Situations Where Counseling Online Can Help You
If you're struggling with stress, relationships, emotional problems, or other major life challenges, you can likely benefit from working with a therapist. However, for many people, actually going to a therapist or counselor in person is impractical or intimidating. Luckily, there are now plenty of companies that provide online counseling services. BetterHelp.com is a website that offers services from certified professional counselors and therapists. There are many situations where it makes more sense to work with an online counselor than seeing one in person - here's when and why you should consider giving it a try.
You have a packed work or school schedule.
If you are a student in school or university, or have a busy work schedule, you may not have time to see a therapist in person. For many hardworking employees or students, the idea of taking time off to see a therapist is very stressful and counterproductive. By choosing to counsel online instead, you can talk to your therapist during your downtime when it is convenient for you, taking the stress out of therapy. Online counseling services allow you to message your therapist whenever you need in a format that is convenient for you (chat messaging, phone call or video messaging), so you can talk about what's on your mind whenever you need it.
You travel frequently.
For individuals who frequently travel for work or pleasure and may be on the road for days or weeks at a time, a more traditional therapy structure (i.e., face-to-face at a set time, every week) may not be a good fit. Online counseling can provide individuals with frequently variable schedules of those who like to explore with a therapy modality that they can be consistent with. Since online counseling is not dependent on physical meetings, therapy can travel along with you, taking place wherever you have a mobile device and a strong internet connection. Also, the flexible nature of online counseling can help individuals with variable schedules stick to the therapy process without having to commit to a rigid or set therapy schedule.
You find the idea of talking to someone in person stressful or intimidating.
Many people know they need therapy, but they don't take the first step because they don't like the idea of talking to someone in person about their problems, perhaps because they’ve lived past experiences of trauma or have specific issues, like generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, low self-esteem, or depression. If this feeling sounds familiar to you, you will likely feel much more comfortable with online counseling. Online therapy takes away some of the intimidation factors because you can type out your responses and you don't need to have any face-to-face interaction if you don't want to, which is something people with anxiety disorders highly appreciate. Without the pressure of seeing a therapist in person, you'll get more out of the therapy, because you'll be able to relax and talk more openly about what's on your mind. This can be particularly helpful for individuals dealing with stress, struggling anxiety disorders, or those who are especially apprehensive about talking to someone they don't know. The different communication modalities available in an online counseling platform can enable an individual to begin with a form of communication they are most comfortable with (e.g., chat messaging) and progress to a more direct form of communication (i.e., phone chat or video conference) when they feel ready. Since online therapy is not reliant on direct contact immediately, this can help anxious individual ease to therapy at a pace comfortable for them.
You benefit from regular check-ins and immediate support.
Online counseling is a good option for individuals who benefit from more frequent check-ins with a mental health professional. In traditional therapy settings, an individual would typically need to wait until their next session to explore, discuss, or process feelings and experiences with their therapist (unless it is an emergency). However, with online therapy, an individual is welcome to message their therapist at any time to vent or express their stress, thoughts, and feelings at any time of day.
You live in a remote area that doesn't have easy access to a professional counselor.
If you can't get to a therapist in person because you reside or are a student going to university in a remote or rural area, online counseling can be a great alternative to engage in mental health services. Instead of driving long distances to see a counselor, which can be cause stress, be very expensive and time-consuming, you can schedule online sessions that are convenient for you without the travel to other areas.
You have limited access to transportation.
Some people may be discouraged about beginning therapy due to lack of transportation, especially students and those living in remote places. Even if an individual has access to public transportation, living in areas with changing climate may make traveling during certain times of year difficult (e.g., snow storms). The remote nature of online counseling provides individuals with a modality that will enable them to consistently engage in sessions without having to rely on access to transportation.
You are homebound due to some reasons.
Some individuals may be homebound due to physical limitations from an illness, disability, paralyzing grief, or particular life situation. Many individuals in these situations have mental health challenges, such as anxiety or depression, and wish to engage in therapy with a counselor, but leaving home is not an option. Online counseling can be done at home and is not reliant on physical sessions in an office or clinic setting, so this is a feasible option for many homebound individuals.
You're on a budget and can't afford a traditional therapist.
Therapy can be very expensive, particularly if you don't have insurance or if you are a student struggling to make ends meet. Unfortunately, the cost of therapy often holds people back from seeking the help that they need. While there are still fees associated with counseling online, they are usually much lower than what you would pay for in-person counseling services. Many insurance providers are now also choosing to cover online therapy and other online counselling situations so you can get the help you need without sacrificing your budget.
You want an opportunity to browse and select from many practitioners.
