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Mental Health

Find therapy or psychiatric care that actually fits your life.

Online therapy has made getting support dramatically more accessible. But the platforms vary significantly in therapist quality, insurance acceptance, matching process, and whether they can prescribe medication. This category tells you what those differences actually mean for you.

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The most useful pages in this category.

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Best Online Therapy Platforms

Compare BetterHelp, Talkspace, Online-Therapy.com, and others.

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Online Psychiatry Guide

When to look for both therapy and medication management - and where to find it.

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Insurance & Online Therapy

Which platforms accept insurance, what's usually covered, and how to check your plan.


Therapy vs. psychiatry - what's the difference?

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Therapy / Counseling

Provided by licensed therapists, psychologists, counselors, or social workers. Focuses on talk-based treatment - working through patterns, building coping skills, processing experiences. No prescriptions. Most insurance covers it with in-network providers.

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Psychiatry

Provided by psychiatrists or psychiatric nurse practitioners. Can diagnose mental health conditions and prescribe medication. Some platforms combine therapy and psychiatry in one place - useful if you need both. Visits are typically shorter and more focused on medication management than therapy sessions.

Online psychiatry guide →

Common mental health program questions.

It depends on what you need. BetterHelp has the broadest therapist availability. Talkspace accepts insurance from many major plans. Online-Therapy.com pairs therapy with structured CBT exercises. If you need medication management, look for platforms offering both therapy and psychiatry. See the full comparison.
Online therapy typically costs between $60 and $120 per session out of pocket, or $200 to $400 per month for subscription platforms. Insurance can significantly reduce this cost. BetterHelp does not accept insurance but offers a financial aid program. See our insurance guide.
Yes, through platforms that offer online psychiatry. A licensed psychiatrist or psychiatric NP can evaluate you and, if appropriate, prescribe medication during a telehealth visit. Platforms like Cerebral, Done, and Talkspace Psychiatry offer this. A prescription requires a clinical evaluation. It is not a guaranteed outcome of scheduling an appointment.

UnitedWellness.com participates in affiliate programs and may earn a commission if you click a link and sign up for a service. This does not affect our editorial independence or provider rankings. Pricing shown is approximate and may vary by location, eligibility, and medication type. Content on this site is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any treatment or wellness program. See our disclosure policy.