How MyTherapist Can Help You: Benefits Of Online Therapy
In an often fast-paced world, mental health concerns can be common. Daily responsibilities, current events, relationship issues, and jobs may cause stress, providing various barriers to coping strategies. With roughly 1 in 5 American adults living with mental illness, mental health concerns are widely experienced in the United States. With over 41.7 million adults now seeing a therapist, stigmas around receiving treatment are being challenged, and more support is available. While therapists can’t usually provide medical advice, they can offer mental health treatment and support.
Online therapy platforms like MyTherapist provide cost-effective, discreet, and convenient therapy options that may help you improve your day-to-day mental health.
What is MyTherapist?
MyTherapist is an online therapy platform offering counseling services through a subscription-based service for individuals to receive support and guidance from mental health professionals 24 hours a day, seven days a week, from their laptop, desktop, tablet, or mobile device. Once you're matched with the right therapist based on your preferences, you can chat with your therapist via in-app messaging, live chat, video chat, or phone.
Benefits of online therapy
Modern technology has made e-therapy an invaluable resource for individuals seeking mental health support and guidance to improve their well-being. Below are just a few reasons you might find online therapy effective, using a platform like MyTherapist.
Attainability
Individuals living in rural areas, those with physical health limitations, or those who experience difficulties leaving their houses due to anxiety disorders may find online therapy offers a useful solution. Therapy can be done from your bed if you struggle to move to another location. In addition, you can connect with the right online therapist from another city without leaving your home. You can even seek out professionals who are associated with the American Psychological Association, even if they aren’t in your local area.
Convenience
Many individuals dealing with mental health issues may find it difficult to schedule traditional therapy sessions and take time out of their day to commute to their therapist's office. For example, many people have busy work schedules and very little free time, which can make it challenging to fit therapy into their life. Online therapy that can offer advice, diagnosis, and more at a time that fits each person’s individual schedule can make a significant difference.
With features like in-app messaging, you can message your online therapist 24 hours a day, seven days a week, or whenever you need support most. However, live sessions are scheduled every week. You can receive a notification once your therapist responds.
The cost
Many clients dealing with mental health issues may find the price of traditional therapy sessions outside of their budget, thus preventing them from seeking professional mental health care. Insurance company coverage can vary; some plans may not cover therapy sessions, while some clients may not have insurance at all. Online counseling through MyTherapist, with its effective treatment options, costs $65 to $100 weekly and $260-$400 monthly (based on factors such as your location, referral source, preferences, therapist availability and any applicable discounts or promotions that might apply) to have sessions with a qualified therapist.
Being undesignated
Discretion issues, such as social anxiety disorder, may prevent individuals from seeking support from an in-person therapist or participating in face-to-face CBT. Regardless of the growing discussions of mental health today, many individuals may experience the stigma surrounding mental health. With online therapy, clients can remain unknown and receive mental health treatment without the potential of seeing someone they know in the waiting room at a therapist’s office. In addition, through MyTherapist, you can go by a nickname through the platform if you do not want to use your real name. You may also wish to note that most therapists have a concealment policy and do not divulge what their clients say during sessions with others, as secrecy can be an important part of an effective therapeutic relationship. Generally, you have your concealment rights reserved when it comes to therapy.
Approachability
Many clients may feel uncomfortable talking to loved ones about their mental health concerns, such as eating disorders, due to the stigmas surrounding mental illness. Some may find visiting a therapist’s office daunting and uncomfortable, leading them to seek in person therapy alternatives. With online CBT and other mental health services, individuals can receive the support and counseling they need from any location with an internet platform. Many clients may also feel more comfortable opening up about their challenges in their home environment instead of an unfamiliar one, such as a therapist’s office. Studies back this concept up, showing that most Americans feel most comfortable at home. When you feel comfortable, it’s generally easier to trust your therapist and begin to heal.
Effectiveness
While there have been numerous advances in treating mental health concerns, many individuals may lack the availability to traditional therapy due to various factors. Online therapy can be a valuable alternative; however, potential clients might wonder about its effectiveness. Research shows that online therapy is often as effective as face-to-face therapy for various mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety, making it a practical alternative for those who may find traditional therapy unavailable.
What are some main kinds of counseling used?
There may not be a one-size-fits-all approach to therapy options for mental health concerns. Every individual has a unique personality, concerns, and experiences, and every therapist may have a unique focus, approach, or area of expertise. While one type of therapy may work for one individual, it may not be as effective for another. Some individuals could benefit from combining different therapies to improve their mental health.
While a therapist holds at least a master’s degree and can provide different therapy modalities, therapists cannot prescribe medication. In addition, online therapy platforms like MyTherapist cannot offer medication management or prescription services. Consult a medical doctor before stopping, starting, or changing any medication.
If you’re seeking therapy, a therapist may provide one of the three below therapy methods to improve your mental health. However, there are over 400 therapeutic modalities that therapists can study and practice.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
CBT is an effective therapy commonly used to treat mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. This form of therapy may help clients identify and challenge their unwanted thought patterns and behaviors that may negatively influence their daily lives or mental well-being.
Psychodynamic therapy
The psychodynamic therapy approach focuses on patterns of an individual’s thoughts, behaviors, and personal relationships, exploring the connection between their actions and subconscious mind.
