Best Online Therapy That Takes Insurance and Meets Family Needs

Most Comprehensive: Talkspace

Key Specs  

• Self-Pay Price: $69 - $109 weekly
• Insurance Accepted?: Yes
• Types of Therapy: Individual therapy, teen therapy, couples counseling, psychiatry, and medication management 
• Who it Serves: Ages 13+

Why We Chose It

Talkspace accepts a wide range of insurance plans and parents will appreciate the convenient and flexible options for accessing mental health support through messaging, live video sessions, and weekly workshops.

Pros & Cons

Overview 

Talkspace makes therapy accessible for even the most overscheduled families. With a HIPAA-compliant app and a variety of communication methods available, parents can connect with a licensed provider when and how it’s most convenient for them. Talkspace accepts many insurance plans and offers a tiered subscription model, making this platform a more affordable choice for families seeking mental health care. 

Founded in 2012, Talkspace has become one of the top virtual therapy providers, serving over two million people nationwide as of 2021. With a diverse network of licensed psychologists, psychiatrists, counselors, and social workers, Talkspace offers treatment for depression, anxiety, parenting stress, relationship conflict, trauma, and more. In our user survey, 80% of participants said that their Talkspace therapist met most of their therapy needs. Additionally, 97% of our surveyed users preferred Talkspace over other online therapy platforms they had used in the past. While the Talkspace clients we surveyed were generally pleased with their experience, others have issued complaints about the company’s cancellation process and inadequate customer service response. 

Types of Insurance Accepted

Talkspace makes it easy to check your insurance coverage by entering your member ID or employer name during the signup process. While Talkspace does not currently accept Medicaid or Medicare, clients may pay for therapy services using a flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA). Talkspace partners with many employers, employee assistance programs, and major health insurance providers, such as: 

• Premera
• Cigna
• Blue Cross Blue Shield
• Aetna
• Optum
• Gatercare, and more

Plans & Pricing 

Talkspace operates on a subscription model and allows users to pay monthly, quarterly, or biannually. The company does not offer free consultations or assessments, but asks users to choose from one of the following service plans: 

• Messaging: For $69/week, users gain access to unlimited messaging with their therapist. 
• Video and Messaging: For $99/week, users can schedule a live video session and message their therapist at any time. 
• Video, Messaging, and Workshops: $109/week grants users access to live video sessions, messaging, and weekly virtual workshops.
  

User Satisfaction  

In our survey, Talkspace received top marks across the board, with 90% of users rating the company positively. What’s more, 76% of users found Talkspace to be a good value, providing high quality treatment at a reasonable price. When asked if they would recommend this platform to a friend, 65% of our surveyed users were either likely or very likely to suggest Talkspace to others. One of our reviewers indicated that their teen had difficulty developing a rapport with their therapists, but felt that, overall, Talkspace's accessibility could potentially help many people who wouldn’t otherwise have access to help.

Best Psychiatry & Medication Management: Talkiatry

Key Specs

• Self-Pay Price: Dependent on insurance coverage
• Insurance Accepted?: Yes
• Types of Therapy: Psychiatry, medication management, and individual therapy
• Who it Serves: Ages 5+

Why We Chose It 

Open to families in 44 states, Talkiatry partners with more than 60 major insurers to help increase access to psychiatry and medication management for adults, teens, and children over the age of 5.

Pros & Cons

Overview

Talkiatry provides virtual access to more than 400 board-certified psychiatrists across the country, including clinicians who specialize in treating children as young as 5 years old. The company offers in-network treatment and medication management for mild and moderate mental health conditions that can affect children and teens, including:

• Anxiety
• Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Bipolar disorder
• Depression
• Insomnia
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder 
• Substance use disorder 

It can also prescribe controlled substances, such as those needed to treat the above conditions, if deemed necessary. The service’s longer evaluations, tendency to wait to issue prescriptions until after patients have seen a provider two to four times, and history of responsible prescribing practices make us feel good about recommending this service for children. 

