Issues with mental health are rising and if chronic, can be debilitating. Despite the fact that we as a society are much more aware of the impact of depression or anxiety, not everyone knows what options are available, resulting in you getting the needed treatment. This can lead to your condition becoming worse causing potential physical illness. That’s why the rise of online counseling services can be a game-changer.
I have several close people who battle with anxiety or different forms of depression. I saw the effects of how hard it can sometimes be just to find the motivation to step outside and take the first step.
In a world where stress levels are rising, its impacts are being felt everywhere. In the workplace, companies are finding that they have no choice but to offer support for employees dealing with stress and burnout.
A recent Gallup study of nearly 7,500 full-time employees found that 23% reported feeling burnt out at work very often or always, while an additional 44% reported feeling burnt out sometimes. No one is immune from burnout, but not everyone can find the help they need.
I have a friend who has a husband going through a depression. She grew up in an old-fashioned culture where men are supposed to be “strong”. She is dealing with the stigma instilled in her while growing up of seeing depression as a weakness. Unfortunately, this mindset is not helping her, or her husband in dealing with what he is feeling. He didn’t want to see a therapist as he felt it would be too inconvenient and out of his way.
Luckily, there are solutions available that can help those dealing with their mental health besides having to travel to get therapy.
Online counseling is now becoming a common practice and is even preferred by some clients and therapists. It is bridging the gap that existed with traditional face to face therapy and is popular due to its convenience and accessibility.
National services were first introduced to help with the increasing demand of people needing help. Lifeline, Kids Helpline, Suicide Call back service started being a great option and tool to deal with a crisis. With demand rising, more and more online services became available in order to meet that demand.
Already numerous studies suggest that internet counseling, when combined with cognitive behavior therapy, can be effective on a variety of clinical issues.
Some advantages of online therapy include:
- Flexibility: There are a variety of communication methods available, including; emails, chat rooms, and web cameras.
- Accessibility: Not having to commute may be the motivation that would help someone take that first step. Also, individuals residing in rural or remote areas where there are no counseling services, now have an option.
- Affordability: Web counseling has been shown to be more economical for both the therapist and client.
- Social stigma: Online therapy may help eliminate the social stigma associated with receiving therapy. For those who are uncomfortable to receive therapy, online services allow access in private.
- Anonymity: One common hesitation to therapy is the discomfort of sharing one’s problems with strangers. The absence of face to face contact may lead to an increased level of honesty.
One of the most popular online counseling services out there is BetterHelp.
Betterhelp has more than 4,000 licensed professionals on their site and they report they’ve helped more than one million people on their platform. All therapists have at least three years and 2,000 hours of hands-on experience. Counselors are psychologists, family therapists, clinical social workers, or licensed professional counselors and they have a broad range of expertise.
Users are matched with a licensed mental health professional based on the results of a quick assessment. It may take 24 hours or longer to connect you with a therapist, and if you are not happy with the therapist assigned to you, you can always request a new one. Therapists offer a full range of areas of expertise, ranging from career issues to life transitions.
The cost of counseling through BetterHelp ranges from $40 to $70 per week (billed monthly), and you can cancel your membership at any time for any reason.
Online Therapy is not the right solution if you are in crisis or have a severe mental illness, but it may be a great option if you want a licensed professional to talk to.
If you are a licensed therapist or are interested in a career in counseling, BetterHelp offers counselor jobs as well.