Virtual care is simply more accessible. These services are typically cheaper than face-to-face therapy (not to mention the money and time saved by not traveling to appointments), and since everything is done online, flexibility and ease are built in. Online therapy with a trained mental health professional is rarely free, but our free mental health service options can make it easier. Sliding scale therapists are psychotherapists, psychologists, and social workers who adjust their hourly rate to help make therapy more affordable for the client.
Therapy apps, such as Talkspace and Betterhelp, allow you to connect with a therapist online or via text message. Busy health and business professionals, first-time mothers, and students often find teletherapy attractive because they can talk to their therapists from anywhere. In addition to online therapy, mental health apps, such as Calm, Headspace, and Expectful, can teach meditation, relaxation, and breathing exercises. Not only do these apps help people create a daily habit of self-care, but research shows that meditation can reduce stress and increase well-being.
There are local and online options depending on your needs. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, online support groups have gained popularity for keeping patients safe. Mental Health America lists resources from specialized support groups on its website. If you or a loved one has recently been diagnosed with a medical condition, such as cancer or diabetes, hospital social workers can also provide a list of support groups in the community.
Finally, support group costs may vary. Addiction support groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous, are free, while other groups may charge a small fee. Between the COVID-19 pandemic and an economic downturn, many of us are more stressed than ever. But there is hope to find the help we need with remote and online therapy, especially if it is not possible to hold face-to-face sessions.
Virtual therapy is an accessible, practical and adaptable option that provides high-quality support with trained counselors, anytime, anywhere. For flexible, personalized therapy that includes unlimited access, see BetterHelp. Start with a personalized survey to find the best trained counselors for your particular circumstances, and then send them a message anytime, anywhere. You can even schedule a live session via phone, tablet or computer, giving you a variety of communication options.
BetterHelp is with you wherever you are. If you prefer to connect with a Christian counselor, you can explore their partner site, Faithful Counseling. With more than a million users, Talkspace is one of the most accessible therapy programs. In addition to one-on-one sessions, the subscription service accepts select insurance and works with various employee assistance programs and schools.
Start messaging the suggested therapist right away via their encrypted platform or schedule a live video session. For people most affected by COVID-19, Talkspace also offers an anxiety management program, discounted subscriptions and free therapy for healthcare workers. If you are looking to regain companionship or affection, or need to address some difficult relationship issues, ReGain is our suggested platform. You can choose to participate as an individual or as a couple, and after you answer a questionnaire to identify your shared goals, we'll connect you with a licensed counselor.
Carried out mainly through video sessions (and through messages at any time), it is a private and flexible option that will help you face challenges directly. Inclusive Therapists is a wonderful directory focused on celebrating all identities and abilities. This platform focuses on BIPOC, LGBTIQIA2S+, neurodivergent and disabled communities with a specific focus on social justice, liberation and decolonization. That means that every therapist here has been carefully vetted to meet the needs of these communities, and you can expect culturally responsive and supportive feedback at every session.
For inclusive, accepting and complacent therapy, Pride Counseling may be for you. Since the LGBTQIA2S+ community may experience mental health problems at disproportionately high rates, all counselors are familiar with LGBTQIA2S+ support and all identities are welcome. Whether you need to send messages to your licensed therapist back and forth or want to schedule sessions, you can do so in a discreet and affordable way. Teen Counseling Offers Support to Teens Ages 13 to 19 Seeking Professional Help.
With one app, teens can communicate with trained and licensed therapists via text, live chat, and video, with scheduling flexibility. Counseling is confidential, but rest assured that the therapist will alert parents if serious intervention or action is required. Whether you or your teen is struggling with bullying, self-esteem, or an eating disorder, help is available. My Therapist Online, a UK-based platform, offers hands-on online therapy that starts with a free consultation.
After meeting face-to-face with your preferred therapist, you can arrange sessions based on your schedule, with many treatments lasting up to 12 weeks. We highly recommend this platform if your travel or mobility options are limited; My Therapist Online makes it accessible and easy to receive support. Often, with just a little money, you can get specialist advice online and one-on-one sessions. For people seeking mental health services in typically underserved areas, Breakthrough is a great option.
This site allows clients to identify therapists who purchase insurance and those who operate on a sliding or pay-as-you-go scale. Clients and therapists can use phone or text messaging and email to perform therapy at the convenience of both. BetterHelp offers counseling sessions for individuals, couples and teens. The platform requires a person to complete a questionnaire so that the company can match them with a therapist.
Amwell works with many insurers and a person must contact their insurance provider or employer to verify their benefits. Trustpilot users give Amwell a 3.1 star rating out of 5, and reviewers say that their doctors don't prescribe all medications and that the cost may be higher than in-person visits. However, people stated that they received a diagnosis and treatment plan quickly. The ReGain platform offers therapy sessions for individuals and couples by connecting them with a licensed mental health professional.
For couples therapy, both people must be in the same place. ReGain does not currently offer live tripartite sessions. Doctor on Demand is a platform specialized in physical and mental health conditions. A person can check if their insurance covers Doctor on Demand telehealth visits during the registration process.
Wellnite offers the most affordable combination medication and psychotherapy service on the market for the treatment of anxiety and depression. If you are in a life-threatening situation, please do not use this site. Call the number listed on this website. If your problem is an emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
As you can imagine, because counseling can be so impactful and therapists can do a lot to improve the specific challenges that clients struggle with, the service is not without costs. Each therapist in the Faithful Counseling network is a practicing Christian who integrates faith-based counseling with their clinical practice through live chats, video sessions, audio sessions, and messaging services. Many online therapy programs have different offers at different prices, for example, texting with a therapist will cost less than a live video session. Pay-per-session online therapy is usually more expensive than subscription-based online therapy, although it is still lower than in-person therapy.
There are also different ways to connect with a therapist online or in person and ways to do so, whether via text, phone, or live video to meet the client's needs and lifestyle. Depending on the therapist you are associated with, you can have therapy sessions through chat, phone, or video session. When looking for free online counseling, it seems like it wouldn't make sense to go somewhere local, but often that's a good starting point for finding a therapist who offers discounted or free options. For a lifetime membership fee, you can find affordable therapists in your area who can offer online therapy in addition to IRL sessions.
You may also want to consider talking to therapists in your area to see if they have a sliding scale to offer more affordable options. If you're looking for a therapist who shares a similar religion and background, or if you want to focus on a specific aspect of therapy, such as couples therapy, you may want to consider a more specialized company. All therapists are licensed, experienced and accredited psychologists, licensed marriage and family therapists, licensed clinical social workers or licensed professional therapists, who have aligned with Faithful Counseling's statement of faith. And remember, if you're concerned about the progress you're making in therapy, express these concerns to your therapist.
Whatever your therapeutic process, remember to trust your instinct and express any concerns to your therapist. Therapists who conduct online therapy sessions have the same credentials as those who serve clients in person. Teladoc's fully licensed therapists and psychiatrists provide convenient, in-network mental health care to users around the world, seven days a week. .
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