We’ve all heard it echoed consistently over the past several years especially: it’s time to pay more attention to mental health. While we’re fully on board with de-stigmatizing and highlighting this vital aspect of overall wellbeing, choosing an online therapy platform for the first time can be very daunting with all the options out there. That’s why we’re rolling out our list of the 10 best online therapy platforms in 2024. 

We applied several key metrics (specifics below) to narrow down and rank the online therapy services we believe benefit the largest and most diverse selection of people. The first step is getting over the stigma and doing something about it - why not now?

How We Rank Online Therapy Platforms

‍

Here’s a closer look at the metrics we use to rank online therapy platforms. Keep in mind that most of these categories are partially subjective, but in the majority of cases, we side with the option that best fulfills the following requirements.

Provider Quality and Variety

How many providers does the online therapy platform employ, what are their qualifications, and can they accommodate requests for therapists of a certain gender or religious belief, etc.? 

Does the online therapy platform in question offer services for individuals, couples, and families?

Can people using the platform be prescribed medication directly? If not, will the platform quickly refer them to a psychiatrist who can?

Flexibility

Can users of the online therapy platform find scheduling opportunities that work around their own schedules? Are therapists available via high-quality video and audio calls as well as messaging services? 

Do therapists respond quickly to messages, and can you switch therapists without hassle and/or added expense?

Platform Usability and Interface

Is the online platform and/or mobile app easy to use, sign up for, and navigate various settings? Do users have to click (or tap) around a lot to check their schedules? Are there any aesthetic or functional issues within the interface that make the experience clunky or unattractive?

Privacy and Security

Does the online therapy platform sell personal information to third-party advertisers? Do they only use cookies for retargeting ads, or personal information? 

Are communications with therapists protected by patient-clinician confidentiality?

Value

Finally, how much does the online therapy platform charge, and is the value of the program worth that price? 

Do they accept insurance, offer first-month discounts, or provide payment plans?

Online Therapy Platform FAQs

Is online therapy credible?

Though researchers are still exploring the efficacy of telehealth services as compared to conventional care, the early consensus is that telehealth is often just as effective as face-to-face counseling. This UCLA Health article goes into detail about a 60-study review that supports this claim.

Who should not use online therapy?

Several of the online therapy platforms we researched and reviewed disclaimed that people experiencing suicidal ideation or other potentially life-threatening issues should not seek online therapy, but more immediate sources of support. Also, those with more severe mental health and/or intellectual disabilities, like paranoid schizophrenia, are better suited for in-person care than online therapy. 

What is the best online platform for therapy?

While we’ve made our statement above, the right online therapy platform for you will vary on your circumstances and preferences. That said, we trust all of the providers on this list to deliver accommodating, effective care at fair prices.

What are the drawbacks to online therapy?

Many online therapy platforms are not covered by insurance, and cannot provide medication. Technical issues can also affect the quality and consistency of care. Even though online therapy has been proven highly effective for many patients, others may find the lack of personal interaction to be less effective.