Can Text Therapy Effectively Help Someone?
Many individuals experience a mental health condition at some point during their lives, whether due to a significant life change, stressful event, or genetic factors. Approximately one in five adults in the United States is diagnosed with a mental illness in any given year.
Finding a licensed therapist can be a significant support and can assist in making progress during these times. However, not everyone can utilize traditional face to face therapy, and some individuals feel most comfortable partaking in online therapy through a text messaging format. Although a more modern treatment, text counseling can offer unique benefits to clients seeking support from licensed mental health professionals.
How does text counseling function?
You may then be matched with a therapist or choose one to text with. Once you've selected a provider, you might be prompted to choose between phone, video, or live chat sessions. If you want a live chat session, select that option when scheduling with your therapist.
Some online therapy providers might offer counselors who specialize in specific topics, symptoms, or forms of therapy. For example, a therapist may specialize in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), eating disorders, anxiety disorders, or depression. If a particular therapist is not a fit, you may be able to request a new one.
How to communicate with your therapist
How you communicate or message your therapist may vary depending on your schedule and your therapist’s schedule. You may choose to communicate with your therapist via online counseling chat or text messaging or schedule a virtual appointment for a phone call or live video chat on the platform. You might not be limited to one format, which could increase convenience compared to in-person sessions. On some platforms, you may also have the option of sending therapist messages or questions to your therapist at any time. In this case, your therapist may respond when they are able.
If you have scheduled a live chat messaging session through a site like BetterHelp, your therapist will start the session when you log on to the BetterHelp app or website and have an internet connection. You can select the prompt to enter the chat room and start your session. You may send messages back and forth, and there may be an option for you to see what your therapist is typing before it sends. If your therapist takes a long time to respond or you'd prefer another support method, you can switch to a phone or video session during the live chat session. Online or text therapy can be scheduled in the same way as traditional therapy, through weekly sessions or meeting more than once per week if needed. If you need less support or just need to check in you might
The effectiveness of messaging therapy
In certain circumstances, text therapy may be more effective than in-person counseling because it allows people an opportunity not possible with face-to-face counseling. For example, those who experience social anxiety and struggle to open up while talking to someone in person may feel more comfortable and ready to impart through a messaging platform.
Additionally, messaging therapy may be preferable to those who live in rural areas, cannot commute, or struggle to attend regular appointments in their local area. A recent report from The Trevor Project states that 76% of LGBTQ+ youth are more likely to reach out via text or chat when struggling which is why resources such as the crisis text line have been created. To reach a crisis counselor 24/7 text “HOME” to 741741 to text with a mental health care professional. Having these services available can support any level of comfort.
Every person is unique, and the type of therapy that works best for you may differ from what works for others. Group therapy or other support groups through online platforms is also available and can bring together people regardless of geographic region to provide peer support. One potential challenge for many clients in seeking additional support is overcoming reluctance to discuss topics that carry significant shame or fear of judgment. For some people, it may be easier to talk to a therapist over messaging. The social distance that text therapy provides can make some clients feel safe.
The benefits of chat therapy
Individuals experiencing a mental health condition or chronic illness like depression, social anxiety disorder, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may struggle with making or keeping appointments because of the complexity of tasks required to attend an in-person meeting. For example, self-care and hygiene, coordinating transportation, dealing with public environments like waiting rooms, and talking face-to-face with a stranger in an unfamiliar place can all be stressful or overwhelming for someone with a mental health condition. For individuals experiencing these obstacles, text-based therapy could be a solution.
Text-based communication may also feel more thoughtful to some. Specific individuals could find it easier to communicate profound feelings through writing if they struggle with verbal processing or social anxiety. Text therapy can provide an added level of processing to the conversation, allowing a person to work through their emotions and experiences before or as they describe them. One study found that online social communication can reduce symptoms of social anxiety in some individuals.
Online therapy can also be effective for individuals who do not have health insurance coverage for mental healthcare. Through online services, a flat monthly rate may allow unlimited text messaging, ongoing support, and weekly live sessions. This contact differs from traditional therapy, which is charged per live session and may not offer frequent communication options and may be cost prohibitive if your therapist doesn’t accept insurance. Additionally, through messaging, your therapist may send you resources, questionnaires, or worksheets to check after sessions. Although online therapy is available anywhere with an internet connection, it is important to note that all online communications are subject to your standard data rates if you are not on wi-fi.
