How to Choose an Online Therapy Service (Insurance First, Then Format)
Four questions that narrow seven platforms to one, and the crisis line to use instead if you need help now.
If you are in crisis, call or text 988 (US) or go to the nearest emergency department. None of these platforms is for emergencies.
1. Does your insurance cover telehealth therapy?
Yes: Talkspace, Brightside, Amwell or Talkiatry (psychiatry). No: BetterHelp with financial aid, Open Path (income under $100k), or 7 Cups' therapy tier.
2. Do you need medication?
Talkiatry, Brightside or Talkspace Psychiatry. BetterHelp and Open Path are therapy only.
3. How do you want to talk?
Video weekly: any. Messaging between sessions: Talkspace, BetterHelp, Brightside, 7 Cups. Phone: BetterHelp, Open Path therapists.
4. What is the concern?
Anxiety or depression: Brightside's measured approach. Couples: BetterHelp's ReGain or Talkspace couples. Teens: Talkspace, Brightside, 7 Cups community.
Whatever you choose
Verify the therapist's licence on your state board, read the privacy policy, and switch if the first match is not right — every platform here lets you.
» See the full rankings: Best Online Therapy Services of 2026, Online Therapy That Takes Insurance .