9 BetterHelp Alternatives to Consider If You’re Ready for a Change
Online therapy platforms like BetterHelp have opened the door to more accessible mental health care, but they’re not the only option you can choose. For many people, finding the right support for their wellness means looking beyond convenience and asking deeper questions about fit, flexibility, cost, and connection. And while BetterHelp can be a helpful starting point, it doesn’t accept insurance, which can make ongoing care feel financially out of reach for some.
That might mean exploring other well-known platforms like Talkspace, or more structured tools like Online-Therapy.com. Or it might mean turning to something more customized, like Octave, where care is built around who you are and what you need, without the pressure of a one-size-fits-all model.
If you’ve been wondering whether you can find a better match for your goals, your schedule, or your budget, you’re not alone, and you’re not out of therapy options. The right experience is out there, and this post helps you find the one that feels right for you.
A quick comparison of BetterHelp alternatives
Before diving into each platform in more detail, it helps to get a sense of how each option compares side-by-side. The alternatives highlighted below were selected with a range of needs and priorities in mind, including affordability, insurance compatibility, access to psychiatry, therapist diversity, and session format.
Some options are built around tech-enabled, flexible care that fits into a busy schedule, while others prioritize identity alignment, in-person sessions, or low-cost access without needing insurance. The chart below offers a snapshot to help you start narrowing in on the platforms that best align with your needs and preferences.
| Best for | Accepts insurance | Cost | Services offered | Available formats | Psychiatry offered |
Locations served | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BetterHelp | Quick access to flexible therapy formats | No | $70 to $100 per week | Individual, couples, teen therapy | Messaging, live chat, video, phone | No | Exclusively online |
| Grow Therapy | Insurance-friendly therapy with medication support | Yes | ~$21 per session (with insurance) |
Individual, couples, and family therapy | In-person and virtual sessions | Yes | Nationwide |
| Talkspace | Insurance- covered therapy with psychiatry support | Yes | $0 to $25 per week with insurance (starts at $69 per week without insurance) |
Individual, couples, teen therapy, psychiatry | Messaging, video chat, phone | Yes | Exclusively online |
| Octave | Customized, high-quality care with insurance and strong therapist fit | Yes | ~$28 per session (with insurance) |
Individual, couples, and family therapy | Video and in-person (at select locations) |
No (referrals available if needed) |
22 U.S. states (and expanding) |
| Brightside | Targeted treatment for anxiety and depression | Yes | $95 to $349 per month (depending on plan) | Individual therapy, psychiatry, CBT tools | Video + messaging | Yes | Exclusively online |
| Alma | Insurance-friendly therapy with flexible provider choice | Yes | Varies by insurance plan and provider | Individual, couples, family, child and adolescent therapy; select psychiatry | In-person and virtual sessions | Yes (depends on the provider) |
Nationwide |
| Therapy Den |
Values-aligned care with inclusive and identity-based matching | Yes | Free directory (providers’ rates vary) |
Individual therapy | In-person or virtual (varies by therapist) | No | Nationwide |
| 7 Cups | Community- based care with peer and professional support |
No | $0 to $299 per month (depending on plan) |
Peer support, individual therapy, groups, wellness tools | Messaging, live chat, phone, video | No | Exclusively online |
| Open Path Collective |
Membership-based access to low-cost therapist directory without a managed therapy platform | No | $40 to $70 per session (+ $65 one-time fee) | Individual, couples, family therapy | In-person or virtual (varies by therapist) | No | Nationwide |
| Online- Therapy. com |
Affordable, structured CBT tools with therapist guidance | No | Starts at $48 / week | Individual therapy, CBT tools | Messaging, weekly video (some plans) |
No | Exclusively online |
This kind of decision isn’t always simple, and that’s okay. The right fit depends on your goals, your preferences, and where you are in your mental health journey right now. Next, we’ll take a closer look at each platform to give you a clearer understanding of what they offer, how they work, and where they might (or might not) align with what you need.
