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People who cannot attend in-office therapy sessions may find free online therapy helpful. It is available via organizations, websites, apps, and college institutions, but will not suit people with severe mental health concerns.
- Best for both sexes: Hims and Hers | Skip to review
- Best for anonymity: Bliss by the Centre for Interactive Mental Health Solutions | Skip to review
- Best for any time of day: 7 Cups | Skip to review
- Best for pregnancy and postpartum: Postpartum Support International | Skip to review
- Best for essential workers: Therapy Aid Coalition | Skip to review
- Best for crisis support: Crisis Text Line | Skip to review
- Best for women and nonbinary people of color: DRK Beauty Healing | Skip to review
Online therapy is also known as e-therapy, telepsychiatry, or cyber-counseling. Through online therapy, participants can learn to manage the symptoms associated with their mental health and deal with stressful situations.
This article describes online therapy and reviews various companies and organizations offering free online therapy. It also looks at some alternative options and discusses when a person may wish to consider contacting a doctor.
According to the American Psychiatric Association, telemedicine and telepsychiatry are suitable for people of all ages.
However, teletherapy
Online therapy sessions can take place via mobile app, video conference, email, text message, or any other platform where conversations occur virtually.
A person also needs to have reliable internet access in their home to participate in teletherapy. Online health services, including therapy sessions,
Further, technical difficulties or limitations can make it difficult for some people to access effective online sessions. A person who is more concerned about their privacy and security online may wish to explore in-person therapy instead.
Medical News Today’s methodology
Medical News Today chooses products that meet the following criteria:
- The company verifiably offers free or reduced-cost online therapy.
- The company connects people with certified clinicians or clearly states if the counselors are general volunteers.
- The organization does not engage in any suspicious or unethical practices or ones that can worsen a person’s mental health or pose a legal or safety threat.
- The organization offers convenient teletherapy either for everyone or for specific groups more at risk for mental health disorders.
Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication.
Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here.
Best for both sexes: Hims and Hers
- Type of support: online group therapy
- Communication method: video call
- Main features: offers anonymity and gender-specific group therapy
Hims is a telehealth company specializing in men’s health. Its sister company, Hers, focuses on women’s health. Both companies offer free online group therapy sessions to those who join their anonymous support groups.
Before the session, a person can submit any questions they might have so the therapist can use them to guide the discussion. During each session, the therapist also provides helpful tools and strategies for people to use in everyday life.
People do not have to turn on their cameras, and they can listen if they do not feel comfortable talking.
Pros
- People can choose the time and topic that suits them best.
- People can submit questions before the session.
- The platform guarantees anonymity.
- The sessions cover various topics.
Cons
- There is no individual therapy option. Each session includes 15 people.
- Other group members can be disruptive or offensive. However, if a group member is disruptive or offensive, the therapist can remove them from the session.
- A person will have less control over what they discuss during a session.
Best for anonymity: Bliss by the Centre for Interactive Mental Health Solutions
- Type of support: online self-guided course
- Communication method: Bliss’s mood monitor
- Main features: offers anonymity and can complete the course at their own pace
This is a free course consisting of eight sessions. It may be ideal for those not yet ready to connect with a therapist. It aims to teach participants how to manage and improve their moods.
People can also use Bliss’s mood monitor, which helps them track their mood changes throughout the program.
Individuals can complete the course at their own pace with complete anonymity. According to the website, the company does not collect any information that could potentially identify a person.
Pros
- The program is self-paced.
- It is suitable for those with busy schedules.
- It reportedly does not collect any identifying information.
Cons
- There is no option to speak with a therapist.
- Some exercises lack recommendations on how often to perform them.
- Only suitable for people with depression, as the course does not offer help for other conditions.
Best for any time of day: 7 Cups
- Type of support: listeners and group chats
- Communication method: online chat
- Main features: trained listeners and self-help guides
People who have mental health conditions or feelings of emotional distress can connect with trained listeners on 7 Cups. This service is free, and individuals can chat with a listener any time of the day.
However, the listeners are not licensed therapists.
Also available on the 7 Cups website are self-help guides for anxiety, depression, panic attacks, and other conditions.
Pros
- Listeners are available at any time.
- The company states all listeners are trained.
- People can join groups to chat with others.
Cons
- The listeners are not licensed therapists.
- Quality of care can vary with trained listeners.
- A monthly subscription is necessary to connect with a licensed therapist.
Best for pregnancy and postpartum: Postpartum Support International
- Type of support: one-on-one and group calls
- Communication method: voice and video calls, texts, and online chats
- Main features: offers support for a range of identities, and offers chats with experts and peers
Postpartum Support International (PSI) is a nonprofit organization that can help pregnant people, their partners, and those with postpartum depression.
People can speak with a trained volunteer and attend weekly group calls that the organization’s mental health professionals host.
There are separate group calls for males and females, and individuals can share their experiences and learn more about symptoms and treatment options.