We also appreciate that the company is very up-front about what it doesn’t treat, notably more severe or complex conditions, like schizophrenia and eating disorders, which require in-person treatment and are beyond the scope of its virtual care. 

Talkiatry is a relatively new service and was founded in 2020 by Robert Krayn and Dr. Georgia Gaveras, a triple-board-certified psychiatrist. Since its launch, the online psychiatric service has logged more than 220,000 patient visits with psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners, licensed professional counselors, licensed clinical social workers, and licensed mental health counselors. Using Healow, a secure and HIPAA-compliant healthcare app, Talkiatry makes live video sessions and on-demand messaging simple and convenient for families in need of psychiatric care.

Types of Insurance Accepted 

Talkiatry is in-network with most major insurers, and it only sees patients who have insurance coverage. You can easily check your eligibility by navigating to the insurance tab on the home page and entering your provider and plan name. Some of the insurers Talkiatry partners with include: 

• United Healthcare
• Aetna
• Cigna
• Humana
• Blue Cross Blue Shield
• Optum

Plans & Pricing 

Talkiatry does not operate on a subscription model. Instead, like traditional in-person psychiatry, the company bills on a per-session basis. On-demand messaging through the Healow app is available at no additional cost. 

The cost of receiving care at Talkiatry depends largely on your family’s insurance plan. The company recommends contacting your insurer directly to inquire about coverage for outpatient mental health treatment. Talkiatry does not see patients without insurance.

User Satisfaction 

Ninety-seven percent of our surveyed users gave Talkiatry a positive rating overall, with 87% sharing that they’d recommend the service to a friend. When it came time to pair with a clinician, 58% of those surveyed found the process either easy or very easy. What’s more, once they matched with a provider, 69% of users reported positively about how many of their needs were met.

Best for Flexible Scheduling: Wellnite

Key Specs

• Price: $62/month to $450/month. Sliding scale available.
• Insurance Accepted?: Yes, PPO only
• Types of Therapy: Psychiatry, medication management, and individual therapy
• Who it Serves: Ages 13+
  

Why We Chose It 

Busy parents may appreciate finding appointments outside of the usual 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. window with the clinicians at Wellnite. Plus, affordable subscription options and select insurance coverage make this company more budget-friendly than most.

Pros & Cons

Overview 

Available in 40 states, Wellnite brings therapy, medication management, and psychiatry to adults and children ages 13 and older on a subscription basis. Its licensed therapists, psychiatrists, and medical doctors have been treating anxiety and depression virtually since the company’s launch in 2019. 

Wellnite may be particularly appealing to parents who need or want therapy but whose free solo time is limited while caring for younger kids. This platform offers appointments outside of typical business hours, allowing scheduling early in the morning, late at night, and even on the weekend. For more urgent needs, the company also accepts same-day appointments. 

Therapy sessions are available via a HIPAA-compliant video platform or phone call, and users may choose the length of their sessions, which can be 30, 45, or 60 minutes long. For those who require medication as part of their treatment, Wellnite includes the monthly cost of non-controlled substances in its plans. All users also have access to a private online community for peer support.

Types of Insurance Accepted 

Wellnite accepts PPO insurance plans from: 

• Blue Cross Blue Shield
• United Healthcare
• Aetna
• Optum, and more

After signing up for treatment online, you will schedule an on-boarding call to select a therapist. This is also a good time to check your health plan coverage. Wellnite recommends keeping your insurance card handy when you speak with your on-boarding specialist. While coverage depends on your individual health plan, Wellnite says your insurer may cover anywhere from 10% to 100% of the cost of services. 

Plans & Pricing 

Of our surveyed users, 47% rated Wellnite as either affordable or very affordable, and 73% felt the treatment they received was a good value. Wellnite offers three subscription options depending on the treatment you need. Plans are as follows: 

• Medical Care & Therapy: For $245/month, users receive one doctor consultation each month, wholesale pricing and free delivery on mental health medications, and either two 30-minute therapy sessions, or one 60-minute therapy session a month. Additional therapy appointments are available a la carte, for an extra fee. 
• Medical Care: $95/month grants users access to one virtual doctor’s appointment per month, as well as wholesale pricing and free delivery on mental health medications. 
• Therapy: For $450/month, users can choose the length of their therapy sessions. Within the month-long period, options include six 30-minute sessions, four 45-minute sessions, or three 60-minute sessions. Additional therapy appointments may be purchased separately.
  

