The Best 5 Online Therapy Programs For 2023: Emphasizing Personal Connection

Best

OnlineTherapy.com
OnlineTherapy.com offers the best online therapy services, which have flexibility, accessibility, and convenience to those who may have difficulty accessing traditional in-person therapy.
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2nd best

BetterHelp.com
Online therapy survey results from our reviews team show that 97 percent of BetterHelp participants were happy with their treatment.
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3rd best

Regain.com
With a computer, tablet, or phone, Regain makes expert counseling accessible whenever and wherever you need it via its online therapy platform.
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4th Best

Brightside.com
The platform offers various plans, including a talk therapy session or session plan, a psychiatry and medication management plan, and a plan that combines both.
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View Program

Talkspace.com
The service is best suited for self-motivated individuals who have specific goals they want to work on, as the user's needs drive communication.
View Program

In recent years, online therapy has become increasingly popular for those seeking mental health support. With the COVID-19 pandemic forcing many people to stay home, online Therapy has become an even more critical tool for those struggling with their mental health needs, concerns, and challenges.

But not all online therapy programs are created equal. In this blog post, we'll look at the best online therapy programs for 2023, using criteria that emphasizes personal connection in online therapy services.

A man looking for the best online therapy services that offer medication management

Criteria for Selecting the Best Online Therapy Programs

To select the best online therapy services and programs for 2023, we used the following criteria:

  • Personalized Care: A effective online therapy provider should have a customized approach that considers each individual's unique needs and circumstances.
  • Strong Emphasis on Building Relationships: The therapeutic relationship is one of the most critical factors in the success of therapy.
  • Range of therapy options: Mental health challenges come in many forms, and the best online therapy programs offer a range of therapy options to suit the needs of different clients.
Best Online Therapy Options Table

The Best Online Therapy Options

  1. OnlineTherapy.com
  2. BetterHelp.com
  3. Regain.com
  4. Brightside.com
  5. Talkspace.com
OnlineTherapy.com

OnlineTherapy.com

Online Therapy has become an increasingly popular way for people to receive mental health services via online therapy platforms. OnlineTherapy.com offers the best online therapy services, which have flexibility, accessibility, and convenience to those who may have difficulty accessing traditional in-person therapy and psychiatry services due to geographic location, time constraints, or other barriers.

An example of an online therapy program that is based on online cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), is designed to help individuals identify and overcome negative thoughts and behaviors. Clients have access to an eight-section /session program with videos, audio, and texts guided by a licensed therapist. Clients can communicate with their therapist through messages and worksheets and opt for live sessions each week.

Additionally, this online therapy service is effective because the program offers various resources such as yoga and meditation videos, as well as daily journals. The flexibility and accessibility of the online therapy service make it an appealing option for individuals seeking mental health support.

Qualifications and Licensing

Mental, mental health care and mental health professionals must meet the following qualifications and licensing requirements:

  • A minimum of three years of experience plus 2000 hours of providing counseling services
  • Hold MA, MS, MSW, Psy. or Ph.D. in counseling, social work, clinical psychology, or a related mental health field.

To meet licensing requirements in the U.S, practitioners at OnlineTherapy.com must be licensed by a state board and possess a National Provider Identifier (NPI) number. For U.K./Ireland practitioners, full accreditation with either BACP, BABCP, UKCP, HCPC, or IACP is required.

OnlineTherapy.com also has a professional malpractice liability insurance policy with minimum coverage limits of $1,000,000/$3,000,000 or similar for their country??.

Privacy and security

At OnlineTherapy.com, all communication between clients and therapists is encrypted with end-to-end 256-bit encryption, the best-in-class encryption available. Personal health information is hosted behind a 3-tiered web application, with multiple checks and controls to keep data safe. All databases are encrypted using industry-leading encryption. Additionally, all audio, video, and chats between clients and therapists are end-to-end encrypted, ensuring that conversations are kept confidential.

One of the positive aspects of OnlineTherapy.com's security measures is that clients can feel confident that their account and the submitted information will be automatically deleted after two years. 

Cost and Insurance

  • Basic package: $40 a week, with a 20% discount for the first month
  • Standard package: $64 a week and live therapy sessions weekly
  • Premium package: $88 a week and two live sessions/weekly & express replies
  • Couples therapy: $88 a week, and individual therapy

Insurance isn't accepted at OnlineTherapy.com.

Accessibility

OnlineTherapy.com is designed to be accessible from anywhere worldwide as long as an internet connection is available. This makes it perfect for those needing access to traditional online therapy options due to geography or time constraints.

The platform also offers a mobile app, allowing clients to conduct sessions on their phone or tablet, making it even more convenient.

