Free counselling psychologist
9 Best Free and Affordable Online Therapists, 2022
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- Best for teens:7 Cups
- Best for depression support: Doctor on Demand
- Best for couples: ReGain
- Best for families: Therapy Aid
- Best for those with a busy schedule: Bliss by the Centre for Interactive Mental Health Solutions
- Best multipurpose platform: Online-Therapy.com
- Best for emergencies and crises: Crisis Text Line
Online therapy became increasingly popular in 2020 as people sought professional help to cope with the emotional and mental consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that, in just the first few months of 2020, online therapy increased by 50 percent compared with online therapy in 2019.
Not only is online therapy far more accessible these days, with more therapists turning to online platforms to continue their practice, but it has also proven to help people experiencing isolation, depression, anxiety, and even survivor guilt.
Online therapy is a great option for those who are unwilling or unable to leave the safety of home. It’s also a great solution for those juggling multiple responsibilities, such as parenting, teaching, and remote work.
Many health insurance providers now cover online therapy sessions, which can make talking with a professional low cost and even free.
Some employee assistance programs (EAPs) also offer free trials and sessions for different online therapy websites, which could help employees gain access to a professional.
Here are Healthline’s picks for the best free and affordable online therapy and counseling websites.
“Online therapy is an opportunity to meet with your therapist online, using a HIPAA compliant platform,” says Dr.
Tracy W. Lowenthal, a licensed clinical psychologist in California.
Also known as telemental healthcare, it’s often done over a messaging app, video chat, or even the phone.
Because online therapy is accessible through an internet connection and a device, Marilyn Denovish, a multidisciplinary therapist, says that “online therapy can be as effective, and sometimes even more effective than, traditional face-to-face services.”
This is because people might find it easier to open up to a therapist when they can talk with them from the comfort of their home.
How much can free online therapy cost?
You can find free or low cost therapy through social services, nonprofits, universities, financial assistance programs, and employee assistance programs.
The average cost of an hour-long therapy appointment can range from about $65 to $250, depending on your therapist’s training, experience, and location.
Can free online therapy help?
Various studies show that free online therapy can be just as good (or even better) than traditional types of therapy.
It all depends on how well your therapist and treatment strategy suits your needs.
For example, a 2020 study by the Journal of American College Health centered around goalsetting and finding solutions to problems found that both in-person and online therapy reduced anxiety equally.
So, depending on the person and circumstances, using online therapy services like 7 Cups and ReGain can be quite effective.
What can free online therapy help with?
Free online therapy can help with certain conditions and feelings, such as:
- stress
- anxiety
- relationship issues
- minor depression
However, it’s important to keep in mind that these types of services are not ideal for emergency situations or more serious situations, like addiction or eating disorders. Additionally, some conditions may warrant medication, in-person discussions, or group therapy.
We selected each free or low cost online therapy service based on key features to ensure the mental health support offered is:
- secure
- affordable
- reliable
- appropriately credentialed
We also considered how long you need to wait for an appointment, whether the service offers 24/7 support, and if the service offers video and phone chat, live chat, and text messaging.
It’s important to consider your mental health needs when choosing an online therapy service. Factors like service cost, insurance coverage, and appointment types offered (chat, video, or phone call) will help you determine the online therapy service that fits your personal needs and lifestyle.
| Therapy service | Price | Appointment type | Accepts insurance | Same-day appointments or on-demand messaging |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 Cups | free to chat with volunteer listeners and $150 per month to talk with a professional | chat | no | yes |
| Doctor on Demand | therapy ranges from $129–$179, initial psychiatrist appointments cost $299, and 15-minute follow-ups are $129 | video | yes | no |
| ReGain | free 1-week trial, then from $60 per week | chat video phone | no | yes |
| Therapy Aid | free to $50 per session | video | N/A | no |
| Bliss | free | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Online-Therapy. com | $50–$110 a week depending on your plan | live chat messages | no | on-demanding messaging |
| Crisis Text Line | free | N/A (available to use in the case of crisis situations) | N/A | on-demand messaging |
Best for teens
7 Cups
- Price: free for nontherapeutic advice, $150/month for a licensed therapist
- Insurance: no, but you can contact your provider for potential reimbursement
- Who it’s best for: teenagers looking for peer-to-peer support
This free online counseling website provides access to trained volunteers who offer nontherapeutic advice.
Anyone can sign up for a free membership to 7 Cups, even teenagers who are looking for other trained teenagers to lend them listening ears.
However, if you feel like you might need professional help, you can upgrade your membership to give you access to a licensed therapist.
They will offer coping mechanisms and a management plan for $150 per month.
Pros
- free access to volunteer listeners
- free dedicated chat rooms and community support forums for teens between the ages of 13 and 17
- on-demand messaging
Cons
- must pay to access professional help
- does not accept insurance
- only offers chat-based therapy
Get started with 7 Cups
Best for depression support
Doctor on Demand
- Price: therapy ranges from $129 to $179, initial psychiatrist appointments cost $299, and 15-minute follow-ups are $129
- Insurance: insurance is accepted by Doctor on Demand, but you’ll have to download the app and input your information to find out if you’re covered
- Who it’s best for: those seeking medication or psychiatric support
Doctor on Demand can provide medical mental health management from the comfort of your home.
This can be especially helpful during the COVID-19 pandemic, when people need access to a doctor who will prescribe the necessary medications to treat depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions.
One of the best parts about Doctor on Demand? You can also talk with other professionals not related to mental health, such as urgent care doctors.
If you don’t have insurance, a 25-minute session is $129 and a 50-minute session is $179. Initial psychiatrist appointments cost $299, and 15-minute follow-ups are $129.
