Online Therapy Reviews: Should I Trust These Online Therapy Platforms?
In the modern psychology industry, mental health therapy services are often available online and through therapy apps. This convenient form of therapy is a popular choice for those looking for flexibility and online support. With services readily available worldwide, more individuals than ever can reach out for help at a fraction of the cost of in-office therapy sessions. However, with the nature of online therapy can come speculation about the legitimacy of these formats. Understanding the research and reviews behind these virtual therapy platforms can help you make an informed decision for your care.
What is online therapy?
Many e-counseling reviews state that getting counseling by text or live sessions with licensed psychologists is convenient. In a world where many individuals have busy work schedules, families, and responsibilities, reaching out to a therapist from home can offer more individuals the ability to see a therapist for anything from major depression to eating disorders.
Online therapy providers use many of the same modalities and treatment techniques as in-person options. In addition, therapists can assign clients homework through downloadable worksheets and messaging through some platforms. Although each platform differs, internet-based therapy is often associated with unique features that in-person therapy cannot offer.
Online therapy vs. in-person therapy
Understanding virtual therapy's features compared to in-person counseling may allow you to decide which is best for you.
Online vs. physical location
Internet-based counseling sessions can be conducted from a location where you feel comfortable, as long as you have an internet connection and a personal smart device. You'll have one-on-one discussions with a licensed and experienced therapist during your virtual counseling sessions, which you can schedule based on availability. For many, leaving home can be a barrier to receiving treatment. Internet-based counseling removes this barrier by bringing counseling to you.
Cost versus in-person therapy
According to Forbes, in-person counseling runs from $100 to $200 per session on average. Online counseling's cost can be significantly less. Many virtual platforms have weekly or monthly packages available that can run around $65 to $90 a session. Some people use their health savings (HSA) account to pay for these virtual therapysessions. In addition, this cost might include unlimited communication with therapists. For some individuals, financial aid can be offered if there is a financial need. Affordable online therapy can help more people to get the counseling sessions they need, regardless of whether they have insurance.
Insurance
More health insurance providers are beginning to provide coverage for virtual mental health services as distance therapy services and internet-based counseling become the norm. If you have questions about insurance, contact your health insurance provider.
Communication with your therapist
Top online counseling reviews have found that you may get more communication and contact with your therapist when participating in virtual counseling sessions. Through many platforms, you can message your therapist anytime and receive a response when the therapist is available, often within 24 hours. This feature is often available on top of your existing plan of one live session a week. With in-person counseling, you may be unable to contact your therapist outside of sessions or have a saved chat with them.
Convenience of online therapy
Rural-based clients can have the option of resolving significant concerns via online counseling. If no counselors are available in their area, they can participate in individual mental health counseling from home and find the quality of care that those in larger cities may receive.
The convenience of online cognitive behavioral therapy can be unique to its internet-based format. Clients may struggle to meet with a therapist in person, as many may only provide services during standard business hours. Many virtual therapists can offer after-hours appointments, including on the weekends and late at night. This convenience can also benefit Americans living abroad dealing with a time difference.
You can cut out long commutes, wait lists, and waiting room times when you choose internet-based counseling sessions. Although you may still have to set an appointment, you can often select from your therapist's availability and instantly schedule your session instead of going through several phone calls or emails.
Self-expression
Many clients may find it easier to communicate their feelings via text. With many internet-based platforms, live chat messaging counseling is possible. For clients who feel that face-to-face discussions are difficult, or those experiencing conditions like social anxiety disorder, virtual therapy services can remain preferable. You can also change your preferred form of counseling at any time.
For many, self-expression can be more convenient through text. Talking over the phone or on video chat can be distressing and complicated for those who find it easier to open up through writing. You can think about what you want to say through live chat counseling before you write it.
Online therapy reviews: Top online therapy companies
There are many options to consider when you’re looking for the best virtual counseling services, including the following platforms. When you sign up for these platforms, you can receive specialized care unique to your needs.