User Satisfaction 

Wellnite scores highly for user satisfaction, with 80% of those surveyed rating the company favorably. When it comes to matching with a clinician, 75% of surveyed users said their provider met all or most of their needs. Seventy-one percent would recommend Wellnite to a friend.

Best for Family Therapy: Thriveworks

Key Specs

• Self-Pay Price: Co-pay costs, typically $15-$40/session
• Insurance Accepted?: Yes
• Types of Therapy: Individual, children’s and family therapy, psychiatry, addiction counseling, and group therapy
• Who it Serves: Ages vary by state

Why We Chose It 

Because it partners with most major insurers, and offers the flexibility and convenience families need, Thriveworks is the best option for those seeking family therapy.

Pros & Cons

Overview 

Established in 2008, Thriveworks provides individual, couples, children’s, and family therapy, as well as psychiatry and addiction counseling, (though age eligibility varies by location). It offers both in-person and virtual appointments during typical business hours, as well as evenings and weekends. Thriveworks is available in 45 states and it partners with most major insurance providers. 

According to its website, Thriveworks only employs the top 4% of clinicians, including clinical social workers, professional counselors, marriage and family therapists, psychologists, and psychiatrists. Families seeking mental health support can turn to Thriveworks to help improve communication, boundary-setting, behaviors, and coping skills, while working to reduce stress and conflict. Virtual appointments at Thriveworks typically run 50 minutes and can be conducted either by phone or a HIPAA-compliant video call. While clients cannot filter therapists based on race or identity, 85% of the users we surveyed were satisfied with the diversity of clinicians.

Types of Insurance Accepted 

Healthcare coverage of family therapy varies by insurance plan. Thriveworks is in-network with most major insurance providers, though coverage may vary depending on your location. To confirm eligibility, select your local Thriveworks office to find a full list of insurance plans each clinician accepts. Some of the major providers Thriveworks partners with include:  

• Blue Cross Blue Shield
• Anthem
• Optum
• United Healthcare
• Cigna
• Humana, and more

Plans & Pricing 

Thriveworks bills after each session and does not offer subscription plans. If your sessions are not covered by insurance, the out-of-pocket expense is $99 per appointment. Sixty-seven percent of our surveyed users were able to apply their insurance coverage to their treatment. According to Thriveworks, these clients typically owe a $10 to $40 copay, after they have met their deductibles. 

User Satisfaction 

Ninety percent of surveyed users rated Thriveworks favorably overall. While only 47% found the platform to be affordable or very affordable, 78% said the services were a good value. When seeking mental health care in the future, 70% of users said they would return to Thriveworks to find a therapist. Our reviewers noted that Thriveworks is a great option for people like parents who need flexible scheduling when arranging for therapy for themselves, their child, or their whole family.

Best for Alcohol Use Disorder: Monument

Key Specs

• Self-Pay Price: $10/month to $249/month
• Insurance Accepted?: Yes
• Types of Therapy: Individual therapy, medication management, and peer support
• Who it Serves: Ages 18+

Why We Chose It 

Monument specializes in treating alcohol use disorders. While it’s only for the adults in the family, its parent-friendly perks, such as free therapist-moderated support groups for caregivers and flexible scheduling on nights and weekends, make the service stand out.

Pros & Cons

Overview 

Monument is a virtual rehab program that specializes in the treatment of alcohol use disorder in adults. Alcohol use disorder can negatively impact whole families, so it’s vital that caregivers get help when they need it. Research shows that partners and children of those with alcohol/substance use disorders are at greater risk for mental and physical health problems or may have more disruptive symptoms of either. In particular, children of people with alcohol or substance use disorders experience an array of psychological, behavioral, and school issues. For parents seeking help for alcohol use issues, Monument’s flexible scheduling, caregiver-tailored support, and holistic, evidence-based approach can’t be beat. 

