United Kingdom Virtual Counselling

Medically reviewed by Elizabeth Erban, LMFT, IMH-E

Updated February 23, 2023by BetterHelp Editorial Team

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

In addition, the utilization of online therapy has skyrocketed since 2020. Virtual counseling may be an option for those in the UK who have found that the standard of care in their area is not up to par with their needs.

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How Can Online Therapy Benefit Me?

According to a study from the University of Zurich, over half of all online clients reported ease of depression symptoms. In this case, the online 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, compared to 42% of conventional therapy patients.

Similar studies have been produced by the American Psychological Association, and one study demonstrated that online counseling is effective for those dealing with prolonged daily stress (chronic stress). Online therapy in UK cities is often carried out through cognitive-behavioral therapy, a proven scientific treatment for teaching patients coping mechanisms and healthy thinking patterns.

What Is Therapy Used For?

Counselling may be utilized for a variety of reasons. For example, many people seek out the support of a therapist 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

If you're not sure whether a counsellor can benefit you, consider reaching out. You don't necessarily need to have a mental health condition or diagnosis issue to get support. Therapists often provide help to those who want to better themselves, learn new life skills, or talk to someone about their experiences.

Proven Online Counselling Success Stories

Anecdotally, many patients have come forward to explain why they felt a difference in seeking an online confidante. One story published in the New York Times followed Dale Love Callon, who credited online 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 online therapy a "positive, professional experience." NPR interviewed Lauren Kay, who stated her streaming video psychotherapy sessions were better than in-person counselling. She stated the session felt friendly and connected.

Why Do People Prefer Online Counselling?

Video chat, texting, and phone chat with an online therapist may allow patients to feel comfortable confiding personal, honest, and vulnerable thoughts and feelings to someone else. There are no physical barriers such as a chair, desk, or uncomfortable office environment. Other advantages to online communication may include a more straightforward scheduling process, as patients don't have to physically travel to a location and can "log in" whenever needed.

Additionally, 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.

Getting Started With Virtual Therapy

94% of virtual therapy users prefer it to face-to-face therapy, and 98% of users seeking support with symptoms related to depression and trauma experience significant improvement in their mental health symptoms. These studies show that connecting with a counsellor online can be a positive experience.

In the UK, if you're unable to find a counsellor that fits your needs or haven't been able to be referred to a counselor within NHS, you might reach out to a platform such as BetterHelp for individuals or ReGain for couples.

Online Counselor & 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 UK 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.”

Takeaway

Finding counselling can feel challenging. However, options exist for those looking for fewer barriers to care. Platforms like BetterHelp are available worldwide and offer care to those in the UK looking for support.

FAQs - Online Counselling

Can You Get Free Counseling Online?

Yes, you can. Most online 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 help that is not just forum-based and can utilize a variety of mediums, including video chatting, voice recordings, texting, and phone calls.

How Much Does Online Counseling Cost?

For the most part, online therapy depends on things like the online service that you utilize, what you want, how many sessions you need, and your insurance. The cost for online therapy can be anywhere from 35 dollars to 150 dollars per session. Some online therapists offer payment plans depending on your situation, and some therapists do take insurance as well.

Every online counseling 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 Online Counseling Effective?

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

Online counseling is effective in treating many mental health issues. Cognitive-behavioral therapy, which is what a majority of what online 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 online counseling.

Which Online Therapy Is 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 Therapy?

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, online counseling is a valid and readily available form of counseling.

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

Does Therapy Really Work?

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 Online Therapy Safe?

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. Online counseling has helped many people, both young and old, and it's since become even more reliable than ever before.

How Much Does BetterHelp Cost?

It ranges anywhere between $35 and $70 a week, with the median cost being about $65. 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 feed.

How Long Are BetterHelp Sessions?

You can message your therapist at any time, but once a week, you can get a live video session. They usually last about 20-30 minutes, sometimes longer depending on your needs.

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