Donate

Choose a Therapist

This therapist directory is offered in partnership with BetterHelp. If you sign up for therapy after clicking through from this site, HelpGuide will earn a commission. This helps us continue our nonprofit mission and continue to be there as a free mental health resource for everyone.

Need to talk to someone now? Find a crisis helpline

If you're a BetterHelp therapist with questions about your directory listing, please contact therapists@betterhelp.com

Treatment

The Best Online Therapy Platforms that Take Insurance

Looking to use your health benefits to pay for online therapy? HelpGuide’s staff surveyed real users and personally tested the top platforms that accept insurance. Here are our recommendations.

Illustration of a woman on the floor with a laptop, as a supportive hand reaches out to her, symbolizing of the best online therapy platforms that take insurance.

The Best Online Therapy Platforms that Take Insurance

Looking to use your health benefits to pay for online therapy? HelpGuide’s staff surveyed real users and personally tested the top platforms that accept insurance. Here are our recommendations.

Illustration of a woman on the floor with a laptop, as a supportive hand reaches out to her, symbolizing of the best online therapy platforms that take insurance.

We independently test and review all of the services we recommend. When you sign up through our links, we may earn a commission, which helps support our nonprofit mission.

HelpGuide’s reviews of the best online therapy platforms that take insurance

  • Copays for online therapy typically cost the same as in-person therapy, from $0 to $50 depending on your plan, your deductible, and whether the platform is considered in-network. Even the cost of copays can mount up over time, so we considered value for money an important factor when rating the best online therapy platforms that take insurance.
  • However you choose to pay for therapy, live video sessions offer the closest experience to traditional, in-person therapy. Being able to message your therapist between sessions is a very helpful feature, but for the most effective care, your therapist needs to be able to communicate face-to-face with you during a session.
  • The success of therapy depends on you finding a therapist who makes you feel comfortable sharing your innermost thoughts and has the skills and experience to help you make positive changes. Most platforms have a mix of good therapists and not-so-good ones, but finding the right therapist for you is more important than choosing a particular platform.

Talkspace

Quick insurance check, hour-long appointments.

Learn More
Brightside

Focuses on depression and anxiety, short appointment wait times.

Learn More
MD Live

Accepts major insurance plans as well as Medicare and Medicaid.

Learn More
Amwell

HITRUST-, NCQU-, and URAC-accredited for privacy and quality.

Learn More
Data research and comparative analysis
Professional feedback
User surveys
Hands-on testing

Best online therapy platforms that accept insurance according to our testing results

Talkspace summary:Quick insurance check, hour-long appointments, quality providers
Average copay:$15-30
Insurance plans accepted include:Aetna, Anthem, Cigna, Optum, Regence, TRICARE, Blue Cross Blue Shield
Medicare/Medicaid accepted?Medicare
Therapy types:Individual
Session formats:Video, audio, and text messaging
Time to first session with therapist:1-3 days
Psychiatry services:Yes
User experience: What real users and testers found

Survey and tester insights

We surveyed 100 Talkspace users across the United States and had one of our in-house staff test Talkspace. In our survey results we found that Talkspace scored well on user satisfaction and the quality of therapy. Users described the platform as professional, informative and helpful, reliable and trustworthy, and a great experience overall.

  • Overall satisfaction: 88/100
  • Value for cost: 75/100
  • Empathy rating: 82/100
  • Privacy and security rating: 87/100
  • Platform navigation rating: 90/100

“This was the first therapist I actually trusted and would recommend.”

Survey respondent

“I just needed an outlet to get some of the wilder thoughts out of my head and understand who I truly was.”

Survey respondent
  • 80 percent used insurance.
  • Of those, nearly 84 percent thought it was somewhat easy, easy, or very easy to submit their insurance details.
  • 23 percent received financial aid or discounted pricing.
  • 26 percent were hit by surprise charges.
  • 86 percent would use the platform again.

Overall satisfaction:

Value for cost:

Empathy rating:

Privacy and security rating:

Platform navigation rating:

“I could verify therapy would be covered by insurance before having to create an account, which I really appreciated.”

Lawrence Robinson, Managing Editor

Instantly told me what my copay would be ($15).

