Affordable Therapy: 8 Best Options for 2024

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You can find affordable therapy on a budget with sliding scale therapists, health insurance, and therapy subscription services. All our options cost under $110 per session.
A quick look at the best affordable online therapy options
Best for mental health emergencies: Crisis Text Line | Skip to review
Crisis Text Line
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Best for young people: BetterHelp | Skip to review
BetterHelp
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Best for couples counseling: Regain Online Therapy | Skip to review
Regain Online Therapy
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Best free service: 7 Cups | Skip to review
7 Cups
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Best for teens: Talkspace | Skip to review
Talkspace
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Best range of therapeutic activities: Online-Therapy.com | Skip to review
Online-Therapy.com
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Best directory for addiction treatment: FindTreatment.gov | Skip to review
FindTreatment.gov
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Best for students: Open Path Psychotherapy Collective | Skip to review
Open Path Psychotherapy Collective
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This article explores ways people can choose affordable therapy options online and the different platforms available for counseling.
If a person is in a mental health crisis, they should not use online therapy and should contact emergency services instead. Online therapy may not be suitable for those with severe mental health conditions.
If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, a prevention hotline can help. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24 hours a day at 988. During a crisis, people who are hard of hearing can use their preferred relay service or dial 711, then 988.

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
8 of the best affordable online therapy options
Medical News Today has tested some of the services below. Reviewers may have received trials from the brands for free, which does not influence their review. All opinions are the reviewers’ own. Some editors preferred to remain anonymous for their review due to the sensitive nature of the services.
Crisis Text Line

Accepts insurance:
Services offered: individual therapy
Therapy formats: virtual
Prescribes medication: no
App availability: not available
Cost: free
GET STARTED WITH CRISIS TEXT LINE

Crisis Text Line is a free service that allows individuals to connect with a volunteer crisis counselor. People can choose to text, message online, or use WhatsApp.

This may be particularly beneficial for people who are experiencing suicidal thoughts or are having another mental health emergency. People connect quickly to a volunteer who can offer help and advice.

People can text the word HOME to 741741 to immediately chat with a trained volunteer. Services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to people who live in the United States. Standard text message rates apply if people do not have cell phone plans with AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, or Verizon.

provides fast access to trained volunteers
offers a range of contact methods
services are free
available 24/7
while trained, the volunteers are not therapists
suitable for emergencies rather than ongoing mental health care
persons must have access to a smart phone or a computer to use this service
provides fast access to trained volunteers
offers a range of contact methods
services are free
available 24/7
while trained, the volunteers are not therapists
suitable for emergencies rather than ongoing mental health care
persons must have access to a smart phone or a computer to use this service
Privacy: HIPAA compliant
Privacy: HIPAA compliant
BetterHelp

Cost: $70 to $100 per week, billed every 4 weeks, depending on your location, preferences, and available therapists
Insurance coverage: doesn’t accept insurance directly, but you may be eligible for reimbursement depending on your plan
Services offered: individual; couples and teen therapy available through sister sites
Therapy formats: messaging, live chat, audio, and video sessions
App availability: iOS and Google Play
Healthline visitors get 20% off the first month.
GET STARTED WITH BETTERHELP
*Price may vary.

BetterHelp offers counseling sessions for individuals, couples, and teenagers. The platform requires a person to complete a questionnaire so the company can pair them with a therapist.

A person can talk with a therapist via instant messaging, phone, or video chat. This may benefit younger people and those who prefer different communication methods.

BetterHelp also offers:
group sessions
group sessions
easy scheduling features
digital worksheets to support the counseling process

The platform works with licensed psychologists, marriage and family therapists, clinical social workers, and counselors.
Individuals can cancel their membership at any time. However, health insurance plans do not usually grant coverage for BetterHelp services.

Review of BetterHelp.
Review of BetterHelp.

 

“I think it’s a good fit for people who have busy or varied schedules and have a hard time fitting therapy into their week. One-hour sessions virtually are easy to fit into a busy life, and the scheduling is flexible. In previous therapy experiences, sessions were held at the same time and day every week. BetterHelp lets you book in whatever available time and day works for you, so you can book at times that work for you. I think this would be good for people with busy work schedules, students, parents, etc.

