'll find comprehensive mental health support through Online-Therapy, a platform founded in 2009 that specializes in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). All of your sessions are secure and private, and you can access everything from your computer or phone, wherever you are.
Well-rounded toolkit for better mental health
With Online-Therapy, you'll get a dedicated therapist who works with you through video, voice, or text sessions that last 45 minutes each week. Beyond your weekly sessions, you can access a full suite of tools including worksheets with daily feedback, unlimited messaging with your therapist, a mood-boosting journal, and even yoga videos for stress relief. These tools are provided to help you get the most out of your weekly sessions - talk therapy won't be as effective unless you do your homework.
You don't get to choose your therapist, but you can switch
Online-Therapy will match you with a therapist based on your needs and profile information. While all their therapists have solid credentials and experience, you don't get to choose your therapist yourself - they assign one to you (which might not be ideal if you prefer having more control over this decision). The good news is that if you're not clicking with your assigned therapist, you can switch to a different one right from your dashboard.
Your therapy subscription options
You can get started with Online-Therapy for $48 per week with a 20% discount in your first month ($60/week thereafter), making this service about on par with others in our review. The platform offers daily support and tools like worksheets and yoga videos, plus you can switch plans or cancel whenever you need to. Here are your subscription choices:
If you're specifically seeking couples therapy, this service is one of few in our review that offer it.
Payment and insurance options available
You can pay for your therapy sessions using credit card or PayPal, and there's financial aid if you need help with the cost. While Online-Therapy doesn't take insurance directly, you might still be able to get reimbursed by your insurance company. To help with this, you'll get detailed receipts for all of your sessions that you can submit to your insurance. (Smart move: Check with your insurance company first to see what they'll cover - every plan is different.)
Some conditions need more than CBT
While CBT works great for many mental health challenges, it's not your best choice for everything. If you're dealing with severe conditions like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or serious trauma, you'll want to explore other therapy providers that can offer medication-based treatments or specialized therapies such as DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) or EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing). These conditions typically require in-person care from a psychiatrist or specialized mental health professional who can provide more intensive treatment and monitoring.
Platform problems can overshadow good therapy
While you might get a great therapist through Online-Therapy, you could face some frustrating technical hurdles with their platform. Some customers report dealing with video connection issues that can lead to canceled sessions, a rigid scheduling system that makes it tough to reschedule missed appointments, and customer service that feels more robotic than helpful. Even though they try to make it right by offering credit for missed sessions, the platform's inflexible monthly timeline means you might end up losing sessions you've paid for.
Reviews are hard to find outside their website
You won't find many independent reviews of this service online, even though their website showcases plenty of testimonials. We spent quite a bit of time searching the internet to gather real user feedback.
You could face some scheduling headaches
According to some reviews we found, after signing up and working with your assigned therapist through worksheets, you might hit a major roadblock - trying to book your first live session. Some users have found their assigned therapist isn't available for up to 4 weeks, and switching to a new therapist doesn't help much since you could face similar wait times. (Not exactly the quick start you might be hoping for.)
Monthly billing might not be your best friend
The platform advertises weekly rates but actually bills you monthly, which means you're looking at around $200 upfront for the package with live sessions. While this pricing is similar to other online therapy services, most people don't like the surprise of realizing they're committing to a full month before knowing if they click with their therapist.
Can't recommend highly without more reviews
Online-Therapy might work for you if you want a therapy platform that focuses on CBT and includes different self-help tools. While it might help with issues like anxiety, depression, or relationship problems, you should probably look at other options if you need help with more serious mental health conditions. Since there aren't many independent reviews available, it's hard to say for sure how well this service works for most people. That earns Online-Therapy a "just okay" rating from us.
Fair
PlushCare began when two founders asked a simple question: why can't healthcare be as convenient as ordering food delivery? Dr. James Wantuck and Ryan McQuaid turned this idea into PlushCare, a telehealth service that lets you see doctors and therapists through your phone or computer. What started as a small operation in a San Francisco doctor's office has grown into a team of over 100 healthcare professionals working to make healthcare more accessible for everyone.
Basic assessment before booking
You'll start by filling out a quick assessment with basic info like your name and whether you're using insurance; unlike other platforms, they keep it pretty simple and don't dig deep into your mental health history. After that, you can browse through therapist profiles that show their experience, education, and specialties, then pick someone licensed in your state to meet with online. Once you're set up, you can connect through their secure platform from wherever you feel comfortable, and if needed, your therapist can even prescribe medications. They have therapists licensed in 44 states, though there were only two in our state.
