Health & wellness · Ranked by price to features
9 Best Affordable Online Therapy of 2026
By the Rankozo research desk · Updated November 12, 2026 · Next review December 27, 2026
Talkspace is the best affordable online therapy for most people in 2026: it is in-network with most major insurance plans, its average member copay is $15 per session, and out-of-pocket plans start at $69 a week as of November 2026. Grow Therapy suits insured people who want to pick their own therapist, with sessions averaging $21 with insurance, and Open Path Collective is the cheapest route for uninsured people at $40 to $70 per session plus a one-time $65 membership. Pick Online-Therapy.com ($48 a week for the first month) or Calmerry ($49.50 a week for the first month) if you pay cash and want messaging-based plans.
- Tools ranked
- 9
- With free plan
- 1
- Cheapest paid plan
- Open Path Collective, $40
- per session, plus $65 one-time membership
By the numbers
- $28,303The average annual premium for employer-sponsored family coverage in the U.S. reached $28,303 in 2026, 5% higher than in 2025, according to KFF.KFF
- $7,471Covered workers contributed an average of $7,471 a year toward family coverage in 2026, according to KFF.KFF
- $1,955Among covered workers with a general annual deductible, the average single deductible was $1,955 in 2026, according to KFF.KFF
- $178The average monthly marketplace premium in 2026 was $619 before advance premium tax credits and $178 after, per CMS.Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
- $3,786The average ACA marketplace deductible rose 37%, or $1,027 per person, to a record $3,786 in 2026, according to KFF.KFF
- $15,474U.S. national health expenditure grew 7.2% to $5.3 trillion in 2024, or $15,474 per person, according to CMS.Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
Comparison table
| Tool | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Talkspace | 01 | 9.0 | 9.0 | $69per week | No |
| Grow Therapy | 02 | 8.9 | 9.4 | Customper session, copay depends on your plan | No |
| Brightside | 03 | 8.8 | 9.2 | Customper visit, copay depends on your plan | No |
| Open Path Collective | 04 | 8.5 | 9.8 | $40per session, plus $65 one-time membership | No |
| Online-Therapy.com | 05 | 8.4 | 8.6 | $48per week, first month | No |
| Calmerry | 06 | 8.3 | 8.6 | $49.50per week, first month | No |
| BetterHelp | 07 | 8.2 | 7.4 | Check price | No |
| 7 Cups | 08 | 8.0 | 8.4 | $159per month for messaging therapy | Yes |
| MDLIVE | 09 | 7.9 | 7.6 | $179per initial therapy visit before insurance | No |
Click a column to sort. Prices are the cheapest paid plan quoted from each vendor's US pricing page; "Check price" means the US price check is pending.
How this ranking works
One method for every tool. We compared documented features and published prices; we did not run hands-on tests. Value carries the most weight.
Full methodThis list is for people comparing the cheapest ways to see a licensed therapist online, whether they plan to use health insurance, pay cash each week, or need a sliding scale rate. We compared documented features and published prices for 9 services using each vendor's own pricing pages and FAQs, and ranked them by value first, then features, then ease of use. Value weighs the lowest realistic cost of regular sessions, including copays and out-of-pocket plans. Prices are in USD as shown on the vendor pages on the check date; one vendor showed only euro prices from our location, so its price is marked as pending.
The verdict
Talkspace is first because it covers both payment routes: it bills most major insurance plans directly, reports a $15 average copay, and lists cash plans from $69 a week. Grow Therapy and Brightside are the strongest insurance-first options, and Brightside also takes Medicare and Medicaid. Open Path Collective is the sliding scale pick for people without adequate coverage. Online-Therapy.com and Calmerry are the cheapest weekly cash subscriptions, BetterHelp has the widest choice of formats but does not take insurance, 7 Cups pairs a free peer support tier with a $159 monthly messaging therapy plan, and MDLIVE charges per visit.
- 01Top value
Talkspace
9.0/10An online therapy and psychiatry service that bills most major insurance plans and also sells weekly cash plans.
Price
$69per week
Most insured members pay a $0 copay; out-of-pocket plans from $69 per week (messaging only)
“Most insured members have a $0 copay and out-of-pocket pricing starts at $69/week.” Quoted from the pricing page, November 12, 2026.