“I was matched with a therapist who fit my criteria quickly, and she messaged me right away. I found the sessions really useful, and the therapist was always very supportive and empathetic. She also responded to messages I sent fairly quickly, which was great. It was easy to book and reschedule sessions if need be.

“The only hiccup was related to the BetterHelp support desk. My therapist let me know that she’d be on holiday for 2 weeks, so I’d need to contact the support team to extend my membership 2 weeks so I wouldn’t miss out on sessions. If you were paying for therapy monthly, I’d imagine this could be a bit of a headache. It seems like BetterHelp should have an option for the therapist to manage this instead of putting the onus onto the user — could be particularly difficult for people who struggle with executive dysfunction, have depression or ADHD, and so on.”

— “Olivia”, MNT Editor

 

“I think it’s a good fit for people who have busy or varied schedules and have a hard time fitting therapy into their week. One-hour sessions virtually are easy to fit into a busy life, and the scheduling is flexible. In previous therapy experiences, sessions were held at the same time and day every week. BetterHelp lets you book in whatever available time and day works for you, so you can book at times that work for you. I think this would be good for people with busy work schedules, students, parents, etc.

“I was matched with a therapist who fit my criteria quickly, and she messaged me right away. I found the sessions really useful, and the therapist was always very supportive and empathetic. She also responded to messages I sent fairly quickly, which was great. It was easy to book and reschedule sessions if need be.

“The only hiccup was related to the BetterHelp support desk. My therapist let me know that she’d be on holiday for 2 weeks, so I’d need to contact the support team to extend my membership 2 weeks so I wouldn’t miss out on sessions. If you were paying for therapy monthly, I’d imagine this could be a bit of a headache. It seems like BetterHelp should have an option for the therapist to manage this instead of putting the onus onto the user — could be particularly difficult for people who struggle with executive dysfunction, have depression or ADHD, and so on.”

— “Olivia”, MNT Editor

BetterHelp has a network of more than 30,000 licensed therapists
individuals set the criteria for the type of therapist they prefer and what they want to work on
according to reviews, sessions are very convenient
people found the therapists helpful and supportive
health insurance generally does not cover treatment from BetterHelp
some people state the company continued to charge after they canceled their subscriptions
others found online counseling too impersonal
healthcare professionals on this platform cannot prescribe medication
BetterHelp has a network of more than 30,000 licensed therapists
individuals set the criteria for the type of therapist they prefer and what they want to work on
according to reviews, sessions are very convenient
people found the therapists helpful and supportive
health insurance generally does not cover treatment from BetterHelp
some people state the company continued to charge after they canceled their subscriptions
others found online counseling too impersonal
healthcare professionals on this platform cannot prescribe medication
Privacy: BetterHelp’s privacy practices have been subject to controversy; the company has been working with the FTC to implement policy changes.
Privacy: BetterHelp’s privacy practices have been subject to controversy; the company has been working with the FTC to implement policy changes.
Regain Online Therapy

Accepts insurance: no
Services offered: couples therapy, individual therapy
Therapy formats: live video, phone, or chat
Prescribes medication: no
Cost: $65–$95 per week, billed every 4 weeks
Insurance coverage: typically not covered by health insurance
App availability: iOS and Google Play
Healthline visitors get 20% off the first month.
GET STARTED WITH REGAIN
*Price may vary.

The ReGain platform offers therapy sessions for individuals and couples by matching them with a licensed mental health care professional. The United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS) states that interpersonal therapy helps people with depression identify and address relationship challenges.
National Health Service (NHS)
interpersonal therapy

Couples do not have to be in the same location as each other to have couples therapy.

Once people log on to the website, the company’s chat room saves all written information for reference, but only the counselor and individuals or partners have access to this information.

ReGain operates a subscription-based plan and does not currently work with private medical insurers.

The organization is not BBB accredited.

Read our brand review of ReGain.
Read our brand review of ReGain.