Monument was established in 2019 with an aim to offer accessible, affordable, convenient treatment—no matter your time constraints. The company provides individual therapy, medication management, and peer support via secure, HIPAA-compliant video conferencing and chat-based messaging. Monument has an extensive network of licensed therapists. Medication management is an optional service, and Monument’s medical doctors may prescribe one of two FDA-approved medications for the treatment of alcohol use disorder. 

One of Monument’s best features is its free therapist-moderated peer support groups. Anyone can access the groups, which meet regularly (mostly weekly or biweekly). You can even join a group anonymously. The “Navigating moderation or sobriety as a parent” group meets biweekly. There are also sobriety support groups specifically for women, men, BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, young adults, veterans, and even for those navigating relationship challenges while managing their drinking. If you’re worried about your alcohol consumption, but not sure you’re ready to commit to a full therapy program, the free peer support groups might be a great place to start.

The company’s blog also includes articles like “How a Parent’s Drinking Can Affect a Child,” “How I Navigate ‘Wine Mom’ Culture Without Wine,” and “Life Lessons I Learned From Being a Sober Parent.”

Types of Insurance Accepted 

Insurance coverage for the treatment of alcohol use disorder varies by insurer. To confirm your eligibility, Monument will check your health plan’s coverage as part of its sign-up process. Monument partners with major health insurance providers, such as the following: 

• Aetna
• Anthem
• Optum
• United Healthcare
• Blue Cross Blue Shield
• Cigna
• Medicare

If Monument is out-of-network for you, there is a self-pay option and you may also use an FSA or HSA card.

Plans & Pricing 

Monument has three subscription plans to choose from, in addition to a free option that provides educational resources and peer support. The company’s plans include the following: 

• Total Care (Weekly): For $249 per month out-of-pocket, this package includes four counseling sessions, unlimited physician appointments, optional medication management, unlimited chat-based messaging, access to online support groups moderated by a therapist, and access to an anonymous community forum.
• Total Care (Biweekly): Without insurance, this plan costs $149 per month. Users receive two counseling sessions, unlimited physician appointments, optional medication management, unlimited chat-based messaging, access to online support groups moderated by a therapist, and access to an anonymous community forum.
• Physician Care: If choosing self-pay, this package costs $10 per month, in addition to a one-time $45 initiation fee. This includes one virtual physician visit and initial assessment. Thereafter, appointments are available for $45 each, and Monument recommends checking in with your physician every 90 days. This package also includes medication management, unlimited chat-based messaging, access to online support groups moderated by a therapist, and access to an anonymous community forum.

User Satisfaction 

Seventy-eight percent of surveyed users said they were satisfied with Monument on the whole. The company’s additional resources, like its therapist-lead support groups, set it apart from other platforms. When asked about these added resources, 63% of users said they were good, very good, or excellent. Sixty-two percent of the users we surveyed said they would recommend Monument to a friend.

Best for Depression and Anxiety: Brightside

Key Specs

• Price: $95/month to $349/month
• Insurance Accepted?: Yes
• Types of Therapy: Individual therapy, psychiatry, and medication management 
• Who it Serves: Age 18+

Why We Chose It 

Brightside specializes in treating anxiety and depression, which occur at higher rates among parents than in the general population. Working with a vast network of clinicians, the company provides affordable therapy and medication management in every state across the country. 

Pros & Cons

Overview 

Parents and guardians struggling with anxiety or depression will appreciate the specialized treatment Brightside offers for these conditions. During the height of the COVID pandemic, 34% of parents reported increased anxiety symptoms and 28% reported increased depression symptoms, but the pandemic may have just exacerbated a preexisting trend, especially for parents of younger children. While the highest risk for depression among parents is within the first year of a child’s life, previous research estimates the risk of depression among people with children ages 12 and under is about twice that of the general population. As with many other mental health concerns, depression and anxiety in caregivers can negatively affect whole families.

