Getting emotional help without leaving home…
Even before the pandemic, Matt already suffered from OCD and generalized anxiety disorder. When the government imposed lockdowns and social distancing, his conditions worsened. However, travel restrictions and the sudden spike in depression and anxiety disorders made getting help difficult, if not impossible.
Help came in the form of online therapy.
What is online therapy? How is it different from face-to-face counseling?
Due to the pandemic and technological advancements, gone are the days when we have to be physically present in a therapist's office. Nowadays, you can talk to licensed therapists at home or on the road. Also called virtual therapy or e-counselling, online therapy isn't that different from getting mental health support in person. It can also be as effective as in-person sessions, with many providers covering a wide range of mental health conditions. The therapists are all licensed and accredited, possess a Master's or Doctorate Degree, and are certified by their state's professional board. Perhaps the most significant difference lies in the method of communication. Unlike traditional therapy, where you have to sit on the couch in your therapist's office, your sessions happen over the internet. It can be real-time via live chat, video conferencing, and text messaging, or in a time-delayed format like email.
How is it better than in-person therapy? What are the benefits?
Don't get us wrong; it would be irresponsible to claim that online therapy trumps seeing your therapist in person. If you're dealing with a severe psychiatric illness, e-therapy can supplement traditional therapy. If you're experiencing thoughts of suicide or self-harm, reach out to the appropriate crisis support helplines. That being said, when the situation is less severe or complicated, e-therapy presents a plethora of benefits.
Convenience and Accessibility: Stuck in traffic, away on a weekend trip, or staying at home but need to engage in therapy? Online therapy services can connect you with your therapist via live chat, text messaging, voice, or video calls. This is a great help for those with a busy schedule, people with mobility issues, or who live in a rural area without access to specialists. Many online therapy providers also offer flexible scheduling and are available 24/7, so you can get help immediately, wherever and whenever it suits you.
Wider Selection of Therapists: You wouldn't believe how hard it can be to book a therapist these days, with everyone working at 200% capacity after two years of stress and uncertainties. We've heard of people contacting providers on their insurance plan's network within a 20-, 50-mile radius without success. If they find someone, they'll just be added to a long waiting list. With online therapy, this is no longer a problem. You're no longer limited by geography and can work with therapists outside your city limits. You can choose from thousands of qualified therapists or get matched with one that fits your preferences or the type of issues you are dealing with. And what if you don't vibe with the therapist? You can switch to another therapist in just a few clicks.
Privacy/Confidentiality: You won't have to worry about your information leaking out, because reputable online therapy providers use best-in-class data encryption and other security measures. The entire platform and each therapist also abide by strict local and federal laws, including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). If you wish to be anonymous, most providers like BetterHelp and ReGain allow the use of nicknames when creating accounts.
Sense of Comfort & Safety: Opening up to a therapist can be quite a struggle. After all, no matter how qualified, your therapist is still essentially a stranger. This becomes even more challenging when you suffer from social anxiety or agoraphobia. How can you meet with your therapist if you can't even work up the courage to leave your home? Online therapy offers you the help you need without leaving your comfort zone. Having your sessions at home can also make it easier to open up.
Cost: Most providers we've listed above typically charge between $60 to $90 per week, which usually includes unlimited live messaging and phone sessions. Some even accept insurance and EAPs or offer financial aid. Now compare this with in-person therapy, where you can expect to pay between $100 and $200 per session, and it quickly becomes a no-brainer.
What kind of mental health conditions can I get help with?
Our top 10 online therapy services have an extensive network of therapists that can help with a variety of conditions/situations, including but not limited to:
• Depression
• Anger management
• Panic disorder
• Insomnia
• Social anxiety disorder
• Generalized anxiety disorder
• OCD
• PTSD
• Eating disorders
• Trauma
• Grief and loss
• Family conflict
• Relationship issues
• LGBTQIA+
• Childhood abuse
• Bipolar disorder
• Addiction
• Low self-esteem
• and more
How did you choose the best online therapy platforms?
Different therapists have different specializations and approaches, so finding the right one can take time and effort. Finding someone you "click" with who can address your specific needs can be a series of trial and error. There are also factors to consider, such as their experience, credentials, treatment approaches, and more. To increase your chances of success with online therapy, our experts have carefully vetted this list of the top online therapy sites based on the following criteria:
• Therapist network and specializations
• Flexible subscription plans
• Communication methods
• Ease-of-use
• Payment options
• Financial assistance
• Insurance coverage
• Payment options
• Security and privacy
• Customer reviews
Disclaimer
The aim of this website is to help you find the perfect software for your needs in an easy-to-view comparison list. You can read more about how we review and about our background in the About Us section of this website. BestOnlineTherapy.Services does not feature all of the software available in the market, we cherry-pick what we consider to be the leaders in each vertical. We try to keep this site updated and fresh, but cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information as well as the prices featured at all times. All prices quoted on this site are based on USD so there could be slight discrepancies due to currency fluctuations. Although the site is free to use, we do earn commissions from the software companies that we have partnered with. If you click on one of our links and then make a purchase, we will get paid by that company. This has an impact on the ranking, score, and order in which the software is presented in our list and elsewhere throughout the site. Software listings on this page DO NOT imply endorsement.
