Best Online Therapy Solution

Updated May 28, 2021
Medically Reviewed By Aaron Horn, LMFT, MA

What Is Online Therapy?

Online therapy is quickly becoming much more widely accepted in place of counseling sessions via traditional face-to-face therapy with a therapist. So you're interested in learning more about what it's like to work with one of BetterHelp's therapists? We're glad you're here! Keep reading below to debunk common myths about working with therapists using the internet, and weigh the pros and cons. As you consider the below, please keep in mind that we've has hosted more than 135 million online therapy sessions using our platform.

Online therapy can provide you with the support and services you need from licensed mental health professionals that have the experience you need to deal with concerns like stress, anxiety, depression, PTSD, teen concerns, and more common issues. These sessions with a therapist include individual, couples, and family therapy sessions conducted live on our platform via unlimited SMS messaging, live chat, telephone therapy, audio therapy, and face-to-face video sessions with board-certified therapists.

Online therapy differs from traditional face-to-face counseling services because it allows individuals, teens, and couples to use video chat (teletherapy), messaging, audio, and phone correspondence to make appointments via the internet using an app or a website with a licensed therapist. Below you will be able to clearly understand what it's "really" like to get therapy with a counselor, working directly with one of the therapists at BetterHelp.com. You can expect to learn about and better understand the pros and cons of seeking online counseling. We'll also provide you with success stories and the benefits of working with experienced counselors.

Online therapy can really help you deal with challenges in your life like stress, eating disorders, marriage and family issues, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and emotional support. These are all things that in the past could only be best addressed with face-to-face therapy sessions, but that has changed. Some people erroneously believe if they talk to a therapist on the internet, it's "social media therapy." Online therapy is a component of telehealth that's rapidly gaining in use and popularity as world issues like the global coronavirus pandemic and other concerns are causing people to spend more time socially distant -- and mostly indoors. The good news is that our therapists are board-certified and credentialed psychotherapists with clinically trained experience; (just like their offline counterparts) to provide diagnosis, treatment, and support.

Online therapy can quickly connect you with a licensed mental health professional that can work with you through challenging times that you might be dealing with. Therefore... you’re not getting advice from random inexperienced strangers, text messaging friends, or a blog with the expertise of a therapist. You're working with licensed mental health professionals & therapists who can help you communicate more effectively and to heal from unhealed traumas via therapy. Maybe your doctor has recommended therapy to you, but you weren’t sure about the level of accessibility it would have.

During sessions with therapists on our platform, you gain access to a wide range of online therapy expertise and tools along with licensed professionals who genuinely care about your wellbeing. You can work with a therapist through text chat, voice messaging, and video chat - whichever way of communicating feels most comfortable for you.

So many people benefit from one-on-one treatment sessions with licensed therapy professionals like psychologists, licensed mental health counselors, and licensed social workers. Getting mental health support helped swimmer Michael Phelps learn to cope with depression, anxiety, and stress, and can help you sleep better and feel happier. To date, BetterHelp therapists & counselors have treated over one million people, and therapy’s accessible wherever you have a cell phone or computer with internet access.

We offer one of the best online therapy programs, providing on-demand communication with licensed therapists and other doctors. The BetterHelp platform for our therapists also offers access to top-notch customer service professionals who provide confidential user support to clients.

The BetterHelp platform offers access to mental health solutions for people of all ages. This includes live chat, phone, video chats, and SMS support for services for teens and adults.

Working with therapists here has proven to be a convenient and affordable way to help you address issues many of us face in our everyday lives. Talking to a licensed mental health professional can help people experiencing chronic mental health issues and those seeking general advice to find real solutions.

Online therapists are available to provide relationship support and mental health services for members of the LGBTQ community, young adults, and couples in crisis. Live sessions with a therapist or with our marriage counseling professionals help couples to develop better communication skills and create stronger bonds between families.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why Is Online Therapy / Psychotherapy Important & Is It The Best Therapy Option For You?

As a company, we are dedicated to providing professional unlimited services to a growing audience of people with a therapist that is licensed. Our mission continues to be all about providing services from licensed therapists in a convenient, easily accessible, and affordable way. We're happy to help you better understand ways to deal with life's challenges and struggles by getting help anytime and anywhere by providing access to 24-hour therapist service.

Thousands of people across the world use online therapy to speak to their doctors about issues with addiction, relationships, and chronic mental health issues including childhood trauma, PTSD, and depression. Licensed therapists answer common questions using smartphones, tablets, and desktop computers. Smartphone users can easily gain access to live sessions and online support groups by downloading the free BetterHelp app on Google Play or App Store.

What Kinds Of Online Therapy Are Best For You To Try Online Here At BetterHelp With A Therapist?

