Online therapy harnesses technology to connect you with a trusted counselor digitally effortlessly. Despite a high demand for resources, with nearly 60% of Americans seeking mental health support, people struggle to access traditional services.
Amwell offers a range of online services starting at $109 per visit, including therapy and nutrition advice. It's a fantastic platform, but as a therapist with a background in telehealth, I know how crucial it is to find the right person to talk to.
Not every online therapy platform suits each individual. That's why I've researched the best Amwell alternatives for comprehensive therapeutic support.
» Can't afford mental health treatment? Try an online therapy service that takes insurance.
Our 5 Best Amwell Alternatives in 2024
A Closer Look at the Best Amwell Alternatives in {Year}:
1. BetterHelp
A cost-effective online counseling platform for out-of-pocket payers
- Best for - Individuals and couples without insurance
- Starting price - From $65/week
- Modes of communication - 24/7 messaging, live chat, phone, video
BetterHelp offers subscription-based therapy for individuals, couples, and teens. It's a suitable option for uninsured patients who prefer to pay out-of-pocket to keep their mental health data discreet.
After a brief screening, you match with a counselor you can interact with through text, phone, or video. Costs vary based on the interface, but financial aid is available for those in need. BetterHelp also provides self-help resources and mental wellness tools to boost your mental health education and help you develop coping strategies.
What Makes BetterHelp a Good Alternative to Amwell?
BetterHelp is my top choice because of its extensive network of over 30,000 licensed professionals and wide range of specialties. The ability to message a therapist anytime through a chatroom on BetterHelp is also a feature I particularly appreciate. This contrasts with Amwell, which primarily provides video or phone sessions.
Pros
- Offers financial aid
- Provides valuable techniques, tools, and worksheets
- Personalized matching
Cons
- Doesn't accept insurance
- Can't prescribe medications
2. Cerebral
An affordable online hub for remote medication management
- Best for - Those who prefer home-based care convenience
- Starting price - From $99/month
- Modes of communication - Phone, video, text, email
Cerebral is a comprehensive platform for managing prescriptions, requesting refills, and scheduling therapy sessions through an app. It pairs you with a healthcare professional based on your responses to certain questions and provides resources such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness exercises.
Notably, Cerebral can also treat you for alcohol dependence. In the United States, an estimated 15 million people have alcohol use disorder (AUD), and less than 10% receive treatment. So, this is a key service offering. These therapy sessions typically last around 45 minutes, ensuring you have sufficient time for in-depth discussions.
What Makes Cerebral a Good Alternative to Amwell?
I find Cerebral's comprehensive approach to therapy, psychiatry, and medication management quite impressive. The convenience of having prescriptions delivered to your home is also a significant advantage. Unlike Amwell, which primarily focuses on non-subscription services, Cerebral can cater to different patient needs.
Pros
- Medications typically cost around $10
- Accepts insurance
- Therapy sessions last longer than 30 minutes
Cons
- Can't prescribe some ADHD and anti-anxiety medications
- Matching with a provider may take up to seven days
3. ReGain
An online platform specializing in relationship and couples therapy
- Best for - Long-distance couples who want to access joint counseling
- Starting price - From $65/week ($240/month)
- Modes of communication - Video, phone, message, live chat
ReGain's counselors specialize in relationship dynamics, assisting clients through various relationship phases, from dating to marriage and divorce. It starts your journey with a brief screening, which includes a domestic violence assessment. Once you've given the platform the info it needs, you're algorithmically matched with a licensed counselor.
Couples therapy can be highly effective when done correctly. Even if you're currently single, you can still benefit from the insights of a relationship therapist. They can also guide individuals going through breakups.
What Makes ReGain a Good Alternative to Amwell?
ReGain specializes in relationship therapy, while Amwell provides a range of medical services without a focus on couples counseling. From my experience, specialists can usually offer more targeted help. While ReGain has a weekly subscription fee for unlimited asynchronous messaging and sessions, Amwell bills per visit, with costs depending on the service and insurance coverage.
Pros
- Provides text-based therapy sessions
- Has additional resources and tools on relationships and mental health
- You can easily cancel your subscription
Cons
- Not available to couples experiencing domestic violence
- Doesn't accept insurance
» Here's how couples therapy can save your marriage.
4. Thriveworks
A hybrid mental healthcare system for insured adults, couples, and children
- Best for - Those who prefer in-person sessions
- Starting price - From $50/session (co-pay); $200/session (self-pay)
- Modes of communication - In-person, video, phone
With over 2,200 providers and 380 physical locations, Thriveworks offers online and in-person therapy and medication management across the US. Unlike many other platforms, it accepts Medicare and treats children.
It also provides remote and in-person psychotherapy and psychiatry. And as of 2023, it includes free access to its educational e-books and courses. There's no algorithmic matching on Thriveworks. You simply create a profile and book appointments with licensed providers in your area.
What Makes Thriveworks a Good Alternative to Amwell?
Like Amwell, Thriveworks operates on a pay-per-session model and accepts insurance, which I find convenient. What sets Thriveworks apart for me is its unique provision of mental health support for very young children, as it's one of the few online providers that accepts children under 10 years old.
Pros
- Treats individuals, couples, and children
- Accepts 575+ insurance plans, including Medicare
- Links subscribers to online and in-person services
Cons
- Costs vary depending on your insurance
- Your location may limit provider availability
5. Teen Counseling
An online therapy service tailored for teens and young adults
- Best for - Guardians looking for guidance on adolescent-related challenges
- Starting price - From $65/week
- Modes of communication - Video, phone, message, live chat
Teen Counseling connects teens aged 13 to 19 with licensed counselors. These therapists have experience in helping young adults handle the ups and downs of social, academic, and family life. While they don't provide services for suicidal teens in acute crisis, they do their best to help and guide you to the right emergency services.
If you're a parent looking into online therapy for your teen, you can set up an account for them and fill out some questionnaires. You can do this with your kid or on their behalf. You can also choose a subscription that includes text messaging, phone calls, and/or video services.
What Makes Teen Counseling a Good Alternative to Amwell?
While Amwell provides a comprehensive range of services, Teen Counseling's focus on teen-specific concerns sets it apart. The platform offers support from specialists who are well-versed in addressing the unique challenges teens face. I believe this specialization makes Teen Counseling an excellent choice for adolescents seeking understanding and tailored support.
Pros
- Caregivers can get therapy for parenting guidance
- You get a discreet virtual therapy room
- Accessible for users with disabilities
Cons
- Doesn't accept insurance
- Can't provide diagnoses or prescribe medication
Amwell Alternatives: How Do I Decide?
Figuring out your budget, specific concerns, and what kind of therapist you'd like are all important factors to consider when choosing one of the many platforms out there. While I can vouch that the research for this article is solid, you can contact these services to ask about specifics like alternative therapies or holistic mental health practices.
Don't stress if your first choice isn't a perfect fit. It's absolutely okay to try a few before committing to the one that feels right for you.
» Learn how to get the most out of online therapy.
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