Online Counseling
What Is Online Counseling?
Online counseling is a type of mental health treatment that is delivered through the use of the Internet. This type of counseling can be very helpful for those who are afraid to talk to someone in person, for people that cannot afford traditional counseling, and is the most accessible type of therapy that can be used virtually anywhere.
What Can I Benefit From Using Online Therapy and Counseling Services?
Many believe that online therapy should not replace in-office therapy. Rather, it should complement your traditional therapy sessions, as online therapy offers a range of benefits to users. Others however, including thousands of satisfied customers already using online counseling services, boast that that level of connection they are able to make with their therapists online make in-person therapy unnecessary. Some of the most common benefits associated with online therapy are:
No Boundaries: With online counseling, there is no longer a need to seek out help within your city limits. You have the ability to connect with a psychologist that’s not in your area. Best of all, should you not click with your therapist, you have the option to change therapists.
Efficiency: If you’re working full-time, chances are you have very little personal time set aside. With online therapy, you can receive help 24/7, or while you are on-the-go.
Communication Channels: Gone are the days of having to set pre-arranged appointments and then receiving therapy in person. Online therapy enables you to open your therapy app and get help right away. This includes SMS/chat, video, and phone therapy options.
Stigmas: Oftentimes people don’t set therapy appointments due to the stigma surrounding therapy. In fact, some people who do in fact set appointments won’t show up for their session due to this unfortunate stigmatization of therapy. With online therapy, that stigma is gone.
Privacy/Confidentiality: Using online therapy provides users with complete privacy and confidentiality. For starters, therapists on the platforms are bound by strict local and federal laws, as is the case with their brick and mortar business. Your therapy sessions are protected by HIPAA. Furthermore, your chat sessions are also secured by various bank-grade encryption levels, which only you and your therapist can access. Lastly, should you still not feel comfortable with therapy, even online therapy, you have the ability to sign up using an alias and dummy e-mail account.
Pricing: Did you know that it generally costs someone roughly $200 for one therapy session? Even if you are covered by premium insurance, the co-pay on each session can be as high as $50. If you’re going in to therapy once a week, that’s $200 per month on therapy. On the other hand, some of the best online therapy services provide users with incredible pricing, starting as low as $40 per week ($160 per month). Moreover, some online therapy services even work with major insurance companies, which further reduce your costs.
Resources for Online Counseling
Fill out a questionnaire to assess your needs and get matched to one of their 6,000 licensed therapists
Message your counselor whenever/wherever through their website or mobile app
If you are not happy with your counselor, you can request a new one at any time
Receive assessment and get matched with the best therapist for you
Includes budget plan
Can message therapist anytime, anywhere and receive regular responses
Can work with employers, health plans, employee assistance plan and educational organizations
Free online 8 session interactive therapy program for depression that you can complete on your own
Learn to monitor, manage, and improve your mental health
Information is confidential, and you can remain anonymous- no actual human interaction
Connects you to caring listeners for free emotional support- offers 24/7 chat rooms
Explore self help guides and growth paths for proven tips and advice on how to feel better
Affordable and confidential online therapy and counseling with licensed therapists
For ages 13-18
Get matched with a licensed therapist that specializes with teens
Discuss issues and situations with the therapist
Therapy by text, phone, chat and video
HIPAA compliant
Online relationship counseling platform
Two users can share a joint account
Talk with a licensed psychologist
Define issues, approaches, and areas of focus