BetterHelp online therapy
BetterHelp is the leading online therapy platform worldwide and offers cost-effective therapy over the phone, via video chat, or through live chat sessions. BetterHelp offers individual counseling personalized to clients. Offering a match-based system, you can be matched with a therapist unique to your needs upon signing up. When you first fill out the BetterHelp questionnaire, you can indicate your symptoms, your goals for counseling, and the type of therapist you'd like to be matched with. Not only is it one of the best online therapy programs available, but it’s also affordable for many. BetterHelp costs $65 to $100 weekly (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.
Regain online therapy services
Regain costs the same as BetterHelp but offers couples counseling focused on relationships, marriage, and interpersonal concerns. Through Regain, you can find a sex therapist, marriage counselor, or couples support therapist. Couples can sign up together and receive counseling from two locations using the same account.
TeenCounseling
TeenCounseling is an internet-based counseling service that counsels teens aged 13 to 19. If a teen is under 18, they will require parental permission to sign up for the platform. Through TeenCounseling, teens can meet with a therapist knowledgeable in adolescent concerns and common mental health conditions. They can also partake in teen counseling live chat messaging sessions if they find it most comfortable.
PrideCounseling
PrideCounseling is an internet-based counseling platform dedicated to the LGBTQ+ community. You can discuss LGBTQ-related issues, mental health, and other concerns through this platform. Onlinetherapy.com and TalkSpace online therapy are two other well-known platforms that can offer services from mental health professionals to virtual therapy users.
Online therapy platform review summary
All of the above virtual counseling platforms have high reviews from consumers. However, BetterHelp is the top online service due to its database of over 30,000 licensed mental health providers and its dedication to worldwide support. No matter the platform you choose, various options are available to you.
Is online therapy as effective as in-person mental health treatment?
In many cases, research has found online therapy as effective if not more effective than in-person therapy. One study found that online cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) was as effective as traditional options in treating anxiety, depression, and stress in clients. Another study found that 71% of BetterHelp users found the platform more effective and preferable to in-person counseling, feeling that the format allowed them to connect easily with their therapist.
Are there disadvantages to online therapy services?
There may be a few downsides to online mental health treatment, including the following:
- Many virtual platforms do not offer medication management, prescribe medication, or advise on medications.
- Many virtual platforms do not allow therapists to offer diagnoses.
- Internet-based counseling cannot replace crisis response services like a mental health emergency hotline.
- The licensed therapists on internet-based platforms aren't on call, so therapist availability is not round the clock. However, you can message them anytime for a response when they are available.
- Some modalities of counseling may not be possible virtually.
- Many teletherapy platforms do not accept insurance.
Online counseling options based on online therapy reviews
Online cognitive behavioral therapy can be an effective, flexible, and convenient option for those who want to see a therapist but face barriers to in-person care. Over time, the internet-based counseling industry continues to grow, and many licensed therapists are offering their support remotely either in their own practice, or some of the best online therapy platforms. With studies backing up its effectiveness, signing up has many benefits for counseling seekers. If you're interested in learning more about your options, consider signing up for a platform like BetterHelp for a growing database of licensed, trained, and vetted counselors licensed clinical social workers, and other mental health professionals.
Takeaway
There are several benefits of online therapy programs and many reasons individuals may reach out for mental health care services. With one of the best virtual counseling platforms above, you can typically be matched with a therapist and begin counseling services within 48 hours. If you want to learn more about how internet-based therapy could benefit you, consider contacting a provider through one of the best online counseling platforms like BetterHelp. Take the first step toward improved mental health and reach out to BetterHelp today.
Does online therapy really work?
Multiple studies indicate that online therapy is just as effective as in-person sessions for many people with a variety of mental healthcare needs. Here are some recent meta-analyses, reviews, and studies of published research supporting online mental health services:
- Psychiatric Quarterly published a 2021 review that found telepsychiatry was a feasible, appropriate alternative to face-to-face treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to patients and providers alike.
