Online therapy, or teletherapy, is therapy provided by a licensed therapist or psychologist over a secure video connection. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), a government agency that aims to protect consumers, also oversees online therapy platforms and recently cracked down on BetterHelp for breaching its privacy promises. This extension of the benefits of online therapy could change if and when the public health emergency is lifted. For example, if you are in crisis, have suicidal tendencies, or have a serious mental illness, such as schizophrenia or a psychotic disorder, you may need a higher level of care than what online therapy services can provide.
We liked that it eliminated all financial obstacles with discounts, insurance reimbursements and financial aid, making online therapy with E-Therapy Cafe more affordable and accessible. After you complete the questionnaire and receive your quote for online therapy, ReGain will ask you if you think therapy is unaffordable. As one of the only online therapy options that accepts insurance, Talkspace claims to cover more than 60 million Americans with eligible insurance plans. Talkspace online therapy is a subscription plan, meaning that you pay monthly to access your personal therapist.
The best online therapy platforms have accredited, licensed therapists with the same credentials as those you can meet in person. As with anything else you do online, you'll want to make sure that you consider your data and privacy in online therapy. Online therapy isn't for everyone, but the convenience, potential cost savings, and added benefits make it a win over in-person sessions for some people. Online therapy providers aren't meant to help in a mental health emergency, such as when a person poses a threat to themselves or others.
A key advantage of online therapy is the more flexible scheduling options, and BetterHelp wins as the best company in terms of availability because it offers users a wide variety of schedules and methods for connecting with a therapist.
