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In this blog I am going to share with you all you need to know to feel confident in starting your online therapy journey today.
I know what you may be thinking. Therapy for me?
It starts by saying things like, “I’m too busy to go see someone” or “therapy just isn’t in the budget right now.” Eventually, you start convincing yourself that your issues aren’t all that bad or that you’ll be okay without any help – because you’ve always managed everything alone. But aren’t you curious to know how it would feel to be more than just “okay”? To have some support? Or to not have to struggle on your own every day?
Well, first of all, you certainly aren’t alone. From questions about why you might seek therapy in the first place to the logistics of it all, from fitting it into your schedule to fitting it into your budget, your questions and feelings are valid.
It’s normal to have doubts about therapy, and it’s way too easy for all of us to come up with reasons why we should let our mental health slide just one more month…or avoid it indefinitely.
But what if I told you there was a form of therapy that could resolve or at least minimize many of your doubts, fears, and hesitations?
It’s a topic we have yet to go in-depth about, although we touched on it a bit in our article about sliding scale therapy, covering some options for the most affordable forms of therapy. But today, I want to talk to you about online therapy and how great online therapy can be for your mental health, your budget, and your time.
What Is Online Therapy?
The term “online” might bring thoughts of online dating, classes, or work meetings to mind. But here we’re talking about online therapy – also known as online psychotherapy or talk therapy, which makes it sound like a super fancy and academic form of treatment. But online therapy is pretty simple. And apart from the means of communication, the techniques in online therapy to address your problems or stress are the same as those of traditional talk therapy.
How Does Online Therapy Work?
Online therapy is when a psychologist or other mental health professional meets with you online, usually through an online video platform such as Zoom, Skype, or Google Hangouts. Many online therapy services also offer phone and online or text messaging services.
The online format of online therapy means that you can get started on your road to wellness or mental health improvement without having to leave your home. For instance, if you’re busy at work during the day and only have time to meet online, online therapy will accommodate you as much as possible to fit your schedule.
How Much Is Online Therapy?
Like traditional talk therapy, the cost of online therapy varies. Many online therapy services will charge a monthly flat rate depending on your subscription (the level of services you need). Prices range from around $250 to $400 per month, but some services take insurance.
Regardless, online therapy is ideal if you’re trying to stick to a budget, as even online therapists who don’t take insurance can still help you out and solve your problems without stressing your bank account.
Given the ease and convenience of online therapy, it’s no surprise that online therapy is often cheaper than traditional therapy. Online therapy does not involve extra commuting or traveling time, meaning therapists can offer online therapy at lower rates.
So, if you think about how much money you’d save in gas – let alone being able to work from your couch while getting help – online therapy can be worth the price.
Benefits Of Online Therapy
Starting your journey with an online therapy platform is just as good as heading into a therapist’s office. The most important factors in starting your online therapy focus are to be patient until you find a therapist that connects with you and understand you.
Too often we give up after our first attempt and fall back on the saying “Therapy just isn’t for me.”
Here are the top 3 benefits of Online Therapy.
- You have access to your therapist via text daily
- You can have your therapy session anywhere
- It is cheaper than in-person talk therapy
Types Of Online Therapy
1. Free online therapy (initial screening)
Although online therapy isn’t free, some online therapists offer free online sessions to anyone who needs help.
The areas you can find free online therapy vary. For instance, some online therapists provide free online counseling through forums on mental health websites or blogs. They may do so by answering questions about your personal experience with different disorders or issues, providing feedback on your progress, or just by listening to what you have to say without assigning any homework or tasks for you to complete outside of that session.
It’s also quite common for online therapists to provide free online sessions as a way of screening whether they are compatible with you and vice versa before signing up for paid online therapy.
2. Talk therapy online
Talk therapy is one of the most common forms of therapy used with online platforms. Not only is talk therapy common when doing video calls, but it is also one of the most common forms of in person therapy.
Talk therapy is a great initial therapy session to start with for anyone new to therapy. There is a lot of positive action from opening up and speaking whats on your mind.
3. Couples therapy online
In online couples therapy, both partners have online sessions with a therapist together. Online couples therapy is great for couples in long-distance relationships. But you don’t have to be long-distance to try online therapy as a couple. Whether its communication or intimacy struggles, you can try online couples or relationship therapy as opposed to face-to-face therapy just for benefits like convenience.
A good online therapist should also help facilitate effective communication between you and your partner so that you are both able to feel heard and understood even if you aren’t physically together.
If online couples therapy is appealing to you, be sure the online therapist you’re interested in offers online couples therapy and that they have experience working with couples.
Some online therapists also provide online marriage counseling. In these cases, each partner often gets a separate individual session. In contrast, some online counselors may not be trained or licensed in marriage and family therapy and therefore may only do online couple’s sessions (without individual ones).
4. Group therapy online
Some online therapists offer online group therapy. Online group therapy is similar to traditional group therapy regarding the support you can get and its unique benefits. Namely, online therapy can provide a sense of community or belonging since you are with people who understand what you’re going through.
