5 Best Online Therapy That Takes Insurance in 2025

Online therapy that takes insurance can feel expensive. You’ve probably thought about getting help but then saw those price tags and wondered if you’d need therapy just to deal with the financial stress of paying for therapy. It’s a real catch-22, isn’t it?

Here’s the good news: you don’t have to choose between your mental health and your bank account anymore. Online therapy has completely changed the game, and even better, many platforms now accept insurance. That means you might pay as little as your regular copay sometimes just $10 to $30 per session instead of $100 or more out of pocket.

I’ve spent weeks researching and comparing the top 5 best Online therapy that takes insurance platforms that work with insurance providers. Whether you have Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, or another major insurance plan, there’s likely an option here that’ll work for you.

What Makes Online Therapy That Takes Insurance

Before we get into the specific platforms, let’s talk about why online therapy with insurance is such a big deal right now. Traditional therapy has always had barriers you need to find someone in your network, they need to have openings, their office needs to be somewhere you can actually get to, and their schedule needs to match yours.

Online therapy that takes insurance blows all those barriers apart. You can meet with a therapist from your couch at 9 PM if that’s what works for you. No commute, no waiting room anxiety, and no awkward run-ins if your therapist’s office happens to be in your neighborhood.

Talkspace: The Insurance-Friendly Pioneer

Talkspace really changed the online therapy landscape, and they’ve become one of the most insurance-friendly platforms out there. What started as a text-based therapy service has evolved into a full-featured platform that now works with tons of insurance providers.

Why Talkspace Stands Out for Insurance Users

The platform accepts over 60 insurance plans, including most major providers like Optum, Cigna, and many Blue Cross Blue Shield plans. What I really appreciate about Talkspace is their insurance verification process it’s straightforward and you’ll know within minutes whether you’re covered and what you’ll pay.

Their therapist network is massive, with over 5,000 licensed therapists. This means you’re way more likely to find someone who specializes in what you’re dealing with, whether that’s anxiety, depression, relationship issues, or something more specific.

How Talkspace Actually Works

Once you sign up and verify your insurance, you’ll answer some questions about what you’re looking for in therapy. The platform then matches you with therapists who fit your needs and take your insurance. Sessions happen through video, voice, or messaging, depending on what you prefer and what your plan covers.

The messaging feature is particularly cool because you can send your therapist messages throughout the week, and they’ll respond daily. It’s like having ongoing support rather than just one hour a week. With insurance, most people pay between $20-$40 per session, which is your standard copay.

BetterHelp: Expanding Insurance Options in 2025

BetterHelp is probably the name you’ve heard the most if you listen to podcasts or watch YouTube. They’ve been around since 2013 and have helped millions of people, but here’s what’s new: they’ve significantly expanded their insurance partnerships in 2024 and into 2025.

What Makes BetterHelp Different

The platform has over 30,000 licensed therapists, which is absolutely huge. This means even if you’re looking for someone with a very specific specialty or background, you’ll probably find multiple options. Their matching system considers your preferences, schedule, and what you’re hoping to work on.

After you complete their assessment, you’re matched with a therapist usually within 48 hours. All sessions happen through their platform you can do live video sessions, phone calls, or live chat sessions, plus unlimited messaging with your therapist between sessions.

One thing people really love is how easy it is to switch therapists if the first match isn’t quite right. There’s no awkward conversation or waiting period you just request a new match and usually get connected with someone new within a day or two. If you’re using insurance, you’ll pay your regular copay, typically $25-$50 depending on your plan.

MDLive: Traditional Healthcare Meets Online Therapy

MDLive takes a different approach than the other platforms on this list. They’re part of the larger telehealth world, meaning you can use them for medical appointments too, not just therapy. This integration with traditional healthcare makes them particularly insurance-friendly.

Why Healthcare Networks Love MDLive

Because MDLive operates more like a traditional healthcare provider, they’re already in-network with a massive number of insurance plans. We’re talking hundreds of plans across all 50 states. If you have insurance through your employer, there’s a really good chance MDLive is already included in your benefits.

Their therapists are all licensed psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers. The platform is particularly strong if you think you might need medication management, as their psychiatrists can prescribe and monitor medications as part of your treatment.

MDLive sessions are scheduled appointments, similar to what you’d experience with traditional therapy. You book a time slot, show up for your video appointment, and meet with your therapist for typically 45-50 minutes. Most MDLive users with insurance pay just their regular copay often $10-$30 for therapy appointments.

Amwell: The Comprehensive Care Platform

Amwell, formerly known as American Well, is another platform that combines general telehealth with mental health services. What makes them special is their focus on integrated care meaning your therapist can coordinate with your other healthcare providers if needed.

Why Amwell Works for Insurance Patients

Amwell has been around since 2006, making them one of the veterans in telehealth. They’ve built relationships with insurance companies over nearly two decades, and it shows. They’re in-network with over 240 million insurance plans, which is kind of mind-blowing when you think about it.

When you use Amwell for therapy, you can choose to see the same therapist for ongoing sessions or book with whoever’s available if you need flexibility. They offer video sessions primarily, though some therapists also offer phone sessions.

One unique feature is their Behavioral Health Group Sessions. If your insurance covers group therapy, you can join sessions focused on specific topics like managing anxiety or stress management. These are usually covered at a lower copay than individual sessions. With insurance, you’ll typically pay $5-$50 per session depending on your plan.

Doctor on Demand: Premium Care with Insurance Benefits

Doctor on Demand rounds out our list with a focus on high-quality care and seamless insurance integration. They’re owned by Included Health, which gives them additional resources and a strong position with insurance networks.

What Sets Doctor on Demand Apart

The “premium” feel of Doctor on Demand comes through in their therapist selection process. They’re really picky about who they hire, accepting only about 5% of therapist applicants. This means you’re working with highly experienced providers who’ve been thoroughly vetted.

Sessions are scheduled video appointments that last 45-50 minutes. The platform emphasizes continuity of care, so you’ll work with the same therapist for all your sessions unless you specifically want to switch. Doctor on Demand accepts most major insurance plans including Blue Cross Blue Shield, UnitedHealthcare, and Aetna. Your copay will depend on your specific plan, but most users pay $20-$40 per therapy session.

Which Platform Is Right for You

Picking the best online therapy platform isn’t just about which one takes your insurance. You need to think about what kind of therapy experience you want and what’ll actually work for your lifestyle.

Platform	Key Insurances Accepted	Average Copay	Best For	Session Formats	Unique Perk in 2025
Talkspace	The Insurance-Friendly Pioneer	$0–$50	Fast, diverse matches	Video, phone, in-person	AI-powered matching tool
BetterHelp	Expanding Insurance Options in 2025	$0–$15	Unlimited messaging	Text, video, audio	Employer EAP integration
MDLive	Traditional Healthcare Meets Online Therapy	$0–$35	Personalized searches	Video, in-person	57+ languages supported
Amwell	The Comprehensive Care Platform	$0–$55	Same-day appointments	Video, phone	Weekend/evening slots
Doctor on Demand	Premium Care with Insurance Benefits	$0–$30	Anxiety/depression focus	Video, messaging	Built-in med management

Final Thoughts

Mental health care shouldn’t be a luxury that only people with spare cash can afford. The fact that these platforms work with insurance means more people can actually get the help they need without going broke in the process. Each platform on this list has its strengths. The most important thing is actually taking that first step. I know it’s tempting to keep researching and comparing forever, but at some point you just need to pick one and try it. And you deserve support.