Cost is high and sessions may be unreasonably short
If you're thinking about trying PlushCare for therapy, here's what you need to know about costs: You'll pay $169 per session (which honestly isn't the best deal out there). While they used to offer a monthly package option at $149 for weekly sessions, they've switched to a simpler but less flexible single-session model. Some users have reported frustratingly short 20-25 minute sessions for this price, and there's no clear information upfront about session length. If you have an FSA/HSA account, you can get reimbursed for your sessions.
The reviews raise some red flags
PlushCare's reviews don't paint the most promising picture. They have a mediocre 3.1-star average rating and a "B" grade from the Better Business Bureau. Most of their reviews focus on medical services rather than therapy, and customers frequently report insurance-related issues - including one person who was quoted $18 but got slapped with an extra $215 charge. They also seem to struggle with prescription services.
Our verdict: PlushCare isn't worth your time or money
With sessions costing $169 and potentially lasting only 20-25 minutes, you're not getting great value for your money here. The platform doesn't clearly explain their requirements for their therapists' qualifications, which is concerning. Given these drawbacks, we recommend looking elsewhere for your online therapy needs.
Fair
If you've heard of any online therapy service, it's probably BetterHelp - they seem to have sponsored every lifestyle YouTube channel and podcast worth subscribing to. Founded in 2013, this online therapy platform aims to make mental health care easier to access. With over 30,000 licensed therapists, they've helped more than 5 million people and offer free therapy months to communities and individuals in need. (Though there's more to the story than their marketing suggests - we'll dig into that below.)
A thorough matching process helps you find your ideal therapist
When you sign up with BetterHelp, you'll complete an in-depth questionnaire that helps pair you with one of their licensed therapists. All of their mental health professionals must have proper credentials, including at least 3 years and 1,000 hours of hands-on experience. The matching process considers everything from your therapy goals and communication preferences to your age, gender, and spiritual beliefs. You can even specify if you'd like a therapist who's more direct vs. gentle, or structured vs. informal in their approach - which means you're more likely to click with your match than if you were just picking from a directory. You'll be matched to a therapist anywhere from a few hours to a few days after you've finished the onboarding process, depending on BetterHelp's therapist availability.
Insurance typically doesn't cover BetterHelp
You'll pay between $70 to $100 per week for BetterHelp therapy, with the exact amount depending on where you live and which therapist you work with. You can cancel whenever you like. While you can use your HSA/FSA card, BetterHelp usually isn't covered by regular health insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid. Getting reimbursed by insurance would require your therapist to diagnose you with a mental health condition and share your records with the insurance company.
You should know about messaging limits
While BetterHelp offers four ways to connect with your therapist (messaging, live chat, phone, and video), there's an important catch with the messaging option. You can write to your therapist anytime and from anywhere, but therapists have a strict word limit in their responses. Once you and your therapist hit 7,500 words each (according to some reports), they either have to stop responding or work for free - which often leads to therapists suddenly becoming less responsive. (Not exactly the consistent support you might be hoping for, especially if you're seeking therapy for abandonment issues.) You may also be limited to a total of 60 minutes of phone or video therapy per week (with a $20 charge if you schedule more), though BetterHelp isn't as clear about this on their website as we'd prefer.
Who BetterHelp is (and isn't) for
You might find BetterHelp helpful if you want to improve your life quality and work through issues like stress, anxiety, relationships, depression, or self-esteem with a specialist. However, you'll need to look elsewhere if you're under 18, in immediate crisis, required to get therapy by court order, or don't have reliable internet access.
BetterHelp's privacy problems should make you think twice
You might want to know about some serious privacy concerns with BetterHelp (and they're pretty alarming). The FTC discovered that while the company promised to keep clients' mental health information private, they actually shared sensitive data (like email address, IP address, and questionnaire answers) from over 7 million users with companies like Facebook and Snapchat for advertising purposes. When users found out and complained in 2020, BetterHelp denied doing anything wrong. The company ended up having to pay $7.8 million in refunds to customers as part of an FTC settlement. (Nothing kills trust quite like finding out your therapy data is being used to target ads, right?)
