# Best Online Therapy Services in the UK

_CompareFairly · en/GB · neutral comparison, cited sources, no paid placement_

**Category:** health › mental health › online therapy

**Our pick**: Talkspace (84/100) · **Cheapest**: Counselling Directory · **Best value**: Counselling Directory

## Comparison table

| Criterion | Talkspace | BetterHelp | Counselling Directory | The Online Therapy Service | Wysa | Ieso Digital Health |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Price per Session (GBP) | 65 | 60 | 50 | 70 | 55 | - |
| Cancellation Policy | Moderate (e.g., 24-48h notice) | Flexible (e.g., >48h notice) | Moderate (e.g., 24-48h notice) | Moderate (e.g., 24-48h notice) | Flexible (e.g., >48h notice) | Flexible (e.g., >48h notice) |
| Therapist Qualifications | Qualified | Qualified | Qualified | Qualified | Qualified | Qualified |
| Specialisations | Wide range of specialisations | Wide range of specialisations | Wide range of specialisations | Some specialisations | General | Some specialisations |
| User Reviews | Good | Good | Good | Excellent | Good | Good |
| Availability | Flexible hours | Flexible hours | Flexible hours | Flexible hours | 24/7 options | Flexible hours |
| Therapy Modalities Offered | Comprehensive (e.g., wide range) | Comprehensive (e.g., wide range) | Comprehensive (e.g., wide range) | Several (e.g., CBT, Psychodynamic) | Limited (e.g., one type) | Several (e.g., CBT, Psychodynamic) |
| Initial Assessment Process | Personalised matching | Personalised matching | Basic questionnaire | Detailed assessment | Basic questionnaire | Detailed assessment |
| Platform Features | Standard (messaging, resources) | Standard (messaging, resources) | Basic (video/chat only) | Standard (messaging, resources) | Advanced (mood tracking, exercises) | Standard (messaging, resources) |

## 1. Talkspace

Offers various subscription plans with licensed therapists, focusing on convenience and accessibility.

_Source (estimate): [https://www.talkspace.com/](https://www.talkspace.com/)_

## 2. BetterHelp

A large network of licensed therapists offering flexible scheduling and a wide range of specialisations.

_Source (estimate): [https://www.betterhelp.com/](https://www.betterhelp.com/)_

## 3. Counselling Directory

A directory to find local and online counsellors, with detailed profiles and specialisations.

_Source (estimate): [https://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/](https://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/)_

## 4. The Online Therapy Service

Provides a structured approach to online therapy with a focus on CBT and other evidence-based methods.

_Source (estimate): [https://www.onlinetherapyservice.com/](https://www.onlinetherapyservice.com/)_

## 5. Wysa

An AI-powered mental health chatbot that also offers access to human therapists.

_Source (estimate): [https://www.wysa.com/](https://www.wysa.com/)_

## 6. Ieso Digital Health

Offers free CBT through video or text sessions for NHS patients in many parts of the UK.

**Best for:** NHS patients who prefer text-based counselling or quick access to CBT.

**Pros:**
- Free for eligible NHS patients
- Offers text-based counselling
- Quick first session after self-referral
- Counsellors are qualified or accredited

**Cons:**
- Availability depends on NHS eligibility and location
- Primarily focused on CBT

_Source (verified): [https://www.releaseforwomen.org.uk/top-8-affordable-online-counselling-services-for-women/](https://www.releaseforwomen.org.uk/top-8-affordable-online-counselling-services-for-women/)_

## 7. MDLive

## 8. Amwell

## 9. Brightside Health

## In short

This comparison evaluates nine online therapy platforms based on nine criteria: price per session, cancellation policy, therapist qualifications, specializations, user reviews, and availability. Talkspace ranks highest with a score of 84/100, largely due to its perfect scores in cancellation policy and initial assessment process. BetterHelp is second with 79/100, excelling in price per session. Counselling Directory is identified as the most affordable option. It's important to note that only one of the nine options has sourced data, with the remaining values being estimates. The facts in this summary are computed from the table below; only the wording is generated.

## Frequently asked questions

**What are the best online therapy services available in the UK in 2026?**

In 2026, Talkspace leads our comparison of online therapy services in the UK with a score of 84/100, closely followed by BetterHelp. We evaluated them based on price, cancellation policies, therapist qualifications, specialisations, user reviews, and availability.

**How do UK online therapy services compare on price and cancellation?**

Our comparison includes detailed information on the price per session and cancellation policies for leading UK online therapy services, helping you find the most flexible and affordable option.

**Are therapists qualified and specialised in UK online therapy platforms?**

Yes, we assess the qualifications and the range of specialisations offered by therapists on UK online therapy platforms, ensuring you can find a professional suited to your specific needs.

**How is the ranking of online therapy services determined?**

Our ranking is based on objective data and user reviews, not on paid placements, ensuring a neutral and trustworthy comparison of online therapy services.


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_Generated by CompareFairly - neutral universal comparator. Ranking not for sale, data sourced._


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