Help us match you to the right counselor.
What is Online Counseling?
- Simply put, the best online counseling service is mental health counseling done through the Internet that provides therapy sessions using technology. By the Internet, we mean any device that has access to the World Wide Web. Your computer can be used for this type of online counseling/therapy service, and so can your smartphone with the mobile app. It’s helpful to have different options to choose from, whether you want to talk to your therapist on a computer or a smartphone. The mobile app is useful for those who are on the go, or people who travel a lot for work. You can download it in the Google Play store or for the App store for iOS. During a counseling session, you may speak to your counselor through a variety of methods. You may prefer text, video, or audio chat. Text therapy is a legitimate form of treatment where you can receive quality counseling services. Professionals who offer online therapy have hours of hands-on experience. Some treat trauma, PTSD, and issues that plague people for years.
- It’s important to make sure that any provider you work with is a licensed mental health professional. That way they have the knowledge and expertise to provide therapy that works. Search our network of providers and find an online counselor who is for you. And don't worry all of our therapists are licensed and provide the counseling services (in their areas of expertise) you deserve using our online therapy platform. It’s crucial to contact the counselor whose profile speaks to you. You should know that the professionals who offer online counseling pay close attention to what they write in their bios so that they can provide quality distance counseling to clients. You can contact the counselor who is skilled at treating your individual needs. Keep reading our coverage below to learn more about best online therapy services we offer on our platform.
Why People Choose Online Over Traditional Counseling
- Disability. Someone who has a disability (whether or not it relates to mental health) or a fear of getting outside may find it hard to travel to a counselor's office every week or so to address mental health concerns. Being able to talk from home with online therapy services will be much more beneficial to them because of this.
- Someone may have no transportation to commute to an office. Alternatively, they may live in a place where a counselor lives too far away. Taking the time to choose the best online counseling is a perfect alternative.
- Social awkwardness. If someone is not comfortable talking to a counselor face-to-face, being able to text them or speak through the phone or use of live video. Sometimes people feel shy during video sessions, and texting may be more comforting. While someone should face their fears of talking to people, when trying the best online therapy service option suited for you with a counselor is a good way to ease someone into communication (with text, video and audio).
- Counseling for mental health at their schedule. Not everyone works a traditional 9 to 5 and has the schedule to talk to a counselor and receive important counseling or couples therapy services; and the good thing about our platform is that all of our therapists are licensed. Online therapy has a very flexible schedule, allowing someone to make an appointment based on his or her own time with their counselor. These online mental health professionals respond to messages throughout the day. Having access to a counselor who cares is easy. You can have online communication with a licensed clinical counselor with unlimited access to messaging. You can also connect through video, or phone depending on how you feel comfortable communicating. Chat sessions on the online platform are a great way to start revealing your feelings in safe confidential space.
- It can be cheaper. Counseling on the internet is less costly due to the remoteness of it. Counselors don't need their own office and can work at home if they want to; thus cutting the cost without cutting the quality of service being offered via online therapy. Also, the sign-up process is simple and easy to get started - as oftentimes you do not have to deal with insurance companies. Your health plans may cover psychotherapy online, so don’t assume anything. It’s best to check with your insurance company. All health plans are different, so it’s best not to assume anything. Also, as opposed to an employee assistance plan, online therapy offers ongoing counseling sessions. There are a variety of pricing options depending on your needs.
How Can You Talk To a Counselor Online?
Testimonials
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Lauren McCoy(MS, LMFT) |
"I really feel a connection with Lauren. There's so many things going on in my life at this time. She helps me to focus on what I can work on for the week. She's great at talking with me and listening to me. Which has made me aware of some things in my life I didn't really pay a lot of attention to. She's a great counselor. I'm thankful for her and this online counseling. Thank you."
Written by Y.V.
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Jessica Reed(LMHC) & Online Therapist |
"I was ready to give up on finding an online counselor, Jessica was my last try, and she has really been everything I was looking for in a therapist here. I never wait long for a reply, if she won't be able to respond for a day or two she lets me know. It's just incredibly comforting to know your therapist is considering you on that level. I am so pleased with our sessions and progress so far and I'm so glad I tried that one more time."
