Online Therapy And Counselling For You: United Kingdom

Medically reviewed by Elizabeth Erban, LMFT, IMH-E

Updated April 22, 2024by BetterHelp Editorial Team

If you've ever considered looking into online therapy for support with depression, social anxiety, stress, mental health conditions, or day to day life advice, you are not alone. In 2021, over 1.6 million United Kingdom citizens were referred to therapy for mental healthcare within the United Kingdom.

In addition, the utilization of online therapy and counselling has skyrocketed since 2020. Virtual counselling may be an option for those in the United Kingdom who have found that the standard of care in their area is not up to par with their needs or just want to attend therapy within the comfort of their own home outside of the NHS network.

Three people are sitting at a desk in front of a laptop screen, and all three of them are smiling. — iStock

How can online therapy help?

According to a study from the University of Zurich, over half of all virtual clients reported ease of depression symptoms after attending remote therapy. In this case, the virtual model exceeded the performance of clients attending in-person counselling.

Three months after the study concluded, over half of all online patients reported no more significant symptoms after seeing their therapists, compared to 42% of conventional therapy patients.

Similar studies have been produced by the American Psychological Association, and one study demonstrated that counselling online is effective for those dealing with prolonged daily stress (chronic stress).

Online therapy in United Kingdom cities is often carried out through cognitive-behavioral therapy, a talking therapy and proven scientific treatment for teaching patients coping mechanisms and healthy thinking patterns with therapists virtually.

What is it used for?

Virtual counseling or remote therapy may be utilized for a variety of reasons. For example, many people seek out therapeutic help when experiencing:

Depression or anxiety
Symptoms of a personality disorder
Symptoms related to autism, ADHD, or dyslexia
A learning disorder
Life stressors
Relationship or marriage concerns
Parenting concerns
Life changes, such as a new job or moving to a new city
Grief and loss
Distressing physical health symptoms
A need for life advice
A medical diagnosis
Delusions or hallucinations
Difficulty socializing
Help with improving overall well-being

If you're not sure whether web-based counseling online can benefit you or the issues you face, consider exploring possible therapists. You don't need to have a mental health condition or diagnosis issue to get support from counseling online. In-person and virtual therapists often provide help to those who want to better themselves, learn new life skills, improve wellbeing, or discuss their experiences. Counseling online can be beneficial for anyone wanting to work through current life challenges, self-exploration, or relationship struggles, as well as those with mental health issues.

You may find help through:

UK national services
Services that have international counseling coverage in the UK
Online counseling platforms with certified UK therapists
Independent UK therapists who provide telehealth counseling services

Success stories: Is it effective?

Anecdotally, many patients have come forward to explain why they felt a difference in seeking an online therapist for mental health. One story published in the New York Times followed Dale Love Callon, who credited virtual therapy with helping him better manage insomnia. "I'm sleeping much better now," he said.

Recently, a Wall Street Journal writer used BetterHelp and called remote therapy a "positive, professional experience." NPR interviewed Lauren Kay, who stated her streaming video psychotherapy sessions were better than in-person counseling. She stated the counseling appointments felt friendly and connected.

A woman in a yellow sweater is seated at a desk and is writing in a notebook, with a serious expression. — iStock

Do people prefer a virtual therapy service?

There are multiple ways in which working with therapists may be more appealing to some people. Video chat, texting, and phone chat with a virtual therapist may allow patients to feel comfortable telling personal, honest, and vulnerable thoughts and feelings to someone else. There are no physical barriers such as a chair, desk, or uncomfortable office environment. In addition, because the client is attending the therapy session from their own home, they may have a stronger sense of safety; a therapy service may also be easier to reach for those with a busy schedule or limited transportation.

Please note, this is not a substitute if you are in a mental health emergency. Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741

Other advantages to online UK talking therapies with a qualified therapist may include a more straightforward scheduling process, as patients don't have to physically travel to a location and can "log in" whenever needed.

In addition to the above benefits of online therapy, you may feel more connected with your therapist through online counseling. If you have pets, you can introduce them to your counsellor, which may help ease any awkward silent moments as you get to know your therapist.

Virtual therapy in the United Kingdom

Research shows that connecting with a counsellor virtually can be a positive experience for those in the UK and beyond.

For example, one study published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research found that people who used BetterHelp experienced a significant decrease in the severity of depression symptoms.

In the United Kingdom, if you're unable to find an in-person counsellor that fits your needs, you might contact a platform such as BetterHelp counselling for individuals, or Regain for couples, that offer mental health services in the UK. You may be able to find a therapy service that suits your needs by searching ‘Online therapy UK’ online. Some services may offer a free introductory session so you can get a good idea what the licensed therapist, therapy process, and general therapy appointment would be like.

Want to give virtual therapy a try?

Join BetterHelp and book an online session

BetterHelp counselor reviews

Aimee Bishop, MS, LMHc, MCAP

“Amie has truly helped me so much these past months with my anxiety and feelings of depression. She has continuously helped me with my social anxiety which is the main reason I came on here. I would always recommend her to anyone. My life has been much more positive and fulfilling ever since my journey began.”

