Affordable BetterHelp Alternatives in 2025
Discover budget-friendly online therapy options that provide quality mental health support without breaking the bank.
BetterHelp Pricing Context
BetterHelp Standard Pricing
BetterHelp typically costs between $60-$90 per week (billed monthly at $240-$360), depending on your location, therapist availability, and specific needs.
- • Unlimited messaging with your therapist
- • Weekly live sessions (video, phone, or chat)
- • Access to groupinars and worksheets
- • Billed monthly ($240-$360)
While BetterHelp offers financial aid to eligible users (potentially reducing costs by 15-40%), many people still find the service outside their budget.
Why Consider Alternatives?
- Lower Cost Options
Some platforms offer therapy starting at $40/week, significantly less than BetterHelp's starting price.
- Different Payment Models
Alternatives may offer pay-per-session options instead of subscriptions, or more flexible billing cycles.
- Specialized Approaches
Some alternatives focus on specific therapeutic methods or offer unique resources that may better suit your needs.
Top Affordable Alternatives to BetterHelp
BetterHelp
Why It's a Good Alternative
BetterHelp is the world's largest online therapy platform, offering affordable and convenient access to licensed therapists through messaging, phone, and video sessions.
Pros
- Largest network of licensed therapists (over 30,000)
- Multiple communication methods (text, video, phone, live chat)
- Flexible scheduling and 24/7 messaging
- Financial aid available for those who qualify
- Quick therapist matching (usually within 24-48 hours)
- Easy therapist switching at no extra cost
Cons
- Does not accept insurance
- Therapists are independent contractors, not employees
- Video quality can vary depending on connection
- No medication management or psychiatric services
- Pricing can add up over time
- Some states have limited therapist availability
Key Features
Best For
General anxiety and depressionConvenient and flexible therapyThose who prefer text-based communicationPeople with busy schedulesFirst-time therapy seekersLong-distance or rural areas
Talkspace
Why It's a Good Alternative
Talkspace offers online therapy and psychiatry services with insurance coverage options, providing access to licensed therapists and psychiatrists through text, audio, and video.
Pros
- Accepts many major insurance plans
- Medication management available through psychiatrists
- Text, audio, and video therapy options
- Specializes in specific conditions (anxiety, depression, etc.)
- Corporate wellness programs available
- Teen therapy services (13-17 years old)
Cons
- More expensive than some competitors
- Insurance coverage can be confusing
- Video sessions require separate subscription tier
- Fewer therapists than BetterHelp
- Some complaints about customer service response time
Key Features
Best For
Those with insurance coverageNeed for medication managementSpecific mental health conditionsTeen and adolescent therapyCorporate mental health benefits
Cerebral
Why It's a Good Alternative
Cerebral provides comprehensive online mental health care combining therapy and medication management, specializing in anxiety, depression, ADHD, and insomnia treatment.
Pros
- Medication management included in all plans
- Specializes in ADHD, anxiety, depression, and insomnia
- Accepts some insurance plans
- Prescription delivery available
- Care counselors for ongoing support
- Comprehensive treatment approach
Cons
- More expensive than therapy-only services
- Experienced regulatory challenges in some states
- Therapy sessions are limited per month
- Customer service complaints
- Not available in all states
Key Features
Best For
Those needing medication managementADHD treatmentAnxiety and depression with medicationComprehensive mental health careInsurance coverage seekers
Online-Therapy.com
Why It's a Good Alternative
Online-Therapy.com specializes in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with a structured program including worksheets, yoga videos, and activity plans alongside traditional therapy.
Pros
- Focused on evidence-based CBT therapy
- Comprehensive therapy program with worksheets
- More affordable than many competitors
- Includes yoga and meditation resources
- Structured 8-section therapy program
- Good for specific behavioral changes
Cons
- Does not accept insurance
- Primarily focused on CBT (limited modalities)
- Fewer therapists than larger platforms
- Video sessions limited compared to messaging
- Interface less modern than competitors
Key Features
Best For
CBT therapy approachStructured self-help programsBudget-conscious therapy seekersAnxiety and depression managementThose who like homework and activities
ReGain
Why It's a Good Alternative
ReGain specializes in relationship counseling and couples therapy, allowing both partners to participate in joint sessions with licensed marriage and family therapists.
