Finding a therapist who truly gets you shouldn't feel like a second job. Whether you're in Charleston or Queens, these five telehealth counseling options are worth a closer look.
The Telehealth Counseling Landscape
Teletherapy has moved from a pandemic stopgap to a permanent fixture of mental health care. For adults juggling work, family, and life, remote sessions remove the commute and the waiting room. But not all online counseling is created equal. Some services are national platforms with thousands of therapists; others are small, licensed practices where you know exactly who you're talking to. Insurance acceptance varies widely, as does the depth of specialty care. In South Carolina and New York, licensure rules mean your therapist must be licensed in your state, so it pays to check before you book. The options below span the spectrum, from solo practices to nationwide networks.
How We Evaluated These Services
We looked at five factors: service scope (individual, couples, psychiatry, group), pricing transparency (session rates and insurance accepted), local fit (licensure in SC and NY), therapeutic approach (CBT, DBT, ACT, etc.), and accessibility (telehealth availability, in-person options, ease of contact). Each service was assessed on these criteria, and we noted what stood out for each. No single service wins on every factor; the right choice depends on your needs.
Here's a quick comparison of the five services, with key details at a glance.
| Provider | Best For |
|---|---|
| Counseling Now | Nationwide insurance-friendly therapy and psychiatry |
| Home | Personalized, trauma-informed therapy in SC and NY |
| Willow Therapy Utah | Utah residents seeking diverse therapy approaches |
| Brave Health | Insurance-covered virtual therapy and psychiatry |
| Talkspace | Flexible messaging and nationwide therapist network |
The 5 Services in Detail
#1 Counseling Now
A screenshot of the Counseling Now website.
Counseling Now is a counselor-founded and owned telehealth network operating since 2014. It offers online therapy and psychiatry across multiple states, including Kentucky, Ohio, Indiana, Tennessee, Texas, Arizona, and Missouri. The platform accepts a wide range of insurance plans and provides both individual and group services, including a co-occurring intensive outpatient program. With a large roster of licensed providers, you can filter by specialty and state. It's a solid choice if you want variety and nationwide reach.
#2 Home
A screenshot of the Home website.
Dawn Simmons Counseling, LLC is a boutique telehealth practice led by Dawn Simmons, a licensed professional counselor with dual licenses in South Carolina and New York. In practice since 2017, Dawn offers a warm, client-centered approach integrating CBT, DBT, ACT, and Narrative Therapy. She specializes in trauma, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, personality disorders, and grief/loss for adults 18 and older. Sessions are available via telehealth for SC and NY residents, with limited in-person sessions in North Charleston, SC. She accepts several major insurance plans and offers a private-pay rate of $125 per session. As an LGBTQIA+ ally, Dawn prioritizes creating a safe, affirming space.
#3 Willow Therapy Utah
Willow Therapy Utah provides telehealth mental health counseling to residents of Utah. The practice offers individual, couples, family, child, and teen therapy through a secure, HIPAA-compliant platform. Their therapists use a range of approaches, including ACT, CBT, DBT, EMDR, and Narrative Therapy. While based in Utah, their telehealth services are accessible from anywhere in the state. If you're in Utah and seeking a therapy practice with diverse specialties, Willow is worth considering.
#4 Brave Health
Brave Health is a virtual mental health program that accepts most insurance plans, including Medicaid, Medicare, Marketplace, and Commercial. They offer online therapy and psychiatric medication management, plus group therapy. Their services are designed to be accessible and affordable, with a focus on expanding access to quality care. Brave Health operates nationwide, making it a convenient option for those with insurance coverage. If you need both therapy and medication management, this could be a good fit.
#5 Talkspace
A screenshot of the Talkspace website.
Talkspace is one of the largest online therapy platforms, with over one million users. It offers individual therapy, couples therapy, teen therapy, and psychiatry, plus unlimited messaging therapy. Talkspace accepts many insurance plans, and most insured members have a $0 copay. The platform also provides AI-supported therapy through Tee. With a vast network of licensed therapists, Talkspace is a convenient choice for those who value flexibility and messaging options. However, it may feel less personal than a solo practice.
How to Choose the Right Fit
Start with your state. Teletherapy requires a therapist licensed where you live, so check that first. Next, consider your budget: if you have insurance, filter for providers that accept your plan. Think about your needs: do you want medication management, couples counseling, or a specific modality like EMDR? If you value a personal relationship with your therapist, a solo practice like Dawn Simmons Counseling might suit you better than a large platform. If you prefer messaging or need evening availability, a bigger network could be more flexible. Don't be afraid to ask for a consultation call to see if the fit feels right.
Streamlining Your Search
You can automate part of your search by using insurance verification tools on each platform. Many sites let you check coverage instantly. Set up a spreadsheet to compare session rates, accepted insurance, and specialties. Use calendar reminders to follow up on consultation requests. If you're considering multiple options, schedule brief intro calls in the same week to compare. And don't overlook email: a quick note to a solo practitioner like Dawn Simmons can often get you a personal response faster than a large platform's chatbot.
The Bottom Line
There's no one-size-fits-all when it comes to therapy. Counseling Now offers broad insurance coverage and psychiatry; Dawn Simmons Counseling provides a personalized, trauma-informed approach for adults in SC and NY; Willow Therapy Utah serves Utah with diverse modalities; Brave Health focuses on insurance-covered virtual care; and Talkspace delivers flexibility and scale. Your best choice depends on your location, insurance, and what you need from a therapist. Take the time to compare, ask questions, and trust your gut. The right fit is out there.