“I really enjoyed my experience with ReGain because it feels like less pressure than going to see someone in-person every week (or on whatever cadence you choose). I’ve tried several different therapists on the platform over time, and I had positive experiences for the most part.

[During sign up] ReGain asks you several questions, like if your partner will be joining you, your gender and sexual identity, and your age. There are also questions about your relationship status, religious affiliations, and whether you’ve tried therapy before. At this stage, you also give your partner’s name, and you can send them a request to join if you want or opt out of that.

“[I’d recommend ReGain] as it’s a really accessible option, and it’s easy to use and navigate. [This service is best for] individuals and couples. If you’re having relationship issues that you want to work out but can’t get your partner to therapy, this is a good tool for figuring out your own personal roadblocks and working on communication skills to overcome barriers. It’s also a great resource for couples who are looking for help navigating relationship issues or those who don’t have any current issues but want to make sure to keep the lines of communication open. It’s also a good option for long-distance couples — you can do 3-way calls where you join the video or therapy room from different locations.

“I found the app really user-friendly, so you don’t have to be tech-savvy to use this program. I do wish I could have picked my therapist(s) myself, though. It took about 2 days to match me with an initial therapist and then another day or so when I switched. I think it would be more effective to allow users to see the library of therapists to choose who resonates with them most.”

— Lindsay Boyers, freelance Healthline writer

“I really enjoyed my experience with ReGain because it feels like less pressure than going to see someone in-person every week (or on whatever cadence you choose). I’ve tried several different therapists on the platform over time, and I had positive experiences for the most part.

[During sign up] ReGain asks you several questions, like if your partner will be joining you, your gender and sexual identity, and your age. There are also questions about your relationship status, religious affiliations, and whether you’ve tried therapy before. At this stage, you also give your partner’s name, and you can send them a request to join if you want or opt out of that.

“[I’d recommend ReGain] as it’s a really accessible option, and it’s easy to use and navigate. [This service is best for] individuals and couples. If you’re having relationship issues that you want to work out but can’t get your partner to therapy, this is a good tool for figuring out your own personal roadblocks and working on communication skills to overcome barriers. It’s also a great resource for couples who are looking for help navigating relationship issues or those who don’t have any current issues but want to make sure to keep the lines of communication open. It’s also a good option for long-distance couples — you can do 3-way calls where you join the video or therapy room from different locations.

“I found the app really user-friendly, so you don’t have to be tech-savvy to use this program. I do wish I could have picked my therapist(s) myself, though. It took about 2 days to match me with an initial therapist and then another day or so when I switched. I think it would be more effective to allow users to see the library of therapists to choose who resonates with them most.”

— Lindsay Boyers, freelance Healthline writer

ReGain focuses on relationship issues
3-way option makes it possible for partners in different places to see a therapist at the same time
some people note that the therapists helped with their communication skills
some reviewers say ReGain helped them recover from traumatic experiences
some people note that the counselors have their video turned off during appointments, making the therapy feel impersonal
others could not schedule an appointment with a counselor
ReGain cannot prescribe medication
ReGain focuses on relationship issues
3-way option makes it possible for partners in different places to see a therapist at the same time
some people note that the therapists helped with their communication skills
some reviewers say ReGain helped them recover from traumatic experiences
some people note that the counselors have their video turned off during appointments, making the therapy feel impersonal
others could not schedule an appointment with a counselor
ReGain cannot prescribe medication
Privacy: doesn’t state whether it is HIPAA compliant
Privacy: doesn’t state whether it is HIPAA compliant
7 Cups

Cost: free limited online chats with trained volunteers; $7.99 for unlimited chats; $150 to $299 per month for online therapy
Insurance coverage:
Services offered: therapy, access to learning materials for self-growth
Why we chose it: Offering free services and a low cost monthly plan, 7 Cups is a great resource for affordable online therapy. The platform provides counseling, emotional support, and peer support.
App availability: iOS and Google Play
Therapy formats: chat
GET STARTED WITH 7 CUPS
*Price may vary.

7Cups offers free therapy sessions with trained volunteer listeners. These listeners are not qualified therapists but receive some training from 7Cups.

