Find A Therapist Through Online Counseling: Virtual Options In The UK
If you've ever considered looking into online therapy or online counselling for support with depression, social anxiety, stress, mental health conditions, or day to day life advice, you are not alone. In 2021, over 1.6 million United Kingdom citizens were referred to therapy for mental healthcare within the United Kingdom.
In addition, the utilization of online therapy and counselling has skyrocketed since 2020. Virtual counselling may be an option for those in the UK who have found that the standard of care in their area is not up to par with their needs or just want to attend therapy within the comfort of their own home outside of the NHS network.
Can therapists from virtual sessions provide effective mental health support?
According to a study from the University of Zurich, over half of all virtual clients reported ease of depression symptoms after attending remote therapy. In this case, the virtual model of online counselling exceeded the performance of clients attending in-person counselling.
Three months after the study concluded, over half of all online patients reported no more significant symptoms after seeing their therapists, compared to 42% of conventional therapy patients.
Similar studies have been produced by the American Psychological Association, and one study demonstrated that counselling online is effective for those dealing with prolonged daily stress (chronic stress).
Online therapy and online counselling in UK cities is often carried out through cognitive-behavioral therapy, a talking therapy and proven scientific treatment for teaching patients coping mechanisms and healthy thinking patterns with therapists virtually.
Online counseling for depression, anxiety, and more
Virtual counseling or remote therapy may be utilized for a variety of reasons. For example, many people seek out therapeutic help from an online counsellor when experiencing:
- Depression or anxiety
- Symptoms of a personality disorder
- Symptoms related to autism, ADHD, or dyslexia
- A learning disorder
- Life stressors
- Relationship or marriage concerns
- Parenting concerns
- Life changes, such as a new job or moving to a new city
- Grief and loss
- Distressing physical health symptoms
- A need for life advice
- A medical diagnosis
- Delusions or hallucinations
- Difficulty socializing
- Help with improving overall well-being
Addressing other concerns through online counseling in the UK
Get mental health support through online therapy with certified UK therapists
You may find help from an online counsellor through:
- UK national services
- Services that have international counseling coverage in the UK
- Online counseling platforms with certified UK therapists
- Independent UK therapists who provide telehealth counseling services
Success stories of remote therapy
Anecdotally, many counselling patients have come forward to explain why they felt a difference in seeking an online therapist for mental health. One story published in the New York Times followed Dale Love Callon, who credited virtual therapy with helping him better manage insomnia. "I'm sleeping much better now," he said.
Recently, a Wall Street Journal writer used BetterHelp and called remote therapy a "positive, professional experience." NPR (National Public Radio) interviewed Lauren Kay, who stated her streaming video psychotherapy sessions were better than in-person counselling. She stated the online appointments felt friendly and connected.
What are the benefits of doing therapy online?
Convenience of online counseling: options in the UK
Other advantages to online UK talking therapies with a qualified therapist may include a more straightforward scheduling process, as patients don't have to physically travel to a location and can "log in" to online counselling whenever needed.
In addition to the above benefits of online therapy, you may feel more connected with your therapist through online therapy. If you have pets, you can introduce them to your counsellor during video counselling, which may help ease any awkward silent moments as you get to know your therapist.
Find a therapist and mental health support through online therapy: UK virtual therapy options
Research shows that connecting with a counsellor or chosen therapist virtually can be a positive experience for those in the UK and beyond.
For example, one study published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research found that people who used BetterHelp for online counselling experienced a significant decrease in the severity of depression symptoms.
Find a therapist and mental health support online
In the UK, if you're unable to find an in-person counsellor that fits your needs, you might contact a counselling platform such as BetterHelp counselling for individuals, or Regain for couples, that offer mental health services in the UK. You may be able to find a therapy service that suits your needs by searching ‘Online therapy UK’ online. Some online counselling services may offer a free introductory session so you can get a good idea what the licensed therapist, therapy process, and general therapy appointment would be like.
To contact BetterHelp or Regain customer support, email us at contact@regain.us or contact@betterhelp.com. You can also call BetterHelp Support at +1(888)688-9296.
Takeaway
What are the benefits of choosing online counseling in the UK for mental health support?
Online counselling in the UK offers flexibility, convenience, and flexibility for those who may find it challenging to attend in-person sessions. Online therapy allows individuals to receive professional support from the comfort of their own homes, often with a wider selection of therapists to choose from for counselling.