- Free plan
- No
- Value (40%)
- 9.0
- Features (35%)
- 9.0
- Ease of use (25%)
- 8.8
Best forinsured adults and teens who want the lowest copay, with a cash fallback
Talkspace ranks first because it is the cheapest option for the widest group of people. Its pricing page says it is in-network with most major insurance plans, bills them directly, and that most insured members have a $0 copay, with an average copay of $15 per session. People without coverage can buy a messaging plan at $69 a week, a video and messaging plan at $99 a week with up to four 30 minute video sessions a month, or a $109 plan that adds weekly workshops. Teen therapy starts at $69 a week and couples therapy is $109 a week. Plans are billed monthly, quarterly or biannually and can be paused. The trade-offs are short video sessions and a cash price above Online-Therapy.com and Calmerry. Psychiatry is sold separately, from $299 for the first evaluation. We compared documented features and published prices; we did not run hands-on tests.
- ✓One service covers insured and uninsured users
- ✓Cash plans can be billed monthly, quarterly or biannually and paused or canceled anytime
- ✓Extra live video sessions can be added for $69 each
- ✕The $69 plan has no live video sessions
- ✕Video plans include up to four 30 minute sessions a month, shorter than a standard 50 minute session
- ✕High-deductible plan members must meet the deductible before copays apply
- Insurance:
- In-network with most major plans
- Average copay:
- $15 per session
- Cheapest cash plan:
- $69 per week, messaging only
- Video plan:
- $99 per week, up to four 30 minute sessions a month
Bottom line: Talkspace is the best affordable online therapy for insured people because most members pay a $0 copay and the average is $15 per session. Uninsured users who only need messaging can pay less at Online-Therapy.com or Calmerry.
- 02
Grow Therapy
8.9/10A directory and booking service for insurance-covered therapists and prescribers, online or in person.
Price
Customper session, copay depends on your plan
Sessions average $21 with insurance; self-pay rates are set by each therapist and shown on their profile
“Sessions cost $21 on average with insurance” Quoted from the pricing page, November 12, 2026.
- Free plan
- No
- Value (40%)
- 9.4
- Features (35%)
- 8.4
- Ease of use (25%)
- 8.6
Best forinsured people who want to choose their own therapist
Grow Therapy is the runner-up because it pairs a low insured price with more control over who you see. Its homepage says sessions cost $21 on average with insurance, and you start by entering your state and insurer to see matching therapists. Virtual sessions can be with anyone credentialed in your state, and a filter switches to in-person therapists near your address. Grow also offers medication support, so therapy and prescribing can sit on one platform. If your insurer is not accepted, you can choose cash, and each therapist lists the cost of an appointment on their profile. That makes self-pay costs harder to compare than a flat weekly plan, and there is no messaging-only tier. Grow is pay per session, with no subscription to cancel. We compared documented features and published prices; we did not run hands-on tests.
- ✓Average cost of $21 per session with insurance
- ✓Pay per session, with no subscription
- ✓You pick the therapist rather than being auto-matched
- ✕Self-pay prices vary by therapist and are not listed on one page
- ✕Coverage depends on which insurers are accepted in your state
- ✕No messaging-only plan for between-session support
- Insurance:
- Yes, verified with your member ID at booking
- Average insured cost:
- $21 per session
- Session format:
- Virtual or in person
- Self-pay:
- Yes, rate set by each therapist
Bottom line: Grow Therapy is the best pick for insured people who want to choose their therapist because sessions average $21 with insurance and there is no subscription. Uninsured users get clearer pricing at Open Path Collective or Online-Therapy.com.
- 03
Brightside
8.8/10An online therapy and psychiatry provider that is in-network with major insurers, Medicare and Medicaid.
Price
Customper visit, copay depends on your plan
Most patients pay $25 or less per visit with insurance; a cash price is offered
“Most patients pay $25 or less with insurance” Quoted from the pricing page, November 12, 2026.
