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Home arrow Health arrow Mental Health arrow 7 Best Online Therapy Apps for OCD: Which Is Suited to You?

7 Best Online Therapy Apps for OCD: Which Is Suited to You?

HR_author_photo_Edna
Written by Edna Skopljak, MD
HR_author_photo_Edibel
Fact checked by Edibel Quintero, RD
Last update: October 10, 2023
9 min read 439 Views 0 Reviews
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If you’re looking for an effective online therapy provider, these mental health care tools can prove handy.

best online therapy for ocd

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Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is among the most common mental health conditions, affecting roughly 70+ million individuals worldwide. Given the substantial number of people who struggle with OCD symptoms, it’s essential for online therapy services to be widely accessible.

Thankfully, the newfound availability of online OCD therapy opens doors to those who may have previously struggled to access specialized treatment from mental health professionals.

If you’re yearning to take control of your OCD symptoms via online therapy, you’re in the right place. This article explores the best providers for online OCD therapy and dives into the basic components of treating OCD digitally, including pros, cons, and costs.

Discover the top online therapy for OCD apps and embark on your journey toward better mental health. 

#1 Best overall star
Talkspace logo
4.2
stars
  • Accessible therapy via text, video, and audio messages
  • Unlimited messaging support
  • Access to a wide network of licensed therapists
  • Provides medication management services to users 18 years and older
Get Started
Get Started
#2
BetterHelp logo
4.2
stars
  • Various methods of communication, including chat rooms, phone calls, video calls, and live chats
  • Access to support groups
  • Digital journaling
  • Connects users with licensed counselors and therapists
  • Weekly check-ins
Get Started
Get Started
#3
nocd logo
4.1
stars
  • Provides ERP therapy
  • In-app tracking of OCD symptoms and progress
  • Live video sessions with therapists
  • Homework assignments to reinforce therapy
Get Started
Get Started

7 Best Online Therapy Apps for OCD

It’s important to ensure you invest your time and money into effective and reputable OCD treatment.

To help you choose a suitable online therapy platform to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder, we have shortlisted 7 of the best online OCD therapy platforms currently available, accompanied by each provider’s key features, pros, and cons.

#1 Talkspace

Talkspace logo
Our rating:
4.2
stars
  • Text, video, and audio message therapy
  • Unlimited messaging support
  • Wide network of licensed therapists
  • Medication management
Get Started

Talkspace stands out as an innovative online therapy platform that caters to a variety of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, as well as relationship issues. 

Among its digital services, Talkspace provides specialized OCD treatment, connecting those suffering from symptoms of OCD, such as hit-and-run OCD, with licensed therapists. 

It delivers convenient methods of online therapy, enabling patients to choose between text, video, and audio message communication. These options are especially beneficial to individuals with busy lifestyles and those who don’t enjoy traditional face-to-face therapy.

Users can also receive medication management when using this platform, enabling them to further treat their symptoms. 

Overall, Talkspace delivers a tailored approach to patients, empowering them to find therapists suited to their needs and preferences. Users also have the flexibility to switch therapists at no additional cost, further fostering a supportive environment for OCD sufferers. 

  • checkmark
    Discreet therapy sessions
  • checkmark
    Licensed and experienced therapists
  • checkmark
    Flexible scheduling
  • checkmark
    Affordable pricing plans
  • checkmark
    Response times can vary
  • checkmark
    Not covered by all health insurance

#2 BetterHelp

BetterHelp logo
Our rating:
4.2
stars
  • Access to support groups
  • Digital journaling
  • Licensed counselors and therapists
  • Weekly check-ins
Get Started

BetterHelp is a popular online counseling platform that has over 2 million clients. This platform provides a variety of therapy options, including text chats, video therapy sessions, and phone call consultations, enabling users to speak to licensed therapists 24/7.

By offering round-the-clock support, this platform delivers a supportive and flexible network that accommodates busy lifestyles. 

To ensure the well-being of users is maintained, the platform offers weekly check-ins and enables individuals to keep a digital journal where they can record their emotions and symptoms. 

BetterHelp also offers additional services, including group therapy sessions, where patients can privately express their thoughts and feelings with other OCD sufferers. 

From coping strategies to encouragement, this service delivers people with a supportive community of like-minded individuals who face the challenges of living with OCD. 

This can help minimize feelings of isolation, anxiety, and depression, which are symptoms often experienced by OCD sufferers. 

