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Are soaring counseling costs the reason you are neglecting your mental health? You’re not alone. When it comes to finding a therapist or seeking mental health, the words “expensive,” “unaffordable,” “inaccessible” always come to mind. Maybe that’s why we are seeing a rise in the online mental health services. But the idea is still new for many.
Back in the days, stigmatization made it challenging to seek care. Now, exorbitant costs have become a nuisance. But are traditional methods of mental therapy the only way to healing? Not quite! This article brings you the five most affordable mental health services, helping you start your healing journey.
six in ten Americans now prefer online mental health services as it is more affordable than traditional therapy.
– American Psychiatric Association
Give Online Therapy a Chance!
Finding effective mental health services is now easier than ever thanks to numerous online mental health services. Better Help, Brightside, E-Therapy Café, and other online therapy providers strive to make counseling accessible, affordable, and convenient to people who are unable to cope with the challenges of life on their own and need professional guidance and validation.
According to the American Psychiatric Association, six in ten Americans now prefer online mental health services as it is more affordable than traditional therapy. The only challenge now is to determine the best option for your needs.
Choosing the Right Online Mental Health Service
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Before we provide our list of trusted and tested mental health services, here are some tips to help you choose the right therapy service for your needs.
Check in with Yourself
Before you start searching for a therapist, figure out your reasons to seek therapy. Are you suffering from anxiety or depression? Do you need advice to cope with everyday challenges? Or do you need effective trauma therapy? While stress management can be aided by through mindful practices like meditation, slow-living, and minimalism, deep inner work may require the guidance of a professional counselor.
From pain management to cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), people seek mental health care for all sorts of reasons. Sometimes, they just need a confidant to talk to without worrying about judgment. Hence, make sure you are aware of your needs before you pay a mental health service.
Is Your Online Mental Health Service Credible?
Thanks to Google, an online mental health service is only a few clicks away. You can find lists of these companies online. However, you should still research each service thoroughly to ensure they specialize in the areas you need help with. If you are looking for cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), but the mental service you plan to hire does not have a CBT expert on board, then you won’t get the best care.
A well-established service will provide a detailed profile of each mental health professional, so you can learn about their areas of specialization. Similarly, consider the facilities offered by these services. For people who suffer with intense fear of leaving their safe places like home, a condition called agoraphobia, virtual sessions are extremely helpful. Hence, look for a service that offers schedule flexibility, weekend sessions, remote sessions, different methods of communication, and accessibility features.
Shortlist the services for your needs, compare their facilities and areas of specialization, and then hire them. This way you won’t have to face any obstacles on your way to healing.
Your Information Can Be Used!
Another important aspect to look for is security and confidentiality, in terms of information and payments. Your mental health condition will only get worse if your banking details and personal information gets in the wrong hands.
Check for the company’s privacy policy and their measures of confidentiality before you provide them with data. All the databases, messages, and browsing systems should be encrypted. However, if therapists detect suicidal tendencies in their patients, they may be authorized to inform relevant authorities.
Some mental health services also arrange a Q&A session, so you can communicate your expectations about confidentiality to your therapist.
Must Be a Low-Cost Counseling Solution!
Online therapy sessions are gaining popularity and favor over traditional methods due to low costs involved. Popular online mental health services that have reliable media coverage, offer exceptional mental health care to their users while keeping the costs low. The fact that you can speak to your therapist from the comfort of your home is an added bonus. In addition, these services save you a lot of money on fuel.
Almost all mental health services arrange a 45-minute long session that you can attend via video calls. The minimum cost of one online therapy session in 2023 is up to $100. Some services charge less than $80 for one week. The undeniable cost gap is the main reason why patients and mental health care seekers are becoming inclined towards virtual platforms.
5 Best Online Mental Health Services
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Here is a list of reliable and affordable online mental health platforms to get you started with your search for the most fitting mental health platform for you and your family. All of the services provided below offer affordable rates, a range of therapy options, and access to qualified mental health professionals.
Better Help – Professional Therapy
Weekly Pricing: $90
Better Help is one of the most comprehensive and affordable virtual mental healthcare platforms. Patients get matched with the profiles of registered therapists, clinical workers, and even relationship counselors in less than 72 hours after the user joins the platform. If the patients prefer, they can keep their identity hidden and will not be forced to show themselves during sessions.
Talk Space – Therapy & Counseling
Weekly Pricing: $99
If you want 24/7 access to your therapist, then choose Talk Space. This platform is unique as it matches users to three therapists, and you can select one you are most comfortable with. The platform offers different types of therapy, including medication management, cognitive behavioral therapy, and psychiatry.
Cerebral – Online Therapy
Weekly Pricing: Depends on no. of sessions in a week (approx. $74 per session)
Cerebral is a user-friendly platform that offers three therapy plans: simple therapy, therapy and medication, or medication with counseling. This online service also mails prescriptions to patients, ensuring confidentiality.
Live Health Online – Mental Health Resource
Weekly Pricing:Depends on the no. of sessions in a week (approx. $80-95 per session)
Live Health Online has a team of qualified psychologists and therapists, who treat a range of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, medication management, relationship counseling, stress management, coping mechanisms, and more. Weekend sessions are also available.
MDLive – Telehealth Platform
Weekly Pricing: Depends on the no. of sessions of per week (approx. $108 per session)
MD Live offers access to a team of psychiatrists and psychologists who specialize in treating bipolar disorders, medication management, obsessive compulsive disorder, and cognitive behavioral therapy.
| Note: Pricing of counseling sessions may be subject to change. Be sure to contact the counseling services you are interested in directly to get a more accurate estimate. |
Last Words
Online therapy has revolutionized the landscape of mental health care for good. You can now reach professionals beyond borders and geographical barriers. Finding a telehealth service that best fits your needs is the biggest gift you can give yourself or your loved one. So, begin your mental health journey without delay!