10 best affordable online therapy providers for 2025

Skipping therapy due to cost might seem like a money-saving decision, but it can have long-term consequences — emotionally, professionally and financially. Untreated mental health issues can lead to lost workdays, strained relationships and increased medical expenses. Yet, for many, the price of therapy is a dealbreaker.

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In fact, a Yahoo survey of 750 people found that 63% consider insurance coverage one of the most important factors when choosing a provider. And while online therapy has expanded access to mental health support, affordability remains a challenge.

Despite what some ads might suggest, most online therapy isn’t free, but that doesn’t mean you’re out of options. Some platforms offer free trials, limited-use sessions or self-help tools. Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) through your job may cover a few therapy sessions at no cost. However, it’s important to know that free options often come with restrictions such as limited therapist access, short-term support or a focus on self-guided tools rather than live sessions.

So, what’s the best approach? If cost is a concern, look for online therapy services that are in-network with major insurance carriers or offer low-cost sessions for the underinsured. If you’re considering free options, ensure they provide meaningful support, not just a chatbot or generic self-help articles. If you’re concerned online therapy won’t be as effective as in-person sessions, you can rest easy. A large body of research suggests that telehealth psychotherapy is just as effective as in-person therapy. Raha Mirian, a registered psychotherapist, confirms this, stating: “Research shows that online therapy can be equally as effective as in-person therapy. Clients rate their satisfaction with online therapy and the relationship with their therapist just as highly as they do with traditional in-person therapy.” Yahoo’s therapy survey also revealed that 90% of respondents would recommend online therapy to family and friends.

Content concerning mental health is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical or health advice. Consult a medical professional for questions about your health. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, call 911, local emergency services, or 988 (the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline).

If you’re ready to explore affordable online therapy, we’ve done the research for you. Our team consulted psychologists and mental health experts to determine what to look for in a quality provider. We then evaluated more than 50 online therapy platforms and directories, considering factors like insurance acceptance, treatment options, medication management, user reviews and cost per session. Continue reading to discover our top picks for the most affordable online therapy providers of 2025.

Update, Feb. 25, 2025: We checked all service prices and availability. We added our best free online therapy provider and voted Amwell our best option overall, an upgrade from their previous position as best for the entire family. Our other picks remain unchanged.

Best overall affordable online therapy provider

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More affordable online therapy providers we like for 2025

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How to seek immediate help

If you’re experiencing a mental health crisis or emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately. If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of self-harm, call or text the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) hotline at 800-950-6264 or call or text 988.

The Trevor Project offers a 24/7 suicide prevention and crisis intervention hotline for LGBTQ youth and their loved ones. Call 1-866-488-7386, text START to 678-678 or send a confidential instant message to a counselor through TrevorChat. More resources are available at thetrevorproject.org.

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What to consider in an online mental health provider

Choosing an online therapy provider is a big decision, so it’s worth doing some research first. Some of the key factors to consider include:

• Cost: Consider the out-of-pocket price per session, insurance coverage and financial aid options. Some platforms offer sliding-scale rates and additional discounts, like subscriptions or bundled sessions.

• Services offered: Are you looking for talk therapy only, or are you interested in psychiatry or medication management? Does the service offer counseling for individuals, or does it also include options for couples, families and groups? Ensure the chosen provider can offer the services you need before signing up.

• Treatment modalities offered: Do you need help with depression, anxiety, OCD, substance use disorder or gambling addiction? Look for a provider who is not only trained in your field of need but can also offer treatment plans that incorporate the best modality for your needs, such as CBT, EMDR, EFT or CAMS.

• Therapist selection: Can you choose your therapist, or are you matched with one? How easy is switching therapists if it’s not the right fit? Consider therapist qualifications, credentials and areas of expertise. Does the platform have a wide range of providers in your area? Finally, diversity is an important consideration. According to clinical social worker Dr. Caroline Fenkel, it may be helpful to find a therapist from the same cultural background as you. “Feeling understood can make a big difference in your therapy experience,” she explains.

• Therapy session specifics: How is therapy provided? Are sessions live or asynchronous? Does the platform offer sessions via video, phone or messaging? Is there a way to contact your provider in between sessions? How long are therapy sessions? Are sessions available at night or on weekends?

• Privacy: “It’s important to confirm the provider has strict privacy and confidentiality protocols,” says Dr. Espada-Campos. Choose a reputable, HIPAA-compliant company that takes steps to protect your health information.

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How we chose

Selecting the best online mental health providers involved comprehensive research and expert input. To create this list, our team spoke with a panel of psychologists, therapists and other mental health experts to learn more about online therapy and what to look for in a provider.

In our comprehensive evaluation of over 50 online therapy platforms, we assessed each based on cost, services offered, therapy modalities, therapist qualifications, availability of medication management, communication methods and geographic accessibility. We also considered the diversity of therapists and their areas of expertise to ensure coverage of various mental health conditions. Onboarding efficiency, defined as the time between registration and the first appointment, was appraised to ensure prompt access to care. Finally, user reviews were analyzed, and we focused on platforms exhibiting high satisfaction rates.

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FAQs

How does online therapy work?

