Find an affordable route to online therapy
What you pay depends on your plan, the care included, and how you pay for it. We compare the listed prices and payment routes of 66 services, split into the four routes a person chooses between: with insurance, self-pay, income-based sliding scale, and free. Every price links to its source.
There is no single cheapest online therapy service: the cheapest route is the one that matches how you pay. Request a plan-specific insurance estimate, compare what each self-pay quote includes, and check income-based options if the standard fee is unaffordable. This catalogue lists 9 services with sliding-scale routes. Low-cost peer support and messaging should not be mistaken for a weekly live-therapy plan.
Which route is cheapest for you
The cheapest way to get therapy is decided by your situation, not by a single best service. Pick the route that fits, then compare the services within it.
Price examples and payment routes
Recorded insurance routes first, then alphabetically. These prices cover different care models and periods, so compare the included service and original unit, not the number alone.
| Service | Listed price example | With insurance | Income-based route |
|---|---|---|---|
| AffectVisit site Addiction care | – | In-network, cost varies by plan | – |
| AlmaVisit site Insurance marketplace | $20 average per session with insurance average paid by insured clients in network (Aetna, Cigna, Optum/UHC, select BCBS) | $20 average per session with insurance average paid by insured clients in network (Aetna, Cigna, Optum/UHC, select BCBS) | Sliding scale |
| AmwellVisit site Telehealth platform | ~$142/session per 45-min session cash | In-network, cost varies by plan | – |
| Anywhere ClinicVisit site Therapy + psychiatry | $150 evaluation evaluation, cash; its page says insurance often applies | $0 to $50 typical copay typical copay with insurance | Free consult |
| Array Behavioral CareVisit site Therapy + psychiatry | $60 (30 min), $75 (45 min) or $107.50 (60 min) per therapy session; $275 initial therapy evaluation Self-pay, per session (CPT 90832, 90834, 90837) | In-network, cost varies by plan | – |
| Bend HealthVisit site Pediatric care | $199.99 per month cash monthly subscription | In-network, cost varies by plan | – |
| BetterHelpVisit site Subscription therapy | $70 to $100/week Self-pay membership; live sessions and therapist messaging. Final quote varies by location, preferences and availability. | $23 average copay/session Average for insurance-eligible members, not a guaranteed individual price | Sliding scale |
| Bicycle HealthVisit site Addiction care | $249 per month (not including medication) Self-pay monthly, medication billed separately | In-network, cost varies by plan | Free consult |
| Boulder CareVisit site Addiction care | In-network, cost varies by plan | – | |
| BrightlineVisit site Pediatric care | $350 initial session, then $200 to $275 per ongoing session cash per session | Average $33 per therapy session and $38 per psychiatry session after the deductible is met (claims May 2025 to May 2026) Brightline's published average member cost with insurance after the deductible; your plan's copay or coinsurance applies | Free consult |
| Brightside HealthVisit site Therapy + psychiatry | $299/mo Four video sessions per month plus therapist messaging | $25 average copay/session Published average for insured care; individual responsibility varies by plan, deductible and services | – |
| CerebralVisit site Therapy + psychiatry | $150 per session Pay per session, charged when you book, with no subscription; your therapist may offer 45-minute sessions at $125 or 30-minute sessions at $100 | In-network, cost varies by plan | Free consult |
| Charlie HealthVisit site Intensive outpatient | – | Billed to insurance; the majority of clients pay $0 out of pocket, it says virtual intensive outpatient program, priced through insurance (in-network with most major plans, TRICARE, select Medicaid) | – |
| Circle MedicalVisit site ADHD care | $120 per appointment (self-pay) Cash price per appointment for depression care without insurance; no membership fee | $35 average out-of-pocket per visit with insurance (last six months) Six-month average insured out-of-pocket per appointment | – |
| Daybreak HealthVisit site Pediatric care | – | In-network, cost varies by plan | – |
| Doctor On DemandVisit site Therapy + psychiatry | $134 for a 25-minute visit, $184 for a 50-minute visit Cash pay per visit, no insurance | As low as $0 per visit with a participating plan In-network copay | – |
| Eleanor HealthVisit site Addiction care | $249 per month (offered in some cases) Self-pay monthly | In-network, cost varies by plan | Free consult |
| EquipVisit site Eating-disorder care | Not publicly disclosed; private pay arranged with a Financial Counselor Cash-pay pricing not published | In-network, cost varies by plan | Free consult |
| Grow TherapyVisit site Insurance marketplace | Each provider's own self-pay rate, shown before you book provider-set cash rate per session | $21 average per session with insurance average cost per session in network (125+ plans incl. Medicaid, Medicare in most states); its insurance page states $0 to $50 | Sliding scale |