  • checkmark
    Convenient therapy options
  • checkmark
    Unlimited sessions
  • checkmark
    Matches you with a therapist/counselor
  • checkmark
    Flexible scheduling
  • checkmark
    No medication management
  • checkmark
    No immediate crisis intervention
  • checkmark
    Response times may vary

#3 NOCD

nocd logo
Our rating:
4.1
stars
  • Provides ERP therapy
  • In-app tracking
  • Live video sessions with therapists
  • Homework assignments
Get Started

NOCD is an online therapy platform specifically catering to individuals with OCD by offering exposure and response prevention (ERP) therapy, an evidence-based form of treatment for individuals with OCD. 

This platform offers self-guided ERP therapy, enabling users to engage in treatment at a pace that suits them. It also delivers video sessions with accredited therapists who are specially trained to treat patients with OCD.

To ensure users maintain their progress, the app offers homework assignments where individuals can engage in DIY exercises to keep their symptoms at bay. 

It also provides in-app tracking tools, such as a symptom tracker, offering users personalized insights that can help them better understand themselves and manage their OCD. 

There’s also access to an in-app supportive community of individuals who have OCD, where people can share their thoughts and feelings and seek helpful advice and motivation from each other. 

  • checkmark
    Specifically designed for OCD
  • checkmark
    Convenient and easy to use
  • checkmark
    Offers a supportive community
  • checkmark
    Delivers specialized OCD treatment
  • checkmark
    Limited methods of therapy
  • checkmark
    No medication management

#4 OCD Challenge

ocd challenge logo
Our rating:
4.1
stars
  • Structured self-help program
  • Interactive modules and exercises
  • Progress tracking
  • Educational resources
  • Self-guided treatment
Get Started

OCD Challenge is an online self-help therapy program that provides users with relevant tools and guidance to help manage OCD symptoms at home.

Rather than connecting users with a mental health care professional, this platform empowers people to become their own therapist by delivering an interactive and customizable user experience.

Through interactive modules, structured self-help programs, and educational resources, users can treat and manage their symptoms of OCD. 

To ensure people can seamlessly navigate OCD Challenge, the platform features a user-friendly interface, making it easy to add goals, access resources, and track progress. 

This self-guided approach enables users to work at their own pace and gain a deeper understanding of their OCD so that they can successfully manage their symptoms independently. 

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    Exclusively for OCD treatment
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    Cost-effective
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    Self-paced learning
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    Provides helpful information
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    No medication management
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    Lack of human interaction

#5 Liberate: OCD Fighter 

Liberate logo
Our rating:
4.0
stars
  • Interactive tools
  • ERP exercises
  • Daily tracking
  • Educational resources
  • Digital diary entries
  • Mindfulness and relaxation exercises
Get Started

Liberate: OCD Fighter is an app-based platform that provides a user-friendly experience designed to facilitate long-term control of OCD through specialized tools and techniques. 

This platform boasts a variety of helpful, intuitive tools, including goal setting, compulsion tracking, thought analysis, diary entries, and helpful educational resources. 

These features combine to create a supportive virtual environment where users can actively manage and understand their OCD symptoms. 

The app also provides mindfulness and relaxation exercises. This is beneficial for OCD sufferers as it may help people cultivate a deeper awareness of their emotional wellness, which can directly impact their OCD symptoms. 

Mindfulness and relaxation practices can alleviate anxiety and stress, which are common triggers for symptoms of OCD. This, therefore, promotes a calmer state of mind, enabling users to positively progress on their healing journey. 

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    Designed for daily use
  • checkmark
    Engaging approach
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    Evidence-based therapy
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    Provides educational support
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    Promotes mindfulness and relaxation
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    Less personalized guidance
  • checkmark
    No medication management

#6 Amwell

amwell logo
Our rating:
3.9
stars
  • Accredited healthcare professionals
  • Video call sessions
  • Flexible scheduling
  • Provides urgent care
  • Offers second opinions
Get Started

Amwell is a telehealth service provider that delivers medical, therapeutic, and psychiatric services. As part of Amwell’s vast range of services, users can be connected with licensed healthcare professionals, including those who specialize in OCD therapy. 

This comprehensive platform enables people to complete online video sessions with therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists, offering convenient and accessible therapy that seamlessly blends into everyday life. 

Aside from online therapy, Amwell also delivers medication management. This allows patients to receive prescriptions for medicine that can further help treat their OCD symptoms. 

