The Best Budget-Friendly Online Therapy Options: Reviews and Pricing 2023

Dr. Serenity

Mind Health

April 10, 2023

80 Views

Affordable Online Therapy Services: A Comprehensive Overview for 2023

Access to quality healthcare shouldn’t be restricted by cost, especially when it comes to mental health. As many people struggle to afford therapy, we’ve reviewed over 20 of the best online therapy services to identify the most affordable options without sacrificing quality.

Our team evaluated each service based on professionalism, quality, speciality, and cost. We’ve compiled a list of the top affordable online therapy platforms to make it easier for you to find the right fit for your budget and needs.

Discover the most affordable online therapy platforms in 2023, including options with medication, prescriptions, text-based therapy, relationship therapy, teen counseling, insurance coverage, and pay-as-you-go options without insurance.

Our Top Picks for the Most Affordable Online Therapy Platforms in 2023

• Brightside: Most affordable online therapy with medication
• Sesame: Most affordable prescriptions without insurance
• Calmerry: Most affordable online text-based therapy
• ReGain: Most affordable online relationship therapy
• Teen Counseling: Most affordable online therapy for teens
• Amwell: Most affordable online therapy if you have insurance
• Teladoc: Cheapest pay-as-you-go online therapy without insurance

Top Affordable Online Therapy Platforms for 2023: A Cost Comparison

Most Effective Online Therapy with Medication: Brightside

• Session Types: Video therapy and psychiatric appointments
• Price and Payment Options: $99 to $349 per month; accepts Visa and Mastercard
• Accepts Insurance: Yes

Pros:

• Uses assessments and follow-ups to track symptoms
• Proprietary technology helps psychiatrists prescribe the most effective medication
• Accepts insurance
• Offers an iOS app for easy access
• Therapy sessions are 45 minutes long

Cons:

• More expensive than some competitors, like Cerebral
• No option to choose your own therapist
• No app available for Android devices

Why Choose Brightside?

Brightside uses a modified version of the Unified Protocol, a form of cognitive-behavioral therapy that has proven effective for a broad range of emotional disorders, according to a clinical trial published in JAMA Psychiatry in September 2017. While Cerebral may be less expensive, we chose Brightside for its therapy and medication management availability in any state. Cerebral, on the other hand, provides medication management in all states, but therapy in only 29.

What is the Cost of Brightside?

Brightside’s therapy plus medication plan costs $349 a month, which is slightly higher than Cerebral’s monthly cost of $329 for a similar offering. Although both services offer free medication shipping, medication prices range from $10 to $45 with Cerebral, compared to $15 per medication with Brightside.

How Brightside’s Online Therapy and Medication Management Works

• Assessment and Monitoring

Brightside offers a comprehensive assessment of depression and anxiety symptoms to determine the severity of the condition and how it affects your quality of life. The Patient Health Questionnaire Anxiety-Depression Scale is used to evaluate the symptoms, according to a study published in the journal Psychosomatic Medicine.

Brightside’s app produces a chart of your depression and anxiety symptoms, which is used to monitor your progress over time. The assessment is repeated every 14 days to help your provider determine if any adjustments are needed to your treatment plan.

• Therapist Matching

With Brightside, you cannot choose your therapist or request a specific age or gender. The ability to switch therapists depends on availability and licensing in your state. If you need to switch therapists, contact the Brightside support team for assistance.

Brightside Therapy

Brightside’s therapy plan costs $299 a month and includes four 45-minute video sessions. You can request your therapist to turn off their camera, but you must keep yours on to allow your therapist to read your body language.

Medication Management

Brightside offers medication management services with its unique medication-matching technology, called PrecisionRx. This technology helps the psychiatrist suggest the most effective medication based on more than 100 factors about you and your symptoms. Brightside will not prescribe controlled substances like Xanax or Adderall.

Weekly 30-minute video meetings with your provider are available to discuss potential side effects, and unlimited video follow-ups are provided if necessary.

Brightside Reviews

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) has six reviews of Brightside, and Trustpilot has three reviews, with ratings of 1.71 and 2.2 out of 5 stars, respectively. Positive reviews mention good experiences with providers, while negative reviews mention billing issues, confusion about medication management, and difficulty using the website to schedule appointments.