Learn more about where to receive free therapy.
where to receive free therapy

A person can also schedule appointments with licensed therapists. These sessions cost $150 a month.

7Cups may be best suited to people looking to try therapy for the first time, those on a very tight budget, or those who would like a more casual way to express and explore their feelings.

“You don’t know anything about the volunteer listeners before you connect with them. You submit three topics that you’d like to talk about, and you can add details if you want to.

“I used the free chats with volunteer listeners and used the community boards when I wasn’t able to access professional mental health support. It’s a very easy service to access, which is great if you’re feeling alone and in need of a sympathetic ear. It was quick to connect with a listener, and you can browse the listeners available to chat to make sure you get someone who is happy to talk about the things you want help with.

“However, the quality of the chats I had varied greatly. Some listeners were clearly too young to understand certain problems, and language was a barrier with others. Positive points were that it was nice to have someone to chat to in a casual way when there was no one else around to do so. Its community boards are varied in topics, and they’re good for finding people who are going through the same things as you. However, it’s as unfiltered as Reddit, and you might get exposed to opinions or advice that’s unhelpful to you.

“I’d only recommend it for people who just want a listening ear and don’t need robust or specialist advice. Many of the listeners are very young and they don’t have a lot of experience in helping people with mental health conditions. There is also very little standardisation in how listeners fill out their profile. Some have a lot of information on how they approach people’s problems and how they like to help, others don’t have any information at all. 7Cups free services are definitely not a substitute for therapy with a licensed professional.”

— “Rose”, MNT Editor

“You don’t know anything about the volunteer listeners before you connect with them. You submit three topics that you’d like to talk about, and you can add details if you want to.

“I used the free chats with volunteer listeners and used the community boards when I wasn’t able to access professional mental health support. It’s a very easy service to access, which is great if you’re feeling alone and in need of a sympathetic ear. It was quick to connect with a listener, and you can browse the listeners available to chat to make sure you get someone who is happy to talk about the things you want help with.

“However, the quality of the chats I had varied greatly. Some listeners were clearly too young to understand certain problems, and language was a barrier with others. Positive points were that it was nice to have someone to chat to in a casual way when there was no one else around to do so. Its community boards are varied in topics, and they’re good for finding people who are going through the same things as you. However, it’s as unfiltered as Reddit, and you might get exposed to opinions or advice that’s unhelpful to you.

“I’d only recommend it for people who just want a listening ear and don’t need robust or specialist advice. Many of the listeners are very young and they don’t have a lot of experience in helping people with mental health conditions. There is also very little standardisation in how listeners fill out their profile. Some have a lot of information on how they approach people’s problems and how they like to help, others don’t have any information at all. 7Cups free services are definitely not a substitute for therapy with a licensed professional.”

— “Rose”, MNT Editor

offers free and paid services
reviewers found the environment supportive
paid therapy sessions offer unlimited texting 
a person will need to pay to speak to a healthcare professional
some reviewers raised concerns about chat moderation, stating offensive conversations continued without intervention from the company
seeing a professional therapist requires a subscription
offers free and paid services
reviewers found the environment supportive
paid therapy sessions offer unlimited texting 
a person will need to pay to speak to a healthcare professional
some reviewers raised concerns about chat moderation, stating offensive conversations continued without intervention from the company
seeing a professional therapist requires a subscription
Privacy: HIPAA compliant
Privacy: HIPAA compliant
Talkspace

Cost: $25 copay or less; starts at $69 per week for messaging; $99 per week for video and messaging; and $109 for video, messaging, and workshops
Insurance coverage: Premera, Optum, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, and more; FSA/HSA also accepted
Services offered: talk therapy, couples therapy, individual therapy, psychiatry, teen therapy, LGBTQIA+ therapy, therapy for veterans
Why we chose it: Talkspace offers several communication platforms, therapy options, and flexible subscription plans. Plus, the company can prescribe medication and accepts insurance.
App availability: iOS and Google Play
Therapy formats: text messaging, video chat, and audio messaging
Use code “HEALTHLINE85” for $85 off.
GET STARTED WITH TALKSPACE
*Price may vary.

Talkspace offers therapy for individuals, couples, and teens, as well as psychiatry services for people who require medication.

