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If you feel like therapy on your time and in your own space is appealing, you are not alone.

Online therapy is becoming one of the top ways people seek mental health services.

Whether you’re new to therapy or curious about how online counseling works, you’ll want to take some time to research what’s available. With that in mind, here are our top 10 recommendations for online therapy.

Teletherapy involves remote therapy sessions that you can do via video calls, chat rooms, email, or telephone. It has gone up in popularity since therapists expanded their services to keep people safe during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

teletherapy is more convenient, private, and affordable than face-to-face sessions. People who have time constraints, must stay at home or live in remote areas can benefit from online platforms.

Online therapy isn’t for emergencies

If you are in a mental health crisis, you can call the National Suicide Hotline at 988.

Highlights

  • It’s convenient: With many platforms, you can meet with your therapist via phone call, messaging, or live video from the comfort of your own home.
  • May offer better appointment availability: Depending on the platform you choose, you may be able to make appointments outside typical business hours and on the weekends.
  • May be easier to find a therapist: Finding the right therapist can be difficult, but many online therapy platforms will match you with one based on your answers about why you’re seeking help and what you’re hoping to achieve. You can also switch therapists more easily on certain platforms, rather than finding a brand-new one all over again.
  • May be less expensive than in-person therapy: Online therapy can be cheaper than in-person therapy, depending on the treatment or plan you’re seeking.
  • Some platforms offer homework and activities: If you want to get more out of your online therapy experience, some apps and websites allow your therapist to assign homework and activities specific to your treatment between appointments.
  • You may receive consistent access to your therapist: Some platforms allow you to message your therapist 24/7, even though they may not always reply immediately. This is great for keeping track of things you’d like to bring up in your next session, or receiving advice and encouragement between appointments.

Drawbacks

  • Insurance won’t always pay for online therapy: Some insurance networks don’t yet recognize online therapy, so you may have to pay out of pocket depending on your coverage. Additionally, some teletherapy platforms don’t accept insurance, either.
  • It’s not typically suitable for more severe mental health conditions: Some mental health conditions, like Eating disorders can be related to Eating disorders can be related to Eating disorders can be related to Eating disorders can be related to eating disorders…. or addiction, are better suited for in-person or group therapy than online therapy.
  • It’s not for emergency mental health situations: It’s best not to rely on online therapy for emergencies. In the case of a mental health crisis, call the National Suicide Hotline at 988, or call 911.
  • Requires consistent access to the internet: Online therapy requires a consistent, reliable internet connection and a smart device or computer. Additionally, public computers and Wi-Fi networks are not the best ways to access online therapy because of privacy concerns.

Our team of medical experts carefully vetted each online therapy service. They considered the medical credibility, business practices, and social impact of each platform to ensure they meet our high standards.

A mental health professional from the Healthline Medical Network medically reviewed this article to provide insights, offer advice, and verify that the medical content is accurate.

We considered many criteria when selecting the best online therapy platforms.

  • mental health professionals who are all licensed psychotherapists, psychologists, or psychiatrists
  • A simple sign-up process.
  • Customer feedback is positive.
  • Payment options and fees are flexible.
  • There are a range of subscription options.
  • Insurance coverage.
  • financial assistance.
  • There are therapists with expertise in anxiety, Depression., trauma, relationship issues, Substance use., grief, and Eating disorders can be related to Eating disorders can be related to Eating disorders can be related to Eating disorders can be related to eating disorders…..

Best overall

BetterHelp

Why we chose it: BetterHelp has the largest network of qualified therapists and a user-friendly platform. It’s easy to switch therapists and cancel your plan. Plus, the company provides financial assistance. to qualified individuals.

Platforms: audio, chat, messaging, video

App available: yes

We have a review of BetterHelp.

BetterHelp has access to over 12,000 licensed, accredited, and experienced counselors. The company excels at matching therapists to your individual needs and preferences.

BetterHelp has licensed psychologists, clinical social workers, and marriage and A family. therapists.

  • anxiety
  • Depression.
  • relationships
  • parenting
  • addiction
  • grief
  • Eating disorders can be related to Eating disorders can be related to Eating disorders can be related to Eating disorders can be related to eating disorders….
  • Life transitions.
  • religion

BetterHelp also offers counseling for individuals, couples, and families. Video conferencing, chatting live, and speaking over the phone are some of the ways in which therapy sessions are done. Many users say that the live sessions are the reason they chose BetterHelp.