Pros
- accepts insurance
- offers live video chat
- physical health services also provided
Cons
- limited treatment options
- no free trials or subscription discounts
- consultations are not free
Get started with Doctor on Demand
Best for couples
ReGain
- Price: free 1-week trial, then priced from $60 per week
- Insurance: no, but you can contact your provider for potential reimbursement
- Who it’s best for: couples seeking marital or relationship therapy
If you’re looking to improve your relationship or marriage, ReGain gives couples and individuals access to therapists and marriage counseling.
Aside from techniques to manage your relationship, ReGain also offers discretion and anonymity. However, if you sign up with your partner, all communication between the couple and therapist is visible to all parties — though you may request one-on-one sessions.
ReGain starts at $60 per week, but the service also offers a free 1-week trial.
Pros
- easily adjust your payment plan or cancel your subscription
- 24/7 messaging available
- live virtual sessions with your partner and your counselor
Cons
- services are not covered by health insurance
- matching is done by a computer, not a real person
- no free trial
Get started with ReGain
Best for families
Therapy Aid Coalition
- Price: free to $50 per session depending on how much you’re able to pay
- Insurance: not accepted
- Who it’s best for: families and individuals looking for low cost counseling
Therapy Aid Coalition connects essential workers and their families to support groups and therapists.
This volunteer-based platform works with therapists willing to offer their services pro bono or for a very low cost. When you sign up, you fill out a questionnaire that asks what state you reside in and how much you’re willing to pay for your session, from $0 to $50.
Pros
- serves all essential workers, even those who were furloughed
- also serves essential workers’ adult family members
- choose your preferred therapist’s gender identification
Cons
- not everyone is eligible for the service
- can only receive up to four free or low cost sessions
Get started with Therapy Aid Coalition
Best for those with a busy schedule
Bliss by the Centre for Interactive Mental Health Solutions
- Price: free
- Insurance: N/A
- Who it’s best for: those looking for self-guided mental health support
If you don’t feel comfortable committing to a therapist just yet, Bliss offers eight free sessions that you can complete on your own.
Bliss teaches you how to monitor your moods, manage situations, and improve your mental health with different techniques.
You can complete the lessons at any time, so if you are a busy parent or juggle responsibilities and only get a break before bed, it can be doable.
Pros
- lessons are self-guided
- program is available to anyone with internet access
- specifically targets depression
Cons
- does not offer any appointments with trained professionals
- some users may lack the motivation to complete the program
Get started with Bliss
Best multipurpose platformOnline-Therapy.com
- Price: plans range from $50 to $110/week. There’s also a 20% discount available for your first month
- Insurance: no, but you can contact your provider for potential reimbursement
- Who it’s best for: people seeking cognitive behavioral therapy
If you’re interested in cognitive behavioral therapy, Online-Therapy offers a multi-platform approach.
The site provides multiple resources including worksheets, unlimited messaging, an online journal, and a weekly live chat with your therapist, as well as both individual and couples therapy.
The cost ranges from $50 to $110 per month depending on the plan you choose. Unlike other platforms, the therapists on this site are only available Monday through Friday for 8 hours per day, which means you can’t receive 24/7 support.
Pros
- includes an online course on cognitive behavioral therapy
- unlimited messaging is available with every plan
- can choose to work with a therapist or work on your own
- you can work on self-guided worksheets and resources with daily feedback from your therapists
Cons
- doesn’t accept insurance
- 24/7 support isn’t available
- therapists are only available Monday through Friday
Get started with Online-Therapy.com
Best for emergencies and crisesCrisis Text Line
- Price: free
- Insurance: N/A
- Who it’s best for: people in crisis who need immediate support
Crisis Text Hotline was designed to immediately respond to people who are having a mental health crisis.
To use this free service, you just need to text HOME to 741741 from anywhere in the United States. You’ll then receive two automated responses that will invite you to a secure, online platform where a live, trained counselor will talk with you. If you’re uncomfortable with texting, you can also message them on WhatsApp.
If you’re not located in the U.S., you can contact the service by texting:
- 85258 if you’re in the United Kingdom
- 686868 if you’re in Canada
- 50808 if you’re in Ireland
Counselors can provide support on a number of issues, including:
- anxiety
- eating disorders
- suicidal thoughts or ideation
- self-harm
- depression
- emotional abuse
- loneliness
While this text service can be helpful in a crisis situation, and you can text in when needed, it’s not a replacement for therapy or counseling. Additionally, it’s not a substitute for contacting 911 in the case of wanting to carry out violence against yourself or others.
Pros
- supports people in crisis who are dealing with a range of issues
- 24/7 availability
- international support is also available
- free to use
Cons
- counselors are trained volunteers, not therapists
- only for use in a crisis situation, not for follow-up or continued use
- limit of 160 characters per text message
Get started with Crisis Text Line
Tips for finding free online therapists
Finding free online therapists is typically not very easy. If you have insurance, a good place to start is to give your benefits center a call. Or, you can do a quick search online.
Here are a few places that might help you find free or affordable online therapy:
- Your health insurance provider. With the ongoing pandemic, most health insurances have started to cover the cost of some online therapy platforms. If you have insurance, check with them before settling with a pricey program.
- EAPs. Most employers offer free counseling sessions with the platform of their choice. If you have one, don’t be afraid to send your benefits center or human resource official an email to ask if they offer any services.
- Your local college or university. If you’re a student or professor, your campus most likely has a counseling center or social worker who can assist you in identifying resources for support. If the university has a psychology department, they may host free clinics where students can put their skills to the test and help the public.
- Mental health organizations. Several national organizations, like Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), can help you find free or low cost online therapists or resources. These are usually trustworthy resources that they’ve worked with before and that they know can help you with your situation.
