10 Affordable Online Therapy Platforms to Improve Mental Health on a Budget
Mental health is just as important as physical health, but it’s often neglected. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), one in five adults in the United States experiences a mental illness each year. Luckily, there are many affordable online therapy platforms available to improve mental health on a budget.
In this blog post, we’ll explore 10 of the best online therapy platforms that are affordable and easy to use. Keep reading for more information!
This pandemic has changed our world in a lot of ways. One of the most prominent changes was the isolation of people and countries ridden with pandemic surges and cases.
Not only has the virus attacked and destroyed lives physically, but socially and mentally, as well.
The grief due to the loss of family members to COVID-19, the worries about finances and job security, and the emotional fallout of social distancing that has kept families apart for a long time, all have serious ill effects mentally on each and everyone affected.
On the other hand, this pandemic has brought about innovations not only in medicine but also in social relations.
There has been a rise in online therapy platforms, which are teletherapy or telehealth consultations done online.
These remote mental health counseling programs were developed to address the rising depression and anxiety incidence now seen in people of all ages, brought about by isolation and the effects of this pandemic.
Multiple studies suggest that online therapy platforms are just as effective as face-to-face therapy sessions, and just as useful and helpful.
Not only are they accessible, but they are also more affordable.
Online Therapy Platforms Vs. In-Person Therapy
Aside from the increase in the need for counseling and therapy for mental health issues, there are other similarities between online therapy platforms and in-person therapy sessions.
- You will be communicating with a licensed mental health professional in both modalities.
- An appointment is still needed before the actual session, be it online or in person.
- You still have to pay for these services; however, the rates may vary per modality.
On the other hand, there are some significant differences between online therapy and traditional therapy sessions such as:
- For traditional therapy sessions, your counselor can pick up non-verbal cues and body language, which may be difficult in an online approach. Non-verbal cues and body language are vital in planning your treatment or management, as these can help your counselor understand your needs better.
- In-person therapy sessions are held in a neutral location. This helps in the overall ambiance of the therapy sessions. You can talk freely about your thoughts and feelings, unlike when you are at work or home for online therapy.
- Costs for online therapy platforms may be more affordable than in-person therapy sessions, which take in the costs of space, overhead expenses, and logistics for the clinic.
- Online therapy sessions offer the convenience of flexibility and accessibility when you have a busy schedule. You can have it wherever you are.
- Virtual therapy can also offer different modes or forms of communication with your therapist. You can video chat or just talk through messaging apps, which are easier if the patient feels more at ease talking via the messenger app.
- One of the benefits of online therapy platforms is the accessibility to immediate care, which is different from traditional therapy sessions. For virtual therapy, you can contact your therapist anytime, while for in-person therapy, you have to wait for the next scheduled session. This is great for someone experiencing anxiety and panic attacks.
- There is more privacy when you talk to your therapist directly over the phone rather than going to the clinic for sessions. Calls are more discreet with virtual therapy.
Features of Online Therapy Platforms
Here are some features of online therapy platforms:
Video sessions
Some therapy platforms offer video chat services with a licensed therapist.
This makes it similar to in-person therapy.
Messaging
Messaging through an app is also an option for virtual therapy.
This is a great option for those people who have a difficult time opening up personally or via video chats.
Counseling for couples, teens, groups, etc.
Another feature of online therapy includes counseling for couples or groups, across all age groups.
Medication management services
This is a great feature since it rids you of the hassle of going out and getting the medicines prescribed to you by your psychiatrist.
The medication can be sent directly to your home.
10 Affordable Online Therapy Platforms to Improve Mental Health on a Budget
Source: https://selfcareseeker.com/affordable-online-therapy-platforms/
The table above summarizes some of the online therapy platforms according to their features and the cost.
Not all platforms have a licensed professional or psychiatrist, which is a limitation when it comes to diagnosis and treatment.
Also, not all platforms are covered by insurance as this approach is fairly new. Here are some of the affordable online therapy sessions that you might find helpful:
Talkspace
Talkspace offers an affordable virtual therapy option for individuals and groups.