After you fill out a questionnaire and set up your account, a computer program will match you with a therapist for your specific needs. You can always request a different counselor if this takes more than 24 hours.

Price: Prices range from $60 to $90 per week, billed monthly.

Coverage: BetterHelp doesn’t accept insurance, so you’ll pay out of pocket for counseling services. Financial assistance is available for those who qualify, and you can cancel your membership at any time.

Pros

  • The website and mobile app are easy to use.
  • You can choose between live chatting, speaking on the phone, or video conferencing with your therapist.
  • Financial aid is available.

Cons

  • “Therapists can’t prescribe medication.”
  • “Most insurance companies don’t cover the service.”
  • The service is not meant for use in a crisis.

Best network of therapists

Talkspace

Why we chose it: Talkspace offers several communication platforms, therapy options, and flexible subscription plans. Plus, the company can prescribe medication and accepts insurance.

Platforms: audio, chat, messaging, video

App available: yes

Talkspace was reviewed by us.

Talkspace has the best network of mental health professionals with over 3000 licensed therapists and multiple subscription plans.

You will complete an assessment and choose your payment plan after signing up. A consultation therapist will match you with other therapists. You can choose the one that fits you. You will begin working with them within a few days.

Therapists treat a variety of conditions.

In addition to individual counseling, they also offer specific services for couples and teens. Plus, Talkspace Psychiatry offers personalized psychiatric treatment and prescription management from a licensed prescriber.

Price: Talkspace has several subscription plans available, with prices ranging from $69 to $129 per week. These plans include text, video, audio messaging, and live sessions. Some subscribers express frustration about having to sign up for an entire month of services, which means you’ll still be billed for the month if you cancel early.

Psychiatry services cost between $249 and $120 for an initial evaluation.

Coverage: If you have an employee assistance program (EAP) with behavioral health benefits, you may be eligible for coverage. Check with your employer.

Pros

  • You have access to your therapist.
  • You may find texting more comfortable than in-person sessions.
  • Talkspace offers discounts for paying in a quarterly or biannual fashion.

Cons

  • Payments are not on a sliding scale.
  • The service is not covered by many insurance plans.
  • Time zone differences can be a problem with communication.

Best online therapy for CBT

Online-Therapy.com

Why we chose it: Online-Therapy.com uses CBT to treat a range of mental health conditions and behaviors, making it great for self-improvement. Treatment includes yoga, meditation, and worksheets.

Platforms: audio, text, video

App available: no

Online-Therapy.com bases their entire operation on CBT. This approach is a top pick when treating a variety of mental health conditions, including:

  • Depression.
  • anxiety
  • Drug and alcohol issues.
  • Eating disorders can be related to Eating disorders can be related to Eating disorders can be related to Eating disorders can be related to eating disorders….
  • There are fears of phobias.

CBT helps you identify, challenge, and overcome negative thinking and develop behavior modifications that help you think and interact more positively.

Online-Therapy.com has resources such as a journal, a live chat with your therapist, and a message board. Some users are concerned that therapists only work for 8 hours per day, compared to other sites that offer 24/7.

Price: Prices range from $39.95 to $79.95 per week, depending on the plan you choose.

Coverage: They don’t accept insurance, but new subscribers get 20 percent off of their first month’s fees.

Pros

  • You receive a course in online learning.
  • The website and app are easy to use.
  • You are given a set of questions that include feedback from your therapist.

Cons

  • You will likely have to pay out of pocket.
  • “They don’t offer any support options 24/7.”
  • The company does not have a Better Business Bureau profile.

Best online therapy for mental and physical health

Amwell

Why we chose it: With a user-friendly platform and the ability to select your healthcare professional, Amwell is our top pick for mental and physical health services. You have the option to hide your view of your face during sessions.

Platforms: audio, video

App available: yes

We have a review of Amwell.

If you’re looking for an online telemedicine platform that offers care for physical and psychological health, consider Amwell.

“Amwell is a great place to shop for everything from doctor’s appointments to therapy. You can create an account, choose the doctor or therapist that works best for you, and schedule a visit via their web-based or mobile app program.”

Amwell provides counseling.

  • anxiety
  • Depression.
  • Post traumatic Stress. disorder or trauma.
  • Life transitions.
  • Couples therapy.

Price: The cost of a psychologist or counselor visit varies from $109 to $129 based on the therapist and lasts about 45 minutes. Your therapist will have either a master’s degree or doctorate in their field. They also offer online psychiatrists who can prescribe medications.