If you prefer more intimacy or are dealing with serious issues that require exposure therapy or many in-depth discussions (like those relating to addiction, eating disorders, or severe depression), you may want to think about seeing a therapist in person.
With that being said, everyone is different and this will be a matter of personal preference. If you have quicker access to an online therapist, you might want to start off this way and then switch to in-person if it suits you better overall.
What are the benefits of online therapy?
- Accessibility. Anyone with an internet connection can participate in online therapy.
- Time efficiency. Online therapy and counseling eliminates travel time between appointments or support group meetings. You can also mold it to your schedule and don’t have to call out sick to work to make it to your appointment.
- Cost effectiveness. Online therapy can be cheaper than in-person visits, and most health insurances cover part of the cost.
- Eliminates geographical barriers. If your ideal therapist resides in another state or country, you can still get treatment with them as long as they’re licensed in the state you live in.
- Comfort. Some people might find it easier to open up to a therapist when they’re in the privacy and comfort of their own home.
- Safety. With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, telehealth eliminates the risk of potential exposure.
Can therapy really be free?
A number of online services offer free or reduced cost therapy. Sometimes these free services will be run by peer counselors or coaches, but require payment to work directly with licensed mental health professionals. Additionally, certain online services may be covered by some insurance plans or EAPs.
Also, a number of mental health organizations, including SAMHSA and NAMI, can provide free peer counseling over their hotlines or connect you with a free or low cost online therapist.
Who might be a good candidate for online therapy?
Anyone who is willing to listen, focus, and commit to bettering their mental health may benefit from online therapy. However, online therapy is not useful for helping to manage all conditions.
A 2013 review revealed that people with depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and substance use disorders can thrive in online therapy. Online therapy is also a great option if you are having trouble finding a therapist near you that suits your needs.
However, someone with a mental health condition that needs more direct management, such as schizophrenia or psychosis, might need immediate, face-to-face intervention. Online therapy might not be helpful for people with schizophrenia, because it may exacerbate the feeling of being secretly watched.
Additionally, if you or someone you know is experiencing significant suicidal ideation, in-person therapy might be a better choice.
If you’re thinking about hurting yourself or somebody else, please find confidential support by calling the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255.
You can also call 911 or your local emergency services number, or visit the nearest emergency room.
You can find information about additional mental health resources here.
Managing your mental health doesn’t have to be time-consuming or expensive.
There are various online therapy platforms that can help you find support groups or licensed therapists, who can teach you how to manage anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other mental health conditions for free or a very low cost.
Best Free Online Therapy in 2023
We may receive commission if you decide to use counseling services through BetterHelp or other resources on our website.
I. Find Free Online Therapy
Online therapy is convenient, flexible, secure, and effective. If you’re worried about how to pay for it, the good news is you can sometimes access online therapy for free.
With online therapy, you can take care of your mental health by logging into a session with a licensed professional from anywhere in the world as long as you have a stable internet connection.
Whether you’re struggling with substance abuse, anger management, are dealing with family conflict, or you have relationship problems and just need someone or a community to serve as caring listeners, there is likely a free online therapist or interactive mental health platform that can help.
Many websites and apps offer free or affordable online therapy, as well as other benefits like free 24/7 chat and trained volunteer listeners. We’ve researched to identify the best free mental health support available in 2022. We evaluated these popular free online therapy services based on five critical features for anyone seeking online mental health support.
Read our reviews to find top-rated free online therapy to find a licensed therapist today, start therapy, and improve your mental health.
II. The 7 Best Free Online Therapy Services of 2022
III. How We Rated the Best Free Online Therapy Services
We rated each free online counseling and therapy service based on key features to ensure the mental health support offered is secure, reliable, and developed for all types of patients.
Online therapy is all about convenience. We highlighted mental health services that offer numerous communication channels for patients, including video and phone chat, email, live online therapy chat, and text messaging. We also looked for online therapy services that have a standalone mobile application and that offer on-demand 24/7 support.
Available therapistsTherapy needs are specific to each person since mental health is such an individual experience. We rated no-charge therapy services that allow you to choose from multiple free online therapists, including the option to select your therapist. Many have an initial assessment process to identify preexisting symptoms and match you with the appropriate mental health coach or licensed professional online therapist.
Accessible careOnline therapy allows you to receive care when you need it the most. We rated services that provide accessible care, including on-demand or same-day appointments.
We also considered how long a patient needs to wait for an appointment with a free online therapy service. The free online counseling and therapy services we rated offer mental health counseling and emotional support worldwide.
IV. The Best Free Online Therapy Providers
eTherapyPro ― Best Overall
Secure, convenient, and available throughout the United States, eTherapyPro is the best overall free online therapy, offering new patients a three-day trial. Licensed online therapists specialize in providing a wide range of mental health support.
eTherapyPro is a secure and confidential online therapy platform that connects you with licensed professional therapists. You’ll complete a questionnaire to get matched with a counselor or online therapist within the first 24 hours.
Each counselor works with you to set achievable goals and develop an action plan. All eTherapyPro counselors are professional therapists who work throughout the United States and hold a master’s degree or equivalent.
These therapists are also licensed to practice in their state of residence. You can switch counselors or therapists if you don’t have a good fit.
You can schedule a live chat, live video, or phone call sessions directly with your licensed therapist. Services are provided through a mobile application, and you can message your counselor directly through the app. eTherapyPro specializes in patients experiencing anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem.
The site isn’t designed for patients who are seeking help with addiction recovery or experiencing suicidal thoughts. Services are offered nationwide, with access 24/7, 365 days per year.
