Is Online Therapy Cheaper Than In-Person Therapy?

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The benefits of therapy, including improved mental health, reduced stress, and stronger relationships, often far outweigh the costs. However, the actual cost of therapy can still be substantial, often ranging from $120-$200 per session in the United States. Because of this, cost may influence whether you decide to seek psychological support or delay care. While affordable in-person therapy is certainly possible, online therapy has become an increasingly popular option for people hoping to save both money and time.

So, is online therapy truly more cost-effective than in-person therapy? And how can you decide whether online therapy is the right choice for you? Here’s what you need to know.

Does in-person therapy actually cost more than online therapy?

In many cases, online therapy may be less expensive overall than in-person therapy, although this is not always because the session fee itself is lower.

Most therapists who offer talk therapy to individual clients charge the same whether a session takes place in person, online, or by phone. While many therapists see clients both in person and online, some therapists have exclusively online practices; because they do not have the same overhead costs, their fees may be lower than those of comparable nearby providers (although this is not always the case).

Insurance coverage is generally similar for online and in-person therapy. Many insurance plans that cover mental healthcare reimburse online therapy in the same way they reimburse in-person therapy, and in some places, this may be legally required. However, coverage still depends on the therapist, the insurance plan, and whether the provider accepts insurance. As a result, the choice between online and in-person therapy may matter less for reimbursement than finding a therapist who accepts your insurance.

Even when the session fee is the same, online therapy can still reduce the total cost of accessing care. For example, it may help you save money on:

• Fuel, parking, public transportation, or rideshares
• Childcare or eldercare during the session
• Time away from work, since online sessions may be easier to schedule during lunch breaks or other convenient times

Understanding different types of online therapy

The term “online therapy” is broad and is often used to describe several different types of care. Most commonly, it refers to traditional one-on-one therapy that takes place online instead of in person. It may also be called telehealth, virtual therapy, or online counseling. Some therapists may also offer hybrid therapy, which is a mix of online and in-person sessions. This option may be appealing if you have an unpredictable schedule or outside responsibilities, such as childcare or eldercare.

Increasingly, however, the term has been used to encompass a variety of online options, including:

Website- or app-based therapy

Some platforms do not follow the traditional model of a therapist and client speaking directly in real time. Instead, they may offer support through a combination of text messages, emails, phone calls, and video sessions. Some programs may be covered by insurance or offered as a form of employee assistance, although this is not always the case. It is important to check with the platform, your insurance plan, or your employer to understand what costs may apply.

Virtual intensive outpatient programs (IOPs)

IOPs are structured treatment programs that offer more support than weekly therapy but do not require hospitalization. These programs previously took place in person but are increasingly offered online. They may involve group therapy, individual therapy, medication management, or family therapy, depending on the program. Many virtual IOPs meet 3-5 days per week for 2-4 hours per day. IOP costs are often significantly higher than standard therapy due to the intensity of services, but many programs accept insurance, which may cover a substantial portion of the program costs depending on the plan.

Virtual support groups

Virtual support groups are regularly scheduled online meetings where individuals with shared concerns, such as anxiety, grief, or substance use, connect with a therapist or trained facilitator. These groups are often more affordable than individual therapy, with some offered at low cost or even free through community organizations.

International online therapy

International online therapy involves receiving therapy from a provider located in a different country, often to maintain continuity of care after a client moves to a different country. Costs vary based on the therapist’s location and currency differences, but sessions are usually paid out of pocket since insurance coverage is typically limited or unavailable for cross-border care.

Choosing between in-person and online therapy

Even if cost isn’t a deciding factor, you may still prefer online over in-person therapy because you value the flexibility or the ability to do therapy from the comfort and privacy of your home. Others may prefer in-person therapy because they enjoy speaking with a therapist face-to-face or feel more secure that their session will remain private.

Aside from the cost, some additional factors to consider include:

Privacy

Ensuring you have adequate privacy for therapy sessions will ensure that you can be open and honest in sessions, without the threat of interruption. Consider whether you have consistent access to a private location where your online therapy sessions can be conducted; this may include a private room, your car, or even your backyard. If not, in-person therapy may be a better option.

Access

Online therapy may make it easier to find a therapist who fits your needs, especially if you live in a remote area with fewer local providers or have transportation barriers. Online therapy may also offer access to specialists for certain mental health conditions that are less common.

Mental health concerns

While one-on-one therapy conducted over video or the phone is generally considered as effective as in-person therapy, this may not be the case for every condition or mental health concern. In general, individuals with more serious mental health conditions may benefit more from in-person therapy.

Video fatigue

Many people find video calls to be mentally draining. If your job or day-to-day life involves frequent video calls, attending therapy also over video may be unpleasant or burdensome.