They also offer video, call, or chat sessions. The chatroom is available 24/7.
The great thing about Talkspace is that it is covered by insurance, and the sessions are handled by psychiatrists, however, they are only available 5 days a week.
The online therapy sessions are flexible.
The plan starts at $69 per week.
BetterHelp
This is the world’s largest online therapy platform, employing over 20,000 licensed therapists.
Access to specialized areas in mental health is a forte for this platform. Like Talkspace, they also offer chat, call, or video sessions.
You can change providers at any time. You also have the option to remain anonymous while getting help for your mental health issues.
One of the best features of BetterHelp is the different subscription plans available to fit your needs and budget.
However, this platform is not yet covered by insurance.
The cost for this platform starts at $60-$90 monthly.
Cerebral
Cerebral offers multiple affordable options to get therapy (weekly or monthly), and medications can be delivered directly to your door.
This is covered by insurance, however, Cerebral only offers services to 18 years old and older.
The cost starts at $29 per month.
Online-therapy.com
Offers multiple ways to communicate with your therapist (video sessions, calls, or chat).
They also provide cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) via guided videos and worksheets.
They also included an easy-to-use journal that can show your progress, an activity tracker for your self-care activities, and meditation and yoga videos.
This platform, however, is not covered by insurance.
All treatment and care are CBT-based. There are no medications prescribed and the therapists are available from Monday to Friday only.
The price starts at $31.96 per week.
ReGain
Is an online relationship therapy platform that is specifically designed for the resolution of conflict, affairs, and other related issues between couples.
The partners will be given a joint account and access to all communication.
The video session requires the couples to be in the same location, so this may pose a problem for those in long-distance relationships.
Unfortunately, this platform is not covered by insurance.
The cost starts at $60-$90 per week.
Wellnite
Is an affordable online therapy option that focuses largely on anxiety and depression. they have multiple plans to fit your needs.
You can also choose your therapist, doctor, or mental health coach among the lineup provided to you.
They provide many treatment options such as CBT, mindfulness therapy, feminist therapy, among others.
The downside is that medications prescribed are for anxiety and depression only.
Anything that is outside the diagnosis of depression and anxiety is not entertained.
Plans start at $37.50 bi-weekly.
Ayana Therapy
Offers mental health services to marginalized and intersectional communities.
Their therapists receive cultural competency training to avoid misdiagnosis.
Patients can remain anonymous during online sessions, which can be done through text, call, or video chats. However, this platform is not covered by insurance.
Prices for their services are not provided on their website.
Amwell
Is an affordable and flexible online therapy platform.
Their therapists are available as needed and some are also available on nights and even during weekends.
They also offer couples therapy, for depression, insomnia, panic and anxiety attacks, and a lot more.
However, the mode of communication is via video calls.
This platform is covered by your health insurance, but you have to pay per visit or session, as they do not offer subscription-based therapy services.
The cost per session starts at $109-$129.
Monument
Offers affordable and personalized online alcohol treatment. This platform focuses more on substance abuse, specifically alcohol.
They offer medication management services and online alcohol support groups.
They also have a 24/7 anonymous community forum where you can connect with people with the same experiences and problems.
This platform is covered by insurance.
While the community membership is free, there are additional costs that come with subscription plans.
MDLive
Is an affordable online therapy platform that provides mental health services. You can get individual sessions or get a full subscription.
You can also choose your provider and communicate with their responsive customer service hotline.
Medication management services are also offered. This platform is covered by insurance.
The cost starts at $108 per session.
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Mental health is just as important as physical health, but it’s often neglected. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), one in five adults in the United States experiences a mental illness each year.
Luckily, there are many affordable online therapy platforms available to improve mental health on a budget.
If you’re struggling with your mental health, don’t hesitate to reach out for help.
There are many resources available to you, including online therapy platforms and local support groups.
Don’t suffer in silence – get the help you need today.
Therapy is often expensive, but this should not stop you from seeking help and treatment. Invest in yourself and good mental health.
