Improve Mental Health By Speaking With An Online Psychologist

When was the last time you spoke with someone, like a psychologist or friend, about your feelings or thoughts? At times, individuals may put other tasks and the needs of others before their own physical and mental health. Many have looked toward seeking a psychologist as a resource for support, and recently, online therapy has become more popular. 

Many people do not have the time to schedule an in-person appointment with a therapist, go to the appointment, and speak to someone for an hour. However, the world of mental health care is changing with online therapy, which is available via phone, chat, or video, making it more convenient and affordable to prioritize your mental health. Virtual mental health care with an online psychologist or therapist can effectively promote mental well-being.

What does an online psychologist do?

An online psychologist can help their clients address specific issues related to mental well-being. They may offer care for conditions like depression, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and more. They may also be able to help individuals with challenges like burnout, relationship concerns, grief, and mental distress related to medical conditions.

Online psychologists vs. therapists and psychiatrists

Online therapists and psychologists both offer talk therapy treatment approaches, whereas psychiatric providers like psychiatrists offer medication management services. The field of psychiatry generally focuses on treating mental health concerns with prescription medication, while psychology treats these concerns with various therapeutic modalities.

Types of online mental health services available

Online mental health services may include the following:

• Individual therapy
• Couples therapy
• Family therapy
• Group therapy
• Support groups

Individual therapy through BetterHelp can occur via video, audio, or online chat. BetterHelp also allows users to take advantage of unlimited messaging with their therapists outside of sessions.

What to expect from online therapy sessions

During online therapy sessions, you should expect to delve into your current challenges, as well as your thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and past experiences. You’ll receive ongoing support from your therapist as they guide you in developing healthier coping skills, building a better understanding of your psyche, and working through unhelpful thought patterns. Modalities like cognitive behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, and dialectical behavior therapy can be highly effective in treating a variety of mental health concerns.

The mental health benefits of deciding to talk to a therapist

Improving your mental health by speaking to a counselor can have lasting benefits for your overall well-being, including your physical health. If you are struggling with anxiety, stress, or depression symptoms, seeing a therapist may reduce long-term medical costs associated with heart problems, viral illnesses, and diseases. In addition, therapy may be beneficial for managing other mental health conditions, like eating disorders and panic disorder. It can also be highly effective in promoting personal growth by teaching individuals healthy coping skills.

Mental health professionals and licensed clinical social workers often offer traditional talk therapy, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and other modern counseling methods. Depending on the therapist and your preferences, these services can be provided in person or online. 

Many mental health concerns may be worsened by substance use, such as drinking alcohol or using illicit substances. Speaking with a therapist online about any substance use or misuse may reduce dependency symptoms. Whether you have a mental health condition diagnosis, engage in substance use, or find yourself needing extra emotional support, making your mental wellness a priority can be rewarding. Actively working on your mental health may also improve chronic illness symptoms and stress, as well as your relationships, career, and physical health.

If you are struggling with substance use, contact the SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) to receive support and resources. Support is available 24/7.

Mental health directly affects our physical health, and vice-versa. For example, individuals with poor mental health may develop a chronic illness due to dampened immune responses. Additionally, difficulties sleeping can be associated with physical health risks. Working with a counselor may improve physical symptoms. However, if you are unsure, speak to a medical professional, such as a primary care physician, to learn more and develop a treatment plan specific to your needs.

What stops people from seeing a counselor?

Many people who could benefit from seeing a therapist may hesitate to reach out for therapy or try traditional counseling. There may be a few reasons for this, including those discussed below.

They don't think their problems warrant therapy

Due to mental health myths and stigmas, individuals may believe that counseling is only for those experiencing severe mental health conditions. They may not realize that therapists are often equipped to support people with various concerns, including the following:

• Anxiety disorders 
• Depression
• Stress
• Life transitions

Some people seek therapy even without mental health symptoms or a diagnosed condition. They may simply desire life advice or wish to discuss the stress in their everyday life. However, those who perceive their challenges as less severe might refrain from scheduling a face-to-face session. This could be due to a lack of awareness of online therapy options, which could make it more challenging for them to find a suitable therapist.

Stigma surrounding mental health and counseling

The stigma surrounding mental health often prevents people from speaking about their challenges and pursuing help. Instead of relying on trusted friends and family to understand, some people may feel embarrassed about having difficulties with their mental health and avoid asking for help, whether they’re seeking therapy online or in their area.

They don't have time for therapy

Some individuals might want to get support with a topic but aren't sure how to fit into their day-to-day lives. They may:

• Have challenging work schedules
• Struggle with finding or paying for childcare
• Have other family or community obligations that make finding spare time difficult

They can't afford a counselor

The cost of in-person therapy is not always covered by a health plan. Appointments can be expensive, and since more than one appointment is almost always necessary to make progress, the cost can dissuade many people from getting started.  