Coverage: If your health insurance plan provides coverage for mental health services, your out-of-pocket costs may be lower. Amwell doesn’t provide a subscription-based service. If you need to talk with a medical doctor for other health conditions, the visit costs $79.

Pros

  • Depending on what you need, you can choose between a therapist or a psychiatrist.
  • Amwell offers more than just therapy. They have doctors who can treat other health conditions.
  • Your visit may be covered by insurance.

Cons

  • “They don’t have a subscription option.”
  • Some reviewers have encountered technical difficulties.
  • Amwell has fewer communication options than other services.

Best for online psychiatry

MDLive

Why we chose it: MDLive provides treatment with a psychiatrist, lets you choose your provider, and provides low cost prescriptions.

Platforms: phone, video

App available: yes

We have a review of MDLive.

Psychiatry services are provided by the division of MDLive. Their Psychiatry division has a board certified psychiatrist.

MDLive can help with that.

  • anxiety
  • addiction
  • Depression.
  • There is a disorder of the brain called the Bipolar Disorder.
  • Post traumatic Stress. disorder and trauma.
  • panic disorders
  • Loss and grief.

It takes 15 minutes to set up an account. You can search through their network of psychiatrists and choose the one that is right for you. You can choose between secure online video, phone, or the MDLive app when you want to schedule an appointment.

Price: MDLive doesn’t offer a subscription-based service. To see a psychiatrist, you can expect to pay $284 for your first visit and $108 for each follow-up appointment.

Behavioral health counseling sessions with a licensed therapist are available on the platform. If you need to transition from a psychiatrist to a therapist, this is a great feature.

The cost of urgent care appointments is $82.

Coverage: If you have health insurance and your plan provides coverage for mental health services, your out-of-pocket costs may be lower.

Pros

  • There is unlimited access to a doctor.
  • Members can save on prescription drugs.
  • Some employers include MDLive in their benefits.

Cons

  • “MDLive doesn’t offer subscription plans.”
  • The price of a mental health service is higher than other services.
  • “They don’t offer email or chat support.”

Best online therapy for your budget

7 Cups

Why we chose it: Offering free services and a low cost monthly plan, 7 Cups is our top pick for affordable online therapy. The platform provides counseling, emotional support, and peer support.

Platforms: chat, text

App available: yes

7 cups review

7 Cups is one of the largest emotional support systems because of affordable online therapy, free emotional support, and chat rooms with people who understand what you are going through.

Areas of expertise include:

  • addiction
  • anxiety
  • There is a disorder of the brain called the Bipolar Disorder.
  • Depression.
  • A family.
  • grief
  • parenting
  • Substance use.
  • trauma

Price: Online therapy and counseling with licensed therapists are $150 per month — significantly less than other online therapy platforms. Plus, 7 Cups offers emotional support and access to speak with a trained volunteer (not a licensed counselor) at no charge. This option is appropriate for support and to help connect you with services.

If you need more in-depth treatment, you can get a paid subscription plan. You can choose the free or paid version after you create an account. You will have access immediately if you go with the trained volunteer option. The subscription option requires more information to be used.

Coverage: Services offered by this site are generally not covered by health insurance.

Pros

  • Users like the freemium model.
  • You can speak with a volunteer who is trained.
  • The service offers a free chat.

Cons

  • The app has a lot of bugs.
  • Some of the inexperienced active listeners are not paying attention and are not being nice.
  • You are not getting professional help unless you pay.

Best online therapy for couples

ReGain

Why we chose it: With counselors who specialize in relationships and plenty of satisfied clients who report positive outcomes, ReGain is our top choice for Couples therapy..

Platforms: chat, messaging, phone, video

App available: yes

Read our review.

When you need couples counseling, you want a licensed therapist who’s trained in dealing with relationship issues. This is why ReGain is the top pick for best online therapy for couples.

All therapists are licensed and include accredited psychologists, licensed marriage and A family. therapists, licensed clinical social workers, and licensed professional counselors.

“The automated system will match you with a therapist after you complete a questionnaire. Two users share an account and participate in live sessions with a therapist. Individual sessions are scheduled for people who need to speak with a therapist. They don’t support live sessions because both partners need to be in the same room to talk to the therapist.”

Price: Prices range from $60 to $90 per week, and this includes both partners.

Coverage: Services offered using this site are generally not covered by health insurance.