That’s where Brightside comes in. Available in every state across the U.S., Brightside partners with licensed therapists, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, and physicians to offer individual therapy, psychiatry, and medication management for adults. 

Brightside strives to make its services affordable for self-paying clients, though the company does partner with a handful of major insurance carriers. The company’s self-paced program dedicated to self-care is free for all users and is meant to complement treatment plans. While some parents may worry they won’t have time for homework, others will appreciate that they can stay engaged with therapy and self-care whenever they have time. Medication is optional and may include prescriptions for nonaddictive medications, such as SSRIs or SNRIs. Providers at Brightside cannot prescribe controlled substances, such as Xanax or Klonopin.

Types of Insurance Accepted 

Brightside partners with insurance carriers nationwide, and accepts coverage through these companies: 

• Cigna
• Aetna 
• Optum
• United Healthcare 
• Anthem CA
• Allegiance

As part of its sign-up process, Brightside will confirm eligibility and coverage details specific to your health plan. After you’ve met your deductible, eligible insurance covers all fees, with the exception of co-pays, co-insurance, and prescription costs. Clients may also pay for services using an FSA or HSA card.

Plans & Pricing 

Brightside offers three subscription plans, and each includes access to the company’s free self-help program, meant to complement therapy and/or medication. Brightside plans are as follows: 

• Medication: $95 per month allows users one virtual visit with a psychiatrist, as well as ongoing medication management. 
• Therapy: For $299 per month, users get unlimited messaging and can schedule four video sessions with a therapist. If needed, clients may also purchase additional appointments for $59 each. 
• Medication & Therapy: $349 per month combines the medication and therapy plans, giving users access to unlimited messaging, a virtual visit with a psychiatrist, ongoing medication management, and four therapy sessions via video conferencing. Clients may purchase additional appointments for $59 each. 

User Satisfaction 

Brightside received a high satisfaction rating from our surveyed users, with 90% reporting a positive experience overall. Seventy-nine percent said their Brightside clinicians met most or all of their needs, and 74% found the company’s additional resources, like its self-care program, to be excellent or very good. Customer complaints waged against Brightside are focused largely around customer service and billing, noting inadequacies in communication response times. However, when we surveyed Brightside users, 69% of them found their interactions with customer service to be good, very good, or excellent. 

Best for Postpartum Depression: LifeStance Health

Key Specs

• Self-Pay Price: Varies by clinician 
• Insurance Accepted?: Yes
• Types of Therapy: Individual, couples, group, and family therapy; psychiatry and medication management 
• Who it Serves: Ages 2+

Why We Chose It 

LifeStance Health accepts most commercial insurance plans and offers in-person, virtual, and hybrid therapy sessions to best meet new parents’ needs. Not only that, but because LifeStance also offers therapy for kids and teens, as well as family therapy, it makes for a good option for your whole family. 

Pros & Cons

Overview 

Treating postpartum depression—in both mothers and fathers—is vital to children’s healthy development. Many studies have demonstrated the ill-effects of postpartum depression on parents and babies alike. PPD has been associated with poor mother–infant bonding, which can lead to impaired cognitive and behavioral development of children.  

LifeStance Health can help. It partners with an expansive network of licensed clinicians, including psychologists, mental health counselors, marriage and family therapists, social workers, psychiatrists, and more to treat conditions such as postpartum depression, anxiety, ADHD, obsessive compulsive disorder, and more. New parents may appreciate the fact that they can customize how they meet with their therapist, choosing virtual or in-person sessions as they’re able. 

For those who require medication, LifeStance provides psychiatry and medication management alongside talk therapy .In addition to it’s personalized treatment for postpartum depression, parents and guardians will appreciate that they can also schedule appointments for children’s therapy, couples therapy, or even family therapy at LifeStance, making it a true one-stop shop. 

While the initial appointment is simple to schedule through the company’s website, additional visits are booked directly with individual therapists. Treatment is available in 32 states and LifeStance accepts clients as young as 2 years old. You and your clinician decide on the frequency of your visits, and off-hours messaging is available for questions that come up in-between sessions.