The three levels of service are:

Messaging Therapy, which allows a person to message a therapist at any time, with daily responses, five days a week. This service costs $69 a week.

Video + Messaging Therapy, which allows a person to send messages to and schedule video calls with a therapist. This service costs $99 a week.

Video + Messaging + Workshops, which allows a person to send messages to, meet live with, and attend weekly workshops with a therapist. This service costs $109 a week.

If a person subscribes to one of these service levels, they can buy additional live sessions, costing $65 per session. A beginning evaluation session with a psychiatrist costs $299 and follow-up appointments are $175.

The company also states it has healthcare professionals specializing in serving the LGBTQIA+ community and veterans.

People must complete a questionnaire and Talkspace will connect them with a therapist within 48 hours.

Talkspace accepts insurance coverage. People can also use their FSA and HSA accounts.

Read our review of Talkspace.
Read our review of Talkspace.

accepts insurance
serves a wide range of people of all ages
prescribes medication
offers discounts for students, veterans, first responders, and other groups
some users found the sessions too short
online reviewers reported problems canceling their accounts
some people waited longer than 48 hours for the company to connect them with a therapist
some reviewers say their therapist did not turn up to appointments
accepts insurance
serves a wide range of people of all ages
prescribes medication
offers discounts for students, veterans, first responders, and other groups
some users found the sessions too short
online reviewers reported problems canceling their accounts
some people waited longer than 48 hours for the company to connect them with a therapist
some reviewers say their therapist did not turn up to appointments
Privacy: HIPAA compliant and NCQA accredited
Privacy: HIPAA compliant and NCQA accredited
Online-Therapy.com

Accepts insurance: doesn’t accept insurance directly, but you may be eligible for reimbursement depending on your plan
Services offered: individual therapy, couples therapy
Therapy formats: live sessions via video, audio, text chat, plus texts and worksheets
Prescribes medication: no
Cost: from $50 per week
Insurance coverage: not accepted
App availability: not available
Healthline visitors get 20% off the first month. Discount is applied automatically.
GET STARTED WITH ONLINE-THERAPY.COM
*Price may vary.

Online-Therapy.com offers a large therapy toolbox, including live therapy sessions, yoga, activity plans, and journaling.

The platform states it uses CBT. CBT effectively treats depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and other conditions.
effectively
depression
anxiety
eating disorders
Additionally, the company is international, so sessions are available for people worldwide.

The company offers three plans:
Basic: This plan provides unlimited messaging and a therapy program. It costs $50 per week.
Standard: This plan provides one weekly live session in addition to the services in the Basic plan. It costs $80 per week.
Premium: As well as the services in the Standard plan, people have access to two weekly live sessions. This plan costs $110 per week.

Online-Therapy.com also offers a 20% discount for the first month.

This provider does not accept insurance. However, people may be able to file for reimbursement.

“The [sign up] process was easy; first you have to choose a package, such as wanting live sessions or unlimited messaging with a therapist. Then a therapist will be in contact, you will fill in questions about any issues, problems you want to discuss, and they will arrange a meeting with you.

“Sometimes there was issues with the live video, which ruins the flow of opening up and creates a jarring experience. However, it is nice to communicate through writing too, so your therapist can see what you want to discuss before a live video meeting.

“First hand, I would say I prefer to speak to a therapist in person, but this is a nice medium since the therapists are engaged and constantly communicating through the platform. The price is a little expensive weekly, but the different packages are a nice touch.

“I would recommend this service if you communicate well over live video or in text, but not if you feel you need a therapist sitting in front of you.”

— Marla, MNT Editor

“The [sign up] process was easy; first you have to choose a package, such as wanting live sessions or unlimited messaging with a therapist. Then a therapist will be in contact, you will fill in questions about any issues, problems you want to discuss, and they will arrange a meeting with you.

“Sometimes there was issues with the live video, which ruins the flow of opening up and creates a jarring experience. However, it is nice to communicate through writing too, so your therapist can see what you want to discuss before a live video meeting.

