12 Best Online Therapy Companies for Depression of 2024, Tried and Tested - Verywell Mind

Guide to Choosing the Best Online Help for Depression

What Types of Online Depression Help Are Offered?

There are many types of therapy that can help treat depression. These options include:

• Individual therapy
• Couples therapy
• Support groups
• Family therapy
• Peer-to-peer support

It's important to consider what type of therapy you are looking for as well as what other diagnoses or sociocultural factors influence you, such as being a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, being a person of color, living with disabilities, or other intersectional identities.

Comparing Online Counseling for Depression

There are a variety of factors to consider when choosing which online counseling is best. These include:

• Price: If paying out-of-pocket, can you afford the price of sessions? Are there subscriptions available rather than paying a la carte? 
• Insurance coverage: Does the company accept your insurance or provide you with superbills to submit to your insurance company for reimbursement?
• Type of therapy: Consider whether you need individual therapy, couples therapy, family therapy, or peer support. Does the company provide the kind of therapy you are looking for?
• Scheduling: How flexible is it? How often can you schedule a session? Can you make an appointment through a scheduling platform or do you need to go through your provider?
• Platforms: Is there a chat system or text messaging available? Can you have your sessions via phone call or video call?
• Ease of switching between therapists: Finding the best therapist for you on the first try can be challenging. Does the company make it easy to switch providers?

Who Is Online Therapy for Depression For?

It's important to consider whether online help for depression is the right choice for you. Online counseling and medication management has many benefits, such as widespread accessibility, eliminating the need to travel, and flexible scheduling. It can be a good alternative to in-person services for individuals who are dealing with a recent life transition, mild to moderate depressive symptoms, or chronic depression. Online medication management is also helpful for those who want to continue taking an antidepressant but need a more flexible and affordable option.

Online therapy and online psychiatry services are not for people in crisis, diagnosed with a severe mood disorder, experiencing psychosis, or who have imminent safety issues.

What If I'm Having Thoughts of Harming Myself?

The Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, 988, is available for individuals to call if they are struggling with suicidal ideation or self-harming behaviors. The Lifeline is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can also contact the Crisis Text Line by texting "HOME" to 741741.

If you are having thoughts of harming yourself and online crisis resources are not helping, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Yes, there are products and services available in supportive peer networks. Peer Collective, our top pick for peer counseling, is a good example for one-on-one peer connection. You also may find networks online or in your community, but be sure you choose a reputable forum with people and methods you trust.
  

• Yes. The Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, 988, is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can also text "HOME" to 741741. Beyond the crisis setting, there are online peer counseling sites available, although those involve trained peer listeners rather than licensed mental health professionals. You also can see if no-cost help is available through your insurance coverage. Some providers offer sliding scale rates.
  

• Online therapy for depression provides emotional support and access to coping solutions that may limit the impact of depressive symptoms in your life. Online therapy and medication management can help but for those diagnosed with bipolar disorder or schizophrenia, in-person services are a better option.

• Online help for depression involves speaking with a therapist or psychiatrist via video, audio, messaging, or live chat. Online therapy provides the same treatment as in-person therapy, but it can be more accessible for individuals who need a flexible schedule or lower costs per session.

Methodology

To curate this list of the best online help for depression, we researched, tested, and surveyed 105 users of 55 online therapy providers and 180 users of 25 online therapy directories. During the vetting process, we gave special attention to the online providers that prioritized inclusion, easy access to therapy, and affordability, whether through accepting insurance, sliding scale fees, or offering low-cost subscription plans. We also looked for providers that were available nationwide, were HIPAA compliant, and covered a range of services, including medication management and specialty therapies.

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