Online therapy operates through synchronous and asynchronous communication. Synchronous therapy involves real-time interactions between the therapist and client, closely mirroring traditional in-person sessions but conducted virtually. These sessions can be held via video calls, phone conversations or live chats and typically last 30 to 60 minutes.

Asynchronous therapy, on the other hand, involves time-delayed communications. Clients send messages to their therapists through secure online portals, similar to email. Therapists respond within a specified timeframe, often within 24 hours. This format eliminates the need for scheduled appointments, allowing clients to send messages anytime.

What are the benefits of online therapy?

Online therapy offers several benefits. Some of the perks include:

• Affordability: Online therapy typically costs less than in-person therapy, with rates ranging from around $30 to $110 per session for talk therapy. In comparison, in-person therapy costs, on average, $135-$213 per session, depending on location.

• Accessibility: Individuals with limited mobility or who live in remote areas can easily find a therapist and attend sessions. Some people may also have mental health issues that make in-person therapy difficult or stressful, such as those who struggle with agoraphobia, says clinical psychologist Dr. Christina Hong-Huber. Online therapy also provides a greater diversity of providers to clients who may want a therapist with the same cultural or ethnic background, she says.

• Convenience: Online therapy is convenient because there’s no need for travel or wait times. It’s also more private, with no risk of encountering acquaintances.

• Comfort: Licensed marriage and family therapist Jason Powell highlights an often-overlooked advantage of online therapy: the comfort it provides. He notes that clients can attend sessions from their couch or bed, perhaps with a blanket or a pet, adding, “Having that familiarity can make a big difference during challenging conversations around relationships, family wounds or trauma.”

Are there any free online therapists?

Finding free online therapy can be challenging, but several resources are available:

• Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs): Many employers offer EAPs that provide free therapy sessions. Check with your HR department to see if this benefit is available.

• Crisis Text Line: For immediate support, text HOME to 741741 to connect with a trained volunteer crisis counselor. This service is available 24/7 across the U.S.

• Therapy Aid Coalition: If you’re a first responder or healthcare worker, this organization offers free or low-cost therapy.

• Peer support platforms: Websites like 7 Cups and BuddyHelp provide free emotional support through trained volunteer listeners. While these volunteers are not licensed therapists, they can offer a compassionate ear.

Who should sign up for online therapy?

Online therapy can benefit many individuals seeking mental health support. Dr. Leonardo Vando, a board-certified psychiatrist, states, “It’s great for anyone who needs mental health support and is willing to participate in treatment.”

It is particularly suitable for those with limited access to in-person therapy, mobility challenges, busy schedules requiring flexibility or a preference for virtual settings. It’s also valuable for those seeking a therapist with a shared culture, background, lived experience or a specific type of therapy or specialty. However, online therapy may not be appropriate for individuals in crisis, those with severe mental illnesses like psychosis or those needing close monitoring or controlled medication management. In such cases, in-person care is recommended.

Can an online therapist diagnose you?

Yes, online therapists have the same credentials as those who provide in-person therapy. As long as a therapist is licensed in your state, they can provide a diagnosis.

Most mental health conditions can be diagnosed online, says clinical psychologist Dr. Golee Abrishami, but not all. “There are some psychiatric conditions which may be better suited to an in-person assessment,” she says. For example, if someone requires a medical evaluation or an MRI.

Is online therapy as effective as in-person therapy?

Research suggests that online therapy is as effective as traditional therapy. A review of 17 studies found that online cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) was more effective at reducing symptoms of depression than conventional therapy. It was also more cost-effective, with similar satisfaction rates.

Another study found that online counseling was highly effective in reducing psychological distress, depression and anxiety.

Although online therapy may offer the same level of expertise and support, it may not provide the same level of personal connection, says Jessica Plonchak, executive clinical director of ChoicePoint. Meeting face-to-face and being physically close to one another can help facilitate a deeper therapeutic relationship. “Ultimately, the effectiveness of therapy depends on how much effort has been put in by both sides.”

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Other services we considered

• Thriveworks offers in-person and online therapy with an extensive network of licensed therapists. While it accepts insurance and guarantees quick appointment availability, its out-of-pocket costs are high.

• Ours is designed for couples therapy, offering structured relationship programs with guided exercises and licensed professionals. While innovative, it may not be the best fit for individuals seeking ongoing mental health support.

• Gay Therapy Center specializes in LGBTQ mental health, offering therapy for individuals and couples. Though it provides dedicated support for LGBTQ clients, pricing is higher than many other online therapy platforms, with sessions ranging between $185 and $250.

• NOCD focuses exclusively on treating obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) through evidence-based exposure and response prevention (ERP) therapy. While highly effective for OCD, it’s not suited for those seeking general mental health services.

• Sesame is a telehealth marketplace that connects users directly with doctors, therapists and mental health providers at transparent, flat-rate prices. While it offers affordable pay-per-session therapy from $94 with no membership required, provider availability varies by location, and insurance is not accepted.

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Meet our experts

• Caroline Fenkel, Licensed clinical social worker, chief clinical officer and co-founder at Charlie Health

• Raha Mirian, Registered psychotherapist, founder of MindSeed Health

• Jason Powell, Licensed marriage and family therapist and AASECT-certified sex therapist

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Our health content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional on questions about your health.

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