In a world where mental health care can be expensive, inaccessible, or overwhelmed by long waitlists, therapy apps have positioned themselves as a fast, affordable alternative. But do they really deliver meaningful support—or just serve as high-tech distractions?
We tested and researched five of the most well-known therapy apps on the market, with a focus on usability, therapist matching, clinical oversight, and emotional impact.
Spoiler: Some of them come surprisingly close to replicating the feeling of a real therapeutic relationship. Others… not so much.
Before diving into individual reviews, we looked for a few non-negotiables:
Best for: Broad therapist access and weekly video sessions
💵 Price: $65–$90/week (billed monthly)
The experience:
BetterHelp offers the largest network of online therapists and makes onboarding fairly smooth. After a short quiz, users are matched with a licensed counselor—usually within 24–48 hours.
You can message your therapist any time and schedule live sessions (video, phone, or chat) once per week.
The verdict:
BetterHelp feels closest to traditional therapy in terms of structure and frequency. The app is secure and user-friendly, and therapists are credentialed and supervised.
Pros:
Cons:
Research note: A 2022 peer-reviewed study in JMIR Mental Health found that BetterHelp users experienced reduced depressive symptoms over 12 weeks—especially when attending video sessions consistently.
Best for: Insurance coverage and flexible messaging therapy
💵 Price: $69–$129/week (varies by plan and insurance)
The experience:
Talkspace matches users with therapists after a more detailed intake. It emphasizes asynchronous messaging, meaning you text your therapist and they respond 1–2 times a day, Monday through Friday.
Video sessions cost extra unless you're on a premium plan. Talkspace is one of the few platforms that works with major insurance providers.
Pros:
Cons:
Research note: A study published in Telemedicine and e-Health (2021) found Talkspace users reported improved anxiety and depression outcomes compared to a control group—though retention rates were modest.
Best for: Self-help tools + community + therapy option
💵 Price: Free with optional premium ($8.99/month or covered by some insurance)
Sanvello isn’t just a therapy app—it’s a mental health platform. It offers guided CBT-based exercises, mood tracking, meditation, and a supportive community space.
While you can access a licensed therapist through the platform (in select states), most users use Sanvello for self-guided support, not traditional therapy.
Pros:
Cons:
User note: Sanvello gets high marks on app stores for its mood journal and “thought reframing” features—but it’s not a full replacement for one-on-one therapy.
Best for: Couples counseling online
💵 Price: $65–$90/week
ReGain is actually part of BetterHelp but focused exclusively on couples therapy. You and your partner share one account and one therapist. You can attend joint sessions or message individually if needed.
While it’s convenient, it depends heavily on the quality of the therapist match—some couples found it transformative, others less structured.
Pros:
Cons:
User note: Couples who had previously tried in-person therapy rated ReGain highly for flexibility, especially for long-distance or co-parenting arrangements.
Best for: AI-based emotional support + CBT tools
💵 Price: Free for AI support; $29.99/month for therapist access
Wysa uses an AI chatbot trained in evidence-based techniques like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help users manage stress, anxiety, and negative thought patterns. It also offers real therapists (with real degrees) as an upgrade.
Wysa isn’t trying to be therapy—it’s trying to be emotional first aid.
Pros:
Cons:
Research note: A peer-reviewed study in JMIR Formative Research (2020) found Wysa’s AI-assisted interventions led to significant reductions in anxiety over 8 weeks for young adults.
If you're looking for something closest to the real thing:
→ Go with BetterHelp or Talkspace (if you have insurance)
If you want to supplement or dip a toe in:
→ Try Sanvello or Wysa as self-guided tools
If you're working through relationship issues:
→ ReGain offers flexibility and joint support
None of these apps replace long-term, in-person therapy for complex trauma, serious mental illness, or deep psychodynamic work. But for everyday stress, anxiety, or relationship strain, they can offer real, meaningful relief—especially when access to traditional therapy isn’t an option.
