Online Therapy Services For Mental Health

Before online therapy became an option, people may have had to take time out of their busy schedules, tackle traffic to arrive at the therapist's office, and wait for their traditional therapy appointment to begin. These factors can be an inconvenience and may become barriers to top treatment. The best online therapy platforms help remove these barriers, making it easier for people to get help in their time of need.

Knowing what to look out for when selecting online therapy services can benefit those who are unsure where to start. Finding the best service that offers a top level of support and care that suits your individual needs is important. Asking yourself questions such as: “What types of therapy sessions are available?”, “Does this service fit into my schedule and budget?” and “Does the therapist have the qualifications and experience that I need?” can help you make an informed decision.

Exploring the best online therapy services for mental health

With online therapy services, you can meet with a top therapist at convenient times, which may eliminate travel time, wait times, and the stress of traffic or public transportation. Additionally, you can find a therapist suited to your specific needs and lifestyle through online therapy. Clients may choose to work with a provider for individual therapy or couples therapy. Some telehealth services also offer group therapy with licensed mental health therapists.

Top virtual licensed mental health professionals work in psychology and may address your areas of concern or desired growth areas. These professionals can offer therapy in various modalities, including but not limited to cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and other options, ensuring you have access to online therapy sessions with the best therapist for your needs.

Online therapy sessions for support with common challenges

Top research shows that virtual therapy effectively treats various mental health conditions and can help people manage life challenges. You may use online therapy as a form of treatment to discuss the following:  

• Anxiety and depression

• Eating disorders 

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

• Relationship conflicts

• Setting goals for healthier thoughts, feelings, and behaviors

• Managing grief or loss 

• Career or school exploration 

• Life transitions

• Stress 

• Chronic health challenges

• Any other mental health conditions or concerns 

Today's clients seeking mental healthcare may be able to get support by chat, phone, or video session from wherever they have a reliable internet connection. In some cases, top virtual therapy sites can be more affordable than in-person therapy, allowing clients to work with a therapist that fits their needs.

*BetterHelp cannot prescribe medication or offer medication management services. If you need this type of assistance, consult a local licensed psychiatrist or medical professional. Please also note that BetterHelp online therapy does not accept health insurance plans at this time.

Therapy sessions through an online therapy platform

Sessions with top licensed professional counselors or family therapists can address various mental health concerns, including bipolar disorder, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Regardless of your mental or behavioral health history, you can find the best type of online therapy for you that is evidence-based to alleviate symptoms of various conditions and learn healthy coping strategies. 

Are online therapy services effective? 

A growing number of studies suggest that online therapy services can be just as effective as face-to-face therapy sessions. However, it may not be ideal for everyone in every situation. The American Psychological Association recommends ensuring that the therapist licensed to practice is verified, whether through phone calls, in-app messaging, or live sessions. 

BetterHelp online therapy services

BetterHelp specializes in offering clients top mental health services through over 30,000 licensed mental health professionals, making it consistently rated the best therapy platform. Below are some of the benefits of working with a therapist from one of the best online therapy services available.

Experienced online mental health professionals

BetterHelp is the most extensive online platform offering talk therapy over the phone, via video, or through live chat sessions. Internet-licensed professional therapists who partner with BetterHelp meet high standards of professionalism and experience. They are all licensed and must have a certain number of clinical hours, depending on their state. Working virtually does not reduce licensure requirements, and all providers practicing therapy virtually must have a license. Compared to in-person therapy, where sessions can cost $100–$200, BetterHelp may offer a more affordable option for you.

Each mental health professional working with BetterHelp is an experienced licensed clinical social worker, marriage and family therapist, professional counselor, or psychologist. All therapists on BetterHelp are experienced and hold an advanced degree in their field (a master's degree, doctoral degree, or both). BetterHelp works with some of the top mental health professionals in the online therapy industry.

BetterHelp carefully verifies that every mental healthcare provider on the platform is up to date on their licensing and in proper standing. Licensing information is available for users to view in an easy-to-find format after getting matched with a therapist for online therapy.

Therapist Verification and Evaluation Process

Therapists go through a thorough process of providing documentation of identity and licensure. BetterHelp cross-checks the licensing and identity of each therapist through the state licensing board that issued the license. In addition, all top therapists on BetterHelp must complete a treatment plan exam and be evaluated in a video interview to ensure they are among the best in the field.

