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Last Updated: Mar 2024

Best Online Depression Counseling in 2024
Therapy on your time, in your space

You don't have to face depression alone. Compare the top online therapy providers below and find the support you need today.

Our Top Online Therapy Services
Great Value
BetterHelp
BetterHelp
exceptional
9.8
3 million+ people helped
Get Started
Faithful Counseling
Faithful Counseling
good
8.0
300+ glowing reviews
Get Started
ReGain
ReGain
good
8.2
5,000+ glowing reviews
Get Started

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Did you know?
Online therapy is as effective as in-person therapy (Psychology.org)
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Natural Intelligence does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or your local emergency number immediately.

We find the 10 best options, so you can make informed decisions on tons of products and services.

Online Therapy Support for Depression

Depression is one of the most common, yet perhaps most devastating, mental health issues in the United States today. In fact, close to 16 million adults and 3 million adolescents suffer from depression across the country every single day.

Depression can be debilitating. While the statistics are alarming and the symptoms often overwhelming, therapy can be a very helpful form of support. Many people are turning to online therapy as an option because of the accessibility, affordability, and versatility.

What Is Online Therapy?

Like the name suggests, online therapy is a term used to describe mental health counseling that you can receive from the comfort of your own home in front of your PC or right on your smartphone.

Often referred to as “e-therapy” or “internet therapy,” online therapy isn’t meant for people who are in the midst of a mental health emergency or who need urgent medical care. Instead, it’s a way for people to get easy, convenient, and reliable counseling that tends to be much cheaper than in-person therapy. In addition, it can also be a real help for people who have mobility issues or simply live too far away from a licensed therapist for it to be convenient.

How Does Online Therapy Work?

Most online therapy companies offer 3 main types of counseling: real-time chat, video chat, and phone chat. Email and text message counseling is popular with people who want to be able to think out their questions and write them out before asking. These tend to not be free-flowing conversations like with phone or video chats, but many people appreciate the space Typically these chats are done through your personal email to a special, secure email provided through the site, which can help safeguard your anonymity.

Video chat will require a reliable internet connection and will allow you to speak with a counselor face-to-face, which is rather intimate and personal.

Real time chat allows you to chat back and forth with a counselor in real time. Think of it like having your own private chat room with a counselor who’s there to listen to your problems.

When you sign up for an online therapy service, you’ll typically be asked to take a short quiz so the platform can match you with an appropriate therapist. If you’re seeking out online counseling for your child, the quiz will ask you a lot of questions about your child’s issues before sending him or her an invitation on your behalf.

Depression: A Curable Condition

Being depressed does not have to feel hopeless. In fact, depression is highly treatable, and studies have shown that many who seek assistance are met with resounding success. One of the very best ways to cope with depression is with therapy. 

Don’t Suffer in Silence, There’s Someone Here to Help

From children to adults, depression doesn’t discriminate. With almost 20 million people suffering from  depression, it’s time for you to know there is support for you out there. With the help of competent online depression therapy, you can get the help you deserve, regain control of your life, and live each day more fully.

BetterHelp BetterHelp Seek Help

Our Top 3 Picks

    1
    BetterHelp
    World's largest network of licensed therapistsVisit Site
    • Best for - Messaging your therapist anytime
    • Pricing - $65-$90/week
    • Modes of communication - Text, live chat, video call, phone call
    World's largest network of licensed therapists
    Visit Site
    Description

    BetterHelp - Best online therapy site overall

    BetterHelp is one of the largest providers of online therapy services, letting you get matched with a licensed professional therapist in less than 24 hours. You’ll be able to communicate with your therapist by phone, video call, live chat, or text messaging.

    While the platform doesn’t take insurance, it does offer financial aid for patients with tighter budgets.

    Why we chose BetterHelp: BetterHelp’s app and online platform are both user-friendly, giving you access to self-help worksheets on various topics, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and conflict resolution.

    Our experience: BetterHelp reviews are positive and the service is reasonably priced. We like the fact that BetterHelp counselors each go through a rigorous vetting process.

    Read BetterHelp Review
    Pros & Cons

    PROS

    Message your therapist anytime
    Studies show the platform is effective
    Operates in 200+ countries and 82 languages

    CONS

    Therapists can’t prescribe medication
    Harder to find specialized therapists
    betterhelp logo
    BetterHelp
    Visit Site
    2
    Faithful Counseling
    A faith-based approach to clinical therapyVisit Site
    • Best for - Clinical therapy that includes biblical teachings
    • Pricing - $65-$90
    • Modes of communication - Video, phone, message, live chat
    A faith-based approach to clinical therapy
    Description

    Faithful Counseling - Best for faith-based therapy for Christians 

    As of recent, Faithful Counseling merged with Betterhelp, which also delivers clinical therapy for Christians. Its therapists are all licensed and certified within their field and submit declarations as to their beliefs to ensure they conform to the statement of faith. When signing up for the service, you will be directed to fill out a questionnaire that will properly match you with a suitable Christian therapist. 

    A sophisticated matching process is employed to connect you with a therapist specializing in your mental health difficulties and your branch of Christianity. This means it’s a suitable platform if your faith is important and you wish to include biblical teachings in your therapy. Its easy sign-up process, clear and appealing display, and simple functionality in terms of booking appointments make it easy for Christians who want faith-based counseling. 

    Why we chose Faithful Counseling: Though Faithful Counseling merged with Betterhelp, Christian-centered therapy practices are still easy to access. The platform uniquely integrates clinical therapy with Christianity, ensuring a harmonious blend of faith and mental health support. Various Christian denominations are catered to, including Catholic, Protestant, Baptist, and others, allowing users to find counselors who resonate with their specific faith traditions. Spiritual practices like prayer, meditation, and scripture reading are also integrated. This online therapy provider is an ideal choice for believers who want to incorporate biblical principles into their counseling sessions.

    Read Faithful Counseling Review
    Pros & Cons

    PROS

    6,000+ therapists specializing in Christianity-based counseling
    24/7 messaging services
    Accessible via website or the free app

    CONS

    Matching process can take 1-2 days
    Can’t choose a specific therapist
    faithful-counseling logo
    Faithful Counseling
    3
    ReGain
    Dedicated online relationship therapyVisit Site
    • Best for - Therapists that specialize in relationship therapy
    • Pricing - $65-$90/week
    • Modes of communication - Video, phone, message, live chat
    Dedicated online relationship therapy
    Description

    ReGain - Best for online relationship therapy

    ReGain offers convenient online relationship therapy for couples and individuals. Their service matches you with a licensed therapist specifically chosen to address your needs and goals. Its monthly subscription grants one live video or phone session per week, along with 24/7 access to an online therapist. 

    Why we chose ReGain: ReGain understands everyone’s situation is different and offers reduced fees to those with financial difficulties or disabilities.

    Our experience: With ReGain, you can pick and choose your therapy appointments entirely around your schedule. This makes it a particularly convenient option if you are restricted in time. 

    Read ReGain Review
    Pros & Cons

    PROS

    Therapists specialize in a wide range of relationship issues
    User-friendly app
    Discount available to those in need

    CONS

    Not appropriate for crisis situations
    Does not work in-network with insurance providers

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BetterHelp
BetterHelp
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Faithful Counseling
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ReGain
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