Online Therapy and Mental Health Resources

Kiara Noelle Kerr By Kiara Noelle Kerr  – October 16, 2019
Online Therapy and Mental Health Resources

Despite today’s amazing technology, people are still struggling to form intimate connections with each other. We have more and more ways to connect to other people, and yet we feel more alienated and isolated from each other than ever before. Loneliness is at an all-time high, especially among young people in the United States. So how can online therapy help?

Many of us want to form deep connections with others but we just can’t seem to sustain our relationships. Over time, we might start to notice patterns and cycles that keep us from finding a stable and healthy relationship. And for a whole lot of us, there are broken core beliefs about love and connection that we have to release before we can do that. We have to learn to love and accept ourselves before we can love someone else.

In other words, self-care is the first step to a successful relationship. This is where online therapy and mental health apps have the power to change the way we access these tools and put them into action. Interested in learning more about online therapy? Keep reading to see if this could be the right thing for you.

Mobile therapy resources
Despite today’s amazing technology, loneliness is at an all-time high

Mental Health Issues Today

Records from the World Health Organization show that one in four people experience mental illness at some point in their lives. And we’re so glad that more and more people are recognizing the need for support from mental health therapists. It’s okay to need help and to ask for it. Just like any other illness, issues with mental health can severely affect the quality of our day-to-day lives and our ability to maintain healthy relationships.

Although much of the stigma around mental illness has dissipated, studies show that a large number of people with mental health problems remain unidentified, undiagnosed, and untreated. In the U.S., around 67 percent of people with mental illness do not receive treatment for their illness. 

As more of our needs as human beings are addressed online, we’ve been excited to see how web therapy and therapy apps are emerging to meet people where they are. There are even a number of lowcost or even free online therapy options available.

We want to live in a world where people who suffer from mental illness are empowered to heal, recover, and thrive. We also think it’s crucial to say that mental illness is not our fault. But if we have access to the resources we need to get well, we can make mental health our responsibility.

Online Therapy = True Accessibility

In recent decades, healthcare networks have been using technology to identify, screen, and treat psychological conditions. Online mental health services use the internet, phone apps, and even AI to inform, screen, monitor, and track people with mental health difficulties. Online therapy and mental health apps can be a helpful tool if you’re struggling with relationship issues, depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), eating disorders, and other psychological and emotional challenges. 

These apps aim to provide counseling and support, usually by matching you with a trained and licensed therapist. Research shows that online counseling can be as effective as face-to-face treatment. Online mental health resources are convenient, affordable, and accessible, all of which have contributed to their success and popularity in recent years. 

woman talking on phone with online therapist
Online therapy and mental health apps aim to provide counseling and support, usually by matching you with a trained and licensed therapist.

It Starts with a Shift in Perspective 

Remember when we used to think online dating was kinda creepy and a little embarrassing just a few years ago? What if online counseling apps and websites could lose their remaining stigma? We think they could become an incredibly empowering tool for emotional healing, ongoing wellness, and meaningful connection.

This is especially true for people with reduced access to mental health resources. These apps and services can open up accessibility for people in remote and rural areas, as well as those across time zones. These services offer mental health support with a flexibility that has never been available, without sacrificing a personalized approach.

How to Get the Help You Need with Web Therapy

Studies have identified youth and young adults as the population most neglected by the traditional mental health support system. It’s no surprise that young people with mental health difficulties and emotional issues are increasingly seeking support online. And we couldn’t be happier.

Why? We want to help people find the resources they need to support their ongoing happiness and success. If mental health treatment is part of that equation, it should be something everyone can access. That’s why we reviewed the 6 most popular online mental health counseling services.   

two women talking in therapy sessions

The Best Online Therapy Services to Try Today

So, what are the best online therapy options? These are our top 6 picks for apps and services that provide the best and most accessible therapy online.