Overall rating: 4.6
eTherapyPro reviews
Many patients, especially first-time online therapy patients, enjoy the services provided by eTherapyPro. One patient writes, “This is my first time seeking therapy, so I wasn’t quite sure what to expect, but my counselor Anais makes everything so easy, and I feel comfortable speaking to her about anything! She helps me understand the root of my issues and helps me look at things from a different perspective.
”
CIMHS Free Online Therapy for Depression ― Best for Interactive Therapy
Specializing in accessible cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), the CIMHS free online therapy for depression platform centers around the principles of positive psychology. You start the process by filling out interactive worksheets and quizzes at your own pace. You can download one-page summarizations for future reference.
The mission of the Centre for Interactive Mental Health Solutions is to provide mental health services to people around the world through the use of cutting-edge technology. Its goal is to provide accessible, effective, and confidential free online therapy that improves your mood and mental health well-being.
Based in Toronto,the nonprofit organization offers Bliss, a free eight-session program that targets depression. The program is designed to teach you techniques to manage, monitor, and improve your overall mental health. Bliss uses a combination of psychotherapy treatment and CBT.
The principles are inspired by positive psychology, focusing on helping you adopt a positive daily outlook on life.
Free online therapy services include a weekly depression scale to help measure mood, worksheets to practice cognitive and behavioral techniques, and online quizzes that help review the core concepts of online therapy. Illustrated examples are used to convey these concepts effectively, which are summarized in downloadable one-page sheets.
We like this program because it’s self-paced and based on clinical psychology research. Bliss allows you to access therapy no matter where you are, which is especially helpful if you live in an area where it’s not easy to find trained professionals. While Bliss is free, you’ll need to sign up for an account.
Overall rating: 3.8
| Price | Appointment types | Accepts insurance | Same-day appointments or on-demand messaging | Therapists on staff |
| Free | N/A | N/A | No | Unknown |
| Rating: 5/5 | Rating: 3/5 | Rating: 5/5 | Rating: 3/5 | Rating: 3/5 |
CIMHS reviews
Many patients enjoy the accessibility and convenience of the Bliss online therapy program.
One patient says, “Bliss is simple and easy to follow and delivers the principles of each exercise in a pleasant manner. Content is professional, clear, and concise.”
Some patients wish that the application offered more motivational features. “The app lacks a certain amount of tunneling, as most exercises don’t include recommendations on when or how often to do them. Furthermore, the program could use some motivational features to encourage continuous use at the right time.”
7 CUPS ― Best for Peer Support
Offering a solid peer network of volunteer listeners, 7 Cups provides online emotional support chat to individuals in more than 189 countries. Also, a community forum and private chat rooms allow you to create connections with other members.
7 Cups is a system of trained volunteer listeners who provide emotional support via online chat. The service is entirely free and anonymous, and all active listeners providing support have completed an online course in advanced, compassionate communication developed by 7 Cups.
If you want to seek emotional support from 7 Cups, you can search for listeners with similar backgrounds or experience and specialize in specific issues. Listeners receive cheers, badges, and compassion hearts to demonstrate their commitment to the platform. They are also segmented into 27 different levels of expertise ranging from newbie to epitome.
Since 2013, 7 Cups has helped more than 53 million people in 189 countries. The free online psychotherapy platform is the winner of the Stanford Medicine X Health Care Design Award. Also, 7 Cups is supported by peer-reviewed publications, such as the Journal of Mental Health, Journal of Medical Internet Research, and Journal of Internet Interventions.
The 7 Cups of Tea platform also focuses on building community and offers chat rooms and forums covering a wide range of issues. These include depression, anxiety, relationships, and LGBTQ+-related challenges. Teen community forums are available, providing P2P support for youth ages 13 to 17.
You can download a mobile application for iOS in the App Store and Android in the Google Play store. While the online chat and community forums are free with sign-up, you also can pursue online therapy with one of the licensed professional therapists on the platform.
Overall rating: 4
| Price | Appointment types | Accepts insurance | Same-day appointments or on-demand messaging | Therapists on staff |
| Monthly: $150 per month for online therapy. Free to chat with volunteer listeners | Chat | No | Yes | 180 |
| Rating: 5/5 | Rating: 3/5 | Rating: 3/5 | Rating: 5/5 | Rating: 4/5 |
7 Cups reviews
Many patients are happy with the service provided by 7 Cups.
One patient particularly enjoys how the platform encourages active participation and provides a healthy outlet for emotions. “Maybe just because I’ve never had anyone close that I’ve been able to talk through my difficult issues with, but my experience so far has been amazing! Being able to dump out all the bottled up emotions and worries has left me feeling clear-headed and a sense of purposeful direction.”
BlahTherapy ― Best for Text Therapy
If you want to vent about problems to a stranger, you can use BlahTherapy’s 24/7 anonymous free chat tool to text your feelings. Professional therapy services are also available, and BlahTherapy hosts online support groups and forums that cover a wide range of mental health and emotional support topics.
BlahTherapy offers online therapy services, emotional support chat, and psychic reader sessions on its website. You can choose to listen or share anonymously via the free chat with strangers tool, which is available without registration.
Online therapy is also available 24/7, including specialized counseling in depressions, relationships, health, and mental illnesses.
If you’re looking for professional support, you’ll fill out a questionnaire, and BlahTherapy will match you with one of the 2,000-plus licensed professional therapists with its partner, BetterHelp. Professional therapy services through BetterHelp are offered at a low fee and include unlimited messaging and phone and video chat.
Groups and forums are another BlahTherapy feature and cover many mental health and emotional support topics. If you want more support resources, you can visit the BlahTherapy blog for tips on solutions to ease stress, depression, and anxiety. More than 500,000 people have signed up for BlahTherapy’s online therapy services worldwide.
