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
• "Bersuada is a great therapist. She is professional and does a very good job at maintaining neutrality while trying to encourage progress in the relationship." —WY

 

 

Talkspace

 

A company that I see popping up in all the related searches is Talkspace. Again, this is why we could not choose a ranking list: all of these companies tend to just be crushing it via reviews and how their Google searches are growing steadily each month. There are an innumerable amount of benefits you will find with Talkspace. Obviously, no commute anywhere. They offer awesome flexible plans in an effort to help as many people as possible, regardless of income level. And even though you will be getting a excellent pricing with your therapy, the quality four outweighs that. They also appear to have a lot more specialties they are able to help their clients with. Talkspace is winning awards, growing fast, and helping many.

 

Therapy Types

• Adult Individuals
• Adult Couples
• Psychiatric Patients
• Teen Individuals
• etc.

 

Therapy Logistics

• Message
• Phone
• Video
• etc.

 

Therapy Pricing

Again, many variables at hand here. Monthly costs can range from the $200s and into the $500s (and potentially higher). But because there are just so many things at work here, we highly advise you check out their site and see where you fit into this. Pound for pound, Talkspace is right in line with all the other companies in this space. They are not a lot cheaper nor a lot more expensive.

 

Reviews

• "I absolutely love [Talkspace], being able to talk to your therapist instantly at a moments notice is wonderful." —BC
• "I love Talkspace. I don't bill my insurance. Therapist is amazing. it is like a journal that gives you great feedback. If I had to balance appts into my life I'd be stressed. I can write to her whenever I want and whenever I think of something." —KF
• "Since in person therapy is unrealistic, I identified the attributes that I was looking for in a therapist & headed over to [Talkspace]. I'm only one day in & couldn't be happier about my experience. If you're having a tough time & have the means, give them a shot. #mentalhealth" —IK

 

Okay, and here is one more...just for a good measure. A little bonus for ya.

 

 

Brightside Health

 

Brightside Health is an online therapy platform that is designed to make mental health treatment accessible, affordable, and convenient...for everyone. Through Brightside, you can get matched with the perfect therapist for you—who specializes in exactly what you are seeking help for—and have video sessions from the comfort of your own home. There is no expensive time spent travelling to and from appointments, no waiting rooms, no jumping through hoops to get the help that you need. Nope, not with Brightside Health. They make it super easy for you to take control of your mental health and get the help that you deserve. Plus, Brightside's subscription-based plans make getting access to ongoing therapy more affordable and more accessible than ever before! Brightside stands for making mental health care available to everyone. No matter your budget or your availability, 24/7 support, and resources are there to help keep your mental health on the right track.

 

Therapy Types

• Adult Individuals
• Psychiatric Patients
• Teen Individuals
• etc.

 

Therapy Logistics

• Message
• Phone
• Video
• etc.

 

Therapy Pricing

Are you looking for an affordable yet high-quality therapy website? Brightside Health delivers both, providing access to world-class therapists and psychologists for less than half the price of traditional therapy. One session with a Brightside provider begins at only $65, with the option of five, eight, or ten sessions.  As an added bonus, Brightside therapists also offer text-message support, an extra touch that can make all the difference. And, if you purchase one of a Brightside's subscription options, your cost will be even lower, with sessions beginning at just $45. (Boom.) Plus, with Brightside, you will never have to worry about getting stuck with a surprise bill. All payment processing fees, insurance, and other costs are included in the price of your subscription. So, why wait? With Brightside, you may just find yourself on the brighter side of life! #dadjokes

 

Reviews

• "I’ve been to multiple therapists and this group is the best! It is meeting my needs and really helping in the areas that need work!! I am extremely pleased and thankful for Brightside and my therapists! This has been a Godsend for me!! Truly life changing! I highly recommend you all!! I am so blessed that you accept Aetna insurance!! Thank you for your expertise! I am in the best care available and very grateful" —Anon.
• "Brightside is a great service for people struggling with depression and anxiety. My treatment plan made a huge difference in my mood and daily functioning within two weeks, and now at four weeks I'm feeling like my normal self or better. My Brightside doctor was very knowledgeable and informed me about my options and the potential side effects of various medications. He worked with me to create a treatment plan that I felt comfortable with." —Anon.
• "I wasn’t comfortable with the providers in my area or the various other apps out there. When I found Brightside, it just felt right. I’m currently taking medication & going through therapy and that has saved my life. I’ve had depression and anxiety my whole life and it started to become unmanageable, and I had no will to fight it anymore. I lost so much weight and I would sleep for 15+ hours a day. My only activity was going to work. That was my life. My doctor put me on a combination of medication that really really works for me and I’m so grateful for that bc I know it can take years and lots of trial and error before you find the “one” or the “several” in my case :p first month was extremely difficult nonetheless. I don’t feel like I’m on drugs and my side effects are so minimal that I’m not sure I have any. I still have days and moments where I really struggle but I have my provider and my therapist at my finger tips and they both give me great support. I couldn’t recommend this site enough. You have made a world of difference in one person’s life already." —NF

 

So, as you can see, we have compiled a list of the top gunners in this space. They are all doing very well...at doing good. Their reviews were all raves. Although there are some smaller and larger differences between each company, the common denominator is that it works. The pricing is right. The help is from licensed professionals. The processes really seem like their streamlined (which was something I was skeptical about going into this). I have a lot of hope for mental health, as we move through the 2020s, into the 2030s, and beyond. If you are in need of non-urgent help, and this is not medical advice, I would personally feel comfortable with throwing a dart at board with any of the five names you just read about...and be happy no matter where it landed. But, ultimately, that choice is yours. Do your research and pick what best suits you and your situation. This blog is just a starting point. Good luck and thanks for reading.