- Counselling Psychology Quarterly published a 2021 review describing telepsychotherapy as a “trustworthy alternative to be adopted, which can be used efficaciously to treat common mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic distress.”
- The Journal of American College Health published a 2022 study indicating that internet-delivered solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT) is equally effective at reducing anxiety as an in-person treatment for some populations.
- The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry published a 2019 meta-analysis measuring the results of 40 studies and found that internet-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) was effective in treating most patients with depression. One study included in the review indicated that online CBT was just as effective as in-person treatment for reducing depression.
Statistics also suggest that many people find online therapy to be an effective treatment option. The American Psychiatric Association’s 2020 nationwide poll on telehealth services during the COVID-19 pandemic revealed:
- Almost six out of 10 adults in the US said they would use online therapy services for mental health treatment
- 43% said they wanted to continue using online therapy after the pandemic was over
- 34% of Americans said they would prefer to attend virtual counseling over in-person visits
What are the drawbacks to online therapy?
Although online therapy has become increasingly popular and offers a wide range of benefits, including convenience and accessibility, it might come with certain drawbacks. Here are some common potential disadvantages to online treatment:
- Technical issues: Connectivity problems, platform glitches, and poor audio/video quality are a few issues that people seeking mental health treatment online. Such barriers can disrupt sessions and impact the therapeutic process.
- Lack of non-verbal cues: Online sessions may hinder a therapist’s ability to read and interpret critical non-verbal cues such as subtle facial expressions and body language.
- Comfort concerns: Guaranteeing a client’s secrecy online can be challenging, especially if the client is in an environment where others can hear the discussion.
- Limited capacity for treating some types of conditions: Online therapy might not be suitable for all mental health conditions, particularly severe disorders or those requiring medications or specialized interventions.
- Limited in crises: Online therapy may be less effective or appropriate in handling severe mental health crises that require immediate, in-person intervention.
- Challenges with building rapport: Some clients and counselors might find it harder to develop and maintain a therapeutic alliance through online therapy than traditional in-person treatment.
- Insurance coverage: Some platforms don’t accept insurance, and some insurance companies don’t cover online therapy, which could limit access for some individuals.
What is the best online platform for therapy?
The best online therapy services can differ depending on the individual’s needs and expectations. When selecting a virtual therapy platform, consider the flexibility of their scheduling options, accessibility to treatment, and pricing structure. Make sure to use an online platform with a wide variety of vetted, accredited, licensed mental health professionals with diverse backgrounds. Their therapists should meet the educational and clinical requirements for licensure and adhere to ethical guidelines and codes of conduct established by organizations like the American Psychological Association (APA).
Many companies offer online mental health solutions in individual therapy, couple’s therapy, and others—so consult reputable and unbiased sources when researching which is best for you. BetterHelp is one of the largest and most recognized platforms, providing access to over 30,000 licensed mental health professionals (as of 2023), including psychologists, marriage and family counselors, licensed clinical social workers, and licensed therapists with specialized training in certain areas.
How safe is online therapy?
Online therapy is as safe as in-person therapy, provided the platform uses solid services and adheres closely to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act guidelines. For client safety, mental health professionals must obtain written informed consent for treatment and work within guidelines established by organizations like the APA and the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC).
Is it better to see a therapist in-person or online?
The choice between seeing a licensed therapist in person or online depends on several factors, including personal preference, the nature of the issues you're addressing, and practical considerations. For example, some people feel more comfortable discussing personal issues face-to-face, while others prefer the distance that online sessions provide. Many people like online therapy's scheduling flexibility, while timing isn’t a factor for others. Some types of treatment might be more effective when delivered in person, such as certain trauma therapies or some client-centered techniques. In contrast, others are just as effective when delivered virtually, if not more so. When deciding which type of therapy is best for you, consider the following:
- Can you establish a solid connection with your therapist through virtual interaction, or do you need face-to-face interaction and physical presence?