Overall rating: 4.2
| Price | Appointment types | Accepts insurance | Same-day appointments or on-demand messaging | Therapists on staff |
| Per session: $25, free P2P chat | Chat | No | Yes | 2,000+ |
| Rating: 5/5 | Rating: 3/5 | Rating: 3/5 | Rating: 5/5 | Rating: 5/5 |
BlahTherapy reviews
Many people who have used BlahTherapy give mixed reviews, and some have suggested taking extra precautions to protect their privacy.
One person who used the service writes, “The site works quite well. The majority of people are confused or distressed teenagers looking for guidance about family problems or relationships. However, plenty of adults go on the site, too, e.g., because they are in abusive relationships or are struggling to make ends meet. A problem with the site is that, although it works well, it’s not abundantly clear what happens to the information the chats generate.”
iPrevail ― Best for Live Chat Sessions
Part of the Prevail Health network, iPrevail provides on-demand coaching and care. The platform uses principles of CBT to decrease mood-based disorders, such as anxiety, depression, eating orders, and addiction recovery. The iPrevail platform underwent a clinical trial with the Rush University Medical Center to increase its effectiveness.
If you’re looking for mental health support, you can tap into iPrevail’s 24/7 on-demand coaching and innovative lessons focused on mental well-being.
iPrevail uses CBT to decrease mood-based disorders, such as anxiety and depression. The technique is also used for eating disorders, addiction recovery, relationship management, and financial stress.
If you’re interested in trying iPrevail, you’ll fill out an assessment that includes answering research-based questions. The purpose is to identify symptoms. After the assessment is complete, you’ll begin a customized iPrevail program that includes interactive lessons, supportive coaching, and ongoing progress assessments.
As you progress through the iPrevail program, you’ll access new resources, such as the private community board. These community forums cover depression, anxiety, anxiety awareness, substance abuse recovery, coping with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), grief, loneliness, and meditation.
Online coaches provide chat services in two groups: teens aged 13 and older and adults aged 18 and older. You’re matched initially with a coach but can also browse available ones and select your own.
Coaches go through a three-level system to ensure that they can handle the complex problems that some patients may have.
The online therapy counseling service received its own clinical trial for effectiveness in partnership with the Rush University Medical Center. iPrevail has worked with more than 220,000 patients to help improve their mental health.
Resources are also available on the iPrevail website if you want to learn more about the help available for anxiety, depression, eating disorders, grief support, panic attacks, and stress relief. Coaching from trained peer specialists is available for free. If you want to consult with a licensed online therapist, you can sign up for a subscription, which costs $9.99 per month and includes rewards like online gift certificates for completing programs.
Overall rating: 4.2
| Price | Appointment types | Accepts insurance | Same-day appointments or on-demand messaging | Therapists on staff |
Monthly: $9. 99 for a licensed therapist or free P2P coaching | Chat | Yes | Yes | Not Mentioned |
| Rating: 5/5 | Rating: 3/5 | Rating: 5/5 | Rating: 5/5 | Rating: 3/5 |
iPrevail reviews
While iPrevail patients have mixed experiences with the subscription-based therapy service, some recommend free peer coaching. One person who tried it says, “iPrevail is a really awesome app that lets you talk to someone one on one anytime you need someone to listen. They are easy to talk to, and it’s a great way to just vent or talk about something that’s been bothering me.”
Free Online Therapy ― Best for Free Assessment
If you’re unsure what type of free online therapy counseling is best for you, you can compare services with Free Online Therapy. You can choose among three types of chat support: volunteer, online therapy chat, and relationship counseling.
Free Online Therapy is an online mental health support platform for individuals and couples. It offers counseling services for depression, anxiety, relationship issues, and eating disorders.
The website offers three types of chat support: volunteer, online therapy, and relationship counselor. Volunteer chat provides free online peer counseling guided by a community that is divided into listeners and centers. Volunteer chat rooms are available 24/7 and are free with registration.
Licensed therapists provide the online therapy service through the mobile app BetterHelp. The service will match you with a free online therapist after an initial assessment. Then, you gain access to a free seven-day trial to the private online counseling service.
If you’re in a relationship and looking for couples therapy, you can try the therapy chat service free for seven days and connect with a relationship counselor.
The free online therapy website acts as a resource, providing information to those seeking therapists for mental health issues like PTSD and suicide and crisis support.
The website also includes a blog covering online depression chat rooms, how to practice guided meditation, and ways to reduce anxiety.
Overall rating: 3.8
| Price | Appointment types | Accepts insurance | Same-day appointments or on-demand messaging | Therapists on staff |
| Weekly: $35 to $70, or free P2P chat | Chat | No | Yes | Unknown |
| Rating: 5/5 | Rating: 3/5 | Rating: 3/5 | Rating: 5/5 | Rating: 3/5 |
Free Online Therapy reviews
Many Free Online Therapy patients have experienced tremendous growth after utilizing their services. One person who tried it writes, “I feel less stressed, anxious, and depressed.
It’s really a great option for anyone looking for affordable help!”
Another patient says, “I experienced tremendous growth in my 1+ year with the service, and I would come back again… If you are honest with your therapist, you can see great breakthroughs and tips to learn and grow as a person.”
TickTalkTo ― Best for Accessible Care
Accessible talk therapy is available worldwide through TickTalkTo iOS and Android mobile applications. If you’re looking for online mental health treatment or services, you can connect with verified happiness coaches who provide telepsychology services. TickTalkTo also can match you with a specialist to handle complex issues.
Specializing in talk therapy, TickTalkTo provides mental health support and a safe space to access professional help. Services are offered via a mobile application available on iOS in the App Store and Android in the Google Play store. The service will match you with a happiness coach, and all psychologists on the platform are verified and vetted to ensure quality counseling.