- Free plan
- No
- Value (40%)
- 9.2
- Features (35%)
- 8.4
- Ease of use (25%)
- 8.6
Best forpeople on Medicare or Medicaid who want therapy and medication
Brightside ranks third because it is the clearest low-cost option for people on public insurance. Its homepage says it is in-network with all major insurance carriers plus Medicare and Medicaid, that most patients pay $25 or less with insurance, that 67% paid $25 or less out of pocket and that 37% paid $0. Care runs 100% online through 1:1 video sessions, with messaging between sessions and interactive lessons for practice. It covers therapy, psychiatry and teen care for ages 13 to 17, plus an intensive outpatient program. Same day, evening and weekend appointments are listed. The weak point for uninsured users is that the homepage mentions a low cash price without stating it, so you have to ask. We compared documented features and published prices; we did not run hands-on tests.
- ✓Brightside reports 37% of patients paid $0 out of pocket
- ✓Accepts Medicare and Medicaid, which many online services do not
- ✓You can choose a provider by gender and specialty
- ✕The cash price is not published on the homepage
- ✕Care is 100% online, with no in-person option
- ✕Your exact cost depends on your deductible and coinsurance
- Insurance:
- All major carriers, Medicare and Medicaid
- Typical copay:
- $25 or less for most patients
- Paid $0 out of pocket:
- 37% of patients
- Teen care:
- Ages 13 to 17
Bottom line: Brightside is the best affordable online therapy for Medicare and Medicaid members because it is in-network with both and most patients pay $25 or less. Cash payers should compare Talkspace or Online-Therapy.com, which publish their rates.
- 04
Open Path Collective
8.5/10A nonprofit network of therapists who offer reduced sliding scale rates online or in person.
Price
$40per session, plus $65 one-time membership
Individual sessions $40 to $70 plus a one-time $65 membership; student interns $30 per session
“Affordable therapy for $40-70” Quoted from the pricing page, November 12, 2026.
- Free plan
- No
- Value (40%)
- 9.8
- Features (35%)
- 7.6
- Ease of use (25%)
- 7.8
Best foruninsured people who need low-fee sessions
Open Path Collective is the sliding scale pick. It is a nonprofit, and its site says individual sessions with its therapists cost $40 to $70, couples and family sessions $40 to $80, and sessions with student interns a flat $30 where available. You pay a one-time $65 membership fee to Open Path, then pay each session fee to your therapist, with no recurring charges. The network lists over 40,000 vetted therapists, and you can filter for online or in-person care. Eligibility is the main limit: Open Path serves people who lack health insurance or whose insurance does not provide adequate mental health benefits, and who cannot afford market rates, which it puts at $80 to $200 per session. There is no app, messaging tier or automatic matching, so finding an available therapist takes more effort. We compared documented features and published prices; we did not run hands-on tests.
- ✓Lowest published per-session rates on this list
- ✓Session fees go directly to the therapist, with no subscription
- ✓Membership lasts as long as you still need low-fee therapy
- ✕Only for people without insurance or with inadequate mental health benefits
- ✕Each therapist sets their own schedule, so availability varies
- ✕No messaging plan or app; you contact therapists through their profiles
- Session price:
- $40 to $70 individual, $30 with a student intern
- Membership:
- $65 one time
- Network:
- Over 40,000 vetted therapists
- Format:
- Online or in person
Bottom line: Open Path Collective is the cheapest regular therapy for uninsured people because sessions cost $40 to $70 after a one-time $65 membership. People with good insurance will usually pay less through Talkspace, Grow Therapy or Brightside.
- 05
Online-Therapy.com
8.4/10A subscription therapy service built around a CBT program, worksheets and messaging, with optional weekly live sessions.
Price
$48per week, first month
From $48 per week for the first month (Basic, $60 per week after); Standard with a weekly live session from $72 per week
“Our subscription rates start at just $48 per week.” Quoted from the pricing page, November 12, 2026.