Watch out for BetterHelp's billing practices
While BetterHelp has an "A" rating from the Better Business Bureau, you should know about some concerning patterns in their customer service and billing, even if they are eventually resolved (necessary to maintain that high BBB rating). Many users report getting charged repeatedly without their consent, having trouble canceling their subscriptions, and facing major obstacles when trying to get refunds. The company tends to hide behind chatbots and automated systems instead of providing real human customer support, and some customers have lost hundreds of dollars while trying to resolve billing issues. Given the link between financial stress and poor mental health, we find BetterHelp's conduct in this area irresponsible.
BetterHelp is convenient but comes with serious caveats
While BetterHelp offers an accessible entry point to therapy with its convenient matching process and flexible communication options, the platform's concerning privacy issues, messaging limitations, and questionable billing practices give us pause. You might find value here if you need affordable therapy and don't mind the digital format, but the company's track record of sharing sensitive data and restrictive messaging policies should factor into your decision. For those seeking consistent, unlimited support or requiring insurance coverage, you'll likely find better options elsewhere.
Subpar
Founded in 2020, Calmerry connects you with licensed therapists who can help with anxiety, depression, stress, and other mental health concerns. With over 1,000 mental health professionals on their platform, you'll get matched with someone who understands your unique needs (including LGBTQ-friendly therapists). They aim to make therapy accessible by offering both text and video sessions, accessible by app and by desktop computer.
Quick questionnaire to get started
To get started, you'll complete a straightforward mental health questionnaire that asks about your current state, medical history, and any medications. You'll also answer some questions about your therapy preferences to help match you with the right therapist for your needs - you don't get to pick your therapist yourself. They do the matching for you.
Calmerry's pricing structure
At Calmerry, you'll find several therapy plans that combine messaging and video sessions. The most basic plan starts at $247/month, giving you unlimited text messaging with 5-day-a-week therapist responses plus one monthly video session. If you want more face time, you can upgrade to packages with two or four video sessions monthly, with prices ranging up to $295/month. All plans include perks like a mood tracker, self-help resources, and the freedom to switch counselors if needed. If you're interested in a messaging-only plan, that costs up to $228 a month. Calmerry does not accept insurance, but you may be able to submit receipts for reimbursements from your health insurance provider.
Sessions are limited to 30 minutes
A major drawback of Calmerry's online therapy services is that their video sessions are only 30 minutes long (and their "recommended" plan only includes 2 sessions per month). That's not really enough time to make progress towards recovery from many mental health issues you might be in therapy for - whether that's relationship struggles, trauma, or depression. Calmerry advertises flexible sessions that can be extended to 60 or 90 minutes, but the pricing for that was not readily available - you'll most certainly have to pay extra for it.
May not be able to help with some conditions
You can get support for many common mental health challenges through Calmerry, including anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, and self-esteem concerns. Their therapists work with specific issues like anger management, eating disorders, PTSD, OCD, and LGBTQIA+ topics. However, they're not upfront about what they can't treat, so you'll need to ask directly about your specific needs, or read between the lines.
Some "therapists" may actually be life coaches
While Calmerry claims all their therapists are licensed professionals, the reality seems murkier. When one customer questioned them about their therapist's credentials, Calmerry first insisted they verify all licenses, but then admitted they also employ some life coaches. When the customer followed up, their provider with a "licensed therapist" badge turned out to have just 31 hours of life coach training, and when pressed for clarification about their actual licensing status, Calmerry's customer service mysteriously went quiet. This raises serious questions about their transparency and whether you can trust that you're actually getting licensed therapy when you sign up.
Complaints about therapists who go ghost
You'll find mixed feedback about this therapy platform, with a relatively small number of reviews averaging 4.3 stars. While some reviews praise the therapist-created plans and mood tracking features that help with motivation, these reviews seem to have been written according to a template (which may mean they aren't genuine). Calmerry's negative reviews seem to have been written by real human beings, and they report serious communication issues. One user's experience with a messaging plan was particularly telling - they described it as "texting a ghost" and "talking to a wall," with slow response times and generic replies that felt disconnected from their messages. Some customers on video plans never got to meet with their therapists at all, and when they tried to get refunds, they faced resistance from customer service - even when they had proof of poor service.