Specializations

  • Agoraphobia
  • Anger Management
  • Anxiety
  • Bipolar disorder
  • BPD
  • Depression
  • GAD
  • Insomnia
  • OCD
  • Weight Problems
  • Panic Attacks
  • PTSD
  • Relationship
  • Social anxiety
  • Speech Anxiety
  • Stress

Customer support

Customers appreciate the program's accessibility, convenience, and quality of its therapists. Many have found therapists caring, engaging, and professional, offering useful suggestions to help clients change their behavior.

Customer satisfaction

As per customer feedback reports, therapists are caring, knowledgeable, and engaged. Therapists also provide helpful tools and worksheets for clients to work through their thoughts and feelings. The accessibility and convenience of the service are also highlighted as positive, and customers appreciate the option to attend therapy sessions virtually and at any time.

The program is praised for its effectiveness in changing negative thinking patterns, improving behaviors, improving mental health concerns, and overall mental health. Customers recommend the service to others and express gratitude for the support they received. [1]

Rating: 4.7/5

BetterHelp

BetterHelp

Online therapy survey results from our reviews team show that 97 percent of BetterHelp participants were happy with their treatment. Users with a network of over 26,000 therapists like its live audio and live video sessions, limitless texting, user-friendly design, financial assistance, aid, and convenience.

Our review team obtained counselor matches on numerous accounts in less than 24 hours, and the sign-up process takes less than 10 minutes. There was an apparent effort to balance our specified specialization areas and therapist traits, even though some matches didn't satisfy all of our therapist choices.

Qualifications and licensing

BetterHelp provides access to licensed clinical social workers (LCSW / LMSW), psychologists (Ph.D. / PsyD), marital and family therapists (LMFT), and board-certified professional counselors (LPC).

Privacy and security

The platform utilizes 256-bit encryption to secure all communication between clients and therapists, ensuring the same level of security banks use. In addition, BetterHelp's databases are encrypted and scrambled, making data unusable even during a data breach.

However, BetterHelp was found to share anonymized user data with Facebook, which has since prompted inquiries from U.S. senators. BetterHelp has since clarified its privacy policies, stating that it no longer works with Mixpanel or any other external analytics company.

The platform's privacy policy also indicates that it may share user activity with third-party advertisers if clients opt into targeting cookies and web beacons. However, BetterHelp will never share personal information such as names, email addresses, phone numbers, diagnoses, session data, journal entries, messages, and worksheets.

Clients can adjust their privacy settings at any time.

Cost and Insurance

  • $60 to $90 per week (billed every four weeks)

BetterHelp doesn't accept Medicaid, Medicare, or private insurance. You can download an itemized invoice to submit claims to your insurer for reimbursement even though BetterHelp does not accept insurance and doesn't bill insurance companies directly. Your insurance coverage will determine the exact amount of your refund.

Accessibility

BetterHelp's accessibility is one of its key strengths, offering clients a range of options for communicating with their therapist at their convenience. After being matched with a therapist, clients are given a secure therapy room where they can communicate with their therapist via messaging, live chat, phone, or video sessions.

Messaging is available 24/7 and is not in real-time, which means that clients can write or respond to their therapist, at any time, from anywhere, using any Internet-connected device. Live chat and phone sessions require scheduling with the therapist, while video sessions are scheduled in advance, and all sessions are conducted through the secure virtual therapy room. BetterHelp is also web-accessible for disabled users.

Specializations

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Relationship issues
  • LGBTQ+ matters
  • Trauma
  • Anger management
  • Stress
  • Addiction
  • Eating issues
  • Family conflict
  • Grief
  • Sleep difficulties
  • Career difficulties
  • Coping with life changes
  • Intimacy-related issues

Customer support

BetterHelp's therapists are highly praised for their compassion, good listening skills, and ability to offer helpful suggestions. Many clients appreciate the therapists that take their time to understand their unique situations and provide practical advice.

Users have noted that online therapists can respond promptly, hold clients accountable when necessary, and provide guidance that can be applied to real-life situations. Clients also appreciate the convenience of communicating with their online therapist at any time through journal entries or messaging.

Customer satisfaction

Customer satisfaction with BetterHelp's therapists is evident in the glowing reviews from their clients. Many reviewers express gratitude for their therapists' compassionate listening skills and the helpful strategies and guidance they received during their sessions.

Clients appreciate the therapists' professionalism, expertise, and ability to create a safe and comfortable space to share their most intimate thoughts. Many reviewers also highlight their therapist's impact on their lives, stating that their life improved in every area due to their guidance and support. [2]

Rating: 4.5/5 [3]

Regain

Regain

Regain is a website that offers relationship counseling. By giving people easy access to a certified therapist at reasonable pricing, we transform the way people receive assistance for relationship problems. With a computer, tablet, or phone, Regain makes expert counseling accessible whenever and wherever you need it via its online therapy platform.

