Mental health is one of the biggest pandemic issues we'll face in 2021.
So reads a December 2020 headline from CNN, one that is corroborated by many other sources. Anxiety around the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the social isolation and economic havoc it has caused, and the nation's brewing social unrest can all play a part.
But where do social distancing and stay-at-home orders leave the one-third of Americans currently suffering from the mental health fallout? Virtual therapy may provide the answer.
What it is: The concept should be familiar after nearly a year of communicating largely via computer screens and remote-messaging applications. But teletherapy can take many forms: live (video) chats; personal video, audio or text messaging; secure chat rooms.
Does it work: Though popularized by the pandemic, online therapy has been around as long as the internet. In that time, numerous studies have shown that video therapy can be as effective as face-to-face sessions. But that does not account for the text-based exchanges common on many of today's leading platforms.
Considerations: When adding in the security risks of virtual communication and the differences in regulations and requirements from state to state, there are a host of things to consider beyond a therapist's focus areas, cost and your personal connection with them.
* Is the therapist licensed in your state? If you travel to other states frequently, are they licensed there? If not, you'll probably have to change therapists.
* How will the sessions primarily be conducted? Are additional fees associated with alternate communication forms, like live video chats?
* How often will your therapist communicate with you, and what kind of response time is typical?
* What, if any, kinds of virtual therapy are covered by your insurance provider? (Some only cover live video chats or require a specific diagnosis beforehand.)
* Does the therapy platform accept insurance?
* Is it verified by a third party to be HIPAA compliant and all messaging to be encrypted?
* Who has or can have access to client information and communications, and under what circumstances? How and for how long is that information stored?
If you think you might prefer not having to drive to a therapist's office or share a room with a non-family member - or you can't find a local therapist with any availability - here are some popular virtual options to consider.
Talkspace
After you answer a short series of questions, a professional will match you with a handful of licensed therapists from the platform's pool of thousands, making sure they're licensed in your state. And Talkspace's depression test can tell you if "it's just a phase or something more." You'll choose your therapist and communication method: live video (can cost extra depending on your plan), text and audio messages, or picture and video messages in a private, text-based chat room. Like in an office setting, the therapists have set work hours and days, though the platform offers guaranteed response times within those hours, based on the time of your message. If you decide you don't like your therapist - all of whom have over 3,000 hours of clinical experience - you can choose another from your matches. You can opt for individual, couples or teen therapy, even psychiatry should you need medication.
Price: $260-$396 per month (many major insurance providers accepted)
BetterHelp
Billing itself as "the largest online counseling platform worldwide," BetterHelp features 15,000 licensed therapists - still only 15% of those who apply, based on its stringent vetting process. Each must have three years and 1,000 hours of hands-on experience and complete a case study exam, in addition to other qualifications. Based on your completed questionnaire, you will be matched with a therapist. If you don't like them, you can request to be matched again. You'll then be directed to a private and secure messaging room - which is where and how most of your communication will take place, though you can ask your therapist for live chats (text, audio or video). One benefit of the text-based interaction is that you can re-read your communications. Or, you can "shred" them. Between your "chats," your therapist may provide worksheets or homework.
Price: $60-$90 per week, billed every four weeks (generally not covered by insurance)
Amwell
Though Amwell has built a name for itself through the platform's broader telemedicine offerings, its mental health option gets high marks too. The service - available 24/7/365 - is very much "on demand." You browse providers available when you need them, and then choose based on their bio, qualifications and whatever else suits your fancy: What are their areas of expertise? Do they accept insurance? The more than 350 therapists available are not only licensed in their state, but trained specifically in telehealth as well. Selecting your (current) state from the drop-down list ensures they're licensed to practice where you are, and child specialists are available. Because the interactions are live and face-to-face, they are not recorded or stored. The broader network of providers means medication can be prescribed if needed, and could offer you a one-stop shop for conditions ranging from COVID-19 to postpartum issues to acute care.
Price: $99 per session for master's level therapist, $110 for doctoral level
For comparison
According to Talkspace and GoodTherapy.org, a directory of therapists nationwide, the average cost of in-person therapy typically ranges from $75-$150 per 45-minute session, based on the therapist's qualifications and your location.
FREE OPTIONS
7 Cups of Tea
This platform offers a free option to plug into a 24/7 emotional support network - which is what it is, as opposed to licensed therapy (though that is available for paying subscribers). Through private chat rooms, you can interact with a trained volunteer or connect with scheduled group sessions that address specific issues like relationships and LGBTQ.
Woebot
If you don't mind the idea of interacting with AI, or solely through text messaging, you can also get free help through this app, available for both iOS and Android. Developed by a group of psychologists, the app offers feedback founded in cognitive behavioral therapy techniques.