9 Best Online Therapy Apps in 2023

Introduction

In today's rapidly evolving and increasingly demanding world, the importance of mental health has never been more paramount. As we face numerous challenges in our daily lives, finding the time and resources to prioritize mental well-being can be a struggle. This is where online therapy apps have emerged as a game-changer, offering a convenient and effective solution for accessing professional support and counseling.

Online therapy apps bridge the gap between individuals seeking help and licensed therapists, making mental healthcare more accessible and adaptable to modern lifestyles. These apps allow users to connect with trained professionals from the comfort and privacy of their own homes, eliminating the need for traditional in-person appointments. This flexibility enables users to schedule sessions at their convenience, reducing barriers to mental healthcare and encouraging a more proactive approach to mental well-being.

As the popularity of online therapy apps continues to grow, numerous platforms have emerged, each offering a unique set of features, services, and user experiences. 

This guide will delve into the best online therapy apps available in 2023, providing a comprehensive, informative, and engaging overview of each platform. Our goal is to help you make an informed decision about which app best aligns with your needs and preferences so that you can take the essential steps toward maintaining and improving your mental health.

What Should You Look for in Free Apps for Online Therapy?

When choosing the best online therapy app, it is essential to consider several factors that can contribute to a positive and practical therapeutic experience. Here are some key aspects to look for when evaluating free apps for online therapy:

Qualified and licensed therapists

Ensure the app connects you with qualified professionals with the appropriate credentials and experience to support your mental health needs.

Accessibility and convenience

The app should be user-friendly and available across multiple devices, allowing you to access therapy conveniently.

Confidentiality and security

Ensure the app maintains strict privacy policies and uses secure technology to protect your personal information and therapy sessions.

Customization and personalization

The best online therapy app should be able to tailor the experience to your specific needs, preferences, and goals.

Affordability

While free apps can provide some support, it is important to consider whether a paid plan offers more comprehensive services to support your mental health journey better.

The 9 Best Online Therapy Apps Available in 2023

1. Carepatron

Carepatron is an innovative online therapy app that has gained considerable attention for its extensive range of services and user-friendly interface. Offering a seamless experience, Carepatron connects users with qualified therapists and enables them to access therapy anytime, anywhere.

Carepatron's Best Features

• Connects users with qualified and licensed therapists
• It offers a user-friendly interface, making it easy to navigate
• Provides 24/7 support, ensuring help is always available when needed
• Includes a comprehensive range of services catering to various mental health needs
• Offers secure and confidential therapy sessions

Carepatron's Limitations

• Limited options for in-person sessions
• Insurance coverage may vary depending on the plan and provider

Carepatron Pricing

• Monthly subscription plan

Starter - $0/user

Professional - $15/month (per user)

Organization - $29/month (per user)

• Annual subscription plan 

Starter - $0/user

Professional - $12/month (per user when billed annually)

Organization - $19/month (per user when billed annually)

Carepatron Reviews

Capterra: 4.5 /5 (69 reviews)

G2: 4.2 /5  (900 + reviews)

2. Talkspace

Talkspace is a popular online therapy app that connects users with licensed therapists through text, audio, and video messaging, offering convenience and flexibility in scheduling therapy sessions. The app also provides progress reports to assist users in staying on track with their therapy objectives.

Talkspace Best Features

• Wide range of licensed therapists to choose from
• Flexible communication options: text, audio, and video messaging
• Mobile app available for both iOS and Android devices
• Couples therapy available
• Psychiatry services offered

Talkspace Limitations

• Time zone differences with therapists impede quick communication.
• Sliding scale fees are not available.
• There are only video and text sessions available, with no phone option.
• Psychiatric appointments cost an additional $249 for the initial session and $125 for follow-ups.