| Headspace CareVisit site Employer / EAP | $149 per session Out-of-pocket video therapy session for adults who are not using insurance | $0 to $35 per session for most insured members In network with 45+ plans; Headspace shows an estimated copay from its historical claims before the first session | – |
| HeadwayVisit site Insurance marketplace | $20-$50 copay/session typical copay in-network (free to use; some plans 100% after deductible) | $20-$50 copay/session typical copay in-network (free to use; some plans 100% after deductible) | Free consult |
| LifeStance HealthVisit site Therapy + psychiatry | $210 to $432 per session (LifeStance's US average self-pay range; varies by state) Cash pay, per session, no insurance | $22 to $36 per session with insurance (about 70% of patients pay $45 or less) In-network copay with commercial insurance | – |
| Little OtterVisit site Youth & family | $200/session ($350 assessment) cash rate; first matching call free; parent coaching $200 | In-network, cost varies by plan | Free consult |
| MDLIVEVisit site Therapy + psychiatry | $179 initial, $140 follow-up (before insurance) Cash pay per visit, no insurance | $0 to $30 per session with participating insurance In-network copay | – |
| Meru HealthVisit site Therapy + psychiatry | $79/week for the 12-week program Self-pay program charged every four weeks (three payments over 12 weeks); FSA/HSA cards accepted; biofeedback device included | In-network, cost varies by plan | – |
| Mindful CareVisit site Psychiatry | $150 initial evaluation, then $100 per 40-minute session ($50 for 20 minutes) Cash therapy per session; group sessions $35 for 60 minutes | In-network, cost varies by plan | – |
| MonumentVisit site Addiction care | $100 per session without insurance cash per session | $25 per video appointment with insurance insured copay per visit | – |
| Nema HealthVisit site Trauma & PTSD care | $275 (50 min) per visit cash | In-network, cost varies by plan | Sliding scale |
| NOCDVisit site OCD therapy | $120 (30 min), $180 (45 min), $240 (60 min) per session self-pay Cash-pay per-session pricing by session length | Average copay of $50 per session or less for most in-network members Average insured out-of-pocket per session | Free consult |
| OctaveVisit site Insurance marketplace | $170-$250 individual / $190-$275 couples/family cash rate by modality | avg ~$28/session typical copay in-network (commercial only; >95% pay <$45) | Free consult |
| OpheliaVisit site Addiction care | $245 per month (does not include medication) Self-pay monthly, medication billed separately | Most patients pay less than $10 a month for care Monthly cost with insurance/Medicaid | Free consult |
| PlushCareVisit site Telehealth platform | $169 per 45-minute session Self-pay only (insurance is not accepted for therapy); FSA/HSA eligible; adults 18+ | $30 or less per doctor visit for most patients In-network copay for a mental health medication visit; therapy is not covered | – |
| Prosper HealthVisit site Autism care | $125 per session self-pay rate per therapy session without in-network insurance; most clients meet weekly | In-network, cost varies by plan | – |
| Ria HealthVisit site Addiction care | $175 to $449 per month (self-pay, varies by treatment plan) Self-pay monthly, out of pocket without insurance | In-network, cost varies by plan | Free consult |
| RulaVisit site Insurance marketplace | $150/session cash therapy rate: $150 individual, $165 couples | $15 average per session with insurance typical copay in-network (100+ plans incl. Medicare, Medicaid) | – |
| SonderMindVisit site Insurance marketplace | $100 to $250 per session (SonderMind says its self-pay costs track national averages) cash rate by length and state | $25 average copay per session typical copay in-network (200+ plans, 94% in-network incl. Medicare, TRICARE; no Medicaid) | – |
| Spring HealthVisit site Employer / EAP | – | As low as $0 with in-network insurance Billed as an in-network claim; your plan's deductible, copay or coinsurance applies | Free consult |
| TalkiatryVisit site Psychiatry | $30 or less per visit for most patients after insurance typical copay in-network (insurance-first psychiatry; 100+ insurers) | $30 or less per visit for most patients after insurance typical copay in-network (insurance-first psychiatry; 100+ insurers) | – |
| TalkspaceVisit site Therapy + psychiatry | $69/wk Asynchronous therapist messaging; replies five days a week. Monthly, quarterly or biannual payment options. | $15 average copay/session (most insured members pay $0) Published average for insured members; high-deductible plans require the deductible to be met first | – |
| Teladoc Health (Mental Health)Visit site Therapy + psychiatry | $95 per therapy visit (its no-insurance page still says $119) Cash pay per session | As low as $0 per visit with insurance In-network via health plan or employer | – |
