Help is just a click away!
If you’re going through a period where nothing seems to work out, you don’t have to walk through it alone. You can easily get the support you need, without facing the fear of judgment. However, it’s always difficult to ask for help, especially from those that we love. Sometimes you just need a stranger to help you work through your emotional trauma without even having to meet them.
The good news is that with online therapy, you’ll get the assistance you need and through the mode that you’re most comfortable with; calls, texts, video calls, or emails. Intrigued? Here are a couple of platforms you should check out.
Talkspace
Talkspace is an online-based therapy platform that connects you to licensed counselors. Think of it as a matchmaking service, but for therapists. Their main services include individual therapy, couples therapy, teen therapy & psychiatry, and you just have to reach out.
To get started, you’ll be required to fill out a brief assessment that helps them understand your life goals and preferences. Talkspace then provides you with a list of recommended therapists to select the one you’re most comfortable with.
Pros of Talkspace
- You can reach out to them at any time.
- Ability to change therapists at no extra charge.
- A secure app that’s compatible with iOS and Android devices.
- Flexible theory sessions that fit your lifestyle.
- Fairly affordable services.
Cons of Talkspace
- You’re given 24/7 access, but the therapy sessions are limited to normal work hours.
Talkspace accepts insurance from some companies, including Cigna, resources for living, and Gator Care. They charge between $65 to$100 weekly, and you can cancel your subscription any time.
Betterhelp
According to a 2019 study, over 300 Betterhelp users had shown a significant reduction of depression symptoms after just 3 months of therapy. Betterhelp is one of the largest therapy services, and all their counseling sessions are 100% online.
To get started, you have to create an account, fill out a questionnaire, and they will find the right counselor for you.
Pros of Betterhelp
- Ability to list out the qualities of your preferred counselor, including gender, race, and religion.
- Private and secure chat rooms where you can reach your therapist at any time.
- Ability to schedule live chat therapy sessions.
- Live phone call sessions through the BetterHelp app.
- A large network of licensed and accredited therapists.
Cons of Betterhelp
- Finding an in-state counselor could take a couple of days.
Betterhelp services start from $60, which increases when you schedule more live sessions. Even though this platform hasn’t partnered with any insurance companies, unemployed people are eligible for a 40% price discount.
Cerebral
This platform has been around since 2019 and is a counseling and medical management tool. Getting started on Cerebral is as simple as filling out a short form, connecting with your therapist on phone/ video, after which they create a custom plan based on your unique needs.
Pros of Cerebral
- Services are available to uninsured clients.
- They have partnered with insurance companies such as Cigna, Anthem, and Magellan Health.
- Cerebral is FSA and HSA eligible
- They have multiple treatment plans.
- Low-cost prescriptions
Cons of Cerebral
- They are unavailable in some states.
- Only available to patients over 18 years.
Charges are $85/ month, but for the first month, you only pay $30.
Online-therapy.com
Online-therapy.com is like a complete toolbox of all online therapy services and even offers activity plans and yoga. They mainly focus on cognitive behavior therapy to treat conditions such as PTSD, eating disorders, anxiety, chronic pain, etc.
Pros of Online-therapy.com
- All your personal data is encrypted to ensure confidentiality.
- 14-day money-back guarantee if you complete all sessions and worksheets as scheduled.
- 10% discount for new users
- More than 11,000 certified therapists to choose from.
Cons of Online-therapy.com
- They don’t directly bill your insurance.
Their therapy sessions range from $$31.96 to $63.96 per week.
Amwell
Amwell is a telemedicine service provider for patients and healthcare professionals. Unlike the other platforms on the list, Amwells services are not limited to online therapy. They also offer other medical services through live videos.
Pros of Amwell
- Simple enrollment process.
- 24/7 access to medical professionals.
- High-quality streaming that’s also secure.
- Therapists can send your prescriptions to nearby pharmacies.
- Ability to choose a therapist that fits your needs.
Cons of Amwell
- Therapy services are only covered by a few insurance providers & employers. Uninsured patients will have to pay out of pocket.
Their pricing is dependent on insurance coverage, but for urgent medical attention, the price starts at $79.
7 Cups
If you’re looking for a platform that can offer you free & quality emotional support, then 7 Cups is the best option. The free version only connects you to active listeners but to have unlimited access to a licensed therapist; you’ll have to upgrade to the paid version.
Pros of 7 Cups
- You can also become a listener to help others going through tough times.
- Useful self-help guides to help you through your journey.
- Ability to connect with other people, eliminating the feeling of isolation.
- Therapists respond within 24hours
Cons of 7 Cups
- They don’t accept insurance.
- Anyone can sign up as an active listener, including untrained people.
Paid versions cost $150 per month.
ReGain
ReGain mainly specializes in relationships and coils therapy, but it also offers individual therapy services. Their primary mode of communication is on text, but you can also opt to schedule a live video call.
Pros of ReGain
- 24/7 access to your counselor.
- Unlimited messaging.
- You have to fill out an extensive questionnaire that helps ReGain assess your needs.
- Highly vetted and experienced therapists.
Cons of ReGain
- Counselor matching may take several days.
- Therapists don’t offer prescriptions.
Ther prices range from $60-$90 per week, and billing is done monthly.
Doctor on Demand
Doctor on Demand provides personalized therapy services by connecting patients to psychologists or psychiatrists. They also offer other medical services, and their main mode of communication is live video calls.
Pros of Doctor on Demand
- Doctors are allowed to diagnose and prescribe medication.
- You only pay when you connect with a therapist.
- You can either choose your therapist or allow the app to match you with one.
- All professionals go through a strict screening process.
- Therapists are variable 24/7
Cons of Doctor on Demand
- High fees starting at $125 for therapy sessions.
- They only offer their services on video chat.
You deserve to be happy!
A shocking study by the National Institute of Mental health revealed that 1 in every 5 adults in the USA is struggling with mental health. Getting help is not a sign of weakness; it only proves that you’re strong to face your fears.
If you’re going through a hard time and are looking for online therapy platforms, the above sites are a great place to start.