Pros

  • ReGain counselors have an interest in relationship counseling.
  • One or both partners can participate in counseling.
  • You can get a free trial when you start.

Cons

  • “The service doesn’t support live sessions so you and your partner need to be in the same place”
  • ReGain is not suitable for court-ordered counseling.
  • It is not clear whether ReGain works with non-monogamous couples.

Best online therapy for teens

Teen Counseling

Why we chose it: Teen Counseling is a fantastic resource for teens, parents, and guardians. The platform has therapists who specialize in finding solutions to teen issues and encourage positive changes.

Platforms: chat, messaging, phone, video

App available: yes

We reviewed Teen Counseling.

Teen Counseling is for teens 13 to 19 years old. They offer live chats, phone calls, video conferencing, and messaging in a private counseling room with a licensed therapist.

Some of the issues therapists can address are listed.

  • anxiety
  • Stress.
  • Depression.
  • It is a form of discrimination.
  • Eating disorders can be related to Eating disorders can be related to Eating disorders can be related to Eating disorders can be related to eating disorders….

“Although parents don’t have access to this room, a therapist must report abuse if the teen is a danger to themselves or others. The registration process includes being matched with a licensed counselor. Your teen will receive a code to join their room.”

Price: Prices range from $60 to $90 per week.

Coverage: Services offered using this site are generally not covered by health insurance.

Pros

  • All sessions are confidential.
  • Counselors deal with teen issues.
  • The rooms are open 24/7.

Cons

  • The service is not suitable for court-ordered counseling.
  • Teen counseling is not suitable for an emergency.
  • “Counselors can’t give a diagnosis.”

Best online therapy for the LGBTQ community

Pride Counseling

Why we chose it: Offering a safe, supportive space for LGBTQ people to obtain mental health care, Pride Counseling connects you to an LGBTQ affirming therapist.

Platforms: chat, messaging, phone, video

App available: yes

We reviewed Pride Counseling.

The therapists at Pride Counseling want to make help for mental health conditions accessible for everyone.

After you sign up, you will be matched with a counselor who will fit your needs and preferences. Different counselors have different approaches to serving the LGBTQ community.

Areas of expertise include:

  • anxiety
  • Stress.
  • Depression.
  • trauma
  • A family. conflicts
  • relationships
  • Eating disorders can be related to Eating disorders can be related to Eating disorders can be related to Eating disorders can be related to eating disorders….

All therapists are licensed and include accredited psychologists, licensed marriage and A family. therapists, licensed clinical social workers, and licensed professional counselors. Counseling sessions take place with your therapist via video conferencing, phone calls, chatting live, and exchanging messages.

Price: Prices range from $60 to $90 per week.

Coverage: Services offered by this site are generally not covered by health insurance.

Pros

  • Counselors have experience helping the LGBTQ community.
  • You can read the messages between you and your counselor.
  • The website and app are easy to use.

Cons

  • The service is not suitable for children.
  • Your counselor will not be able to give you a diagnosis or prescribe medication.
  • The service is not suitable for use in an emergency.

Best online therapy for single video sessions

Doctor on Demand

Why we chose it: Doctor on Demand is our top pick for people who want to do single sessions instead of subscribing to a plan. The platform provides psychologists and psychiatrists. You can also connect to a healthcare professional for health and wellness checkups.

Platforms: video

App available: yes

Doctor on Demand is reviewed.

Are you not sure if you want to commit to a plan? No problem. Doctor on Demand has trained mental health professionals who are licensed psychiatrists and therapists.

You can book an appointment after browsing their selection of psychiatrists and therapists.

Areas of expertise include:

  • anxiety
  • Depression.
  • There is a disorder of the brain called the Bipolar Disorder.
  • trauma
  • postpartum Depression.
  • Anger management.

If medication is part of your therapy, a psychiatrist can order electronic prescriptions for you. They have appointments with medical doctors for other physical conditions.

Price: Psychology appointments are $129 for a 25-minute consultation and $179 for a 50-minute consultation. Psychiatry appointments cost $299 for an initial 45-minute consultation and $129 for a 15-minute follow-up.

Coverage: Doctor on Demand accepts insurance. Check with your insurance company to see if your plan is approved.

Pros

  • The average licensed provider has 15 years of experience.
  • You can order prescriptions from psychiatrists.
  • No subscription is required.

