UK Counselling: Find The Right Online Counselling Platform For You

Online counselling, also known as e-counselling or virtual counselling, has existed for decades in various forms. It began with phone-based counselling for people in remote areas and grew in popularity around the 1980s and 90s. In 1997, the International Society for Mental Health Online (ISMHO) was founded to establish online therapeutic standards. During the COVID-19 pandemic, online counselling became the standard approach due to social distancing mandates. The popularity of online therapy continues to grow, providing individuals around the world with the opportunity to receive quality treatment. 

Additionally, the rise of online counselling has given counselors more flexibility and led to an uptick in mental health program enrollment numbers. Counselling is one of the 10 most popular online course subjects. This article will provide an overview of counselling programs in the UK, what clients can consider when choosing a counselling provider, and what’s new in the field of psychoeducation. 

Mental health & counselling trends in the United Kingdom

Like many other places in the world, mental health and well-being are a concern in the United Kingdom. Data published by the British Medical Association (BMA) suggest that rates of mental illness among the population have risen, and those of children and young people appear to be growing faster than adults. The same report reveals the number of individuals seeking counselling has grown quickly, with the latest estimates showing over a two-thirds increase in people accessing mental health treatment between 2000 and 2014. 

Distance learning for continuing education and counselling skills development

Whether you’re seeking a master’s degree, taking short courses to fulfill continuing education requirements, or starting from scratch, online education helps meet the growing demand for mental health services in the UK. Course content covers topics ranging from social work to human resources to substance use disorder treatment. Newer students may also take foundational courses highlighting the core theoretical knowledge behind modern therapies. 

When considering virtual counselling courses, remember that while online education offers flexibility in learning new techniques and staying updated on current practices at your own pace, it also requires self-discipline and effective time management to maximize the learning experience. Key aspects to consider include the program's quality, accreditation, interactive features, access to instructors, and the potential for applying new skills in real-world scenarios through case studies or supervised practice opportunities. 

Benefits of counselling and psychotherapy distance learning

There are several benefits to choosing distance learning when completing your psychology degree or continuing education certifications. For example:

• Distance learning allows you to access the latest counselling theory and practice developments through a continually updated online curriculum. 
• You can choose courses that target specific counselling skills or populations you want to explore or specialize in. 
• Online education provides opportunities to analyze your own counselling approach and identify areas for improvement through case studies and reflective exercises. 
• Depending on the program, online education might be a more affordable option compared to traditional in-person classes and workshops.

Reasons to pursue online counselling and psychotherapy 

Many mental health providers decide to work in virtual counselling because of the benefits it can offer to their clients. Online counselling can offer many benefits, some specific to receiving treatment at home. For example, individuals may feel more comfortable discussing personal issues in their homes, which can reduce the anxiety associated with visiting a counsellor's office. Individuals don’t have to attend sessions from home, either; they can participate from anywhere with an internet connection, eliminating travel time and making it easier for people in rural areas or with mobility challenges to receive support. 

Online platforms also give clients access to a broader pool of counsellors, including specialists who might not be available locally. Additionally, virtual counselling allows you to book sessions at times that fit your schedule, often with flexibility in appointment times. 

Is virtual counselling effective? 

If you’re considering a virtual counselling program as a prospective provider or are a client looking for support, you may be interested in learning about the effectiveness of these options. Although ongoing, current research shows that many types of virtual counselling can be just as effective as in-person counselling for people with a variety of disorders: 

• The majority of participants in a 2024 meta-analysis reported positive experiences with telehealth interventions for anxiety and related conditions in function, working alliance, and overall satisfaction.
• A meta-analysis published in 2022 reviewed 13 randomized controlled trials and reported that telehealth interventions for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) could be a "viable alternative for care provision to patients with PTSD.” 
• A 2021 study compared clinical outcomes of cases where individuals received intensive cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) for depressive symptoms in virtual versus traditional in-person treatment. Researchers found "no significant difference between in-person and telehealth groups in depressive symptom reduction and significant increases in self-reported quality of life across groups.”

Is virtual counselling suitable for everyone?

