Best online therapy platforms 2022
Despite better access to psychiatric care and the increasing destigmatization of the search for help for psychiatric disorders in our culture, finding an impartial therapist who makes you comfortable is still an ongoing challenge for many of us. Whether you’re seeking cognitive behavioral therapy, seeking help with addiction disorders, or just looking to talk to someone in these unprecedented (and increasingly isolated) times, the advent of online therapy platforms has undoubtedly made it easier, and in many cases more affordable, to be hassle-free to take advantage of mental health care.
In fact, teletherapy as it is known today (therapy sessions conducted over phone calls, video conferencing, and chat) has definitely helped transform the cultural perception of talk therapy by making it easier to find help in the comfort and privacy of one’s own Looking at home or office, car, etc. Online therapy can provide more convenience and flexibility with appointments (some services offer super late sessions that are great for those who work later) and is the most obvious given the current social distancing measures a sure thing, ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Another advantage of virtual therapy is of course that many patients feel more comfortable and relaxed even during the sessions if they are comfortably and privately at home instead of having to report to a clinic with the proverbial psychiatrist sofa.
Regardless of location considerations, the hurdle of finding the right provider on the Internet may seem a bit daunting, but many current online therapy platforms make the search for the right contact person for you and your individual needs (almost) child’s play. In my opinion, compared to the trial and error process you often get when trying to find the “one” in face-to-face meetings, it is actually easier to narrow down potential candidates online. Plus, you don’t have to jump through hoops and ladders to reach unreachable insurance agents to switch providers if you feel like the person you’ve been assigned to isn’t a good fit.
That being said, most online therapy platforms make choosing the right therapist for you, your lifestyle, concerns and goals easy by asking you a series of questions and gathering information about your personal preferences (such as what gender you prefer and what kind of things you want to work on). Of course, it may take some time to find the best person for you, but you can usually choose between a few recommended professionals that meet your criteria.
While medication is often a necessary part of treatment, talk therapy can often be crucial in identifying and processing common thought and / or behavioral patterns (for me, fear-driven cognitive distortions). A common criticism of elemental health, of course, is that the therapeutic benefit of virtual appointments is less than that of IRL visits. While this is different for each person, some studies have actually shown that virtual therapy can be as effective as face-to-face care.
Below, we’ve featured some of the top-rated online therapy resources, for a variety of different budgets and schedules, that will help you get the care you need from the comfort and safety of your home (or anywhere).
If you or someone you know is in crisis or at risk, do not use these websites. These resources can help you right away.
Scouted independently selects products and prices reflect what was available at the time of publication. Prices are correct as of the time of publication but are subject to change. Sign up for our newsletter for further recommendations and offers. When you buy something from our posts, we may earn a small commission.
Comments are closed.