A HIPAA-compliant platform like Talkspace makes this simple and safe. Work flexible hours as part of a supportive virtual community of care providers. Darby said when she was training to be a mental health counselor nearly 20 years ago, offering therapy in anything other than a one-on-one format was not even a consideration. For more pointers, check out our guide for clients on transitioning to online therapy. Like any modality, telepsychology comes with its own advantages and disadvantages. If you’re considering online therapy, it’s important that you find the method that works best for your unique circumstances and goals. “Humans are vulnerable; we need guidance to maneuver around difficult emotions.
We selected some of the most popular services in this niche and collected information from various third-party websites where therapists leave their reviews. Most Blue Cross Blue Shield plans include coverage for mental health care, although some employer-sponsored plans don’t. If your policy includes coverage, you can use the Teladoc behavioral health service to talk to a therapist with a $0 copay. A lot of therapists charge the same amount for online therapy and in-person therapy because they’re providing the same services. Without insurance, the median fee can run anywhere from $130 to $200, according to TherapyDen, a mental health directory. Personal, face-to-face interactions inherently make direct therapy stand out from online platforms. Patients want to know they are working with a therapist they can trust—something live communication fosters.
You can choose the session length and frequency to fit into your budget. Plus, you don’t have to spend cash commuting to and from the therapist’s office. Online therapy is the solution to physical barriers to accessing therapy. Provided you have a device and an internet connection, you’ll be able to attend your sessions without leaving your house. There is an array of opportunities for those interested in pursuing a career in mental health as an online therapist. Whether you want to work full-time, part-time, or per diem, there is likely a job available for you. The American Counseling Association (ACA) states that online therapy does not eliminate educational and licensing requirements.
Another 2014 study found that online counseling was just as effective as in-person. In-person therapy was previously believed to be more effective than online therapy. It’s easy to assume that in-person therapy is better than online therapy. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of each for people with no insurance. For in-person therapy with no insurance, you can expect to pay $100–250 for a 50-minute session. And don’t forget to take a look at copay and what documents your insurer requires before they pay your money back. If you’ve purchased a plan with high deductibles, you will still need to pay the upfront cost, then claim the money back later.
Small Ways To Boost Your Mental Health
Just like office therapy, online counselors will first go over some main goals or problems to be worked on. This is also a time for the client to express anything in particular that they might feel will be helpful to the therapy process. Both online and office therapists will then select from a variety of professionally-developed tools and therapy styles to begin working with the client to through problems or towards goals. Therapists providing this service should work hard to make it feel very similar to an in-person session. Part of that involves helping you to feel comfortable in the online platform. For instance, 2014 research published in the Journal of Affective Disorders found that therapy carried out online was just as effective at treating depression as face-to-face treatment. And in that same year, a study in the Journal of Behaviour Research and Therapy shared similar findings.
Dr. Elizabeth Lombardo, PhD, Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Whether you choose video, text, or voice sessions, it’s essential to find a therapist who is licensed and experienced. You can also check for membership in a professional organization to ensure that they’re qualified and up-to-date on the latest research. In addition, it’s a good idea to choose a therapist who accepts your insurance or Medicare coverage. Another site, BetterHelp, is similar to Talkspace, but its monthly price is slightly higher at $240 to $360 (or $60 to $80 per week). The subscription includes unlimited messaging with a therapist and one live video or voice call a week. The site also has a large network of therapists and provides counseling services for couples and teens.
Virtual therapy offers much needed services to residents in rural areas or other locations with limited access to providers. Villaveces describes how online counseling can broaden access to mental health providers. “If you live in a smaller city or town, you may not want to run into your therapist at the grocery store, or can’t find a therapist with the training you’re looking for.” Patients can experience therapy from the comfort of their home and some counselors are more likely offer therapy outside of traditional business hours. The added convenience and accessibility allows for more people to seek therapy and for therapists to expand their practice and offerings. It can also be especially useful if you live in a therapy desert, which is a place where access to mental health care is limited or nonexistent because there aren’t enough providers near you.
“They feel that online therapy is safer and more convenient,” says Minal Mahtani, a cognitive behaviour therapist and founder and chief executive of OCD & Anxiety Support HK. If you’re looking to invest in your mental health in 2022, apps like Talkspace and BetterHelp could be a good place to start. By investing in your online presence, you can unlock new opportunities for growth and success in your therapy practice. Share your video content and testimonials on social media platforms and consider using paid advertising to reach a wider audience. Collaborating with other professionals can also help you build valuable relationships within your industry and establish your therapy practice as a trusted resource in your community. Share information about these offerings on your social media profiles, and consider creating blog posts or articles discussing the benefits of teletherapy.
This is not a type of therapy, but a person may receive techniques and advice from people in similar situations. Some people prefer using online forums to connect with others who are in or have experienced similar situations. Through these forums, a person can find support, advice, and encouragement from peers.
