We’ll be the first to admit that with everything going on in the world, many of us are feeling more stressed than ever and need support. Since face-to-face sessions aren’t always feasible, we are big fans of online therapy and virtual counseling to get the support we need. We have included a list of cheap online therapy app options to get you started with your sessions.
Online therapy offers high-quality support from licensed therapists whenever and wherever you need it. It is also cheap, accessible, and handy. In specific options, you can even get therapy via chat if you need to speak with someone immediately.
Cheap Online Therapy Apps
Without making trip arrangements, customers can connect with therapists via video, chat, and voice features through affordable mobile therapy apps. However, just because uninstalling therapy software from your iPhone makes quitting that app a cinch doesn’t imply you should choose that app carelessly.
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Before selecting one, it is advisable to conduct a little research on the various features and methods used by cheap online therapy apps. We investigated the most popular affordable online therapy apps and assessed their capabilities, costs, reputations, communication capabilities, and overall usefulness. You may be familiar with some apps, but you’ve probably never heard of others. Check out the differences between them.
Calmerry
- Price: $42 to $90 per week
- Mobile Apps: iOS, Android
- Session Types: Video, Chat, Voice, Messaging
Of all the therapy apps we tested, the Calmerry app has one of the most straightforward user interfaces. Users can easily interact with a committed therapist while navigating many session formats.
The therapists are qualified and have a wealth of expertise in treating various mental health conditions. Calmerry is an excellent choice because they are also incredibly generous with their time and attention.
Talkspace
- Price: $69 to $129 per week
- Mobile Apps: iOS, Android
- Session Types: Video, Chat, Voice, Messaging
Talkspace offers consumers access to thousands of therapists through an elegant and simple-to-use therapy app. They can assist a wide range of clients because the counselors specialize in various therapies.
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BetterHelp
- Price: $80 to $90 per week
- Mobile Apps: iOS, Android
- Session Types: Video, Chat, Voice, Messaging
One of the top teletherapy platforms around the globe, BetterHelp, offers hundreds of therapists who can be contacted and worked with via video, phone, and chat sessions.
You can access thousands of qualified experts through the BetterHelp therapy app, who assess candidates based on their expertise and educational background. Their matching technology matches users with therapists who specialize in the areas most pertinent to their unique requirements during the registration process.
MDLive Counseling
- Price: $108 per session
- Mobile Apps: iOS, Android
- Session Types: Video, Phone
For individuals who want to have more in-person therapy sessions rather than a constant text conversation with their therapist, MDLive’s therapy app is one of the better options out there.
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They are equipped with every feature required to have a successful video session with your therapist. The cost is somewhat hefty. However, they cooperate with some insurance companies, so a portion of that expense might be reimbursed.
Pride Counseling
- Price: $60 to $90 per week
- Mobile Apps: iOS, Android
- Session Types: Video, Chat, Phone, Messaging
People in the LGBTQIA+ community can find qualified therapists to assist them with their most pressing mental health issues by using Pride Counseling. Users of this therapy software can speak directly with a professional therapist through phone, video, chat, or the platform’s secure messaging feature. The therapists on this platform are certified experts with the training and experience necessary to assist members of the LGBTQIA+ community with their particular difficulties.
Teen Counseling
- Price: $60 to $90 per week
- Mobile Apps: iOS, Android
- Session Types: Video, Chat, Voice, Messaging
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Teen Counseling is a platform within the BetterHelp family of therapy apps targeted at teenagers (aged 13–19). This service provider was created as a place where teenagers may speak openly and comfortably with therapists. They can also include their parents by inviting them to select sessions.
ReGain Counseling
- Price: $60 to $90 per week
- Mobile Apps: iOS, Android
- Session Types: Video, Chat, Voice, Messaging
Couples can receive therapy through live chat, video, and phone sessions with Regain’s therapy app. The therapists on their platform are qualified and skilled at offering couples therapy, whether it takes the shape of a live session with the couple or a simple one-on-one session to talk about their relationship. Couples find it simpler to arrange their schedules and attend therapy since online sessions are more convenient.
