Is online therapy as effective as in-person?

For most conditions (anxiety, mild-moderate depression, relationship issues), research shows online therapy is equally effective. Severe psychiatric conditions may need in-person care.

Which is the cheapest therapy platform in India?

YourDOST starts at ₹399/session. MindPeers offers ₹999 sessions with quality therapists.

Can online therapists prescribe medication?

Only MD Psychiatrists can prescribe. Most platforms have both psychologists (talk therapy) and psychiatrists (medication). Practo has the most psychiatrists.

Is online therapy covered by health insurance in India?

Yes under Mental Healthcare Act 2017. Insurers like HDFC ERGO, ICICI Lombard, Care offer coverage for inpatient and increasingly OPD therapy.

Best Online Therapy Platforms in India 2025: MindPeers vs Amaha vs Practo

Mental health awareness is rising in India. Compare top online therapy platforms — MindPeers, Amaha (formerly InnerHour), Practo, YourDOST, and BetterLYF.

Mental Health in India 2025

India has 0.75 psychiatrists per 100,000 people (WHO recommends 3+). Online therapy bridges this gap with affordable, accessible care. WHO-IIPS data shows 14% of Indians need mental health support — that's 200 million people.

Top 5 Online Therapy Platforms

Platform	Session Cost	Therapists	USP
Amaha (formerly InnerHour)	₹1,500-3,500/session	200+ clinical psychologists	Self-care app + therapy + psychiatry
MindPeers	₹999-2,499/session	500+	Affordable, corporate plans
Practo	₹500-2,500/session	1,500+ doctors	Same-day appointments, prescriptions
YourDOST	₹399-1,500/session	500+	Most affordable, anonymous chat
BetterLYF	₹1,500-3,000/session	200+	Couple counselling specialty

Amaha — Premium All-in-One

Started 2016 as InnerHour. Combines self-care app (mood tracker, meditation, courses) with one-on-one therapy and psychiatry. Therapists are RCI-registered. Strong for OCD, anxiety, depression. Free initial assessment.

MindPeers — Best for Companies

Affordable individual plans + corporate B2B partnerships (so your employer might already cover it). Therapists trained in CBT, DBT. Sessions are 60 minutes. Money-back guarantee on first session.

Practo — Best for Quick Access

Practo's psychiatry/psychology arm. Same-day video consultations available. Doctors can issue prescriptions (unlike pure-play therapy platforms). Insurance reimbursement support.

YourDOST — Best Budget

Sessions from ₹399. Anonymous chat with experts available. Initially built for student counselling, now used widely. Quality varies by counsellor — read reviews before booking.

BetterLYF — Best for Couples

Specialized in couple counselling, family therapy, and pre-marital counselling. Group sessions also available.

What to Check

RCI registration: Rehabilitation Council of India certifies clinical psychologists. Verify before booking.
MD Psychiatry: Only psychiatrists can prescribe medication. Therapists/psychologists do talk therapy only.
Specialization: Anxiety, depression, OCD, trauma, addiction — match therapist to need.
Language: Sessions in Hindi, English, Tamil, Telugu, Bengali, Marathi available.
Cancellation policy: Free reschedule 24 hours before, partial refund usually.

Insurance Coverage

Mental Health Care Act 2017 mandates insurance must cover mental illness like physical illness. HDFC ERGO, ICICI Lombard, Care, Niva Bupa offer coverage. OPD plans cover therapy bills directly.