Online Therapy: Designing Treatment That Works For You

Medically reviewed by Elizabeth Erban, LMFT, IMH-E
Updated July 29, 2023by BetterHelp Editorial Team

Have you been wondering whether the best online therapy services can really offer online therapy that works for you? If so, you’re not alone. Thousands of people have turned to online therapy platforms, which research has shown to be effective for a diverse array of mental health conditions. Online therapy often allows you to make various choices in order to design a type of mental health treatment that best serves you. For instance, you can choose the time and place of your sessions (as long as your location has a stable internet connection), and you can choose between messaging your licensed therapist, speaking to them over the phone, or connecting through a video chat. This flexibility and freedom can make online therapy services a viable option for many people, regardless of their work schedule.

The online therapy services of 2023 have made significant strides in providing effective and accessible mental health care to people worldwide. Licensed marriage and family therapists are now more accessible through virtual platforms, offering comprehensive support to individuals and families. Many online therapy providers accept insurance, making mental health care affordable and accessible for a wider population.

Design Your Own Treatment.

Therapy On Your Terms

Choosing the best online therapy platforms that work can give you control over your mental health care. Online therapy typically operates just like in-office therapy, but outside of the office. In many cases, sessions with online therapy providers can include text, audio, and video therapy, depending on your preferences. In addition, online therapy cost tends to be lower than in-office therapy sessions. When you engage in online counseling, you can open the door to enjoying sessions from the comfort of your own home using the following methods.

Phone Therapy

Some people may feel nervous talking to licensed clinical social workers or family therapists in person, but over-the-phone therapy treatment often helps them feel at ease because they can express their feelings verbally without being confined to a therapist's office. 

Talking to mental health counselors on the phone may allow you to express anything you're thinking or feeling without worrying about being seen. You can have the freedom to express your feelings by letting a therapist listen to you, and they can provide you with verbal feedback in return. 

Video Chat

If you think you might benefit from face-to-face interaction with therapists, video chat may be a great option to get the support you need. Online therapy service through video chat tends to be the most similar to traditional therapy, as you and your therapist can both see each other throughout your sessions. Speaking through video chat may help your therapist pick up on more information about your concerns as they observe your body language in addition to the topics you’re discussing verbally.

Messenger

With the best online therapy platform like BetterHelp, you can use in-app messaging. With this feature, you can type messages to your therapist in-between sessions, and they’ll get back to you as soon as they can. 

This may be helpful for people who experience social anxiety, cognitive behavioral therapy CBT needs, or other mental health concerns that can sometimes make it difficult to speak to a therapist on the phone or through a video chat, making online therapy effective.

Design Your Own Treatment With Online Therapy

There can be many benefits to choosing online therapy. Research shows that online cognitive behavioral therapy can be just as effective as in-person therapy for a variety of mental health concerns, including eating disorders. In some cases, it can be more affordable than in-office therapy without health insurance. To this end, you might wonder, “does insurance cover online therapy?” An increasing number of insurance providers are recognizing the effectiveness and convenience of online therapy, and have started to include it in their coverage. As the demand for remote mental health services grows, insurance companies are adapting their policies to ensure that their clients have access to the support they need.

With BetterHelp or even Talkspace online therapy, you can decide when and where you receive therapy services, instead of having to make a trip to a therapist's office. In addition, with BetterHelp, it’s easy to switch therapists if you’re not receiving the support you need or if you don’t feel that you’re connecting with your therapist.

Design Your Own Treatment.

Takeaway

If you’re interested in trying online therapy or if you simply have questions about the process, you can get answers online at BetterHelp. You can be matched with a therapist with training and experience with whatever you’re experiencing, and you can receive therapy on a schedule that suits your needs. If you’d like to try online therapy for yourself to see if this type of customization is beneficial for you, reach out to BetterHelp today.
It's important to note that BetterHelp does not offer medication management as part of their online therapy services. If you require a professional to prescribe medication for your mental health needs, you may need to consult with a psychiatrist or a primary care doctor outside the platform to complement your online therapy sessions.

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The information on this page is not intended to be a substitution for diagnosis, treatment, or informed professional advice. You should not take any action or avoid taking any action without consulting with a qualified mental health professional. For more information, please read our terms of use.
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