Pros
- A person can find healthcare professionals near them with the PSI directory.
- A person does not need to pre-register for the weekly calls.
- PSI offers support for a range of identities and circumstances, such as LGBTQIA+ families, adoptive families, and veterans.
Cons
- A person cannot choose their preferred time slot for weekly calls.
- There may be less control over the topic in group sessions.
- Trained volunteers may not be licensed therapists.
Best for essential workers: Therapy Aid Coalition
- Type of support: therapy with a licensed therapist
- Communication method: virtual therapy
- Main features: people can filter by expertise and location, offers various optional fees
Therapy Aid Coalition offers free virtual therapy to healthcare professionals and first responders.
Licensed therapists volunteer with the organization, offering their services for free or at extremely discounted rates.
The organization also runs initiatives to respond to emerging situations that people may need support with, such as wildfires, hurricanes, and mass shootings.
Pros
- A person can easily search for a therapist in their area, filtering results by specific expertise.
- A person can get therapy for free, choose a contribution fee they can afford, or use their medical insurance to pay.
- A person can find a therapist who speaks other languages, if necessary.
Cons
- Currently, this service is only available for healthcare professionals and first responders.
- Its initiatives may be limited by volunteer capacity.
Best for crisis support: Crisis Text Line
- Type of support: crisis counselors
- Communication method: text
- Main features: offers trained crisis counselors for a range of concerns
The Crisis Text Line allows anyone dealing with a mental health crisis to speak with a counselor for free via text. A person simply needs to text 741741 in the United States. Once they do, an automated message will confirm receipt and help a person connect with a trained crisis counselor. This typically takes no more than 5 minutes.
Once a person connects with a counselor, they can continue texting back and forth until they decide the situation is resolved. The goal is to help the person reach a state of calm and safety at the moment.
Common issues the crisis counselors encounter include anxiety, suicidal thoughts, self-harm, eating disorders, and more.
Pros
- Counselors are available 24/7, including in the United Kingdom and Ireland. Spanish-speaking counselors are also available.
- It is easy and convenient to use, and a person also has the option to use WhatsApp instead of texting.
Cons
- Crisis Text Line is only intended to address immediate crises and does not offer ongoing therapy.
- People will likely need to seek additional support after they have resolved their crisis with Crisis Text Line.
- It does not offer video or phone call options.
Best for women and nonbinary people of color: DRK Beauty Healing
- Type of support: online counseling with a therapist in their state
- Communication method: virtual therapy
- Main features: offers a directory of local clinicians, including therapists, clinical social workers, psychiatrists, and psychologists
DRK Beauty Healing is a nonprofit organization offering free online counseling to People of Color who identify as women or nonbinary.
The organization has a directory of counselors from which a person can select a therapist in their state. A person then needs to reach out to the therapist and let them know they are requesting free services through DRK Beauty Healing.
If a clinician cannot accept new clients, a person can choose another clinician or reach out to the organization for help.
Pros
- It provides easy access to mental health professionals.
- It offers an Emergency Therapy Fund for cases where the desired therapist has run out of free counseling hours.
- It offers online questionnaires geared toward common concerns such as depression, bipolar disorder, and anxiety. A person can also identify whether their workplace is negatively impacting their mental health.
Cons
- Connected free or affordable mental health with People of Color is crucial because, historically, there has been a disparity in access to mental health care for people in this category. The same
is true regarding people whoidentify as women or are nonbinary. However, this means that this service is not appropriate for non-BIPOC people or People of Color who identify as men.
Below, we compare the online therapy options in this article.
| Type of support | Communication method | Main features | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hims and Hers | online group therapy | video call | offers anonymity offers gender-specific group therapy |
| Bliss | online self-guided course | Bliss’s mood monitor | offers anonymity can complete the course at their own pace |
| 7 Cups | listeners and group chat | online chat | trained listeners self-help guides |
| Postpartum Support International | one-on-one and group calls | voice calls video calls texts online chats | offers support for a range of identities offers chats with experts and peers |
| Therapy Aid Coalition | therapy with a licensed therapist | virtual therapy | can filter by expertise and location offers various optional fees |
| Crisis Text Line | crisis counselors | text | offers trained crisis counselors for a range of concerns |
| DRK Beauty Healing | online counseling with a therapist | virtual therapy | offers a directory of local clinicians, including therapists, clincial social workers, psychiatrists, and psyschologists |
Online video or phone therapy can be as effective as in-person therapy.
Researchers found that online therapy for people with mental health conditions seems to be as effective as in-person appointments.
A
Plus, a 2018 meta-analysis of high quality studies found that online cognitive behavioral therapy was effective for people with mental health conditions such as major depression, panic disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder.
The above study shows support for video or phone therapy. However, some online therapy services use text or email messaging. There is no evidence to support the efficacy of email- or text-based therapy, and these forms of online therapy may not offer the same benefits as other methods.