Most Affordable Prescriptions Without Insurance: Sesame

Sesame offers affordable telehealth visits and generic prescriptions for mental health medications through its prescription service, SesameRx. Here’s what you need to know.

• Session Types Sesame offers video therapy and video psychiatric appointments. You can schedule an appointment through the Sesame website or app.
• Price and Payment Options Prices for telehealth visits vary depending on your location and provider. Certain providers can prescribe $5 generic medications through SesameRx, which includes a 30-day supply of medication delivered to your door. Sesame accepts credit cards and Google Pay.
• Accepts Insurance No, Sesame operates outside of insurance networks.

Pros

• $5 generic prescriptions through SesameRx
• Video therapy and psychiatry visits, some offered the same day
• Direct-to-provider payments can help reduce costs

Cons

• Cannot prescribe all types of medication, including controlled substances
• Prices will vary depending on your location

Why Sesame?

Sesame allows providers to set their own prices without factoring in payments to insurance companies. This can make Sesame visits less costly than in-person visits through insurance. Additionally, SesameRx offers affordable generic prescriptions for mental health medications. Appointments are easy to schedule, with many psychiatrists and physicians offering same-day availability.

How Much Does Sesame Cost?

The cost of a one-time visit will depend on your location and provider. A psychiatric consultation may cost more than a mental health consult through Sesame. Generic prescriptions for medications for depression and anxiety filled through SesameRx cost $5 for a 30-day supply. Sesame also offers a subscription service, Sesame Plus, which costs $10.99 per month or $99 per year. With Sesame Plus, you can receive $20 off of all telehealth visits and save on prescription refills.

Overall, Sesame is a great option for those looking for affordable mental health care and generic prescriptions without insurance. However, note that Sesame cannot prescribe all types of medication, including controlled substances, and prices will vary depending on your location.

How Sesame Works: A Comprehensive Overview

Sesame is a telehealth platform that offers various health services, including psychiatry appointments. In this section, we’ll take a closer look at how Sesame works, from booking an appointment to receiving care.

• Booking an Appointment with Sesame

Booking an appointment with Sesame is easy and requires only an email address. To find a psychiatrist, you simply select “video prescription refill,” “mental health services,” or “mental health consult” on the Sesame homepage. Once you’ve made your selection, Sesame will display a list of available doctors licensed to practice in your state. You can then choose a provider and a time slot that works best for you.

• Providing Your Health Information

After you’ve confirmed your appointment, you’ll be asked to fill in your personal and health information. This includes any known allergies, current medications, health conditions, and past surgeries or overnight hospital stays. Sesame will also ask if you have insurance, although this won’t affect your appointment in any way. You can create an account later if you choose to.

• Pharmacy Information and SesameRx

Once you’ve entered your health information, you’ll need to provide your pharmacy information, including your home address. If you opt-in to SesameRx, you can receive medications delivered to your door, and pick up your medications at a local pharmacy. SesameRx also offers generic medications for $5, making it an affordable option for many patients.

• Types of Appointments

An initial psychiatry visit with Sesame lasts one hour, while a prescription renewal visit lasts 15 minutes. Some physicians can prescribe name-brand medications instead of generic ones, but this may increase the cost. Name-brand prescriptions will also need to be picked up at your local pharmacy rather than delivered to your door. Sesame also offers mental health consultations with primary care providers and therapy sessions with licensed counselors, but these are not considered psychiatry appointments. You cannot receive medication from these visits.

Sesame Reviews

Sesame has mixed reviews on various platforms. On the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Sesame has a rating of 2.75 out of 5, with 15 customer reviews. On Trustpilot, Sesame has a rating of 4.3 out of 5, with almost 800 customer reviews. Positive reviews mention the helpfulness of providers and convenience of service, while negative reviews mention technical issues, rude or unhelpful providers, and difficulties with customer service and receiving refunds.

Most Affordable Online Text-Based Therapy: Calmerry

If you’re looking for an affordable option for online therapy, Calmerry offers a text-based platform that may be worth considering. In this article, we’ll explore the session types, price and payment options, pros, cons, and why Calmerry might be the right choice for you.

• Session Types: Calmerry offers three session types: phone, video, and chat therapy. However, their platform is primarily text-based, with a focus on unlimited messaging between the patient and their therapist. They do offer live texting conversations, but not video messaging.
• Price and Payment Options: Calmerry’s pricing is $227.96 per month for unlimited chat therapy, making it cheaper than Talkspace’s messaging app with the same concept. Calmerry accepts Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express, Union Pay, JCB, and Diners Club International for payment. Unfortunately, Calmerry does not accept insurance.