- How much support do you need in between sessions? While some counselors will return emails outside of office hours, you’ll typically need to wait until your next session to speak with them. Some online therapy platforms may offer clients unlimited messaging or text outside of regular sessions.
- Do you think you might be more prone to distraction in sessions at home, or will you focus better in your own environment?
- Do you have access to a sufficient pool of therapists to choose from in your area, or are your options limited?
- Is it easy (or possible) to commute to in-person appointments, or do you have limited accessibility options?
- How flexible is your schedule? Can you coordinate with a counselor who might not see clients outside of office hours, or are you available for sessions any time?
- Do you need to see a therapist who accepts insurance? If you need it, will your insurance company cover online therapy?
- What can you afford? In-person therapy can be more expensive than some virtual options due to overhead costs associated with maintaining a brick-and-mortar office.
- Are you comfortable working with technology? Online therapy services typically require at least some knowledge of how to use online platforms.
What happens during online therapy?
Online therapeutic approaches are technically the same as traditional treatments apart from the virtual interface. The process of initiating treatment through an online therapy platform involves signing up and creating an account via their website. Once you’ve registered, you’ll need to complete an assessment, which will include questions about your mental health, your goals for therapy, and what type of therapist you’d feel most comfortable seeing. Based on your answers, the service will match you with the therapists that best meet your needs.
Sessions typically occur via video call, but you might also text, chat online, or talk on the phone. During your first session, you and your therapist will likely discuss your goals for therapy and the type of symptoms you’re having to design a plan according to your needs. Your therapist will likely assign you “homework” to complete in between sessions to complement your treatment plan.
Who is not suitable for online therapy?
Online therapy is typically an inappropriate option for individuals with severe mental health issues such as schizophrenia, severe bipolar disorder, or people experiencing active psychosis. These types of conditions often require more intensive care and in-person monitoring than online therapy can provide. Additionally, people who are in immediate crisis, such as those experiencing suicidal thoughts, self-harm, or other urgent mental health emergencies, require immediate, in-person intervention.
Individuals who lack reliable internet access, don’t have access to a computer or smartphone, or aren’t comfortable using technology might find online therapy challenging. It can be difficult for someone who doesn’t have a solitude, quiet space for therapy sessions to talk openly. Such barriers can hinder the effectiveness of therapy and discourage treatment adherence.
What is a negative effect of therapy?
While therapy is generally beneficial for most, some people experience challenges that can make it a negative experience. For example, treatment often involves exploring painful emotions and experiences. This process can create emotional distress or comfort as unresolved issues are brought to the surface.
In some cases, a client may develop a strong dependency on their counselor that can hinder the development of self-reliance and coping skills. If there is a poor fit between the client and the therapist, unrealistic expectations on behalf of the client, or the therapist’s approach doesn’t resonate with the client; it can lead to frustrations and a lack of progress.
Are there risks to therapy?
There is a potential for risks involved in the therapeutic process, particularly in cases of severe mental illness or when a client is at risk of re-traumatization. Sometimes, discussing traumatic or deeply upsetting experiences can temporarily worsen symptoms before improvement occurs. In rare cases, boundary issues or unethical behavior on the therapist's part (e.g., inappropriate relationships, dual roles) can harm the client.
How do I know if I need therapy?
Deciding if you need therapy is a personal choice; however, there are a few signs to look for that might suggest you need guidance from a mental health professional. Therapy might be a good choice if you or someone you love is experiencing the following symptoms:
- Persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or anxiety that do not seem to improve over time
- Difficulty coping with stress such that it affects your daily functioning
- Significant changes in sleep patterns or appetite that are unrelated to a physical health condition
- A loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed
- Feeling overwhelmed or unable to manage your emotions
- Trouble concentrating, making decisions, or functioning in daily activities
- Problematic use of alcohol, drugs, food, or other behaviors to cope with emotions or situations
- Frequent, recurring negative thoughts, self-doubt, or low self-esteem
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