Happiness coaches can assess whether you need a dedicated therapist and match you with the best fit for your situation.
All psychological assessments are powered by the educational company Pearson. TickTalkTo integrates online counseling and the scientific diagnosis of mental disorders, resulting in accessible care no matter where you live in the world.
TickTalkTo also partners with clinics and hospitals to optimize digital clinic and telepsychology services. The company has received mentorship and support from The George Institute for Global Health and the University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney.
TickTalkTo provides private, confidential, and anonymous health care to underserved communities. Talk therapy with a happiness expert is free. Specialist counseling is available via customized payment plans.
Overall rating: 3.8
| Price | Appointment types | Accepts insurance | Same-day appointments or on-demand messaging | Therapists on staff |
| Unknown fees for counseling, free chat with a Happiness Expert | Chat | Unknown | Yes | Unknown |
| Rating: 5/5 | Rating: 3/5 | Rating: 3/5 | Rating: 5/5 | Rating: 3/5 |
TickTalkTo reviews
Many TickTalkTo patients offer positive reviews of the mobile application.
One writes, “I am amazed by your expertise in psychology. I believe this initiative was long overdue in today’s stressful lives. Helped me in a difficult situation in my life. More importantly, an expert’s advice is just a click away via this app.”
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V. What is Free Online Therapy?
How does free online therapy work?
If you’re dealing with a mental health challenge and looking for emotional support or counseling, you can access it from anywhere in the world with free online therapy.
Many free online therapy services are offered by nonprofit organizations, run by volunteers with a psychology background, or exist in the form of chat rooms and peer support.
How much does free online therapy cost?
While there are some ongoing free online therapy services, these are often in the form of volunteer listeners and peer coaches who are trained but not professionally licensed.
Many services offer a free trial or preview, but you must pay for regular therapy sessions.
Some online therapy and counseling services offer a low monthly rate, such as iPrevail, at $9.99 per month. However, many services charge more, such as eTherapyPro ($40 per week) or 7 Cups ($150 per month). While these services aren’t free, they offer an affordable and convenient alternative to traditional therapy sessions, which can average between $65 to $250 per hour.
How can online therapy help?
Free online therapy offers accessible emotional support in a secure and confidential environment. You can choose from a wider pool of therapists, and you don’t have to worry about finding a qualified local licensed therapist to treat specialized mental problems.
The best online therapy and counseling increases privacy by allowing you to remain anonymous and removes the potential trauma of seeing people you know when going to an in-person appointment. The modern convenience of mobile applications allows you to receive therapy from anywhere, and scheduling is easy.
But for many, one of the most appealing benefits of free online therapy is that it eliminates the financial barrier that can keep you from seeking the online mental health treatment and support you need.
Is free online therapy effective?
Free online therapy and counseling services that offer volunteers and peer listeners can be great for getting general emotional support. However, more complex problems and mental health issues often require the attention of a licensed professional.
Studies show that structured online therapy sessions can achieve the same outcome as traditional therapy sessions. Online cognitive therapy can be just as effective as in-person sessions when handling certain mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and panic disorders. However, free online therapy is not a practical solution for crisis situations and emergencies.
How do people use online therapy?
People use online therapy to gain coping strategies, tap into mental health resources, and get talk therapy and support so they can manage anxiety, depression, and a host of other mental health concerns. You can use online therapy from anywhere in the world, as long as you have a stable internet connection.
To use online therapy, you register with the platform. You might be asked to fill out a questionnaire or assessment so the service can match you with the right therapist, counselor, volunteer, or listener based on your mental health concerns. Free services can deliver online therapy via text, online chat, and live online sessions with a professional. Services can require you to sign up for a subscription, pay per session, and some are free.
What kind of things do people use online therapy for?
Online therapy and counseling can help you deal with relationship problems, overcome addiction, and better manage stress. The best online therapy services can include talk therapy, psychotherapy, CBT, and other professionals’ approaches in an office setting. You can access online therapy for anxiety, depression, eating disorders, grief support, panic attacks, stress relief, and more. However, online therapy isn’t appropriate for crises and emergencies.
Start searching for your online counselor now!
Academic issuesAddictionADHDAdoptionAgingAlcohol AbuseAnger ManagementAntisocial PersonalityAnxietyAsperger’sAutismBehavior IssuesBipolar DisorderBorderline PersonalityCareer CounselingCaregiver StressChild or AdolescentChronic PainCodependencyCoping SkillsCoping With Medical IssuesDepressionDivorceDrug AbuseDual DiagnosisEating DisordersEnd of Life IssuesFaith TransitionFamily ConflictGamblingGoal SettingGriefHearing LossImmigration IssuesInfertilityInfidelityInternet AddictionIntroversionLeadershipLearning DisabilitiesLife CoachingMarital / PremaritalMedication ManagementMen’s IssuesMilitaryNarcissistic PersonalityObesityOCDOppositional DefianceParentingPostpartumPregnancyPrenatalRacial IdentityRelationship IssuesSelf EsteemSex Drive - LowSex TherapySexual AbuseSexual AddictionSleep or InsomniaSmoking CessationSpiritualitySports PerformanceTinnitusTransgenderTrauma / PTSDVideo Game AddictionWeight LossWomen’s Issues
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C.West VirginiaWisconsinWyoming
VI. If There is an Emergency
If you or a loved one is experiencing a crisis or emergency, immediately contact a doctor, psychiatrist, or helpline for assistance. Don’t wait! Calling 911 will connect you with a local emergency responder.
You can also reach out to these vetted suicide prevention and crisis hotline resources.
