What Problems Can An Online Counseling Service Help With?

What can online counseling fix? And is online therapy effective?

Online treatment methods have become a modern form of care in many industries. Telehealth sessions can be held with mental health professionals or even primary care doctors who provide online services.

You might be able to receive mental health services with a psychiatrist who can prescribe medication for mental health concerns online as well. Other services focus primarily on mental health services and mental health care, which can target various symptoms, concerns, and stressors. 

The best online therapy provides flexibility and the ability to find a therapist who meets your specific needs and with whom you feel comfortable working. And research suggests that online therapy sessions are just as effective as traditional in-person therapy for most people.

What can online counseling fix?

Counseling is often a tool used to learn healthy coping mechanisms, release emotions, and gain professional advice. You can talk to a counselor about anything, ranging from mental health issues to stressors in daily life whether you’re meeting with your therapist online or going to a therapist’s office. 

You do not necessarily have to have a mental illness to meet with an online counselor, and therapy can be valuable for those with almost any background.

Many online services offer virtual counseling or virtual therapy for marriage or family-related concerns. Marriage and family therapists are mental health counselors with expertise and training in working with families or couples. As with in-person therapy sessions, an online counselor who’s licensed as a marriage and family therapist can help facilitate discussion and provide strategies for improving communication and relationship skills.

There are no gender, sexuality, race, ability, age, or class requirements to visit a counselor or to use online therapy services. Although mental health myths and stigmas around treatment can exist, reaching out for help can be a brave step. Individuals, couples, families, and groups can attend therapy. Below are some common reasons someone might reach out for support from a counselor.

Depression and anxiety 

Depression and anxiety are both mental health conditions referred to in the DSM-5 as major depressive disorder (MDD) and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). There are other depressive disorders and anxiety disorders also listed in the diagnostic and statistical manual, which can be discussed with your diagnosing provider or therapist. 

If you are experiencing symptoms of depression, anxiety, or both of the conditions, talking to a therapist can provide the skills and tools you need to cope. Many individuals experiencing these conditions may struggle to leave home, set appointments, or socialize with a therapist in person. 

Online therapy may be beneficial in these cases because you can choose whether to attend a video call, phone call, or live chat session. You can also attend sessions through your online therapy platform from your bed, couch, or any location with an internet connection. While a therapist may not be able to prescribe medication directly, they can refer clients with depression to psychiatrists or psychiatric nurse practitioners. Psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners have special training in medication management and are able to write prescriptions.

Trauma 

You can discuss trauma and past experiences in online therapy with licensed therapists, as in traditional counseling. Many forms of therapy are offered by online therapists, including EMDR, online cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). 

If you are experiencing trauma, support is available. Please see our Get Help Now page for more resources.

Stress

Research has shown that online therapy is highly effective in treating long-term exposure to stress. You can learn stress management techniques with your counselor and receive take-home worksheets after sessions to further your knowledge of coping mechanisms for everyday life stressors. 

Life changes

If you are experiencing significant life changes, you might benefit from discussing them with a therapist. As you do not necessarily need a mental illness diagnosis or symptoms to talk to a counselor, counselors can offer life advice and work as a coach as you consider a specific short-term situation, such as marriage, a new career, or moving. Working with a licensed social worker may help provide resources during periods of change.

Other mental health conditions and symptoms

Online counseling is not limited to any specific mental health condition or symptom. You can find support for other conditions, like bipolar disorder, eating disorders, borderline personality disorder, schizophrenia, and other conditions. 

Online counseling should not be used in a crisis or mental health emergency. If you are in crisis, consider reaching out to the following hotlines or websites:

• If you are facing or witnessing the abuse of any kind, the National Domestic Violence Hotline is available 24/7 for support. Call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or text “START” to 88788.
• If you are experiencing thoughts or urges of suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or text 988 to talk to someone over SMS.
• If you are struggling with substance use, contact the SAMHSA National Helpline at (800) 662-4357 to receive support and resources. 
• If you’re a teen or child experiencing or witnessing the abuse of any kind from a family or caregiver, reach out to the Child Help Hotline at 1-800-422-4453 or use the online chat feature.

Online mental health services versus in-person therapy: Cost and convenience 

According to the American Psychological Association, online therapy is becoming more popular each year. But is online therapy worth it compared to in-person therapy?

Mental health practitioners must follow legal and ethical codes whether they’re practicing online or in-person. Additionally, many professionals provide both online and in-person therapy, and when you’re meeting such a professional, you’re getting the same level of professionalism you would receive from that person in their office. 

Additionally, online therapy costs less than in-person therapy in many cases. Some health insurance providers cover the cost of online therapy, as do many employee assistance programs. There are also online therapy platforms that can help you check if you qualify for financial aid to cover online therapy fees. 

Online treatment is also more convenient for those with busy schedules, physical limitations, or lengthy commutes.

Online therapy options

Many online counseling services studies have found that online mental health treatment effectively addresses various concerns and the best online therapy services meet client needs as effectively as in-person therapy. An online therapy provider can offer a wide variety of services including group therapy and couples therapy.

If you are experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition or want to reach out to an online therapist for support, consider signing up for a platform like BetterHelp for individuals or Regain for couples to find affordable online therapy with a licensed therapist. Both platforms offer a matching system for therapists and clients. You'll be matched within a short period of time after signing up. While BetterHelp and Regain do not accept insurance many online therapy users find the prices to be affordable.