9 BetterHelp alternatives worth considering
Although BetterHelp is a familiar starting point for many seeking online therapy, people explore other options for a variety of common reasons. For some, the lack of insurance coverage and the ongoing costs make BetterHelp feel out of reach over time. Others are looking for a more customized or structured connection with their therapist, rather than relying on fast, algorithmic matching. And for some, they want to find care that better reflects their identity, values, or long-term goals for mental health.
If BetterHelp doesn’t feel like the right fit or you’re simply curious about what else is out there, you have plenty of other platforms to consider. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most widely used and trusted alternatives, so you can find the one that best fits your needs.
Affordable therapy from trusted professionals
1. Grow Therapy
In-network therapy and medication made easier
Best if you want: A streamlined way to access both therapy and psychiatric care through your insurance
Therapy cost:
Sessions cost an average of $21 with insurance (but will vary depending on insurance coverage and plan).
Costs typically include co-pays, deductibles, or coinsurance.
No out-of-pocket platform fees or membership are required.
Overview:
Grow Therapy helps clients connect with licensed therapists and psychiatric providers who are in-network with their insurance. Rather than offering a tech-heavy experience, Grow Therapy focuses on simplifying the process of finding a provider who accepts your plan, specializes in your needs, and offers either virtual or in-person care.
You can search for therapists based on insurance coverage, availability, specialty, and location, making it easier to filter out options that don’t fit. You won’t have any membership fees or platform charges — clients simply pay the standard co-pay, deductible, or coinsurance based on their insurance plan.
Grow Therapy vs. BetterHelp:
While BetterHelp doesn’t accept insurance or offer psychiatric services, Grow Therapy gives clients access to in-network therapy and medication management, making it a more comprehensive and often more affordable option for those using insurance.
Services offered:
Individual, couples, family, and adolescent therapy
Psychiatry and medication management
Virtual and in-person appointments
Therapist filtering by insurance, specialty, and availability
No subscriptions, messaging therapy, or app-based tools
Pros:
In-network with many major insurance providers
Offers both therapy and medication management
Easy filtering to find a provider that matches your needs
Licensed, vetted therapists
Offers both virtual and in-person options
No subscription or platform fees
HIPAA-compliant
Cons:
No app-based features (like messaging or progress tracking)
Insurance-based model may not appeal to those without coverage
Not designed for crisis care or short-term peer support
Limited insight into how therapists or prescribers are vetted
Grow Therapy helps close the gap between insurance coverage and accessible therapy and medication, making it easier to find a provider who fits your plan and preferences, without the usual legwork.
2. Talkspace
An insurance-friendly, full-service alternative
Best if you want: A therapy platform that works with insurance and offers access to both therapy and psychiatric care
Therapy cost:
With insurance, the average copay is between $0 and $25.
Depending on the subscription and level of service, it costs $69 to $109 per week without insurance (billed monthly).
Talkspace accepts many major insurance providers, including Cigna, Aetna, and Optum.
Overview:
Talkspace is one of the most prominent online therapy platforms and is often seen as a close comparison to BetterHelp. Like BetterHelp, it offers therapy via text messaging, video, and phone, but with a few notable differences, including support for psychiatry and medication management and the ability to work with many major insurance providers. However, psychiatric services are costly. An initial evaluation is $299 and follow up sessions are $175 without insurance coverage.
To get started, users fill out an intake questionnaire and select their preferences. After the intake process, Talkspace will match you with a licensed provider using an advanced algorithm that factors in your answers and preferences. Once you’re matched with a provider, you can begin therapy through your chosen communication format.
Talkspace vs. BetterHelp:
While BetterHelp does not offer psychiatric services, Talkspace gives clients access to medication management alongside therapy, making it a more comprehensive option for those needing both types of care.