Suicide prevention
| International Suicide Prevention Wiki | |
| National Suicide Prevention Lifeline | (800) 273-8255 |
| Self-Harm Crisis Text Line | HOME to 741741 |
| Suicide Prevention Lifeline Crisis Chat | (800) 273-8255 |
Crisis hotlines
| 911 Emergency | 911 |
| American Association of Poison Control Centers | (800)222-1222 |
| American Addiction Centers Hotlines | (866) 510-0809 |
| AIDS Hotlines (state directory) | (800) 448-0440 |
| Casa de Esperanza | (651) 722-1611 |
| Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline | (800) 422-4453 |
| Childhelp Live Chat | |
| GLBT Hotline | (888) 843-4564 |
| National Center for Elder Abuse | (855) 500-3537 |
| National Coalition for the Homeless | (202) 737-6444 |
| National Center for Victims of Crime | (202) 467-8700 |
| National Center on Trauma, Domestic Violence & Mental Health | (312) 726-7020, ext 2011 |
| National Eating Disorders Helpline | (800) 931-2237 |
| National Dating Abuse Helpline | (866) 331-9474 |
| National Domestic Violence Hotline | (800) 799-7233 |
| National Human Trafficking Resource Center/ Polaris Proj | (888) 373-7888 |
| National Hopeline Network | (800) 442-4673 |
| National Network for Immigrant & Refugee Rights | (510) 465-1984 |
| National Resource Center on Domestic Violence | (800) 537-2238 |
| National Sexual Assault Helpline | (800) 656-4673 |
| Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services (SAMHS) | (800) 622-HELP |
| The Trans Lifeline | (877) 565-8860 |
| TREVOR Crisis Hotline (LGBTQ) | (866) 488-7386 |
| Veterans Crisis Line | (800) 273-8255 |
VII.
Free Mental Health Resources There are so many free mental health resources you can access if you need help—any kind of help. You can connect with professionals who specialize in specific conditions and therapists who handle situations like what you or a loved one are experiencing. Some groups focus on certain demographics like women, men, teens, and the LGBTQ+ community.
Abuse/assault/violence
- National Domestic Violence Helpline
- National Child Abuse Hotline
- National Sexual Assault Hotline
- After Silence
Addiction and substance abuse
- Find Treatment
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
- The Adult Child of Alcoholics Worldwide Alliance
- Sex Addicts Anonymous
- Half of Us
Anxiety
- Anxiety Disorder Association of America
- Anxiety Social Net
- Social Phobia/Social Anxiety Association
- Behavioral Health Treatment Locator
- Freedom from Fear
Autism
- Autism Speaks
- The Arc – Autism Now
Borderline Personality Disorder
- The American Psychiatric Association Foundation
Bipolar Disorder
- American Psychological Association
- BPD Central
- BPDFamily
- Robert Friedel, MD’s BPD Demystified
- Dialectical Behavioral Therapy research by Marsha M.
Linehan, Ph.D - National Educational Alliance for BPD/Borderline Personality Disorder (NEABPD)
- Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance
Depression
- Mental Health America
- National Alliance on Mental Illness
- Anxiety and Depression Association of America
- Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance
- Postpartum Progress
Children/teens
- American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychology
- S. Department of Health and Human Services — Adolescent Health
- The Jed Foundation
- S. Government, Youth Mental Health
- ULifeline
Crisis/distress
- Disaster Distress Helpline
- Crisis Text Line: Text SIGNS to 741741 for 24/7, anonymous, free crisis counseling
Eating disorders
- Eating Disorder Hope
- National Eating Disorders Association
LGBTQ+
- Trans Lifeline
- The Trevor Project
- National Alliance on Mental Illness / LGBTQI
- CDC LGBT Youth
- GLBTNearMe.
org
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
- International OCD Association
Older adults
- The Eldercare Locator
- Alzheimer’s Association Helpline: (800) 272-3900
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
- National Institute on Aging
- National Council on Aging Behavioral Health
Opioid treatment
- Buprenorphine Treatment Practitioner Locator
- Opioid Treatment Program Directory by State
Suicide
- National Suicide Prevention Helpline
Veterans/active-duty military
- Veterans Crisis Line
- S. Department of Veterans Affairs Mental Health Resources
- MindWise Military and Family Screenings
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VIII. Sources
- Vets prevail online intervention reduces PTSD and depression in veterans with mild-to-moderate symptoms | Last accessed December 2023
- Internet-based versus face-to-face cognitive-behavioral intervention for depression: a randomized controlled non-inferiority trial | Last accessed December 2023
- Effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of individually tailored Internet-delivered cognitive behavior therapy for anxiety disorders in a primary care population: a randomized controlled trial | Last accessed December 2023
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online psychologist consultation (helpline, communication)
Everyone may need psychological help.
If you do not have the opportunity to contact a psychologist for money, this can be done free of charge in specialized centers.
Free psychological consultations
Emergency help and helplines
Free consultations have several features:
Some centers provide only a trial free consultation, some - up to 5-7 sessions. This is enough to overcome a crisis situation - but not always enough for a deep study of the problem.
As a rule, they are limited in the number of sessions
Some centers, on the contrary, do not conduct one-time consultations
You may not always be able to change the counseling psychologist
then discuss your case.
If you receive counseling at an educational institution, it can be part of student education
I want to invest, do my homework and the psychologist's recommendations If help is free, money does not motivate you to work and change.
Therefore, you will need to find internal motivation.
