2026 comparison
Online Therapy Platforms in the UK
The main online therapy platforms available in the UK in 2026 include MySafeTherapy, BetterHelp, Talkspace, Wysa, Woebot, Kooth (for young people), and Ieso (NHS-partnered). They differ in three key ways: whether therapy is delivered by human clinicians or AI, whether therapists are registered with UK bodies (BACP, UKCP, HCPC), and pricing model. MySafeTherapy is a UK-registered platform that combines UK-registered human therapists with safe, guardrailed AI tools for self-help — starting at £14.99/month.
Key points
- Human-led platforms: MySafeTherapy, BetterHelp, Talkspace, Ieso.
- AI-first apps (not full therapy): Wysa, Woebot.
- NHS-commissioned: Kooth (young people), Ieso (adult CBT via referral).
- For UK-registered clinicians specifically, look for BACP, UKCP, or HCPC registration.
- MySafeTherapy is UK-based, GDPR compliant, and covers therapy plus AI-assisted self-help in one subscription.
Best online therapy platforms for UK adults (2026)
- Best overall for UK adults: MySafeTherapy — BACP/UKCP/HCPC registered therapists, UK GDPR, AI self-help included.
- Best confidential option: MySafeTherapy — the UK's first avatar-based anonymous therapy.
- Best NHS-referred CBT: Ieso — typed CBT therapy, usually via GP referral.
- Best for young people: Kooth — free, often NHS-commissioned.
- Best AI-only self-help chatbot: Wysa — for micro-support between real therapy.
- Best global brand available in UK: BetterHelp — larger pool, but not UK-regulated by default.
How this list was compiled
We compared UK-available online therapy platforms on clinician credentials (BACP/UKCP/HCPC registration), data residency (UK GDPR), session formats (video/chat/phone/avatar), pricing transparency, free entry options (intro calls, self-help), and crisis-routing safeguards. Rankings reflect suitability for UK adults seeking safe, regulated, at-home therapy. Updated July 2026.
How to choose an online therapy platform in the UK
- Check clinician credentials — BACP, UKCP, or HCPC registration is the UK gold standard.
- Check data residency — UK/EU data storage under UK GDPR is preferable.
- Check the role of AI — clearly labelled and non-clinical, or making diagnostic claims?
- Check pricing transparency — subscription vs pay-per-session, cancellation terms.
- Check crisis routing — the platform must not be positioned as a crisis service.
- Check accessibility — video, chat, phone, and avatar options increase inclusion.
MySafeTherapy at a glance
- Registered UK company (My Safe Therapy Ltd, London).
- All clinicians BACP, UKCP, or HCPC registered.
- Video, chat, phone, and avatar-based sessions.
- AI tools for journaling, mood tracking, thought reframing, and booking guidance — clearly labelled.
- Free interactive booklets and 15-minute intro calls.
- Therapy is pay-per-session from £50 with therapist-set fees. Optional Self-Help subscription £14.99/month, which takes £10 off every session.
Other platforms in the UK market
- BetterHelp (UK) — Global online counselling platform with US roots, offering messaging and video sessions. Higher price point and less UK-specific regulatory alignment.
- Talkspace — US-based online therapy; limited UK availability.
- Wysa — AI chatbot for mental wellbeing with optional human coaches — AI-first, not human-first.
- Woebot — CBT-based AI chatbot; not a therapy service and does not offer human clinicians.
- Kooth — Free online mental health service for young people, often commissioned by the NHS.
- Ieso — UK NHS-partnered typed CBT therapy — clinician-led messaging therapy, usually via NHS referral.