Lawrence Robinson, Managing Editor
Insurance approval process

Talkspace’s sign-up takes 10 – 20 minutes for most people (80 percent), but getting your insurance approved can take just moments. Here’s how it works:

Icon with number
1
Icon with number
2
Icon with number
3

Tested by: Lawrence Robinson, Managing Editor

Data privacy is a valid concern of most online therapy users. In our survey, 79 percent of respondents felt confident or very confident that Talkspace would protect their personal information—but it can take some effort to achieve. After closing his account, our staff tester had to contact customer support and fill out multiple forms to have his information deleted. This could feel challenging when you’re also dealing with a mental health problem. This is a process that Talkspace could make much easier.

Brightside Health summary:Focuses on depression and anxiety, short appointment wait times
Average copay:$0-30
Insurance plans accepted include:Aetna, Cigna, Anthem, UnitedHealthcare, Ambetter
Medicare/Medicaid accepted?Medicare and Medicaid
Therapy types:Individual, teen
Session formats:Video and messaging
Time to first session with therapist:1-2 days
Psychiatry services:Yes
User experience: What real users and testers found

Survey and tester insights

We surveyed over 100 Brightside Health users across the United States and had two of our in-house staff test the platform. In our survey results we found that Brightside’s strengths included value for money and compassionate therapists. Users described Brightside as a platform that has your back and is professional, convenient, and very efficient.

  • Overall satisfaction: 85/100
  • Value for cost: 80/100
  • Empathy rating: 79/100
  • Privacy and security rating: 90/100
  • Platform navigation rating: 79/100

“My experience with this platform was very positive.”

Survey respondent

I worked through all the personal struggles and problems I was having.”

Survey respondent
  • 74 percent used insurance.
  • Of those, 82 percent thought it was somewhat easy, easy, or very easy to submit their insurance details.
  • 24 percent received financial aid or discounted pricing
  • 37 percent were hit by surprise charges. 
  • 86 percent would use the platform again. 

Overall satisfaction:

Value for cost:

Empathy rating:

Privacy and security rating:

Platform navigation rating:

“Very good experience, the platform was easy to navigate and the therapists were knowledgeable and goal driven.”

Joseph Collerain, Production Coordinator

“Easy to get insurance approved.

Lawrence Robinson, Managing Editor
Insurance approval process

Brightside’s sign-up takes under 20 minutes for most people (83 percent), but you can’t check if your insurance will be accepted without creating an account and taking a mental health assessment first. Here’s how it works:

Icon with number
1
Icon with number
2
Icon with number
3

Tested by: Joseph Collerain, Production Coordinator

Tested by: Lawrence Robinson, Managing Editor

MD Live summary:Solid privacy protocols, accepts major insurance plans as well as some Medicare and Medicaid plans
Average copay:$0-30
Insurance plans accepted include:Cigna, Humana, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Aetna
Medicare/Medicaid accepted?Medicare and Medicaid
Therapy types:Individual
Session formats:Video, audio
Time to first session with therapist:1-3 days
Psychiatry services:Yes
User experience: What real users and testers found

Survey and tester insights

We surveyed 100 MD Live users across the United States and had one of our in-house staff test the platform. In our survey results and hands-on testing we found that the platform rated highly for therapist quality, but we would’ve liked to have been able to message between sessions. Users described the platform as a very good service, an easy and enjoyable experience, and one that served its purpose.

  • Overall satisfaction: 83/100
  • Value for cost: 78/100
  • Empathy rating: 78/100
  • Privacy and security rating: 83/100
  • Platform navigation rating: 88/100

“My therapist is the best and always there for me.”

Survey respondent

“It has been great, it feels like talking to a friend that really understands and wants to help.”

Survey respondent
  • 76 percent used insurance.
  • Of those, nearly 77 percent thought it was somewhat easy, easy, or very easy to submit their insurance details.
  • 23 percent received financial aid or discounted pricing.
  • 21 percent were hit by surprise charges.
  • 78 percent would use the platform again.

Overall satisfaction:

Value for cost:

Empathy rating:

Privacy and security rating:

Platform navigation rating:

“My therapist was great, the intake session was the most relaxed I have done so far.”

Joseph Collerain, Production Coordinator

“I had no trouble booking appointments, but was slightly frustrated that I could not message providers in between sessions.”

