At a Glance
What This Guide Covers
Online therapy platforms have made it far easier to talk to a licensed professional from home. But these services are not interchangeable. Some offer talk therapy only, others add psychiatrists who can prescribe medication, and they differ widely on insurance, format, and price. Here's how three of the best-known options compare.
How Online Therapy Works
Most platforms follow a similar flow: you complete an intake questionnaire about your goals and symptoms, get matched with (or choose) a licensed provider, and then connect through a secure app or website. From there, the experience varies by platform and plan:
- Messaging therapy: Asynchronous text, audio, or video messages you exchange with your therapist throughout the week.
- Live sessions: Scheduled real-time video, phone, or chat sessions, similar to a traditional appointment.
- Psychiatry: On platforms that offer it, a prescriber (psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner) can evaluate you and, where appropriate, prescribe medication.
Therapy vs psychiatry: A therapist (counselor, psychologist, or licensed clinical social worker) provides talk therapy but generally cannot prescribe medication. A psychiatrist or psychiatric prescriber can prescribe and manage medication. Some people use one, some use both.
BetterHelp: Therapy at Scale
BetterHelp is widely described as the largest online therapy network, with a very large pool of licensed therapists. It focuses on talk therapy only—it does not offer psychiatry or prescribe medication. After intake you're matched with a therapist and can switch if the fit isn't right.
- Format: A mix of messaging plus weekly live sessions (video, phone, or live chat).
- Pricing: Typically estimated around $65–$100 per week, billed every four weeks, so the monthly charge can feel large up front.
- Insurance: Generally not billed through insurance; it operates as a self-pay subscription.
- Financial aid: Discounts or financial aid may be available based on circumstances.
BetterHelp tends to suit people who want convenient, ongoing counseling and don't need medication management.
Talkspace: Therapy and Psychiatry
Talkspace offers both therapy and psychiatry, so you can access talk therapy, medication management, or both through one service. It is also notable for being widely covered by insurance plans and employers, which can substantially reduce out-of-pocket cost for eligible members.
- Format: Messaging therapy plus live video sessions; separate psychiatry visits for evaluation and medication management.
- Insurance: Accepted by many major insurers and offered through many employer and health plans—coverage and copays vary by plan.
- Pricing: Self-pay rates vary by plan and whether psychiatry is included; insurance copays differ. Treat any figure as an estimate and verify your specific coverage.
Talkspace is a strong fit if you want one platform that can combine therapy and medication, or if you have insurance or an employer benefit that covers it.
Brightside: Depression and Anxiety
Brightside specializes in depression and anxiety and offers a more structured program combining therapy with psychiatry and medication management. It accepts insurance in many states, and self-pay pricing is commonly estimated in the range of $95–$350 per month depending on whether you choose therapy, medication, or a combined plan.
- Focus: Structured, measurement-based care oriented toward depression and anxiety.
- Format: Live video therapy and psychiatric care, with messaging support between visits.
- Insurance: Accepted in many states; availability depends on your location and plan.
- Pricing: Roughly $95–$350 per month self-pay, by plan type—these are estimates that change over time.
A Note on Prescribing Online
Prescribing of controlled substances via telehealth (for example, certain ADHD or anti-anxiety medications) is restricted and varies by platform and by state, and rules continue to evolve. Many online psychiatry services limit or do not prescribe controlled medications. If a specific medication matters to you, confirm directly with the platform whether they can prescribe it where you live.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Platform | Medication? | Insurance? | Price (estimated) |
|---|---|---|---|
| BetterHelp | No (therapy only) | Generally no | ~$65–$100/week, billed every 4 weeks |
| Talkspace | Yes (psychiatry available) | Yes, widely (insurance & employers) | Varies by plan and coverage |
| Brightside | Yes (depression/anxiety focus) | Yes, in many states | ~$95–$350/month self-pay |
Prices above are estimates that change over time and by plan—always confirm current pricing and your own insurance coverage directly with each provider before signing up.
Which Should You Choose?
You want talk therapy only, no medication
Consider BetterHelp. Its large network makes it easier to find a therapist and switch if the match isn't right. It's self-pay, so factor the every-four-weeks billing into your budget.
You want therapy and medication, or have insurance
Consider Talkspace. It combines therapy and psychiatry on one platform and is widely covered by insurance and employers, which can lower your cost considerably if you're eligible.
You're dealing specifically with depression or anxiety
Consider Brightside. Its structured, condition-focused program pairs therapy with psychiatry and medication management, and it accepts insurance in many states.
You're unsure where to start
Start by checking whether your insurance or employer already covers a platform, then decide whether you need therapy only or therapy plus medication. That single question narrows the field quickly.
Whatever you choose, online therapy is not appropriate for psychiatric emergencies. If your situation is urgent, use the crisis resources at the top of this page.
Ready to Compare Platforms?
See a side-by-side breakdown of online therapy and psychiatry services, including pricing, coverage, and what each is best for.
Compare online therapy & psychiatry platforms →Related
New to virtual care? See our overview of telehealth options to understand how online appointments, prescriptions, and follow-ups work.
Medical disclaimer: This page is general information, not medical advice. Listings are aggregated from public sources and prices are estimates that may be out of date — confirm current pricing, services, and provider credentials directly with each clinic. Talk to a licensed clinician before starting any medication or treatment.
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