How we make this list: we compare pricing pages, product documentation and public user reviews. Ratings come from G2, Capterra or Trustpilot, with the date we checked them.
Key takeaways
- Talkspace is the closest subscription match to BetterHelp, with messaging plus live sessions and broad insurance coverage.
- Cerebral, Amwell and Brightside Health add psychiatry and medication management, which BetterHelp does not offer.
- Grow Therapy and Thriveworks suit people who want to use insurance and choose a provider, with in-person options in many areas.
- Open Path Collective and 7 Cups offer the lowest-cost routes, through reduced-fee therapists and free peer support.
Quick comparison
| Tool | Best for | Starting price | Free plan |
|---|
 Talkspace | Messaging plus live therapy with insurance | $69 per week (messaging therapy) | No |
 Cerebral | Therapy plus medication management | $175 per session (therapy) | No |
 Thriveworks | Insurance-based therapy, online and in person | See website | No |
 Amwell | Per-session therapy and psychiatry | $99 or less per appointment (therapy) | No |
 Online-Therapy.com | Structured CBT with worksheets | $48 per week | No |
 Open Path Collective | Low-cost therapy for uninsured people | From $40 per session | No |
 Grow Therapy | Choosing a therapist who takes your insurance | See website | No |
 Brightside Health | Psychiatry and therapy subscriptions | $95 per month (psychiatry) | No |
 7 Cups | Free peer support with a therapy option | Free (peer support) | Yes |
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The best BetterHelp alternatives
Starting price$69 per week (messaging therapy)
Free planNo
Talkspace is the most direct alternative for someone who likes the BetterHelp model but wants insurance and psychiatry in the same place. Messaging therapy starts at $69 per week, video plus messaging starts at $99 per week, and a premium plan at $109 per week adds workshops. Therapists can be switched at no extra cost, which helps when the first match is not right.
Insurance is where Talkspace pulls ahead for many users. It works with many major plans, and insured members often pay a copay rather than the full subscription price. Psychiatry starts with a $299 initial evaluation and $175 follow-ups, so medication care is possible without a second provider. For a subscriber who messages often and wants insurance to help, Talkspace is a strong first choice.
What we like- Unlimited messaging on therapy plans
- Broad insurance coverage with low copays for many members
- Psychiatry available
Watch out for- Weekly subscription can cost more than per-session care
- Live sessions need a higher plan
- Psychiatry is priced separately
Starting price$175 per session (therapy)
Free planNo
Cerebral suits people who need both talk therapy and medication management under one roof. Therapy sessions are priced at $175 per session without insurance, while medication-only plans start lower on a monthly basis, and combined plans bundle both. Insurance from major carriers can bring the copay down sharply, so the self-pay price is not the price most insured users pay.
The limits matter for some conditions. Cerebral does not prescribe controlled substances, and changing therapists is less instant than on BetterHelp or Talkspace, since it goes through support. For anxiety, depression and insomnia care where medication may help, though, having a prescriber and a therapist in the same system is a real advantage.
What we like- Therapy and prescribing in one service
- Insurance accepted from major carriers
- Medication delivery available
Watch out for- Therapy is priced per session, which adds up weekly
- Controlled substances are not prescribed
- Switching therapists needs support help
Starting priceSee website
Free planNo
Thriveworks works well for people who want a traditional therapy practice with modern booking, rather than a subscription app. It accepts a large number of insurance plans, offers video and in-person sessions, and covers individual, couples, family and child therapy, plus psychiatry in many areas. Same-week appointments are often available, which helps when someone is ready to start now.
Self-pay prices are high compared with subscription platforms, so Thriveworks makes most sense with insurance or for someone who specifically wants in-person care. Availability also depends on where you live, since local providers set their own schedules. If insurance coverage and a local, in-person option matter most, Thriveworks deserves a check first.
What we like- Accepts many insurance plans
- Online and in-person sessions
- Couples, family and child therapy available
Watch out for- Self-pay session prices are high
- Availability varies by location
- Booking depends on local provider schedules
Starting price$99 or less per appointment (therapy)
Free planNo
Amwell fits people who dislike subscriptions and prefer to pay only for appointments they book. Therapy costs $99 or less per appointment on a self-pay basis, with psychiatry initial visits at $199 and follow-ups at $95. The same account also covers urgent care and other medical visits, which suits people who want health care in one place.
