You don’t have to have a mental illness to benefit from therapy. In fact, many people can benefit from therapy as it can help teach you coping skills for stress, help you regulate your emotions, and build self-esteem. But two major things hold many people back from receiving therapy: money and accessibility.
Luckily, more and more companies are making therapy available online so you can receive treatment anytime, anywhere, and at an affordable price! But how do you choose the right one? To help, here’s a look at the top 5 affordable (or free!) online therapy services.
Best Online Therapy for Couples: ReGain
Individuals and couples looking for relationship therapy should consider ReGain, an online relationship therapy platform that offers virtual access to licensed therapists. Their services are available anytime, anywhere via computer, tablet, or smartphone. It’s important to note, if you sign up with your partner, you’ll communicate with the therapist together. All communication is visible to both users and the therapist. That said, if you wish to speak to the therapist alone, you can schedule a one-on-one session.
Services start at $60 USD per week, which is billed every 4-weeks. Though their services are not covered by health insurance, you can reach out to your provider to inquire about reimbursing their services. Additionally, you can cancel your membership at any time, and for any reason.
Cheapest Pay-As-You-Go Online Therapy: Teladoc
Don’t want to commit to a monthly membership for therapy? Teladoc is rated as one of the best pay-as-you-go online therapy services. This is also a great option for people who are looking for occasional support and don’t need weekly sessions. Teladoc’s online therapists can help you with a range of mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, stress, relationship conflicts, trauma, mood swings, couples counseling, and more.
Services cost $99 USD per session and they do accept insurance. Sessions are also available outside of 9-to-5 hours to help fit into your schedule.
Cheapest Online Therapy for Teens: TeenCounseling
TeenCounseling is a great option for teens ages 13 to 19 who are looking for help from a licensed therapist online. Services are available via computer, tablet, or smartphone. This platform can help teens navigate stress, anxiety, depression, bullying, and self-esteem, as well as many other challenges they may face.
One barrier that may hold teens back from seeking therapy is the fear that their confidentiality is at risk. Some teens may speak more openly if they know their family members or others can access their therapy rooms. However, TeenCounseling assures that the therapy room is for you and your therapist only.
Pricing will vary based on your location, preferences, and therapist availability but you can expect a monthly subscription cost of $240 to $360 USD per month, which is billed every 4-weeks. That said, financial aid is also available for some people. You can also cancel your membership at any time, for any reason.
Best for Crisis Help: Crisis Text Line
The Crisis Text Line is a valuable resource that is available to people in the U.S., Canada, the U.K., and Ireland. And it’s free! The Crisis Text Line is best for mental health emergencies or crises. If you need to talk to someone urgently via text or chat message, this is the therapy service to use.
The service is run by volunteers, which also means they’re not all mental health professionals. While they can’t provide medical advice, they are trained to listen and support you. To access their services, people in the U.S. and Canada simply text HOME to 741741. People in Ireland text HOME to 50808 and in the United Kingdom, text SHOUT to 741741.
Best for Healthcare Professionals and First Responders: Therapy Aid Coalition
Therapy Aid Coalition is dedicated to serving healthcare professionals, first responders, and those impacted by national disasters and crises in the U.S. Therapy Aid Coalition is a volunteer-based platform. This means that therapists offer their services for free or at a very low cost.
You’ll be given a questionnaire when you sign up, which will ask you what you’re willing to pay. According to Healthline, you can receive up to four free or low-cost sessions. Therapy is also available for essential worker’s adult family members.
Free or Low-Income Mental Health Services
Not everyone has health insurance or the funds to pay for therapy out of pocket. Luckily, there are free or low-cost community health clinics available that can provide you with the care you need.
The clinics are staffed with mental health professionals that can offer a variety of services from individual or family counseling to substance use counseling, as well as a range of psychological conditions (like depression and anxiety). To find a clinic in your area, contact the National Alliance on Mental Illness Helpline or go to MentalHealth.gov. Your doctor may also know of resources in your community.
