A complete guide to online therapy for mental health issues

What is online therapy?

Online therapy, also known as teletherapy or e-therapy, refers to the delivery of mental health services and support via the Internet.

It can be conducted via video conferencing, phone calls, or messaging platforms and is used to treat a variety of mental health concerns including depression, anxiety, stress, and relationship problems.

Online therapy is a convenient and flexible option for those who do not have access to in-person therapy due to location, mobility, or availability.

This is particularly useful for those living in rural areas or those with busy schedules who find it difficult to spare time for face-to-face meetings.

Online therapy can be just as effective as in-person therapy and may be a better option for those who are comfortable with technology and comfortable discussing their thoughts and feelings in writing or over the phone.

It is important to note that online therapy may not be suitable for everyone, especially those facing serious mental health issues or those in crisis. In such cases, it is important to seek help in person.

A guide to choosing online therapy

If you are considering online therapy, here are some tips to help you choose the right therapy platform or service:

• Determine your needs and goals: Consider what you want to get out of the treatment and what specific issues you want to address. This will help you find a therapist who is the best fit for you.
• Explore different platforms: There are many different platforms and services for online therapy, so it's important to do your research and compare your options. Look for sites that are reputable, safe, and have the best therapists to choose from.
• Consider the type of therapy you want: Different therapists and sites offer different approaches to therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, or psychoanalysis. Consider what type of treatment you feel most comfortable with and look for a site or therapist that offers this approach.
• Check the therapist's credentials: It's important to work with a therapist who is licensed and has the appropriate credentials to practice therapy. Look for therapists who have a master's or doctoral degree in a mental health field, as well as a state license to practice therapy.
• Test the platform: Many platforms offer a free trial or a discounted first session to try out their service and see if it's right for you. This will be a good opportunity to test the video and audio quality of the platform and get to know the style and approach of the therapist.
• Consider the cost: Online therapy may be more affordable than in-person therapy, but considering the cost, it's still important to make sure it's feasible for you. Some sites offer sliding scale fees based on revenue, and some insurance plans cover online treatment.

Are there free online therapy options?

There are some free online treatment options, but it's important to remember that free resources are limited in availability and may not offer the same level of support and care as paid services.

Here are some free online therapy options to consider:

• Talkspace: This site offers a free online support group for those struggling with anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.
• 7 of Cups: This site offers free online therapy and emotional support through trained listeners and licensed therapists.
• BetterHelp: This platform offers a 7-day free trial to new users, after which users can continue with paid therapy sessions.

Crisis Text Line: This service offers free, confidential support to people in crisis via text message.

It's worth checking with local mental health organizations and nonprofits, as they may offer free or low-cost online treatment options.

In the United States, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available 24/7. If you or someone you know is experiencing depression or suicidal thoughts, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

The hotline is staffed by trained counselors who can provide support, resources and referrals to local mental health services.

It is important to remember that you are not alone and that help is available. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

To get support from a trained crisis counselor, you can text the crisis text line to 741741.

Where can I get best online therapy?

There are many online therapy platforms are available internet world we must choose the best online therapy which wants to suitable for our goals. here we provide some factors to consider while choosing an online therapy service:

• Types of therapy offered: Different services offer different approaches to therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, or psychoanalysis. Consider what type of treatment you feel most comfortable with and look for a service that offers this approach.
• Credentials and Experience of Therapists: It is important to work with a therapist who is licensed and has appropriate credentials to practice therapy. Look for therapists who have a master's or doctoral degree in a mental health field, as well as a state license to practice therapy.
• Cost: Online therapy can be more affordable than in-person therapy, but it's still important to consider the cost and make sure it's feasible for you. Some services offer sliding scale fees based on income, and some insurance plans cover online treatment.
• Reputation: Look for services that have a good reputation and are well-reviewed by users. You may also want to check with local mental health organizations or professional associations to see if they have any recommendations.

Some popular online therapy services include TaxSpace, BetterHelp, and ReGain. It's a good idea to research and compare different options to find the service that best suits your needs and goals. 

01. Talkspace online therapy

Taxspace is one of the best online services offering professional and licensed therapist counseling. The therapist provides therapy services through text, video, and audio messaging. We can find them easily and be flexible for everyone.

Talkspace offers a range of service options including individual, couples, teens and psychiatry. Talkspace offers a variety of treatments including:

• Depression
• Relationships
• Growing a child
• Chronic disease
• Eating disorders
• Anger management
• Childhood abuse
• Mood disorders
• LGBTQIA+
• Anxiety & Stress
• OCD
• Shock & Sadness
• Substance abuse
• Family conflict
• Even more...

You can register easily through your mobile or any device with an app or you can register easily by visiting their website. After registration, they provide professional and licensed therapists.