Cheap Online Therapy Options
Here is an excellent resource for discovering cheap online therapy that accepts insurance if you want to have your counseling sessions covered. We hope that these tools will assist you in locating the support you require:
BetterHelp
- Best For | Singles, couples, or adolescents
- Notable Features | Financial aid available, 20K+ licensed therapists, bilingual options
- Price: $60 to $90 per week (billed every four weeks)
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Visit BetterHelp for individualized, flexible online counseling with unlimited access. Finding the most qualified counselors for your particular situation should begin with a tailored survey. You can then message them from anywhere at any time. You have various communication options, including the ability to plan a live therapy session through the phone, iPad, or computer. One of Betterhelp’s partner websites, Faithful Counseling, is a fantastic resource for individuals who would rather speak with a Christian counselor. BetterHelp meets you where you are, whatever your needs.
Talkspace
- Best For | Singles, couples, and psychiatric requirements
- Features to note include a reference library, psychiatry options, and acceptance of some insurances.
- Price | $276 to $516 per month
Talkspace is one of the most widely used virtual therapy platforms, with more than a million users. The pay-per-use service partners with several employee assistance programs and educational institutions in addition to accepting a few types of insurance. Immediately begin communicating with your recommended therapist using the platform’s secure messaging service or arrange a live video counseling session. Additionally, Talkspace provides veterans and LGBTQIA+ community members with discounted subscriptions, free mental health assessments and information, and specialized services.
ReGain
- Best For | Relationship therapy
- Notable Features | Options for individual or couples
- Price Range | $60–$90 per week (billed every four weeks)
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Restore is our recommended online relational therapy platform if you need to address some challenging relationship issues or want to regain companionship or affection. You can sign up as an individual or a couple, and after completing a questionnaire to determine your common objectives, you’ll be matched with a qualified counselor. It is a private, flexible, and virtual option mainly done through video sessions (but can be done at any time through messaging) and will help you face problems head-on.
Open Path Collective
- Best For | Low-cost sessions; family or group sessions
- Notable Features | Sliding scale, bilingual options, wellness courses available
- Price Range | $30–$80 per session; $ 59-lifetime membership fee
A nonprofit organization called Open Path Collective assists patients who are uninsured or who cannot afford the standard rate for therapy sessions. You can locate reasonable therapists in your area who might provide online therapy in addition to in-person counseling for a one-time membership cost.
Inclusive Therapists
- Best For | BIPOC, LGBTQ+, Neurodivergent & Disabled communities
- Notable Features | Bilingual options centered on marginalized identities reduced fee virtual teletherapy
- Price Range | Varies; sliding scale available
The amazing directory, Inclusive Therapists, is dedicated to recognizing all identities and abilities. With a particular emphasis on social justice, liberation, and decolonization, this online platform focuses on BIPOC, LGBTQ+, neurodivergent, and disabled communities. This means that each therapist here has been thoroughly screened to ensure they can meet the requirements of these communities, and you can anticipate helpful and culturally sensitive input after every counseling session.
Pride Counseling
- Best For | LGBTQ+
- Notable Features | All identities welcomed
- Price Range | $60–$90 per week (billed every four weeks)
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You may want to consider Pride Counseling if you want online therapy that is inclusive, accepting, and flexible. All trained counselors are conversant with LGBTQ+ help, and all identities are welcomed, as the LGBTQ+ population might face mental health issues at disproportionately high rates. You can plan virtual sessions or exchange back-and-forth messages with your qualified therapist discreetly and cost-effectively.
Teen Counseling
- Best For | Teens
- Notable Features | Therapists who specialize in teens, app-based communication
- Price Range | $60–$90 per session (billed every four weeks)
Teen Counseling assists teenagers ages 13 to 19 looking for professional help. With scheduling freedom, teens can connect with qualified therapists via text, live chat, and video via an app. Although counseling is private, you may be sure that the therapist will let you know if something significant, like an intervention, needs to be done. Help is available if you or your teen is dealing with bullying, low self-esteem, or an eating disorder.