“First hand, I would say I prefer to speak to a therapist in person, but this is a nice medium since the therapists are engaged and constantly communicating through the platform. The price is a little expensive weekly, but the different packages are a nice touch.

“I would recommend this service if you communicate well over live video or in text, but not if you feel you need a therapist sitting in front of you.”

— Marla, MNT Editor
offers several plans with different price points
it has a wide range of therapy tools
individuals can select specific areas to emphasize, such as anxiety, depression, or anger management
international access
individuals cannot select their own therapists
the CBT therapeutic approach might not work for everyone
does not accept insurance
does not prescribe medication
offers several plans with different price points
it has a wide range of therapy tools
individuals can select specific areas to emphasize, such as anxiety, depression, or anger management
international access
individuals cannot select their own therapists
the CBT therapeutic approach might not work for everyone
does not accept insurance
does not prescribe medication
Privacy: HIPAA compliant
Privacy: HIPAA compliant
FindTreatment.gov

Cost: free
Insurance coverage: not needed or accepted
Services offered: matches you with therapists and treatment centers
App availability: none
Therapy formats: N/A — connects users with mental health professionals, support groups, and treatment options
GET STARTED WITH FINDTREATMENT.GOV

Findtreatment.gov is a free directory that helps connect people with healthcare professionals that specialize in addiction recovery.

While it does not offer therapy sessions, people can search for treatment centers in their state. The website also clearly states what type of insurance and funding each center accepts.

people can filter by location, type of care, type of therapy, and more
offers clear information about what type of funding and insurance each facility accepts
provides direct access to telephone helplines
does not offer therapy, but does help people find therapists within their budget
does not provide guidance or recommendations regarding types of facilities or therapists
does not help persons learn what type of treatment would be best for them
people can filter by location, type of care, type of therapy, and more
offers clear information about what type of funding and insurance each facility accepts
provides direct access to telephone helplines
does not offer therapy, but does help people find therapists within their budget
does not provide guidance or recommendations regarding types of facilities or therapists
does not help persons learn what type of treatment would be best for them
Privacy: N/A
Privacy: N/A
Open Path Psychotherapy Collective

Cost: $40 to $70, depending on the type of session
Insurance coverage: not accepted
Services offered: in-person or online psychotherapy
App availability: none available
Therapy formats: in-person or online
GET STARTED WITH OPEN PATH COLLECTIVE
*Price may vary.

Open Path Collective is a nonprofit that connects people to therapists based on their ZIP code. People can choose to attend online or in-person sessions.

People pay a one-time fee of $65 to access lifetime membership with this organization. After this, people can choose from a range of therapy sessions. If a person opts for an appointment with a student intern, they will pay $30; otherwise, each session will cost $40 to $70.

Open Path Collective states that its wellness courses are especially beneficial to students, as they offer a more affordable way to form good mental health care habits.

The organization is not BBB accredited but BBB has given Open Path Collective an A+ rating.