Ann Voorhees, LCSW

“Ann is respectful and an artful listener. When I was in my manic episode she was able to calm my mind and bring me back to the task. Ann was the correct fit for me as she has a great understanding of bipolar and menopause and the United Kingdom systems. I shall miss my weekly sessions with her as I always felt uplifted after our sessions. I was able to video call, write to her outside of the sessions and do regular journals that I knew she would read and make comments on. We laughed, we cried I got better through her understanding and skills as a counselor. Thanks, Ann.”

To contact BetterHelp or Regain customer support, email us at contact@regain.us or contact@betterhelp.com. You can also call BetterHelp Support at +1(888)688-9296.

Takeaway

Finding therapy today can be challenging. However, options exist for those looking for fewer barriers to care. Platforms like BetterHelp are available worldwide and offer care, excellence, and healing to those in the United Kingdom looking for support. Whether you’re looking to work with a therapist face to face or online, investing in your well-being can help you live a more fulfilled life.

Schedule your first session today and improve your mental health by reaching out to a fully qualified online therapist. You can also read through other articles on a therapy blog to learn more about the process and benefits of online counseling.

FAQs

Can You Get Free Counseling Online?

Yes, you can. Most counseling sites are forum-based, and while that can help in a crisis situation, a licensed therapist and a one-on-one experience might be the ideal solution.

BetterHelp provides online therapy that is not just forum-based and can utilize a variety of mediums, including video chatting, voice recordings, texting, and telephone counselling or therapy. Some UK online counselling websites may also offer financial aid or a free, introductory therapy session to help you try the platform before you commit.

How Much Does Counseling Cost On The Internet?

For the most part, virtual therapy depends on things like the internet service that you utilize, what you want, how many sessions you need, and your insurance.

The cost for virtual therapy can be anywhere from 35 dollars to 150 dollars per session. Some therapists offer payment plans depending on your situation, and some therapists do take insurance as well.

Every online therapy service is different. Some of them offer payment plans or financial aid, and others will have regular and premium packages. Some of them may even offer a free introductory session.

Is Virtual Counseling Effective For Mental Health?

Many are concerned about the effectiveness of virtual counseling. After all, you're investing money in this, so you want to make sure you're not wasting money.

Online therapy is effective in treating many mental health issues. Cognitive-behavioral therapy, which is what a majority of what counseling is, is effective at treating various anxiety disorders, depression, substance abuse conditions, PTSD, and a range of other conditions.

It's just as effective as a face-to-face option and might be good for some people who are anxious about sitting in an office with a therapist, or for those who have busy lives and many commitments.

If, for example, you have an obsession condition, it likely won't be as effective for you, and it's better to see a professional therapist in-person in these circumstances rather than seeking out virtual counseling.

Which Therapy Platform Is The Best?

BetterHelp is at the top of the list of the best online psychotherapy or therapy and is the most affordable and well-rounded of them all. But, ReGain is great for those seeking out couples counseling. TalkSpace is another great one, but the downside of this one is that it's a little more expensive than the other two.

However, TalkSpace does allow you to check out different plans. BetterHelp is a more fixed pricing system than that one, though, and is determined after you fill out your questionnaire.

Can You Get Virtual Counselling?

Of course! Anyone can if they believe it can help with their concerns. If you have some issues or concerns that you'd like to discuss with a therapist, or if you'd just like to talk to someone, virtual counseling is a valid and readily available form of counseling.

For serious conditions, it's not advisable to get virtual counseling, but if you have problems you'd just like to sort out with someone, it can be a worthwhile investment.

Does Online Counselling Really Work? Is It Free In The UK?

It works if you're willing to put effort into it. If you say you're going to use counseling to better yourself, but then never show up to appointments and don't actively use what you've learned during counseling in your day-to-day life, then it won't work for you.

Is Virtual Counselling Safe? Should I Be Waiting For In-Person?

While usually safe, you do want to do your research to make sure that you're going with an e-counseling service that keeps your space in place and isn't fraudulent, of course. Virtual counseling has helped many people, both young and old, and it's since become even more reliable than ever before.

How Much Does BetterHelp Online Therapy Cost In The United Kingdom?

It ranges anywhere between $65 to 90 a week, depending on therapist availability, location, and your preferences. If you want to, you can pay for a month, and with the monthly charge, you can see messages with your counselor, and this also offers a once-a-week video session, live chat session or phone call session.

How Long Are BetterHelp Sessions?

You can message your therapist on the platform and once a week, you can get a live video session, phone call session or live chat session.

What is the best online therapy platform United Kingdom?
Is counseling free in the United Kingdom?
Can you get online therapy or counselling United Kingdom?
How much is therapy or counselling United Kingdom per hour?
Do you have to pay for BetterHelp therapists in the United Kingdom?
How can I search for therapists in my area?

If you want more information on mental health, you can also check out the BetterHelp YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@BetterHelp/videos

Receive evidence-based counseling

Speak to an online counselor

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.

Get the support you need from one of our therapistsGet started

Top Categories

See all categories