Best Online Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Of 2025

To determine the best online therapy providers of 2024, the Forbes Health editorial team distributed an in-depth survey to 43 online mental health providers with questions about their services including therapist qualifications, types of therapy offered, insurance acceptance, size of provider network and more. The Forbes Health editorial team also independently collected data on a variety of metrics, and in total, analyzed 35 metrics to determine its best online therapy ranking. Extra points were awarded to companies who were transparent and provided information about their services via the aforementioned survey.

All of our online therapy rankings take into account a general score that features the same methodology for all rankings (30%), a score specific to the use case we are analyzing for that specific ranking (60%) and a survey completion score (10%).

The general score is calculated as follows:

• Size of provider network (15%)
• Transparency of therapist background and credentials (10%)
• Platform features, such as the ability to select your own provider, if you can switch providers, appointment availability on nights and weekends and whether you can message your therapist any time (34%)
• Privacy, including session privacy and third-party data sharing protocols (10%)
• Inclusivity, including whether it offers gender-affirming care and offers providers who specialize in care surrounding minority group issues (10%)
• Mobile app availability and number of reviews, along with the average review rating (9%)
• Average third-party ratings, including ones from the Better Business Bureau and Trustpilot (12%)

Meanwhile, this specific ranking also takes into account the following methodology:

• Cost of initial consultation, if applicable (15%)
• Session fee or monthly subscription fee (30%)
• Number of sessions included in monthly subscription, if applicable (10%)
• Whether it accept insurance, and the number of insurance providers accepted (20%)
• If it accepts Medicare (5%)
• If it offers special discounts (5%)
• Availability in all 50 U.S. states (10%)
• The ability to stay anonymous (5%)

All star rankings are determined solely by the editorial team

Read more about our online therapy review methodology.

Cognitive behavioral therapy operates via the belief that our thoughts, feelings and behaviors are linked. In order to improve behaviors, CBT seeks to reframe certain thoughts.

“The main idea is that by paying attention to one’s thoughts, and the concurrent feelings, as they happen in a particular situation, one can tease out unhelpful and inaccurate ways of thinking,” says Leide Porcu, Ph.D., a New York-based psychotherapist and certified cognitive behavior therapist. “One can also figure out a viable plan to improve what can be changed.”

CBT takes an interactive approach to addressing how the intersection of our feelings and behaviors affects our daily lives in order to empower change.

CBT is often used in conjunction with traditional talk therapy, says Daniel Sexton, a licensed mental health counselor and a program manager of outpatient services at Mountainside Treatment Center in New York. This is because the therapy itself includes a lot of repetition, and may even include worksheets or practicing specific skills, Sexton continues.

CBT is extensively studied and can be a beneficial form of psychotherapy. A 2021 review of studies from 1987 to 2021 found evidence that CBT has short-term benefits as a treatment for^[2]Nakao M, Shirotsuki K, Sugaya N. Cognitive–behavioral therapy for management of mental health and stress-related disorders: Recent advances in techniques and technologies. BioPsychoSocial Med. 2021;15:16. :

• Anxiety disorders and depression
• Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Bulimia nervosa
• Fibromyalgia
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Drug abuse
• Gambling
• Smoking

When it comes to the long-term benefits of CBT for these conditions, more research is needed.

“Specific forms of CBT have also been developed for treating trauma/PTSD, eating disorders and substance use disorders,” says Amy Mezulis, Ph.D., a licensed psychologist and co-founder and chief clinical officer at Joon, an online therapy resource aimed towards youth and young adults. “CBT can also help with anger and stress management,” adds Dr. Mezulis.

Like most other online therapy modalities, how well online cognitive behavior therapy works depends upon the preferences and focuses of the individual, as well as the therapist’s capability, note Dr. Porcu and Laurie Singer, a licensed marriage and family therapist and a board-certified behavior analyst based in California.

Individuals must be willing and able to engage and practice the exercises given to them to reap the benefits of CBT. While some may find it difficult to emotionally connect with therapists online, others may appreciate or require the flexibility of online accessibility, says Sexton and Danielle Roeske, Psy.D., clinician and vice president of residential services for Newport Healthcare.

“[Online therapy] is particularly helpful for individuals with transportation or social anxiety issues, or those who live in remote areas,” adds Dr. Roeske. “If getting therapy online is the only conduit to therapy, do it!”

FEATURED PARTNER OFFER

We receive compensation from our partners for Featured Partner Offer placements. While this may influence where their products or services appear on our site, it in no way affects our ratings, which are based on thorough research, solid methodologies and expert advice. Our partners cannot pay us to guarantee favorable review of their products or services.

Get $85 Off Your First Month At Talkspace! Using FORBES85 at checkout

Talkspace Online Therapy

• Thousands of licensed therapists, psychiatrists and nurse practitioners across all 50 states
• In network with most major insurers
• Live chat, video, and text sessions available
• Offer care for individuals, teens and couples, across a wide range of specialties
• Therapy help is available to you 24/7

Get Started

On Talkspace's Website

When determining which online CBT service is best for you, it’s important to consider what you’re looking for in a therapist, how you want to receive therapy and how therapy may fit into your budget. While therapy is a highly individualized experience based on needs and preferences, there are many resources available to aid in your search for the best provider for you.

Online databases such as the Beck Institute website can help you search for therapists by location and speciality, recommends Sexton. You may also find therapists through your insurance’s list of covered providers, suggests Dr. Roeske.

If you’re looking for an online CBT program or therapist, Dr. Mezulis and Singer recommend asking the following questions to determine the best fit:

• Is the program self-paced or highly structured?
• How long is the treatment timeline?
• Does the program or provider specialize in my specific mental health needs and other aspects of my identity?
• How will treatment fit into my budget?