Depression can make even small tasks feel heavy — including finding a therapist. Online therapy removes some of the hardest steps: no commute, no waiting room, and sessions you can do from bed on a bad day. This guide explains what works for depression, what to look for in an online service, and how the main options compare.
OUR PICK
Our pick for depression (self-pay): Online-Therapy.com
- Step-by-step CBT program with worksheets and therapist feedback (Mon–Fri)
- 45-minute weekly live session on the Standard plan (video, voice, or text)
- Unlimited messaging between sessions
- From $48/week for the first month · HSA/FSA · cancel anytime
Sponsored link · 20% off your first month with code THERAPY20
What works for depression
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, depression is usually treated with psychotherapy, medication, or a combination of the two. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one of the most studied talk therapies: it helps you spot patterns of thinking and behavior that keep low mood going, and gradually rebuild activities that give you energy and meaning. Guided internet-based CBT has shown overall effects equivalent to face-to-face CBT in a meta-analysis of randomized trials (Andersson et al., 2014).
Wondering if it’s depression?
Take Online-Therapy.com’s free depression test. A few quick questions — a screening, not a diagnosis.
Take the free depression test →Sponsored link · Cancel anytime · Not an emergency service — in crisis, call or text 988
What to look for
- Low effort to start. Short sign-up, fast matching, and the option to message instead of calling when you’re exhausted.
- Structure. Depression saps motivation; a clear program with small steps can help.
- Live sessions with a licensed therapist, not just an app.
- Medication options if you and your doctor think you may need them.
- Insurance if you want your plan to pay.
Online therapy options for depression
Online-Therapy.com — best for structured CBT (self-pay)
Every plan includes an eight-section CBT program with 25 worksheets, a journal, and an activity plan, with therapist replies Monday to Friday. The Standard plan adds a weekly 45-minute live session. It doesn’t take insurance (HSA/FSA accepted) and doesn’t offer medication. Full review.
Talkspace — best for insurance and medication
Talkspace works with many major insurers and offers psychiatry for medication management. Self-pay plans cost $69–$109 per week. Compare with Online-Therapy.com.
BetterHelp — best for a large network and an app
BetterHelp costs $70–$100 per week, has a large pool of licensed therapists, and offers mobile apps. Insurance coverage is limited. Compare with Online-Therapy.com.
| Online-Therapy.com | Talkspace | BetterHelp | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Structured CBT, self-pay | Insurance, medication | Large network, app |
| Self-pay price | $48–$120/week | $69–$109/week | $70–$100/week |
| Insurance | No (HSA/FSA) | Yes | Limited |
| Medication | No | Yes (psychiatry) | Separate service |
Low mood lasting weeks?
Online-Therapy.com pairs you with a licensed therapist and a step-by-step CBT program for depression. Use code THERAPY20 for 20% off your first month.
See how it works for depression →Sponsored link · Cancel anytime · Not an emergency service — in crisis, call or text 988
Tips for getting started when you have no energy
- Start with the smallest step: a two-minute depression self-test.
- Choose messaging or voice sessions if video feels like too much at first.
- Tell your therapist how low your energy is — a good therapist will set the pace with you.
- Give it several weeks. Depression usually improves gradually, not overnight.
- Talk to your doctor too, especially if symptoms are severe, to discuss all treatment options.
Frequently asked questions
Is online therapy good for depression?
For many people, yes. CBT is one of the most studied therapies for depression, and guided online CBT has performed on par with face-to-face CBT in research. For severe depression or if you may need medication, involve a doctor or psychiatrist.
Can an online therapist prescribe antidepressants?
Therapists can’t prescribe. Some services, such as Talkspace, offer psychiatric prescribers; Online-Therapy.com does not.
How much does online therapy for depression cost?
Self-pay plans generally range from about $48 to $120 per week depending on the service and plan.
Ready to talk to a licensed therapist?
Online-Therapy.com pairs you with a licensed therapist, weekly live sessions by video, voice or text (Standard plan and up), and a step-by-step CBT program. Use code THERAPY20 for 20% off your first month.
Get started with Online-Therapy.com →Sponsored link · Cancel anytime · Not an emergency service — in crisis, call or text 988
Sources
- NIMH: Depression
- NIMH: Psychotherapies
- Andersson G. et al. (2014). Guided Internet-based vs. face-to-face CBT: a systematic review and meta-analysis. World Psychiatry.
- Kroenke K et al. (2001). The PHQ-9: validity of a brief depression severity measure. Journal of General Internal Medicine.
- Online-Therapy.com: Pricing
- Online-Therapy.com FAQ: What is the cost for online therapy?
- Talkspace: Pricing
- Talkspace: Insurance coverage
- BetterHelp: How much does BetterHelp cost?
- SAMHSA: 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline