What's Online Therapy All About?

Therapy Online: What's Online Therapy All About?

So you're interested in learning more about what it's like to work as a licensed online therapist here on our platform? With more than 56 million online therapy sessions on our platform to date (using messaging, chat, phone, and live video, including video conferencing), we're happy to talk about all of the benefits of working with one of the experienced mental health counselors on our platform. Seeing a therapist on the Internet isn’t social media therapy. You’re not getting advice from online friends, but rather you are working with licensed mental health professionals who genuinely care about your wellbeing. You can work with a therapist through text chat, voice messaging and video chat, whichever you feel the most comfortable using. So many people benefit from treatment and seeing therapists, professional counselors, and social workers. Therapy helped swimmer Michael Phelps cope with depression, anxiety, and stress. BetterHelp offers one of the best online therapy programs and provides excellent customer support to our clients. Working with an online therapist is convenient, affordable, and can help you address common issues that people face in their lives.

Our Mission - Why Online Therapy Is Important

As a company that is dedicated to providing professional unlimited online therapy services to a growing audience of people that is convenient, easily accessible, and affordable. We're happy to help you better understand how you can deal with life's challenges and struggles by getting help anytime and anywhere using working with a therapist online. We want you to know that you can get help and get happy today. We’re dedicated to providing excellent customer support to our clients. We want our users to see the best therapist for their needs. Online therapy programs offer different ways to communicate with professional counselors who care. Living with a mental health condition is easier when you have support, and that’s what online therapy programs provide. Whether you text, video chat, or engage in audio messaging, your therapist sees the real you.

Online Therapists Available via BetterHelp

BetterHelp provides access to over 5,500 licensed & certified mental health professionals as an alternative to in-office therapy. These providers have helped over a million people with their mental health. Could a million people be wrong? One of the most common misconceptions that people have about our services is online therapy is as expensive as in-person mental health treatment. The reality is that online therapy sessions are more easily accessible and less expensive than face-to-face visits in a traditional therapist's office. You can choose to text, video chat or talk to your professional counselor on the phone. Each of these is a valid way to receive therapy.

When you register for an account online here at BetterHelp you are eligible to participate in distance therapy and telemental health services from the following types of providers.

Psychologists - engage in talk therapy without the ability to prescribe medication.
Social Workers - online counseling and offline intervention services for individuals and families in distress.
Licensed Professional Counselors - professional therapists who are licensed to provide talk therapy services and couples therapy online.

Psychiatrists - Currently we do not provide psychiatric services here on the BetterHelp platform.

Online Therapy Modalities and Treatments for TeleMental Health Care

Online therapists practice the same therapy methodologies and (provide the same recommended treatments) as their in-office therapy or traditional therapy counterparts (although sometimes not having to deal with insurance companies). Mental health professionals who provide therapy online via live chat sessions, texting therapy and video conferencing, where you can meet with your therapist and see their face. It’s a way to feel more connected to them. Providers use other digitally connected means to reach our users that sign up with our service via our mobile app. (iOS & Android) The BetterHelp app is available through the App store on Apple, and the Google Play store.

When you opt for online sessions your therapist can access your texting therapy and online chat session notes at any time to respond to your questions and concerns. No more waiting for in-office therapy "business hours" to get the help you need. The online therapy counseling room via our app is available 24-hours a day; all you need to do is setup up a time with your counselor to get the help and support you need.

An online therapist is a mental health professional who is licensed to provide online counseling (and couples therapy), diagnosis, treatment, and telemental health services for issues including depression, anxiety, eating disorders and other common mental health-related disorders. It’s different than support groups where you are talking to people who are struggling with the same issues. With online therapy, the treatment you receive is with a therapist from the privacy of your home. The best online therapy provides patients with relief (and a lasting reduction in anxiety and stress.)

According to the American Psychological Association, the following are five of the most common types of therapy an online therapist can provide.

Psychoanalysis - This modality of online therapy involves the study of unconscious drives and desires that may be affecting your conscious behaviors. Licensed therapists who practice this model of online therapy believe that helping you to uncover your hidden motives and to face them head on, is the key to good mental health.

Psychoanalysis is one of the most widely recognized forms of therapy that focuses on the unconscious. Therapists who focus on psychoanalysis normally do so in contrast to the methodologies that apply to cognitive behavior therapy with the belief that the unconscious, and not the conscious, is what really drives human behavior.