Pros

• One of the benefits of Calmerry is the ability to send an unlimited number of text and audio messages to your therapist.
• Additionally, you can ask your therapist to log on at a specific time to have a live texting conversation.
• Calmerry also offers a free self-care chatbot that can help you prioritize your needs and understand your emotions.

Cons

• Calmerry does not support video messages, unlike Talkspace.
• Additionally, therapists will not respond on weekends, which may be inconvenient for some patients.
• Lastly, Calmerry does not take insurance.

Why Calmerry?

Calmerry’s unlimited therapist messaging plan is $48 cheaper per month than Talkspace’s unlimited messaging plan. While Calmerry’s app doesn’t support video messages like Talkspace does, some individuals may choose affordability over paying extra for video messages each month.

How Much Does Calmerry Cost?

Calmerry offers three plans: unlimited messaging, unlimited messaging plus one live video session, and unlimited messaging plus four live video sessions. The unlimited messaging plan is $228 per month and includes unlimited audio and text messaging with your therapist. Calmerry also offers two plans with live video options, although there are platforms with cheaper monthly plans on the market for similar options.

• Unlimited Messaging Plus One Live Video Session* $298 per month, with the first month $51 off. This plan includes one 30-minute live video session a month.
• Unlimited Messaging Plus Four Live Video Sessions* $360 per month, with the first month $65 off. This plan includes four 30-minute live video sessions a month.

Calmerry bills at the same time every month and does not accept insurance. Calmerry offers a $30 – $65 discount for your first month. With a messaging-only plan, that amounts to $198 for your first month.

How Does Calmerry Work? A Comprehensive Guide

Are you interested in trying out Calmerry for online therapy but not sure how it works? Here is a step-by-step guide to help you understand the process.

• Creating a Profile and Choosing a Therapist

First, you will need to create a profile on Calmerry’s website. This will involve filling out a brief survey about your mental health concerns and therapy preferences.

After completing the survey, you will be presented with a few therapist suggestions based on your responses. Each suggestion will include the therapist’s name, title, and a bio that they have written about themselves. If you are not satisfied with the therapist suggestions, you can request new ones or switch therapists for free at any time.

• Text Therapy With Calmerry

Once you have chosen a therapist, you can start your subscription and begin writing or sending audio messages to them. Calmerry’s mental health assistant confirmed that your therapist checks the app a few times a day, Monday through Friday, and responds to your messages accordingly.

With Calmerry, you can write longer journal-like entries, quick impulsive messages, or reflective emails. It’s up to you to decide what type of message you want to send to your therapist.

Self-Care and Mood Tracking With Coa

Calmerry’s app also includes a mood assessment chatbot called Coa. You can log your mood and daily reflections using this chatbot.

With Coa, you can log how you’re feeling each day, label your specific emotions, and write about what you did that day. You can also write journal entries or any thoughts you have that day and label your feelings and emotions about them.

You can share these entries with your therapist or keep them private. Every note is assigned to the date you write it in your journal app, so you can see how your mood changes over time and gain more insight into your emotions, such as thought patterns you may commonly fall into.

Calmerry Reviews

If you’re still on the fence about Calmerry, it may be helpful to read some reviews from past clients. Trustpilot gives Calmerry 4 out of 5 stars. Positive reviews mention supportive therapists, successful sessions, and prompt customer service. Negative reviews mention slow response times from therapists and therapists canceling sessions at the last minute.

In conclusion, Calmerry offers an affordable and convenient way to access therapy online. With a simple sign-up process, therapist suggestions, and mood tracking features, Calmerry provides a comprehensive online therapy experience that could work for you.

The Most Affordable Online Relationship Therapy: ReGain

ReGain offers a platform for couples seeking affordable online relationship therapy. With multiple session types, affordable pricing, and financial aid options, ReGain may be a good choice for couples looking for affordable therapy.

• Session Types with ReGain

ReGain offers phone, video, and chat therapy, so you can choose the best format for you and your partner. This makes it easy to schedule therapy around your busy schedule or personal preferences.