Services offered:
Individual therapy, couples therapy, teen therapy, LGBTQIA+ therapy, and therapy for veterans
Psychiatry and medication management for anxiety, depression, ADHD, OCD, and more
Asynchronous messaging therapy and scheduled video or phone sessions
Optional progress tracking and mental health tools in the app
Therapists are licensed professionals, and psychiatrists can prescribe medication if appropriate. However, not all plans include access to both therapy and psychiatric care; it depends on the plan you select or what’s covered by your insurance.
Using insurance can make Talkspace one of the more affordable options available, though without coverage, the out-of-pocket cost can add up, especially if you’re looking to combine therapy with medication support.
Pros:
Accepts insurance, which can significantly reduce costs
Offers both therapy and psychiatry, including medication support
Can switch providers at any time at no additional cost
Access to a secure, easy-to-use app with optional goal tracking
Flexible messaging and live session options
HIPAA-compliant
Cons:
Live sessions may be limited, depending on your plan.
Messaging-based therapy may not feel sufficient for deeper or more relational work.
Response time can vary, depending on therapist availability.
Vetting standards for therapists are less rigorous compared to some platforms.
Therapist-client matching is algorithm-based.
Talkspace offers a broad range of mental health services and insurance support, which can be especially helpful for those looking to manage therapy and medication together. However, Talkspace accepts licensed mental health professionals as well as associate therapists, and their onboarding requirements are more minimal than providers like Octave, which vets and continuously monitors fully licensed, experienced clinicians. For clients who prioritize a deeper therapeutic relationship, more thoughtful therapist matching, or stronger provider oversight, it may be worth exploring other alternatives.
Affordable therapy from trusted professionals
3. Octave
Insurance-friendly care from experienced therapists who deliver meaningful results
Best if you want: A therapy experience that offers more than a subscription or app, builds a real connection, works through meaningful goals, and offers the option to use their insurance to make care more affordable
Therapy cost:
Octave is in-network with many major insurance plans, including Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, and Cigna.
The average out-of-pocket cost is $28 per session.
Up to 96% of Octave clients receive insurance coverage.
You can use Octave’s free cost estimation tool to get a personalized estimate based on your location and health insurance plan.
Overview:
Octave offers a more customized approach to online and in-person therapy that’s rooted in thoughtful therapist matching, high clinical standards, and evidence-based care. Rather than using an algorithm to assign you a provider, Octave’s team includes Care Navigators who help match you with a therapist based on your goals, preferences, and communication style, so the process feels more human from the start.
You can also browse Octave’s therapist directory yourself if you prefer to explore different provider options before committing. All therapists at Octave are fully licensed, experienced clinicians—no trainees or associates—who are trained and continually supported to meet high standards of care.
Every candidate undergoes a rigorous vetting process that includes:
A comprehensive interview and clinical case assessment reviewed by Octave’s Clinical Leadership team
Evaluation of skills in client assessment, culturally competent care, and individualized treatment planning
A stringent background check and multi-step interview to ensure they deliver effective, measurement-based care
Ongoing monitoring to confirm good standing with licensing boards and the National Provider Database
Octave vs. BetterHelp:
Unlike BetterHelp, Octave offers thoughtful therapist matching through Care Navigators, works with many major insurance plans, and holds providers to rigorous clinical standards, making it a stronger option for people who want high-quality care that’s built to create real progress and lasting change.
Services offered:
Individual therapy for a wide range of mental health conditions or needs
Couples therapy for communication, intimacy, and relationship challenges
Family therapy for shared support around life transitions, identity, and mental health conditions
Virtual and in-person sessions in select states
Guided therapist matching and ongoing support from Care Navigators
While Octave doesn’t currently offer psychiatry or medication management, therapists can refer you to trusted external providers if medication becomes part of your care plan.
By working directly with insurance companies, Octave helps reduce cost barriers for clients, making high-quality therapy more accessible and sustainable over time.