There is no unlimited messaging model here, so support between sessions is thinner than on Talkspace or BetterHelp. That trade-off is fine for someone who wants a focused weekly or biweekly session without a recurring weekly charge. Amwell is a practical pick for occasional therapy, psychiatry follow-ups and insurance-based care.
What we like- Pay per appointment, with no subscription
- Therapy, psychiatry and general medical care in one account
- Broad insurance links
Watch out for- No unlimited messaging between sessions
- Psychiatry initial visits cost more
- Provider choice depends on your state
Starting price$48 per week
Free planNo
Online-Therapy.com is built around cognitive behavioral therapy, with worksheets, a journal and guided resources between live sessions. Plans start at $48 per week, with live sessions on higher tiers, which makes it one of the lower-priced subscription options. The structure suits people who like homework and written exercises, not only conversation.
Insurance is not accepted, though receipts can be submitted for possible reimbursement depending on your plan. There is also no psychiatry, so anyone who may need medication will need a separate prescriber. For self-directed, CBT-focused therapy at a lower price, Online-Therapy.com is a clear and honest option.
What we like- CBT worksheets, journal and yoga resources included
- Clear weekly structure
- Lower starting price than many subscriptions
Watch out for- Does not accept insurance
- No psychiatry or medication management
- Therapist contact varies by plan
Starting priceFrom $40 per session
Free planNo
Open Path Collective is a nonprofit network that connects uninsured and underinsured people with therapists who offer reduced-fee sessions. Sessions generally run from $40 to $70, plus a one-time lifetime membership fee of $65, and the directory lets you search by specialty, location and format. Student intern sessions can cost even less where available.
It does not bill insurance, which is the point, since it serves people without useful coverage. Availability varies by area, and popular specialties fill up, so patience may be needed. For someone paying out of pocket on a tight budget, Open Path Collective is often the most affordable route to a licensed therapist.
What we like- Reduced-fee sessions from vetted therapists
- One-time lifetime membership fee
- Online and local therapists listed
Watch out for- No insurance billing
- Membership fee is extra
- Therapist availability varies by area and specialty
Starting priceSee website
Free planNo
Grow Therapy works like a directory with booking built in, rather than a single subscription. You search for therapists and prescribers by insurance plan, specialty, location and session format, then book directly. Average out-of-pocket costs with insurance are low for many users, while self-pay prices are set by each provider and vary.
The model suits people who want choice. You can read provider profiles, check insurance first and pick someone whose specialty matches your needs, instead of accepting an algorithmic match. The downside is less between-session messaging than a subscription app offers. For insured users who value choice and a local provider, Grow Therapy is a strong alternative.
What we like- Search by insurance, specialty and location
- In-person and video options
- Psychiatry and medication management available
Watch out for- Self-pay prices vary by provider
- No unlimited messaging model
- Availability depends on your state and plan
Starting price$95 per month (psychiatry)
Free planNo
Brightside Health focuses on depression and anxiety, with psychiatry plans from $95 per month, therapy from $299 per month and combined care from $349 per month, before insurance. Prescribers and therapists work as a team, and treatment plans are adjusted based on symptom tracking. Insurance from several major carriers can lower the cost a lot.
Therapy alone is pricier than Talkspace or Online-Therapy.com, so Brightside makes most sense when medication, or combined care, is part of the plan. It is also narrower in focus than a general therapy platform, which suits people with depression or anxiety and less so people seeking general life counselling. For medication-led care with tracking, Brightside is a focused choice.
What we like- Psychiatry, therapy and combined plans in one service
- Insurance accepted from several major carriers
- Focused on depression and anxiety
Watch out for- Therapy alone starts at $299 per month
- Medicaid coverage varies by state
- Less suited to general counselling needs
Starting priceFree (peer support)
Free planYes
7 Cups starts from a different place from the other tools here. Trained volunteer listeners offer free, anonymous emotional support around the clock, with community forums and self-help exercises alongside. That free layer helps someone who needs to talk now, is unsure about therapy or cannot afford it yet.