While ease of accessibility and convenience can be some top reasons, people may prefer online counseling, the ability to browse and select a professional that best fits one's needs is another. Online counseling services like BetterHelp have personal sites for each therapist that enables a potential client to learn more about them before potentially working with them. Also, reviews from current and previous clients and patients in the form of videos and notes can help aid one's decision in selecting a therapist.
Determining whether or not online counseling is right for you may feel like a daunting task given the different types of counseling services available out there. Telecounseling, or online counseling services, is a new modality that may feel foreign or intimidating to many people. However, it can be a convenient and accessible option for many individuals looking to start therapy or need a more flexible therapy option.
FAQ
Can I talk to a counselor online for free?
As helpful as therapy services may be, in many cases they can also be expensive. Fortunately, there are affordable and even free sources of counseling available. While counseling guidance is not always a replacement for therapy, in many cases it can be helpful. Online counseling is gaining in popularity and usually entails signing up for an account, getting paired with a counselor, and then chatting via instant messaging, email, phone, or video. Some other free counseling options include free counseling hotlines, grief counseling, depression counseling, support groups, family and relationship counseling, counseling through work or places of worship, counseling through government help and programs, and counseling through training clinics and universities. While these options all have many benefits, the first step is to check with your current insurance provider to see what exactly it is they offer as far as mental health care benefit goes. Many people do not realize they are covered for a certain number of counseling or therapy sessions each year at no cost to them. Overall, there are many free options out there if counseling services are something you need but cannot afford.
How can we overcome counselling problems?
When first deciding who to use as a therapist, it is important to find someone who you can see yourself trusting and feeling comfortable opening up to. It may take a few sessions to determine whether you and your therapist are a good fit, but sometimes, issues arise. Some of these issues can be worked through by speaking with your counselor about the issues that you are having or what you are or are not finding useful in your sessions. It is likely that your counselor is unaware that you are not finding the current sessions entirely useful, so by having the conversation, they will be able to make adjustments to better suit your needs. If after having that conversation, you are still not thinking your therapist is a good fit, it is likely time to consider finding a new therapist. With BetterHelp, if you start the process and you feel your counselor isn’t a good fit for you, you may elect to be matched with a different counselor.
What are the benefits of online counseling?
While choosing whether to enroll in counseling online or in-person is a personal choice, there are some advantages over traditional, in-person therapy. For some people, they appreciate not having to commute to an appointment or having to find childcare during their appointment time. Online counseling can also be more affordable than face-to-face treatment and many online therapy sites allow you to speak to your therapist daily via messaging functions in addition to weekly sessions, while most in-person sessions occur once a week with no additional messaging between sessions. And studies have also shown that online counseling can help address specific issues, such as depression, trauma from past experiences, managing stress, improve your relationship with yourself and others, and make positive changes in your life.
Is online therapy as effective as in person therapy?
Online therapy is equally as effective as in-person therapy and there are multiple studies that support that claim. One study found that online cognitive behavioral therapy was helpful in treating self-esteem and anxiety disorders and another study found that online treatment for depression was equally as effective as in-person therapy. A third study found that online cognitive behavioral therapy was equally as effective as in-person treatment for major depression, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder. A fourth study concluded that “users of BetterHelp experienced significantly reduced depression symptom severity after engaging with the platform.”
How do I get advice online?
There are many online counseling platforms available where you can speak with a licensed, professional counselor from the comfort of home, and the is good news is that they continue to rise in popularity as people see the benefit of seeking help without having to commute to a therapist or counselors office. The first step to getting advice online is finding a website that feels like it is a good fit for you. It is important to make sure that the site you choose has licensed counselors who are specialized in areas that you are seeking help in. BetterHelp has counselors who are specialized in a wide variety of specific issues. BetterHelp also ensures all providers are fully licensed and in good standing. Once you settle on a website, you will then be matched with a counselor.
What is the best online counseling service?
There are many online counseling services available online and the decision of which one to choose is highly personal and is often based on various factors. BetterHelp is the largest online counseling platform worldwide and makes counseling available anytime, anywhere. BetterHelp is an affordable option that allows users to connect with counselors through their computer, tablet, or smartphone without leaving the comfort of their own space. BetterHelp has counselors who are specialized in a variety of specific issues, which allows for a wide array of individuals to get the help they need. Each website matches you to a counselor in a different way. BetterHelp will match you to an available counselor who fits your objectives, preferences, and the type of issues you are dealing with. Once you are matched, you will begin communicating with your counselor through a messaging service as well as through video sessions.
What are the problems of guidance?
Oftentimes, when people start counseling, they expect their therapists or counselors to provide advice or give them guidance on how to solve their problems. However, most therapists do not give their clients advice for a variety of reasons. The main reason is because the role of a therapist is to present clients with a better comprehension of what motivates or causes them to act or think in the way they do. Rather than give advice, therapy should be used as a tool to guide people in making their own decisions. The goal with therapy is to help you learn more about yourself and why you think and act the way that you do. By giving advice, therapists and counselors may hinder that process, which has no long-term benefit to you. Helping clients learn how to make their own life choices is helpful because it gives clients a sense of empowerment, which allows them to feel more confident when making decisions in the future.