• Pricing and Payment Options

ReGain is one of the cheapest online relationship therapy platforms available. For $240 to $360 per month, you get four 30- to 45-minute sessions, as well as unlimited messaging via audio, video, and chat. ReGain accepts various payment options such as Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express, PayPal, and Google Pay.

• Accepts Insurance

ReGain does not accept insurance. However, they offer financial aid to those who need it.

Pros

• One of the main advantages of ReGain is its affordability. Couples can apply for financial aid to make therapy even more affordable.
• Additionally, the platform offers appointments during weekends and after work hours, making it easy to schedule therapy around your busy life.

Cons

• One potential disadvantage of ReGain is that you cannot choose your own therapist.
• Additionally, ReGain has limited therapist availability when trying to accommodate race, gender, age, and specialty preferences.
• They are also not transparent about session length.

Why Choose ReGain?

Unfortunately, most insurance plans don’t cover couples therapy or marriage counseling unless it’s related to a mental health or substance use issue. However, if your employer has an employee assistance program as part of its benefits package, you may be eligible for a few free sessions. ReGain offers an affordable alternative for couples seeking therapy.

Comparing ReGain to other online therapy providers such as Bound Together Counseling and the Relationship Suite, ReGain offers the best value per month, especially for couples eligible for financial aid. Furthermore, ReGain boasts more than 11,000 accredited psychologists, licensed clinical social workers, and licensed therapists on staff, making it a reliable choice for couples seeking therapy.

Financial Aid with ReGain

ReGain offers financial aid for couples who need help covering the cost of therapy. If you or your partner are a veteran, disabled, unemployed, employed but low-income, or financially impacted by the coronavirus, you may be eligible for a discount on your subscription. The discount applies for three months, but you may be able to extend it. With veteran status, the monthly payment drops from $320 per month to $260 per month.

Overall, ReGain offers a valuable service for couples seeking affordable online relationship therapy. With multiple session types, affordable pricing, and financial aid options, ReGain is a good choice for couples looking for support in their relationship.

How Does BetterHelp’s Sister Site, ReGain, Work?

ReGain is an online therapy platform that offers both individual and couples therapy. The platform focuses on relationship issues and allows either partner to start the service by enrolling on its site. During sign-up, you have the option to register for individual therapy or couples therapy. Additionally, you can invite your partner to sessions at any point after being matched to a therapist.

Enrollment Process

The enrollment process begins with providing some basic information like your gender, age, and sexuality. You’ll then be asked to provide details about your relationship, such as whether you live together and why you’re seeking therapy. Common reasons for seeking therapy on ReGain include communication problems, deciding whether to separate, adultery, unequal workloads at home, lack of sex or intimacy, and issues around raising kids.

Therapist Preferences and Matching

ReGain allows you to specify your preferences for a therapist during the enrollment process. You can choose preferences like gender, age, religious or nonreligious, LGBTQ+-friendly, and specialties such as compassion fatigue or caregiver stress. However, the platform notes that it may not always be possible to match you with a therapist who meets all of your preferences based on the available therapists. In such cases, you can request a new therapist if you’re unhappy with ReGain’s pick.

Therapy Options

ReGain offers a variety of therapy options to suit different preferences and needs. You can send text messages to your therapist at any time, schedule an appointment for an audio-only therapy session, or schedule an appointment for a video therapy session. Your membership includes four 30- to 45-minute audio or video therapy sessions a month. According to ReGain, you and your therapist can decide together whether to end your session at 30 minutes or extend it to 45. Additionally, your membership includes unlimited text messaging to your therapist. According to a review team’s survey of 1,000 online therapy users in April 2022, 48 percent of ReGain customers received a response within a day.

ReGain also offers three-way calling, so you don’t need to share a screen or phone with your partner for each session. And if you decide you want to work with your assigned therapist in a one-on-one session, ReGain allows you to do that.

Potential Issues

One potential issue with ReGain is scheduling. Availability may be limited, and you may have to wait to schedule appointments that work for you. Additionally, if you’re unhappy with your assigned therapist, you may need to request a new one, which could lead to longer wait times before receiving the care you need.

ReGain Reviews

ReGain has a mixed reputation on review sites like Trustpilot and BBB. Trustpilot reviewers gave ReGain a score of 3.29 out of 5 stars, while BBB reviewers gave ReGain a score of 3.1 out of 5 stars. Positive reviews highlight quick therapist matching and affordability, while negative reviews mention difficulty reaching customer service, billing issues, and difficulty finding accommodating appointment times outside of traditional 9-to-5 hours.