offers more affordable therapy than some other options
offers wellness courses for those who cannot afford therapy
Open Path is a non-profit organization
people have to pay a fee before using the service
the most affordable therapy options are with student interns, not qualified healthcare professionals
persons must be below a certain income level or be under-insured to access services
offers more affordable therapy than some other options
offers wellness courses for those who cannot afford therapy
Open Path is a non-profit organization
people have to pay a fee before using the service
the most affordable therapy options are with student interns, not qualified healthcare professionals
persons must be below a certain income level or be under-insured to access services
Privacy: HIPAA compliant
Privacy: HIPAA compliant
Comparison
Below, we compare each of the online therapy options for price, the services offered, and the type of sessions a person can choose from.
Crisis Text Line
BetterHelp
ReGain
7Cups
Talkspace
Online-Therapy.com
Findtreatment.gov
Open Path Psychology Collective
How we choose the best affordable therapy platforms
Medical News Today has carefully vetted each online therapy provider to ensure they do not pose any safety risks to individuals.
The vetting team looked at several factors before writing this article, such as:
Medical accuracy and integrity: The companies offer transparent information on the coverage they can provide and their standard of care.
Best practices: The companies use licensed healthcare professionals and are HIPAA compliant.
Indicators of trust: The companies have third-party regulations and certification of security standards.
Reputation: The companies have not received any warning letters from the Federal Trade Commission, have no pending or past lawsuits, and have a high rating on the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here.
Learn more here.
How to find an affordable therapist
There are various criteria to consider when looking for affordable therapy:
Cost and insurance: Some companies operate on a subscription-based service that allows people to cancel at any time. Health insurance could reduce the overall cost, but some individuals may not be eligible for mental health services under some insurance plans. Therefore, a person should confirm their coverage with an insurer or employer before seeking therapy.
Health insurance
Reviews: A person can use impartial services such as BBB or Trustpilot to check a company’s reviews and reputation.
BBB
Trustpilot
Credentials: Some counseling services allow individuals to view their therapists’ qualifications, experience, and specialties.
Ease of use: Many therapists host online sessions via video, phone, or instant messaging chats, which individuals may find more convenient than traditional therapy. People should consider which of these therapy formats they would find most suitable for their needs and preferences.
Other types of affordable therapy
People can also find affordable or low cost therapy in various forms and locations. In some instances, these support resources may be free.
Employee assistance programs (EAP) aim to enhance the personal and professional well-being of an organization’s employees. EAP services are free and confidential.
enhance
Programs may provide personalized consultations, short-term counseling, referrals, and follow-up appointments.
College, university, or school counseling centers usually provide low cost or free therapy on an individual basis. While they may offer a limited number of sessions, they may also help a person find ongoing therapy in the local area once they have used up their free sessions with their college, university, or school.
usually provide
These clinics provide support in the community to people managing mental health conditions. This support can take the form of care or treatment on a short- or long-term basis.
short- or long-term
Healthcare professionals with different specialisms tend to work together within community mental health clinics to support individuals’ mental health care needs.
Some therapists offer their services on a sliding fee scale. This means that people who can afford to do so will pay the full price, while those who can afford less will pay a reduced rate. There may be several different payment tiers on a sliding fee scale to accommodate different levels of financial means.
Research conducted in Iran has shown that when therapists offer counseling on a sliding fee scale, it can help provide a level of financial protection and increase the use of healthcare services among people with limited financial means.
can help
Local community centers can be a suitable place for a person to find out how to access affordable mental health services in their local area.
affordable
As an additional benefit, individuals may find other forms of social support in a community center like this, such as a physical activity class or a group focusing on specific interests or hobbies that they can take part in regularly.
While some people may have concerns about the cost of clinics and hospitals, it is important to note that some facilities offer free or low cost therapy options.
People can visit the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) website to find a health center offering low cost or free mental health support.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
Faith leaders tend to provide emotional, social, and spiritual support to their congregants as part of their role. While they do not necessarily receive official training in dealing with mental health conditions, they can still be a valuable source of support.
According to the American Psychological Association, some religious institutions, including churches, synagogues, and mosques, work with psychologists to improve the mental health support they can offer their communities.
improve
When to contact a doctor
The National Institute of Mental Health states that people feeling down or having difficulty sleeping should engage in self-care activities to ease their symptoms. These include:
include
exercising
exercising
talking with a friend
eating a nutritious diet
meditating
meditating
However, an individual may consider contacting a therapist if their symptoms do not improve or last more than 2 weeks or if they experience any of the following:
difficulty concentrating
thoughts of harming themselves or others
harming themselves
lack of motivation
reduced appetite
reduced appetite
feeling down or blue
feelings of frustration or nervousness
If a person feels suicidal, they should not rely on online therapy. Instead, they should inform someone they trust and contact emergency services or one of the mental health crisis helplines below.
suicidal
Sometimes, someone may wish to speak with specific doctors or organizations for support. In these cases, they may consider helplines and hotlines, such as the:
National Sexual Assault Hotline
National Sexual Assault Hotline
National Center for Victims of Crime
National Center for Victims of Crime
Strong Hearts Native Helpline
Strong Hearts Native Helpline
National Dating Abuse Helpline
National Dating Abuse Helpline
If someone feels they are not getting the support they need through online therapy, they can speak with their primary care doctor to discuss alternative options. These options may include support groups, college or employer mental health services, and lifestyle changes.
Learn more about types of therapy.
types of therapy
Frequently asked questions about online therapy
Below, we answer some common questions about online therapy.
If a person cannot afford therapy, they can focus on performing small acts of self-care, which positively affect their mental health. For instance, 30 minutes of walking a day can improve a person’s mood, along with eating a balanced diet, drinking enough water, and getting enough sleep.
30 minutes
Apps providing meditation and breathing exercises can also help improve mental well-being. Additionally, staying connected to people, such as friends and family, who can provide emotional support can help.
If a person cannot afford therapy, they can focus on performing small acts of self-care, which positively affect their mental health. For instance, 30 minutes of walking a day can improve a person’s mood, along with eating a balanced diet, drinking enough water, and getting enough sleep.
30 minutes
Apps providing meditation and breathing exercises can also help improve mental well-being. Additionally, staying connected to people, such as friends and family, who can provide emotional support can help.
The cost of therapy varies widely, depending on the type of therapy a person seeks, where they are, the credentials of their therapist, if their treatment would require medication, if they have insurance, and the type of coverage their insurance plan might provide. The cost of the online providers discussed in this article ranges from $45 to $299 per week, placing $100 in the low- to mid-range of the spectrum.
The cost of therapy varies widely, depending on the type of therapy a person seeks, where they are, the credentials of their therapist, if their treatment would require medication, if they have insurance, and the type of coverage their insurance plan might provide. The cost of the online providers discussed in this article ranges from $45 to $299 per week, placing $100 in the low- to mid-range of the spectrum.
Therapy can be expensive. Certain federal agencies, can provide support to help people find low cost health services, such as Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
low cost
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Therapy can be expensive. Certain federal agencies, can provide support to help people find low cost health services, such as Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
low cost
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