Pros:
Careful and thoughtful therapist matching through Care Navigators, not algorithms
High clinical standards with 100% fully licensed and experienced providers, not associates or trainees
Both in-person and online therapy services available
Covered by many major insurance plans
Offers individual, couples, and family therapy
Strong emphasis on therapist-client relationship and long-term care continuity
Offers specialized Centers of Excellence for key populations (including trauma, perinatal and postpartum care, LGBTQIA+, women’s emotional health, and more)
HIPAA-compliant
Cons:
Not available in all states (though expansion is ongoing)
No psychiatry services or medication management offered directly
Scheduled sessions only; no asynchronous or unlimited messaging options
Doesn't have built-in digital features because Octave prioritizes human-led care and support
Octave is built for people who want therapy that feels like a partnership, where the relationship is central, the care is grounded in evidence, and the process respects your time, goals, and identity. If you’ve tried therapy before and it didn’t feel quite right, Octave offers a thoughtful alternative that meets you where you are and supports where you’re going.
4. Brightside
Focused care for anxiety and depression
Best if you want: Integrated therapy and medication support from a single platform for anxiety and depression
Therapy cost:
$95/month for medication-only plan
$299/month for therapy-only (includes 4 video sessions/month)
$349/month for therapy + medication bundle
Insurance coverage available
Overview:
Brightside is a platform designed for people looking for both therapy and psychiatry under one roof. It’s especially geared toward treating anxiety and depression, with a model that includes medication management, personalized treatment plans, and ongoing mental health support from licensed professionals. Brightside also accepts several major insurance providers, including Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, and more.
Clients start with a brief mental health assessment, after which they’re matched with a therapist or psychiatric provider, or both, based on their needs. Brightside offers three main care plans that combine therapy, psychiatry, or both, and includes access to evidence-based tools like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) exercises and progress tracking.
Brightside vs. BetterHelp:
BetterHelp focuses only on therapy, but Brightside offers a bundled approach with therapy, psychiatry, and medication support, designed specifically for treating anxiety and depression.
Services offered:
Individual therapy
Psychiatry and medication management
Therapy + psychiatry bundled plans
Asynchronous messaging with your provider
Self-guided CBT tools and symptom tracking
Brightside is a strong fit for clients looking for clinical care with medication oversight and insurance coverage, especially if they prefer to manage everything through one platform. It’s less customizable in terms of therapy style or provider selection, but the bundled model can be a convenient and efficient option for those with specific mental health concerns.
Pros:
Includes both therapy and psychiatry in one place
Self-guided CBT tools and progress tracking included
Fast access to providers for both therapy and prescriptions
Focused care for anxiety, depression, and related conditions
HIPAA-compliant
Cons:
Limited scope of care; best for anxiety and depression
No couples or group therapy
Less flexibility in provider selection or format customization
For people seeking medication and therapy together, Brightside’s streamlined model can remove some of the guesswork. It’s designed to help clients feel supported both emotionally and clinically, without needing to navigate separate systems for therapy and psychiatric care.
5. Alma
A transparent, insurance-friendly way to find therapy
Best if you want: Easy access to licensed therapists who take your insurance, with flexibility to choose the right fit
Therapy cost:
Varies based on insurance plan (co-pay, coinsurance, or deductible)
Some out-of-pocket or sliding scale options available directly with providers
No subscription or membership fees
Overview:
Alma is a therapy platform designed to make it easier to find licensed therapists who accept insurance, whether you’re looking for virtual or in-person care. Alma isn’t a subscription service or app-based therapy platform but is a curated network of vetted providers, many of whom specialize in working with diverse identities and communities.
Clients can browse therapist profiles directly, filtering by specialty, therapy style, accepted insurance, and lived-experience markers (like LGBTQIA+ or trauma-informed care). This approach gives you more control over who you work with, but it also means you have no guided therapist matching, which can sometimes feel overwhelming for those who are unsure where to start.
Alma vs. BetterHelp
While BetterHelp doesn’t accept insurance and matches you through an algorithm, Alma gives you more control by letting you browse and choose your own in-network therapist. However, the lack of guided matching can sometimes make it harder to get started, especially compared to Octave’s Care Navigator support.