On some occasions you may find a therapist who combines psychoanalysis with cognitive-behavior therapy using an integrative approach.

Remember, regardless of what mode of therapy or mental health services you choose, you are in the driver's seat. Your willingness to participate in your own healing is the ultimate predictor of whether you'll overcome your mental health challenges --sooner than later.

Behavior Therapy - An online therapist who practices this model of therapy believes that recognizing and eliminating negative behaviors from our daily lives is the best way to take control of your mental health. Behavior therapy is often associated with cognitive therapy as both are self-aware modalities.

Sessions with a behavior therapist are likely to center around eliminating negative behaviors that produce undesirable results and replacing them with positive "results-oriented" behavior.

Cognitive Therapy - Mental health professionals who specialize in cognitive behavior therapy prefer to take a "thinking" approach to online therapy. Online chat sessions with a therapist in this category are likely to be based on the principles of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and focus on organizing your inner world in order to see lasting changes in your mental health. Cognitive behavioral therapy is an excellent form of mental health treatment where you can work on reframing negative thought patterns, which can treat issues including anxiety, depression and other mental health concerns.

Your cognitive-behavioral therapy sessions will be focused on import cognitive aspects, like mindfulness and establishing problem-solving methods based on logic. CBT is an excellent tool where you can separate emotions from thoughts. Behavioral therapy can change the way you interact with people in your life, and help you strengthen your relationships.

Humanistic Therapy - This "person-based" therapy is a form of goal-setting therapy that guides clients to focus on achieving their fullest potential through mindfulness and behavior modification. In-office therapy and online sessions with a humanistic therapist are likely to focus on relieving depression, anxiety, and providing good therapy by developing strategies to help clients realistically achieve their goals.

Humanistic practitioners believe that the key to mental health and wellness is a steady progression of achievements towards important life goals. These therapists place a high value on community and service.

Integrative/Holistic - Sessions with an online therapist who practices integrative therapy are likely to combine a variety of principles from each of the therapy modalities listed above. Holistic therapists believe in a person-centered approach and provides a combination of therapy modalities to balance mental health.

Regardless of their chosen modalities or method of treatment, licensed therapists provide diagnosis and treatment for mental health related conditions like anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and bipolar depression (BPD).

There are other forms of therapy that a person can try, including exposure therapy, trauma counseling for post-traumatic stress disorder and behavioral therapy. There is also marriage and family therapists for marriage counseling and family counseling. It all depends on what type of mental health needs you have.

Therapy Online: Who Can Participate in Online Therapy?

Online therapy is a versatile and easy to use option for getting the best online therapy in a private environment for individuals, couples, and families of all ages, and individuals from diverse cultures, religions, and genders. Online therapy is a safe space for people in the LGBTQ community. There may be issues that you want to discuss with a therapist one-on-one, or there might be problems that involve your relationship where an online couples counselor can help. Whether you’re seeing a counselor for individual or couples therapy, you are getting quality mental health treatment. And your contact information is kept confidential. BetterHelp provides the best online therapy for individuals, couples, and families who are struggling with or suspecting an underlying mental illness. There are many online therapy programs out there, but BetterHelp stands out because over a million people have benefited from our service.

Online therapists are licensed to provide diagnosis, treatment, and referrals for mental health related issues. Major health insurance providers now provide behavioral health options that cover counseling sessions regardless of location as long as the therapists are licensed. It’s crucial to work with a mental health professional who has an updated license, so you know you’re getting the best treatment possible.

Check with your health insurance provider to learn if your in-office therapy behavioral health benefits can be applied to online therapy.

***Special note regarding emergency situations

It’s crucial to have access to emergency resources if there’s an urgent mental health matter. If you are in a crisis or any other person may be in danger - don't use this site. These resources can provide you with immediate help. If you are experiencing a life threatening situation please reach out to these emergency resources or contact 911 if there is immediate danger.

How to Choose the Best Online Therapist for You

To get the best online therapy results from attending therapy online, first, be honest with yourself about what you want to change (and what your ultimate goals are.) Get matched to the therapist from the description above that best matches your lifestyle and comfort-level. If you’re a member of the LGBTQ community, you might feel the most comfortable with a therapist who specializes in this area. Having the right therapy for your needs, whether your provider is a counselor, therapist, or social worker is imperative. As a member of the LGBTQ community, you have unique experiences and you probably want someone who understands that. That’s why it’s important to select a provider and the best online therapy program, who can support you in the way you deserve.