Individuals or couples seeking counseling for marriage or relationship problems may use Regain. A combined account that two users can utilize to connect with the therapist. All written correspondence is visible to the therapist as well as to users.

Qualifications and licensing 

At Regain, therapists must be licensed clinical social workers (LCSW / LMSW), licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFT), licensed professional therapists, or licensed psychologists with the appropriate training, experience, and accreditation (LPC or LPCC).

They all hold Master's or Doctorate degrees in their respective fields. After successfully completing the required coursework, tests, training, and experience, they have been qualified and certified by the state's professional board.

Privacy and security 

At Regain, we prioritize the privacy and security of our clients' information through our robust technology, operations, and infrastructure. Our compliance with data privacy laws, along with our HITRUST Risk-based, 2-year (r2) Certification, ensures that your confidential information remains protected.

We employ banking-grade 256-bit encryption for all messages exchanged between you and your therapist, allowing you to confidently communicate with them. In addition, our servers are distributed across multiple Tier 4- AWS Data Centers for optimal security, and our SSL browsing encryption system adheres to modern best practices. Our databases are encrypted and scrambled, rendering them useless in the unlikely event of a breach.

Cost and Insurance 

  • $60 to $90 per week (billed every 4 weeks)
  • Regain does not accept insurance

Specializations

  • Couples therapy

Customer support

Clients have highlighted the sensitivity, professionalism, and understanding of our therapists, who ask important questions that address the core issues in relationships. Regain has been credited with saving relationships and improving communication between partners, as well as providing support for individual mental health needs.

Clients appreciate the convenience and affordability of our online platform, which allows for 24/7 access to therapy sessions and resources. The flexibility to switch therapists as needed ensures that each client can find the right match for their unique situation.

Customer satisfaction 

Regain has garnered widespread praise for its valuable therapy experience, as numerous satisfied customers attest to the platform's effectiveness in helping them and their partners overcome communication issues and strengthen their relationships.

Clients appreciate the personalized, attentive care provided by Regain's therapists, who exhibit sensitivity to individual struggles and ask questions that address the core of their issues. The platform's affordability and convenience are also highly regarded, as therapy can be accessed from the comfort of one's own home.[4]

Rating: 3.3/5 [5]

BrightSide Health

BrightSide Health

Brightside Health is an online therapy platform that provides mental health treatment to adults aged 18 and above. The platform offers various plans, including a talk therapy session or session plan, a psychiatry and medication management plan, and a plan that combines both. Subscriptions to the service include unlimited messaging and access to self-care videos.

One of the standout features of Brightside is its proprietary technology that assists providers in prescribing the most effective medication to manage mental health conditions. The platform treats various mental health conditions related to anxiety and depression, including generalized anxiety disorder and postpartum depression. 

Qualifications and licensing 

Brightside Health has a team of drug suppliers, including psychiatric nurse practitioners, doctors, and psychiatrists who prescribe medications. Additionally, there are psychologists and master-level therapists who prescribe medication and serve as therapists. All providers are licensed in the state where they practice and have training and experience in treating anxiety and depression.

They specialize in evidence-based therapies for these mental health conditions. Moreover, Brightside Health's clinical advisory board comprises experts from renowned universities who oversee its operations making this online therapy effective.

Privacy and security 

Brightside Health takes patient privacy seriously and follows strict protocols for using and disclosing medical information.

The platform may use and disclose patient information to provide healthcare treatment and related services. It may share medical information with healthcare providers and personnel both within and outside the organization who provide healthcare to the patient.

For instance, if a patient's care requires treatment by an external physician, Brightside Health may share their medical information with the physician to enable them to determine the most effective care plan.

Cost and Insurance 

  • The medication plan costs $95 per month
  • Therapy costs $299 per month
  •  Medication & Therapy $349 per month ($45 off)

Brightside accepts insurance, and your insurance plan will cover most of the costs associated with your therapy sessions. You will only be responsible for co-payments, co-insurance, deductibles, and prescription costs related to your plan.

The clinical features of your membership, including video consultations, unlimited messaging, treatment monitoring, and medication management, are covered by insurance. However, the cost of your prescription medication may require an additional copayment, depending on your pharmacy benefits plan. 

Specializations 

  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder 
  • Seasonal affective disorder 
  • Postpartum depression
  • Premenstrual dysphoric disorder
  • Insomnia
  • Bipolar 2, a type of bipolar disorder
  • Generalized anxiety disorder
  • Major depressive disorder
  • Panic disorder
  • Phobias
  • Social anxiety disorder

Customer support 

Brightside's customer support has received overall positive feedback from its clients. Users appreciate the convenience of receiving psychiatric treatment from the comfort of their own homes and a doctor on demand to their schedules, as well as the accessibility of messaging their providers at any time.

