The 7 best free online therapy services of 2021
The side effects of life in modern society, combined with the on-going coronavirus pandemic, have turned mental health into a growing global concern. If you feel increased levels of stress or depression but don’t have the financial means to pay for an in-person or online therapist, you should consider free online therapy.
Many websites and apps offer free online therapy, and we’ve researched these services to identify the best support available in 2020. We evaluated the most popular free online therapy services and analyzed these platforms based on 14 key features that are important for people who are looking to receive online mental health support.
Thanks to Online Therapy for this resource!
Online therapy makes therapy more convenient by allowing individuals to have telepsychology sessions from almost anywhere in the world where there’s a stable internet connection.
eTherapyPro – Best Overall
Secure, convenient, and available throughout the United States, eTherapyPro is the best overall free online therapy, offering new patients a three-day trial. Licensed therapists specialize in providing patients with a wide range of mental health support.
CIMHS Free Online Therapy for Depression – Best for Interactive Therapy
Specializing in accessible cognitive behavioral therapy, the CIMHS free online therapy for depression platform centers around the principles of positive psychology. Users complete interactive worksheets and quizzes at their own pace and can download one-page summarizations for future reference.
7 Cups – Best for Peer Support
Offering a strong peer network of volunteer listeners, 7 Cups provides online emotional support chat to individuals in over 189 countries. A community forum and private chat rooms allow users to also create connections with other members on the platform.
BlahTherapy – Best for Text Therapy and Live Chat Sessions
24/7 anonymous text therapy is available via BlahTherapy to individuals seeking to vent about their problems to a stranger with the free chat tool. Professional therapy services are also available, and BlahTherapy hosts online groups and forums covering a wide range of mental health and emotional support topics.
iPrevail – Best for On-Demand Care
Part of the Prevail Health network, iPrevail provides on-demand coaching and care. The platform uses principles of cognitive behavioral therapy to decrease mood-based disorders such as anxiety, depression, eating orders, and addiction recovery. Before release, the iPrevail platform underwent a clinical trial with the Rush University Medical Center to increase its effectiveness.
Free Online Therapy – Best for Free Assessment
Multiple services are offered in partnership with other mental health support sites to help prospective patients access free online therapy services that are right for them. Individuals can choose between three types of chat support: volunteer, online therapy, and relationship counseling.
TickTalkTo – Best for Accessible Care
Accessible talk therapy is available to users worldwide through TickTalkTo iOS and Android mobile applications. Verified happiness coaches provide telepsychology services to individuals seeking mental health services and match users in need with specialists to handle complex issues.
Safe UT – Best for App-Based Support
The SafeUT app provides a way to connect to licensed counselors that are ready to listen to any sized crisis or concern. Support is immediate and confidential, and as easy as reaching for your phone and sending that first message.
How we chose the best free online therapy services
We researched each free online therapy services and evaluated key features to ensure the mental health support offered is secure, reliable, and developed for all types of patients.
Communication Methods
Online therapy is all about convenience. We highlighted services that offer numerous communication channels for patients, including video and phone chat, email, live chat, and text messaging. We also looked for services that have a standalone mobile application and that offer on-demand 24/7 support.
Available Therapists
Therapy needs are specific to each person. We prioritized free-only therapy services that allow you to choose from multiple therapists, including the option to select your own therapist. Many of the platforms we included have an initial assessment process to identify pre-existing symptoms and match individuals with the appropriate mental health coach or licensed professional therapist.
Accessible Care
Online therapy allows you to receive care when you need it the most. We focused on services that provide accessible care, including on-demand or same-day appointments. We also considered how long a patient needs to wait for an appointment when deciding on the best free online therapy services. The programs on this list offer mental health counseling and emotional support to individuals located anywhere in the world.
Free online therapy FAQs
What is free online therapy?
Free online therapy gives individuals experiencing mental health challenges a chance to receive emotional support and counseling from anywhere in the world. Like online therapy, the objective of these services is to make telepsychology accessible to individuals regardless of their geographical location. Many free online therapy services are offered by non-profit organizations, run by volunteers with a psychology background, or exist in the form of chat rooms and peer support.
Is free online therapy effective?
Free online therapy services that utilize volunteers and peer listeners can be effective in providing general emotional support. However, more complex problems and mental health issues may require the attention of a licensed professional. Studies show that structured online therapy sessions can achieve the same outcome as traditional therapy sessions. Online cognitive therapy shows to be equally as effective as in-person sessions when it comes to handling certain mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and panic disorders. However, free online therapy is not an effective solution for crisis and emergency situations.
What are the benefits of free online therapy?
Free online therapy offers accessible emotional support in a secure and confidential environment. Patients have a wider pool of therapists to choose from and don’t have to worry about finding a qualified local licensed therapist to treat specialized mental problems. Online therapy increases privacy by allowing people to remain anonymous and removes the potential trauma of seeing people they know when going to an in-person appointment. The modern convenience of mobile applications allows individuals to receive therapy from anywhere and allows for easy scheduling. Perhaps one of the most appealing benefits of free online therapy is eliminating the financial barrier that keeps some individuals from seeking mental health support.
How much does free online therapy cost?
While there are some on-going free online therapy services, these are often in the form of volunteer listeners and peer coaches that are trained but not professionally licensed. Many services offer a free trial to get a better experience regarding online therapy, but you will need to pay for regular therapy sessions. Some online therapy services offer a low monthly rate, such as iPrevail, at $9.99 per month. However, many services charge more, such as eTherapyPro ($30 per session) or 7 Cups ($150 per month). While these services are not free, they do offer an affordable and convenient alternative to traditional therapy sessions, which can average between $65 to $250 per hour.
Creating a community without stigma
Through our unique blend of Createucation and Edutainment—leveraging films, fresh ideas, and practical tips—we aim to build a world free from stigma. Our mission is to help individuals experience mental health in a meaningful way, making sense of life’s most pressing challenges with understanding and purpose.