The popularity of online therapy has surged in recent years, providing mental health support to countless individuals worldwide.

This growing demand has increased opportunities for online counselors, but how much do they make?

In this article, we’ll explore the factors affecting an online counselor’s earning potential, discuss the different types of online counseling, and offer tips on increasing earnings.

Please note: The most significant factor behind online counselor earnings is whether or not you work for an online platform. In this article, we’ll refer to online counselor earnings from various platforms like BetterHelp and Talkspace. These companies report more data than online private therapists.

The Online Mental Health Reviews team is well-qualified to write about the earnings of online counselors due to our high-quality editorial and research standards, as well as staying up-to-date with market trends and having a comprehensive understanding of various online therapy jobs, platforms, and practices.

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Factors Affecting Online Counselor Earnings

Several factors can influence an online counselor’s income, including:

1. Credentials and experience: Counselors with advanced degrees or specialized certifications may command higher fees.
2. Location: Counselors practicing in urban areas with a higher cost of living typically earn more than those in rural areas.
3. Client base: A more extensive client base often translates to increased earnings.
4. Specialization: Focusing on a niche area of counseling can lead to higher demand and income.

Tips for Increasing Earnings as an Online Counselor

Here are some actionable recommendations to boost your income as an online counselor:

1. Invest in continuing education and certifications to enhance your expertise.
2. Build a solid online presence through a professional website and social media.
3. Network with other professionals to establish referral partnerships.
4. Offer group sessions or workshops to reach more clients at once.
5. Consider focusing on a niche area to differentiate yourself.

How Much Do Online Counselors Make? A Comprehensive Guide

Please note that the figures below are nationwide averages and may vary depending on location, experience, and specialization.

1. Indeed: According to Indeed, the average annual salary for online mental health therapists is around $69,000.
   • Indeed is a popular job search platform that provides salary information based on user-submitted data. This figure takes into account full-time and part-time positions.
2. Salary.com: Salary.com reports that the median annual salary for mental health counselors, including those providing online services, is approximately $47,000.
   • Salary.com is a trustworthy source for compensation data, offering information on various professions, including mental health counseling. The salary data is derived from employer-reported details and market research.
3. Payscale: According to Payscale, licensed mental health counselors, which include online counselors, earn an average yearly salary of around $53,000.
   • Payscale is a reliable platform that offers salary data based on user-reported information. The website also provides additional insights, such as bonuses and benefits.
4. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): The BLS reports that the median annual wage for mental health counselors, including online counselors, was $47,660 in May 2020.
   • The BLS is a federal agency that provides statistical data on various occupations. Their information is considered highly accurate and reliable.
5. Hourly Rates: Based on the data from the above sources, the average hourly rate for online counselors ranges from $22 to $33 per hour.
   • This range considers both full-time and part-time online counseling positions. Hourly rates may vary depending on experience, specialization, and location.

Overall, the income potential for online counselors varies depending on several factors. Still, the nationwide averages provided by these reputable sources offer a clearer understanding of what you can expect as an online counselor.

Remember that additional certifications, specializations, and experience can influence your earning potential in this growing field.

Comparing Online Counselor Salaries at Online Therapy Platforms

Here is a complete comparison of how much people make at BetterHelp, Talkspace, and other online therapy sites.

The information came from many places, like Glassdoor, Indeed, and Salary.com, to ensure it was accurate and complete.

1. BetterHelp

• Glassdoor: According to Glassdoor, the average salary for therapists at BetterHelp is approximately $63,000 annually.
• Indeed: Indeed reports that therapists at BetterHelp earn an average of $66,000 per year.
• Salary.com: Based on Salary.com, the median annual salary for mental health counselors at BetterHelp is around $47,000.

2. Talkspace

• Glassdoor: Glassdoor indicates that the average salary for therapists at Talkspace is approximately $59,000 per year.
• Indeed: According to Indeed, therapists at Talkspace earn an average of $61,000 per year.
• Salary.com: There is no specific data available on Salary.com for Talkspace; however, the median annual salary for mental health counselors, which includes online counselors like those working for Talkspace, is approximately $47,000 (as mentioned earlier).

3. Amwell

• Glassdoor: Glassdoor reports that the average salary for therapists at Amwell is approximately $62,000 per year.
• Indeed: Indeed, therapists at Amwell earn an average of $64,000 per year.
• Salary.com: There is no specific data available on Salary.com for Amwell; however, the median annual salary for mental health counselors, which includes online counselors like those working for Amwell, is approximately $47,000 (as mentioned earlier).

Please note that these figures are national averages and may vary depending on location, experience, and specialization. Other platforms offer similar pay, such as Brightside Health.

Becoming an Online Counselor or Therapist

Becoming an online therapist is a great way to provide mental health services to people who may not have access to traditional in-person therapy.

• It can also be a lucrative career, with salaries ranging from $30 per hour for BetterHelp therapists.
• To become an online therapist, you’ll need a master’s degree in psychology or counseling and must be a licensed therapist in the state where you plan to practice.
• You’ll also need experience providing therapy and knowledge of how to use technology for teletherapy sessions.

With the right qualifications and experience, you can make a successful career by providing online therapy!

Finding Online Therapist Jobs

• Job boards are an excellent resource for finding online therapist jobs.

• Joining professional networks can help you build connections and increase your chances of landing a job.

• Setting up your private practice gives you more control over hours and rates.

• Several online platforms, like BetterHelp and TalkSpace, offer teletherapy services with competitive pay rates.

How Much Do Online Counselors Make Conclusion

In conclusion, the earning potential of online counselors varies depending on factors such as credentials, specialization, and the medium used for counseling.

By staying informed about industry trends, such as the rise of online therapy apps, and investing in professional development, counselors can optimize their earnings and enjoy a rewarding career in online therapy.

For further reading, please check out: private practice pay, therapist pay per session, approach, online therapy pay, online counselor earnings, Amwell therapist pay, and psychologist versus therapist.

We encourage our readers to leave a comment below with any questions about therapist earnings or career questions!

Also, tell us what mental health software to review next on Online Mental Health Reviews. If you have stories about using a particular product or know of a discount code, please share so everyone may benefit!

If You Are In Crisis

Waiting for an online therapy session in a crisis might not be the safest option. If immediate assistance is required, dial 911, especially if there’s a risk of harm to yourself or others. For thoughts of self-harm, contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling 988, which offers support 24/7.

Additionally, you can contact the National Helpline of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) at 800-662-HELP (4357). This helpline provides free, confidential assistance for individuals struggling with mental or substance abuse disorders, helping them find treatment and access information 24/7, 365 days a year.