The platform also provides urgent care for individuals experiencing crisis. This ensures users can receive immediate assistance from a trained medical professional when they most need it. 

Given that psychosis and OCD are closely linked, it is not uncommon for individuals with OCD to experience sudden distress or unpleasant thoughts. This feature is a commendable aspect of the app, as it ensures individuals have access to help during such critical moments. 

  • checkmark
    Lots of services to choose from
  • checkmark
    Flexible scheduling
  • checkmark
    Provides medication management
  • checkmark
    Many healthcare professionals available
  • checkmark
    Limited focus on OCD therapy
  • checkmark
    Limited communication methods

#7 Talkiatry 

talkiatry logo
Our rating:
3.9
stars
  • Team of expert psychiatrists
  • Video call sessions
  • Flexible scheduling
  • Offers medication management
Get Started

Talkiatry is a mental health platform equipped with a team of licensed psychiatrists who deliver specialized OCD treatment. It connects individuals with a psychiatrist, depending on their symptoms and concerns, to ensure people receive tailored help. 

In using this platform, users receive personalized treatment plans that align with their individual needs. When booking therapy, individuals have the flexibility to choose a schedule, allowing users to engage in video-call therapy sessions at a time that best suits them. 

Users also have access to medication management, allowing them to receive specialized prescriptions to support the treatment of their OCD. 

Talkiatry is available to people with health insurance, making it both accessible and inexpensive so long as you have coverage. 

  • checkmark
    Health insurance coverage
  • checkmark
    Provides specialized OCD treatment
  • checkmark
    Fully licensed therapists
  • checkmark
    Personalized treatment plans
  • checkmark
    Only for in-network insurance plans
  • checkmark
    Appointment costs differ
  • checkmark
    Limited to 30 US states

What Are the Pros and Cons of Online OCD Therapy?

Due to its accessibility and convenience, online OCD treatment has emerged as a popular alternative to in-person therapy. However, there are some limitations presented by this newfound digital approach.

We have provided the key pros and cons of online OCD therapy to help you make an informed decision on whether this is the right path for you.

  • checkmark
    It offers enhanced accessibility and convenience in the comfort of your home.
  • checkmark
    Many online mental health apps deliver anonymous therapy through alternative methods of communication, such as live chat.
  • checkmark
    It provides specialized treatment that aligns with your symptoms, concerns, and preferences.
  • checkmark
    It’s a cost-effective alternative to in-person therapy.
  • checkmark
    It can be covered by different insurance providers.
  • checkmark
    It provides better flexibility because session schedules are not constrained by traditional office hours.
  • checkmark
    There’s a risk of technical issues occurring because online therapy relies on internet connectivity.
  • checkmark
    Certain online therapy platforms may not provide the immediate support you may need if you are experiencing severe issues with your OCD.
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    It presents privacy concerns related to data breaches. However, most platforms are encrypted and have security protocols.
  • checkmark
    There’s limited human interaction because it’s online-based therapy.

How Much Does Online OCD Therapy Cost?

The average cost of online therapy for those who don’t have health insurance ranges between $40 and $70 per session per week. This is significantly cheaper than individual in-person therapy, which has an average cost of $150 per session.

It’s important to keep in mind that the price of online OCD therapy will differ depending on the provider you choose, the type of professional you see (such as a psychotherapist, counselor, or psychologist), and whether you have healthcare insurance.

Comparison Table

Comparison Winner: Talkspace
4.2
stars
4.2
stars
4.1
stars
4.1
stars
4.0
stars
3.9
stars
3.9
stars
Brand
Talkspace
BetterHelp
NOCD
OCD Challenge
Liberate: OCD Fighter
Amwell
Talkiatry
Pros

Discreet therapy sessions

Licensed therapists

Flexible scheduling Affordable pricing plans

Various therapy options

Unlimited sessions

Therapist matching

Flexible scheduling

Evidence-based treatment

User-friendly interface

Supportive community

Designed for OCD

Designed to treat OCD

Cost-effective

Self-paced learning

Educational resources

Designed for daily use

Various tools

Mindfulness and relaxation exercises

Educational content

Registered healthcare professionals

Multiple services offered

Flexible scheduling

Provides medication management

Covered by many health insurance providers

Specialized OCD treatment

Licensed therapists

Personalized plans

Cons

Response times can vary

Limited health insurance coverage

No medication management

Response times can vary

Limited therapy

No medication management

No medication management

Lack of human interaction

Less personalized guidance

No medication management

Limited OCD therapy

Limited communication methods

Only for in-network insurance plans

Appointment costs differ

Limited to 30 US states

How We Chose the Best Online Therapy Apps for OCD

In order to effectively select the best therapy apps for OCD, we meticulously evaluated three key components: quality, price, and brand reputation. In doing so, we were able to provide a comprehensive overview of the most effective and reliable platforms.

