Image of a therapist and client in a counseling session.

771 people sought online therapy help at Cambridge in the last year

Discover how starting therapy with a online can support your own journey toward a happier, more fulfilling life.

Meet with a provider as soon as this week

Good news! We have 36 therapists in Massachusetts available for an online or in-person session.
Leyla Derbali

Hear from Leyla Derbali, Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW)

View Leyla Derbali's profile

What is your go-to approach for online therapy?

I approach online therapy the same way I would with in-person therapy: with empathetic and nonjudgmental listening, allowing the client to set the agenda.

What tools do you teach in online therapy?

I teach the following tools in online therapy:

  • Emotion identification
  • Identifying and challenging negative self-talk and cognitive distortions
  • Challenging negative core beliefs
  • Distress tolerance
  • Communication skills
  • Mindfulness
  • Goal-setting

How do you know when a client is making meaningful progress in online therapy?

I know a client is making meaningful progress in online therapy when I can see improved functioning in many areas of living, and the client identifies a decrease in symptoms and an increase in positive self-regard.

What can clients do in their personal time to supplement online therapy?

Clients can supplement their time in online therapy by practicing the things discussed in therapy sessions.

What should someone do to prepare for starting online therapy?

To prepare for your first online therapy session, you can explore the things you are struggling with and identify your goals for treatment.

Starting Online therapy

What is online therapy?

With Thriveworks, Online therapy is an effective alternative to in-person therapy services in which a client can speak to a Thriveworks therapist remotely via online video conferencing. Online sessions are just as effective as in-person treatment, but they can also provide added benefits like reduced travel time, saving money on transportation or childcare, and increased access to care.

How does online therapy work?

Online therapy works much like traditional in-person therapy but takes place through secure video conferencing. Clients can attend Online therapy from any safe place they choose that has access to the internet, whether that be their home or another easily accessible place. Like in-person treatment, a therapist will work with their client to address their concerns, create goals, and establish an effective treatment plan.

What is the best option for online therapy?

There is no best option for online therapy—instead, it’s best to focus on finding a provider that meets your specific needs and with whom you can form a professional connection with.

Is online therapy just as effective?

Yes, online therapy is just as effetive for many clients as in-person sessions.

How long does online therapy last?

Online therapy can last for a few months to years depending on the goals and symptoms of the client. The treatment process will be unique to each client and lend itself to their specific concerns, which means that the time it takes to treat them will always be different. Timing is also up to the client themselves; they are free to stop therapy whenever they please, especially if they feel they have reached their goals and addressed their concerns.

How much does online therapy cost?

At Thriveworks, we accept most major insurance plans, allowing many clients to pay as little as $0–$50 per session with their co-pay. We also offer self-pay options for those out-of-network or without insurance. Self-pay rates for talk therapy range from $160 to $240 for intake sessions and $135 to $195 for follow-ups, depending on your state. For psychiatry services, self-pay intake sessions are $255–$375, with follow-ups ranging from $175–$300, also varying by state. More information on current self-pay costs is available on our pricing page.

Need more help deciding?

Are you looking for mental health services? Are you in search of a skilled, caring counselor or therapist? You’ve come to the right place. Thriveworks Cambridge has a team of professionals who would be honored to help you on your mental health journey.

Some of the most comforting words in the universe are ‘me too.’

That moment when you find out that your struggle is also someone else’s struggle,

that you’re not alone, and that others have been down the same road.”

–Unknown

Thriveworks Cambridge, MA has a mission to help people live happier, more successful lives. We offer many different therapy and counseling options to best accommodate all of our clients, including online counseling or internet counseling. If you think you could benefit from online therapy at Thriveworks Cambridge, MA or another mental health service, give us a call at (617) 395-5806 or (617) 553-4653.

What Is Online Therapy? Is It the Right Therapy Option for Me?

Online therapy enables clients to work with their therapist or counselor over the internet. This option, which is also known as internet counseling, teletherapy, and cyber counseling, will let you work with your counselor over the phone, via video chat, through email or text message. This means that you can either meet with your therapist in real-time or go the more flexible, casual route and utilize a time-delayed format.

Some people prefer to meet with their therapist in-person, as they value that face-to-face interaction. Others, though, enjoy the comfort and convenience of online therapy. Despite popular belief, online therapy is not a new concept. It started in 1982, when the first online self-help group was created. And it’s only grown in popularity since! Now, you can enjoy online self-help groups, mental health discussion boards, and personalized care from a licensed counselor online.

Online Therapy Benefits: What Are the Benefits of Online Counseling?

Online therapy proves valuable and beneficial for many people looking for mental health help. Especially those who have a busy schedule and those who are looking for a more convenient counseling option. Let’s talk about convenience and other online therapy benefits, which you can experience at Thriveworks Cambridge:

  1. It’s convenient and comfortable: Online therapy makes it so that you don’t have to go out of your way or move things around in your schedule to attend your therapy session. All you have to do is carve out an hour or so of your time to meet with your therapist, and then you can do so from the place of your choosing! Your house, your car, a coffee shop, or anywhere else you please. Just make sure you have phone service or internet connection.
  2. It’s effective: You aren’t sacrificing the effectiveness or the success that people find in in-person therapy. Research shows that online therapy is just as effective. In fact, some people find more success in online counseling, especially if they have a hard time opening up to their counselor in-person.
  3. It’s affordable: Online counseling is also affordable. Many major insurance companies now cover online mental health services. In addition, Thriveworks Cambridge offers affordable self-pay options.
  4. It’s reliable: Finally, online counseling is also a reliable option for working with your therapist. Sometimes, sickness, weather, traffic, and other external factors cause people to miss or reschedule their appointment. Online therapy is not affected by these same external factors, which means you can count on working with your counselor on a regular basis.

