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How We Reviewed the Best Online Therapy Services - Our Methodology
To find the best e-therapy options, we compared several key factors including the following:
Price, affordability, and plans (weekly vs. monthly pricing, overall cost)
Methods of communication (text messaging, voice calls, video calls)
Number of therapists available and their specializations (anxiety, depression, addiction)
Accreditations and hiring requirements (PsyD, Ph.D., LCSW, LPS)
Types of therapy offered (CBT, psychoanalysis)
Choosing the Best Online Therapy for Your Needs
In many regards, online therapy is not so different from traditional in-person therapy. That is to say, patients work with licensed therapists to treat the symptoms and causes of mental health issues and improve their quality of life.
When choosing the right online therapy platform, there are several essential aspects to consider:
Services offered—Some providers offer counseling for individuals only, while others offer counseling for families and couples as well. Similarly, some of them can prescribe medications, while others cannot. It’s important to check each provider beforehand to ensure it can meet your needs.
Features—Plans often vary in the features and modes of communication they offer. These include video calls, unlimited messaging via a smartphone app, mental health journaling, and more.
Cost—Rates and fees often differ from one provider to the next. Check whether a given online therapy service is covered by your insurance and whether receipts are provided for partial reimbursement.
Privacy—Online therapy providers can occasionally share certain pieces of your information with third parties. For your discretion, check the FAQs and privacy policies to learn more about your data and information security.
Ease of use—This app may be used frequently and over a long period. Make sure it’s easy to use and understand. Also, check whether user support is available if you need it.
How Does Online Therapy Work?
Unlike traditional therapy, online therapy offers mental health treatment from the convenience of your home, workplace, or anywhere with an internet connection. Using one of the many online providers available, you can choose a subscription plan that works for you and receive therapy via your preferred medium (i.e. live chat, video, or audio sessions).
Depending on the platform, you can either choose from a range of professional, licensed therapists, or you will be matched with a therapist based on your needs. For example, some platforms list therapists based on availability and specify their expertise and areas of experience. Once you sign up, they will match you with a therapist according to these parameters.
Conversely, other online therapy services will do the leg work for you, matching you with a therapist based on a screening questionnaire that asks about your current circumstances.
Once connected, you will typically engage in weekly sessions. Online platforms often give you complete choice over the time and date of your appointments, enabling you to receive therapy flexibly around a busy schedule.
What’s the difference between in-person and online therapy?
The main difference is that e-therapy occurs in a virtual environment rather than face-to-face. Patients and care providers interact via secure messaging, voice, and video calls rather than in an office or other workspace.
Is online therapy as effective as in-person therapy?
While online therapy undoubtedly has its advantages, its effectiveness in comparison with in-person therapy has been called into question. A study from 2021 addressed this exact topic and found no significant difference between online and in-person therapy in terms of quality and effectiveness.
How Does Online Therapy Work? Explaining the Basics
Unlike traditional therapy, online therapy offers mental health treatment from the convenience of your home, workplace, or anywhere else with an internet connection. Using one of the many online providers available, you can choose a subscription plan that works for you and receive therapy via your preferred medium, such as live chat, video, or audio sessions.
Depending on the platform, you will either choose from a range of professional, licensed therapists, or you will be matched with a therapist based on your needs. For example, platforms such as Online-Therapy.com list therapists based on their availability and specify their expertise and areas of experience. Once you sign up, they will match you with a therapist according to these parameters.
Conversely, BetterHelp and TalkSpace will do the leg work for you, matching you with a therapist based on a screening questionnaire that asks about your current circumstances.
Once connected, you will typically engage in weekly sessions. Online platforms often give you complete ch