Services offered:
Individual, couples, and family therapy
Therapy for children and adolescents
Psychiatry and medication management with select providers
In-person and virtual sessions
Pros:
In-network with many major insurance providers, including Aetna, Cigna, Optum and UnitedHealthcare
Transparent therapist profiles with identity, specialty, and approach filters
Offers both in-person and virtual sessions
Access to psychiatric care through select providers
HIPAA compliance is upheld individually by each licensed therapist you work with.
Cons:
No guided matching process, which can make getting started harder for some
Varying therapist availability, depending on location and insurance
Psychiatric services not available with every provider
Widely varying costs, depending on provider and insurance coverage
Alma is a strong choice for people who want full control over who they work with, transparent pricing up front, and a smoother path to using insurance for mental health care, without the layers of a subscription model or tech-based therapy app.
6. TherapyDen
A progressive directory for inclusive, values-aligned therapy
Best if you want: A therapist who shares your values, identities, or lived experiences, without going through a platform or subscription
Therapy cost:
Search and platform use is free.
Session rates are set by each therapist individually.
Insurance varies by provider.
Overview:
TherapyDen is a therapy directory designed to help people find a provider who not only specializes in their concerns, but who also aligns with their values, identities, and lived experiences. Unlike an app or subscription service, TherapyDen is a free-to-use directory that puts you in charge of finding and contacting a therapist directly.
What sets TherapyDen apart is its explicit focus on inclusivity and social justice. Clients can filter by specialties, identities (like LGBTQ+ or BIPOC providers), and focus areas (like racial trauma, poly-friendly, or body-positive care). It’s ideal for anyone looking to work with a therapist who “gets it” and who practices through a lens of cultural awareness and affirming care.
TherapyDen vs. BetterHelp:
Unlike BetterHelp’s algorithmic matching, TherapyDen gives you the ability to search directly for a therapist who aligns with your identities, values, and lived experience.
Services offered:
Directory of licensed therapists with diverse identities and specialties
Wide range of services, including therapy for individuals, couples, families, children, teens, and groups
Also offers medication management and neuropsychological assessments
Filters for specific communities and values (for example, LGBTQ+, neurodivergent, and so on)
In-person and virtual options (based on provider availability)
TherapyDen doesn’t act as a therapy platform, but it does give you the tools to find someone who truly fits. If your priority is working with a therapist who brings affirming, identity-conscious care to the table, it’s one of the best places to start.
Pros:
Strong focus on inclusivity and cultural competency
Free to use, with no subscription or app required
Easy-to-use filters to find therapists by identity, specialization, or values
Wide range of therapy formats and pricing (set by each provider)
HIPAA compliance is upheld individually by each licensed therapist you work with.
Cons:
Not a tech platform, so you have no in-app messaging, billing, or scheduling.
Session costs and insurance options vary widely.
Clients must reach out to providers directly to coordinate care.
If finding a therapist who understands your lived experience is just as important as their credentials, TherapyDen offers a refreshing, people-first way to find the right fit.
7. 7 Cups
Peer and professional support in one platform
Best if you want: A mix of peer support and professional therapy, with flexible pricing and communication options
Therapy cost:
Free for listener chat, community forums, and basic self-help
$12.95/month for Premium self-help features
$159.00/month for unlimited messaging with a licensed therapist
$299.00/month for weekly talk therapy sessions
Insurance not accepted
Overview:
7 Cups offers a unique blend of community support and professional care. Originally built around free, 24/7 emotional support from trained listeners, the platform has evolved to include access to credentialed therapists, live sessions, group support, and self-guided wellness tools. This mix makes 7 Cups one of the most flexible and affordable options for those beginning—or returning to—their mental health journey.
Users can start with free support from volunteer listeners or opt into Premium self-help features and messaging-based therapy with licensed providers. The platform also includes tools like smart provider matching, easy scheduling, and the ability to switch providers if needed.
7 Cups vs. BetterHelp:
Unlike BetterHelp, which requires a monthly subscription, 7 Cups provides free peer support and lower-cost therapy options, offering a softer entry point for people just beginning their mental health journey.