Cons

  • Users report technical issues.
  • There are no email or chat support options.
  • Compared with other online services, fewer therapists are available.

Company Best for Price Accepts insurance Therapy formats App available Prescribes medications
Talkspace overall $69–$129 per week yes • audio
• chat
• messaging
• video		 yes yes
BetterHelp licensed counselors $60–$90 per week no • audio
• chat
• messaging
• video		 yes no
Online-Therapy.com CBT $39.95–$79.95 per week no • audio
• text
• video		 no no
Amwell mental and physical health $109–$129 per visit yes • audio
• video		 yes yes
MDLive online psychiatry $108 per session yes • phone
• video		 yes yes
7 Cups affordability $150 per month no • chat
• text		 yes no
ReGain couples $60–$90 per week no • chat
• messaging
• phone
• video		 yes no
Teen Counseling teens $60–$90 per week no • chat
• messaging
• phone
• video		 yes no
Pride Counseling LGBTQ $60–$90 per week no • chat
• messaging
• phone
• video		 yes no
Doctor on Demand single video sessions $129–$179 per session yes • video yes yes

Online therapy is a session with a licensed therapist. Instead of going to an office, you meet at home.

How your therapist leads a meeting is up to you. Live videos, phone calls, and messaging are some of the most common forms of delivery. The best part? Therapy is more accessible than ever because many professionals are available during the day and on weekends.

For some people, this method of counseling may take some time to get used to. But for others, virtual visits will be the reason they start and stick with therapy.

“If you already have a therapist that offers online counseling, you are set. If your counselor doesn’t offer virtual sessions, there are plenty of online services and platforms that can be used.”

Teletherapy is good for people who prefer a variety of communication formats and are comfortable using technology to communicate and disclose personal information. It is important to have a strong internet connection and a quiet area.

Online therapy can be beneficial for a lot of people. It can address a lot of issues and feelings.

  • anxiety
  • Depression.
  • relationship issues
  • Self-esteem issues.
  • Stress.
  • Life changes

Online therapy is also suitable for people who are not in a physical location.

  • They feel more comfortable in their own environment.
  • “They can’t leave their home due to a disability.”
  • lack of transportation
  • You can live in a rural area.
  • Have a busy schedule.
  • Want a therapy option that is affordable.

Online therapy is not a good fit for mental health crises. You will need a consistent connection to a computer, phone, and internet in order to access the platform.

Legal documentation for court-ordered therapy is not provided by some platforms.

Text therapy is not a perfect fit for everyone. Some people feel more comfortable outside of the house, while others miss face-to-face contact.

There are some differences to expect when you are in-person therapy. Video or phone call appointments will be the main method of appointments.

Matching with a therapist

You may be able to pick your therapist. Depending on the platform you use, you can find a mental health professional who fits your needs and goals.

You can use some teletherapy platforms to find therapists and counselors.

Your first appointment

Getting to know one another is what your initial appointment may consist of. Your therapist may ask you questions.

  • What do you want to accomplish in therapy?
  • Any traumas or events.
  • Did you go to therapy before?
  • If you have been diagnosed with a mental health condition.
  • If you are currently taking any medication for mental health conditions.
  • You have any goals?

If you filled out any questionnaires before the meeting, your therapist will review your answers with you to make sure everything is correct.

Communicating with your online therapist

Online therapy is preferred by some people. This will depend on the platform you choose, your therapist, and any subscriptions you have signed up for. You can chat via messaging or audio call between sessions.

“If you have a computer or a phone, online therapy is more convenient. If you don’t have a scheduled appointment, you should expect your therapist to respond slowly. It can take them hours or days to reply.”

Think about which issues you want to focus on and your goals when choosing an online therapy platform. How often you want to have sessions and how long you want them to last will be determined by your communication preference.

When comparing providers, there are questions to ask.

  • What is included in the plan?
  • How much does the subscription cost?
  • What is the price for add-ons?
  • What are the cancellation and refunds?
  • Are all therapists licensed?
  • What is the process for matching therapists?
  • Is it possible to switch therapists?

Take the time to find a teletherapist who is a good match for your needs, preferences, and expectations. If you prefer a specific type of therapy, find a therapist specializing in this treatment modality. You can also ask a healthcare professional, colleague, or friend to recommend a therapist.

You can use an online questionnaire to find a therapist. You can choose a therapist who specializes in a specific issue. To get a feel for different therapists, visit the company website to read bios and online reviews.