Look elsewhere first
Calmerry appears to offer an accessible entry point to therapy with flexible messaging and video options, but the platform's issues with therapist credentials and communication make it hard to recommend. The short 30-minute sessions, questionable reviews, and iffy transparency regarding provider qualifications suggest you might be better served by other online therapy platforms (or as we like to say, buyer beware). If you're dealing with mild anxiety or seeking general emotional support, Calmerry might suffice - but those with more complex mental health needs should look elsewhere for more reliable, professional care.
Subpar
Cerebral is an online mental health service that connects users with licensed therapists and prescribers. You can explore provider profiles before signing up, but full pricing details and access to services require an account.
Getting Started with Cerebral
The signup process begins with a brief questionnaire to assess your needs. However, the initial assessment is fairly basic and doesn't dig deep into your mental health history or symptom severity. After completing the form, you can select a therapist from their network, develop a personalized care plan, and schedule regular check-ins to monitor your progress. Appointments are usually available within three days of registration, depending on therapist availability in your state.
Pricing and Subscription Plans
Cerebral offers multiple pricing tiers:
Therapy Frequency: Is It Enough?
Cerebral provides either two or four therapy sessions per month, each lasting 45 minutes. Messaging support is included, though response times can take up to two business days. If the two-session plan costs $295, that translates to about $147 per session-higher than some competitors. Additionally, Cerebral does not clearly disclose how much extra it costs to upgrade from two to four sessions per month, making it difficult for users to anticipate expenses.
Medication Limitations
Previously, Cerebral prescribed controlled substances such as Xanax and Klonopin. However, after facing scrutiny and paying $3.6 million in fines for improper prescription practices, the company stopped offering these medications. Instead, they now prescribe non-controlled options like Prozac, Zoloft, and Effexor, which can be effective for many mental health conditions when used alongside therapy.
Insurance and Payment Options
Cerebral works with select insurance providers and is expanding its coverage. If your insurance isn't accepted, they provide superbills for out-of-network reimbursement. They also accept HSA/FSA payments, and longer-term subscription packages may offer discounts-opting for a three-month plan, for example, could save you up to $70 per month.
Major Privacy Concerns
From 2019 to early 2023, Cerebral was caught sharing users' sensitive data-including health records, appointment details, and insurance information-with companies like Facebook, TikTok, and Google without consent. This resulted in an investigation by the Federal Trade Commission. Following this, the company pledged to delete improperly shared data, obtain user consent before sharing health information, and undergo privacy audits every two years for the next two decades. While they've promised to improve, the fact that they were caught engaging in this behavior raises serious concerns about whether they can be trusted with your personal information.
Customer Reviews: A Mixed Bag
Cerebral's reviews are all over the place. While they have a "B-" rating from the Better Business Bureau, they also have a 4.2-star average across over 5,000 reviews-but many of these reviews appear overly generic or templated. One seemingly authentic five-star review came from a long-term user who found Cerebral's therapy and psychiatry services helpful. They particularly appreciated the accessibility of therapists and credited Cerebral with helping them manage their mental health effectively for several years. Their only complaint was that therapists occasionally leave the platform, requiring them to switch providers.
On the Other Hand...
In contrast, a frustrated one-star reviewer described their experience as disappointing, citing high costs and poor management. They reported that internal teams seemed uncertain about job security, while company leadership remained inaccessible, leaving customer support as the only point of contact. This user ultimately felt that using Cerebral worsened their mental health rather than improved it.
Final Verdict: Not Worth the Risk
While Cerebral provides convenient access to online therapy and medication, other providers offer similar services with stronger reputations. Between privacy concerns, session limitations, past prescription scandals, and inconsistent customer experiences, we do not recommend Cerebral for online therapy. A mental health provider should prioritize patient confidentiality-not compromise it.
Weak
Talkspace is a New York City-based online therapy platform that lets you connect with licensed therapists through your phone or computer completely anonymously - your therapist will only know you by your chosen username. Founded in 2012 after the founders had their own life-changing experience with couples therapy, the service has grown from a group therapy platform into a full-fledged online therapy service where you can message your therapist, send audio and video messages, or schedule live video sessions. However, they're a business first and foremost, and they've had more than their share of controversy around privacy and review authenticity.
Messaging starts at $69/week
You can access Talkspace's therapy services either through insurance with a copay of $25 or less, or choose to pay out of pocket. If you decide to pay directly, here are your plan options:
You won't be charged until you're matched with a therapist, and you can switch plans or cancel whenever you want. You also choose whether you want to be billed monthly, quarterly (10% savings), or biannually (20% savings).