Talkspace Pricing

• Weekly plans start at $69

• Offers discounts for paying biannually or quarterly
• Covered by many insurance companies, FSA/HSA accepted

Talkspace Reviews

• Capterra: 2.0 /5 (1 review)
• G2: 3.9 /5 (8 reviews)

3. BetterHelp

BetterHelp is a leading online counseling platform that connects users with licensed therapists via phone, video, or messaging, providing professional support tailored to individual needs.

BetterHelp users get access to accredited therapists, marriage counselors, and licensed clinical social workers with master's or doctoral degrees. Users can also choose to keep their identity private throughout therapy to some extent by creating their profile using a nickname rather than their complete name.

BetterHelp Best Features

• Extensive network of licensed therapists with various specializations
• Unlimited messaging with therapists
• Live video, phone, and chat sessions are available
• Financial aid is available for those who qualify
• Mobile app for iOS and Android devices

BetterHelp Limitations

• No free trial offered
• In-person sessions are not available
• Insurance coverage may be limited

BetterHelp Pricing

• $60 to $90 per week, billed every four weeks, depending on your location, preferences, and available therapists

BetterHelp Reviews

• Capterra: No reviews available
• G2: No reviews available

4. Pride Counseling

Pride Counseling is an online therapy app designed to support the LGBTQ+ community by connecting users with therapists experienced in addressing the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals.

Pride Counseling Best Features

• Specialized in LGBTQ+ mental health support
• A diverse network of licensed therapists
• Unlimited messaging with therapists
• Live video, phone, and chat sessions are available
• Financial aid is available for those who qualify

Pride Counseling Limitations

• No free trial offered
• In-person sessions are not available
• Insurance is not accepted

Pride Counseling Pricing

• $60 to $90 per week, billed every four weeks
• Discounts available for longer-term commitments

Pride Counseling Reviews

• Capterra: No reviews available
• G2: No reviews available

5. Amwell Online Therapy

Amwell Online Therapy is a comprehensive telehealth platform that provides access to various medical professionals, including psychiatrists and therapists, for mental health support.

Amwell Online Therapy Best Features

• Wide range of mental health professionals, including therapists and psychiatrists
• Live video sessions with therapists
• Mobile app for iOS and Android devices
• Integration with some insurance providers and employee assistance programs
• Doctors available to treat other health conditions

Amwell Online Therapy Limitations

• No subscription option
• Has fewer communication choices
• Pricing may be higher than some other platforms

Amwell Online Therapy Pricing

• $109 per session for a master’s level clinician and psychotherapist 
• $129 per session for a doctoral-level professional
• $279 initial consultation fee
• Covered by various insurance companies

Amwell Online Therapy Reviews

• Capterra: No review available
• G2: 3.5/ 5 (1 review)

6. MDLive Online Therapy

MDLive Online Therapy offers telehealth services, including therapy and psychiatric care, through secure video consultations.

Therapy sessions normally run between 45 to 60 minutes and can address issues such as addiction, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and others. As an additional service, board-certified psychiatrists provide psychiatry and medication management. You can also make an appointment through secure online video, phone, or the MDLive app when ready.

MDLive Online Therapy Best Features

• Access to therapists and psychiatrists for comprehensive mental health care
• Secure video consultations
• Mobile app for iOS and Android devices
• Some insurance coverage and employee assistance program integration
• 24/7 support for non-emergency issues

MDLive Online Therapy Limitations

• MDLive does not offer subscription plans
• Limited text-based communication with therapists
• They do not offer email or chat support options

MDLive Online Therapy Pricing

• Pay-per-session pricing for therapy and psychiatric sessions
• Insurance coverage may affect pricing

MDLive Online Therapy Reviews

• Capterra: 4.5/ 5 (2 reviews)
• G2: No review available

7. 7 Cups

7 Cups offers free, anonymous emotional support from trained listeners and affordable online therapy with licensed professionals.

7 Cups aims to connect users with free, confidential community-based emotional assistance. The service's name derives from Lu Tong's "7 Bowls of Tea," an old Chinese poem about tea's mental and physical advantages.