Quality

To gain a well-rounded overview of each app’s quality, we looked at various elements. One area we examined was the user experience provided by each app, which involved identifying how easy they are to navigate, the available resources provided, the degree of personalization available, and similar.

We also looked at the qualifications of the available therapists delivered by each platform. This involved checking to see whether they possess the relevant qualifications and expertise needed to treat patients with OCD.

Price

Upon assessing the pricing of OCD therapy apps, we took into account several elements. We compared pricing models from different platforms, including the subscription options available and pay-per-session options offered, to unveil the cost-effectiveness of each app.

We also looked at the insurance coverage offered by each digital therapy provider to explore which app provides the most affordable coverage.

Finally, we reviewed each app’s availability of free trials and discounts to assess how accessible their services were to new users.

Brand reputation

To evaluate the brand reputation of each provider, we explored customer reviews and testimonials, scrutinized each platform’s commitment to ethical therapeutic practices, and assessed the quality and responsiveness of each app’s customer support.

We also looked into their achievements within the industry by searching for any awards and certifications, as these indicate positive recognition from mental health organizations, which reflects the app’s credibility.

A Word From Our RD

Expert image border HR_author_photo_Edibel
Edibel Quintero, RD
Medical advisor for Health Reporter

Mental health is integral to our overall well-being. It impacts our happiness, thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, which is why it’s essential to ensure we treat it with care.

OCD, in particular, is a mental health condition that requires expert treatment. By treating OCD, your repetitive thoughts, overwhelming impulses, and feelings of anxiety can become manageable and even disappear, providing you with relief and the ability to take back control of your life.

There are many ways you can treat OCD, including medication, cognitive behavioral therapy, or a combination of both. You may even find simple at-home exercises, like meditation or simply taking a walk, an effective way of alleviating your symptoms of OCD.

Whichever type of therapy you opt for, it’s paramount to ensure you are seeking help from a qualified professional to ensure you reap the benefits of effective treatment.

FAQs

Is online therapy effective for OCD?

Online therapy can be exceptionally effective if you suffer from OCD. Many virtual therapy platforms provide evidence-based therapy, such as exposure and response prevention (ERP) therapy, which is clinically proven to be an effective treatment for OCD.

What type of therapy is best for OCD?

Exposure and response prevention (ERP) therapy is recognized as the most effective treatment for OCD. Many digital mental health support platforms deliver this type of therapy, ensuring individuals with OCD receive effective and beneficial treatment.

What is the 6-step therapy for OCD?

The 6-step therapy for OCD is broken down like this: assessment, exposure, response prevention, homework, and maintenance. This engaging framework systematically addresses obsessions and compulsions to help individuals overcome their OCD and regain control of their lives.

Conclusion: Who Stands Out?

The ever-evolving world of digital therapy has made treatment more accessible than ever. 

Whether you’re seeking medication management, exposure and response prevention (ERP) therapy, or cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), there’s a multitude of digital platforms available that can help you combat the effects of OCD.

While there are many wonderful online therapy apps designed to treat OCD, we found that three particularly stood out from the rest: Talkspace, BetterHelp, and NOCD

These leading platforms excel due to their wide range of tailored features, including medication management, access to licensed therapists, and proven treatment methods, like ERP therapy. 

As individuals search for accessible and effective ways to manage their OCD, these platforms shine as beacons of support, enabling people to regain control of their lives through unique and exclusive online methods and tools.

Written by Edna Skopljak, MD
Edna Skopljak, MD, is a medical advisor for the Health Reporter, a general practitioner who also worked as a medical doctor at the Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Traumatology. In addition to clinical work, she has years of experience in medical research as an editor at a prestigious medical journal.
The article was fact checked by Edibel Quintero, RD
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HR_author_photo_Edna
Written by Edna Skopljak, MD
HR_author_photo_Edibel
Fact checked by Edibel Quintero, RD
Last update: October 10, 2023
9 min read 439 Views 0 Reviews
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