173-09-09
Correspondence consultation
Free emergency psychological help "Yaroslavna" at the Institute of Practical Psychology and Psychoanalysis
+7 495 120-16-60
Russian LGBT Network
+7 800 555-73-74
e-mail: [email protected]
+7 499 553-04-70
Ask a psychologist
Harmony Institute of Psychotherapy and Counseling
+7 812 401-61-66
Hotline: +7 812-409 to make an appointment
Psychotherapy room
+7 (812) 242-38-98
Clinic of neurosis
• Appointment for a consultation with a psychiatrist: +7 (812) 246-21-79
• Appointment for a consultation with a psychotherapist: +7 (812) 246-21-80
+7 800 555-73-74
•e-mail: [email protected]
•Form for registration
•Online chat
Armavir psycho-neurological boarding school
908024 +16 ) 51159
+7 800 555-73-74
e-mail: psychology@lgbtnet.
org
• Enrollment form
• Online chat
Emergency help and helplines
A person needs emergency psychological help when they are in an acute crisis, experienced shock or are thinking about suicide. In such situations, there is no time to select a psychologist and wait for a session - you need to get a consultation immediately. To do this, there are round-the-clock helplines and emergency services.
Moscow
St. Petersburg
Krasnodar
Moskovankanktersburg
Krasnodar
Emergency Psychological Assistance Service of the Ministry of Emergencies of Russia
Ask a psychologist
All-Russian Order Phone Trust
9000 +7 800 2000 122 Free emergency psychological help "Yaroslavna" at the Institute of Practical Psychology and Psychoanalysis
Hotline: +7 495 120-16-60
Helpline for children and parents: +7 499 795-15-01
Helpline for children and parents: +7 800 250-11-91
All-Russian helpline for women victims of domestic violence: +7 800 70-00-600
Hot line: +7 499 901-02-01
Crisis mail: online@sisters-help.
ru
+7 495 421-55-55
Crisis service “Emotional conversation”
24 627 -80
City monitoring center (psychologist for children and adolescents)
004
Trust phone for children, adolescents and parents
+7 800 2000-122
+7 812 576-10 9000-10
+7 812 327-30-00 9000 »
+7 861 224-05-95
Emergency Psychological Assistance Phone (assistance to children, adolescents and parents)
+7 800 200-01-22
Specialized clinical psychiatric hospital No. 1
Psychiatric Helpline: +7 800 250-2955
Helpline: +7 861 233-18-27
+7 800 100-01-91
where to call in case of emergency and in what professional psychological forums you will be listened to and supported.
Emergency Psychological Service of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Russia
Phone: +7 (495) 989-50-50
Around the clock
If you need help, call the number at any time of the day and a professional psychologist will talk to you.
You do not need to give your name or other personal information. The only thing that may be required when calling a Moscow number from another city is the payment for long-distance communication, if this is provided for by your tariff.
In addition, the Center for Emergency Psychological Assistance of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Russia has an Internet service where you can get a free consultation from a psychologist in a chat format once. For unregistered users, it is carried out in the form of posting answers on the forum: your question to the specialist and his answer will be visible to all site visitors. Registration gives you the opportunity to chat with a psychologist face-to-face - in your personal account.
Telephone psychological consultation "Yaroslavna"
Phone: +7 (495) 120-16-60
From 10:00 to 21:00 on weekdays
Graduates of the Institute of Practical Psychology and Psychoanalysis work on the line, ready to help you in emergencies and support if you are confused or want to talk.
You are entitled to three free diagnostic consultations by telephone. You can introduce yourself by any name or not at all. If you need it, you can sign up for a face-to-face meeting with a psychologist - it will already be paid.
Helpline “Line of Hope”
Phone: 8 800 201-76-10
From 10:00 to 17:00 on weekdays
The People to People charity organization helps adults with serious illnesses. But during the pandemic, the fund's hotline works for all Russians. Call the phone if you are feeling overwhelmed, in a desperate situation, or need moral support. A professional psychologist will answer you.
Counseling for students of the master's program "Systemic Family Psychotherapy" NRU "Higher School of Economics"
At the beginning of April 2020, undergraduates of the program began to provide free consultations for anyone who needed it during the alarming period of self-isolation.
Now most of the strict restrictions on movement have been lifted, but the creators of the project decided to continue working. They provide psychological assistance not only to those who have suffered from the pandemic, but also to everyone who has problems in various areas of life. If necessary, students receive supervision support from professionals - their teachers.
To chat with a psychologist, leave a request in the Google form, and you will be contacted within 24 hours. You will be given two online sessions lasting 50 minutes each. If you wish, you can continue to communicate with a specialist on a paid basis. There are special conditions for doctors: consultations are provided out of the general queue and, if necessary, the number of free sessions can be increased to five.
Charitable psychological service "Helping others, you help yourself"
The organization employs psychologists with disabilities.
By contacting them for advice, you help them realize their professional relevance. Communication with a specialist is free, but if you wish, you can support the project with a donation.
You can get advice in the form of a chat with a psychologist on the forum. To do this, you need to register, select one of the specialists and create a topic with a question. During communication, the psychologist will provide up to five detailed answers to your messages. The chat will be visible to site visitors. Important: the average response time of a psychologist is 3–10 days.
If this format does not suit you, you can contact the service via Skype (pomogaya-drugim) on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 16:00 to 18:00 Moscow time. Communication takes place in a voice format, without video.
Psysovet
More than 500 certified psychologists cooperate with the service.
To get a free consultation from one of them, you need to describe your problem, post a request on the site and wait in line. During the wait, you will be asked to answer additional questions about the reason for contacting a psychologist, so that the specialist can better understand your request.
Consultations are conducted anonymously and around the clock. You can contact a psychologist on any topic: the site has sections on "personality", "relationships", "addictions", "parents and children", "sexology" and others. Keep in mind that your correspondence with a specialist will be visible to site visitors.
b17.ru
You can get a free consultation on the site's forum. To do this, you need to register, choose a psychologist, formulate your problem and create a topic. A chat with a psychologist will be open to forum visitors, but you can consult under an assumed name or nickname.
