Recent research has shown that online therapy can be just as effective as face-to-face therapy. But, that doesn't mean every site is created equally and all online therapists are legitimate. When it comes to finding the right company for online counseling, you must consider the cost, how well the service ensures privacy and if they meet HIPAA qualifications, and if you're comfortable with their communication systems. Here’s a look at four trustworthy and different online therapy websites.
1. BetterHelp
Betterhelp is consistently rated among the top online therapy sites. The platform hosts more than 2,000 therapists and 500,000 patients, and has one of the most protected servers for privacy. All messages are secured using “banking-grade 256-bit encryption;” you have the option to both review or permanently delete messages. BetterHelp matches you with a counselor, and provides you with unlimited messaging -- “messaging” can be phone calls, chat sessions, video sessions, and a private, onsite messaging system where you can contact your counselor at any time. Health insurance does not generally cover BetterHelp, nor will it reimburse you. Plans range from $35-$70 a week.
2. TalkSpace
The unique thing about TalkSpace is that they offer not only personal counseling, but also relationship counselling. The basic package starts at $128 a month for a daily “therapist check in”, and extends as high as $396 a month for 2 check-ins each day and 4 live sessions each month. You can also leave messages for your therapist to respond to. The site also has an accompanying app for mobile use. It has HIPAA compliant privacy assurances, but doesn't accept insurance plans. Their therapists are nationwide (making it easier to find one in your state), licensed, and specialize in a variety of therapeutic techniques.
3. 7 Cups
7 Cups offers the traditional means of connecting with an online therapist, starting at $150 per month. However, the really unique thing about 7 Cups is their free, online therapy chat. Volunteers are trained as “listeners,” and you can choose someone based on similar life experiences or other traits, and then chat anonymously. Talking to a listener doesn’t guarantee you'll be chatting with a psychologist, but it does provide you with someone who will listen to what you say and help you find ways to sort through what’s going on in your life -- without having to fork out a few hundred dollars every month.
4. BreakThrough
BreakThrough is a little different from the other therapy sites on this list. Rather than a means for patients to find counselors, it’s a way for counselors to expand and work with their clients online. Their video based platform is available in all 50 states, assuming your therapist uses the site. Rather than having set prices and plans, your counselors sets the rate -- luckily, that means some insurance plans will reimburse patients for this particular online therapy. Breakthrough is HIPAA compliant and doesn't store or record any sessions.