Multiple options for online therapy services

BetterHelp aims to help clients find the best therapist on the site who suits their mental health needs and preferences. BetterHelp can match you with a therapist through their in-network online therapy service that fits your goals and the issues you want to address. You can specify if you're going to meet with an LGBTQ+ counselor, a BIPOC counselor, or a female or male therapist. You can also choose between multiple formats of online therapy live sessions, including video sessions with your therapist. 

Quick matches with an online therapist

When you first sign up for BetterHelp, you will receive a therapist match often within 24-48 hours. After you are matched, you can check your therapist's profile and availability on the online therapy site and make an appointment. If their availability doesn't work or you're looking for something different, you can switch to the best providers for your needs.

Messaging with your online therapist

With BetterHelp online therapy, you can text or message your therapist anytime, and they'll respond at their earliest convenience. You will get notified when your therapist replies, often within 24 hours. 

You will also be able to schedule live sessions with your therapist. In real-time, you can connect via live chat, phone call, or videoconferencing through online therapy. A monthly fee includes the option to schedule one live session per week through the virtual platform. 

Regain online couples counseling services

Regain is an internet-based therapy platform for couples who want to improve their relationship with counseling. Regain specializes in providing online therapy for relationship support and resources. 

The platform offers online therapy services to help couples or individuals find support in their relationships. Therapists can guide strengthening relationships, improving communication, and learning healthy steps to move forward after a breakup or a relationship change, helping you find the best path for healing and growth.

Licensed online mental health therapists

Therapists on Regain are licensed mental health counselors with expertise in relationship counseling. They may be licensed marriage and family counselors, practitioners who utilize virtual cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), or professionals who specialize in other treatment approaches in online therapy offered on the site.

When you sign up for online therapy through Regain, you will gain: 

• Phone, video, and live chat sessions 

• Messaging 

• Discreet, affordable, convenient relationship therapy with a licensed therapist from any location with an internet connection 

Regain offers many features that BetterHelp has, focusing on couples, marriage, and relationships. 

Concerns around online therapy sessions and platforms 

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 is intended to prevent the discovery of sensitive information without consent or knowledge of the patient. However, an Internet therapy platform or an online therapy site may reveal or discuss information under certain circumstances, so it's important to read a platform's fair processing notice before meeting with your therapist. 

Insurance coverage for online therapy services

Many people wonder, "Will my insurance cover online therapy?" It depends. Some therapists working through certain platforms accept insurance. These platforms include Talkspace and Doctor on Demand. However, the scope of insurance coverage may depend on individual state laws and other requirements. The best option is to check with your insurance provider. Medicaid and other insurers may offer reimbursement for mental health treatment of a diagnosed mental illness, though you may still be responsible for deductibles and co-pays. 

Checking Insurance for Online Therapy

When in doubt, it's advisable to check if the online therapy site or platform you are considering accepts insurance. You may also ask whether your insurance company will cover virtual therapy. For many people, virtual sessions with accredited therapists offer affordable therapy, even without insurance, when compared to the per-session costs of face-to-face therapy, which can range from an out-of-pocket cost of $100 to $200 per session.

Other ways to pay for online therapy

You can use funds from a health savings account (HSA) for mental health care. An HSA allows employees who have a high-deductible health plan to offset the costs of mental health services, including therapy with a licensed therapist. These accounts can be opened by an individual or by an employer, and untaxed contributions can be made by an employer or the account holder. 

HSAs are also portable, which means that if you leave your job, you can still enjoy its mental health benefits. 

Other online health resources

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) launched a new website featuring mental health resources on how to find professional counselors, and has contact information for a mental health emergency*.

*If you, or someone you know, are experiencing a mental health crisis, contact SAMHSA Helpline or call 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

How to get started with an online therapist

Online therapy is often convenient for working with licensed therapists for ongoing support and guidance. You can connect from anywhere you have an internet connection and attend phone, video, or live chat sessions with your best therapist match on the site. In-person therapy can cost $284 for the first visit and $108 for follow-ups, while online therapy can be a more affordable option. Additionally, you can message them between meetings rather than waiting until the next session to connect with your therapist. 

Effectiveness of online therapy compared to in-person therapy

Studies show that internet-based therapy is effective. One analysis found that some therapists felt that online treatment was preferable and more effective than in-person therapy. If you're interested in getting started, consider signing up with a platform like BetterHelp for individuals or Regain for couples to gain insight into how these therapy processes can work on their site. BetterHelp’s monthly subscription costs between $240–$360, depending on factors like location and therapist preferences. The first step to signing up may feel empowering—it can be the beginning of a positive journey toward productivity, healing, or support.