Virtual Tia Clinic
- Best For | Women (trans & non-binary individuals welcomed & celebrated)
- Notable Features | Women’s health focus, $1 trial option, accepts select insurance
- Price Range | $80–$130 per session; $15/mo for Tia membership
Tia is a cutting-edge medical platform that provides care for all of you, from gynecological care to basic medical requirements. Through the Virtual Tia Clinic and in person in New York, California, and Arizona, Tia provides mental health services. Select insurance policies from companies including Aetna, United HealthCare, and BCBS are accepted by Tia; based on your insurance plan, you may or may not be covered entirely. Are you paying for therapy out of pocket? Regular online counseling sessions cost $130, with an introductory session costing $80. You may participate in community activities, access a prestigious list of practitioners, and openly communicate with your integrative care team for $15 per month.
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My Therapist Online
- Best For | Individuals
- Notable Features | UK-based focused on cognitive behavioral therapy, free consultation
- Price Range | £60–£120 per session
A UK website called My Therapist Online offers simple, online CBT-based therapy, starting with a free consultation. After meeting your ideal therapist in a complimentary online consultation, you can plan sessions around your schedule. Many treatments take up to 12 weeks. If you travel frequently or have restricted mobility options, we highly recommend this counseling platform since My Therapist Online makes it easy to acquire mental health care.
Choosing the Right Cheap Online Therapy Sessions
There are various crucial aspects to evaluate when selecting the best cheap online therapy platform for your sessions.
Cost
Find the plan that costs the least while providing the most significant features and benefits for you by comparing them. Do video calls count? Have you got unlimited texting? Are there any financial aid options, or will your insurance cover your sessions?
Features
Compare core features, such as end-to-end encrypted messaging and video chat, and ancillary services, such as journaling and mental health resources.
Privacy
Online therapy is less strictly governed than other telehealth services. Some service providers, like Facebook, divulge specific data to outside parties. Do some online research to find out what data is being gathered and disseminated.
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Communication
Do you prefer voice calls over text messages? Do video calls exist? Can you text your therapist whenever you want? Is there a smartphone app?
Is there such a thing as free online therapy?
Yes, there is free online treatment available. Some agencies may provide qualified professionals’ counseling for free or at a reduced rate for specific groups, such as vital workers and People of Color. Others may provide free group chats with qualified volunteers.
Can you heal yourself without therapy?
Even if the evidence says self-therapy may work in some situations, you could still require a professional to help you work through particular difficulties. For instance, you might be able to cope with your anxiety alone, but if you get panic attacks frequently, you could still require professional assistance.
Can you tell the therapist No?
You can tell your therapist anything, and they hope that you do, is a quick response. Since they can only assist you if you disclose as much as possible, it is wise to do so.
What you shouldn’t tell your therapist?
Never mention to your therapist that you find them beautiful or want to go out with them. It’s simply unacceptable, and your therapist will be deeply uncomfortable. You risk losing their trust if you declare your affection for them.
Why is therapy only once a week?
To help you felt more in control and empowered, we can balance a steady, emotionally safe pace with instant attention throughout our weekly meetings. In other words, by seeing you once a week, we can co-design a therapeutic experience that is as beneficial and effective as feasible.
Conclusion
When you make the most of your in-network insurance coverage, online therapy options for your sessions can be cheap and sustainable for your budget. A la carte options, where you pay per session, can help you save some extra money and offer payment and schedule flexibility that subscriptions don’t if you don’t have insurance or have a high deductible.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does online therapy cost on average?
Online therapy costs differ, just like they do for in-person therapy. While BetterHelp charges between $60 and $90 per week, Talkspace charges as little as $65 per week.
How can I get therapy if I have no money?
If you reside nearby, ask the graduate psychology department at a nearby university whether they have a community counseling center. These clinics are frequently staffed by graduate students learning how to deliver therapy; the treatment is typically good and free or quite affordable.
Is Talkspace or BetterHelp cheaper?
However, when you compare the plans that are closest together, BetterHelp’s weekly cost of $80 is much less than; Talkspace’s weekly cost of $129 (keep in mind that BetterHelp’s sessions are between 30 and 45 minutes long, whereas Talkspace’s are exactly 45 minutes long).
Is there a free therapist I can text?
BlahTherapy is an online telehealth platform offering therapist sessions, online emotional support chat rooms, and psychic readings. Using the free Chat With Strangers application, patients can opt to listen to or chat anonymously with their peers. 24/7, low-cost online therapy sessions are offered.
