Rashida
There’s no doubt about it, this past year has been a whirlwind for our collective mental health. Whether to address a long-term mental health issue or improve your daily coping skills, mental health services can help a wide array of people.
Aside from the pandemic, the hustle and bustle of daily life can make it challenging to find time for in-person mental health services. Fortunately, there are many ways to get the mental health help you need virtually. From fully remote services to telehealth appointments, there are many ways to find the mental health services you need online.
Fully Online Mental Health Services
There are some remote mental health services that were designed to be fully remote. While these options existed before the pandemic, they have seen a surge since then. There are many different options available, but one well-known site is BetterHelp. BetterHelp works with licensed mental health professionals. You can use the platform to connect with therapists for messaging services, voice sessions, or live videos. With a membership plan, you can get access for $35/week.
Talkspace is another option. Like BetterHealth, it works exclusively with licensed mental health professionals. Compared to BetterHealth, Talkspace emphasizes messaging.
The options don’t end there. There are platforms that rely on volunteers, ones designed for essential workers, and more. Many include free trials, so the best way to determine if it’s a good fit is to try it out.
Reasons to Consider Online Counseling
- It may be less expensive than traditional therapy. There are free and low-cost options available.
- Greater convenience for scheduling.
- Avoid the long drive to counseling and save on your commute.
- Remove the geographical barriers to therapy.
- Health/safety. In light of the pandemic, telehealth removes the potential risk of COVID-19 exposure.
Telehealth Appointments
In addition to fully online services, there are also therapists that offer telehealth appointments. If you already have a therapist you like, or want a hybrid of in-person and telehealth appointments, this option may be for you.
However, not every therapist offers telehealth appointments. The last thing you want is to find one you’re really interested in working with that doesn’t do any virtual appointments. If you have insurance that covers mental health appointments, start by researching providers in your area. If possible, select an option for ones that offer telehealth appointments. If not, then compile a list of a few that are of interest in your area. Give them a call, and before diving into details, ask if they offer telehealth services.
Will Insurance Cover Online Therapy?
Now for the big question, does insurance cover virtual therapy? First, you’ll need to examine the mental health coverage of your plan. Many insurance plans do cover mental health treatment and in-person therapy. Prior to COVID-19, most insurance plans did NOT cover telehealth appointments. However, the insurance coverage rules are rapidly evolving during the pandemic. Therefore, your insurance may cover some online therapy.
Before opting for virtual therapy, check your coverage. If it is not clear on your insurance provider’s website, call and directly ask about coverage for online therapy.
If you do not have insurance, then telehealth is often more affordable. Many online therapy providers advertise a price for unlimited use for the week or month. Online sessions can be less expensive than in-office visits, particularly if you do not have insurance or your insurance does not cover mental health services well.
What to Look for In Virtual Therapy
While remote therapy can certainly be helpful for overcoming barriers to mental health services, it is not always the right option. Above all, you need to make sure you are connecting with someone who can help you. Here are some things to consider when searching for telehealth mental health services:
- Will this tool help me? The research on virtual therapy is limited, and it has not demonstrated that this method is always helpful. If you struggle to stay engaged online, then virtual therapy may not be the best option.
- Licensing. Always look for a licensed and qualified therapist. Ensure that the person has the licensing to back up any claims of being a therapist.
- Security. You want to be certain that your information is secure and confidential. Make sure the site is HIPAA-compliant and secure.
- Payment. How will you pay for the service? What does your insurance coverage look like for online vs in-person therapy? Check with your insurance company and ensure that the plan is affordable for you.
Thanks to technology, it’s possible to meet with a licensed therapist online. Telehealth mental health services have been important during COVID-19 and will continue to be a great option for many people. However, not all insurance companies cover online therapy. If you think online therapy could help you, now is the time to get started.