| ThriveworksVisit site Insurance marketplace | $200-$240 intake / $160-$195 follow-up cash therapy rate | $0-$55 copay/session ($17 on average) typical copay in-network (360+ plans incl. Medicare, TRICARE) | – |
| Two ChairsVisit site Insurance marketplace | $226/session ($260 first) cash therapy: $226/session ($260 first); OON often 60-80% reimbursed | Under $30/session for most clients after the deductible typical copay in-network (Aetna, BCBS, Cigna, UHC) | – |
| WellniteVisit site Therapy + psychiatry | $75 per individual session; $135 per couples session Wellnite's own out-of-pocket price for an initial therapy session without insurance; it also sells monthly subscription plans | In-network, cost varies by plan | Sliding scale |
| Within HealthVisit site Eating-disorder care | – | In-network, cost varies by plan | Free consult |
| Workit HealthVisit site Addiction care | $250 first month, then $150/month for alcohol care Self-pay monthly, alcohol program, medication separate | $25 to $35 per month with most insurance (medication billed separately) Monthly copay with insurance | – |
| 7 CupsVisit site Peer & group support | $159/mo licensed-therapist messaging (daily replies Mon-Fri) | Cash only | – |
| ADHD OnlineVisit site ADHD care | $219 one-time online diagnostic evaluation One-time cash price for the online diagnostic evaluation | Out-of-network only | – |
| CalmerryVisit site Subscription therapy | $57/wk ($49.50/wk with the first-month discount) messaging subscription (intro then regular), billed monthly | Out-of-network only | Sliding scale |
| CirclesVisit site Peer & group support | From $19.99/mo in its iPhone app ($39/mo on other plans; 6- and 12-month plans cost less) AI-facilitated audio peer support groups (cheaper on 6-/12-month plans) | Cash only | – |
| DoneVisit site ADHD care | $199 first month (includes initial evaluation) First-month cash price including the initial 30-minute video evaluation | Out-of-network only | – |
| GoodRx CareVisit site Telehealth platform | $59 per anxiety or depression visit per visit, self-pay, no insurance needed | Cash only | – |
| Hims & HersVisit site Psychiatry | from $49/mo psychiatry/medication subscription, no insurance required | Cash only | Free consult |
| Included Health Employer / EAP | – | Employer or plan benefit | – |
| JoyousVisit site Ketamine therapy | $129/month with a 3-month commitment subscription | Cash only | Free consult |
| Klarity HealthVisit site Psychiatry | From $51 per self-pay visit (each provider sets its price) per-visit cash (no subscription); accepts 400+ insurance plans incl. Medicaid in many states | Varies by therapist | Free consult |
| Learn to Live Employer / EAP | $149 per program subscription Self-guided digital CBT program bought after a free assessment, without a sponsor's access code | Employer or plan benefit | – |
| Lemonaid HealthVisit site Psychiatry | $95/month Monthly membership, cancel anytime | Cash only | – |
| Lyra Health Employer / EAP | Set by your employer's Lyra plan: many members get a set number of sessions at no cost, others pay low copays Employer-sponsored therapy or coaching sessions; cost-sharing can apply to extended care, and medication management is billed through health plans | Employer or plan benefit | – |
| MindbloomVisit site Ketamine therapy | $1,290 for 6 sessions ($430 a month for 3 months) program price paid in monthly installments | Out-of-network only | – |
| Modern Health Employer / EAP | – | Employer or plan benefit | Free consult |
| Oar HealthVisit site Addiction care | $297 every 3 months ($99 a month), medication included, after a $50 consultation Self-pay, billed every 3 months | Cash only | – |
| Online-Therapy.comVisit site Subscription therapy | $60/wk ($48/wk for the first month with its 20% discount), billed monthly messaging + CBT program, no live sessions | Out-of-network only | Sliding scale |
| Open Path Psychotherapy CollectiveVisit site Therapist directory | $65 one-time lifetime membership fee One-time nonprofit membership that unlocks sliding-scale rates with network therapists | Cash only | Sliding scale |
| QuickMDVisit site Addiction care | $99 per visit (the first visit, then monthly follow-ups); medication separate Per visit, cash; no insurance | Cash only | – |
| SesameVisit site Cash marketplace | From about $79 per session (set by each provider) provider-set cash price (marketplace); no insurance | Out-of-network only | – |
| ZencareVisit site Therapist directory | Free for clients to search, filter, and book consultations Directory access is free; clients pay each therapist that provider's session rate directly | About $25 to $35 copay per session with insurance (varies by provider) Reported in-network copay when booking a therapist who accepts the client's insurance | Sliding scale |
Prices are cited catalogue examples, not personal quotes or a verified minimum. The last full catalogue check was 2026-10-18; selected rows may have newer checks. Units and care formats differ. A missing insurance record does not mean no coverage. Financial-aid policies were last reviewed 2026-10-18. Confirm the current total and eligibility with the provider and your insurer.