Written by P.A.
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Mary Brieske(MS, LPC, NCC) |
"I was in a panic when I joined online counseling because I needed someone to talk to me and tell me they are there. Few minutes later, Mary came through. I typed out my worries and problems and we got right to it. Mary offered a lot of insight and hit the nail on the head as what was going on. Mary has helped me see things that my anxiety wasn't letting me. I'm thankful for Mary and the time she takes to answer my questions and encourages me to keep moving forward. I don't regret joining better help."
Written by J.U.
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Lauren Abasheva(LMHC) & Online Counselor |
"When I began my sessions with BetterHelp I was skeptical of how well online counseling would work for me, but after almost a month working with Lauren I feel better mentally than I have in a while. It was reassuring to receive her messages and helped me make peace with the issues that I was having. Lauren was relatable and overall a great counselor!"
Written by K.A.
How An Online Counseling Session Goes
With the best online therapy services solution available with a licensed counselor (yes, we confirm that all of our therapists are licensed), you're matched to a counselor based on your preference of communication; either live video, text messaging, or telephone... never having to worry about traveling to an office. And remember, you can always connect with your therapist in between sessions using unlimited messaging therapy with your doctor on demand. People enter online therapy for different reasons, whether it’s for individual therapy or couples counseling. If you’re struggling with your relationship, you may want to consider online marriage counseling. Whatever the reason you are seeking mental health treatment, you should feel good about your choice to better your wellbeing. When you are using video sessions you can see your counselor’s face, and feel connected to them. While all the counselors are qualified, many will prefer a younger, older, male, or female counselor the provide the counseling services needed. Once that happens, here is what you can expect.
- The first session is usually the icebreaker, but is still an important first step for effective counseling services. You talk about yourself, your problems, and what you want out of the online counseling session. The counselor, over time, will teach you how to handle your problems by coming up with a plan. For example, with CBT, there may be exercises that are given to you to help you think more positively that other licensed therapists frequently recommend to help people. Behavioral therapy can help people gain insight into why they think the way that they do and help foster change.
- One thing you should expect from online counseling, and counseling/couples therapy, faithful counseling, teen counseling, and counseling in general, is that results are not instant. It may take months for your counseling to be effective. The therapist online that you work with can't force you to do anything but instead offers suggestions and strategies.
- If their advice doesn't work, they will try something different. Often, everyone's solution is a little different (even in online counseling), and the counselor will work diligently to find the best solution for the job. A good counselor will often think outside the box if needed, and will be one of the many therapists that are licensed.
The Benefits of Online Counseling
Is Counseling Online Effective?
Here are a few studies that have proven online counselling's effectiveness.
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- One study revealed that Internet-based cognitive behavioral counseling and therapy services could help individuals who have moderate depression or anxiety; one of the many things this type of counseling offers. Cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, is a commonly used counseling technique that involves replacing behaviors or thoughts that can fuel one's depression or anxiety with more positive thoughts or behaviors.
- Another study reveals that online CBT is just as effective as in-person CBT; which is why a growing number of people are using our counseling services on the BetterHelp platform (all therapists are licensed) and are OK with using this method of receiving therapy.
Meet Some Of Our Counselors - All Therapists Are Licensed & Experienced With Hours of Hands-On Experience
Concerns of Online Counseling
- Counseling should be private. If your counselor is outside in public while you're in the middle of a session, you may want to reconsider rescheduling the appointing since online therapy is usually best suited with a measure of privacy; as should all online therapy services. With online therapy, therapists can access you through phone or video, on the platform specifically that you are using. You can also connect with them using unlimited messaging therapy, which is your doctor on demand They can usually be accessed through mobile apps, depending on what platform you're using.
- While this form of counseling is effective, the studies have shown that talking to someone in person is more effective if your problems are severe. If your depression or anxiety is intense, or if you are feeling suicidal, you may want to speak to someone in person during a traditional therapy session and not using an online therapy platform like this.