Licensed therapy is available as a paid tier, but it is messaging-based and does not include psychiatry or insurance billing. Listeners, however kind, are not a substitute for professional care for serious symptoms. 7 Cups fits as a first step, a bridge to therapy or extra support between sessions, rather than a full replacement for BetterHelp on its own.
What we like- Free trained listeners available around the clock
- Low-cost therapy tier
- Community forums and self-help resources
Watch out for- Listeners are not licensed therapists
- Therapy tier is messaging-based
- No psychiatry or insurance billing
How we chose
We compared vendor pricing pages, insurance pages and plan details, then checked public reviews and independent comparisons for recurring notes on copays, session formats and therapist switching. We kept only platforms that exist today, serve US users and offer real therapy or counselling, rather than meditation apps alone. We did not claim hands-on testing, and we treated self-pay prices as starting points, since insurance copays often change the real cost more than the headline price.
Picking by need, not by brand name
Start with the care you need. If medication may be part of treatment, shortlist Cerebral, Amwell, Brightside Health and Grow Therapy, and check prescriber availability in your state. If you want messaging between sessions, Talkspace is the clearest match. If insurance will pay most of the cost, check your plan first on Grow Therapy, Thriveworks, Talkspace and Amwell, since a $15 copay beats any subscription discount.
Questions to ask before you book
Ask how therapist switching works, how quickly you can get a first appointment, and what happens between sessions. Ask whether sessions are 30, 45 or 50 minutes, since that affects value more than a weekly price suggests. Confirm cancellation terms and whether unused sessions carry over, and keep a note of the crisis resources for your area alongside any subscription.
Frequently asked questions
Is Talkspace cheaper than BetterHelp?
Talkspace can be cheaper with insurance, since many insured members pay a copay rather than the full $69 to $109 per week self-pay price. Without insurance, the two services cost a similar amount, so insurance coverage, not the headline price, usually decides which is cheaper.
Which BetterHelp alternative offers medication management?
Cerebral, Amwell, Brightside Health and Grow Therapy all offer psychiatry or medication management, while Talkspace also offers psychiatry as a separate service. BetterHelp itself does not prescribe medication, so any of these is a better fit if prescribing may be needed.
Can I use insurance for online therapy?
Yes, many platforms accept insurance, including Talkspace, Cerebral, Thriveworks, Amwell, Grow Therapy and Brightside Health, though coverage varies by plan and state. Check your plan on the platform before signing up, since the copay is often far lower than the self-pay price.
What is the cheapest way to get therapy online?
Open Path Collective offers reduced-fee sessions from $40 per session plus a one-time membership fee, and 7 Cups offers free peer support with a low-cost therapy tier. Online-Therapy.com starts at $48 per week for a subscription, which can also be low cost if you use the worksheets and sessions fully.
Can I choose my own therapist on these platforms?
Grow Therapy, Thriveworks and Open Path Collective let you browse and choose a provider directly. Talkspace, Cerebral and Brightside Health match you first, then let you switch if the fit is not right, with different levels of ease. If choice matters most, start with a directory model.
Is online therapy as effective as in-person therapy?
Research cited by several platforms finds online therapy can be as effective as in-person therapy for many common conditions, such as anxiety and depression. Fit, consistency and the right level of care matter more than format alone, and more serious or complex needs may require in-person or higher-level care.
Sources we checked (9)
- https://www.talkspace.com
- https://www.cerebral.com
- https://www.thriveworks.com
- https://www.amwell.com
- https://www.online-therapy.com
- https://www.openpathcollective.org
- https://www.growtherapy.com
- https://www.brightside.com
- https://www.7cups.com
Is your product missing or out of date?
We review this list regularly. Vendors can request a listing, send updated pricing or ask about featured placement.
Shihab Mia · Founder, Rankite
Shihab has 5+ years in B2B and SaaS SEO. He writes Rankite's software buying guides from pricing pages, documentation and public user reviews. More about Shihab.