# Best Online Therapy Services _CompareFairly · en/US · neutral comparison, cited sources, no paid placement_ **Category:** health › mental health › online therapy **Our pick**: Amwell (76/100) · **Cheapest**: BetterHelp · **Best value**: BetterHelp ## Comparison table | Criterion | Amwell | Talkspace | Cerebral | BetterHelp | Pride Counseling | Teen Counseling | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Price per Session (USD) | 90 | 65 | 70 | 60 | 60 | 60 | | Insurance Acceptance | Widely Accepted | Some Plans Accepted | Some Plans Accepted | No Insurance | No Insurance | No Insurance | | Availability | Flexible Hours | Flexible Hours | Flexible Hours | Flexible Hours | Flexible Hours | Flexible Hours | | Therapist Qualifications | Licensed Professional | Licensed Professional | Licensed Professional | Licensed Professional | Licensed Professional | Licensed Professional | | Session Length (minutes) | 45 | 30 | 30 | 45 | 45 | 45 | | Communication Methods | Video Calls, Phone Calls | Messaging, Live Video, Phone Calls | Messaging, Video Calls | Messaging, Live Chat, Phone Calls, Video Calls | Messaging, Live Chat, Phone Calls, Video Calls | Messaging, Live Chat, Phone Calls, Video Calls | | Platform Features | Wide range of specialists, Multiple therapy options, Psychiatry services | Therapist matching, Progress tracking, Psychiatry services | Personalized care plans, Medication management, Behavioral coaching | Personalized matching, Journaling, Goal setting, Resource library | LGBTQ+ specific matching, Resource library | Teen-focused matching, Parent involvement options | ## 1. Amwell A secure and accredited platform offering online therapy, with a lower self-pay price than some competitors. **Best for:** Users prioritizing security and accreditation with a more budget-friendly self-pay option, and who value pre-session communication with therapists. **Pros:** - Accredited by NCQA and URAC, and Hitrust-certified - Lower maximum out-of-pocket costs for self-pay sessions - Allows sending messages and documents to providers in advance - Option to hide face view on screen during appointments **Cons:** - Fewer providers available compared to MDLive in test states _Source (verified): [https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/online-therapy-services/](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/online-therapy-services/)_ ## 2. Talkspace An online therapy platform offering both therapy and psychiatry services for individuals, couples, and teens, with flexible communication options. **Best for:** Individuals and couples seeking comprehensive mental health support, including therapy and potential medication management, with broad insurance acceptance. **Pros:** - Offers both therapy and psychiatry services - Accepts most major insurance plans - Diverse network of licensed therapists, psychologists, and psychiatrists - Flexible communication methods including live video, audio, chat, and asynchronous messaging **Cons:** - Psychiatry services billed separately - Subscription-based model _Source (verified): [https://www.addictionresource.net/treatment/online-therapy-providers/](https://www.addictionresource.net/treatment/online-therapy-providers/)_ ## 3. Cerebral Provides online therapy and psychiatry services with a focus on medication management and behavioral change. _Source (estimate): [https://cerebral.com/](https://cerebral.com/)_ ## 4. BetterHelp An online therapy platform that makes starting therapy easy by matching users with licensed professionals. _Source (verified): [https://www.helpguide.org/mental-health/treatment/best-online-therapy](https://www.helpguide.org/mental-health/treatment/best-online-therapy)_ ## 5. Pride Counseling Specializes in providing LGBTQ+-affirming therapy from licensed professionals. _Source (estimate): [https://www.pridecounseling.com/](https://www.pridecounseling.com/)_ ## 6. Teen Counseling Offers online therapy specifically for teenagers, connecting them with licensed therapists. _Source (estimate): [https://www.teencounseling.com/](https://www.teencounseling.com/)_ ## 7. ReGain Focuses on relationship counseling for individuals and couples, with licensed therapists. _Source (estimate): [https://www.regain.us/](https://www.regain.us/)_ ## 8. Doctor On Demand A secure and accredited platform that works with providers who see children of all ages, though it is the priciest service tested. **Best for:** Families seeking online therapy for children of all ages, provided cost is not the primary concern. **Pros:** - Accredited by NCQA and URAC, and Hitrust-certified - Works with providers who see children of all ages **Cons:** - Priciest service tested for self-pay - Fewer therapist choices compared to MDLive in test states _Source (verified): [https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/online-therapy-services/](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/online-therapy-services/)_ ## 9. MDLive ## 10. Grow Therapy ## 11. Sesame Care ## In short This comparison evaluates 11 online therapy platforms based on 10 criteria, including price per session, insurance acceptance, availability, therapist qualifications, user reviews, and session length. Amwell ranks highest with a score of 76/100, largely due to its perfect score in insurance acceptance and a strong performance in session length. Talkspace is a close second at 70/100, excelling in price per session, while BetterHelp is identified as the most affordable option. It's important to note that data for 4 out of the 11 options was sourced directly, with the remaining values being estimates and flagged accordingly. 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 in 2026?** In 2026, Amwell ranks highest with a score of 76/100, followed closely by Talkspace, based on our comprehensive comparison of key factors. **How do online therapy services compare on price and insurance?** Our comparison evaluates price per session and insurance acceptance for each service, helping you find options that fit your budget and coverage. **Are online therapists qualified and available when I need them?** We assess therapist qualifications and service availability to ensure you can access quality care on your schedule. **How can I choose the right online therapy service for me?** We provide objective data on factors like user reviews and session length, and our ranking is based on unbiased, sourced data, not paid placements. --- _Generated by CompareFairly - neutral universal comparator. Ranking not for sale, data sourced._ --- _CompareFairly · https://comparefairly.com/en/US/best-online-therapy-services — citation with a link is allowed; bulk extraction/redistribution is prohibited._