You may wonder, "Is the type of therapy I need?" There are several different online therapy types you can request depending on your needs. Remember, regardless of what mode of mental health services you choose, you are in the driver's seat; you can even switch your therapist here on our platform. Your willingness to participate in your own healing is the ultimate predictor of whether you'll overcome your mental health challenges - sooner than later.

What Is Psychoanalysis For Online Therapy & How Can It Help You Working With A Therapist?

This counseling modality involves the study of unconscious drives and desires that may affect your conscious behaviors. You may wonder, "What kind of behaviors am I not aware of?" Licensed therapists who practice this model of therapy believe that helping you to uncover your hidden motives and to face them head-on. Psychoanalysis is one of the most widely recognized forms of therapy that targets the unconscious.

Therapists who focus on psychoanalysis normally do so in contrast to the methodologies that apply to cognitive behavioral 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 behavioral therapy using an integrative approach.

What Is Behavior Therapy & How Can It Be Used With Online Therapy Sessions?

A therapist who practices this model of counseling believes that recognizing and eliminating negative behaviors from our daily lives is the best way to take control of our mental health. How does this benefit you? Self-awareness.

Keep in mind that behavior therapy often gets 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 elimination of negative behaviors that produce undesirable results and replacing them with positive, "results-oriented" behavior. More about behavior therapy from these articles: Considering Cognitive Behavioral Therapy? Examples Of How It Can Be Used In Treatment- There are several examples to consider before working with a counselor to chat and/or talk about ways CBT therapy can help you

. Should I Try Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Near Me? - Learn different methods others have benefited from by having talked about concerns and challenges experienced with a licensed counselor or psychiatrist.

What Is Cognitive Therapy & How Is It Best Used With Online Therapy Platforms?

Therapists that specialize in cognitive behavior therapy prefer to take a "thinking" approach to support sessions. 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 to see lasting changes in your mental health. More about cognitive therapy from this article:

CBT Therapy – A Breakdown - Get a clear understanding of the variety of methods that CBT therapy helped others after they agreed to speak with a psychiatrist or licensed counselor.

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 working with experienced therapists.

Your cognitive behavioral therapy sessions will be focused on important cognitive aspects, like mindfulness and establishing problem-solving methods using logic. CBT with an experienced therapist 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 with the help and support of therapists with the credentials to help you.

What Is Humanistic Therapy & How Is It Best Used With Online Therapy Mental Health Programs?

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

Humanistic practitioners are doctors who 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.

What Is Integrative/Holistic Therapy?

Sessions with any of the therapists here that practice integrative therapy are likely to combine a variety of principles from each of the therapy modalities listed above. Holistic therapists here offer online psychotherapy with a person-centered approach and provide a combination of therapy modalities to balance mental health with our online therapists.

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.

Therapist Disclaimer: Urgent Care 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.

If you need a crisis hotline, please see below:

RAINN (Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network) - 1-800-656-4673 - Chat or speak to someone at RAINN. (not a substitution for online therapy) - Facebook - Twitter - Instagram - YouTube
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline - 1-800-273-8255 - Chat or speak to someone at the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. (not a substitution for online therapy) - Facebook - Twitter - YouTube
National Domestic Violence Hotline - 1-800-799-7233 - Chat or speak to someone at the National Domestic Violence Hotline. (not a substitution for online therapy) - Facebook
NAMI Helpline (National Alliance on Mental Illness - FaceBook - YouTube) - 1-800-950-6264 - Chat or speak to someone at the NAMI Helpline. (not a substitution for online therapy)

For additional resources, see:

SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) SAMHSA Facebook, SAMHSA LinkedIn - Elinore McCance-Katz (Assistant Secretary)

Chat sessions - Sessions with therapists 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 BetterHelp online therapy platform and following the instructions to virtually connect with which one of the therapists you work with.
Texting therapy - This kind of psychotherapy online provides clients with access to unlimited massage therapy sessions with a therapist. Clients communicate with their therapists in this manner once the therapeutic relationship has been established.
Internet 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 with our service! The sessions conducted via desktop, laptop, or mobile app with licensed therapists are a great option for attending individual sessions, couples therapy, and family therapy (while maintaining your sense of privacy-you can even use a nickname).

