This last year has been… a year. And so was the year before that. And in a world where the impossible comes true, where pandemics surge and riots rage across the country, you need to take time out to focus on what’s best for you. For some people it’s a weekly bubble bath and a glass (read: bottle) of wine. For others it’s a morning walk, just to get out of the house. But sometimes, it’s bigger than that. It’s your mental health.

In this article, we’re going to share with you how easy it can be to get therapy through the phone. We’re here to address the common questions around online therapy and mental health apps, and share some of the best options on the market. Self care is just a download away.

Online Therapy FAQ: Answers to the 10 Most Common Questions

What is online therapy?

Online therapy is mental health counseling that’s performed over the internet. Rather than going into an office, sitting in a waiting room, and having those first-date jitters, but with a new therapist, you can get the help you need over the phone, on a Zoom call, or through an app. Online therapy sites employ licensed therapists and counselors to work with you.

Is online therapy effective?

Online therapy should be just as effective as in-person therapy — and may be easier for many people. Talking to a stranger about the issues you face, the problems you want to solve, or the roadblocks stopping you from moving forward can be incredibly difficult. Opening up isn’t easy, but online therapy makes it a little more bearable. With online therapy, patients can experience counseling from the comfort of their home [1]. The added convenience and accessibility allows for more people to seek therapy and for therapists to expand their practice and offerings.

Is online therapy legit?

Yes, online therapy is a legitimate way to receive counseling. But before you Google "online therapy" and pick a site at random, be sure to check out the five best therapy apps we share later on in the article. Sites like BetterHelp, Talkspace, Calmerry, Sanvello, and Ayana Therapy all have licensed therapists ready to talk with you. Online therapy isn’t effective for everyone, and if you need immediate help, call your primary care physician. 

Is online therapy legal?

Online therapy is completely legal if you go through the proper channels — that is, online counseling would be illegal if someone unlicensed is doing it. The unlicensed practice of psychology, or social work or any other licensed profession is illegal in most states [2]. So make sure you pick a trusted, reputable service.

How does online therapy work?

Online therapy works slightly differently depending on the site or app you use but at its core, it works the same as in-person therapy. You can choose from hour-long live video chats, phone calls, or video sessions, or with apps like BetterHelp, you can message with a therapist in an online forum. Once you’re paired with a counselor, you can write about yourself, chat about the things going on in your life, ask questions, and discuss the issues that trouble you [3]. Your therapist will then read your messages and respond with questions, feedback, insights, and guidance. You can exchange messages with your therapist at any time, from anywhere. The room is open 24/7 and since messaging is asynchronous and not in real-time it doesn't require scheduling. Instead, you can choose whenever you want to write or respond to your therapist. You will get a notification by email when the therapist has sent you a message.

Is online therapy expensive?

In most cases, online therapy should be less expensive (or, at least, not more expensive) than in-person therapy. However, finding a base cost for therapy, online or in person, isn’t a one-price-fits-all kind of thing. Online therapy provides different types of therapy (messaging, email, over-the-phone, Zoom), and from there, you’re able to find a price that fits you and your insurance provider, if you have health insurance. Prices vary based on your preferences, location, and therapist availability, as well.

Is online therapy private?

Online therapy is just as private as in-person counseling. Online therapy works because psychologists ensure that clients have a safe, private space to share deeply personal and sometimes difficult stories, thoughts, or emotions [4]. What happens and is said in a therapy office stays there. The site or app you use should, at a minimum, be HIPAA-compliant and have the ability to verify your identity and your therapist’s identity. 

What online therapy accepts insurance?

Most, though not all, online therapy apps or sites accept insurance. Take apps like Talkspace and Calmerry: Not only do they take insurance, they provide multiple plans to fit a range of budgets. Creators of these online therapy sites want to make counseling available to everyone at any time.

Can online therapists prescribe medication?

Only if they are psychiatrists. Psychologists and psychotherapists cannot prescribe medication. So apps like Talkspace have expanded, bringing on psychiatrists that can prescribe medication to patients through the app [5]. But if online therapy apps don’t have licensed psychiatrists on-hand, you won’t be able to get medication through your counselor.

Is online therapy better or worse than in-person therapy?

Online therapy is beneficial for the patient who doesn’t have time to go to an, wait in the waiting room, talk on a couch or chair for an hour, and drive back to work or home — or who has always felt the process of talking to someone in-person, face to face, was a deal breaker. Online therapy is convenient, usually cheaper, and easier to access, especially if you don’t live near a therapist or don’t want to visit someone in person. The sites we recommend are safe, secure, and have licensed therapists at your disposal. Remember, though, the counselors on the other side of the screen are people too. Just because they’re a click away doesn’t mean they don’t deserve the same boundaries as your in-person therapist.  

5 Trusted Online Therapy Apps for Your Mental Health

Talkspace

Talkspace, from $260/month

Not all online therapy apps are created equal. That’s not to say that one is better than another. It’s just, not all online counseling sites will fit your unique needs. Talkspace offers single-person, couples, teens, and psychiatric therapy. Talkspace will match users with a therapist based on their individual needs (ranging from addiction to depression to grief to chronic illness). Talkspace doesn’t require a long-term contract, and patients can cancel their subscriptions at any time through their account settings. This site offers psychiatric help too, meaning you can get prescribed the medications you need.

BetterHelp

BetterHelp, $80/week

Individuals, couples, and teens can receive therapy through BetterHelp. This counseling app can help you with a range of issues including depression, anxiety, relationships, trauma, grief, and more. You’ll be matched with one of the 20,000 licensed, board-accredited counselors for live therapy sessions at times that work for you. BetterHelp offers unlimited messaging with your therapist through text or audio message, as well as the ability to schedule weekly 30- to 45-minute live video or phone sessions.

Calmerry

Calmerry, from $42/week

Those seeking flexible communication with a therapist will like what Calmerry has to offer. Calmerry allows you to schedule live, text, phone, or email sessions from licensed therapists. Calmerry therapists specialize in childhood abuse, chronic illness, depression, anxiety, anger management, and eating disorders, among other mental or physical health issues. Calmerry does not bill insurance companies directly, but you can send a receipt to your insurance provider to see if you’re eligible for reimbursement.  

Sanvello

Sanvello, from $50/month

Goal tracking is the name of Sanvello’s game. This online therapy app puts your mental health at the forefront, without having to worry about deductibles, whether insurance covers your therapy (this one does), or if you have time to worry about your past, present, and future (you do, and you should). Sanvello is actively working to knock down the barriers that most people face when seeking therapy. Whether it’s the cost or the convenience, Sanvello is there to coach you. Sanvello also offers live Q&As, goal tracking, and a guided meditation library.

Ayana Therapy

Ayana Therapy, $60/session

Ayana Therapy helps people from communities often underrepresented or underserved in the therapy world find therapists who better understand their individual situations. This diverse therapist community works to de-stigmatize mental health in minority communities by pairing you with therapists with your same cultural, ethnic, or religious background.