Therapy by Text and Chat
Therapy that happens in writing. You message a therapist through an app and they reply, usually on a promise of so many replies a week rather than a set appointment. It suits people who think by writing, who cannot take an hour off in private, or who freeze on video. It suits crises and complicated cases less well, and several of these services say so themselves. The entries here record what a messaging plan actually guarantees, whether live sessions cost extra, how quickly replies arrive, and which services are messaging first rather than messaging only.
- 1
Online therapy platform with 31,450 licensed therapists, messaging, chat, audio and video sessions, and flexible provider matching.
- 2
Online therapy and psychiatry platform offering individual, couples and LGBTQIA+ therapy via messaging, chat, audio and video, with insurance coverage for Cigna, Aetna and Optum members.
- 3
Free, 24/7 text-based crisis support for anxiety, depression, self-harm and suicide.
- 4
Online relationship therapy with credentialed therapists, start solo or with your partner on a shared account.
- 5
Online therapy and text therapy subscription, video and messaging with licensed therapists, from $50 per week, 20% off with code CARE20.
- 6
BetterHelp's online therapy platform serving 6+ million users through 31,000+ therapists offering messaging, chat, audio, and video therapy.
- 7
BetterHelp's faith-based therapy platform matching users to licensed therapists via text, chat, phone, or video, open to individuals.
- 8
24/7 text-based mental health support for schools, employers, and communities, with licensed counselors available instantly, not direct to consumers.
- 9
Optum Behavioral Care connects you with therapists and psychiatrists for in-person or virtual appointments across 150+ locations across the country (with a handful of state exclusions), accepting most insurance plans.
- 10
A digital mental health company providing Happify (self-guided wellness app), Dario Connect (telehealth), and Dario Mind (digital therapeutics) to employers, health plans, and pharma companies.
- 11
AI-assisted mental wellness app combining 24/7 chatbot support with access to licensed therapists and mood-tracking tools.
- 12
Circle Medical is an online primary care clinic with mental health services specializing in ADHD, offering $120 per appointment self-pay or $0-$35 average out-of-pocket for insured patients with accepted PPO plans.
- 13
Virtual therapy and psychiatry platform treating anxiety, depression, and trauma through licensed therapists in California with Medi-Cal acceptance.
- 14
Licensed in-person and online therapy across six states, matching clients with therapists trained in CBT, DBT, EMDR and other evidence-based approaches.
- 15
ABA therapy provider for children with autism across Indiana, Tennessee, Georgia, North Carolina, and Virginia, offering in-home, in-school, and clinic-based services.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get medication management along with text-based therapy?
Yes, several platforms on our list combine therapy with psychiatric medication management or prescription-based treatments. Some options offer app-based messaging alongside medication support to help manage your mental health more comprehensively.
Are there options specifically for couples who prefer messaging?
Yes, there are platforms dedicated to couples therapy that offer unlimited messaging with relationship-focused therapists. These services often include live video or phone sessions as well.
How does text-based therapy work if I also want to talk to someone live?
Many providers on this list offer messaging as a primary way to connect, but they also provide the option for scheduled live video or phone sessions. This allows you to use text for daily check-ins while still having regular face-to-face appointments.
I have a very busy schedule. Is there any way to get support without a set appointment time?
You can find options that provide unlimited messaging or app-based content that fits into small windows of time. Some services offer daily classes or text-based support that responds within a 24-hour window, giving you much more flexibility than traditional office hours.