Why many choose online counseling 

Traditional, in-person therapy is no longer the only way to look after your mental health. With new technology, you can receive help from a licensed therapist that reduces barriers to treatment. However, you might wonder if online therapy is effective as a form of mental health care. 

A common form of internet-based counseling offered by many online therapists is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). This treatment method may empower a person to identify and reframe negative thought patterns with the guidance of a professional. A mental health professional may provide therapy online at lower prices than some in-person providers.

CBT often focuses on finding your strengths and building resiliency to challenges. Online therapy has been widely researched, with a 2023 study reporting significant improvements in anxiety and depression symptoms after participating in an online CBT intervention.

Insurance, coverage, and cost considerations

Insurance coverage can vary by provider and plan. Some plans may offer coverage for online sessions with a psychologist, while others may not, and whether or not a specific provider is in-network may impact the cost of their services. Online platforms like BetterHelp offer a convenient, flexible subscription plan for those without insurance coverage. 

Benefits offered by online therapy or counseling

Online therapy, whether it occurs via text therapy, phone therapy, or video sessions, can be arranged around your life, making it easier to practice and explore various challenges at times that suit your schedule. With no need for transportation to an appointment, you may save time. The discretion of online therapy may increase your comfort level with the process, and virtual mental health care may come at a lower financial cost than face-to-face therapy.

A professor of psychiatry at the University of California-Davis recently compared online therapy to the old-fashioned "house calls" that medical doctors made decades ago: "We're seeing people in their own environments … It actually improves the relationships we have with them." 

Online therapy sessions appear to work as effectively as sessions conducted in a traditional therapy office. Therefore, you may want to learn about the benefits of online therapy before choosing the type of treatment or mental healthcare you seek.

What can therapists help me with?

At times, you may not want to worry your friends or family with your thoughts and struggles. Some personal issues might be easier to discuss with someone outside your social circle. You might find that a good therapist can support you in self-discovery, anger management, or healing from trauma. When you talk with a therapist instead of a friend, you can address your problems in a safe, professional, and unbiased space.

You might speak to a psychologist online about anything on your mind. If you are stressed at work, have lost a loved one or a pet, have difficulty connecting with a partner or children, or are experiencing symptoms of depression, you may find value in speaking with a licensed mental health professional. 

In addition to therapy, you may be recommended medication to support the process of healing or recovery. Psychiatrists are mental health professionals who can prescribe medication and provide medication management services for mental health conditions. 

Although people often wait to seek mental health support until problems become difficult to cope with, you might try online therapy before more significant challenges occur. Different forms of online therapy, such as online couples therapy or dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), may be helpful, depending on your particular concerns.

Virtual support for mental health concerns: Getting started with BetterHelp

Online therapy sessions may remove barriers that often keep individuals from seeking support from a licensed professional. An online therapist teaches effective coping strategies and develops a personalized treatment plan based on your mental health history. 

Online therapy may neutralize any stigma around receiving support as well. You can choose the schedule that works for you and attend live sessions from a comfortable space in your home. In most cases, this flexibility helps clients maintain their focus on therapy without the constraints of traditional office visits.

The affordability of online therapy can make it possible for more people to receive high-quality care for mental health concerns. If you don't have to spend as much as you would for an in-person appointment, it can be easier to address mental health challenges that you might otherwise try to ignore until they worsen. In addition, can eliminate transportation costs by attending sessions virtually. 

Some health insurance plans may cover online sessions or phone therapy in addition to in-office therapy. However, you may want to contact your insurance company or consult your provider to see if your insurance covers online therapy.Depending on your employer, employee assistance plans (EAPs) may be available to provide short-term counseling and other mental health services.

It’s easy to get started with BetterHelp. Simply complete the intake questionnaire and sign up for an account, and the smart provider matching system will pair you with a suitable mental health professional. Once you’ve been matched, you can schedule your first online therapy session, where you can discuss your mental health needs with your provider. They can then develop a personalized plan to address your challenges and work toward your goals.

Should I use an online platform?

Many people rely on virtual counseling or online therapy services as a first step to gaining insight into personal struggles. You may experience a life event or long-term condition like depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, or anxiety. If you're unsure whether your online therapist can attend to your needs, you may send a message to ensure it's a proper fit before you choose your therapist. You can always switch to a different therapist as needed. 

If you believe you need someone to talk to, signing up for an online therapy platform, such as BetterHelp for individuals, Regain for couples, or PrideCounseling for LGBTQIA+ individuals, may benefit you. Online therapy platforms provide an opportunity to connect with therapists licensed in various specialties and may be more affordable than in-person options. BetterHelp's mental health services are priced at $70 to $100 per week, billed weekly or monthly, based on factors like your location, referral source, preferences, therapist availability, and any applicable discounts or promotions that might apply.