They'll match you with a provider based on your needs
When you begin with Talkspace, you'll complete a questionnaire that helps match you with the right therapist for your needs. You'll share what brings you to therapy (like anxiety, relationship issues, or trauma), rate your sleep quality, specify your gender and therapist gender preference, and provide some basic info about yourself like where you live and your age.
Many counseling options available
You can get help through several types of therapy including individual, couples, LGBTQIA+, veteran-focused, and teen counseling. Talkspace offers unlimited messaging therapy and has a special program for NYC teens. They also provide psychiatry services with medication management if you need it.
Can prescribe common medications
Talkspace can help you manage many common mental health conditions. These include anxiety (both general and social), depression, ADHD, bipolar disorder, OCD, insomnia, PTSD, postpartum depression, and panic disorder. If you need medication, they can prescribe common options like Lexapro, Prozac, Zoloft, and several others.
Issues with professionalism and customer service
We found that Talkspace has a polarizing reputation with users - while it maintains a 4.0 average rating, the reviews are split almost equally between 1- and 5-star reviews. Most concerning are the serious complaints about unprofessional therapists (like one conducting sessions from their car while chewing gum), difficulties accessing medical records, poor customer service, and therapists sharing confidential information inappropriately.
Fake reviews and misuse of private information
When we look at the 5-star reviews, they're all kind of bland and seem to be written from a template, which they may have been: according to a New York Times report, the company allegedly had employees post fake app store reviews using burner phones. Talkspace has also come under fire for allowing their employees to read private therapy transcripts, and, in one particularly troubling case, they convinced an employee to share his private therapy logs for a presentation, then exposed his identity.
The APA doesn't trust Talkspace
Talkspace may have good marketing, but not everyone is fooled. In 2018, a therapist's advocacy group wrote to the American Psychological Association (APA) about concerns they had with Talkspace's services. The APA took this seriously - they banned Talkspace from their conferences in response. Talkspace tried to fight back with a $40 million lawsuit against the therapist group, but they lost when the case was thrown out in 2020.
Recommended only as a last resort
If you need to talk to someone immediately and cost is a major concern, Talkspace could still be an option to consider. However, given their track record, we recommend thoroughly checking your therapist's background and credentials before starting sessions.
Continued from above...
If you're looking for therapy but don't want to leave the comfort of your home, you're not alone. Online therapy is a growing resource for getting the support you need, right where you are. Whether you're going through stress, anxiety, depression, relationship struggles, or any other mental health challenges, online therapy can help you get the support you deserve at a price you can afford.
If you find it hard to make it to in-person sessions due to a busy schedule, transportation challenges, or if you simply prefer more privacy, you might find online therapy useful. However, choosing the right online therapy service can feel overwhelming. Not all platforms are the same, and it's important to know what you're looking for.
Some services provide therapy through video or chat with licensed therapists, while others offer self-guided courses or digital tools for managing your mental health (with video appointments available, but meant more as check-ins on your progress). The differences can affect the experience, cost, and results of your therapy, so it's key to understand what you need before making a decision.
Most online therapy platforms offer some combination of one-on-one sessions via video, text, or voice calls with licensed professionals that closely mirror the experience of face-to-face therapy. Others simply act as a tool to connect you with an affordable therapist near you.
Beyond conventional forms of online therapy, alternative therapies are emerging as promising options for specific mental health conditions. For example, some services are beginning to explore innovative treatments like virtual ketamine-assisted therapy, which can help people with treatment-resistant depression.
While many online therapy services can prescribe medications, there are some limitations on what they can offer. If you're dealing with more complex mental health challenges, you might benefit from in-person care. This is especially true if you're experiencing severe depression, schizophrenia, PTSD, or having thoughts of self-harm. Remember, there's no shame in needing more intensive support - in these situations, face-to-face sessions can provide you with the immediate, comprehensive care you deserve. You might find that online therapy works well as an additional support tool alongside your in-person treatment.
When looking for the right service for your needs, here are some things to keep in mind:
We understand that finding the right therapy service can feel like a big step. That's why we at Top Consumer Reviews have carefully evaluated and ranked the best online therapy services available today, taking into account factors like quality of care, accessibility, and affordability. We sincerely hope this review helps guide you toward finding the perfect match for your mental health journey and personal needs.
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