7 Cups Best Features

• Free emotional support from trained volunteer listeners
• Affordable online therapy with licensed professionals
• Mobile app for iOS and Android devices
• Anonymous chat rooms and community forums
• Self-help resources and activities

7 Cups Limitations

• Free listeners may not have professional qualifications
• Limited availability of live video sessions
• Insurance coverage may not apply
• Text-based therapy does not occur in real-time, and the therapist may only respond once daily.
• You must be 18 years old to utilize 7 Cups for paid therapy.

7 Cups Pricing

• Free support from trained listeners
• Monthly subscription plan for online therapy with licensed professionals

7 Cups Reviews

• Capterra: No review available
• G2: No review available

8. ReGain Online Therapy

ReGain specializes in relationship counseling for couples or individuals seeking help with their relationships, providing professional support through a secure platform. After completing questions about your needs and preferences, you and your spouse are allocated to a therapist through ReGain, which can take up to three days. Most of your conversation will be in a shared chat room with you, your partner, and your therapist.

ReGain Online Therapy Best Features

• Specialized in relationship and couples counseling
• Access to licensed therapists with experience in relationship issues
• Unlimited messaging with therapists
• Live video, phone, and chat sessions are available
• Mobile app for iOS and Android devices

ReGain Online Therapy Limitations

• No free trial offered
• In-person sessions are not available
• Counselors can’t diagnose or prescribe medications.
• A computer does matching.
• Three-way phone calls or video sessions are unavailable.

ReGain Online Therapy Pricing

• Weekly subscription plans are billed monthly.
• Discounts available for longer-term commitments

ReGain Online Therapy Reviews

• Capterra: No review available
• G2: No review available

9. Teen Counseling Online Therapy

Teen Counseling Online Therapy is specifically designed to support teenagers dealing with various mental health issues, connecting them with therapists experienced in working with adolescents.

Teen Counseling experts also teach coping techniques for better stress management, advise handling issues in friendships or family connections, and much more. Guardians can also utilize the site to obtain advice and assistance in enhancing their relationship with their teens.

Teen Counseling Online Therapy Best Features

• Specialized in mental health support for teenagers
• Access to licensed therapists experienced in working with adolescents
• Unlimited messaging with therapists
• Live video, phone, and chat sessions are available
• Parental consent and involvement options for increased support

Teen Counseling Online Therapy Limitations

• No free trial offered
• The service is not suitable for court-ordered counseling
• Teen Counseling does not accept insurance.
• Counselors can not provide a diagnosis.

Teen Counseling Online Therapy Pricing

• Therapy costs range from $60 to $90 per week, though the service only bills once a month.

Teen Counseling Online Therapy Reviews

• Capterra: No review available
• G2: No review available

These nine online therapy apps offer various options for individuals seeking mental health support. By considering each app's specific features, limitations, and pricing, you can choose the one that best suits your needs and preferences. 

Always prioritize your mental well-being and consult a professional if you struggle with mental health issues.

Deliver Online Therapy Anytime, Anywhere with Carepatron

Among the nine best online therapy apps in 2023, Carepatron stands out as the top choice due to its unparalleled blend of features, convenience, and support. This innovative platform offers a wide range of services tailored to meet the diverse needs of its users. With a focus on providing a seamless experience, Carepatron's user-friendly interface simplifies finding and connecting with qualified therapists.

One of the critical advantages of Carepatron is the 24/7 support it offers, ensuring that help is always within reach when needed. This round-the-clock availability enables users to access therapy sessions anytime, regardless of their schedule or location. The platform's flexibility and convenience make it easier for individuals to maintain their mental health while balancing work, family, and personal commitments.

Carepatron's extensive range of services caters to various mental health needs, including individual therapy, couples counseling, and specialized support for specific issues such as anxiety, depression, or stress management. By offering a comprehensive approach to mental health, Carepatron ensures that users have access to the right resources and support for their unique situations.

Don’t miss out on this exciting range of services, check out Carepatron’s Online Therapy App today!