Depending on where you live, therapists who offer counselling in areas relevant to your concerns might have a long waiting list for face-to-face therapy, and you might have to wait months before your first therapy session with your chosen therapist. In contrast, online therapy platforms often allow you to connect with a broad pool of therapists with experience in a variety of areas—from anxiety and depression to trauma and sexual abuse—and a range of therapy techniques, enabling you to find the right therapist more easily and get started with counselling sessions without as much wait. Different platforms may also cater to specific audiences or concerns, such as young people, couples, and more.
How does the process of online therapy work through UK-based platforms?
Online therapy in the UK typically involves selecting a qualified therapist through a platform, scheduling sessions, and conducting them via video calls, messaging, or phone. These counselling sessions provide the same level of professionalism as traditional in-person therapy.
Can you find free counseling online in the UK?
Yes, most sites are forum-based, and while that can help in a crisis situation, a licensed therapist and a one-on-one experience might be the ideal solution.
BetterHelp provides online therapy that is not just forum-based and can utilize a variety of mediums, including video chatting, voice recordings, texting, and telephone counselling or therapy. Some UK online counselling websites may also offer financial aid or a free, introductory therapy session to help you try the counselling platform before you commit.
How much does counseling cost on the internet?
For the most part, virtual therapy depends on things like the internet service that you utilize, what you want, how many sessions you need, and your insurance.
The cost for virtual therapy can be anywhere from 35 dollars to 150 dollars per session. Some therapists offer payment plans depending on your situation, and some therapists do take insurance as well.
Every online therapy service is different. Some of them offer payment plans or financial aid, and others will have regular and premium packages. Some of them may even offer a free introductory counselling session.
Is virtual counseling effective for concerns like anxiety and depression?
Many are concerned about the effectiveness of virtual therapy. After all, you're investing money in this, so you want to make sure you're not wasting money.
Online therapy is effective in treating many mental health issues, like anxiety and depression. Cognitive-behavioral therapy, which is what a majority of what therapy is, is effective at treating various anxiety disorders, depression, substance abuse conditions, PTSD, and a range of other conditions.
It's just as effective as a face-to-face option and might be good for some people who are anxious about sitting in an office with a therapist, or for those who have busy lives and many commitments but need to learn coping strategies.
If, for example, you have an obsession condition, it likely won't be as effective for you, and it's better to see a professional therapist in-person in these circumstances rather than seeking out virtual care.
Related questions about online therapy
Which therapy platform is the best?
BetterHelp is at the top of the list of the best online psychotherapy or therapy and is the most affordable and well-rounded of them all. But, ReGain is great for those seeking out couples counselling. TalkSpace is another great one, but the downside of this one is that it's a little more expensive than the other two.
However, TalkSpace does allow you to check out different plans. BetterHelp is a more fixed pricing system than that one, though, and is determined after you fill out your questionnaire.
Can anyone get virtual therapy?
Of course! Anyone can receive support through virtual counselling if they believe it can help with their concerns. If you have some issues or self-esteem concerns that you'd like to discuss with a therapist, or if you'd just like to talk to someone, virtual counselling is valid and readily available.
For serious conditions, it's not advisable to get virtual care, but if you have problems you'd just like to sort out with someone, it can be a worthwhile investment and a safe space to talk.
Does online therapy work for anxiety and depression?
It works if you're willing to put effort into it. There is also much research that demonstrates the effectiveness of therapy for anxiety and depression. But if you say you're going to use therapy to better yourself, but then never show up to appointments and don't actively use what you've learned in therapy in your day-to-day life, then it won't work for you.
Is virtual counselling safe? Should I be waiting for in-person?
While usually safe, you do want to do your research to make sure that you're going with an e-counselling service that keeps your space in place and isn't fraudulent, of course. Virtual counselling has helped many people, both young and old, and it's since become even more reliable than ever before.
How much does BetterHelp online therapy cost in the United Kingdom?
It ranges anywhere between $65 to 90 a week, depending on therapist availability, location, and your preferences. If you want to, you can pay for a month, and with the monthly charge, you can see messages with your counselor, and this also offers a once-a-week video session, live chat session or phone call session.
How long are BetterHelp sessions?
You can message your therapist on the counselling platform and once a week, you can get a live video session, phone call session or live chat session.
What is the best online therapy platform United Kingdom?
Is counselling free in the United Kingdom?
Can you get online therapy or counselling United Kingdom?
How much is therapy or counselling United Kingdom per hour?
Do you have to pay for BetterHelp therapists in the United Kingdom?
How can I search for therapists in my area?
If you want more information on mental health, you can also check out the BetterHelp YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@BetterHelp/videos
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