Pros
- Specialized in couples and relationship therapy
- Both partners can participate at same price
- Licensed marriage and family therapists
- Multiple communication methods
- Flexible scheduling
- Relationship-focused resources and worksheets
Cons
- Does not accept insurance
- Limited to relationship issues
- Same price structure as BetterHelp
- No medication management
- Fewer individual therapy options
Key Features
Best For
Couples therapy and counselingMarriage issuesRelationship communication problemsPre-marital counselingDivorce supportBlended family challenges
MDLive
Why It's a Good Alternative
MDLive offers comprehensive virtual healthcare including therapy, psychiatry, and primary care services with insurance coverage and 24/7 availability.
Pros
- Accepts most major insurance plans
- 24/7 access to healthcare providers
- Offers therapy and psychiatry services
- Same-day appointments available
- Integrated with many health systems
- Comprehensive healthcare platform (not just mental health)
Cons
- More expensive without insurance
- Focuses on medical model vs. ongoing therapy
- Less personalized than dedicated therapy platforms
- Session-based pricing (not subscription)
- Interface feels more clinical than user-friendly
Key Features
Best For
Those with insurance coverageNeed for medication managementMedical and mental health integrationUrgent mental health consultationsCorporate health benefits users
Brightside
Why It's a Good Alternative
Brightside combines therapy and psychiatry with a data-driven approach, specializing in depression and anxiety treatment with medication management.
Pros
- Combines therapy and medication management
- Data-driven personalized treatment plans
- Accepts some insurance plans
- Specializes in depression and anxiety
- Regular provider check-ins
- Medication delivery included
Cons
- More expensive than therapy-only services
- Limited therapy session frequency
- Not available in all states
- Primarily medication-focused approach
- Newer platform with less reviews
Key Features
Best For
Depression and anxiety with medicationThose needing psychiatry servicesData-driven treatment approachInsurance coverage seekersComprehensive mental health care
Calmerry
Why It's a Good Alternative
Calmerry offers affordable online therapy with licensed therapists through video sessions and messaging, focusing on accessibility and convenience.
Pros
- Very affordable pricing
- Licensed therapists in all 50 states
- Video and messaging therapy
- Easy to switch therapists
- No long-term commitment
- Financial assistance available
Cons
- Does not accept insurance
- Fewer features than larger platforms
- Less therapist availability
- No phone therapy option
- Newer platform with smaller network
Key Features
Best For
Budget-conscious therapy seekersAnxiety and depressionFirst-time therapy usersVideo therapy preferenceSimple, straightforward therapy
Amwell
Why It's a Good Alternative
Amwell provides comprehensive telehealth services including mental health therapy, psychiatry, and primary care with insurance coverage and 24/7 availability.
Pros
- Accepts most major insurance
- Comprehensive healthcare platform
- 24/7 provider availability
- Therapy and psychiatry services
- Integrated with health systems
- Same-day appointments
Cons
- Expensive without insurance
- Less focused on ongoing therapy relationships
- Per-session pricing adds up
- More clinical than user-friendly
- Not therapy-specialized
Key Features
Best For
Insurance coverage holdersMedication management needsIntegrated healthcare approachCorporate health benefit usersUrgent consultations
Lasting
Why It's a Good Alternative
Lasting is a couples therapy and relationship wellness app that combines therapy sessions with interactive exercises, communication tools, and relationship assessments.
Pros
- Specialized in couples and relationships
- Affordable app-based therapy option
- Interactive exercises and assessments
- Science-based relationship tools
- Both partners can use together
- Licensed couples therapists available
Cons
- Does not accept insurance
- App-based may feel less personal
- Limited to relationship issues
- Therapy add-on increases cost
- No medication management
Key Features
Best For
Couples therapy and pre-marital counselingRelationship communication issuesMarriage enrichmentBudget-conscious couplesTech-savvy couplesSelf-guided relationship work
Doctor On Demand
Why It's a Good Alternative
Doctor On Demand offers virtual healthcare including therapy, psychiatry, and primary care with board-certified providers available 24/7 and insurance coverage.