Most Affordable Online Therapy for Teens: Teen Counseling

Teen Counseling is an online therapy platform that specializes in providing therapy to teenagers. With a focus on affordability and accessibility, Teen Counseling offers phone, video, and chat therapy sessions to teens. In this article, we will take a closer look at the features and benefits of Teen Counseling and why it may be the best option for online therapy for teenagers.

Session Types and Pricing

Teen Counseling offers phone, video, and chat therapy sessions, giving teenagers the option to communicate with their therapist in a way that is most comfortable for them. The service costs $60 to $90 per week, and prices depend on where you live, therapist availability, and what specialties they have. The monthly subscription ranges from $240 to $360 per month, billed every four weeks, and includes four weekly 30-minute therapy sessions and unlimited text messaging. You can cancel at any time.

Payment Options and Insurance

Teen Counseling accepts Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express, PayPal, and Google Pay. The service does not accept insurance and will not submit any information to your insurance company. However, Teen Counseling offers financial aid for eligible families, making it an even more affordable option for online teen therapy.

Pros and Cons

There are many benefits to using Teen Counseling for online therapy for teenagers. One of the most significant advantages is that teens can use live chat, video, or phone to communicate with their therapist. Additionally, the service offers separate “rooms” for both parents and teens to privately chat with the therapist. This feature can be beneficial for families who want to participate in therapy together but may not feel comfortable doing so in the same room.

Another advantage of Teen Counseling is that appointments are available outside of school hours, making it easier for teens to fit therapy into their busy schedules. Teen Counseling also offers financial aid, which can help make therapy more accessible to families who may not have the financial resources to pay for traditional therapy.

However, there are some potential drawbacks to using Teen Counseling for online therapy for teenagers. Your therapist match may have limited availability, and therapists’ level of experience with teens varies. Additionally, Teen Counseling does not accept insurance, which may be a significant drawback for families who rely on insurance to pay for therapy.

Why Choose Teen Counseling?

We chose Teen Counseling over other online therapy platforms like Teladoc or MDLive because of its flexible options for teens who may be more comfortable with instant messaging. According to a review published in the journal JMIR Mental Health in January 2021, texting is the preferred mode of communication for adolescents with cell phones. Teen Counseling’s private chat rooms can also provide a sense of privacy that teens may not have in traditional therapy sessions.

While Talkspace has a similar plan with live video or phone sessions and unlimited messaging, it costs $396 a month – $36 more than the maximum cost at Teen Counseling. Talkspace also does not offer financial aid, aside from a discount on your first month. We feel that Teen Counseling does the best job of accommodating teens and their potential resistance to therapy at an affordable price. For eligible families, Teen Counseling’s financial aid program makes it an even more affordable option for online teen therapy.

How Teen Counseling Works: A Comprehensive Guide

Teen Counseling, a BetterHelp online therapy site, provides online therapy to teens aged 13 and above. If you or your teen is interested in therapy, the matching process can begin on the homepage.

• Intake Questions and Selecting Issues to Address

Teen Counseling will ask for standard intake information about your teen, including age, gender, and location. Your teen can select the specific issues they want therapy to address, such as stress, anxiety, depression, school challenges, family conflicts, trouble sleeping or insomnia, or relationships with friends.

If parents start the process, they can choose from options such as school challenges, criminal behavior, substance abuse, or relationships with peers. Parents will be asked if their teen has been to therapy before and to rate their relationship with their teen.

• Deeper Questions About Home Life

The questionnaire also delves into home life, such as whether your teen goes to school, whom they live with, and the last time they thought about suicide. If your teen signs up, they will need to write a brief snippet about why they want therapy.

• Next Steps and Subscription Cost

Once your teen is enrolled, they will see a screen that includes next steps, an explanation of how and why parents are involved in the process, and how much therapy will cost. In two separate sign-ups, the subscription cost was quoted at $320 per month.

• Linking Your Accounts

If your teen initiated the process, Teen Counseling will ask for your name and email address on the confirmation page. You should receive an email within a few seconds that will allow you to register for an account, fill out the parent consent form, and pay for the subscription. This will link your accounts together, but the information your teen shared during their questionnaire will not be shared with you. In our experience, we didn’t receive a therapist match until both parties signed up.