1. BetterHelp

BetterHelp is the largest online counseling platform in the world. It aims to provide affordable and convenient counseling services for a wide range of mental health issues. Through this platform, you can connect with a licensed and trained counselor using your smartphone, computer or tablet. Better Help is a great app to help you with managing stress, anxiety, depression, addictions, grief, self-esteem issues, and relationship problems. As other BetterHelp reviews have mentioned, the service is streamlined, convenient, and widely used. So how much does Betterhelp cost? The weekly rates range from $35 to $70.

2. Talkspace

Talkspace is an app and website that provides mental health counseling anonymously and affordably. It allows you to connect with licensed therapists and chat about your issues. Once you and your virtual therapist identify your needs, the app matches you with a long-term therapist for ongoing support. The basic Talk space messaging plan includes one check-in daily and costs $32 per week. We think that they’re doing a great job of making mental health access available, and so do the other Talkspace reviews we’ve seen.

3. 7 Cups of Tea

7 Cups is an online therapy and counseling service that connects you with free listeners to offer compassionate and emotional support. It’s the world’s largest emotional support system. So how does it work? Volunteer listeners are available 24 hours a day and 7 days a week to listen to what you’re going through and offer support. The site also offers therapy through licensed therapists for just $150 a month.

4. Breakthrough

Breakthrough offers confidential online therapy and counseling from the comfort of your own couch. And since Break Through now partners with MDLive, you can count on the highest quality of online care available. The service offers 1,000 licensed therapists to its 30,000 member community. With so many to choose from, you can find a therapist who specializes in depression, anxiety, men’s issues, women’s issues, PTSD, relationships, and more. Counseling and therapy sessions are available starting at $99.

5. AmWell

AmWell is an online platform that allows you to connect with doctors and specialists, among them psychiatrists and therapists. This would be a good option for you if antidepressants or other psychiatric medications are indicated for your mental health issues. AmWell is unique in offering medical doctors who can prescribe for you online, as well as talk therapists who can help you with other therapeutic modalities. The service is also incredibly affordable, with costs starting at just $69 per visit.

6. Teen Counseling

TeenCounseling is a really great option for parents with teens who are struggling with emotional and mental health issues. The service provides online counseling sessions to teenagers who are able to interact with their therapist by text, phone, and video. How does it work? Consult with a counselor, share your teen’s situation, approve of the mental health professional you’re matched with, and then set your teen up for emotional support. Sessions start at $150.

Online Therapy and Counseling for All

We want to say one more time that your wellbeing comes first. If you’re struggling with mental health issues, self-care is essential. We want you to find the healthy, fulfilling relationship you’re looking for. And we believe that taking care of your emotional health can teach you self-love and self-compassion. Plus, it can help you learn new coping skills and be confident with who you are as a person.

If you’re struggling with mental health issues, please get the help you need. You can find an online therapist easily through any of the online counseling services we mentioned. They are affordable and easily accessible. Also, e-counseling sites and apps provide anonymity, a wide selection of therapists, and ongoing support. 

Find Therapy Online Today

While all of these low cost and even free online counseling options, you can get the help you need today. And while these apps and services are not a replacement for traditional therapy, they can be a helpful tool when you’re facing life challenges or just need a bit of extra support. 

Remember, help is available. If you are struggling with stress, anxiety, depression, or any other condition that requires immediate help, visit any of the following websites for fast and convenient support. When you’re ready for a safe, healthy romantic relationship, we’ll be here to help.

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Kiara Noelle Kerr
Kiara Noelle Kerr
The DatingPerfect team is glad to feature the racy and sometimes inappropriate perspectives Kiara brings to the table. She loves getting to write highly opinionated op-eds about why online dating sucks, how DatingPerfect is trying to make it suck less, and also enjoys penning articles with sensible answers to the most asked questions in online dating. With a whole lot of online dating experience under her belt and plenty of opinions to share, Kiara’s always got something to say. More than anything, she understands the plight of the modern dater and wants to help. Are you feeling baffled, frustrated, and overwhelmed by online dating? Let Kiara know and she’ll be more than happy to commiserate and add her two cents. Thanks for reading!