Many users have reported positive experiences with their providers, described as understanding, helpful, and knowledgeable. Additionally, users have found the online appointment system and insurance options convenient and accommodating. 

Customer satisfaction 

Brightside has a diverse range of customer feedback that reflects its services. Many customers commented on how convenient, and accessible the platform is, with a focus on having the flexibility to schedule their appointments, receive treatment, and take lessons online.

Most people found the tools provided by Brightside to be helpful and complementary to their journey of getting better. There are mixed reviews on the preference for online appointments over in-person sessions. Customers also mentioned that the staff is knowledgeable, responsive, and caring, which helps them to track their progress and feel better. [6]

Rating: 1.5/5 [7]

Talkspace

Talkspace

Talkspace is an online therapy platform that offers a convenient and flexible option for people with busy schedules who may not have the time or ability to attend in-person Therapy. The service is best suited for self-motivated individuals who have specific goals they want to work on, as the user's needs drive communication.

It's essential to stay focused on one or two goals to get the most out of the brief interactions with a therapist. Additionally, it's recommended that users are upfront about their demographic preferences when being matched with a therapist. 

Qualifications and licensing 

Talkspace is a reputable platform for all online therapy services with an extensive, nationwide network of licensed online therapy providers who are credentialed according to National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) standards. All Talkspace providers undergo a rigorous vetting and training process, including an evaluation to ensure they can apply their skills effectively to the digital platform.

Privacy and security 

Talkspace takes privacy seriously and has implemented multiple measures to protect its clients' confidentiality. The platform fully complies with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), and all data and communication are encrypted for extra security.

Members can also enable two-factor authentication and create a passcode or use Touch ID/Face ID on enabled devices to further protect their accounts. To maintain confidentiality, Talkspace requires users to create a unique nickname during registration that is only shared with their therapist. Clients can choose whether they want to be addressed by their first name or nickname during consultations.

While Talkspace does require emergency contact information, it is only utilized under safety and reporting mandates.

Cost and Insurance 

  • Ultimate: $396 a month (text, video, and audio messaging, therapist responds daily, five days a week & four 30-minute live sessions a month)
  • Premium: $316 a month (Text, video, and audio messaging, therapist responds daily, five days a week, and one 30-minute live session a month)
  • Plus: $260 a month (Text, video, and audio messaging and therapist responds daily, five days a week)

Talkspace works with various insurance companies, such as Premera, Cigna, Optum, Gatorcare, Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and others, and takes insurance from them. They collaborate with numerous companies, employee assistance programs (EAP), and educational institutions to make their mental health professional services available.

Specializations

  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Stress
  • Parenting
  • Chronic Illness
  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
  • Trauma and grief
  • Childhood abuse
  • Mood disorders
  • LGBTQIA+
  • Eating disorders
  • Anger management
  • Substance abuse

Customer support

Talkspace is an online counseling platform that connects patients with licensed therapists but receives negative feedback for its customer support.

Reviewers have complained about some therapists' slow response times, difficulty changing subscriptions, and unprofessional behavior. While many reviewers praised their therapists, some found Talkspace more interested in making money than providing outstanding service. 

Customer satisfaction 

Talkspace online therapy service has received mixed reviews from customers. While some praise the great therapists and their services, many complain about the terrible customer service. Some have also noted Talkspace's unprofessional conversations with licensed professional counselors and what they believe to be unethical practices.

Despite this, others have spoken highly of their therapists and the benefits they received from online therapy services at Talkspace. However, many criticize the company's slow customer service and seemingly money-hungry approach. While Talkspace has the potential to offer excellent service, many feel that they need to provide more consistent quality care. [8]

Rating: 2.8/5 [9]

FAQ

What are the risks of online Therapy?

The potential of online therapy work is exposure to sensitive material, lack of face-to-face contact, and risk of inaccurate assessment due to communication barriers. It also requires users to have reliable internet access, which may only be available in some areas. Additionally, online Therapy can lead to feelings of isolation or disconnection from a therapist if users don't feel adequately supported.

How do I find a reputable online therapy program?

Look for programs with established protocols, procedures, and training to ensure therapists are qualified and experienced to provide quality care. Check user reviews and testimonials from other clients using the service. Lastly, ensure the program is HIPAA compliant with privacy provisions to protect personal information and data.

References

  1. OnlineTherapy.com
  2. BetterHelp.com
  3. Trust Pilot: BetterHelp
  4. Regain.com
  5. Trust Pilot: Regain
  6. Brightside.com
  7. Trust Pilot: Brightside
  8. Talkspace.com
  9. Trust Pilot: Talkspace

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