Services offered:
Free emotional support from trained listeners
Therapy with credentialed providers via messaging, chat, phone calls, or video
Group support sessions and moderated community forums
Premium Growth Paths, mindfulness tools, and wellness resources
7 Cups stands out for its accessibility and layered support options, offering a starting point for people who may not be ready for traditional therapy, as well as a therapy track for those who are. While it doesn’t offer psychiatry or insurance billing, it provides a meaningful bridge between emotional support and clinical care for those seeking flexibility and affordability.
Pros:
Combines free peer support with access to licensed therapy
Includes live sessions (chat, phone, video) with therapists
Offers self-help tools, community forums, and Growth Paths
Get matched with a therapist or choose one from their directory
Easy therapist switching
Therapy services are HIPAA-compliant (though peer support chats are not protected under the same regulations).
Cons:
No psychiatry or medication management
Insurance not accepted
Volunteer listeners are not licensed professionals.
Limited insight into how they match you to a therapist with their smart provider matching
May not offer enough structure for those with clinical needs
7 Cups can be a helpful step into therapy or a complementary support system for those seeking connection, personal growth, or low-cost mental health care. For clients who need long-term, structured care or want to use insurance, other platforms may offer a more comprehensive fit.
8. Open Path Collective
Low-cost therapy without the platform
Best if you want: A low-cost, no-frills way to work directly with a licensed therapist, without needing insurance or a tech-based platform
Therapy cost:
$65 one-time lifetime membership fee
$40 to $70 per session for individual therapy
$40 to $80 per session for couples or family therapy
Student interns may also be available for a flat rate of $30 per session.
Insurance not accepted (though some clients may seek out-of-network reimbursement)
No ongoing membership fees or subscriptions
Overview:
Open Path Collective is a nonprofit organization dedicated to making therapy more financially accessible. It connects clients with licensed mental health professionals across the United States who offer low-cost sessions, typically between $40 to $70 for individual therapy and $40 to $80 for couples or family sessions. Therapists are either in private practice or part of small clinics, and all have agreed to offer reduced rates through Open Path. However, your household income must be under $100,000 annually to qualify.
Open Path isn’t a therapy platform in the traditional tech sense—it doesn’t host your sessions or provide messaging features—but rather functions as a directory and access point. After paying a one-time $65 membership fee, clients can book directly with participating providers for ongoing care either in person or virtually, depending on the therapist’s availability.
Open Path Collective vs. BetterHelp:
BetterHelp doesn’t accept insurance and charges a weekly subscription, while Open Path connects you to licensed therapists offering deeply discounted per-session rates, with no ongoing platform fees.
Services offered:
Individual, couples, and family therapy with fully licensed mental health professionals
In-person or virtual sessions (depending on therapist)
Pros:
Affordable rates with licensed professionals
Wide provider network across the U.S.
In-person and virtual therapy options available
One-time fee offers lifetime access.
Great for those without insurance or with high deductibles
HIPAA compliance is upheld individually by each licensed therapist you work with.
Cons:
No app or platform-based tools (messaging, scheduling, and so on)
Therapist availability can vary widely.
No psychiatry or medication management
Insurance isn’t accepted directly.
Clients manage communication and logistics directly with the therapist.
For those looking for quality care without the tech interface or high costs, Open Path Collective offers clear, affordable online therapy with vetted professionals.
9. Online-Therapy.com
A structured, CBT-focused experience
Best if you want: A highly structured, self-guided CBT experience with built-in tools for reflection and skill-building
Therapy cost:
Subscription rates start at $48 per week (but will vary depending on the plan).
All plans are billed monthly.
They do not directly accept insurance, but you can apply for financial aid during checkout.
Overview:
Online-Therapy.com offers a unique approach to online therapy by centering its entire platform around cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Rather than providing traditional talk therapy alone, it combines therapist support with a structured toolkit of worksheets, journals, activity plans, and mindfulness exercises designed to help clients build skills and track progress between sessions.
