Content warning: Please be advised, the below article on telephone counseling might mention trauma-related topics that could be triggering to the reader. Please see our Get Help Now page for more immediate telephone and in-person resources.
As a result of facing difficulty with scheduling in-person counseling appointments, remote counseling options like telephone counseling have become more accessible, allowing you to connect with a therapist for teletherapy.
Telephone counseling can address the same concerns as traditional counseling, such as work-related stress, family conflicts, anger management, relationship issues, or symptoms of a diagnosed mental illness. If these are ongoing challenges, consider exploring a telephone counseling service or telephone therapy as an alternative to in-person sessions.
When you participate in telephone or online therapy, you can speak with licensed therapists in live video sessions, over the telephone, by email, or through messaging services. Online counseling provides individual talk therapy, couples therapy, marriage counseling, and family therapy. Learning more about how telephone counseling works may help you feel more confident in pursuing it.
Note that if you are seeking crisis intervention, you should seek immediate assistance from the resources on our Get Help Now page.
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Talking to a licensed therapist, whether in person or on the telephone, may help you alleviate emotional pain or personal challenges and find solutions or acceptance to the situations you are going through.
Remote therapy approaches
Online, telephone, or other distance therapy and counseling options make up the field of telepsychiatry. These remote mental health support services can include in-app messaging—many platforms offer messaging—or video conferencing. Online counseling, live video counseling, and counseling on the telephone are available for everyone, not only those experiencing mental illnesses like anxiety or clinical depression.
The efficacy of phone therapy and counseling services
The results of a growing number of studies suggest that telephone counseling is as efficacious as in-person therapy. In fact, many researchers who have found telephone counseling effective have also noted that finding support over the telephone can be a more affordable and convenient form of mental health care.
Benefits of telephone counseling
Many of the benefits of remote or phone counseling are the same ones you might receive from in-person sessions with licensed therapists. However, there are several benefits that you might only experience through telehealth treatment, including the following.
Therapy from the safety and comfort of home
When people reach out for telephone counseling services, they may not have to commute and won't have to let others know where they're going. Teletherapy can offer more personal and safe space for these individuals. Virtual counseling can also be done from home, which widens the opportunities for online therapists.
Availability of the therapist
Online counseling allows you to connect remotely with a therapist licensed to provide mental health care services.
Some of the reasons that people may not be able to see a counselor in person can include the following:
Disabilities impacting someone's ability to drive to therapy
Busy schedules that make therapy attendance difficult
Social anxiety about going to therapy
Cost of therapy
Commute time to therapy offices
With telephone counseling, there are a few benefits that clients might find:
Clients may not have to leave home for therapy as they can participate over the telephone
Therapy clients can communicate with a counselor from more remote areas with an internet connection or cell service
Using a telephone for therapy can be a less intimidating method of communicating about mental health
Lack of scheduling conflicts with therapists
Many in-person therapists may only work from 9 am to 5 pm, so many working individuals cannot schedule appointments without taking time off from work. However, online therapy services and telephone counseling may offer more flexible and convenient options than face-to-face therapy.
Online therapy location flexibility
Online counseling sessions can be more flexible for your schedule and allow you to receive mental health care from anywhere. Whether you are dealing with the symptoms of medical conditions that make it difficult to get to appointments or you travel a lot for your job, the flexibility of online therapy can make it more accessible. You can talk to a counselor or therapist from:
Your home
An office
A hotel
Anywhere you have an internet connection can become a therapeutic setting. If you opt for telephone counseling, you'll need a telephone signal.
Affordability of online counseling services, like couples therapy
In-person sessions, especially those at practices, can be expensive. Forbes found that the average cost of traditional therapy in the US is $100 to $200 per hour. Telephone, email, or messaging counseling services may be more affordable and help you start therapy.
As low as $70/week
Affordable therapy that fits your budget
Get started with a licensed therapist for just $70–$100 per week, billed weekly or monthly.
Pricing is based on factors such as location, referral source, preferences, therapist availability and any applicable discounts or promotions that might apply.
Potential benefits of affordable therapy
With a more affordable option, you may be able to have more appointments with your provider and may be able to save money. Though many online therapy platforms do not accept insurance, their weekly membership costs are often as low or lower than weekly therapy sessions that are covered by health insurance.
We are working with select insurance carriers to join their network. Some therapists on the BetterHelp platform now accept insurance (state-limited). Until then, our flexible subscription model continues to be an option to receive quality care from our extensive therapist network.
BetterHelp currently accepts HSA/FSA cards and is recognized as an eligible expense by most HSA/FSA providers. Get started today.
Phone therapy for mental health
Evidence suggests that mobile or smartphone-enhanced therapy platforms can help address symptoms of a wide range of mental health concerns. In one comprehensive study, researchers examined the effectiveness of mobile phone therapy treatments on mental health, finding that mobile telephone-based counseling can be a valuable form of therapy.
Why people are into BetterHelp
Easy in-app scheduling
Tailored support with licensed professionals with diverse specialties
Therapy sessions your way – video, voice or chat
Easy to switch – Change therapists anytime until you find the right fit
Access to mental health tools and resources
Efficacy of online therapy and mental health services
Telephone therapy or online therapy can be a valuable resource when you're seeking support with mental health concerns. Through a platform like BetterHelp, you can gain several online therapy options, including telephone, video, message and live chat sessions. You can also reach out to your licensed counselor at any time and receive a response, often within 24 hours.
Takeaway
While you might have hesitations about remote therapy because of its relative newness, speaking with a licensed therapist through any channel may significantly improve your mental health. Whether you need it urgently in the short term to receive healthy tips on relieving symptoms or are looking at its long-term benefits, a subscription to an over-the-phone, email, or other distance therapy service can be beneficial.
Frequently asked questions
Read more below for answers to questions commonly asked about counseling over the telephone.
Does insurance cover online counseling or therapy?
Coverage for online therapy varies depending on your health insurance provider and the service you choose. Some insurance companies cover online mental health services, while others only cover in-person therapy. To learn more, contact your provider directly. Keep in mind that not all online therapy services accept insurance, so it’s important to check with the service to confirm coverage and compare pricing options.
What is telephone counseling?
Telephone therapy is a therapy service that is conducted with a therapist over the telephone. Telephone therapy includes the same therapy you might find in person but is utilized remotely with a capable telephone. It may also be referred to as telephone-delivered psychotherapy, telephone-administered psychotherapy, or telephone psychotherapy.
How does phone-based counseling work?
How telephone counseling works may vary depending on the therapist or online therapy platform you use. Often, you may receive a call from your therapist and answer it to get started. If you utilize a platform, the platform may prompt a telephone call and connect you to your therapist.
Online session expectations
Once you are on the call with your therapist, it can function similarly to other forms of therapy, except the therapist is not physically present in the room with you. Having a session over the telephone may mean that you and your therapist cannot pick up on each other’s nonverbal cues, but some people may find that they feel more comfortable and at ease with this format, enabling a strong therapeutic relationship.
What are home-based counseling mental health services?
Home-based counseling is a form of therapy where clients connect with free support services or paid services via telephone, email, or messaging. Clients log in to participate in their services from home. Often, these services are available at any time of day and to many people worldwide.
Types of therapy you can receive over the telephone:
The information on this page is not intended to be a substitution for diagnosis, treatment, or informed professional advice. You should not take any action or avoid taking any action without consulting with a qualified mental health professional. For more information, please read our terms of use.
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