01SesameBest Overall
Pay per session, from about $34
- No subscription or insurance
- HSA and FSA accepted
9.70ExcellentEditorial score
Editor’s pick · Reviewed October 2026
Updated on
Best Affordable Online Therapy
- Licensed clinicians only
- 5 services compared
#1 Best Overall
Pay per session, from about $34
9.70
Visit Site
Insured video therapy, about $15
9.50
Visit Site
Therapy from a $10 average copay
9.30
Visit Site02Rula
Insured video therapy, about $15
- No membership or sign-up fee
- In network with 100+ plans
9.50ExcellentEditorial score
03Talkspace
Therapy from a $10 average copay
- Self-pay from $69 a week
- Takes Medicare and TRICARE
9.30GreatEditorial score
04BetterHelp
Weekly therapy from $70
- $23 average copay with insurance
- Cancel anytime
9.10GreatEditorial score
05PlushCare
Pay per session with insurance
- $169 a session without insurance
- No weekly subscription
8.90Very GoodEditorial score
How We RankEvery service uses licensed clinicians.Prices and coverage come from each provider’s published information.Commercial relationships never decide inclusion or order.Not for emergencies: call or text 988.
How to Find the Cheapest Online Therapy
The cheapest online therapy for you depends on one question: do you have insurance that a platform accepts? This affordable online therapy comparison shows the lowest cost route with insurance and without it, using five services we have reviewed.
Price is only one factor. For a full view of each platform, see the best online therapy services. For a specific concern, compare online anxiety therapy, online depression therapy or online couples counseling.
Cheapest Online Therapy Without Insurance
Sesame is the lowest cost online therapy we reviewed per visit, with mental health visits from about $34 and no subscription. For weekly sessions with a licensed therapist, Talkspace starts at $69 a week for messaging and BetterHelp at $70–$100 a week. Rula at $150 and PlushCare at $169 a session are expensive without insurance.
If you want cheap alternatives to BetterHelp, compare the weekly total, not the headline price: a $34 visit once a week costs less than a subscription, while a $150 session costs more.
Affordable Online Therapy That Accepts Insurance
With an in-network plan, online therapy with a low copay is usually the best value. Talkspace averages $10 a session and many members pay $0. Rula averages about $15 and BetterHelp $23 for eligible members. Coverage depends on your plan and state.
Need medication as well? Affordable online psychiatrist options are compared separately.
Pay Per Session, No Long-Term Commitment
Sesame, Rula and PlushCare charge per session with no monthly fees. BetterHelp and Talkspace are subscriptions, but both let you cancel at any time. HSA and FSA funds can be used at all five.
Where Online Care Works Well
- Lower prices than many in-person private practices
- Clear pricing before you commit
- Using insurance, HSA or FSA funds
- Paying per session with no long-term commitment
Limits to Know
- Not suitable for a crisis or emergency
- The lowest prices depend on your plan or location
- Messaging-only plans have no live sessions
- Sliding-scale fees are uncommon on large platforms
What to Look For
- Total monthly cost: Multiply the weekly or per-session price by how often you plan to go.
- Insurance first: Check whether your plan is in network. A copay usually beats any cash price.
- Billing terms: Look at the billing cycle, renewal date and how to cancel.
- Licensed therapists: Low cost should never mean unlicensed. Every service here uses licensed clinicians.
- What is included: Compare session length and whether messaging is part of the price.
Online Therapy Price Comparison
From lowest to highest, the prices we found are:
With Insurance
$10–$23 average copay
Talkspace $10, Rula about $15 and BetterHelp $23 for eligible in-network members.
Pay Per Visit
From about $34
Sesame cash prices are set by each provider and shown before you book.
Weekly Subscription
$69–$109 a week
Talkspace from $69 a week for messaging and BetterHelp $70–$100 a week.
Our Best-Value Online Therapy
Sesame is our top pick for the cheapest online therapy without insurance: visits from about $34, prices shown before you book and no subscription. With insurance, Talkspace is usually cheaper at an average $10 copay, and Rula averages about $15. BetterHelp is the better fit for weekly therapy at $70–$100 a week with messaging included.
Our #1 Pick: Start Today
Featured Provider
Pay per session, from about $34
- No subscription or insurance
- HSA and FSA accepted
9.70ExcellentEditorial score
Editor’s pick · Reviewed October 2026
Compare More Care Options
Affordable Therapy: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest online therapy?
With insurance, Talkspace averages a $10 copay and many members pay $0. Without insurance, Sesame visits start at about $34, and Talkspace subscriptions start at $69 a week.
What is the cheapest online therapy without insurance?
Sesame is the cheapest per visit, from about $34 with no subscription. For weekly therapy, Talkspace starts at $69 a week and BetterHelp at $70.
Is there online therapy under $100 per session?
Yes. Sesame visits start around $34, Talkspace starts at $69 a week and BetterHelp costs $70–$100 a week.
Are there cheaper alternatives to BetterHelp?
Sesame costs less per visit, and Talkspace’s messaging plan starts at $69 a week. With insurance, Talkspace and Rula have lower average copays than BetterHelp.
Does online therapy offer sliding-scale fees?
Large platforms rarely do, though BetterHelp’s price varies with location and other factors. Community clinics and our guide to affordable mental health care list sliding-scale options.
What should I do if I am in crisis?
The services on this page are not for emergencies. In the US, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline), or call 911. See our Get Help Now page for more resources.
How We Rank Services
Clinician Credentials
We check that clinicians are licensed and that their credentials can be verified.
Transparent Pricing
Clear prices, billing frequency and cancellation terms. We look at total cost, not just the headline rate.
Scope of Care
What each service does and does not provide, from talk therapy to prescribing, and how it handles crisis.
Privacy & Access
How your data is handled, how quickly you can start and whether insurance is accepted.
Medical Disclaimer
The information on ExploreMentalHealth is provided for educational and comparison purposes only. It is not medical advice and does not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. Some links on this page may earn us a commission, which never affects our conclusions. If you are in crisis, call or text 988 in the US, or visit Get Help Now.