- Free plan
- No
- Value (40%)
- 8.6
- Features (35%)
- 8.4
- Ease of use (25%)
- 8.2
Best forcash payers who want structured CBT exercises
Online-Therapy.com has the lowest weekly cash price among the subscription services we compared. Its pricing page says rates start at $48 a week, which includes a 20% discount for the first month, so the Basic plan is $60 a week after that. Basic covers unlimited messaging and an 8 section CBT program with 25 worksheets and daily worksheet replies on weekdays, but no live sessions. Standard adds one 45 minute live session a week by video, voice or messaging for $72 a week in the first month and $90 after, and Premium includes two weekly sessions. The service does not take insurance payments, though it provides itemized receipts you can submit for reimbursement. That makes it a better fit for people who want structured CBT homework than for people who only want talk sessions covered by insurance. We compared documented features and published prices; we did not run hands-on tests.
- ✓Lowest weekly cash price among the subscription services here
- ✓Live sessions are 45 minutes, longer than Talkspace's 30 minutes
- ✓Itemized receipts for insurance reimbursement claims
- ✕Does not accept insurance directly
- ✕Basic has no live sessions
- ✕The $48 rate is a 20% first-month discount; Basic is $60 a week after
- Cheapest plan:
- Basic, $48 per week first month, then $60
- Weekly live session:
- Standard, $72 per week first month, then $90
- Session length:
- 45 minutes
- Insurance:
- Not accepted directly; receipts provided
Bottom line: Online-Therapy.com is the cheapest weekly subscription for cash payers because Basic starts at $48 a week with a CBT program and unlimited messaging. Choose Standard at $72 a week if you need a live session every week.
- 06
Calmerry
8.3/10An online counseling service with text, video and mixed plans billed monthly at a weekly rate.
Price
$49.50per week, first month
Messaging plan $49.50 per week for the first month ($57 after); 4 live videos plan from $54.50 per week
“$57.00 $49.50 per week Get started billed monthly Save $30 on your first month” Quoted from the pricing page, November 12, 2026.
- Free plan
- No
- Value (40%)
- 8.6
- Features (35%)
- 7.8
- Ease of use (25%)
- 8.4
Best forcash payers who want a cheap text-only or video-only plan
Calmerry is a low-cost cash option with more plan shapes than most rivals. Its pricing page lists a messaging plan at $49.50 a week for the first month and $57 after, with unlimited text and counselor replies 5 days a week. A 4 Live Videos plan gives four 30 minute sessions a month for $54.50 a week in the first month, then $62.50, which is the cheapest video-only plan we found. Mixed plans with two or four videos plus messaging start at $66 a week in the first month. All plans include free counselor switching, a mood tracker, guided journaling and a library of 100+ resources, and plans are billed monthly. Calmerry's pricing page does not mention insurance, so expect to pay the full rate. Its first-month savings also make the opening price look lower than what you pay from month two. We compared documented features and published prices; we did not run hands-on tests.
- ✓Video-only plan at $54.50 a week in the first month suits people who do not want to text
- ✓First-month discounts of $30 to $65 depending on plan
- ✓Free counselor switching on all plans
- ✕Does not list insurance acceptance on its pricing page
- ✕Video sessions are 30 minutes
- ✕Prices rise after the first month, for example from $49.50 to $57 a week for messaging
- Cheapest plan:
- Messaging, $49.50 per week first month, then $57
- Video-only plan:
- 4 Live Videos, $54.50 per week first month, then $62.50
- Video plus messaging:
- From $66 per week first month
- Billing:
- Monthly
Bottom line: Calmerry is a good cash choice for people who want video without texting because its 4 Live Videos plan starts at $54.50 a week. Online-Therapy.com is slightly cheaper if messaging alone is enough.
- 07
BetterHelp
8.2/10A large online therapy subscription with messaging, live chat, phone and video sessions.
- Free plan
- No
- Value (40%)
- 7.4
- Features (35%)
- 8.6
- Ease of use (25%)
- 8.8
Best forcash payers who want to switch between messaging, phone and video
BetterHelp has the most flexible format mix on this list but ranks lower on value. Its FAQ says you can get therapy by exchanging messages, chatting live, speaking by phone or by video, and switch between them as you like. After sign-up you are matched to an available therapist based on your goals and preferences, and you can ask to be rematched. Every provider must hold a relevant academic degree and have at least 3 years of experience. Pricing is billed every 4 weeks and depends on location, preferences and therapist availability; the FAQ mentions financial aid discounts outside its published range. When we checked, the FAQ showed the range only in euros from our location, so the USD price is marked as pending. BetterHelp does not bill insurance, which puts it behind Talkspace and Brightside for insured users. We compared documented features and published prices; we did not run hands-on tests.
