What Are The Best Online Therapy Platforms?

Before online therapy became an option, people may have had to take time out of their busy schedules, tackle traffic to arrive at an office, and wait for their traditional therapy appointment to begin. These factors can be an inconvenience and may become barriers to treatment. The best online therapy platforms help remove these barriers, making it easier for people to access help in their time of need.

Knowing what to look out for when selecting online therapy services can benefit those who are unsure where to start. Finding a service that offers the level of support and care that suits your individual needs is important. Asking yourself questions such as: “What types of therapy sessions are available?”, “Does this service fit into my schedule and budget?” and “Does the therapist have the qualifications and experience that I need?” can help you make an informed decision.

Why Use An Online Therapy Platform?

With online therapy, you can meet with a therapist at convenient times, which may eliminate travel time, wait times, and the stress of traffic or public transportation. Additionally, you can find a therapist suited to your specific needs and lifestyle. Clients may choose to work with a provider for individual or couples therapy. Some telehealth services also offer group therapy.

Online licensed mental health professionals work in psychology and may address your areas of concern or desired growth areas. Research shows that online therapy effectively treats various mental health conditions and can help people manage life challenges. You may use this form of treatment to discuss the following:  

• Anxiety and depression
• Eating disorders 
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Relationship conflicts
• Setting goals for healthier thoughts, feelings, and behaviors
• Managing grief or loss 
• Career or school exploration 
• Life transitions
• Stress 
• Any other mental health conditions or concerns 

Today's clients seeking mental healthcare may be able to get support by chat, phone, or video sessions from wherever they have an internet connection. In some cases, online therapy sites can be more affordable than in person therapy.

*BetterHelp can not prescribe medication or offer medication management services. If you need this type of assistance, it's best to consult a local licensed psychiatrist or medical professional.

BetterHelp

BetterHelp specializes in offering clients mental health services through over 30,000 licensed mental health professionals. Below are some of the benefits of this platform. 

Experienced Professionals 

BetterHelp is the most extensive online platform offering talk therapy over the phone, via video, or through live chat sessions. Online licensed professional therapists who partner with BetterHelp meet high standards of professionalism and experience. They are all licensed and must have a certain number of clinical hours, depending on their state. 

Each mental health professional working with BetterHelp is an experienced licensed clinical social worker, marriage and family therapist, professional counselor, or psychologist. All therapists on BetterHelp are experienced and hold an advanced degree in their field (a master's degree, doctoral degree, or both).

BetterHelp carefully verifies that every mental healthcare provider on the platform is up to date on their licensing and in proper standing. Licensing information is available for users to view in an easy-to-find format.

Therapists go through a thorough process of providing documentation of identity and licensure. BetterHelp cross-checks their licensing and identity through the state licensing board that issued the license. In addition, all therapists on BetterHelp must complete a case study exam and be evaluated in a video interview. 

Multiple Options 

BetterHelp aims to help clients find a therapist who best suits their mental health needs and preferences. BetterHelp can match you with a therapist through their online therapy service that fits your goals and the issues you want to address. You can specify if you're going to meet with an LGBTQ+ counselor, a BIPOC counselor, or a female or male therapist. 

Sister online therapy platforms like Pride Counseling and Teen Counseling offer specialized mental health care services for the LGBTQ+ community and those aged 13-19. 

Quick Matches 

When you first sign up for BetterHelp, you will receive a therapist match often within 24-48 hours. After you are matched, you can check your therapist's profile and availability and make an appointment. If their availability doesn't work or you're looking for something different, you can change your therapist. 

Unlimited Messaging 

On BetterHelp, you can text or message your online therapist anytime, and they'll respond at their earliest convenience. The room is open 24/7, so you can choose whenever you want to write to your therapist about issues that concern you, ask questions, or talk about what is going on in your life. You will get notified when your therapist replies, often within 24 hours. 

You will also be able to schedule live video therapy sessions with your therapist. In real-time, you can connect via live chat, phone call, or videoconferencing. A monthly subscription includes the option to schedule one live session per week through the online platform. 

ReGain

ReGain is an internet-based therapy platform for couples who want to improve their relationship with counseling. ReGain specializes in providing the best online therapy, support, and resources for relationships. 

The platform offers therapeutic services to help couples or individuals find support in their relationships. Therapists can guide strengthening relationships, improving communication, and learning healthy steps to move forward after a breakup or a relationship change.

Therapists on ReGain are licensed mental health counselors with expertise in relationship counseling. They may be a licensed marriage and family counselors, practitioners who utilize online cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), or professionals who specialize in other therapy methods.

When you sign up for ReGain, you will gain the following: 

• Phone, video, and live chat sessions 
• Unlimited messaging 
• Discreet, affordable, convenient relationship therapy with a licensed therapist from any location with an internet connection 

ReGain offers many features that BetterHelp has, focusing on couples, marriage, and relationships. 

How To Get Started 

Online therapy is often convenient for working with licensed therapists for professional support and guidance. You can connect from anywhere you have an internet connection and attend phone, video, or live chat sessions with your therapist match. Additionally, you can message them online between meetings rather than waiting until the next session to connect with your online therapist. 

Studies show that internet-based therapy is effective. One analysis found that 71% of the study participants felt the online treatment was preferable and more effective than in-person therapy. If you're interested in getting started, consider signing up with a platform like BetterHelp for individuals or ReGain for couples to gain insight into how these therapy processes can work. The first step to signing up may feel empowering—it can be the beginning of a positive journey toward productivity, healing, or support.