Pros
- Accepts major insurance plans
- Board-certified providers
- 24/7 availability
- Therapy and psychiatry services
- Same-day appointments
- Integrated with many employers
Cons
- Expensive without insurance
- Session-based (not subscription)
- Less personalized than dedicated therapy apps
- More medical than therapeutic approach
- No messaging therapy
Key Features
Best For
Insurance coverage holdersMedication management needsUrgent mental health consultationsCorporate benefit usersIntegrated healthcare needs
Pride Counseling
Why It's a Good Alternative
Pride Counseling offers online therapy specifically designed for the LGBTQ+ community, with licensed therapists experienced in LGBTQ+ issues and affirming care.
Pros
- LGBTQ+-specialized therapists
- Affirming and inclusive environment
- Multiple communication methods
- Flexible scheduling
- Financial aid available
- Easy therapist switching
Cons
- Does not accept insurance
- Same price as BetterHelp
- No medication management
- Smaller therapist network
- Limited to LGBTQ+ community
Key Features
Best For
LGBTQ+ individualsComing out supportGender identity explorationLGBTQ+ relationship issuesDiscrimination and minority stressFinding affirming care
Other Ways to Access Affordable Therapy
Insurance-Covered Therapy
If you have health insurance, check if it covers mental health services. Platforms like Talkspace and Brightside accept many insurance plans.
Insurance coverage guideCommunity Resources
Many communities offer free or low-cost mental health services through community centers, universities, or non-profit organizations.
Free therapy optionsSliding Scale Therapists
Many therapists offer sliding scale fees based on your income. Websites like Open Path Collective connect clients with affordable therapists.
Open Path CollectiveBetterHelp vs Affordable Alternatives: Quick Comparison
| Platform | Price Range | Communication Methods | Insurance | Financial Aid | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BetterHelp | $60-$90/week | | truetruetruetrue | ||
| BetterHelp | $60-$90/week | | truetruetruetrue | ||
| Talkspace | $65-$99/week | | truetruetruetrue | ||
| Cerebral | $85-$325/month | | truetruetruetrue | ||
| Online-Therapy.com | $40-$88/week | | truetruetruetrue | ||
| ReGain | $60-$90/week | | truetruetruetrue | ||
| MDLive | $108-$284/session | | truetruetruetrue | ||
| Brightside | $95-$299/month | | truetruetruetrue | ||
| Calmerry | $42-$84/week | | truetruetruetrue | ||
| Amwell | $99-$279/session | | truetruetruetrue | ||
| Lasting | $11.99-$299/month | | truetruetruetrue | ||
| Doctor On Demand | $99-$269/session | | truetruetruetrue | ||
| Pride Counseling | $60-$90/week | | truetruetruetrue |
How to Choose the Right Affordable Option
Factors to Consider
- True Cost Analysis
Compare the total cost over time, not just weekly rates. Consider billing frequency and minimum commitments.
- Communication Preferences
Determine which communication methods (text, video, phone) are most important to you.
- Therapist Qualifications
Ensure the platform uses licensed professionals with appropriate credentials for your needs.
- Therapeutic Approach
Consider if you prefer a specific therapy method (CBT, psychodynamic, etc.) or want a platform with multiple options.
Red Flags to Watch For
- Unclear Pricing
Be wary of platforms that don't clearly disclose all costs upfront or have hidden fees.
- Difficult Cancellation
Check cancellation policies before signing up. Some platforms make it difficult to cancel subscriptions.
- Unverified Therapists
Avoid platforms that don't verify therapist credentials or use unlicensed "coaches" instead of professionals.
- Poor Privacy Practices
Ensure the platform has strong privacy policies and secure, HIPAA-compliant communication.
Our Recommendation
For most people seeking affordable alternatives to BetterHelp, we recommend:
- Calmerry for those wanting a similar experience to BetterHelp at a lower price point
- Online-Therapy.com for those who prefer a structured CBT approach with additional resources
- 7 Cups for those on an extremely tight budget who need immediate emotional support
Find Your Perfect Affordable Therapy Match
Take our personalized assessment to get matched with the most affordable therapy option that meets your specific needs and budget.