To sign up, you’ll complete an intake questionnaire and choose your preferred plan. Then, Online-Therapy.com’s system will assign you a therapist based on your specific needs and details. Depending on your plan, you’ll get access to live therapy sessions, interactive sessions, and therapeutic tools and resources.
Online-Therapy.com vs. BetterHelp:
Compared to BetterHelp’s more open-ended model, Online-Therapy.com offers a structured CBT program with worksheets, journals, and regular therapist feedback, giving clients a more targeted CBT approach and more tools between sessions.
Services offered:
Individual therapy and couples therapy
Core CBT tools including worksheets, journaling, and goal tracking
Optional live video sessions, depending on the plan
Unlimited messaging and other resources (like yoga videos) included in all plans
Unlike some platforms, Online-Therapy.com doesn’t offer psychiatry, medication management, and does not directly accept insurance payments. It’s best suited for adults seeking short- to mid-term therapy focused on specific issues or personal growth.
Online-Therapy.com offers a more budget-friendly option for those who prefer structured, evidence-backed therapy techniques but do not have insurance.
Pros:
Structured, action-oriented therapy rooted in CBT
Includes self-help tools like journaling, worksheets, and yoga exercises
Better affordability compared to other online platforms that do not accept insurance
Easy to navigate and flexible for those with busy schedules
HIPAA-compliant
Cons:
Therapists are auto-assigned to you by the Online-Therapy.com system.
Live sessions are not included in their basic plan; you must upgrade to a higher plan to access live sessions.
Teen therapy, psychiatry, and medication management are not offered.
This may not be suitable for those seeking a deeper, long-term therapeutic relationship
Therapist qualifications and experience levels vary, and the platform doesn’t have a rigorous vetting process.
Online-Therapy.com offers a valuable option for those looking for affordable, structured support, particularly if they’re motivated to work on themselves between sessions. But for clients seeking more relational, flexible, or customized care, other platforms may be a better fit.
Affordable therapy from trusted professionals.
How to choose what’s right for you
Choosing the best alternative to BetterHelp isn’t just about finding a platform that’s popular or affordable. You need to find the kind of care that will genuinely support your growth, well-being, and long-term mental health goals. Therapy works best when it’s aligned with who you are, what you need, and how you want to engage in the process.
Before making a decision, it can help to step back and reflect on a few key questions to hone in on what you’re really looking for:
Do I want a therapist who specializes in something specific, like anxiety, depression, trauma, or relationship stress?
Have I felt heard and understood in past therapy experiences, and what made those experiences better or harder for me?
Would I feel more supported by a therapist who helps me set goals or one who helps me explore?
Am I looking for online therapy sessions only, or do I want the option for in-person sessions?
Do I need to use insurance, or am I open to paying out of pocket if the right fit isn’t in-network?
How important is flexibility in scheduling, communication style, or session format for my lifestyle and needs?
Is it important that my therapist shares or understands aspects of my identity, culture, or background?
Evaluating your options thoughtfully
When exploring online therapy options, it can be helpful to look at both the essentials and the finer details. From provider qualifications to the scope of care offered, keep a few key factors in mind as you evaluate which option might be the best fit for you.
1. Licensing matters
When it comes to therapy, licensing isn’t just a formality, it’s a critical marker of quality and safety. A licensed therapist has completed extensive training, met professional standards, and is committed to providing care that is ethical, effective, and grounded in clinical expertise. In online therapy, it’s also important that your provider is licensed in the state where you live, as licensing laws vary by location.
At Octave, every therapist is fully licensed, carefully vetted, and continuously held to the highest standards of care. We don’t work with trainees or associate-level providers. Instead, we partner only with experienced clinicians who are committed to delivering exceptional therapy, so you can feel confident you’re receiving support that’s not only compassionate but also clinically sound.
