Is Online Therapy Useful? A Guide

Psychologists commonly describe online therapy as any therapy which can be delivered by means of telecommunication tools or devices. In other words, if at any time you are interacting with a healthcare professional or a psychologist using a phone, website, or mobile app, you are deemed to be availing of telepsychology services.

While online therapy has been around in some form or the other for nearly two decades, most of its use was confined to members of the armed forces. With the sudden explosion of smartphone users, app-based companies have grabbed the opportunity with both hands to make it affordable and accessible to the general public. In fact the latest tech makes it possible for bespoke courses of care to be provided, with treatment planning for substance use disorders proving especially effective, even when provided remotely rather than in person. This has lowered the barrier of entry for all kinds of therapy, and improved outcomes for patients as well.

Benefits for Therapists and Patients

The flexible nature of online services has proved a boon both for the providers as well as the patient. This flexibility makes it easier than ever to access therapies like CBT, which can be adapted to suit a wide range of mental health needs and delivered effectively through virtual sessions.

The convenience and ease with which a therapy appointment can be scheduled online and subsequently speaking with a therapist from the privacy of a designated space is the major appeal for consumers, especially for those who have been reluctant to seek online therapy before.

Research has further indicated, that apart from eliminating a large number of barriers, tele-mental health is equivalent to in-person counseling and an acceptable alternative. As far as mental health professionals are concerned, they too can reap the benefits by applying for online care services. Apart from supplementing their income, online therapy can help them in improving their work-life balance.

Advantages of Online Therapy

There are a number of reasons why people choose online therapy over face-to-face consultation. For example, in cases of moderate depression and panic disorder, online cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has proved to be just as effective as in-person therapy.

Online therapy is also an excellent option for people staying in remote or rural areas, where there are either few or no mental health practices available. Having to drive long distances to seek help can be a burden in times of need. Instead, a reliable internet connection is all that you need to access treatment which would have not been available otherwise.

Also, Read: 10 Tips To Get The Most Out Of Your First Counseling Session

Online therapy provides other benefits such as:

• Accessibility for people with physical limitations.
• Convenience and affordability.
• Treatment becomes more approachable.

Disadvantages of online therapy

While the potential help online therapy can impart is not doubted, it has some inherent risks and disadvantages over traditional therapy options. A major stumbling block is an insurance. Most insurance companies do not cover online mental health services, simply because they say there is no reliable data to prove their effectiveness.

Again, many states in the US do not permit psychologists from other states to operate. In such a scenario, you can only benefit if your provider is licensed in both the home state as well as your state.

A major concern people face is keeping personal information private. Since information is transmitted online, leaks and hacks are unavoidable issues. This in turn can have a serious impact on the patient getting treatment when needed the most.

Other issues related to online therapy are:

• Difficult to get a quick response in a crisis situation.
• Not effective for complex symptoms like severe addiction etc.
• Overlooks thoughts, moods and behaviours as therapists cannot see body language.
• Legal and ethical issues as different states have different guidelines and licensing requirements.

The Five Best Therapy Sites in the U.S.

In order to determine which online therapy services are the best for you, here are the top five companies which came out on top.

1. BetterHelp

Affordability and high customer satisfaction have ensured that BetterHelp can accommodate most people’s therapy needs. It is reliable, easy to use, and allows users to browse through the data of the therapists available on their panel beforehand. 

Moreover, the subscription plan of BetterHelp, which begins at $240/month to is better priced and includes more than the plans of similar competitor companies.

Also, Read: 6 Mental Health Tips to Thrive During the Pandemic

2. Talkspace

Founded in 2012, Talkspace has expanded its services by leaps and bounds since then with the inclusion of teen therapy, couples therapy, psychiatry, and medication management. Unlike BetterHelp, the company works with insurance providers, which makes their services more affordable.

Talkspace pricing differs from others as their subscription options are each priced differently depending on your location and plan. These vary from $65 per week to $159 a week or higher, while psychiatric services are charged initially at $199 per visit with follow-up charges of $125. All plans include a ten-minute intro call with your chosen therapist.

3. Cerebral

The main reason to choose Cerebral is that it offers both medication management and talk therapy while accepting many insurance in-network plans. Your prescribed medication is shipped directly to your doorstep, saving you the trouble of going to a local pharmacy.

There are three subscription plans offered by Cerebral, ranging from $85/ month to $325/month offering monthly and weekly sessions with care counselors respectively. With in-network insurance, you pay $29/month plus a copay – and for example, that is why this Cerebral review suggests it is the most cost-effective choice. Medication costs are billed separately in all the plans.

4. ReGain

This is an exclusive app set up to serve couples. When you need couple counseling you would want to deal with a therapist that is experienced in dealing with relationship issues. The two users both share a common account and participate in live sessions together. Individual sessions can also be arranged if one partner seeks a private hearing.

ReGain charges between $40-$70 per week as subscription fees for both partners, which makes it a top pick for online therapy for couples.

5. Pride Counseling

If you are looking for an affordable and easily accessible online platform for the LGBTQ community, then look no further than Pride Counseling. Their online programs are convenient and discreet and communication happens through a mobile app or through your desktop.

A subsidiary of BetterHelp, Pride Counseling was launched in 2017 to help the LGBTQ community with the problems they face. At the moment it provides counseling only for adult individuals and not couples. Their price plan ranges from $90-$120/week, billed every four weeks.

Also, Read: 4 Ways to Work on Your Mental Health at Home

When Therapy Doesn’t Work

If online therapy is not suitable for you, there are still plenty of options available to make you feel better. In fact, the first person you should consult is your therapist, who might change the course of treatment or refer you to another therapist.

A great advantage of even a failed therapy is the confidence boost it gives you to pursue your lifestyle treatment. These could include:

• Developing a regular schedule for the day
• Ensure a lifestyle in a healthy environment
• Eating a balanced and healthy diet.
• Committing to regular sleep schedules
• Start meditation.

Final Say

While online therapy is an effective and convenient method to access mental health services, it may not be right for everyone. It all depends on how severe your symptoms are, to determine if online treatment is appropriate for you or not.

Therefore, it is important to research your options well, before opting for a particular online therapy service. Finding the right therapist may take time, so do not hesitate to ask questions, after all, it is your mental health that is at stake. In the end, it will be well worth the effort.

This was it for today. Hope you have found this article on Online Therapy helpful. Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.

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