Online Therapy Services

Online therapy refers to any counseling service conducted through the internet. There are two primary types of online therapy services. The first is similar to traditional therapy sessions, where you and your therapist use an app to communicate with each other in real time. This often involves a video call, but this is not required for all therapists. The second type of therapy uses an app system. Instead of speaking to a therapist in real time, you can send messages through the app. Your therapist can also check in with you using the app at scheduled times. Some of these apps also incorporate real time sessions.

Online therapy services use different pricing methods. Some services will charge for each session, while others use a weekly or monthly membership. While the costs of online therapy services are typically lower than in-person sessions, your insurance may not cover the costs. With so many therapists switching to distance services because of the Coronavirus, more insurance agencies are providing more support for online therapy services.

Pros of Online Therapy Services

The biggest advantage of using online therapy services is convenience. Not only do you cut out travel time because the session takes place over the internet, but you have a much wider range of therapists to choose from. This is especially helpful if you live in a remote area, where there are limited in-person therapy options. Even in larger areas, it allows you to look for specialists in other states. 

Prices are also more favorable for patients. Therapists who work remotely often use a home office instead of renting their own space. This drastically cuts down on how much therapists must charge each session. You also have more opportunities to save on costs, since you do not have any travel fees. With more therapists to choose from, it is easier to find appointments without having to take off time from work.

Many patients also find it easier to share personal details with a therapist when they are not face to face. Some patients even look for sessions that do not utilize video calls for this reason. With text-based services, you also have more time to think about what questions your therapist is asking, giving you more time to reflect on your answers without feeling rushed because you know you only have a short time left in your session.

Cons of Online Therapy Services

While online therapy allows you to see therapists outside of your community, this comes with some downsides. Some insurance providers only provide coverage for therapists within your state. Licensing requirements are also different depending on where you live. If you are using an app, it is harder to check the credentials of your therapist.

While some patients find the distance an advantage, others are less comfortable without in-person communication. It is easier to feel like you are closed off from your therapist when you are talking to them over an app instead of sitting in an office together.

Talkspace

Talkspace was one of the innovators of online therapy. In addition to communication services, the website also offers medication management services to members. There are multiple membership plans to choose from, with standard services starting at $65 per week. This includes unlimited text, video and audio messaging up to five days each week. The website also has special accounts for either couples or teenage therapy. These accounts use the same subscription service as a normal account. You can also request a psychiatric evaluation, which costs $199. Additional psychiatric services are separate from the subscription account, charging $125 for each visit. Before you commit to a therapist, you get a free 10-minute introduction call with the prospective therapist.

In addition to having a large roster of trained online counselors, Talkspace is one of the most insurance friendly online services. You can also pay for a membership using HSA or FSA cards. You may also be able to apply employee assistance programs for Talkspace services.

Amwell

If you want a counseling experience that mimics in-person visits, Amwell is one of the best sites. Unlike other online therapy services, Amwell focuses on video-based sessions. Services are available 24-7, but you must schedule an appointment in advance. Amwell has some of the strictest employee requirements. In addition to needing a license, therapists must have either a master’s or a doctorate. Because of this, Amwell is one of the few online therapy services with psychiatrists who can prescribe medication.

Amwell primarily offers counseling for anxiety, depression, PTSD and life transitions. There are also options for couple therapies. Sessions tend to last between 45 minutes to an hour. Costs range from $100 to $110. Amwell is compatible with some insurance providers as well, which further reduces costs.

Regain

Regain is a counseling service primarily aimed at married couples, but they also provide general relationship therapy. When you sign up for an account, you and your partner must answer a questionnaire. The website uses your answers to find prospective therapists best suited to help with your relationship. While it is not required, the website encourages video sessions whenever possible. Sessions are available with both partners present as well as one-on-one. The website uses a monthly subscription basis, which costs between $240 and $360, based on your location and therapist preferences.

BetterHelp

BetterHelp.com is a professional therapy service that provides many benefits for its users. One of the main benefits of using BetterHelp is that it gives people access to therapists who they may not be able to see in person. This is especially helpful for people who live in rural areas or who have busy schedules. BetterHelp also offers the benefit of being more affordable than traditional therapy, and it accepts most major health insurance plans. Depending on the type of online therapy you use through BetterHelp, your sessions could raise in price from $60-$90 or even $240 - $360. Make sure to check before booking a session. In addition, BetterHelp makes it easy to find a therapist who is a good fit for your needs. You can search by location, specialty, and even language. If you are looking for a professional therapy service that can provide you with all of these benefits, betterhelp.com is the right choice for you.

PTSD Counseling

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD, is a mental health condition that can develop after someone has experienced or witnessed a traumatic event. Symptoms can include flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, and difficulty sleeping. If you are struggling with PTSD, there are many types of therapy and counseling that can help.

Nationwide services such as the Veterans Affairs Department offer free or low-cost PTSD counseling for those who have served in the military. Other organizations, such as the National Center for PTSD, offer online resources and support groups.

Therapy for PTSD can vary depending on the individual. Some people may benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy, which can help to change negative thinking patterns. Others may find relief through exposure therapy, which involves gradually facing memories of the trauma. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to treating PTSD, so it is important to work with a mental health professional to find an approach that works for you.

Cost is another important consideration when seeking therapy for PTSD. Many insurance plans cover at least some of the cost of mental health care, but coverage can vary depending on the provider and type of service. There are also many sliding-scale clinics and other organizations that offer affordable or free counseling services. 

Depression Counseling

Depression is a mental illness that can have a profound effect on every aspect of a person's life. While depression can be caused by a variety of factors, ranging from genetic disposition to traumatic events, it is important to remember that depression is a treatable condition. There are many different types of therapy and counseling available for depression, and the right treatment depends on the individual. In terms of cost, depression counseling can range from free or low-cost options to more expensive private therapy. However, many health insurance plans now cover depression counseling, so it is worth checking with your provider to see what might be covered. Overall, there are many resources available for those seeking depression help, and with the right support, recovery is possible.