Humanistic therapy
Humanistic therapy is often used as a holistic approach. It focuses on self-discovery, self-improvement, and growth, positing that every individual has a unique way of seeing the world and requires a unique approach to reach their full potential and find psychological fulfillment.
What does therapy cost through MyTherapist?
Traditional therapy costs, on average, $100 to $200 per session, depending on your location. While BetterHelp and MyTherapist aren’t free, online therapy platforms like MyTherapist or BetterHelp offer affordable subscriptions for therapy. The cost, on average, for a therapy subscription with MyTherapist ranges from $65-$100 per week, billed monthly. Prices range from $65 to $100 per week (based on factors such as your location, referral source, preferences, therapist availability and any applicable discounts or promotions that might apply) to have sessions with a qualified therapist.
While some insurance companies may cover a portion of the costs of online therapy, MyTherapist, and other online therapy platforms are not covered by insurance plans, Medicare, or Medicaid. However, online therapy can be affordable and may typically cost less than the average co-pay with most insurance plans. It may be helpful to check with your insurance provider to see what therapy options they cover. Some may offer reimbursement for online therapy services.
Online therapy vs. traditional in-person therapy
There can be various benefits to using online therapy with an online therapist compared to traditional in-person therapy, such as convenience, cost, attainability, comfort, and discreetness. Recent studies show that online counseling is as effective as traditional therapy for treating various common mental health concerns. The therapy journey can be enhanced through digital platforms, although some clients may miss out on observing body language and facial expressions during online sessions.
Individuals who previously faced obstacles to receiving professional mental healthcare in person may be able to get the support they seek with online therapy platforms like MyTherapist. However, licensed therapists at MyTherapist (who are often affiliated with the American Psychological Association) and other online platforms may not be able to make an official diagnosis, prescribe medication, or fulfill any required court order. Online therapy may not be the right fit for individuals experiencing severe mental illness, requiring medication, or possessing a court order.
Takeaway
Suppose you’re experiencing challenges in your life or have mental health concerns. In that case, online therapy can be a practical resource to receive the treatment and support you seek to improve your mental health and overcome challenges. With online therapy platforms like MyTherapist or BetterHelp, you can receive affordable and convenient guidance and support whenever or wherever you have a stable internet connection.
A licensed therapist can help you discover healthy coping mechanisms, improve communication skills and relationships, and provide tools and guidance to help you work through difficulties in your life. Consider reaching out to a provider to gain further insight into this process.
How can a therapist help someone?
Therapists offer evidence-based techniques and approaches to help their clients improve mental health. Therapists use different types of therapy to treat mental health conditions like anxiety disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, and many more. They also help clients manage life stressors and challenges which research shows can lead to better brain health, even if there are no underlying diagnosed mental health conditions.
What are the benefits of seeing a therapist?
Seeing a therapist can be beneficial for almost anyone, not just those who are experiencing mental health disorders. Benefits of therapy can include:
- Improved day-to-day functioning
- Increased life satisfaction
- Improved physical health
- Better communication skills
- Greater self-awareness
- Improved self-esteem
- Improved work function
How do I know if therapy is helping?
Therapy is a process; therefore, most will not typically feel a specific moment when it becomes clear that therapy has “worked” for them. Over time, you may start to notice a change in your general mindset or mood. You may notice yourself catching automatic negative thoughts, and challenging them, or becoming less frustrated in certain situations. Goal setting is an important part of therapy, so you can track your progress throughout.
How does therapy help people change?
The science behind change can be different depending on what therapy or technique is being used. However, research shows that psychotherapy can modify both brain structure and gene expression which can strengthen communication between neurons in the brain. Specific studies on cognitive behavioral therapy have shown that this approach strengthened connections between the amygdala and the prefrontal cortex, resulting in a better perception of social threats and decreased levels of psychosis.
What does therapy teach you?
Therapy can teach an array of skills, depending on what your needs are. Some people seek therapy to learn how to communicate in a more healthy or effective way. For example, in family therapy, family members can learn to better understand each other’s perspectives and achieve greater harmony. Therapy is also often used to learn stress management techniques, adaptive coping strategies, how to process trauma,
Why should I talk to a therapist?
A good indicator of whether you may want to seek therapy is that you notice that negative thoughts or feelings are getting in the way of your day-to-day life or relationships. Therapy can help improve life satisfaction and help you manage stress and feelings of overwhelm, as well as offer direction.
Can you go to a therapist just to talk?
Many people use talk therapy as a form of social support. A therapist should offer a judgment-free safe space where a person can feel heard.
Does therapy work?
Research shows that around 75% of those who participate in talk therapy reported benefit and/or improvement in daily function. However, therapy can be more or less effective depending on different factors. A person who wants the most out of therapy can improve their chances of success by being open and honest with their therapist, following their treatment plan, and being fully committed to positive change and to completing the work of therapy.
How often should you talk to a therapist?
For most forms of therapy, weekly sessions are typical. Mental health services in certain circumstances (emergency, in-patient, addiction therapy for example) may require more frequent sessions, while some who have already successfully completed therapy may continue to meet with their therapist on more of a “catch up” basis every so often.
How long should therapy last?
This can depend on the type of therapy that you are engaged in. Some therapeutic techniques are developed for a more short-term approach, such as solution-focused therapy, which tends to last around 7 sessions. Others, like cognitive behavioral therapy may last for a longer period of time, with weekly sessions for around 12-20 weeks.
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