Thriveworks Cambridge, MA is eager to provide people with the mental health help they’re looking for. If you’re looking for a convenient, effective, affordable, and reliable counseling option, consider online therapy and reach out to Thriveworks Cambridge to inquire about your first appointment.

Work with an Online Therapist at Thriveworks Cambridge, MA

Maybe you’ve recognized the need for mental health help, but you haven’t been able to fit it into your current schedule. Or, maybe you’re interested in the benefits you could find in therapy, but you struggle to open up. In either case, online therapy can prove to be a great solution to your problem. Online therapy or internet counseling allows you to work with a therapist online. It’s easy to fit online therapy into your schedule and you might find that you can open up with greater ease over the phone or email.

If you’re interested in scheduling an online therapy appointment, reach out to Thriveworks Cambridge, MA today. We’d love to help you. Just call (617) 395-5806 or (617) 553-4653 to schedule an appointment.

Pricing & insurance

Our therapists accept most major insurances. We accept 585+ insurance plans, and offer self-pay options, too.
Learn more about pricing for therapy and counseling services at Thriveworks.

Our Cambridge therapists and counselors accept 29 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts | BCBS Medicare Advantage (HMO | PPO)

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

  • Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Massachusetts | BCBS

  • Carelon

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth EAP

  • Cigna | Evernorth Medicare Advantage

  • Compsych

  • Fallon Health

  • First Health Network

  • Harvard Pilgrim

Show more
Self-pay costs at Cambridge
Talk therapy

Talk therapy

Includes individual, couples, child/ teen, & family therapy

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

Talk therapy

Psychiatry

Includes reducing symptoms with medication & management

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

Hear from our clients

4.5 Learn about verified reviews
★★★★★
For the past year my mental, emotional and physical health has been restored. By God's providence, I connected with a psychiatric nurse practitioner at your agency. She skillfully assessed my situation and quickly prescribed much needed medication. I was at an all time low. Because of her expertise, compassion, and support, my life was renewed. So incredibly grateful to have my life back again.
Read more For the past year my mental, emotional and physical health has been restored. By God's providence, I connected with a psychiatric nurse practitioner at your agency. She skillfully assessed my situation and quickly prescribed much needed medication. I was at an all time low. Because of her expertise, compassion, and support, my life was renewed. So incredibly grateful to have my life back again.
Lillian Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
The therapist at Thriveworks ( Stephen Medina) is absolutely fantastic. He is very well educated and is able to get me to open up.
Read more The therapist at Thriveworks ( Stephen Medina) is absolutely fantastic. He is very well educated and is able to get me to open up.
Sharron Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I have had a wonderful experience using Thriveworks. The website is easy to use and getting into the Zoom meeting is seamless
Read more I have had a wonderful experience using Thriveworks. The website is easy to use and getting into the Zoom meeting is seamless
Erynn Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★☆☆
It was very difficult getting my account up. I believe that happens because when we initially signed up i made the account but it’s under my spouse insurance. After fixing the problem my not his account reflects our current therapy sessions. We get emails and text but when we sign into the thrivework accounts we can’t see the billing cycle to pay or see out upcoming session. Neither one of our accounts display update and current account information. And we have called a few times to get it right and it’s not working . My therapist and agency is splendid
Read more It was very difficult getting my account up. I believe that happens because when we initially signed up i made the account but it’s under my spouse insurance. After fixing the problem my not his account reflects our current therapy sessions. We get emails and text but when we sign into the thrivework accounts we can’t see the billing cycle to pay or see out upcoming session. Neither one of our accounts display update and current account information. And we have called a few times to get it right and it’s not working . My therapist and agency is splendid
Isoke Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
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Dave Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I have two providers - one for Rx and one for counseling. Both are good. You to watch for emails and stage engaged and the help is there! Thank you, Anne
Read more I have two providers - one for Rx and one for counseling. Both are good. You to watch for emails and stage engaged and the help is there! Thank you, Anne
Anne Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Outstanding from first call to assigning me a therapist for my particular needs. I would recommend them to anyone. My therapist is top notch!
Read more Outstanding from first call to assigning me a therapist for my particular needs. I would recommend them to anyone. My therapist is top notch!
Sharron Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I saw counseling and therapy from your remote staff both have been very beneficial to me. Thank you very much.
Read more I saw counseling and therapy from your remote staff both have been very beneficial to me. Thank you very much.
Anne Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Cambridge is located off of Massachusetts Ave, on the north side of the Charles River. Our office is in the Cambridge Tower next to Apollo Travel and Tours, Tanjore, and Cambridge Premier Realty. The closest bus stop is Massachusetts Ave opp Lee St. If you have trouble finding our office or have any questions about how to get here, please don’t hesitate to reach out!

Phone number

(617) 380-4651

Languages spoken by MA providers

  • English
  • Spanish
  • Creole
  • French
  • Japanese
  • Mandarin
Thursday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Friday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Saturday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Sunday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Monday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Tuesday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Wednesday 8:00am - 9:00pm

Shown in ET

Thursday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Friday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Saturday 7:00am - 6:00pm
Sunday 8:00am - 5:00pm
Monday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Tuesday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Wednesday 7:00am - 9:30pm

Shown in ET

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