Types of Insurance Accepted 

LifeStance Health partners with most commercial insurance plans, stating that the majority of these carriers cover mental health treatments, such as therapy. Under the website’s billing page, LifeStance lists each of its insurance partners by state. Some of these include, but are not limited to, the following: 

• Aetna
• United Healthcare
• Blue Cross Blue Shield
• Kaiser
• Humana
• Medicare, and more

Unlike virtual therapy platforms like Brightside or Monument, LifeStance will not confirm your insurance coverage. To check your eligibility, the company recommends contacting your insurer directly.

Plans & Pricing 

LifeStance has received some criticism for its lack of transparency around pricing. Unlike therapy services that operate by subscription, LifeStance rates vary by clinician, so there’s no standard fee to consider up-front. When we surveyed LifeStance users on the cost of treatment, only 47% found the platform to be affordable or very affordable. Though 58% were able to lower their out-of-pocket expenses by using their insurance.

User Satisfaction

Eighty-eight percent of the LifeStance users we surveyed reported feeling generally positive about the platform. When compared to similar services they’d used in the past, 74% said LifeStance was better, and 76% felt that it was a good, very good, or excellent value. What’s more, 63% of LifeStance users found the company’s customer service to be good, very good, or excellent. Elsewhere, clients have complained about customer service, noting slow response times and billing errors. Our reviewers said LifeStance’s therapists were great listeners, but noted that the service has more providers to choose from when seeking adult therapy than if seeking adolescent, family, or couples therapy.

Best for Comprehensive Care: Pathlight Behavioral Health

Key Specs

• Self-Pay Price: Varies by program
• Insurance Accepted?: Yes
• Types of Therapy: Individual, group, and family therapy, psychiatry, and medication management 
• Who it Serves: Ages 12+

Why We Chose It 

In addition to its residential services, Pathlight Behavioral Health provides intensive virtual at-home treatment for anxiety, mood disorders, and eating disorders. The programs include extensive support for families, and the company is in-network with most insurers.

Pros & Cons

Overview 

Pathlight Behavioral Health offers two intensive virtual at-home outpatient programs, one through its Mood & Anxiety Center and another through its Eating Recovery Center. While eligibility is limited based on your location, Pathlight’s virtual treatment options are meant to mirror the comprehensive, evidence-based approach it takes in its brick-and-mortar facilities. Pathlight is geared toward individuals age 12 and older who might benefit from more support than conventional therapy typically provides. 

Pathlight programs center family involvement and community support, and clients can expect to join a cohort of 6-8 people for the entirety of the program. Each week, clients attend three group therapy sessions led by licensed clinicians, in addition to weekly individual or family therapy and support group meetings. Employing licensed therapists and psychiatrists, The Mood & Anxiety Center treats conditions such as anxiety, depression, mood disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and trauma. Licensed therapists, physicians, and registered dietitians at The Eating Recovery Center treat eating disorders such as bulimia, anorexia, binge eating disorders, and compulsive overeating.

Types of Insurance Accepted 

Pathlight is in-network with all major insurance carriers, with the exception of Medicare and Medicaid. Insurance providers include, but are not limited to, the following: 

• Aetna
• Cigna
• United Healthcare
• Blue Cross Blue Shield
• Kaiser
• Humana

Pathlight’s insurance verification experts will contact carriers on your behalf to determine coverage and benefits. In our survey, just over half of respondents said they were able to use their insurance to help pay for treatment at Pathlight.

Plans & Pricing 

Pathlight’s unique and comprehensive care comes at a cost. Out-of-pocket, you can expect to pay $4,800 for monthly access to Pathlight’s virtual, at-home, intensive outpatient program. While significantly more expensive than other virtual therapy platforms, more than 80% of our surveyed users felt that the treatment they received from Pathlight was a good value. This price covers the cost of the following services each month: 

• 3-hour group therapy sessions three days per week
• One individual or family therapy session per week
• Weekly support groups
• Complimentary support groups and educational resources for families and caregivers

User Satisfaction

Pathlight offers a unique treatment model, which 79% of our surveyed users rated favorably. While only half of these clients found Pathlight to be affordable, 65% would still recommend this company to a friend. Our reviewers noted that Pathlight’s virtual treatment programs at both its Mood and Anxiety Center and its Eating Recovery Center offer a much-needed solution for bridging the gap between in-patient treatment and weekly therapy.