Joseph Collerain, Production Coordinator
Insurance approval process

MD Live’s sign-up takes under 20 minutes for most people (79 percent). You’ll need to create an account in order to check your insurance will be accepted. Here’s how it works:

Icon with number
1
Icon with number
2
Icon with number
3

Tested by: Joseph Collerain, Production Coordinator

Amwell summary:Fast signup, HITRUST, NCQU, and URAC-accredited
Average copay:$0-30
Insurance plans accepted include:Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Anthem, UnitedHealthCare
Medicare/Medicaid accepted?Medicare and Medicaid
Therapy types:Individual
Session formats:Video, audio, and text messaging
Time to first session with therapist:1-3 days
Psychiatry services:Yes
User experience: What real users and testers found

Survey and tester insights

We surveyed 100 Amwell users across the United States and had one of our in-house staff test the platform. In our survey results we found that most users felt Amwell was likely to protect their personal information and were able to find empathetic and understanding therapists. Users described the platform as a great product, simple, helpful, and a positive experience.

  • Overall satisfaction: 83/100
  • Value for cost: 81/100
  • Empathy rating: 78/100
  • Privacy and security rating: 84/100
  • Platform navigation rating: 84/100

“My experience was really great. The sign up process was super easy and I was able to get an appointment the same day.”

Survey respondent

It was well worth it. My therapist was very trusting and compassionate.”

Survey respondent
  • 77 percent used insurance.
  • Of those, nearly 90 percent thought it was somewhat easy, easy, or very easy to submit their insurance details.
  • 20 percent received financial aid or discounted pricing.
  • 20 percent were hit by surprise charges.
  • 81 percent would use the platform again.

Overall satisfaction:

Value for cost:

Empathy rating:

Privacy and security rating:

Platform navigation rating:

“Appreciated the patient notes sent after every session—simple but very useful.”

Lawrence Robinson, Managing Editor

“The therapist had excellent insights.

Lawrence Robinson, Managing Editor
Insurance approval process

Amwell’s sign-up takes under 20 minutes for most people (78 percent), and you’re able to check if your insurance is accepted as soon as you’ve created an account—no need to take a mental health assessment first. Here’s how it works:

Icon with number
1
Icon with number
2
Icon with number
3

Tested by: Lawrence Robinson, Managing Editor




  • It takes your plan. Even if a platform accepts your insurance, you want to be sure that your specific plan is covered and how much your copay will be.
  • You’re covered for the type of therapy you’re looking for. Some insurance plans cover individual therapy, for example, but not group therapy or couples counselling, unless one or both of you have a diagnosable mental health condition.
  • Your deductible. Some plans have a deductible that you need to meet before your insurance will start to cover online therapy.
  • The number of sessions covered. Some plans may only cover a specific number of online therapy sessions per year.
  • If you need prior authorization. Depending on the type of insurance you have, you may first need a referral from your primary care doctor or prior authorization from your insurance carrier before starting therapy.
  • How to submit claims. If you use an online therapy provider that’s out-of-network, you may be able to submit a claim and get reimbursed some of your outlay. Understand the steps you need to take, the documentation you need to submit to make a claim, and how much you’re entitled to get reimbursed.
  • Costs not covered by insurance. Some platforms charge membership or subscription fees, for example, or there may be other surprise charges that aren’t covered by insurance.
  • If a platform accepts Medicare or Medicaid. While Medicare Part B, Medicare Advantage, and some Medicaid plans cover online therapy, not all online therapy platforms accept Medicare or Medicaid. 

  • The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) offers a directory of health centers that offer free or low-cost mental health care.
  • Colleges and universities often offer counseling services—online or in-person—via the psychology department.
  • If your company offers an employee assistance program (EAP) it can include free online or in-person therapy trials or other types of support.
  • Some private practice therapists, online or in-person, offer sliding scale payments that vary according to your income.
  • Other online therapy services offer reduced rates by connecting you with trained volunteers rather than professional therapists.
  • You can call, text, or email the NAMI HelpLine for free emotional support from trained volunteers.
  • Mental Health America (MHA) offers additional information on how to find and pay for care.

Last updated or reviewed on August 30, 2025