When you're burned out, the last thing you have energy for is scheduling appointments and commuting to a therapist's office. Online therapy makes getting help for work burnout more accessible than ever—flexible scheduling, no commute, and often lower costs. This guide compares the best platforms for burnout support.
What's in This Guide
Why Online Therapy Works for Burnout
Online therapy is particularly well-suited for work burnout for several reasons:
- No commute: When you're exhausted, driving to appointments is another burden
- Flexible scheduling: Sessions during lunch, after work, or even early morning
- Privacy: No running into colleagues in a waiting room
- More options: Access therapists specializing in workplace issues regardless of location
- Lower cost: Online platforms typically cost 30-50% less than in-person therapy
- Immediate access: Many platforms offer same-week appointments or 24/7 AI support
Research shows online therapy is equally effective as in-person therapy for stress, anxiety, and depression—conditions closely related to burnout.
What to Look for in Burnout Support
Therapist Expertise
Ideal therapists for burnout should have experience with:
- Workplace stress and occupational issues
- Anxiety and stress management
- Boundary setting and assertiveness
- Depression (burnout can lead to or coexist with depression)
- Career counseling or life transitions
Therapeutic Approaches That Help
- CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy): Address thought patterns contributing to burnout
- ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy): Values-based decision making about work
- Mindfulness-based approaches: Stress reduction and present-moment awareness
- Solution-focused therapy: Practical changes to improve your situation
Practical Features
- Evening and weekend availability
- Messaging between sessions for processing in real-time
- Easy rescheduling for unpredictable work demands
- Affordable pricing or sliding scale options
Best Platforms for Work Burnout
Best for 24/7 Immediate Support: Marina AI
Marina AI provides AI-powered therapy specifically suited for work burnout:
- Availability: 24/7, unlimited sessions
- Approach: Evidence-based CBT techniques
- Best for burnout because:
- Process work frustrations immediately after they happen
- No waiting for appointments when you're overwhelmed
- Practice difficult conversations before having them
- Late-night support when burnout keeps you awake
- Cost: $33.33/month (annual) for unlimited access
- Free trial: Yes
Why it stands out for burnout: When you're burned out, waiting a week between therapy sessions while stress compounds daily isn't ideal. Marina AI lets you process work stress in real-time—after a difficult meeting, before a hard conversation, or at 3 AM when you can't stop thinking about work. Learn more about Marina AI for work burnout.
Best for Traditional Therapy: BetterHelp
The largest online therapy platform with extensive therapist options:
- Availability: Scheduled weekly sessions
- Format: Video, phone, or chat sessions plus messaging
- Best for burnout because:
- Large network means finding a workplace-stress specialist
- Messaging between sessions helps with ongoing support
- Flexible scheduling with evening/weekend options
- Cost: $65-100/week
- Insurance: Not accepted, but may provide superbill
Best for: Those wanting traditional weekly therapy with a human therapist online.
Best for Insurance Coverage: Teladoc Mental Health
Major telehealth platform often covered by employer insurance:
- Availability: Scheduled video sessions
- Format: Video sessions with licensed therapists
- Best for burnout because:
- May be covered by your employer's insurance
- Easy to access through existing health benefits
- Can also see psychiatrist if needed
- Cost: Often $0-50 copay with insurance
Best for: Those with insurance coverage seeking low-cost options.
Best for Executive and Leadership Burnout: Lyra Health
Premium platform often offered through employers, specializing in professional mental health:
- Availability: Scheduled sessions, often same-week
- Format: Video sessions with specialized therapists
- Best for burnout because:
- Therapists experienced with high-pressure careers
- Often provided free through employers
- Higher quality matching and vetting
- Cost: Free if employer-provided; otherwise $150+/session
Best for: Executives, managers, and professionals if employer offers Lyra.
Best for Coaching Approach: BetterUp
Coaching platform focused on professional development and wellbeing:
- Availability: Scheduled coaching sessions
- Format: Professional coaching (not therapy)
- Best for burnout because:
- Focus on career development alongside wellbeing
- Help with work-life balance and boundaries
- Often employer-provided
- Cost: Usually employer-sponsored
Best for: Those whose burnout is primarily about career direction and work patterns, not clinical symptoms.
Best Budget Option: Open Path Collective
Network of therapists offering affordable rates:
- Availability: Varies by therapist
- Format: Video sessions with licensed therapists
- Best for burnout because:
- Affordable even without insurance
- Many therapists specialize in workplace issues
- Cost: $30-80 per session (one-time $65 membership fee)
Best for: Those without insurance seeking affordable human therapy.
Cost Comparison
| Platform | Monthly Cost | What's Included |
|---|---|---|
| Marina AI | $33-49 | Unlimited 24/7 AI therapy |
| Open Path + Marina AI | $93-129 | 2 human sessions + unlimited AI |
| BetterHelp | $260-400 | Weekly sessions + messaging |
| Teladoc | $0-200 | Sessions (cost depends on insurance) |
| In-Person Therapy | $400-800 | Weekly sessions |
Maximizing Value
Consider combining approaches for comprehensive support:
- Marina AI for daily/weekly support and real-time processing
- Monthly human therapist check-in for deeper work and accountability
- Check if your employer offers EAP: Often provides free sessions
Getting Started with Online Burnout Support
Step 1: Assess Your Needs
- How severe is your burnout? Mild burnout might respond to AI support and self-care. Moderate to severe may benefit from human therapist involvement.
- Do you need immediate support? If you're in crisis or struggling daily, 24/7 options like Marina AI provide immediate help.
- What's your budget? Options range from $33/month to $400+/month.
- Do you have insurance benefits? Check if your employer offers mental health coverage or EAP.
Step 2: Start with Something Accessible
Don't let the search for "perfect" therapy delay getting help. If you're burned out, start with what's available now:
- Try a free session with Marina AI today
- While using AI support, research human therapist options
- Add human therapy when you find a good match
Step 3: Give It Time
Burnout recovery isn't instant. Commit to at least 6-8 weeks of consistent support before evaluating if it's helping. Track your symptoms to measure progress.
Step 4: Address Root Causes
Therapy helps you cope, but lasting recovery often requires addressing the causes of burnout:
- Setting boundaries at work
- Having difficult conversations with managers
- Evaluating if your role is sustainable
- Learning prevention strategies
Take the First Step Today
When you're burned out, even seeking help feels exhausting. Online therapy removes barriers—no commute, flexible scheduling, and immediate access. You can start from your couch, during lunch, or at midnight when burnout keeps you awake.
Marina AI is available right now. No scheduling, no waiting. Just support when you need it for the work stress that's wearing you down.
Ready to start your burnout recovery? Try a free session with Marina AI.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is online therapy effective for work burnout?
Yes. Research shows online therapy is equally effective as in-person therapy for stress, anxiety, and depression—the core components of burnout. The convenience of online therapy can actually improve outcomes for busy professionals who might otherwise skip appointments.
Should I use AI therapy or human therapy for burnout?
Both have value. AI therapy (like Marina AI) provides immediate, unlimited support for processing daily work stress. Human therapy offers deeper relationship and expertise. Many people benefit from combining both—AI for daily support, human therapist for deeper work.
How do I know if I need therapy vs. just time off?
If rest and time off don't restore your energy, or if burnout symptoms return quickly after vacation, therapy can help address underlying patterns. Therapy is also valuable if burnout has led to anxiety, depression, or you're unsure how to change your situation.