Sometimes it is possible to have a short consultation with your therapist. You can ask your potential therapist about their approach, expected outcomes and duration of treatment.

If you plan to contact the therapist outside of standard hours, you should make sure the availability suits your schedule.

When choosing a virtual therapist, ask yourself questions.

  • What expectations do I have for my therapist?
  • Do I prefer my therapist to be male or female?
  • Is it possible to be open, honest, and vulnerable with this therapist?
  • Does this therapist seem competent?
  • How much time can I devote to homework?

Therapy is expensive. The average cost for a session is between $75 and $150. Online counseling is more affordable.

If you have insurance that covers mental health services, you should contact them to see if the service you are interested in is part of their network. You should also check if the online platform you are using takes insurance. It is worth looking at a few different sites to see if one fits your needs and accepts insurance.

Some online therapy programs offer different subscription plans. Some private therapists who provide online counseling offer a sliding scale, with some willing to lower costs as much as 50 percent.

The other place to look is with your EAP. Many employers offer mental health benefits.

Community-based behavioral health clinics offer free or low cost services to anyone who qualifies.

Not all mental health conditions are suitable for online services

Sometimes an in-person visit is more appropriate for therapists than online treatment. It is possible that mental health symptoms that require a treatment team are not suitable for online services. These include thoughts of suicide and harm to others.

If you’re thinking about harming yourself or others, or you know someone who is, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988, call 911, or seek emergency medical attention.

Is online therapy effective?

There is research that supports online therapy. Live video calls are similar to face-to-face therapy sessions and offer the most benefit.

Many people appreciate the variety of available communication formats, such as text, video calls, and chat rooms. A 2019 study suggests that psychotherapy platforms offering several digital communication options are effective in treating Depression..

According to research from 2017, internet-based CBT is an economical and effective way to treat several mental health conditions, including There are fears of phobias., There is a disorder of the brain called the Bipolar Disorder., and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

Research from 2021 found that live video psychotherapy sessions were as effective as in-person sessions. The video sessions involving CBT for anxiety, Depression., and PTSD were most effective.

What kind of therapist is right for me?

If you need a diagnosis or medication, you should consider the type of therapist you need.

There are different types of mental health professionals, including the following:

  • Psychologist: Psychologists offer psychotherapy that relates to behaviors, emotions, and thoughts. Psychologists have a doctoral degree, typically a PhD or PsyD, and can provide psychological testing in order to diagnose and provide treatment recommendations. In most states, they’re unable to prescribe medications.
  • Psychiatrist: A psychiatrist is either a doctor of medicine (MD) or osteopathic medicine (DO). They diagnose and treat mental health conditions and can prescribe medications.
  • Licensed marriage and A family. therapist (LMFT): LMFTs have a master’s degree. They provide counseling to families and married couples to resolve specific concerns and treat mental health conditions. In some states, LMFTs can diagnose mental health conditions.
  • Licensed professional counselor (LPC): An LPC has a master’s degree. They treat mental health conditions, and in some states, can diagnose them.
  • Licensed clinical social worker (LCSW): LCSWs have master’s degrees in social work and are licensed to provide diagnosis and counseling services to clients.

Does insurance cover online therapy?

More insurance companies are covering online therapy due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. Online therapy coverage depends on a number of factors.

Does Medicare cover virtual counseling?

Medicare is now covering online therapy for all Medicare members. Medicare Advantage plans also cover online therapy. When it comes to Medicaid, your coverage depends on your state. You can call the number on your Medicaid card for more information.

Is virtual counseling secure and confidential?

Privacy considerations should be considered when using online therapy. The website has information about how each platform protects your information.

Companies should be transparent about how they use your data. If you have questions about privacy or confidentiality, you can reach out to the platform. If you cancel your plan, you will find out how to remove your account data.

“The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) federal guidelines to protect information and keep health data private are followed by online therapy platforms. Companies don’t record video calls and they don’t use messaging systems that are encryption.”

If you submit your data to an app, questionnaire, or chat box before you start an account, the law may not prevent companies from sharing it.

According to Consumer Reports, online therapy platforms may provide information to third parties, including Facebook.

This data can be used for targeted ads and marketing research, which is something to consider when dealing with sensitive information. If you use an app to connect to a community support group, your profile information may be visible to users.

Online therapy is making mental health services accessible and more affordable for many people.

Virtual visits may become the new norm, at least for a while, with the ability to see a counselor at your convenience and in your own home.