• Therapist Matching and Chat Rooms

Teen Counseling will use the information from the questionnaire to pair your teen with a licensed therapist. Both you and your teen can message the therapist in your own private chat room with unlimited messaging. You can ask any questions you have about the process and how much the therapist can share about their discussions with your teen.

Your teen also has their own chat room to discuss personal details with their therapist, but parents do not have access to this room. Teen Counseling does not disclose how quickly its therapists respond.

• Therapy and Scheduling

Your teen can conduct their therapy sessions through live chat, video, or telephone, and either you or your child can choose appointment times. If you don’t see a time that fits your schedule, you can reach out to your therapist to see if they have additional availability, although it isn’t guaranteed. Each appointment lasts for 30 minutes.

With live chat, you or your child arranges a therapy time, and it counts toward one of four monthly sessions. The therapist logs in at that time and answers any of your teen’s questions in an instant messaging format.

Reviews of Teen Counseling

On Trustpilot, Teen Counseling has a rating of 3.3 out of 5 stars. Positive reviews cite compassionate therapists and accommodating appointment times, while negative reviews mention therapists not showing up for appointments and billing issues. The platform is not rated by the BBB.

Most Affordable Online Therapy for Using Insurance: Amwell

Session Types Available: Phone and Video Therapy

Are you in search of an affordable therapy option that accepts insurance? Amwell might be the perfect choice for you. Read on to learn more about Amwell, including its pricing options, accepted insurance plans, and pros and cons.

Accepted Insurance Plans

One of the most significant advantages of using Amwell is that it accepts more than 100 insurance plans from carriers such as Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare, Humana, and Highmark. This sets Amwell apart from Teladoc and MDLive, two similar telehealth platforms that don’t require insurance. Additionally, Amwell is unique in that it can see patients as young as 10, making it a great option for families.

Pricing Options

The cost of Amwell will vary depending on your insurance plan. During the sign-up process, Amwell will prompt you to enter your insurance information to confirm coverage. However, if you need to pay out of pocket, Amwell offers therapy and psychiatry plans.

Therapy:

• $108 per session for a therapist with a master’s degree
• $128 per session for a therapist with a doctoral degree

Psychiatry:

• $279 for your initial consultation
• $109 for every 15-minute follow-up

Payment Options

Amwell accepts Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express. Additionally, if you prefer to pay as you go instead of committing to a membership, Amwell allows you to pay for each session individually.

Pros:

• Accepts more than 100 insurance plans
• Ability to pay for sessions as needed instead of committing to a membership
• Offers therapy sessions for children ages 10 and older
• Ability to choose your own therapist

Cons:

• Self-pay option is more expensive than Teladoc and MDLive
• Can only schedule appointments in available time slots
• Mobile app is only available on iOS

How Does Amwell Work?

You can register for Amwell via desktop or through its app for iOS devices like iPads or iPhones. During or after registration, you can enter your insurance information to see if Amwell accepts it.

To sign up for an appointment, you log in and click the behavioral health section on the site. Amwell’s therapists, psychologists, and psychiatrists can help individuals as young as 10 in every state. Available mental health services include therapy, psychiatry, adolescent therapy, menopause counseling, pregnancy and postpartum therapy. Every provider profile includes information such as a headshot, next available appointments, years of experience, professional education, applicable specialties, and a bio.

Appointment Tips

Be sure to schedule an appointment at least 24 hours in advance, even if you see an opening for a provider the same day. Customer support told us that therapists sometimes don’t update their availability, and if you try to schedule an open same-day appointment, the provider might cancel it.

Billing and Rescheduling

You’ll need to enter your billing information to book an appointment, and once booked, the appointment will appear in your app. If you need to cancel or reschedule for any reason, be sure to do so at least 24 hours before your scheduled time. Amwell charges $40 for a missed appointment.

Amwell Reviews

Trustpilot reviewers gave Amwell a score of 2.6 out of 5 stars, and BBB reviewers gave Amwell 1 out of 5 stars. Since the Amwell platform offers both medical care and mental health care, reviews mentioned both. Positive reviews about mental health care indicated that the platform exceeded their expectations, while negative reviews mentioned therapists not showing up for appointments and difficulty getting refills for mental health medications.

