TheraLINK: Is This Kind Of Smart Therapy Service Worth It?

What does TheraLINK do?

TheraLINK is an online platform that supports mental health practitioners and small businesses by offering virtual therapy. Therapists can customize their features depending on their needs and preferences, but the platform generally helps mental health professionals connect with clients and manage their services. 

Does Thera Link have an app?

TheraLINK does have an app that is compatible with Android and iPhone. 

Is online therapy effective?

Online therapy's growth in popularity during and since the COVID-19 pandemic has spurred an extensive body of research, including clinical trials, meta-analysis, and case studies providing evidence of its efficacy in treating a variety of mental health conditions, including:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Personality disorders
• Bipolar disorder
• Social anxiety disorder

Do we really need therapy?

Whether one needs therapy or not relies on several factors. For example, can the individual effectively handle challenges like stress, low mood, loneliness, and anxiety on their own or with the support of friends and family? If so, they might not need therapy. 

If such challenges are overwhelming and affect multiple areas of the individual's life, therapy might be a good choice. The American Psychological Association (APA) suggests considering the following:

• Do you spend significant time thinking about the problem?
• Is the issue distressful such that it makes you want to isolate yourself from others?
• Does the issue impact your quality of life?
• Do you neglect your self-care?
• Are you rearranging your life around the issue? 

Some people hesitate to speak with a therapist because they think it's only for severe problems. However, therapy can be helpful even if you aren't struggling. Here are some reasons why people might find therapy beneficial beyond treating mental health disorders:

• It can provide a structured environment for growth, self-reflection, emotional support, and an opportunity to gain new perspectives. 
• It can provide support and guidance in coping with significant life transitions.
• It can help couples or families develop better communication and conflict-resolution skills to improve and strengthen their bonds.
• It can help you identify unhealthy behaviors or thought patterns like self-sabotage or low self-esteem and work to change them over time.
• It can help you develop healthy habits through mindfulness, resilience, emotional regulation techniques, and self-care practices that improve overall life satisfaction.
• It can help you find perspective and clarity if you're "stuck" or confused about life decisions. 

What can replace therapy?

While therapy replacements might not be recommended for everyone, particularly those with severe trauma or mental illnesses, there are complementary therapies that may help. For example, multiple studies show that meditation and mindfulness activities can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. Evidence-based research also suggests that yoga is an effective complementary or stand-alone therapy for reducing anxiety and depression. 

Research on exercise as a replacement for therapy yields dramatic results. For example, an Australian review surveyed 97 meta-analyses involving a combined 1,039 clinical trials. Their findings based on the collective data indicate that exercise is up to 1.5 times more effective than either medication or cognitive behavioral therapy for reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression. 

Some people find that self-help materials are an effective alternative to traditional therapy. Books, podcasts, websites, and support groups are all self-help options. Organizations like Mental Health America (MHA) offer self-help tools such as tests and worksheets, and a wide selection of apps are available for self-guided treatment. When researching, be sure to verify that you're using resources from credible organizations. 

Does talking therapy work?

Talking therapy (or psychotherapy) is an evidence-based method of treatment for many mental health conditions. Research repeatedly shows that psychotherapy is effective, with some studies indicating roughly two-thirds of people who use talk therapy experience improvements in their mental health. 

Is therapy the only way to heal?

There are alternatives to therapy for healing from psychological distress. For example, activities like journaling, meditation, or mindfulness can foster self-awareness and promote healing. Also, books and other materials on personal development and self-help can provide valuable insights. 

Some people rely on friends, family, and community to help them cope with mental health challenges. Peer support groups, whether online or in person, can offer a sense of belonging and a space to share experiences. Be sure to screen online support groups—not all of them provide an environment conducive to healing. 

Caring for your physical health can yield psychological benefits, too. Exercise—whether it's cardio, weight training, or mindful movement activities like yoga—nurtures the body and mind. Adequate nutrition and quality sleep are also essential for mental health support. Physical interventions like acupuncture, acupressure, massage therapy, or breathwork help cultivate the mind-body connection. These interventions are sometimes a component of approaches that address healing from a whole-body perspective, such as Ayurveda or traditional Chinese medicine. Somatic Experiencing, energy healing, and hypnotherapy also work differently from conventional talk therapy and may provide a path to healing for some. 

Creative modalities like art, music, dance, or writing therapies are sometimes integrated with conventional treatments. Such activities can help you express emotions that might be difficult to verbalize and process pain or trauma. For some people, meditation, prayer, or spending time in nature can offer solace and guide healing. 

Is virtual therapy safe?

Yes, virtual therapy using secure, reputable platforms with licensed therapists is generally considered safe. Here are some key factors to keep in mind when participating in online therapy:

• How does the platform protect your secrecy? 

Use platforms designed explicitly for healthcare or therapy, as they often have enhanced isolation measures compared to general video conferencing tools. A credible online therapy platform should use secure methods and comply with (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) regulations to protect your secrecy. 

• How does the platform vet its therapists?

Reputable platforms typically screen their therapists to verify licensure, gauge their education and experience, and validate that they're in good standing with governing organizations like the APA. 

• What are their emergency protocols?  

Another measure of platform safety and therapist credibility is how prepared they are in a crisis situation. A good therapist will have a plan in place, including contacting local emergency services if necessary, in case their clients need in-person intervention. 

• What types of symptoms are you having?

Virtual therapy might not be safe or suitable for everyone, especially those with severe mental health conditions regularly requiring immediate intervention or more intensive care. Discuss any severe symptoms you may have with your therapist or primary care physician. They can refer you to an in-office psychiatrist for a more thorough examination if necessary. 

How long is therapy good for?

Therapy duration varies depending on the individual's needs, goals, and type of intervention. Short-term therapy typically runs from a few weeks to a few months (roughly 6 to 20 sessions). Long-term interventions can run for several months or years. Maintenance therapy is an ongoing modality some people use as a long-term tool for personal growth, managing ongoing mental health conditions, or maintaining well-being.

Why is therapy expensive?

Therapy prices can be high for many reasons typically tied to the therapist's level of education and training, licensing and continuing education, and specialized expertise. Business overhead and cost of living, insurance and reimbursement rates, and demand for services can all influence the average price of therapy, as well.