Our Mission - Why Is Online Therapy 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 by providing access to 24-hour psychotherapy online.
Here at Betterhelp, 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 and provide access to a licensed mental health professional that specializes in individual counseling, couples counseling, or marriage counseling.
We also offer an extended suite of services that include online access to stress management programs that help address common issues and emotional support options for every member of your family. and 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.
Learning to live with a mental health condition is easier when you have support, and that’s what the best online therapy programs provide. Whether you communicate with a licensed mental health professional via text, video chat, or engage in audio messaging, your therapist is a licensed mental health professional that has been trained to see the real you.
Over a million people have saved their relationships and found more happiness in their lives using relationship counseling online. Many people have been able to go on to have happier and more stable relationships based on the experience of relationship counseling.
Oftentimes, the emotional support and guidance provided by licensed professional counselors online and the professional insights provided by marriage and family therapists, is the catalyst for much needed change in tumultuous relationships. There are online counseling programs available for addressing a variety of concerns.
Thousands of people get counseling online for issues with addiction, relationships, chronic mental health issues including childhood trauma, ptsd, and treatment for depression. Licensed therapists answer common questions that BetterHelp is compatible with smartphones, tablets, and desktop computers. Smartphone users can easily gain access to live sessions with a licensed mental health professional and online support groups by downloading the free BetterHelp app on the Google Play or App Store.
Online Therapists Available via BetterHelp - But Why Does It Matter?
BetterHelp provides access to over 8,000 licensed & certified mental health professionals as an alternative to in-office therapy. These providers have helped over a million people total and thousands of people every day with their mental health using internet-based telehealth online therapies. One of the most common misconceptions that people have about our services is that online therapy is as expensive as in-person mental health treatment.
The reality is that online therapy sessions have many advantages over traditional therapy in that sessions are more easily accessible and less expensive than compared to what you can expect to pay for face-to-face visits in a traditional therapist's office. You can choose to text, exchange messages, video chat, or talk to your professional counselor on the phone. Each of these is a valid way to receive therapy from a licensed therapist.
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 psychiatry or psychiatric services here on the BetterHelp platform.
Whether you're working on relationship problems, life transitions, stress management, anxiety and depression, or a broad range of other common psychology issues, set yourself up for success and schedule telepsychology services online and start chatting with one of BetterHelp's licensed psychologists.
Our therapists have the same therapy experience and credentials as traditional therapists, but with BetterHelp you have greater accessibility with digital text, audio, and video technology. Psychotherapy resources include personalized content, access to virtual online support groups, and psychology-related tips and tricks from medically reviewed BetterHelp articles. Though there are always pros and cons of online therapy, our users consistently highly recommend our service and find worth in the therapy they receive.
Online Therapy Modalities and Treatments for TeleMental Health Care - What Should You Know?
Don't let no office be an issue - online therapists practice the same therapy methodologies and provide the same recommended treatments as their in-office therapy or similar traditional therapy counterparts (although sometimes not having to deal with insurance companies).
Mental health professionals who provide therapy online only differs from in-person therapy in that they communicate with clients 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 as a free download on the App Store on Apple and Google Play.
When you opt for online sessions, your therapist can access and read 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 start the process of getting 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 to meet with your counselor so you can get the help and support you need (and deserve).
The good news is -- there is no minimum or maximum time period for how often you can submit or share your thoughts with your online therapist. Unlimited SMS messaging therapy sessions are becoming a popular and affordable way to get 24-hour access to therapy.
An online therapist is a mental health professional who is licensed to provide online counseling (and couples/relationships/kids 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 a support group where you are talking to people who are struggling with the same issues.
When you participate in online therapy, the treatment you receive is with a therapist from the privacy and comfort of your home. You can ensure extra privacy by opting to use a nickname instead of your full or complete name. You'll notice that the best online therapy provides patients with improvement and a lasting reduction in depression, anxiety and stress.
Many people are surprised at the wide-variety of topics they can talk about in therapy. Individuals can talk about mental health concerns, personal issues, insecurities and fears, without worrying about having to be judged. Postpartum moms who are struggling with postpartum depression or “baby blues” can even talk to their therapist for breastfeeding support and therapy advice to help ease symptoms of helplessness or hopelessness.
There are a number of different therapy types you can request depending on your needs. 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. Convenient, online therapy allows you to take an assessment and test what method works best for you. 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 a self-study of and 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 important 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 eventually change the way you interact with people in your life, and help you strengthen your relationships. Both of these therapies teach you effective ways to leave negative thoughts and behaviors behind.
- 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 early 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 and view these two things as fundamental towards treatment.
- 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 offer a person-centered approach and provide 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 are 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. We know it can be hard to search for the best therapist for your needs. Online therapy is for everyone, and 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 and follows all HIPPA regulations.
BetterHelp provides the best online therapy for individuals, couples, and families who are struggling with or suspecting an underlying mental illness. There are many therapy programs that advertise online, 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 your online therapy sessions.
***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 - What Should You Keep In Mind?
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've 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 includes 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.
Therapy Online: 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 and 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's 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
- Mental Health California™ also provides quality information on a variety of mental health related conditions.
Online Therapy Topics Discussed On Our Website:
- Get Free Online Therapy. Should You Use Free Counseling?
- Top Online Therapy: What Are The Best Online Therapy Sites?
- Options For Online Therapy Sessions
- Best Online Therapy: How Are The “Best” Online Therapy Websites Ranked?
- Can Online Therapy Sites Work For You?
- Are Online Therapy Sites Effective?
- Is Online Therapy Chat Effective?
- All About Online Counselor Jobs- Making a Career Of Online Therapy
- Online Therapy Reviews: Are they Legit?
- Are You Skeptical About Online Therapy? Read This.
- Online Therapy - Thoroughly explained.
