The Signs To Look For: How To Know If The Therapy Websites Are Scams
For those who have never tried it, online therapy may sound too good to be true. After all, therapy websites promise counseling services via licensed therapists and mental health experts anytime around the clock, seven days a week, and you can sign in anywhere with an internet connection—including at work or school. Online counseling has been proven to be just as effective as in-person therapy for treating disorders like anxiety, depression, and trauma, and it often costs less than traditional counseling. Most online counseling platforms have a wide range of experienced therapists to match you with based on several factors unique to you.
But are therapy websites a scam? Some may be, but most are not. If you know what to look for, it’s easy to tell the difference between reputable therapy websites and those you may want to avoid.
Verify the counselors’ qualifications
There are some therapy websites that have mental health professionals counselors without any credentials—prompting many to declare therapy a scam. These websites may perpetrate the myth that therapy doesn’t work, and is simply a focus on one’s self that isn’t controlled or “real therapy” by any stretch of the imagination.The side effects of this can be immense, prohibiting people from pursuing therapy that can help them.
Watch out for ineffective customer service
The quality of customer service available on these sites can be very telling. Customer service indicators of a possible scam site may include:
Unfriendly customer service
The customer representative on the other line is rude and has poor interaction – a sign that the person is not trained to handle calls professionally.
Uses you as a scapegoat
Representatives are blaming you for problems with your account. They are trying to pass the problem on to you to avoid exposing their inadequacies.
Unresponsive customer support
Representatives are unresponsive to requests for assistance because, in truth, they might not have enough people qualified to handle your queries.
Ineffective solutions
Customer service representatives do not solve the problem at all. You just keep on going in circles but not arriving at definite answers to resolve your questions.
Incorrect treatment or therapist information
Representatives give you wrong information regarding a specific treatment or a professional you are trying to speak to.
Long wait times
It takes so long to get in touch with call representatives or if you had spoken to one, you're most likely put on hold for several minutes many times in a call. It could be that this is their tactic to discourage you from calling or they're pretending to be very busy.
Lack of follow-up
Customer representatives from fake therapy websites don’t bother making follow-ups because they most likely don’t keep legitimate records regarding your medical history.
Pressure tactics for payments
Most scams pressure you to make payments right away, which are often untraceable. Once you make payments, they will end the call with the promise of a callback, which will never happen at all.
Customer service representatives should be always completely professional and friendly. Any reputable company will likely take extra measures to hire the best associates and avoid those who won’t represent the company’s values. Genuine therapy sites employ responsible customer service representatives that treat your inquiries in a respectful way, clearly explaining policies and offering solutions that are timely and helpful.
Question unfair pricing
Before you sign up with an online therapy service, do some research into the price per hour of a local therapist. If the site you're considering demands that you pay more than you would for in-person therapy, you may want to look closer into their practices and reputability. Therapy sites usually offer a subscription in which you pay a monthly or quarterly fee versus an hourly fee. Thus, you can choose an online therapist that often charges less and gives you more time and flexibility than you would receive by going into an office for treatment.
Don’t ignore your gut feeling
When you encounter someone or investigate a business, and you get an immediately uneasy feeling about it, chances are there's a reason. Your gut may be telling you "Watch out! This therapy is a scam." But even if there's no reason, you're likely not going to feel comfortable with someone that your gut is telling you just isn't right. If you're not comfortable with your therapist, that means you're not going to feel comfortable confiding in them in an honest and transparent way. It follows then that you’re unlikely to get the help you want and need. With an online therapist, this is even more important because you're not getting the benefit of being in the same room with the person. If your gut is telling you that something is wrong or that you don't feel comfortable with that person, it may be a good idea to keep shopping around for a therapist that better fits your needs.
Check out the reviews and recommendations
If you're looking for a business or a professional for any reason, you want to listen to other people who recommend them. This can be a little more difficult with a therapist because not everyone is willing to give an endorsement, even if the therapist is exceptional. But look for recommendations from other therapists and from former or current patients that are willing to talk about their experiences. This may reveal more about what you can expect and whether the therapist you're considering will be helpful to you. It's not a guarantee, but it's going to give you a better idea of what to expect.
BetterHelp online therapist reviews and FAQs
No matter what route you take to find a therapist, make sure you look at each of these factors and find a therapist who is licensed, helpful and makes you feel comfortable. Here are some recent reviews of BetterHelp counselors:
Takeaway
While online therapy is still a relatively new field, there are plenty of legitimate and extremely helpful online therapy services available to you. As long as you know how to sort scams from actual therapy providers using the information outlined above, you can receive high-quality help from the comfort of your home.
If you’re questioning online therapy, consider its effectiveness as stated by professionals. A recent New York Times article highlighted how many more therapists are growing more comfortable with teletherapy as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. The article pointed out that peer-reviewed studies to date have shown that remote therapy is just as effective as in-person therapy for treating post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and anxiety. It’s also likely to create more availability and increase the number of people who can receive care.
If you’re ready to start online therapy, you can be matched with and begin speaking to a counselor in as little as 48 hours through BetterHelp.
Read more below for answers to questions commonly asked about therapy websites.
What are the negative effects of using therapy websites?
Using therapy websites may have negative effects, such as a lack of personal connection and non-verbal cues seen with traditional face-to-face sessions. Without these cues, a psychologist or therapist might find it harder to fully grasp a patient's emotional state. In some cases, problems with technology, such as poor internet connectivity, can make it hard to do online therapy sessions. These problems may cause more harm than good during the therapeutic process.
Who should not use online therapy?
Online therapy might not be appropriate for people with severe mental illnesses. Mental health professionals typically recommend close, regular monitoring or intensive care for these cases. Those who are uncomfortable with technology or lack space for talking freely may also be unable to effectively receive online therapy. Most therapists recommend that individuals with acute psychiatric conditions or those at risk for self-harm seek in-person care.
How effective is online therapy compared to traditional therapy?
Studies have shown that online therapy can be just as effective as traditional therapy for many mental health problems, including anxiety and depression. The effectiveness often depends on finding the right therapist and being willing to fully commit to the process. A few tries with different therapists might be necessary to find the right match, but online therapy sessions can often offer life-saving mental support once established.
Is attending therapy online safe?
Online therapy is generally safe when conducted through a safe platform by a licensed professional. Keeping information is a key part of therapy, and most online therapy services take various steps to safeguard patient information. However, using a safe internet connection and own space for their sessions may be helpful.
Is therapy effective or not?
Therapy is effective for many individuals, but its success can vary based on several factors, including the severity of the mental illness, the type of therapy used, and the patient-therapist relationship. The training and expertise of the therapist can also make a difference. While some may believe therapy is a scam, studies in psychology show that therapy sessions can provide numerous benefits for people with mental health conditions.
Is it ok to dislike therapy?
Yes, it's okay not to like therapy at first. You might feel uncomfortable speaking with someone you might not yet see as a friend. In addition, therapy can be challenging because it often involves facing difficult emotions and thoughts. Feeling comfortable or finding the right therapist might take a few tries. If therapy doesn't feel right, discuss these feelings with a therapist who can provide support and guidance.
Can therapy really change your life?
Therapy has the potential to greatly change your life, as it provides insights and action plans to manage mental health challenges. Therapy may also help improve relationships and improve overall health. It does not offer instant results; it requires time, money, effort, and commitment. However, many people around the world have found therapy to be a vital part of personal growth and healing.
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