In online group counseling, you meet with a small number of people (typically 5 to 8) who share similar issues for a session with your therapist that lasts from 30-60 minutes. You can communicate with everyone else in the group online via chat rooms or other messaging apps.
Unlike some traditional talk therapy groups (closed groups) where everyone starts a series of sessions simultaneously, online group sessions give participants more flexibility since online group members can log on at different times.
Online Therapy Platforms
1. BetterHelp
BetterHelp is a leading online counseling platform that connects individuals with licensed therapists. It offers accessible and convenient therapy services through secure messaging, live chat, phone calls, and video sessions. BetterHelp’s mission is to provide affordable and confidential mental health support to anyone, anywhere, at any time.
To get started on BetterHelp, users complete a simple questionnaire to assess their needs and preferences. Based on the responses, they are matched with a licensed therapist who specializes in their specific areas of concern, such as depression, anxiety, relationship issues, or stress management. Users have the flexibility to communicate with their therapist via secure messaging at any time, and they can schedule live sessions based on their availability.
BetterHelp emphasizes the importance of a strong therapeutic alliance and offers the option to switch therapists if needed. With its user-friendly platform and broad network of qualified professionals, BetterHelp aims to make therapy more accessible, convenient, and effective for individuals seeking support for their mental health concerns.
2. Calmerry
Calmerry is an online therapy platform that connects individuals seeking mental health support with licensed therapists. It provides convenient and accessible therapy services from the comfort of one’s home. Through Calmerry, users can browse a diverse network of qualified therapists and choose a professional that aligns with their specific needs and preferences.
The platform offers a range of therapy options, including individual, couples, and family therapy, with therapists specializing in various areas such as anxiety, depression, stress, relationships, and more. Calmerry facilitates therapy sessions through secure video calls, ensuring privacy and confidentiality. Users can schedule sessions at their convenience, making it flexible for individuals with busy schedules or those living in remote areas with limited access to mental health services.
Calmerry strives to make therapy more accessible and affordable by offering flexible pricing plans and financial assistance options. Overall, Calmerry aims to provide a supportive and convenient online environment for individuals seeking professional mental health guidance and support.
3. Online-Therapy.com
Online-Therapy.com is an online counseling platform that offers a wide range of mental health services and resources to individuals seeking therapy. The platform connects users with licensed therapists who provide confidential and convenient therapy sessions through secure video calls, messaging, and live chat. Online-Therapy.com offers a flexible and accessible approach to therapy, allowing individuals to receive support from the comfort of their own homes and on their own schedules.
In addition to therapy sessions, Online-Therapy.com provides a comprehensive suite of therapeutic tools and resources. Users gain access to an interactive therapy program that combines cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques with practical exercises and worksheets. The platform also offers a journaling feature, goal-setting tools, and progress tracking to enhance the therapeutic process. Furthermore, users can connect with a dedicated therapist who provides guidance and support throughout their journey. With its combination of flexible therapy options and a rich collection of therapeutic tools, Online-Therapy.com aims to empower individuals to overcome their mental health challenges and improve their overall well-being.
4. Talkspace
Talkspace is a prominent online therapy platform that connects individuals with licensed therapists through a secure and confidential messaging system. Designed to provide convenient and flexible mental health support, Talkspace allows users to access therapy services from anywhere at their own pace. Upon signing up, users are matched with a licensed therapist who specializes in their specific needs, whether it be anxiety, depression, trauma, or other mental health concerns.
Through Talkspace’s messaging platform, users can communicate with their therapist asynchronously, allowing them to share their thoughts, concerns, and emotions at any time that is convenient for them. Therapists respond to messages within a set timeframe, providing ongoing guidance, support, and professional insights. In addition to text-based therapy, Talkspace also offers the option for users to schedule live video sessions with their therapist for a more interactive and personal experience.
With its accessible and affordable approach, Talkspace aims to break down barriers to mental health care and provide individuals with a convenient and supportive space for their therapeutic journey.
Explore our favorite online therapy apps
BetterHelp
Calmerry
Online-Therapy.com
FAQ
Online therapy is the provision of professional mental health therapists via the internet, usually through live video chat (zoom call), messaging app, email, or over the phone.
Online therapy is not much different between in person therapy. The main difference is that you can schedule your therapy session with your therapist anywhere in the world. Doing therapy online makes it far easier to find times that work for both of you.
Yes, online therapy is good for you. While online therapy is a much newer form of therapy, current evidence suggests that for many people it can be just as effective as in-person therapy. Talking from the security of your own home may even make it easier for you to open up about your problems
People choose online therapy because it gives you far more availability to see your therapist. Online therapy can be a great option for many people, especially if it’s difficult for you to find the time to go to a therapist’s office in person. You live in a small town or remote, where there aren’t a lot of therapists available and the closest one to you still lives far away.
