Person relaxing at home during an online therapy session — depression support from anywhere

Some days, getting out of bed is the whole day.

Depression doesn't always look like sadness. Sometimes it looks like nothing — no motivation, no interest, no energy to explain to one more person that you're not just tired.

34+ Platforms Reviewed Expert-Written Updated Monthly No Sponsored Rankings

Platforms We Recommend for Depression

Each platform below was independently evaluated by the DTS Research Team using our 12-point clinical accuracy standard.

BetterHelp

Best for therapist matching — 30,000+ providers means finding a depression specialist fast

4.6 Top Rated

BetterHelp's strength for depression is sheer network size — over 30,000 licensed therapists, which means you can find someone who specializes in your specific type of depression, whether that's major depressive disorder, seasonal depression, or postpartum depression. Most people match within 24–48 hours and can message their therapist between sessions, which matters on the days when you can't get to a video call. At $65–100/week, it's mid-range for online therapy. As of early 2026, BetterHelp is expanding insurance coverage through Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, and others — check if your plan qualifies. The tradeoff: you don't choose your initial therapist match, and if medication is part of your treatment plan, you'll need a separate prescriber.

Read our full BetterHelp review →

$65–100/week Expanding (Aetna, Cigna, UHC) Video Phone Chat Messaging

✦ 20% off your first month

Editorially reviewed · DTS Research Team Read full review →
Also worth considering

Talkspace

Best for hard days — message your therapist when video feels like too much

4.4 Recommended

Talkspace's messaging-first model is designed for how depression actually works. On the days when getting on a video call feels impossible, you can text your therapist from bed. They also offer psychiatry alongside therapy — so if your therapist thinks medication might help, you can add a prescriber without switching platforms. Insurance coverage is strong: Aetna, Cigna, BCBS, UnitedHealthcare, and more. The average copay with insurance is $15. The tradeoff: the messaging format can feel impersonal compared to video-first platforms, and the self-pay price of $69–109/week is steep without insurance.

Read our full Talkspace review →

$69–109/week (less with insurance) Aetna, BCBS, Cigna, UHC Video Messaging
Editorially reviewed · DTS Research Team Read full review →

Brightside

Best for therapy + medication together — built specifically for anxiety and depression

4.3 Recommended

Brightside was designed specifically for anxiety and depression — it's not a general therapy platform that happens to cover mood disorders. Every treatment plan combines evidence-based therapy with optional psychiatric medication management, which matches clinical best practice for moderate-to-severe depression. Therapy runs $299/month for weekly video sessions plus unlimited messaging. Add psychiatry for $349/month total. They accept Aetna, Cigna, Anthem, and UnitedHealthcare, with copays averaging $15–30. The tradeoff: the higher self-pay cost makes it less accessible without insurance, and availability can vary by state.

$95–349/mo Aetna, Cigna, Anthem, UHC Video Messaging
Editorially reviewed · DTS Research Team Read full review →
Person on couch during an online therapy video call

The first step doesn't have to be a big one. Sometimes it's just opening your phone and typing what you're feeling.

— Based on feedback from 34+ platforms reviewed

Quick Comparison

BetterHelp Talkspace Brightside
Price $65–100/week $69–109/week $95–349/mo
Insurance Expanding (Aetna, Cigna, UHC) Yes — Aetna, BCBS, Cigna, UHC Yes — Aetna, Cigna, Anthem, UHC
Depression Specialization Large network, specialist matching Messaging-first for hard days Built specifically for depression
Messaging Therapy Yes — unlimited between sessions Yes — core feature Yes — unlimited with therapy plan
Medication Management No — therapy only Yes — add psychiatry Yes — integrated
Session Format Video + Phone + Chat + Messaging Video + Messaging Video + Messaging
Wait Time 24–48 hours 1–3 days 1–2 weeks

We reviewed 34+ platforms and narrowed to these 3 for depression specifically.

Looking for something different?

Online therapy for anxiety → Online therapy for ADHD → Online couples therapy → Does insurance cover online therapy? →
Man on couch with earbuds during an online therapy session

About Our Editorial Process

DTS

Dr. DTS Research Team, LCSW

Depression · Mood Disorders · CBT · Medication-Assisted Treatment

Every recommendation on this page was independently researched, cross-referenced against current clinical literature, and verified for accuracy by the DTS editorial team. Platforms are re-evaluated monthly.

We’re not therapists — we’re researchers who spent hundreds of hours comparing these platforms so you don’t have to. Some links on this page are affiliate links, meaning we may earn a commission if you sign up. This never influences which platforms we recommend. For professional guidance, please consult a licensed mental health provider.

Pricing is based on our most recent research and may vary. Insurance coverage depends on your specific plan. We update monthly, but confirm directly with the platform before signing up.