- ✓Mix formats from week to week without changing plans
- ✓Messaging works without scheduling
- ✓Membership can be canceled at any time
- ✕Does not work with insurance companies
- ✕Price depends on location, preferences and therapist availability, so it is not fixed
- ✕Its FAQ showed only euro prices from our location, so we could not verify a USD price
- Formats:
- Messaging, live chat, phone, video
- Billing:
- Every 4 weeks
- Therapist experience:
- At least 3 years
- Insurance:
- Not accepted
Bottom line: BetterHelp is a good fit for people who want to mix messaging, phone and video because all four formats are included. It does not take insurance, so insured users usually pay less elsewhere.
- 08
7 Cups
8.0/10A free peer support community with trained listeners and paid plans for messaging or live therapy with licensed therapists.
Price
$159per month for messaging therapy
Free peer support; Premium $7.99 per month billed yearly (no therapist); messaging therapy $159 per month
“Message daily (Mon - Fri) with a licensed therapist + everything in Premium $159.00 /month” Quoted from the pricing page, November 12, 2026.
- Free plan
- Yes
- Value (40%)
- 8.4
- Features (35%)
- 7.6
- Ease of use (25%)
- 8.0
Best forpeople who want free peer support now and therapy later
7 Cups is the cheapest place to get some support today, though not therapy itself. Its free plan offers a limited number of daily chats with trained listeners plus the Sharing Circle, and Premium costs $7.99 a month billed $95.88 a year, or $12.99 monthly, for more chat requests and growth paths. Neither tier includes a licensed therapist. Its Messaging Therapy plan adds weekday messaging with a licensed therapist for $159 a month, which works out to roughly $37 a week, below the weekly messaging prices at Talkspace, Calmerry and Online-Therapy.com. A newer live plan with a regular weekly audio or video call costs $299 a month. The pricing page does not mention insurance. 7 Cups suits people who want to start with free peer support and add messaging therapy when they can afford it. We compared documented features and published prices; we did not run hands-on tests.
- ✓Free tier gives peer support at no cost
- ✓Messaging therapy at $159 a month works out lower than most weekly plans
- ✓Therapy plans include everything in Premium
- ✕Free and Premium plans connect you with listeners, not licensed therapists
- ✕Live therapy at $299 a month costs more than Talkspace's video plan
- ✕Does not list insurance acceptance on its pricing page
- Free plan:
- Yes, peer listeners with daily chat limits
- Premium:
- $7.99 per month billed yearly, no therapist
- Messaging therapy:
- $159 per month
- Live therapy:
- $299 per month with a weekly call
Bottom line: 7 Cups is the best choice for people who need free support right away because its free plan includes chats with trained listeners. Its $159 monthly messaging therapy plan is the lowest-priced therapist messaging we found.
- 09
MDLIVE
7.9/10A telehealth provider offering per-visit talk therapy and psychiatry, with insurance or cash.
Price
$179per initial therapy visit before insurance
Talk therapy $0 to $179 for the first visit depending on coverage; follow-ups $140 before insurance
“$0-179 for talk therapy” Quoted from the pricing page, November 12, 2026.
- Free plan
- No
- Value (40%)
- 7.6
- Features (35%)
- 8.0
- Ease of use (25%)
- 8.2
Best forpeople who want to pay per visit with no subscription
MDLIVE is the per-visit option for people who do not want a subscription. Its behavioral health page lists talk therapy at $0 to $179 for the initial appointment, follow-up appointments at $140 before insurance, and psychiatry at $0 to $299 for the first visit and $159 for follow-ups. It accepts many major insurances, and copays on participating plans may be as low as $0, though MDLIVE notes that not all plans cover all of its services. Prices are shown upfront, and you see coverage and copay details after creating an account. The downside for cash payers is cost: four follow-up visits a month at $140 each is far more than any weekly plan here. MDLIVE makes most sense if your insurer covers it or if you need occasional sessions rather than weekly care. We compared documented features and published prices; we did not run hands-on tests.
