01BetterHelpBest Overall
Weekly therapy, 30,000+ therapists
- $70–$100 a week, cancel anytime
- Message, chat, phone or video
9.70ExcellentEditorial score
Editor’s pick · Reviewed October 2026
Updated on
Best Online Therapy Services
- Licensed clinicians only
- 5 services compared
#1 Best Overall
Weekly therapy, 30,000+ therapists
9.70
Visit Site
Therapy from a $10 average copay
9.50
Visit Site
Insured video therapy, about $15
9.30
Visit Site02Talkspace
Therapy from a $10 average copay
- Takes Medicare and TRICARE
- Self-pay from $69 a week
9.50ExcellentEditorial score
03Rula
Insured video therapy, about $15
- In network with 100+ plans
- Often booked for the next day
9.30GreatEditorial score
04Sesame
Pay per session, from about $34
- See the price before you book
- Pick your own therapist
9.10GreatEditorial score
05PlushCare
Therapy and a prescriber in one
- $169 a session, insurance accepted
- Same-day appointments
8.90Very GoodEditorial score
How We RankEvery service uses licensed clinicians.Prices and coverage come from each provider’s published information.Commercial relationships never decide inclusion or order.Not for emergencies: call or text 988.
How to Choose the Best Online Therapy Platform
The best online therapy services all connect you with a licensed therapist, but they differ in price, format and whether they bill insurance. This online therapy comparison covers five platforms we have reviewed in full, so you can compare online therapy services side by side before you sign up.
If you already know what you need, jump to a narrower comparison: the cheapest online therapy options, online therapy for anxiety, online therapy for depression or online couples therapy.
BetterHelp vs. Talkspace and the Main Alternatives
BetterHelp and Talkspace are the two best-known virtual therapy platforms. BetterHelp is talk therapy only, with the largest network we reviewed and four ways to connect. Talkspace has broader insurance coverage, including Medicare and TRICARE, and adds psychiatry.
The best alternatives to BetterHelp for online counseling depend on why you are looking. Sesame is online therapy with no subscription, paid per session. Rula is built for people using insurance and lets you choose your own therapist. PlushCare pairs therapy with a doctor who can prescribe. If medication is your main goal, compare the best online psychiatry services instead.
Online Therapy With Insurance, or Without
The best online therapy platforms that accept insurance are Talkspace, Rula and BetterHelp, with average copays of $10, about $15 and $23 for eligible members. Coverage depends on your plan and state, so check before you book.
Online therapy without insurance works two ways. Subscriptions at BetterHelp and Talkspace bill weekly, while Sesame and PlushCare charge per session with no monthly membership.
Where Online Care Works Well
- Starting therapy without a long wait for an in-person appointment
- Video sessions, phone calls or messaging that fit around work
- Scheduling that fits around work and family
- Switching therapists easily if the first match is not right
Limits to Know
- Not suitable for a crisis or emergency
- Therapy-only services cannot diagnose or prescribe
- Insurance coverage depends on your plan and state
- Appointment times depend on the therapist you are matched with
What to Look For
- Licensed therapists: Every service here uses licensed clinicians. Confirm yours is licensed in your state.
- Session format: Decide whether you want live video sessions, phone calls or messaging between sessions.
- Total cost: Compare the weekly or per-session price, billing cycle and how to cancel.
- Insurance: Check that the platform is in network with your plan before you enroll.
- Scheduling: Look at how soon the first appointment is, and ask about evening and weekend appointments. Rula and Sesame often have next-day or same-day slots.
How Much Does Online Therapy Cost?
Online therapy prices in this comparison fall into three groups:
Pay Per Session
From about $34
Sesame lists a cash price per visit. PlushCare is $169 and Rula $150 a session without insurance.
Weekly Subscription
$69–$109 a week
BetterHelp is $70–$100 a week and Talkspace $69–$109, both with messaging included.
With Insurance
$10–$23 average copay
Talkspace averages $10, Rula about $15 and BetterHelp $23 for eligible in-network members.
Our Top-Rated Online Therapy Service
BetterHelp is our top pick for adults who want weekly sessions with a licensed therapist: more than 30,000 therapists, four ways to talk and a price of $70–$100 a week. Choose Talkspace if you want to use insurance, and Sesame if you want to pay per session with no subscription.
Our #1 Pick: Start Today
Featured Provider
Weekly therapy, 30,000+ therapists
- $70–$100 a week, cancel anytime
- Message, chat, phone or video
9.70ExcellentEditorial score
Editor’s pick · Reviewed October 2026
Compare More Care Options
Online Therapy: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best online therapy service?
We rank BetterHelp first for weekly talk therapy, Talkspace for insurance coverage, Sesame for pay-per-session pricing, Rula for low insured copays and PlushCare for therapy plus a prescribing doctor.
How much does online therapy cost per month?
Subscription therapy costs $69–$109 a week at Talkspace and $70–$100 a week at BetterHelp, or roughly $280–$440 every four weeks. Pay-per-session visits start at about $34 on Sesame. Insurance can lower these costs.
Which online therapy services accept insurance?
Talkspace, Rula, BetterHelp and PlushCare accept insurance. Talkspace is also in network with select Medicare and TRICARE plans. Sesame does not bill insurance but accepts HSA and FSA cards.
Is there online therapy with no subscription?
Yes. Sesame, Rula and PlushCare charge per session with no weekly subscription for therapy. BetterHelp and Talkspace are subscriptions you can cancel at any time.
Is BetterHelp or Talkspace better?
BetterHelp has the larger therapist network and more ways to talk. Talkspace has broader insurance coverage and offers psychiatry. See our Talkspace vs. BetterHelp comparison for detail.
What should I do if I am in crisis?
The services on this page are not for emergencies. In the US, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline), or call 911. See our Get Help Now page for more resources.
How We Rank Services
Clinician Credentials
We check that clinicians are licensed and that their credentials can be verified.
Transparent Pricing
Clear prices, billing frequency and cancellation terms. We look at total cost, not just the headline rate.
Scope of Care
What each service does and does not provide, from talk therapy to prescribing, and how it handles crisis.
Privacy & Access
How your data is handled, how quickly you can start and whether insurance is accepted.
Medical Disclaimer
The information on ExploreMentalHealth is provided for educational and comparison purposes only. It is not medical advice and does not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. Some links on this page may earn us a commission, which never affects our conclusions. If you are in crisis, call or text 988 in the US, or visit Get Help Now.