Check your in-network estimate
These services have a catalogued insurance route. Published copays may be averages or ranges; your deductible, coinsurance and specific clinician affect the estimate.
9 services set your rate by what you can afford
Sliding-scale and income-based pricing lower your fee based on your income, the oldest route to affordable therapy for the uninsured and underinsured. Each of these states its own policy; confirm the reduced rate at signup or during a consultation.
average paid by insured clients in network (Aetna, Cigna, Optum/UHC, select BCBS)
Self-pay membership; live sessions and therapist messaging. Final quote varies by location, preferences and availability.
provider-set cash rate per session
per visit cash
Wellnite's own out-of-pocket price for an initial therapy session without insurance; it also sells monthly subscription plans
Intro pricing + up to 30% need-based discount (3-month commitment)
messaging subscription (intro then regular), billed monthly
messaging + CBT program, no live sessions
One-time nonprofit membership that unlocks sliding-scale rates with network therapists
Directory access is free; clients pay each therapist that provider's session rate directly
When you cannot pay right now
Genuinely free ongoing therapy from a licensed clinician is rare, but real no-cost routes exist. Be clear-eyed about what each one is.
Covered visits through an employer or health plan
6 services list an employer or health-plan route. Your benefit may cover visits, subject to eligibility and session limits. Check your benefits portal for the terms, and see how EAP therapy works for how many free sessions each platform gives and what your employer sees.
Free consultation before you pay
22 services offer a free consult or matching call, so you can confirm fit and cost before committing to anything.
Free peer support
Peer support is emotional support from trained listeners, not licensed therapy, but it is free and available now.
Free self-guided tools
Evidence-informed apps for CBT skills, mood tracking, and guided programs, many with a free tier. Not a replacement for care in crisis, but a real free starting point.
Compare self-guided appsIf you are in danger, in crisis, or thinking about suicide, the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is free, confidential, and available 24/7. Call or text 988, or chat online. It is staffed by trained counselors, not by any service on this page.
Affordable therapy, answered
- What is the cheapest online therapy?
- There is no single cheapest service for everyone. Compare an in-network estimate after any deductible, the number of live sessions in a self-pay plan, and sliding-scale eligibility. 9 services in this catalogue have an income-based or sliding-scale route. Messaging, peer support and medication programs offer different services and should not be ranked as interchangeable therapy.
- Is there free online therapy?
- Some employer or health-plan benefits provide covered visits, subject to eligibility and session limits. 22 services list a free consultation or matching call; that is different from free ongoing therapy. Free peer support and self-guided tools are also different from treatment with a licensed clinician.
- How can I get therapy without insurance?
- Compare self-pay sessions, subscriptions with the number of live appointments you need, and income-based rates. 9 services in this catalogue list a sliding-scale route. Employer benefits may also provide covered visits. Check the billing period, membership fees and cancellation terms before choosing a plan.
- Does insurance make online therapy cheaper?
- Insurance can reduce your cost, but the result depends on your deductible, coinsurance, benefits and the specific clinician. Request both an in-network estimate and a self-pay quote where available. A missing insurance price in this catalogue is not proof that a service accepts no insurance.
- What is sliding-scale therapy?
- Sliding-scale therapy sets your fee based on your income and ability to pay, so lower-income clients pay less for the same care. It is a long-standing practice for making therapy affordable to the uninsured and underinsured. In our comparison, 9 services offer a sliding-scale or income-based route, including Alma, BetterHelp, Grow Therapy. Each service sets its own terms and may ask about income during signup or a consultation, so confirm the reduced rate before you start.