A 2019 study found that users of mental health apps may not engage with them in the long term. This reduction in engagement may indicate that therapy apps are ineffective for long-term treatment.
Sometimes, companies that appear to offer free services may actually impose hidden fees or fail to provide the quality of care they advertise.
For this reason, a person should thoroughly research potential providers to ensure that they are a reliable organizations connecting people with quality mental health support.
It is also important to ask if the therapy will be HIPAA compliant and if the organization will protect the person’s sensitive medical information. In addition, there are inherent digital security risks in any online interaction. A person should learn what a teletherapy company or organization is doing to protect people’s data before proceeding.
People who do not use free online therapy can seek help by exploring other options. These may include:
- Online forums: People can join online forums and share their experiences with others who have been through similar situations. There may be no trained therapists in these forums, but a person can find support and encouragement from other individuals.
- Support groups: People can join support groups specializing in specific problems or conditions. Some groups help those with anxiety, depression, or addiction and take place in person. Others are available online. All groups enable people to meet other individuals in similar circumstances.
- College mental health services: Students may be able to access their college’s counseling center, which can offer free or low cost therapy sessions.
- Hobbies: According to
Head to Health , people with hobbies are less likely to develop stress and symptoms associated with depression. Through hobbies, individuals can learn new skills, meet new people, and improve their communication skills.
People who have suicidal thoughts or are facing domestic violence should try to speak with a doctor or psychiatrist immediately.
Those who have thoughts of suicide can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255. This service is available at any time of the day.
The National Domestic Violence Hotline is also available 24/7 at 800-799-7233.
Other organizations that individuals may wish to contact include:
- National Sexual Assault Hotline
- National Center for Victims of Crime
- Strong Hearts Native Helpline
- National Dating Abuse Helpline
Free online therapy is unsuitable for people with severe mental health conditions. People who have imminent concerns about harming themselves or others need immediate help from a medical professional.
Suicide prevention
If you know someone at immediate risk of self-harm, suicide, or hurting another person:
- Ask the tough question: “Are you considering suicide?”
- Listen to the person without judgment.
- Call 911 or the local emergency number, or text TALK to 741741 to communicate with a trained crisis counselor.
- Stay with the person until professional help arrives.
- Try to remove any weapons, medications, or other potentially harmful objects.
If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, a prevention hotline can help. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24 hours a day at 988. During a crisis, people who are hard of hearing can use their preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988.
Below, we answer some common questions about therapy.
Is there such a thing as free online therapy?
Yes, there is such a thing as free online therapy.
Some organizations offer free support for individuals with mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety. They provide a supportive community and a space to talk, and they may also host group sessions where people can meet others with the same condition or issue.
Some services may offer free or discounted therapy with licensed professionals to certain groups, such as essential workers and People of Color. Others may offer free group chats with trained volunteers.
That said, these services may not suit those looking for quick advice or people with serious mental health conditions, such as severe depression or suicidal thoughts.
Is free therapy as good as expensive therapy?
The quality of free teletherapy compared to traditional paid therapy depends on the quality of the organization or company offering the service. For due diligence, a person should always research any telehealth service before trying it.
What’s the best online free therapy for kids?
Several telehealth companies offer counseling for kids. However, not all of them may be free.
Learn more about the best online therapy programs for kids.
What should I not tell my therapist?
Therapy aims to provide a space where a person can be open and honest about the effects circumstances have on their emotional, physical, and mental well-being.
It is important not to lie to a therapist or hide information. People who do not tell their therapist relevant information may hinder their progress.
What is 7 Cups therapy?
7 Cups is a platform where trained listeners chat with people with different mental health problems. They are not licensed therapists, but they can listen and make individuals aware that they are not alone.
Therapy sessions are available at an additional fee.
Is there a therapist I can text for free?
Crisis Text Line is a free service for people experiencing a mental health crisis. It does not offer therapy, but individuals can text a trained crisis counselor who may provide advice and help the person through the crisis.
7 Cups is also free. A person can chat with a volunteer who is trained to listen and be supportive. However, they are not licensed therapists.
Is there a free online therapy app?
People who wish to attend online therapy sessions can benefit from smartphone apps, websites, or video sessions. Individuals who use Crisis Text Line’s services can chat with a volunteer on WhatsApp or download 7 Cups on their smartphone.
Where can I chat online about mental health for free?
Some companies hold free text or video sessions for persons with mental health concerns. These include:
- 7 Cups
- Hims
- Hers
- Therapy Aid Coalition
- Postpartum Support International
Before using their services, a person should check if they can join group or individual sessions and which areas therapists and volunteers can help with.
Various organizations and companies offer free online therapy. People who cannot afford or attend in-person therapy sessions can benefit from this type of service.
A person can join group sessions with some organizations without registering and while staying anonymous.
Those who have thoughts of suicide or are experiencing domestic violence need immediate help.