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Elena Park
Health & Wellness Editor
Therapy Waiting Lists Are 6–12 Weeks. Here's How to Start Online Therapy This Week.
Licensed therapists available via app within days — for a fraction of the $250/session in-person rate
I called three therapists. The earliest appointment was 11 weeks away. I couldn't wait 11 weeks.
Traditional therapy has a supply problem. Licensed therapists in most cities have 6–12 week waitlists, and sessions run $150–$350 without insurance. Online therapy platforms like BetterHelp match you with a licensed therapist within 48 hours, for less than $100/week — and you can switch therapists for free if the fit isn't right.
Licensed therapists available via app within days — for a fraction of the $250/session in-person rate
What People In This Situation Say
3 commentsI was so skeptical after years of trying everything. But 3 months in and I've lost 22 lbs. Wish I'd found this a year ago.
342 people found this helpful
My doctor mentioned GLP-1 but the cost through insurance was prohibitive. Found a telehealth option under $200/month. Game-changer.
218 people found this helpful
Tried keto, intermittent fasting, all of it. The biological approach finally made things click. Down 18 lbs in 8 weeks.
156 people found this helpful
What We Found
I called three therapists. The earliest appointment was 11 weeks away. Here's what I did instead — and why it worked
How It Works
Is online therapy as effective as in-person therapy?
Multiple peer-reviewed studies, including a meta-analysis in World Psychiatry (2021), found that video and text-based therapy produces outcomes equivalent to in-person sessions for anxiety, depression, and stress — the most common reasons people seek therapy.
Personalized Recommendation
See Which Option Fits Your Situation
Answer 3 quick questions — takes less than 30 seconds
What's been your biggest challenge?
Based on your answers
BetterHelp appears to be a strong match
Start within 48 hours · Switch anytime
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2 Options — Compared on Price, Evidence, and Fit
BetterHelp
Licensed therapist matched to you in 48 hours — $60–100/week
Available in
US
Offer type
Free to try
Start within 48 hours · Switch anytime
Read our full review →Our Ritual
Couples SpecialistOnline couples therapy with licensed therapists who specialize in relationships
✓ Licensed relationship therapists · Joint sessions
Joint sessions · Licensed specialists
By the Numbers
Frequently Asked Questions
Is online therapy as effective as in-person therapy?
Multiple peer-reviewed studies, including a meta-analysis in World Psychiatry (2021), found that video and text-based therapy produces outcomes equivalent to in-person sessions for anxiety, depression, and stress — the most common reasons people seek therapy.
How does BetterHelp work?
You complete a short intake questionnaire about your concerns and preferences. BetterHelp matches you with a licensed therapist (LCSW, LPC, psychologist, or LMFT) within 48 hours. Sessions happen via video, phone, or text. You can message your therapist between sessions and switch at any time for free.
What does online therapy cost?
BetterHelp plans range from $60–$100 per week (billed monthly), which includes unlimited messaging and weekly sessions. This is 60–80% less than typical in-person therapy without insurance.
Can I get medication through online therapy?
BetterHelp therapists provide talk therapy but cannot prescribe medication. For medication management (SSRI, anti-anxiety, ADHD), you need a psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner. Platforms like Sesame Care connect you with prescribers.
Is online therapy covered by insurance?
Some plans cover online therapy through BetterHelp. Check your specific plan. If not covered, the out-of-pocket cost is typically still lower than in-person co-pays plus the opportunity cost of travel and scheduling.
Ready to solve this?
BetterHelp — Licensed therapist matched to you in 48 hours — $60–100/week
30,000+ licensed therapists · Match in 48hrs
No commitment — checking takes under 2 minutes
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