We Tested the Top Therapy Apps to See What Actually Helps
Finding a therapist used to mean long waitlists and awkward phone calls. Now, therapy can start from your couch and often in days, not weeks. But not every app is built the same. Some prioritize speed, others connection, others cost.
We tried the top online therapy services to see which ones deliver real support and value, not just another app subscription.
| Platform | Starting Price | Best For | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
BetterHelp
Best Overall
Thousands of therapists, fast matching, flexible messaging + live sessions. |
$70–$100/week | Quick access to therapy without insurance | Large network, mobile-friendly, 24/7 messaging | No insurance billing; pricing varies by region |
|
Talkspace
Best for Insurance
One of the few online platforms that works with major insurers. |
$69–$109/week | People using insurance for mental health | Accepts insurance, includes psychiatry, flexible communication | Complex plan structure; not all states covered |
|
Brightside Health
Best for Anxiety & Depression
Focuses on evidence-based CBT + medication management. |
$45–$349/month | People seeking therapy + medication support | Accepts many insurance plans, structured treatment plans | Limited to certain mental health conditions |
|
Online-Therapy.com
Best CBT-Based Platform
Combines worksheets, messaging, and live sessions in a CBT framework. |
$45–$84/week | Structured self-improvement with guidance | CBT modules, journaling, and therapist feedback | Limited therapist interaction for lower plans |
|
ReGain
Best for Couples
A BetterHelp sister site focused on relationships and couples therapy. |
$70–$90/week | Couples or relationship counseling | Specialized therapists, joint or individual sessions | Not covered by insurance; text-based support limited |
BetterHelp Best Overall
Starting Price: $70–$100/week
Best For: Quick access to therapy without insurance
Pros: Large network, mobile-friendly, 24/7 messaging
Cons: No insurance billing; pricing varies by region
Talkspace Best for Insurance
Starting Price: $69–$109/week
Best For: People using insurance for mental health
Pros: Accepts insurance, includes psychiatry, flexible communication
Cons: Complex plan structure; not all states covered
Brightside Health Best for Anxiety & Depression
Starting Price: $45–$349/month
Best For: Therapy + medication support
Pros: Accepts insurance, structured treatment plans
Cons: Limited to certain mental health conditions
Online-Therapy.com Best CBT-Based Platform
Starting Price: $45–$84/week
Best For: Structured self-improvement with guidance
Pros: CBT modules, journaling, and therapist feedback
Cons: Limited therapist interaction for lower plans
ReGain Best for Couples
Starting Price: $70–$90/week
Best For: Couples or relationship counseling
Pros: Specialized therapists, joint or individual sessions
Cons: Not covered by insurance; text-based support limited
Editor’s Take: Online therapy shouldn’t feel impersonal, and when you find the right match, it doesn’t. Look for platforms that let you change therapists easily and offer live sessions, not just messaging. That single feature often makes the biggest difference in long-term success.
Therapy looks different in 2025 (and that’s a good thing). Whether you’re looking for support between busy workdays or need structured help for anxiety, today’s online therapy options meet you where you are.
BetterHelp remains the most popular platform for speed and accessibility, while Talkspace shines for insurance coverage and psychiatric support. Brightside continues to earn top marks for combining therapy with medication management.
When choosing, look beyond price alone. The best fit often depends on how you prefer to communicate (messaging, video, or both), your insurance coverage, and whether you want therapy only or medication, too.
The Basically.co Verified Standard
All picks featured in this comparison were independently researched and meet the Basically.co Verified Standard for accuracy, transparency, and usability.