Mental health has always been something humans have struggled with. Going back decades—and even centuries—into the past, as a species, we have not always done the best at understanding and accepting that these ailments are simply part of the human organism. Part of life.
Mental health is not something to be ashamed of nor to be taken lightly. And, I am pleased to say that, over the past several years, the way mental health issues are viewed in Western society is finally correcting itself to a place where it should have always been. If nothing else, the 21st century can add that stripe to its sleeve and feather to its cap.
With that narrative shift have sprung up a lot of new companies that are dipping their proverbial toe into the mental health business game. By using mics and webcams, they have made it easier than ever for folks to get the help they need in life, in the comfort of their own homes, no less. These mental health companies are sort of, be it consciously or otherwise, democratizing access to mental health everywhere, for everyone.
Today, we will explore five of the most well-known online therapy companies on the internet. At the end of the day, you have to choose who is the right provider for you, but we will help point out the general pricing being offered and how well users are enjoying these services. You can use this data to help you decide which company may be best for you. And then, you can start your journey to a more you...you.
Before we begin, I think it is important to note two aspects of what you are about to read. One, we stayed as objective as possible with this list, but there is certainly going to be some subjectivity that inadvertently creeps in. So keep that in mind and know that, of course, it is not by design. Two, the five online therapy providers you are going to read about are listed alphabetically, not from first-best to second-best to third-best, etc., etc. Yes, these are the five we thought were the most deserving to make this list, however, among each other, there are far too many variables to lay out a "concrete" ranking of each. We dig them all and think everyone who uses any of the five will be extremely happy. Bar none. Period.
With that, let's dive in.
BetterHelp
BetterHelp has completed over 241 million total therapy sessions, has over 28,000 licensed therapists that are ready to help, and has helped more than 3.3 million people with therapy, as of the time of this writing. They are a big player in this game and have done nothing but grow since they got started. They are a trusted name in online therapy and are continuing to innovate the space.
Therapy Types
- Adult Individuals
- Adult Couples
- Teen Individuals
- etc.
Therapy Logistics
- Chat
- Message
- Phone
- Video
- etc.
Therapy Pricing
BetterHelp's online therapy cost ranges from $60.00 to $90.00 per week. It is billed every four weeks. What determines that $30.00 range between the low end and high end of that spectrum? From what we read on the BetterHelp website, it is based, at least in part, on the user's location, the availability of therapists, and other misc. preferences users may have. This is, at the end of the day, a subscription service. And with that, the answer to the most obvious follow-up question is, yes, you can 100% cancel your membership at any time, for any reason, and with no additional costs incurred.
Reviews
- "Dr. Diane Wilcox is someone that I feel very comfortable talking to. She is very kind and knowledgeable. I love that she incorporates faith based therapy into my sessions as I have requested. I would definitely recommend Dr. Diane! She gives a new perspective in a positive light. I have learned alot about myself, and I have already grown and healed so much in such a short amount of time." —LA
- "Hands down best therapist I’ve worked with. He’s so kind, caring, punctual, and takes time to reach out." —TA
- "Natasha has been a great help! I feel she listens without judgement and wants the best for my wellbeing." —AB
Calmerry
Calmerry is an up-and-coming online therapy site. In fact, we are seeing some legit. momentum in their business. They are another super-formidable option for anyone needing some help. Here are some stats that are pretty interesting. 88% of Calmerry clients have found their therapy to be as helpful or more helpful than traditional therapy. 95% of their clients found it far more convenient than in-person therapy (no shock to me). And this last one is the one that I think may be at the genesis of Calmerry's success: 98% of their clients are satisfied with the therapist chosen for them (after the assessment). They have a well-oiled machine here, and people are spreading the word about Calmerry.
Therapy Types
- Adult Individuals
- Adult Couples
- Teen Individuals
- etc.
Therapy Logistics
- Message
- Video
- etc.
Therapy Pricing
Calmerry therapy plans start at $42.00 per month for their Messaging Therapy service. They offer several plans after their base Messaging Therapy plan that vary in price but do steadily increase. Regardless, their pricing is good, based on the reviews we have read. And Calmerry is right in range with BetterHelp (and some others on the list, as well). Also a subscription service, Calmerry bills their users on a monthly basis. Cancel whenever you want with no financial repercussion.
Reviews
- "I didn’t expect much from remote therapy, to be honest. However, I decided to try video sessions, and they actually help. My therapist is a great listener, she’s very empathetic, and she knows how to make people feel comfortable when talking about their issues. I’m more than satisfied." —JB
- "Thank God for this. It helped me through an extremely rough time of being so depressed over the loss of my dog. My therapist chatted with me twice a day, every day, even on weekends, which she wasn’t obligated to do. I’m so glad I did this." —SG
- "Anaelli was amazing!!! She was able to create a safe space and I was able to take what I learned and apply it to everyday situations! Thanks so much!!" —SS
Cerebral
Cerebral patients love what they are getting from their therapy sessions. At least 82% of them report a reduction in their anxiety. Of those who have reported improvement in their depression, 75% of them are feeling that improvement within 60 days from their first session. (That is a big deal.) Another cool data point is that 80% of Cerebral patients can get started with a therapist within five days of signing up. Cerebral is another big name in online therapy. They have a plethora of plans for their patients to choose from, outstanding reviews, and are continuing to grow their business to help more people each and every day.
Therapy Types
- Adult Individuals
- etc.
Therapy Logistics
- Phone
- Video
- etc.
Therapy Pricing
Membership at Cerebral starts at $99.00 per month, they have one for $259.00 per month, and one going all the way up to $325.00 per month. Again, there are so many variables, that it is difficult to get an idea where you fit in without taking their assessment and depending on what specific services you are looking for. They also have a little asterisk after their pricing FAQ. It reads as follows: "Pricing may vary based upon our cost to serve different locations, conditions, or other variables." This is normal, it appears, as BetterHelp had the same sort of disclaimer.
ReGain
ReGain is another budding hotspot for online therapy, however, they have taken a more specialized approach, which many will love to hear. Outside of having a super-catchy name that this previous ad copywriter can appreciate, ReGain is focusing their therapeutic efforts on...love. Whether you want to go individually or you and your partner going together, ReGain has the tools and the specialized therapists to help you to strengthen or, perhaps, save your relationship. You provide they hard work; they will provide the framework and map for your journey.
Therapy Types
- Adult Individuals
- Adult Couples
- etc.
Therapy Logistics
- Video
- etc.
Therapy Pricing
Regain keeps it quite simple when it comes to their pricing, although we still suggest looking into the details on their site for further clarity on which plans are best for you and your situation. But, without all that data, here is the nitty gritty: plans range from $60.00 per week to $90.00 per week. You will be billed in four-week increments. And, of course, you can cancel at any time, for any reason. No fees to do so.
Reviews
- "Taralah has been amazing in helping to facilitate better communication between my husband and me. We've become more intimate and understanding of each other, and the skills and techniques she's teaching us can be used to solve a multitude of problems that may arise in the future." —ME
- "Taimara is a great listener and has a great energy that she brings to each session. My wife and I are new to couples therapy… Taimara has made us both feel seen and heard. Highly recommended her to anyone looking to learn, grow and improve their relationships. Thanks Taimara!" —GR
- "Be