If you're feeling down or dealing with a mental health issue, therapy can help. A therapist is an experienced professional who can listen to your problems and provide advice.

When choosing a therapist, consider their training and credentials. Also, ask about their experience and whether they are within your insurance network.

Talkspace

Talkspace is a platform that connects you with licensed, certified therapists to help you with your mental health. They have a network of more than 60,000 counselors and have been providing therapy online for 10 years.

The website claims to be a convenient and affordable way to communicate with a therapist, all from the comfort of your own home. They offer text, audio and video chat sessions.

They also have a guarantee that a therapist will respond to your messages within four to six hours, five days a week. This is an impressive feature for people who need therapy but don’t have a lot of time to meet with their therapist in person.

The site also has a three-step enrollment process that begins with completing a brief assessment. After that, you’re matched with a provider and can start therapy immediately.

BetterHelp

Online therapy platforms like BetterHelp offer a convenient way to meet with a licensed therapist. They’re a good choice for those who can’t afford to pay for traditional in-person therapy, or don’t have insurance.

The therapists on BetterHelp are highly qualified and undergo a rigorous application process. They must have at least three years of experience and 1,000 hours of practice.

They also undergo training and ongoing supervision to ensure quality. Only 15% of therapists who apply are accepted into the BetterHelp network.

Once you sign up, BetterHelp uses an algorithm to match you with a therapist. It can take a few hours or days for the match to be made, depending on therapist availability.

Most therapists on BetterHelp specialize in talk therapy and use evidence-based techniques, such as Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT). They don’t prescribe medications, diagnose mental illnesses, or fulfill court orders.

LiveHealth Online

LiveHealth Online is a website that allows you to see a psychiatrist, psychologist, or therapist via video. It’s an accessible, affordable option for mental healthcare and accepts most major insurance plans in the U.S.

Signing up is easy on the website or app, and you don’t have to pay a monthly fee or a subscription fee to use the service. Prices for a visit range from $0 to $175, depending on the service and your health plan.

They also accept payment in cash or by credit card, which helps make the service more accessible for many patients. The site also has a fairly extensive privacy policy, saying that the information you provide will be treated confidentially.

The service’s rating on Trustpilot is a 1.4 out of 5 stars, with users complaining about canceled appointments and long waits. They also say that they have experienced technical issues. Despite this, the company’s customer support team is available seven days a week and will help you schedule a session.

Teladoc

Teladoc is an online medical service that connects patients with board-certified physicians via phone or video consultations. The company claims to have over 5 million members and is expanding to help meet demand for telehealth.

When you’re ready to schedule your appointment, you can choose from a wide range of health professionals — from doctors and psychologists near me to psychiatrists and dermatologists — in your area. Your personal medical information is protected by HIPAA (the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act), and your medical history is kept confidential.

After you sign up, you’ll be prompted to fill out a few emotional health questionnaires. These are designed to determine what kind of therapy or psychiatry services you need.

Once you select a therapist, you’ll be asked to complete an initial session. This is typically 45 minutes, but your therapist can also schedule additional sessions with you. If you want to switch therapists, you can do so through your account dashboard.