If a person can no longer afford therapy, they may ask their therapist if they offer a sliding scale payment structure. This may mean they can reduce the cost of their therapy. Providing services on a sliding scale allows people to pay a set amount according to what they can afford instead of charging a flat fee for everyone, regardless of their financial situation.
People may also be able to access free or low cost therapy through, for example, employee assistance programs, college, university, school support, or local services in the community.
If a person can no longer afford therapy, they may ask their therapist if they offer a sliding scale payment structure. This may mean they can reduce the cost of their therapy. Providing services on a sliding scale allows people to pay a set amount according to what they can afford instead of charging a flat fee for everyone, regardless of their financial situation.
People may also be able to access free or low cost therapy through, for example, employee assistance programs, college, university, school support, or local services in the community.
Although therapy can be expensive, there are resources available to help people find free or low cost mental health care. Some healthcare professionals offer sliding fee scale options. Support groups, community health centers, and state agencies can help connect people to mental health care options they can afford.
resources
Although therapy can be expensive, there are resources available to help people find free or low cost mental health care. Some healthcare professionals offer sliding fee scale options. Support groups, community health centers, and state agencies can help connect people to mental health care options they can afford.
resources
The weekly cost of counseling through BetterHelp is $65 to $90 weekly. Some options in this article cost less, such as OnlineTherapy.com, Open Path Psychology Collective, and 7Cups. However, a person needs to carefully compare the costs, criteria, and offerings of these different providers to see which best suits their needs.
Additionally, a person can also seek out other free or low cost options for mental health care.
free or low cost options
The weekly cost of counseling through BetterHelp is $65 to $90 weekly. Some options in this article cost less, such as OnlineTherapy.com, Open Path Psychology Collective, and 7Cups. However, a person needs to carefully compare the costs, criteria, and offerings of these different providers to see which best suits their needs.
Additionally, a person can also seek out other free or low cost options for mental health care.
free or low cost options
Summary
Many companies offer affordable therapy options online, which can be suitable for individuals who prefer or need to attend virtual consultations.
Some offer subscription plans, allowing a person to choose the number of appointments required.
Individuals can also check whether their insurance plan covers telehealth and online therapy services.
However, online counseling is not suitable for people who have suicidal or self-harm thoughts, as they require immediate urgent care.