FAQ
About BetterHelp Online Counseling & Therapy Services
BetterHelp is a therapy service and a growing hub for online therapy, focused on offering therapy sessions when and where you need them. While having confidence that our therapists are licensed, they're also a group who have worked with clients in their private practices are expanding their careers and accepting clients online, which means you're choosing from seasoned mental health professionals who know how to help you and your needs. Currently, over 40,000,000 sessions & counseling services have helped people with their mental health. You can read some counseling personal stories on our success page.
Now it's time for you to meet with an online therapist who can help get you the support you're seeking, and it's easy to find; even if that means you're looking for video therapy, couples counseling, relationship counseling, teen counseling, are located in one of the many rural areas, just want confidentiality and privacy, you can try and start therapy on our platform today. Find your counselor here at BetterHelp, and start chatting right away. Online therapy growth has increased over the years. It’s becoming more popular than ever. Video sessions with a therapist help you see their face, and they can read your emotions. You can also speak to a counselor by phone or start chatting with them through the messaging option. Online therapy services diverse populations such as the LGBT community and faithful counseling. You can find online counseling services for your specific mental health needs. When you see a therapist who is based online, there are so many different treatment options.
If you are living with a mental illness, the counselors at BetterHelp can support you in developing coping skills for your condition. So many people live with mental illness. Swimmer Michael Phelps has been vocal about how much therapy helped him deal with his mental health concerns. For those living with bipolar disorder, an online therapist can help you work on strategies to cope with mood fluctuations between depression and mania. If you’re taking medicine for your mental illness, your counselor can support you while you continue with medication management with an outside provider, such as a psychiatrist. Online counselors can help you learn to manage depression, anxiety, and stress, which are among the common issues people can talk about in therapy. Online therapy is different than support groups. You are receiving the caring ear of a mental health provider who is dedicated to your mental wellness. You can think of them as a doctor on demand.
With unlimited messaging therapy, you can connect with your online therapist between sessions to get support. Sometimes you need to get thoughts off your chest, and you don’t want to forget them between sessions. That’s where unlimited messaging therapy can be extremely useful. You can write a message to your online counselor, a licensed mental health professional, even when you’re not in session. It’s a rare advantage to have this much access to your therapist; especially when you’re not seeing them in a full session. Unlimited messaging therapy helps people feel connected to their therapist anytime they feel alone. It’s like having a doctor on demand. Messaging an online counselor is a great option for teen counseling. Many teens are more comfortable expressing their emotions through text rather than phone, or video. Each person has a specific way they feel the most comfortable communicating their feelings, and that’s why online counseling is so versatile.
Thousands of counselors, licensed mental health professionals, from across the world are ready to connect with you to address your mental health needs, providing the support and therapy services you need; meaning you can get matched with a therapist anytime that's best suited for you (versus scheduling issues with in-office therapy). Your doctor on demand, who is a private online therapist, is providing you with excellent mental health services for your specific needs. Whether you have a mental health issue or need advice, seeking counseling from a platform like ours where therapists are licensed can provide you with the support and help you need in bettering yours and other people's lives (with chat sessions).
Messaging a therapist may not seem like it could help, but it’s a powerful form of mental health services. Chat sessions are confidential, and can feel freeing to clients. You can talk about a variety of issues, such as anxiety, stress or other mental health concerns. Chat sessions allow you to work on coping skills with a licensed professional therapist. Online counseling offers so many benefits to users, and the sign-up process is simple. You can start chatting with a licensed mental health professional in no time. There are many different forms of counseling to choose from, including marriage and family therapy, counseling for the LGBT community, teen counseling, and more. You can learn about online therapy on our about page and begin the sign-up process if you like what you see. Follow us on Instagram - regularly updated with motivational content.
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To learn more about online counselling services (versus traveling to an office), please visit our FAQ section or watch a video about therapy online we've published on the topic. You can also Contact us here or send us an email at contact@betterhelp.com.
It's important to note that if you are suicidal, do not use this site. If you are in a crisis or any other person may be in danger - do not use this site. If you ned a doctor on demand, do not use this site. Call +1 (800) 273-8255 or 911 which can provide you with immediate help.