Who can benefit from text-based therapy?
Anyone who has considered pursuing traditional therapy may benefit from online counseling. Research shows that online and text therapy services can effectively treat the same symptoms and conditions often addressed in traditional therapy.
Online therapy, like that provided by BetterHelp, is a flexible solution for mental health treatment. Approaches like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which targets unwanted thoughts and behaviors, can be utilized online. A recent study of over 1,100 individuals partaking in online CBT found that 89% of the participants would recommend online therapy to others.
If you are looking for treatment or support for your mental health, a chat-based therapist may provide the services you seek in a comfortable format.
Takeaway
Therapy over text can often be an effective and client-based model to allow those who face barriers to in-person therapy to find support from a licensed counselor. You may also partake in phone or video sessions through many platforms. If you're interested in talking to someone, consider reaching out to an online therapist or platform for further guidance and support in signing up.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Below are several frequently asked questions on the topic of text therapy.
Is it normal for a therapist to text you?
Messaging, calling, and emailing between sessions may be a common practice for some therapists and might occur when a client has requested additional support or is experiencing a challenging moment in life. However, a mental health professional may ask for your consent before sending you a text message. Let them know if you don't want your therapist to send you texts. Note that therapists texting outside sessions to check in is not the same as text therapy, which involves live chat messaging for a specific amount of time.
Can I chat with a therapist online?
Many online platforms may allow you to chat with a therapist. BetterHelp is an online therapy platform that allows users to choose between video, phone, or in-app messaging. This variety allows the client to chat with a therapist and receive support based on their preferences. Some people feel most comfortable with messaging therapy while others prefer to participate in video therapy.
With online and text-based counseling, you can message your therapist at any time about any topic you might address in traditional therapy, such as stressors, life challenges, relationships, emotions, or goals you would like to reach. Many people prefer text-based therapy over meeting face to face, as it allows you to participate in therapy sessions with licensed therapists from anywhere you have an internet connection.
How much does text therapy cost?
The cost of therapy may depend on several factors, including the number of sessions, where you are located, whether it is covered by insurance, and whether you are doing individual or group therapy. Text therapy is generally considered an affordable form of therapy.
BetterHelp costs $65 to $100 per week (based on factors such as your location, referral source, preferences, therapist availability and any applicable discounts or promotions that might apply). Within this price, you can have messaging and one weekly session for a month. This session can be over the phone, via video chat, or live chat. In comparison, in-person therapy costs an average of $100 to $200 per session without insurance.
Can I text a therapist for free?
If you seek support from a licensed mental health professional, text-based therapy may not be free unless covered by insurance. Check with your insurance company about mental health care coverage and deductibles.
Some non-profits and local organizations might offer free texting. However, ensure the licensing and credentials of any provider you work with. You can also call 211 for information about cost-effective resources in your local area.
Is the crisis text line free?
Yes, the crisis text line is free. Text 988 to message a crisis counselor. You can also go to the 988 Lifeline website and use their online feature. Crisis lines are for mental health crises and do not replace long-term care from a mental health counselor. However, they can be beneficial if you're experiencing a crisis and are seeking local resources or immediate advice.
How do you get therapy if you can't afford it?
Check with local organizations, religious centers, and non-profits for low-cost therapy or mental health resources. These services may vary depending on your geographic location. You might also connect with a peer support individual, online social group, or forum for further support. Some support groups online are free, as well.
On these websites, do not give out your name, address, phone number, or credit card information. If someone in the forum tries to get this information from you, report the user to the administrator. Additionally, a peer is not a licensed therapist. While they can provide you with some relief and offer constructive advice, they cannot provide mental health counseling without a license.
Can an online therapist diagnose you?
A therapist may be able to diagnose you online if they are a practicing provider. However, through platforms like BetterHelp, therapists cannot make a diagnosis or prescribe medication.
Is online therapy safe?
Online therapy through a platform like BetterHelp is safe. Ensure you meet with a licensed therapist and check the terms of service before using any platform.
How effective is online counseling?
Online and text-based counseling can be effective. Studies have shown that online counseling is as effective as in-person therapy. Putting in the time, energy, and effort in your sessions may help you receive the most benefit from them.
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