Best for LGBTQIA+ Affirming Care: Teladoc

Key Specs

• Self-Pay Price: $99 to $299/session
• Insurance Accepted?: Yes
• Types of Therapy: Individual and couples therapy, psychiatry, and medication management 
• Who it Serves: Therapy ages 13 and up; psychiatry ages 18 and up
  

Why We Chose It 

Teladoc is the original telemedicine platform and has an expansive network of board-certified physicians, therapists, and psychiatrists. The company centers diversity and inclusion, intentionally building a clinician list that is reflective of its clientele. 

Pros & Cons

Overview 

Research notes that LGBTQIA+ youth experience higher rates of depression, suicidal ideation, and suicide attempts. What’s more, when compared to heterosexual youth, those in the LGBTQIA+ community have higher rates of housing insecurity and alcohol and substance use. This underscores an urgent need for parents to find the right support for their children who identify as part of this community. Teladoc has a demonstrated commitment to helping families give their kids affirming, empathetic care.

Teladoc is seen as a pioneer of telemedicine. Established in 2002, the company boasts an extensive network of diverse therapists and psychiatrists to offer mental health care in every state across the country. For parents of LGBTQIA+ kids in particular, Teladoc offers a critical service through its teen counseling program, which sees kids as young as 13 and features the same diverse and inclusive network of providers. 

When we surveyed Teladoc users, nearly half described their therapists as understanding and open-minded, and 80% said their provider met most or all of their needs. Thirteen percent of users we surveyed said that Teladoc providers were more adept at providing culturally sensitive care to LGBTQIA+ clientele than therapists they had seen previously. 

Teladoc provides both mental health and general medical care for people of all ages. Mental health conditions the company treats include anxiety, depression, mood swings, PTSD, relationship conflict, and more. Sessions are available either by phone or video chat.

Types of Insurance Accepted 

Eighty-two percent of our surveyed Teladoc users said that their insurance plans helped them cover some of their therapy fees. The company is in-network with 60 major insurers, including Medicare and Medicaid. To check your coverage, Teladoc requires you to first set up an account and begin the sign-up process. Some of its insurance partners include the following: 

• Aetna
• United Healthcare
• Blue Cross Blue Shield
• Humana

Plans & Pricing 

Unlike Thriveworks and Talkspace, Teladoc does not have subscription plans. Clients pay for services by session and prices vary depending on treatment and insurance coverage. According to the company, online therapy visits cost up to $99, while initial psychiatry appointments cost $299. Follow-up psychiatric visits are $119 per session. For the Teladoc users in our survey, 66% found these costs to be either affordable or very affordable, and 24% said that overall cost was a deciding factor in choosing this particular platform.

User Satisfaction

Teladoc users in our survey reported high levels of satisfaction with the service. Ninety-seven percent gave the company an overall positive rating, and 69% would return to Teladoc for therapy in the future.

Best for Ages 10 and Up: Amwell

Key Specs

• Self-Pay Price: $109 - $129 per session, depending on provider
• Insurance Accepted?: Yes
• Types of Therapy: Individual, couples, and child therapy, psychiatry and medication management
• Who it Serves: Ages 10+
  

Why We Chose It

Because it partners with nearly all major insurance providers, makes sharing notes with your primary care physician easy, and offers therapy for children as young as 10, Amwell is the best choice for parents seeking mental health support for their older kids.

Pros & Cons

Overview

Amwell has a robust network of clinicians trained to address the behavioral and emotional needs of children as young as 10 years old. Since its founding in 2006, the company has been providing reliable physical and mental health care online. Parents in need of therapeutic support for their kids can find treatment for a range of childhood challenges, including anxiety, ADHD, depression, eating issues, and problems related to school. 

