Online therapy, anywhere in the UK
Matched to the right therapist and the right therapy style
No Commitment. No Matching Fees. Accredited Therapists Only.
Aligned Therapists are independent, verified, and accredited by UK bodies
How It Works
Share What Matters
Takes 5–20 minutes · Free · Fast
Tell us about yourself. Share your goals, your situation, and what matters to you in a therapist. Our matching conversation is free and takes as little as five minutes.
Excellent Match Sent
Vetted · Personal · Match in 24h
A real person reviews your matching conversation and selects the best-fit therapist for you from our UK-wide network. You receive your match within 24 hours.
Proceed or Rematch
Rematching · No login · Control
Review your therapist’s profile and decide whether to proceed. Not quite right? We’ll find someone better at no cost. You stay in control throughout.
Why choose online therapy?
Online therapy gives you access to accredited therapists across the whole of the UK, not just those based near you. There is no commute, no need to find parking, and sessions fit more easily around work and family life.
Research shows that clinical outcomes for online therapy are broadly comparable to in-person sessions. In-person therapy tends to rate slightly higher for building the therapeutic relationship, but online therapy is a strong and effective option, particularly when it makes therapy more accessible for you.
Who is online therapy for?
Online therapy works well for a wide range of people. You might choose it because you live outside our Oxford and Bristol in-person areas, because you travel frequently for work, or simply because you prefer the comfort of your own home.
It also opens up access to specialist therapists who might not be available locally. Whether that means a specific modality like EMDR or IFS, a therapist who works with LGBTQ+ clients, or someone with experience in a particular area like chronic pain or neurodivergence.
✓ Access therapists across the whole UK
✓ No commute, no waiting rooms
✓ Same accredited therapists, same quality of care
What does an online session look like?
Sessions typically last 50 minutes and take place over video call. The same therapeutic approaches are available online as in person: CBT, psychodynamic, integrative, EMDR, and more.
All you need is a phone, tablet, or laptop with a camera and a stable internet connection. Find a quiet, private space where you will not be interrupted. Your therapist will send you a link before each session.
Aligned Finds Better Therapist Matches, and Fast…
| Feature | Aligned | BetterHelp | Counselling Directory |
|---|---|---|---|
| Matching Process | ✅ Human-reviewed, personalised matching | ⚠️ Algorithm-only, no human review | ❌ Browse yourself. No matching at all. |
| Therapist Credentials | ✅ Verified BACP / UKCP / BABCP accreditation | ⚠️ Varies; limited UK accreditation checks | ⚠️ Self-listed; verification varies |
| Wait Times | ✅ Match within 24 hours | ⚠️ Often several days to a week | ⚠️ Depends on therapist availability |
| Client Fees | ✅ Free matching; you pay your therapist directly | ❌ Subscription model; ongoing platform fee | ✅ Free to browse; pay therapist directly |
| Chosen Therapist Availability | ✅ Only matched to therapists with current availability | ⚠️ May be matched to therapists with long waits | ❌ Availability unknown until you contact them |
FAQs
Is online therapy as effective as in-person?
Research shows that clinical outcomes for online therapy are broadly comparable to in-person therapy. The therapeutic alliance (the relationship between you and your therapist) tends to rate slightly higher face-to-face, but online therapy is a strong and effective option, particularly when it makes therapy more accessible for you.
What platform do sessions use?
That depends on your therapist. Most use Zoom, Google Meet, or a dedicated therapy platform. Your therapist will let you know which platform they use when you arrange your first session.
Can I switch to in-person later?
Yes. If your therapist offers in-person sessions and you decide you would prefer to meet face-to-face, you can discuss switching with them directly. If you would like a different therapist who offers in-person sessions, we can rematch you at no cost.
How much does online therapy cost?
Therapists set their own rates based on their training and experience. Online therapy is often more cost effective as the therapist does not need to hire a room. Aligned's matching service is free, and will match you with a therapist whose fees work for your budget.
Do I need any special equipment?
A phone, tablet, or laptop with a camera and a stable internet connection is all you need. Find a quiet, private space where you will not be interrupted for 50 minutes.
What if my connection drops mid-session?
It happens occasionally. Your therapist will typically wait for you to reconnect, or you can call each other back. If technical issues are persistent, you and your therapist can discuss alternatives like a phone call for the remainder of the session.
Ready to find your therapist?
Free matching. No login required. Your match arrives within 24 hours.