As a prospective counselor or client, you may be curious whether virtual counselling can benefit everyone. Online counselling can be effective for many people, but it's not necessarily right for everyone. For example, people who have difficulty connecting with their counsellor or those who have trouble focusing during sessions might not benefit as much from virtual treatment.

In addition, virtual counselling may not be appropriate for some people with severe or long-term mental health concerns that could require immediate intervention. For example, people with psychosis, schizophrenia, or complex trauma may benefit more from in-person therapy, where the counsellor can observe nonverbal cues more readily. Similarly, it might not be the best option for those experiencing a crisis or emergency or who have thoughts of hurting themselves or others.  

Factors to consider when choosing an counselling program

Since the rise in popularity of virtual counselling, providers and clients alike have had an opportunity to reflect on their experiences with virtual counselling and establish factors to explore when participating in online programs. For example, clients and professionals should seek a virtual counselling platform prioritizing client personal and security practices. Additionally, platforms should be user-friendly for all parties. Below are a few other considerations when choosing a virtual counselling platform.  

Mental health credentials, accreditation, and counselling skills

Pay, cost, and affordability

When choosing a virtual counselling program to work with, you may consider how much the platform pays providers and whether the services offered are supporting low-income clients. The cost of therapy varies depending on several factors. For example, more experienced practitioners or those with highly specialized education and training could command higher fees. Pricing is sometimes dependent on session length, and individual platform fees might affect pricing as well. Online counselling in the UK can range from as little as £20 up to £80 on average per session. One might find discounted rates through online therapy platforms offering sliding scale options or financial aid upon qualifying. Additionally, some accept no-cost NHS-funded treatment or personal insurance for clients. 

Flexibility and scheduling for clients 

While platforms and therapists differ in what they offer, some virtual counselling platforms provide flexible, convenient options. For example, BetterHelp offers live weekly or bi-weekly sessions that range from 30 to 45 minutes each. Clients can choose a day and time that best fits their needs, including daytime, evenings, and weekends. BetterHelp therapists also offer messaging, which users may use for scheduling and treatment concerns between sessions. 

Technological features

Before working for a virtual tcounselling platform, consider your preparedness. One must have a reliable internet connection and a personal session space. Reputable platforms should offer user-friendly and convenient counselling options. Data protection should be a priority, with providers adhering to Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act regulations to protect your personal information. Therapists use several tools for communicating in teletherapy sessions, including the following: 

• Phone apps
• Video conferencing
• Real-time instant messaging
• Email
• Text chat
• Telephone

Reviews or online counselling platforms

Reading client testimonials can provide insights into their experiences using a certain program or site. However, remember that reviews should be considered critically. Look for patterns in feedback to get a more comprehensive picture of the site. You can also look at reviews from therapists who work for the site to learn about the company policies and management.  

Potential risks of unqualified counselling and psychotherapy providers

As a provider, ensuring your credentials are easily verified can be important. Vetting a therapist can help individuals avoid the potential issues if a counselor is unqualified. For example, unqualified therapists might not have the necessary knowledge to accurately assess a condition, leading to possible misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment. Virtual counselling requires special skills to manage crisis situations effectively, which an unqualified practitioner might not have, potentially leaving clients without adequate support during urgent moments. A lack of proper training could also lead to unethical practices like divulging information or engaging in inappropriate client relationships. 

How clients can pick the right counselling platform for them and get the most out of counselling 

If you’re seeking virtual therapy, first assess your goals for treatment and seek therapists with expertise in the specific issues you're facing to ensure they can provide targeted treatment. Consider your budget and scheduling needs and ask for an introductory consultation or trial session. Doing so can help you get an idea of how comfortable you'll be with virtual therapy and give you time to vet the counsellor. 

When preparing for your first session, write down any questions, thoughts, or concerns you'd like to discuss with your therapist. Find a personal, quiet space to talk and ensure your internet connection, webcam, and microphone are working properly. Communicate openly and honestly with your counsellor and maintain a consistent schedule. Track your progress and consider setting aside time before and after sessions to process any emotions that arise.