Know what (and who) you want in an online therapy experience Know what you want to work on with your therapist. Use of health insurance for online therapy (or not). The most common forms of psychotherapy. Choosing an online therapist isn't that difficult if you know what qualities and credentials you should look for.
In my first contribution to US News, I had the opportunity to shed some light on online therapy and share some tips when looking for a therapist online. Here is the link to the original article. Online therapy is very practical, affordable and accessible, no matter where you live, if you have access to public transportation, or if you work odd hours. One of the biggest benefits of online therapy is the ability to see providers from the comfort of your own home or even in your office.
If you're someone who likes community support, BetterHelp is one of the few online platforms with free interactive group therapy sessions every week. The regulation of online therapy sites and mobile applications, an area of mental health known as teleconductual health or telemental health, is a bit of a mishmash. As one of the only online therapy options that accept insurance, Talkspace claims it covers more than 40 million Americans with eligible insurance plans. It is generally appropriate and effective to address anxiety disorders, body image problems, and guilt issues with online therapy.
Online therapy providers aren't designed to help in a mental health emergency, such as when someone is a threat to themselves or others. In addition to the convenience of not having to leave home, go to work, see someone during lunch break at work, etc., online therapy is often attractive because of the greater “psychological space” it provides for people to be on a screen. However, if they do, you will need to request reimbursement with a receipt you get from the online therapy company. According to Consumer Reports, online therapy platforms can provide information to third parties, including Facebook.
It's also easier to book appointments less often if it's imperative to ration funds and, with online therapy, you don't have to pay for transportation or waste so many hours of work. Online therapy provides a private, convenient, and often affordable way to access mental health help without needing you to visit a counseling center or the therapist's office in person. Online therapy isn't for everyone, but the convenience, potential cost savings, and added perks make it win over in-person sessions for quite a few people. Unlike many other online mental health services, Teladoc can connect individuals with licensed psychiatrists who can provide medication administration a huge advantage for therapy applicants who don't have the time, energy or ability to find a psychiatrist in another service.