What are the challenges of guidance and counselling?
There are many benefits to online counseling, such as flexibility with scheduling, typically lower cost, and lack of commute time to appointment. However, there are some disadvantages that come with conducting therapy in an online space. The first is the issue of technological glitches. Inconsistent internet connection or problems with the video chat platforms can lead to frozen screens, echoing, and dropped calls. Internet connectivity issues can be frustrating and can disrupt the flow of the conversation that is taking place. Other challenges can include difficulty building a with your therapist if you are not used to forming relationships through a screen, which can lead to it taking longer to work through the issues you are facing.
How do you overcome academic problems?
Academic concerns affect many students throughout their academic careers both during school and university. Academic concerns may negatively influence a student’s classroom performance and future professional path, as well as other areas of their lives. Academic problems can place undue stress on students, which can lead to interference in various parts of a person’s life. If you are a student, speaking to a counselor about academic problems can be helpful in overcoming the issues at hand. A therapist or counselor helps a person understand the root of why they are having problems academically at school or university and in their lives. Once the person is aware of what is causing the problem, they will be able to work together to figure out a plan to alleviate the issues with their counselor’s advice. For example, if a student is stressed out because they are not turning their homework in on time, addressing time management issues and taking steps to mitigating the time management issues.
What is meant by online Counseling?
Online counseling provides professional mental health counseling services online. These services are typically provided through email, real-time chat or instant messaging, and video conferencing. Online counseling can address a variety of issues or concerns that a person might have and since there is no face-to-face interaction, some people find it easier to open up to a counselor through this medium. Some people choose to use online counseling as opposed to in-person counseling because it is oftentimes, but not always, a more affordable option. Online counseling also offers individuals more options to connect with their counselor on a more regular basis, whereas in-person sessions are often once a week.
What are the disadvantages of Counselling?
While there are plenty of benefits to counseling, it can have its downsides. The first step of counseling is going over past issues and details about their lives, so beginning counseling can leave a person feeling vulnerable. This is why it is so important to find a mental health provider who you feel you can trust and are comfortable opening up to. Additionally, therapy might bring up negative feelings that could lead to you feeling worse before you start to feel better. Counseling can expose you to hurtful issues that you might have previously be unaware of – these feelings can be intense and can lead to feelings of isolation or leave you emotionally drained. One of the benefits of online therapy is that your therapist or counselor is available to help you process those feelings that might arise outside of your weekly video visits through online chat functions such as instant messaging.
Is BetterHelp worth it?
BetterHelp is the largest online counseling platform worldwide and makes professional counseling available anytime, anywhere, through a computer, tablet, or smartphone. BetterHelp is an affordable option that allows users to connect with a licensed mental health professional in the privacy of their home. BetterHelp has counselors who are specialized in specific issues such as managing stress, anxiety, relationships, parenting, big life changes, life events, depression, addictions, eating, grief, sleeping, trauma, anger, family conflicts, LGBT matters, grief, religion, self-esteem, and more. However, the following are instances where BetterHelp would not be the right solution:
- You have thoughts of hurting yourself or others
- You are a minor or you are under the care of a legal guardian
- You are in an urgent crisis or emergency situation
- You have been diagnosed with severe mental illness and the treatment involves medication
- You have been advised to be in psychological supervision or psychiatric care
- You are required to undergo therapy or counseling either by a court order or any other authority
- You do not have a device that can connect to the Internet or you do not have a reliable Internet connection.
Which is better BetterHelp or TalkSpace?
When it comes to finding a therapist, it is important to consider the therapist’s credentials, whether the therapist’s approach is right for you and if they have experience working within your area of concern, and their availability. BetterHelp’s base plan includes weekly live video chats along with unlimited messaging. BetterHelp also offers phone therapy, which is helpful for our clients with slow or no internet. BetterHelp also offers financial assistance who can’t afford therapy. TalkSpace is also an online therapy platform where individuals are able to choose the therapist they would like to work with. Overall, it is essential that no matter which online platform you choose, you’ll want to make sure that they are someone you feel comfortable discussing and working on personal issues with your therapist.
Is there such thing as an online therapist?
Online therapists and counselors are licensed mental health professionals, who mostly provide similar treatments online as they would in-person, including listening empathically, giving advice, and helping you navigate life situations. Online therapy is a way to communicate with a licensed mental health professional over the phone or computer. Oftentimes, treatment includes messaging, live chat, phone calls, and/or video chat.