While mental health services are essential for people in need of care, in-person therapy may not be ideal during the covid-19 pandemic. Thankfully, an increasing number of mental health companies are now offering therapy sessions online.
Platforms like Calmerry (you can read about it below) and its competitors make it possible to contact a certified specialist on the phone, via messages, or through a video app. In this article we will review 15 services that offer online sessions with professional therapists .
1. Talkspace
Advantages:
- The top-preferred therapy service
- Messages and audio-video features
- More than 3,000 professionals
- Unrestricted messages
Disadvantages:
- Is relatively expensive
- No immediate sessions after registration
Once you register, you get an online therapist that best meets your expectations based on your questionnaire. They have plenty of therapists for youngsters, families, spouses, and more. The price starts at $65 weekly. Talkspace accepts EAP insurance. Many of its features make it the best online therapy service right now.
2. Calmerry
Advantages:
- Excellent choice for cost-conscious patients
- Many problems covered
- Responsive and professional support
- Ability to switch between experts
Disadvantages:
- The service is relatively new
This website seems to be a promising new business that specializes in providing therapy from a large pool of therapists. Every therapist is thoroughly background tested. Calmerry is a HIPAA-compliant site with text/video sessions that you can take advantage of. The best thing is that you can switch from one expert to another at any time at no additional cost.
3. Online-Therapy.com
Advantages:
- Initially free
- Huge toolbox
- Various types of chat
Disadvantages:
- Does not operate round-the-clock
- Is not always free
Online-Therapy.com is a good option if you have never used online mental health platforms before as you pay nothing at first. Their team is most suited for solving problems with depression, marriage, and eating disorders.
4. Doctor on Demand
Advantages:
- Simple & fast live video chat
- A right to prescribe medication
- Ability to pick your therapist
- Physical health care services added
- 24/7 support
- Telemedicine service
- Not necessary to subscribe
Disadvantages:
- Higher priced than the average online platform
- Restricted treatment alternatives
- Poor quality of video/audio on occasion
Their board-certified physicians and licensed therapists are ready to provide on-demand mental health treatment. Parents and their kids can benefit from using this family-oriented platform. Local doctors are licensed to prescribe medications and recommend treatments for physical concerns.
5. AmWell
Advantages:
- A great selection of health experts
- 24/7 support
- Telemedicine services
Disadvantages:
- Rather expensive
- Tech issues with the website
This telemedicine website has many social workers and therapists who can work with you. Their live video sessions typically last no longer than 45 minutes. It is possible to select your therapy counseling expert and contact him or her whenever you want.
6. 7 Cups
Advantages:
- More than 300,000 therapists online
- Original approach
- Experts for youngsters
Disadvantages:
- Issues with rogue “partners”
- They do not accept health insurance
You can find 180 certified experts and 300,000+ free listeners on this site. It is free to find reliable online support in the form of available listeners. However, if you wish to switch to a certified online psychiatrist, be ready to pay the price fork over $150. While the option to speak with free listeners is attractive, it does not guarantee the professionalism and expertise you would receive from a licensed therapist.
7. BetterHelp
Advantages:
- Pricing that makes sense
- Different approaches to therapy
- Prodigy and LGBTQ services
Disadvantages:
- Not simple to use
- Difficult to cancel
Another great therapy online is waiting for you at BetterHelp. From focused therapy to humanistic therapy, you will find it all on one site. You can try a demo version first, but you will not get many useful features. You can get assistance with eating habits, anxiety, stress, and divorce issues. It is better to choose the annual subscription to save more money.
8. Ginger
Advantages:
- Live video chats
- Round-the-clock help
- Same-day therapies available
Disadvantages:
- Rather expensive
- Issues with accepting insurance plans
If you suffer from stressful situations and depression, you may like this service. You will receive useful mental health courses that will improve your knowledge of mental health.
Is Remote Therapy a Legal Business?
Yes, remote therapy is 100% legal and secure. These services hire certified experts with corresponding degrees, skills, licenses, and experience.
Are These Services Confidential?
Yes, therapy services are fully anonymous. No one will know if you use them. The sessions are encrypted; your data is safe.
What Is the Best Way to Select a Therapist on the Web?
First of all, you should consider your budget. Think how much you can afford to spend on these services. Here are the costs for the platforms discussed above:
- 7 Cups is about $35 weekly
- Talk Space is $65-$99 weekly
- Online-Therapy.com is $32-$64 weekly
- Ginger is roughly $33-$87 weekly
- BetterHelp is $35-$80 weekly
- AmWell is offered at $99-$110 for one session
Some platforms reserve the right to change their prices, so keep an eye on that.
The second thing you need to keep in mind is that platforms with more experts on board give you more options. It is great if you can browse through a list of therapists, check their profiles and pick the one you would like to work with. Talkspace is great for this.
Third, you should know the qualities you are looking for in an online therapist or counselor. Here are the basic categories:
- Nationality or ethnicity
- Religion and culture
- LGBTQ+
- Gender
- Age
- Disabled or not
For instance, a person of color (POC) is likely to better understand the problems that African-Americans may experience in the United States than a white therapist.
The Advantages of Using Online Therapy Services
Many online therapy platforms offer high quality services that are on par with traditional in-person counseling. The bonus is that you do not have to leave your home, which is especially useful during the lockdown. Other benefits include:
- All-inclusive – Therapy is available for people of any age, gender, ethnic group, interest, etc.
- Affordability – Compared to traditional methods, online therapies are much less expensive.
- Anonymity – Everything that you share remains private thanks to encryption codes and other means of data protection.
- Confidence – After obtaining help from a professional, people start feeling better and more confident.
- Convenience – No need to worry about traffic or the time needed to travel to your therapist’s office.
Is It Possible to Obtain CBT Remotely?
Yes, cognitive-behavioral therapy is available online. The approach is just as effective online as it is using traditional methods.
How Can You Get Therapy at No Charge?
Some platforms offer a free trial. However, after a session or two, you will have to pay to keep receiving services from a licensed therapist. If all you need is someone to listen to you, 7 Cups has plenty of free listeners for those who are tight on budget.
When Can You Use Health Insurance?
Many online therapy platforms do not accept insurance plans. It is best to speak with your therapist about insurance before committing long term.
What Is More Cost-Effective: In-Person or Remote Therapy?
Remote therapy is typically more affordable as the therapists have less overhead costs and can offer services to more people each day. Prices typically range from $32 – $90 weekly.
So, What Is the Top Choice?
It is hard to pick the best online therapy platform. People generally prefer the platform that is best able to fill their specific needs. Talkspace is currently the top ranked platform according to most review sites, however, it isn’t cheap. If you need an online therapy platform that is both effective and affordable you may want to consider another option from our list or try Calmerry – the newest online platform that is providing innovative solutions to mental health issues.
Article written by: Kate Skurat
Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Washington, United States
Kate has a B.S. in Psychology and M.A. in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University and has worked in healthcare since 2017. She primarily treated depression, anxiety, eating disorders, trauma, and grief, as well as identity, relationship and adjustment issues. Her clinical experience has focused on individual and group counseling, emergency counseling and outreach. https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-skurat-5348381b9/
