Should You Use Free Online Therapy?
When you find yourself juggling multiple mental health concerns such as stress, work, relationships, or mental and physical health issues, it can be a good idea to speak with a mental health expert.
Many people may find a listening ear a beneficial support system. But, when we can't find someone to talk to, or aren't sure how to ask for help, it can be daunting. We may want to vent to a friend or loved one about what we’re experiencing. However, they may not always be available or know how to help us. Contacting a counselor can help us when we’re experiencing challenges or emotional distress.
Online Therapy: Chat And Talk Therapy Options
Therapists are essential workers that provide the world with an invaluable service through useful insights, emotional support, helpful advice, and assistance. But many people may not be able to afford the costs of traditional in-person therapy when dealing with mental health challenges. Online therapy services provide affordable treatment for both individuals and couples to heal and explore ways to overcome struggles.
BetterHelp teletherapy services provide affordable mental health treatment in comparison to in-person office visits as they remove the travel expenses that come with commuting to an appointment. Here are the various ways clients can engage with a therapist through BetterHelp:
Live Chat Sessions
BetterHelp has the option for clients to use text conversation to communicate to a therapist in real-time. This way, participants can enjoy the convenience of receiving mental health care without the pressure to be on camera or to speak. Clients can schedule a live session with their therapists in advance according to both schedule and the therapist’s calendar.
Live Phone Sessions
Live phone sessions are another option for those who prefer to speak on their cell phone or landline. Clients can organize a time with their therapists and join a therapy room to take the call. The therapist will prompt the client to start the session and will ask for a phone number to initiate the call.
Live Video Sessions
A third option that many users prefer is live video sessions with a therapist similar to Skype. This face-to-face setting allows clients and therapists to see and hear each other which may be a preference for some clients.
Internet-based therapy can provide digital sessions for relationships and marriage, group sessions, community services, and mental health resources and support.
Online therapy service can be used to address mental illnesses—such as PTSD, anxiety, depression, and substance use disorder.
BetterHelp's Services, Platform, And Counselors
All BetterHelp professionals are licensed experts in their field. BetterHelp’s aim is to help people manage anxiety, depression, eating disorders, intergenerational trauma, other concerns.
Professional therapists at BetterHelp are licensed and experienced in treating people through online therapy services. Their degrees range from psychologists (Ph.D. / PsyD), licensed clinical social workers (LCSW / LMSW), marriage and family therapists (LMFT), and LPCs. Furthermore, BetterHelp providers have over 2,000 hours of related work experience.
While it’s not free therapy online, BetterHelp provides a variety of options for affordable online counseling services with a licensed therapist, regardless of whether a client has health insurance for therapy.
The cost of therapy through the online therapy service at BetterHelp ranges from $60 to $90 per week (billed every four weeks), and based on location, preferences, and therapist availability.
If at any time a client wish to change their therapists or the services they are receiving, they can do so by heading to “Manage Settings.” Clients can also cancel your subscription at any time, for any reason, during your online therapy work.
Fees for online therapy services can be more affordable compared to traditional in-person therapy because clients don’t need to travel for a session. Moreover, online therapy can be a great alternative for many participants who don’t wish to meet a mental health professional in person.
Peer-reviewed studies show that online therapy provides strong support for people while lowering traditional barriers to therapy such as cost, location, and scheduling. Key features of the BetterHelp app include live chat sessions, over-the-phone therapy sessions, video sessions, and the option to message your therapist outside of sessions.
Sign Up To Chat In Psychotherapy Support Groups
BetterHelp offers only quality online therapy sessions, and participants can start chatting with a licensed professional after creating an account via video sessions, phone chat, or messaging from anywhere.
Using BetterHelp is easier than ever as clients can join sessions via iOS or Android devices. Start chatting with a therapist to get support and begin your path to better mental health.
While not free, BetterHelp offers affordable payment plans. Once a client signs up, they will be matched with a digital therapist who meets their needs within 48 hours, with most matches happening within 24 hours. Then, clients can set up a live session from wherever they have internet service. participants can move at their own pace with their online therapy sessions as they receive professional help.
When Isn't No Cost Online Therapy Suitable?
Professional online therapy is designed to manage chronic mental health symptoms of conditions like bipolar disorder, social anxiety, substance abuse, and others, which is something you cannot find in no-cost online therapy with wellness professionals or life coaches.
Many free online therapy services are not true therapy with licensed professionals, but simply agents hired to offer advice. They should not be used for serious situations like suicide prevention. This kind of e-counseling support helps you to mitigate the effects of long-term mental health issues and is not intended to replace emergency treatment or even what you might get from no-cost online therapy or a free in-person support group with strangers.
Learn more about people who have experienced a better life as a result of improved mental health through online therapy, which you can read more about here. All you have to do to get started is take a brief survey.
BetterHelp Online Therapy
"I was skeptical about this type of therapy but Leah made me feel confident from the beginning with her straightforward profile, thoughtful questions, and rapid responses. I feel that she truly sympathizes with my situation but also holds me accountable for finding solutions."
"Cole has been a great fit for a counselor for me. He is down to earth and doesn't sugarcoat anything. He quickly identified an emotional problem for me, which allowed me to continue researching it on my own as well as using the practical techniques he suggested. Just putting a name to it was tremendously helpful! He follows up when I haven't responded in a couple of days and keeps me on track toward my target. The format fits my availability. I appreciate Cole's communication style, suggestions, and unwavering support."
Takeaway
Free online therapy services are not true online therapy experts. Learn more about BetterHelp’s online therapy service by visiting us on the web. Find BetterHelp on social media such as Pinterest, Instagram, Linked In, Facebook, and Twitter. Contact a BetterHelp specialist at contact@betterhelp.com, or talk to your therapist today. You can also check out the BetterHelp websites to view more therapist reviews, helpful publications & content from us and our partners, feedback on the platform from real customers, and ask questions to get answers from verified mental health professionals.
Still interested in free online therapy? Take back the control of your mental health with low-cost therapies.
How can I get free therapy?
You may be able to find free or low-cost mental health resources and support with trained volunteer listeners or through a crisis text line or nonprofit organization. However, if you are experiencing a life-threatening mental health crisis, it's important to get to the nearest emergency room immediately (call 911 in the United States).
Can I talk to a psychologist online for free?
Online mental health professionals like psychologists typically do not offer free counseling services or free counseling sessions which feature cognitive behavioral therapy through video chat or messages. The mental health care options detailed above are some of the only therapy services available for free.