Telemedicine Reviews: Comparing Online Therapy and Telehealth Platforms in 2025
Introduction
In 2025, telemedicine has evolved from a pandemic-era necessity into a cornerstone of accessible healthcare, with over 80% of Americans using digital health services at least once annually. Online therapy platforms cater specifically to mental health, offering convenient, stigma-free support for anxiety, depression, and more, while general telehealth services provide broader medical consultations, from routine check-ups to chronic care management. As demand surges—mental health app downloads are up 25% year-over-year—choosing the right platform requires navigating features, costs, and efficacy.
This review, based on extensive testing and user surveys from sources like Forbes Health and Verywell Mind, compares top platforms in both categories. We'll explore differences, spotlight leaders like Talkspace for therapy and Teladoc for telehealth, and provide a comparison table to guide your decision.
Online Therapy vs. General Telehealth: Key Differences
Online therapy platforms focus on psychological support, often via licensed therapists using evidence-based methods like CBT, delivered through messaging, video, or audio sessions. They excel in flexibility for ongoing mental health needs but may lack integration with physical health records.
General telehealth, conversely, encompasses virtual visits for medical issues—prescriptions, diagnostics, even minor procedures—prioritizing quick access to physicians or specialists. Efficacy studies show no significant difference in outcomes between virtual and in-person therapy for common conditions, with telehealth reducing depressive symptoms equivalently. However, virtual care shines in accessibility: 70% of users cite convenience as a top pro, though cons include tech glitches (15% dropout rate) and privacy concerns.
In 2025, hybrid models blend both, with AI triage enhancing efficiency. Costs vary: Therapy averages $65-100/session, and telehealth $40-80/visit, often covered by insurance.
Top Online Therapy Platforms in 2025
Based on Forbes' testing of 27 services and Verywell Mind's survey of thousands, here are the standouts.
1. Talkspace
Serving over a million users, Talkspace offers unlimited messaging with therapists, plus live video sessions. Pros: Insurance acceptance (80% coverage), teen/partner therapy; cons: No walk-in crisis support.
Cost: $69/week basic, $109/week live. Rating: 4.7/5 (user surveys praise quick matches).
2. BetterHelp
The largest platform with 30,000+ counselors, BetterHelp uses worksheets and group sessions alongside 1:1 care. Pros: 24/7 access, diverse specialties; cons: No psychiatry integration (meds via separate app).
Cost: $65-90/week. Rating: 4.5/5, lauded for affordability but mixed in match quality.
3. Cerebral
AI-driven matching pairs users with providers for therapy and meds in one app. Pros: Holistic mental health (ADHD, anxiety); cons: Higher costs for meds.
Cost: $99/month basic, $325/month with meds. Rating: 4.6/5, strong for integrated care.
4. Brightside
Specializing in anxiety/depression, it includes medication management. Pros: Evidence-based protocols; cons: Limited to specific conditions. Cost: $95/month for therapy, $349/month with meds. Rating: 4.4/5.
5. 7 Cups
The program offers peer-led listening with optional therapist upgrades. Pros: Free basic support; cons: Less clinical depth.
Cost: Free-$150/month. Rating: 4.3/5 for entry-level users. Everyday Health's review of 65 services echoes these, emphasizing ethical standards and affordability.
Top General Telehealth Platforms in 2025
Healthline's evaluation highlights these broad services.
1. Teladoc Health
The giant with 90 million users offers 24/7 primary care, therapy, and dermatology. Pros: Broad network, chronic condition tools; cons: Higher copays.
Cost: $0-99/visit (insurance-dependent). Rating: 4.6/5.
2. Amwell (American Well)
HIPAA-compliant video visits integrate with EHRs. Pros: Scalable for providers; cons: App glitches reported.
Cost: $79/visit. Rating: 4.5/5.
There is quick access to PCPs and therapists. Pros: Urgent mental health; cons: No imaging.
Cost: $0-75/visit. Rating: 4.4/5.
4. Included Health (formerly Doctor on Demand)
Holistic care with nutrition counseling. Pros: Preventive focus; cons: Wait times.
Cost: $129/visit. Rating: 4.5/5.
5. PlushCare
We offer membership for ongoing primary care. Pros: Unlimited messaging; cons: U.S.-only.
Cost: $129/year + visits. Rating: 4.3/5.
Medtech Founder's list for provider notes We are using Doxy.me and Zoom for Healthcare as our tech backends.
Comparison Table: Online Therapy vs. Telehealth Platforms
| Platform | Category | Key Features | Cost (Monthly/Visit) | Insurance? | User Rating | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Talkspace | Therapy | Messaging, video, psychiatry | $69-109/week | Yes | 4.7/5 | Flexible, teen support | No crisis line |
| BetterHelp | Therapy | Worksheets, groups | $65-90/week | No | 4.5/5 | 24/7 access | Match variability |
| Cerebral | Therapy | AI matching, meds | $99-325/month | Yes | 4.6/5 | Integrated care | Condition-specific |
| Teladoc | Telehealth | Primary, therapy, derm | $0.99/visit | Yes | 4.6/5 | Broad services | Copay variability |
| Amwell | Telehealth | EHR integration | $79/visit | Yes | 4.5/5 | Scalable | Tech issues |
| MDLive | Telehealth | Urgent care | $0.75/visit | Yes | 4.4/5 | Quick access | Limited diagnostics |
(Data synthesized from Forbes, Verywell Mind, and Healthline reviews).
Pros and Cons of Each Category
Online Therapy Pros: Privacy (home sessions reduce stigma), affordability (no travel), and scalability for rural users. Cons: Screen fatigue, fewer nonverbal cues affecting rapport.
Telehealth Pros: Comprehensive (meds + therapy), insurance parity in 40 states. Cons: Regulatory hurdles for prescriptions, digital divide for the elderly. User experiences: 85% report satisfaction with therapy apps for convenience, but 20% prefer in-person for complex cases.
Trends Shaping Telemedicine in 2025
AI personalization (e.g., Cerebral's matching) and hybrid care (virtual + in-person) dominate, with telehealth visits projected at 200 million. Privacy enhancements via blockchain and expanded Medicaid coverage boost equity. Challenges: Burnout among providers (30% turnover) and data breaches.
Choosing the Right Platform
Assess needs: Therapy for mental health? Opt for Talkspace. Does Teladoc offer full medical services? Check insurance, read reviews on Trustpilot, and trial free sessions.
Conclusion
In 2025, telemedicine bridges gaps in care, with online therapy excelling in mental wellness and telehealth in holistic health. Platforms like Talkspace and Teladoc lead, but your choice depends on priorities. As virtual care matures, it promises equitable, efficient healing—empowering users to thrive digitally.