Online Therapy Reading - Discover Medically Reviewed Articles about Finding a Therapist

Find Out The Difference Between A Therapist And A Psychologist Offering Therapy: Find The Best Help From A Therapist or Psychologist in 2021 - Both of these mental health professionals can help you deal with life's challenges. Different from what many people think is nothing more than licensed clinical social workers, a BetterHelp therapist can quickly get connected with you using video chat today; unlike in-person therapy that often requires scheduling weeks or months into the future. Learn how the best online therapy platform (BetterHelp) can help you in ways that in-person sessions cannot. Live chat using our easy-to-use therapist service will show you why multitudes of people choose to work with us as the best online therapy service instead of using and waiting for traditional therapy that might be provided with their health insurance.
How Do I Find a Therapist or Therapists Near Me? Free Ways To Find The Best Therapists in 2021 - Not to be confused with clinical social workers, a BetterHelp therapist is a licensed mental health provider. Using text (unlimited messaging), video chat (or live chat), live sessions (aka video conferencing), and audio messaging... a therapist on our platform can help you with a licensed marriage and family therapists issues, depression, anxiety, and other mental health care concerns; even if you don't have health insurance. You can speak to a real licensed professional from the best provider of these services, not a robot or AI from a platform that accepts insurance.
What Is A Therapist? Meaning, Mindset, And Expertise - Learn the difference between in-person therapy with a therapist and what we offer here at the best online therapy platform; BetterHelp. Here we use live chat (via live sessions), video conferencing (using live video), chat rooms, and phone calls with no extra out of pocket costs to help people with things like emotional support (different than peer support), teen counseling, anxiety, stress, coping skills, and sex therapy in real-time. Our platform is different from many that might accept insurance because our therapists are licensed; unlike many new other programs and software hitting the market. We do not provide a medication management service or provide psychiatry with online psychiatrists, but we are the global leader in providing the best online therapy by matching you with a therapist. Click the get started button to get matched; don't worry you won't designing up for a free assessment. You will speak to a real licensed professional from the best provider of these services, not a robot or AI from a platform that accepts insurance. Let us show you how easy it is to set up a meeting with a therapist by allowing us to connect you with your therapist today.
Understanding The Difference Between A Therapist And Psychiatrist - This distinction is important to understand to help prevent the need to repeatedly switch therapists; although that is not a problem on our platform. We encourage you to take the time to get matched with the right mental health professional for you since all of our individual, marriage, and family therapists are confirmed as licensed professionals. You can easily get in contact with your therapist here at BetterHelp by sending a text message (unlimited messaging therapy), making phone calls, using chat rooms, or even relying on phone and video sessions to discuss your concerns in real-time. Your BetterHelp therapist will be able to help you deal with things like anxiety, stress, bipolar disorder, relationship counseling, pride counseling, peer support, teen counseling, and more; similar to having a mental health doctor on demand. Click the get started button to get matched; don't worry you won't designing up for a free assessment. You will speak to a real licensed professional from the best provider of these services, not a robot or AI from a platform that accepts insurance. Let us help you with finding the right therapist, and that means a licensed therapist that can help you today.
Therapist Vs Psychologist: Which One To Choose - Whether you are looking for emotional support, psychodynamic therapy, relationship counseling, pride counseling, or simply the expertise of mental health professional... understanding the difference between a therapist and a psychologist can help you. The professional counselors & therapists here at BetterHelp can get matched to you pretty fast, which will allow you to discuss the concerns and issues you have on your mind in a 1on1 therapy chat room. You can schedule a time to discuss things using live video, a combination of phone and video, or even live chat. You will speak to a real licensed professional from the best provider of these services, not a robot or AI from a platform that accepts insurance. Before you choose to communicate with the therapist you've been assigned to, keeping in mind that finding the right therapist for you can take time.
Psychiatrist Vs. Therapist: What’s the Difference? - Understanding the difference between working with a therapist vs a psychiatrist (or even psychologists) can make all of the difference in your getting the benefits and help you need during the therapy process. Whether you decide to start the process of improving your mental health on common therapy concerns like anxiety, depression, PTSD, addiction, bipolar disorder, trauma, relationships, or some other disorders... knowing how psychiatrists & therapists can help or not is information you need and should have. Before scheduling an appointment or therapy consultation with one of these experienced mental health experts, take a look at and read the free information & research in this helpful article. From there you can look into working with one of our providers that has the experience to help you. Even if you do not work with a BetterHelp therapist, you'll be better prepared to move forward with a psychiatrist that might come with the insurance coverage you have with your medical insurance plan. Understand that working with a therapist isn't something that has to be difficult, even if you're looking for an experienced licensed therapist, or a marriage and family therapist.

Additional Reading

Can I Afford To Go To Therapy? How Much Does Therapy Cost In 2021? - Affordable therapy with a BetterHelp therapist explained.
Does Health Insurance Cover Therapy For Mental Health Or Do I Have To Pay? - Therapy at a cost cheaper than traditional therapist sessions.
Articles About Psychology & Psychologists - Learn how these topics impact therapy & working with a therapist.
Articles About Anxiety & Working With A Psychotherapist - Getting therapy treatment from a therapist for anxiety has helped millions.
Articles About Depression & Ways To Feel Your Best - Depression therapy with a licensed BetterHelp therapist explained.
Affordable Counseling vs Free Online Therapy - Free therapy is not the same a affordable therapy with one of our therapists. Learn why.