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).
BetterHelp’s telemedicine platform combines psychiatric care with technology and provides convenient access to experienced and accredited professionals including psychologists, marriage and family therapists, clinical social workers and certified professional counselors. With access to over 20,000 doctors (their directory of therapists is very helpful and easy to use), and with no location restrictions, BetterHelp enables patients to receive the same mental health care they would receive in person. Prices range from $ 65 to $ 200 per month, and the company accepts some insurance plans.
“My Better help Therapist asked the same thought-provoking questions as the traditional therapists I have worked with in the past. (What’s about your future that you’re not sure about? Can you tell me about your old life and what’s different now?) However, due to the persistent, open nature of the text chat, she helped me identify anxiety triggers and coping mechanisms a lot faster than it would have taken if we’d only met once a week. I also found that starting the BetterHelp site on my smartphone or laptop and writing down my thoughts was therapeutic in itself, “writes BetterHelp user Joshua Fruhlinger.
Specializes in comprehensive remote therapy for depression, anxiety, ADHD and insomnia, brain gives users access to care advice, medication management, virtual doctor visits and, if drug treatment is required, prescriptions right at your door. Cerebral offers three different types of long-term subscriptions: the “Medication + Care Advice” tariff, the “Medication + Therapy” tariff and the “Therapy” tariff. Prices range from about $ 29 per month with on-network insurance to about $ 250 to $ 300 per month without insurance.
“I used to take time off from work to spend hundreds of dollars to see a psychiatrist who barely remembered my name. Now my doctor is with brain really care about me and listen to me. I just feel really heard. AND they send my medication directly to my door, and my care advisor is there if I have problems despite the medication, “writes a satisfied cerebral user.
Brightside Health’s accessible and discreet telemedicine platform offers different care plans based on three pillars of wellbeing including self care, medication and therapy. Starting at US $ 45 a month, getting started with Brightside is quick and easy – you don’t have to wait weeks or even months to speak to your provider. You simply take a quick (and free) mental health test, choose the plan that works best for you, and make an appointment with your provider. Brightside will select your doctor for you, but it is possible to switch at no charge if you wish.
“I’m amazed at the care I get. The weekly check-ins and immediate follow-up care when I’m not feeling well. The medication adjustment worked and my counselor has been very patient and caring. She made me look at things to others Way I would not have done it without their help, “wrote one reviewer recently.
Even though Regain offers discreet and comprehensive advice for individuals and couples, the virtual telemedicine company is best known for couples and relationship therapy – anytime, anywhere. Care can be accessed through a variety of communication modes including messaging, live video sessions, and phone calls available on desktops, cell phones, and tablets. Unfortunately, ReGain doesn’t currently offer insurance plans, and prices vary between $ 240 and $ 350 per month.
“When Sean and I started looking for a therapist, we had Linda in mind before we met her. She has responded to our needs without judgment, yet has encouraged us to assess ourselves better. Sean and I immediately got used to their style and we are very grateful for the extremely rapid progress we have made in our relationship, “wrote one user about his experience with his partner and provider.
If you or someone you know is in crisis or at risk, do not use these websites. These resources can help you right away.
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