The Benefits Of Online Mental Health Counseling

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

Below are a few frequently asked questions about online therapy. 

Is Online Therapy Available Everywhere?

From anywhere in the world, online platforms allow you to receive therapy from wherever you have an internet connection. Online therapy through services like BetterHelp is available to expatriates, foreigners, immigrants, Americans, and those living in remote locations. To see which therapists are available, fill out the online intake questionnaire. 

How Can Online Therapy Improve My Mental Health?

Through online therapy, you can address the same topics that you might in face-to-face therapy. Some of the benefits of therapy include the following:

• The ability to identify mental health concerns 

• A thorough evaluation of your mental processes 

• An increased sense of purpose 

• Emotional control skills 

• Interpersonal relationship skills 

• A thorough understanding of your emotions 

• Emotional support and validation 

• A personalized treatment plan 

• New skills for setting boundaries in relationships 

• Relaxation techniques 

• An improved self-esteem 

• Potential solutions to your problems 

• An ability to face fears or worries 

• Management techniques for anxiety or depression 

• A reduction in distress 

What's The Difference Between Online And Face-To-Face Therapy?

There is no difference in the quality or effectiveness of services offered online vs. in person. Online therapists use the same psychological techniques to help you explore your symptoms, learn new skills, and develop a treatment plan to overcome mental health concerns. However, online therapy offers benefits that in-person therapy does not. 

When you choose to participate in online therapy, you can choose between phone, video, or live chat sessions with a licensed therapist, offering variety. You can also pay lower rates, find more therapist options (in some areas), and receive online resources unique to your chosen service. 

What Are The Advantages Of Online Therapy?

There are many advantages of online counseling, including the following: 

• You can get online therapy from any location with an internet connection. 

• You don't have to miss online therapy sessions when on vacation. 

• You don't have to drive to your therapist's office when the weather is poor.

• Remote therapy eliminates the need to travel through heavy traffic.

• You can avoid crowds.

• You can avoid physical availability concerns if you have a mobility device.  

• You can receive services, even living in a rural town. 

• You can get online therapy at a time convenient for your lifestyle.

Other online therapy benefits include the following:

• Studies show people feel most comfortable in their own homes. 

• You can receive mental health treatment without a required diagnosis. 

• You can avoid telling others about your counseling experience. 

• You can take part in unlimited messaging with your counselor. 

• You can get paired with a counselor in minutes. 

• Matching with a therapist takes 24 to 48 hours after signing up. 

• You can easily switch counselors to find a new one within 24 to 48 hours. 

What Are The Cons Of Online Therapy Services?

You might find a few disadvantages to online therapy. For example, online therapy cannot replace crisis intervention or support for severe mental illness. A few other disadvantages include the following: 

• Most insurance companies do not cover online platforms. 

• You might feel more trusting of a therapist you can visit in person. 

• Online therapy requires basic knowledge of technology and an internet connection. 

What Are The Disadvantages Of Traditional Therapy?

Below are a few commonly reported disadvantages of traditional in-person therapy: 

• You might have to face poor weather, public illness, and traffic.  

• You might not feel unknown with your therapist. 

• You won't have unlimited messaging to talk to your therapist anytime. 

• Therapists might have long waitlists or wait times between appointments. 

• Insurance may not cover sessions without an official diagnosis from your therapist. 

• You may not have many options for a therapist in your area. 

• Changing your therapist can take months. 

• Your therapist may be unavailable when you go on vacation or out of town. 

• Those with physical limitations may struggle to attend sessions in non-available buildings or in poor weather. 

What Types Of Therapy Services Can I Get Online?

You can receive nearly most types of therapy online as you can in person. A few common types of therapy offered online include the following: 

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)

• Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)

• Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)

• Interpersonal therapy

• Couples therapy (through a platform like ReGain) 

• Group therapy

• Mindfulness-based therapy 

• Stress management therapy

• Anger management therapy 

• Psychoeducation

• Family therapy

• Grief counseling

Is Online Mental Health Treatment Always Appropriate?

Online mental healthcare should not be used in every circumstance. If you are in crisis, reach out to one of the crisis prevention services below:  

• National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

• Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741

• Veterans Crisis Line: Call 1-800-273-8255 (and press 1) or text 838255. For support for the deaf and hard of hearing community, please use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 1-800-273-8255.

• Trevor Lifeline (LGBTQ Lifeline): (866)488-7386 

• SAMHSA National Helpline (Substance Use): (800)662-4357

• National Eating Disorder Association Helpline:1-800-931-2237 (M-Th: 9 AM-9 PM EST, Fri 9 AM - 5 PM EST)

• Child Help Hotline: Call 1-800-422-4453 or use the online chat feature

•  National Anti-Hazing Hotline: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293) 

• Physician Crisis Support Line: Call 1-888-409-0141 if you are a first responder or medical provider experiencing crises related to Covid-19

• Sexual Assault Hotline: Call RAINN at 1-800-656-4673

What Topics Can You Address In Online Therapy? 

Therapists working online can treat any symptoms or diagnoses. However, therapists on an online platform like BetterHelp are not allowed to make diagnoses or prescribe medications. Below are a few topics clients might seek help with: 

• Depression

• Anxiety

• Eating disorders

• Substance use disorders 

• Autism

• ADHD or ADD

• Bipolar disorder

• Stress

• Family conflict 

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) 

• Disruptive behaviors 

• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

• Personality disorders

• Life changes or transitions 

Why Do People Prefer To Talk To A Counselor Online?

There are many reasons people might prefer online counseling, including the following: 

• Feeling less rushed to attend sessions 

• Feeling more comfortable in familiar surroundings 

• Feeling safer when talking over text-based formats in the case of social anxiety 

• The ability to receive worksheets and resources immediately at home 

• Knowing you can send a message to your therapist at any time 

Who Are Online Therapists?

Therapists who see patients online are qualified professionals, like traditional therapists. They have studied psychology and counseling and have years of experience providing offline or online therapy and treatment to people with mental and emotional issues. 

Online therapists can be counselors, social workers, psychologists, marriage and family therapists, and other providers. All mental health counselors on a platform like BetterHelp must have a master's degree or higher, at least 1000 hours of clinical experience, and up-to-date licensing in their state.

Is there a free online emotional support chat?

Can you talk to a therapist for free online?

Can you talk to a therapist online in seclusion?

Is there a free therapist app?