While it’s easy to schedule therapy sessions for adults online, parents seeking support for their kids will need to call and give their consent for treatment before scheduling. Appointments take place via a secure video chat or phone call, and you have the option to share session notes directly with your pediatrician. Each appointment is 45 minutes long. Parents will work with their child’s provider to determine how many sessions a child will need, though the company notes that most clients attend just six therapy sessions.

Types of Insurance Accepted

Amwell accepts 126 insurance plans, the most of any online therapy service we looked at. It partners with several major insurance providers to cover virtual urgent care visits with physicians. The company notes that many of these insurers have now extended coverage to therapy and psychiatry visits as well. Amwell recommends contacting insurance providers directly to determine which of its services are covered by an individual health plan. 

Some of the insurance companies that Amwell partners with include: 

• Aetna
• Anthem
• UnitedHealthCare
• Beacon Health 

In our survey, 24% of Amwell users said that finding an online therapy service that accepted their insurance was a deciding factor in choosing this company. What’s more, 61% of them reported that their insurer helped cover the costs of their therapy sessions.

Plans & Pricing

Amwell aims to provide affordable, accessible care—even when patients are paying out of pocket. The company doesn’t provide subscription plans, but instead bills for each virtual visit. The cost per session varies depending on the credentials of the clinician. For appointments with a Master’s level provider, the cost comes to $109 per session. Appointments with a clinician who holds a doctoral degree cost $129 per visit. 

When we asked users how they felt about the pricing at Amwell, 66% of those in our survey said the company was either affordable or very affordable.

User Satisfaction

Overall, 88% of Amwell users in our survey gave the company a positive rating. Ninety-one percent rated the qualifications of Amwell’s therapists favorably, and 78% said they would recommend this platform to a friend. Our reviewers noted that making appointments at Amwell was very easy and the therapists were attentive and sincere.

Best Directory: Alma

Key Specs

• Self-Pay Price: Varies by provider
• Insurance Accepted?: Yes
• Types of Therapy: Individual, childrens, adolescent, and couples therapy, psychiatry, and medication management 
• Who it Serves: All ages

Why We Chose It 

Alma offers a free therapist directory that promises to simplify your search for quality, in-network providers.

Pros & Cons

Overview 

According to a study published in 2022, nearly 22% of U.S. children ages 3 to 17 have a diagnosable mental, behavioral, or developmental disorder. This highlights the need for increased access to child, adolescent, and teen therapists—a service which Alma makes approachable and accessible for parents seeking this support. If you’re looking for online therapy that treats children of all ages, couples, and families, Alma is a smart choice. 

Alma acts as a liaison between mental health providers and those seeking treatment. The therapist directory allows users to refine their search with a number of filters, such as location, insurance company, type of therapy (individual, couples, family, child/adolescent, medication management), virtual or in-person appointments (or both), and provider identity, specialties, degree, and more. 

To ensure the right match, many of Alma’s clinicians offer free 15-minute consultations. In our survey, 94% of Alma users said they were at least somewhat satisfied with the therapist options included in this directory. The majority of the therapists in the Alma network partner with insurers. Providers are highly qualified, licensed professionals who treat conditions such as anxiety, trauma, relationship conflict, addiction, and more. Once you begin virtual or in-person visits, Alma takes care of the administrative side of therapy, streamlining scheduling, communications, and billing.

Types of Insurance Accepted 

Many of the therapists in the Alma network accept insurance, though there are no requirements to do so. That said, insurance options vary by therapist, but may include coverage from these major carriers: 

• Athena
• United Healthcare
• Blue Cross Blue Shield
• Aetna

Plans & Pricing 

Alma is not a subscription service. More of a liaison between therapy-seekers and providers, Alma does not have a standard pricing plan to consider. The cost of treatment through this platform varies by clinician.

User Satisfaction

Eighty-four percent of surveyed Alma users gave the platform an overall positive rating. The users we asked were satisfied with their therapist selections—so much so that 71% of them were still using the same provider they found with this service. What’s more, 67% said they were likely or very likely to continue treatment with their Alma therapist six months from now.