- ✓No subscription to manage or cancel
- ✓Coverage and copay details are shown after you create an account
- ✓Therapy and psychiatry from one provider
- ✕Highest cash price per session on this list at $179 for the first visit
- ✕Not all insurance plans cover all MDLIVE services
- ✕No messaging plan between sessions
- First therapy visit:
- $0 to $179
- Follow-up therapy:
- $140 before insurance
- First psychiatry visit:
- $0 to $299
- Insurance:
- Many major plans
Bottom line: MDLIVE is a good choice for insured people who want occasional visits because copays can be $0 and there is no subscription. Cash payers needing weekly sessions will pay less at Online-Therapy.com or Open Path Collective.
What to check before you pay
Check your insurance first
If you have health insurance, an in-network service usually costs less than any cash plan. Talkspace says its average member copay is $15 per session, Grow Therapy says sessions cost $21 on average with insurance, and Brightside says most patients pay $25 or less with insurance. Members of high-deductible plans pay more until the deductible is met.
Use a sliding scale if you are uninsured
Open Path Collective serves people without health insurance or with poor mental health benefits. After a one-time $65 membership fee, individual sessions cost $40 to $70 and student intern sessions cost $30, paid directly to the therapist.
Compare cash plans by week, not by month
Most subscription services quote a weekly price billed every 4 weeks or monthly. Online-Therapy.com starts at $48 a week for the first month and $60 after, Calmerry's messaging plan is $49.50 a week for the first month and $57 after, and Talkspace messaging is $69 a week.
Know what the cheapest tier leaves out
The lowest prices are usually messaging only. Online-Therapy.com Basic has no live sessions, Calmerry's $57 plan is text messaging only, and Talkspace's $69 plan is messaging with replies 5 days a week. Live video costs more: Talkspace video plus messaging is $99 a week.
Ask for receipts if your plan is out of network
Online-Therapy.com does not take insurance directly but provides itemized receipts you can submit for reimbursement. Talkspace lets cash members submit superbills for reimbursement when it is not in-network with their plan.
FAQ
What is the cheapest online therapy?
With insurance, Talkspace, Grow Therapy and Brightside are usually cheapest: Talkspace reports a $15 average copay, Grow says sessions average $21, and Brightside says most patients pay $25 or less. Without insurance, Open Path Collective charges $40 to $70 per session after a one-time $65 membership, as of November 2026.
Does online therapy take insurance?
Some services do. Talkspace, Grow Therapy, Brightside and MDLIVE accept insurance, and Brightside also takes Medicare and Medicaid. BetterHelp does not work with insurance companies, and Online-Therapy.com provides itemized receipts for reimbursement instead.
Is there free online therapy?
Not with a licensed therapist on this list. 7 Cups has a free plan with trained peer listeners, but therapist messaging costs $159 a month. Many insured Talkspace and Brightside members pay a $0 copay; Brightside says 37% of its patients paid $0 out of pocket.
Where can I find sliding scale therapy online?
Open Path Collective is a nonprofit network where therapists charge $40 to $70 per individual session and $30 with a student intern. It is for people without insurance or with inadequate mental health benefits, and charges a one-time $65 membership fee.
How much does Talkspace cost without insurance?
Talkspace costs $69 a week for messaging only, $99 a week for video plus messaging, and $109 a week with workshops, according to its pricing page in November 2026. Extra live video sessions cost $69 each.
Is BetterHelp cheaper than Talkspace?
We could not confirm it. BetterHelp's FAQ showed its weekly range only in euros from our location, while Talkspace publishes $69 a week for messaging. Talkspace also accepts insurance and BetterHelp does not, so insured users usually pay less at Talkspace.
What is the cheapest online therapy with video sessions?
Calmerry's 4 Live Videos plan costs $54.50 a week in the first month and $62.50 after, with four 30 minute sessions a month. Online-Therapy.com's Standard plan includes a 45 minute live session every week for $72 a week in the first month.
Questions or corrections: editorial@rankozo.comSee our disclosure. Prices change; confirm on the vendor page before buying.
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