Considering Virtual Therapy? These 7 Apps Will Connect You With a Licensed Therapist

Published on Dec 7, 2021 at 3:30 PM

Pexels | Keira Burton

Virtual therapy has grown more and more popular in recent years, even before the COVID-19 pandemic made going to a physical office feel unsafe. Therapy apps like Talkspace and BetterHelp have made it possible to get counseling from the comfort of your own home, on your schedule, whether you communicate with your therapist through text-based messaging, phone, or video.

However, choosing the right app for you can feel overwhelming. You have to consider factors like affordability and more closely explore the features of each app to make sure they're meeting your needs. To help get you started, we've rounded up seven of the best therapy apps on the market, all of which offer the option to talk face to face with a licensed therapist, if you choose. It's the next-best thing to seeing someone in person.

Talkspace

Cost: Plans range from $65 to $99 per week.

Talkspace has provided therapy and psychiatry services to more than one million users, from individuals to couples to teens. Once you've selected a therapist, you'll begin communicating with them through text, video, and audio messages, or through weekly or monthly live sessions. An added bonus: Talkspace accepts a number of insurances, so depending on your plan, you could qualify for coverage.

BetterHelp

Cost: Plans range from $60 to $90 per week.

BetterHelp matches you with a therapist based on your needs, and allows you to talk to that person (anonymously, if you choose) through the app's messaging platform or during scheduled phone or video sessions. You can fill out a form to see if you qualify for financial aid, which could significantly reduce your out-of-pocket costs.

Regain

Cost: Plans range from $60 to $90 per week.

With Regain, you and your partner will get a dedicated "therapy room," where the two of you can communicate with a licensed therapist about any issues affecting your relationship. You can also schedule live sessions as an individual or couple.

Pride Counseling

Cost: Plans range from $60 to $90 per week.

Pride Counseling matches members of the LGBTQ+ community with identity-affirming therapists, who are available for messaging or live sessions. After filling out a questionnaire, you can select what kind of counselor you want based on their experience. For example, you might choose someone who specializes in depression, addiction, family conflicts, or intimacy.

MDLive

Cost: Up to $108 per session.

Once you've created an MDLive account, you'll be able to choose from a number of therapists based on their location, specialty, and insurance coverage. The app's virtual appointments are flexible — you can choose a date and time based on your schedule and the therapist's availability, though you're encouraged to build a relationship with a provider if you plan to have regular sessions. The app also offers psychiatry services.

Calmerry

Cost: Plans start at $42 per month.

If the idea of choosing a therapist feels daunting, try Calmerry. One of the service's agents will pair you with a licensed therapist based on your answers to a survey. You can then message your provider 24/7, or chat face to face during live video sessions.

Cerebral

Cost: Plans range from $259 to $325 per month.

With Cerebral, you can choose a plan that includes weekly video or phone sessions with a therapist, as well as text-based messaging, or one that will pair therapy with a psychiatric evaluation and monthly medication delivery, if the doctor feels that you could benefit from a prescription. While plans can be pricey, Cerebral works with several insurance providers, and a monthly subscription can be as little as $29 if you're in-network.