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Despite the greater access to mental health care and the growing destigmatization of seeking help for psychiatric disorders in our culture, finding a judgment-free therapist that you feel comfortable with is still an enduring challenge many of us face. Whether you’re seeking cognitive behavioral therapy, help with addiction, or are just looking for someone to talk to during these unprecedented (and increasingly isolated) times, the advent of online therapy platforms has undoubtedly made it easier and, in many cases, more affordable to seek hassle-free mental health care.
Teletherapy, as it’s now referred to (therapy sessions conducted via phone calls, video conferences, and chat), has helped shift cultural perceptions of talk therapy by making it easier to seek help in the comfort and privacy of one’s own home, office, car, etc. Online therapy can offer better convenience and flexibility with appointments (some services offer super late sessions, which are great for those who work later hours), and is a safe bet given the current social distancing measures.
Of course, another advantage to virtual therapy is that many patients also cite feeling more comfortable and relaxed during sessions when they’re in the comfort and privacy of their own homes rather than having to report to a clinical office outfitted with the proverbial psychiatrist’s sofa.
Locative considerations aside, finding the right provider on the Internet may seem a bit daunting, but many current online therapy platforms make finding the right person for you and your individual needs (almost) foolproof. Actually, in my opinion, it's easier to narrow down possible candidates online compared to the trial-and-error process you’ll often get when trying to find “the one” during face-to-face sessions. Plus, you don't have to jump through hoops and ladders to get ahold of impossible-to-reach insurance representatives to switch providers if you don't feel like the person you've been assigned to is a good fit.
With that being said, most online therapy platforms make choosing the right therapist for you, your lifestyle, your concerns, and your goals easy by asking you a series of questions and taking intel on your personal preferences (i.e., which gender you prefer and what type of things you’re looking to work on). Naturally, it may take a few times to find the best person for you, but you can usually choose between a few recommended professionals that meet your criteria.
While medication is often a necessary part of treatment, talk therapy can often be critical when it comes to identifying common thought and/or behavioral patterns (for me, they’re anxiety-fueled cognitive distortions) and working through them. Of course, one common critique of telemental health is that the therapeutic benefits will be lesser when conducting appointment virtual as opposed to IRL visits. While this will vary for each person, some studies have actually indicated that virtual therapy can be just as effective as in-person care.
Ahead, we’ve outlined some of the top-rated online therapy resources for various budgets and schedules to help you get the care you need from the comfort and safety of your own home (or anywhere, for that matter.)
If you or someone you know is in a crisis or may be in danger— don't use these websites. These resources can provide you with immediate help.
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