Different people have diverse needs. For example, social workers who work for the best online therapy programs have a wealth of experience treating varied populations. If you have post-traumatic stress disorder and have endured significant trauma, a social worker may be a great fit for you. If they have worked in the field, treating clients in clinics, they have seen clients from diverse backgrounds. They are bringing a wealth of experience and knowledge to online therapy programs.

For example, an introverted person may opt-out of face-to-face therapy and prefer texting therapy or chat therapy instead. When you meet with your therapist, it’s in real-time with a live chat. The great thing about chatting with your therapist online is you can receive unlimited messaging therapy. You and your counselor can communicate in between sessions as many times as you need. If something is on your mind, you send your therapist a message and get support right away.

If you're wondering if online therapy is right for you, click here to learn more.

Payment Options for Online Therapy

One of the best things about getting online therapy is the wide variety of payment options to cover the cost of counseling that include free, reduced, sliding-fee scale and health insurance options (check BetterHelp's website for payment options).. Initial consultations with therapists licensed to diagnose and treat common mental disorders and access to limited support resources online is free.

If your health insurance plan covers behavioral health services on the platform, you can find a therapist that accepts one of the major health insurance plans. Many of today's behavioral health plans cover online therapy for behavioral health services.

If you're not covered for therapy under your current health plan, there are sliding-fee and reduced cost options available. In most cases online therapy costs substantially less than in-office therapy.

Get Started with Online Therapy in 6 Easy Steps

Ready to get started with online therapy? Get started with online therapy with a BetterHelp therapist (and make in-office therapy hassles a thing of the past.)

Get matched with your therapist based on discipline, modality, availability, and cost.
Decide how you want to attend your BetterHelp therapy sessions.
Login for your session when it's time.
Ask and answer questions about real-life challenges.
Put your therapy session advice into action.
Get results!

Options for attending online therapy via the BetterHelp online platform include messaging, video chat, and audio chat. Live chat sessions help clients to stay in the moment and work through challenging feelings via text with their therapist. There are so many options a person can choose to get therapy and live happier. It takes time to build a relationship with your therapist, and there are different ways to do it. With video conferencing, clients can have face-to-face sessions with their therapists and get that human interaction they want. When a person chooses live chat sessions, they can write freely about their feelings. Audio chat allows the client to hear their therapist’s voice and receive emotional support that way. Some people benefit feel comforted by hearing their therapist’s voice, which is where audio messaging can be a great therapeutic tool. Text, video or audio are all ways that you can get excellent support from your counselor. The relationship with your therapist is one of the most important connections, and the key to getting the best mental health treatment. BetterHelp clients enjoy the unlimited messaging therapy sessions that are available with their membership on the platform. Now that you understand the basics on how to get the best online therapy to suit your specific needs --here is a breakdown of how to virtually attend your therapy sessions online.

Online Therapy

Chat sessions - Online therapy sessions function just like in-office therapy sessions, with one major exception --you no longer have to go into the office. Online chat sessions are conducted via a mobile app or by directly logging into the online therapy platform and following the instructions to virtually connect with your online therapist.
Texting therapy - This provides online clients with access to unlimited message therapy sessions. Online clients communicate with their therapists in this manner once the therapeutic relationship has been established.
Web therapy - Allows patients and therapists to connect via the BetterHelp platform using a laptop or desktop. No more stressful visits to a therapist's office. Now, licensed therapists come to you! Web therapy sessions conducted via desktop, laptop, or mobile app are a great option for attending individual online therapy, couples therapy and family therapy (while maintaining your sense of privacy.)

Alternatives To Working With An Online Therapist - Emergency Treatment Services & Organizations

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration): 1-800-662-4357 SAMHSAInfo@samhsa.hhs.gov
RAINN (Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network): 1-800-656-4673
Lifeline Crisis Chat
Veterans Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255 (Press Option #1)
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
MentalHealth.net (An American Addiction Centers Resource): 1-866-308-2184
NAMI Helpline (National Alliance on Mental Illness): 1-800-950-6264

Online Therapy Topics Discussed On Our Website:

Common Therapy & Counseling Related Topics Discussed On Our Website:

Counseling Focused:

Therapy Focused:

Frequently Asked Questions About Online Therapy (FAQ's)

Online therapy - how much does getting therapy online cost?