2. Value goes beyond price
Price is often one of the first things people think about when considering therapy, and for good reason. Therapy is an investment of both time and money, and it’s natural to want it to be as affordable as possible. But cost isn’t just about numbers. It’s also about what you’re getting for what you’re paying. A service might look affordable on the surface, but if it doesn’t fully meet your needs, you could end up spending more in the long run from switching platforms, restarting with new providers, or feeling stuck in a cycle that doesn’t truly move you forward.
We believe value comes from care that’s effective and connected. We also work with many major insurance plans to help make that level of care more accessible, so cost doesn’t have to be a barrier to finding the right support.
3. Therapist fit is key
The connection you have with your therapist plays a major role in how effective therapy can be. Research consistently shows that a strong therapeutic alliance is one of the most important predictors of positive outcomes in therapy. The right platform won’t just match you with any provider; it will help you find someone who understands your goals, your needs, and your communication style, so you feel supported every step of the way.
At Octave, 89% of clients report feeling a strong connection with their provider, reflecting our commitment to thoughtful therapist matching and high-quality care. We understand that when you feel truly understood, therapy isn’t just a service, it becomes a powerful, lasting source of growth and support.
4. Consider the range of support
Not all therapy platforms offer the same level or type of care. Some provide a broader range of services, like access to psychiatry and medication management, while others focus more specifically on psychotherapy and emotional support. Knowing what’s available and what you might need over time can help you choose a platform that can grow with you.
We offer individual, couples, and family therapy, all delivered by licensed providers who are grounded in evidence-based care. Our focus is on helping clients build strong foundations for emotional well-being through high-quality, connected therapy. While we don’t offer psychiatry directly, your therapist can help connect you with trusted resources or refer you to a psychiatric provider if medication becomes a part of your care plan.
5. Take privacy and security seriously
Therapy often involves sharing personal and sensitive information, so it’s essential to choose a platform that takes privacy and security seriously. Protecting your health information isn’t optional; it’s a critical part of ethical, responsible care. Look for services that use secure, HIPAA-compliant systems to protect your data. This ensures that your information is encrypted, stored safely, and only accessible to authorized professionals.
At Octave, privacy and data security are treated with the same level of care as clinical quality. We strictly adhere to HIPAA standards and maintain a clear, transparent privacy policy, so you can feel confident that your personal information is protected every step of the way.
You don’t have to figure it all out at once. Finding the right therapy fit is a process, and having a clearer picture of your goals and how different services are structured can help you make a choice that feels more intentional and supportive. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the options, that’s okay, too. Even taking the time to explore different platforms is a meaningful step toward finding care that fits you. Support should never feel out of reach, it should feel like a good fit.
Why Octave feels different for so many
Finding care that feels right can take time, but when it clicks, it’s worth it. Sometimes the most helpful insights come not just from the experts but also from people who’ve been in your shoes and found the support they needed. Here’s how a few Octave clients describe what that care has felt like for them.
“I’ve had such an impossibly hard time—for the past eight years—finding a therapist both in my network and who I bond with. When I signed up for Octave, they provided me with an amazing in-network therapist within a day. This is truly life changing!”
“My therapist is extremely kind, human-centered, engaged, and invested. I don’t feel like a transactional client, but rather, a human.”
“From the first session I knew my therapist really understood what I wanted from our sessions. She was kind and compassionate while challenging me to work through my anxiety. I’ve worked with other online first mental health providers and was frequently disappointed as the matches never seemed to be the right fit. I’ve recommended Octave to several of my friends.”
Better care begins with Octave
Finding the right therapy isn’t just about price or platform, it’s about feeling understood, supported, and genuinely connected. For others, it means exploring care that aligns a little more closely with their unique goals, whether that means clear structure, coverage through insurance, or a deeper sense of connection with a provider.
If you’ve tried therapy before and it didn’t feel quite right, that doesn’t mean you were doing it wrong. It might just mean that you haven’t found the right space or the right therapist that works best for you yet. Therapy is a personal journey, and the right support can make all the difference. If you’re looking for something a little more thoughtful and grounded in real connection, Octave can help you find a therapist that fits your needs.