Low-Cost Online Therapy Without Insurance: Teladoc

Looking for affordable therapy that won’t break the bank? Teladoc may be the answer. This platform offers pay-as-you-go therapy sessions at a fraction of the cost of traditional in-person therapy.

Session Types

Teladoc provides both phone and video therapy sessions. This flexibility makes it easy to get the help you need from the comfort of your own home.

Price and Payment Options

The cost of a Teladoc therapy session is $99. Teladoc accepts Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express as payment options. If you need additional sessions, you can purchase them directly through the platform.

Accepts Insurance

Teladoc accepts some insurance plans, but it’s important to call your insurance provider to verify coverage before signing up. If you don’t have insurance or are underinsured, Teladoc is still one of the most affordable virtual therapy options available.

Pros

Teladoc offers some great benefits to users. For one, it’s the most affordable pay-per-session therapy platform we looked at. Teladoc also offers sessions outside of 9-to-5 hours, making it convenient for those with busy schedules. Additionally, Teladoc has the same service model as other popular online therapy platforms like MDLive and Thriveworks but is typically cheaper. Finally, Teladoc has more availability after 5 p.m. than some other services, such as BetterHelp.

Cons

While Teladoc offers some great benefits, there are a few drawbacks to keep in mind. For example, there’s no messaging option with your provider between appointments. This could be inconvenient for some users who prefer to stay in touch with their therapist throughout the week. Additionally, if you need weekly sessions, Teladoc can get expensive over time.

Why Teladoc?

Compared to other pay-per-session online therapy providers like Thriveworks and MDLive, Teladoc comes out on top. While Thriveworks charges a $39 membership fee in addition to the $99 session fee and is only available in 43 states, Teladoc is available nationwide and charges only $99 per session. Similarly, MDLive charges $109 per session, making Teladoc the more affordable option.

How Teladoc Works

Teladoc offers a straightforward, no-frills approach to online therapy. To get started, all you need to do is open an account and provide some basic details like your name, location, and contact information. If you have insurance, you can enter your insurance information as well. If not, you’ll see the pay-per-session cost upfront.

Once you’ve signed up, you can request a therapy appointment directly from your account’s home page. From there, you can customize your therapist matches by specialty and gender to find the perfect match.

Scheduling an Appointment

When scheduling an appointment, you’ll see a few different things, including potential time slots you can immediately book, information from Teladoc about when the provider is usually available, and a button to request an appointment time. If you need to request an appointment time, you can list three different times that work best for you and any additional information that would make it easier for the therapist to schedule your appointment.

Before booking your appointment, you’ll need to fill out a questionnaire asking about your emotional health status. This simple, 23-question form asks about mental health issues over the past two weeks and how much they have affected your life.

Teladoc Reviews: What Customers are Saying

As Teladoc offers both medical care and mental health care, reviews cover a range of services. On Trustpilot, Teladoc receives an overall rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars, while on BBB, it receives a rating of 1.18 out of 5 stars. Negative reviews mention issues with unprofessional therapists, missed appointments, and difficulties reaching customer service. However, positive reviews note the platform’s ease of use and convenient app.

What to Consider When Selecting an Affordable Online Nutritionist

Finding the right online nutritionist can be a daunting task. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the best one for your needs. Here are some factors to consider when selecting an affordable online nutritionist:

1. What are the fees and payment options? It’s important to consider the cost of the nutritionist and whether they offer payment plans or accept insurance. If you can’t afford the fees, look for a nutritionist that offers a sliding scale payment option based on your income.
2. What nutrition services does your insurance cover? If you have health insurance, you may be able to find a nutritionist that is covered under your plan. Maximizing your in-network benefits may be cheaper than paying out of pocket.
3. Is the nutritionist in-network for your insurance? Even if a nutritionist accepts your insurance, it’s important to check if they are in-network. Being in-network means that the nutritionist has an agreement with your insurance provider to charge a certain amount per visit. If the nutritionist is out-of-network, they can charge whatever they want and you’ll be responsible for paying the difference.
4. Check reviews and reputation. It’s important to research the nutritionist’s reputation and read reviews from previous clients. Look for a nutritionist who has experience and expertise in your specific nutrition needs.
5. What is the nutritionist’s approach? Every nutritionist has their own approach to nutrition. Some may focus on a specific diet or lifestyle, while others may have a more holistic approach. Choose a nutritionist whose approach aligns with your personal beliefs and goals.
6. How do they keep your information secure? It’s important to choose a nutritionist who takes your privacy seriously. Look for a nutritionist who uses secure platforms and complies with U.S. privacy laws.
7. Is the cheapest option always the best? While affordability is important, it’s also important to consider the quality of care you’ll receive. Don’t sacrifice quality for a lower cost.
8. Are you prepared for the long-term investment? Nutrition is a long-term commitment and requires patience and dedication. It’s important to be mentally prepared for the process and trust the process. Remember that results may not come overnight, but with the right nutritionist, progress is possible.