Also, you can select them by your desired characters. Also, you can have a massage and make video calls or audio calls with your therapist.

02. BetterHelp

If you're considering online therapy, BetterHelp is a great option. BetterHelp offers many advantages that traditional treatment does not, such as convenience, affordability, and anonymity.

BetterHelp is a convenient option for those who don't have the time or money to see a therapist in person. You can see a therapist from the comfort of your own home, and you don't have to take time off work or miss important appointments.

BetterHelp is cheaper than traditional treatment. You don't have to pay for gas or parking, and you don't have to pay for the therapist's office space. Also, if you have insurance, BetterHelp may be covered.

Finally, BetterHelp is anonymous. You don't have to worry about your therapist knowing your personal information or sharing it with anyone. It can be a great choice for those who are concerned about privacy.

03. ReGain online therapy

ReGain is one of the best online couples' treatment sites, which helps others solve their relationship problems through telehealth. The consultation of these couples can be provided by licensed and professional online therapists.

It has a user-friendly interface, which is easy to access and contact the therapists. You can choose the best pair for you and choose the therapist for you.

Regain specialists for relationship therapy but they offer individual therapy too. Regain focused on issues such as :

• Family
• Online dating
• Parenting
• Divorce
• Intimacy
• Attachment and attraction
• Friendships
• Dating
• Marriage
• Infidelity
• Recovering from domestic violence
• Being single

Solving problems such as:

• Recovering from a divorce or breakup
• Resolving parenting conflicts
• Resolving intimacy issues
• Dating issues
• Improving conflict resolution and communication skills
• Setting boundaries in relationships

04. Brightside 

If you're depressed and need someone to talk to, consider Brightside Online Therapy. Licensed therapists are available 24/7, so you can get the help you need, wherever you are. Additionally, Brightside offers a free 7-day trial so you can decide if online therapy is right for you.

Brightside offers a variety of treatment options, including individual therapy, couples therapy, and family therapy. The site has a network of licensed therapists who specialize in a variety of mental health concerns including stress, anxiety, depression, and relationship issues.

You can communicate with your therapist through the site's messaging tools or through video or audio calls.

It should be noted that online therapy is not a substitute for emergency treatment. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or are in danger of harming yourself or others, it is important to seek immediate help by calling 911 or your local emergency number.

05. E-Therapy Cafe

E-Therapy Cafe is an online therapy service that provides a convenient and affordable way to receive counseling and therapy from the comfort of your own home.

E-Therapy Cafe offers a variety of services including individual, couples and family counseling, group therapy and online courses. An e-therapy cafe is a great option for those who want counseling but may not have the time or resources to see a therapist in person.

Online therapy is a great option for those living in rural areas or those who do not have access to counseling services in their area.

E-Therapy Cafe offers a confidential and convenient way to receive counseling services without leaving the comfort of your home.

Is online therapy cheaper than in person?

The cost of online treatment varies depending on the site or service you choose and the type of treatment you require. In general, online therapy is cheaper than in-person therapy because therapists don't have to pay for office space and can see more clients on a given day.

Some online therapy platforms offer subscription-based pricing where you pay a monthly fee to access therapy sessions. Other platforms charge per session or offer bundled fees for a limited number of sessions.

Here are some examples of the cost of e-therapy:

• TalkSpace: Prices start at $65 per week for unlimited messaging therapy and $129 per week for video or audio therapy sessions.
• BetterHelp: Prices are $40 per week for unlimited messaging therapy and $80 per week for video or audio therapy sessions.
• 7 Cups: Prices start at $150 per month for unlimited messaging therapy and $250 per month for video or audio therapy sessions.

It is important to note that some online therapy platforms offer sliding scale fees based on income, and some insurance plans cover online therapy. 

What are the negative effects of online therapy?

Online therapy can be a convenient and effective option for many people, but it is not without its limitations. Here are a few potential disadvantages of online therapy to consider:

• Lack of in-person connection: One of the main drawbacks of online therapy is that it lacks the in-person connection that can be present in traditional therapy. This can make it more difficult to build rapport with your therapist and may be less effective for those who find it easier to connect with others in person.
• Limited to text or audio communication: Online therapy typically involves text or audio communication, which can make it difficult to read nonverbal cues and body language. This can make it harder to interpret the therapist's intentions and may make it more difficult to fully express yourself.
• Technology issues: Online therapy relies on technology, which means it is subject to technical issues such as connectivity problems, audio or video delays, or security breaches. These issues can disrupt therapy sessions and may be frustrating for both the therapist and the client.
• May not be suitable for everyone: not every online therapy service is suitable for everyone, particularly those experiencing severe mental health issues or those in crisis. In such cases, it is important to seek in-person help. It is also important to note that online therapy is not a replacement for emergency care.