Online therapy sessions can vary in price based on your individual circumstances. In most cases out-of-pocket or health insurance based online therapy sessions are less than an in-office visit. There’s no student plan for online therapy, but the sessions are affordable for people who are in school and on a budget. With traditional in-person therapy, you could end up paying much more for sessions than you could if you met with an online counselor.

Does online therapy really work?

Yes! Online therapy is just as effective as offline therapy. Online therapy uses the same psychological techniques and strategies to mitigate the negative symptoms of mental health.

What is the best online therapy platform?

The best online therapy occurs in a setting where you and your ideal therapist are matched and participate in value-added sessions that provide you with new coping skills and strategies for managing your mental health. All of this happens in a private location of your choosing. You can meet with a licensed therapist in a place where you feel comfortable and secure.

Does My Insurance Cover Online Therapy?

The answer to this is - maybe. Some major health insurance providers now cover online behavioral health services as a part of your health plan. Check with your individual insurance provider to learn your coverage options for online therapy.

Is BetterHelp therapy services covered by health insurance, Medicare or Medicaid?

The BetterHelp platform offers affordable and sliding-fee out-of-pocket based therapy. That said, online therapy services offered using our service aren't normally covered by Medicaid, Medicare or health insurance.

How much should I pay for online therapy services?

The amount that you'll pay for therapy is dependent upon many factors. Some factors include therapy type, location, specialization, and other individual factors. Therapy on the BetterHelp platform averages around $40-$70 per week (billed monthly).

How Can I Learn More About BetterHelp's Online Therapy Services?

You can find us by checking out our About Us Page, FaceBook Page, Twitter Page, LinkedIn Page, Pinterest Page, Instagram Page, LinkedIn page, and our YouTube Channel.

You can also follow these mental health resources on social media:

Follow NAMI on Twitter here and here

Follow Mental Health America here

Follow RAINN here and on Instagram here

Does Therapy Online Really Work?

Absolutely! Attending therapy provides patients with a new perspective on old situations, coping skills and strategies for maintaining good mental health and a more productive life. For more about online therapy and if it's right for you over face-to-face therapy, check out this video. Don't hesitate to start therapy today, you can always change therapists to find the right one that suits you and your needs. There are many different mental health professionals to choose from when you need support. Finding a therapist doesn't need to be difficult, get started today!

What Kinds Of Things Can Online Therapy Help People With?

Therapy For Anxiety - online therapy can be extremely useful for people to learn how to manage and control their anxiety to live happier and healthier lives. Sign up and learn how a therapist can help you with anxiety.
Therapy For Depression - therapy online can help lift you up when you're feeling depressed, at a cost that is typically less than working with a traditional therapist in-person.
Therapy For Stress - online therapy for stress can give you coping mechanisms to manage your stress and feel happier. Consider speaking with a licensed therapist today.
Therapy for Grief - online therapy can help you manage your grief after a loss that has affected you in any way. Get the support you need during a challenging time from a therapist helping people in your region.
Therapy for PTSD - don't handle PTSD alone, online therapy can help you cope with your trauma. Speak with an experienced therapist today.
Therapy for Anger - feeling like you're always getting mad? Try therapy online today and learn how to live a more relaxed life by getting the assistance you need from a therapist.
Therapy for Bullying - if you feel like you need someone to talk to about the bullying you're experiencing, online therapy can help you handle the situation by speaking with one of the therapists on our platform.
Therapy for Domestic Violence - don't stay in an unsafe and toxic situation, get help with online therapy today by receiving support from an experienced therapist.
Therapy for Motivation - if you need help keeping it going on a daily basis, consider online therapy as a means of motivation to challenge you since a therapist on our platform can assist you.
Therapy for Self-Esteem - if you need confidence and help to find it within yourself, counseling with an online therapist can help you feel better about yourself. Sign up and get matched with a therapist today.

Get To Know Some Of Our Counselors Below:

Dr. Kayla Moorer

PhD, LP

Specialties: Addictions, LGBT, Family conflicts, Trauma and abuse, Grief, Intimacy-related issues, Eating disorders, Sleeping disorders, Parenting issues, Anger management, Career difficulties, Bipolar disorder

Years of Experience: 8