A Review of Online Therapy Platforms: Comparing Who They Treat, Cost, and Insurance Options

When it comes to finding a therapist online, there are many options available. We have researched and compared various online therapy platforms to help you make an informed decision based on your specific needs.

Key Considerations

When comparing these online therapy platforms, it’s important to keep in mind the following factors:

1. Who they treat: Some platforms specialize in treating specific groups, such as couples, while others offer therapy to a wider range of individuals.
2. Cost: Prices can vary significantly depending on the platform and the services offered.
3. Insurance: Check to see if the platform accepts insurance, as this can greatly impact the cost of therapy.

We hope this comparison of online therapy platforms helps you find the right fit for your mental health needs.

Why You Can Rely on Us

At our core, we are committed to recommending products and services that enhance the lives of our readers and meet their specific needs. Our team has invested countless hours conducting thorough research in the online therapy industry. You can trust our review because we have undertaken the following steps:

1. Ongoing Independent Research: We are committed to ongoing independent research to ensure we remain current with the latest online therapy developments and offerings.
2. Mystery Shopping: We have mystery shopped each brand to gain first-hand experience of the online therapy platform and the level of service provided.
3. Customer Service Assessment: Our team contacted the customer service teams of each online therapy provider to assess their responsiveness and ability to provide helpful information.
4. Personal Experience: We became customers of online therapy providers ourselves, gaining a deep understanding of the platform and the level of service provided.
5. Academic Research Review: We reviewed academic research on the efficacy of online therapy versus in-person therapy to understand the benefits and limitations of online therapy.
6. Third-Party Reviews: We read hundreds of verified customer reviews from reputable third-party sites such as BBB and Trustpilot.

To learn more about our research and evaluation process, visit our methodology page.

How We Evaluate Online Therapy Platforms

Our reviews team conducts extensive analysis of every online therapy platform we research to ensure we only recommend platforms that will benefit our readers.

Our team researches well-known brands by collecting the experiences of real customers from reliable third-party review sites such as BBB and Trustpilot. We also consult with independent psychologists and other mental health professionals to gain a deeper understanding of why people seek out online therapy. Additionally, we review the latest research on the effectiveness of online therapy versus in-person therapy.

When evaluating each platform, we consider the types of sessions offered, the therapeutic methods practiced, the qualifications of the therapists, the platform’s business reputation, and customer satisfaction. We also evaluate ease of registration, the platform’s user-friendliness, pricing options, and whether the platform accepts insurance. We strive to recommend a range of options that cater to all budgets, with a focus on budget-friendly options.

After our experts select the best online therapy platforms on the market, we have a licensed, independent therapist review our picks to audit each company as a whole and ensure that every platform we recommend is appropriate for our readers.

Making the Right Choice for Online Therapy

Online therapy is an accessible and cost-effective way to prioritize your mental health. However, choosing the right payment plan that suits your needs can be challenging. Here’s what you should consider:

• Maximizing Insurance Benefits: If you have in-network insurance benefits, using them can help you save money on online therapy sessions. Make sure to check with your insurance provider to see what options are available to you.
• À la carte Options: If you don’t have insurance or have a high deductible, paying per session can be a great way to save money. It also provides more flexibility in scheduling and payment.
• Subscription Plans: If you prefer a subscription plan, make sure to evaluate the pros and cons carefully. Be sure to check the total cost per month, not per week, to see if it is feasible for your budget.

Handling Emergencies

In case of an emergency, it is essential to know how to get immediate help. If you are in crisis and need immediate assistance, calling 911 is the best option. This includes if you are experiencing thoughts of harming yourself or others.

For individuals having suicidal thoughts, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 is a resource available 24/7. Additionally, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 800-662-HELP (4357) is a free, confidential treatment referral and information service for individuals facing mental or substance use disorders.