Online Therapy

This week I wanted to talk about online therapy options such as BetterHelp or TalkSpace. There are benefits and drawbacks to this as opposed to more traditional therapy options, and I thought it good to take a quick look at those pros and cons.

The benefits are that they offer more flexibility in scheduling therapy, as well as flexibility in how you communicate with your therapist. It is also more convenient for some people since you don’t have to travel to your therapists office. Additionally, all the therapists are licensed, generally having a masters level degree or higher and multiple years of experience according to their websites.

It can also increase your options if you are looking for a therapist who is part of a specific demographic, such as a certain religion or someone who specializes in gender affirming therapy.

Yet it isn’t the right option for everyone. Some online therapy platforms, such as BetterHelp, automatically match you with a therapist. Choosing your therapist is an option, just one isn’t as obvious, requiring more navigation on their website. Additionally, online therapy, whether through an online platform or through telehealth appointments with traditional therapists, limit the ability of the therapist to read your non-verbal cues.

Online therapy platforms also might not be the right option if you are in crisis, or are dealing with frequent thoughts of harming yourself or others. It can also be tricky how insurance companies handle online therapy platforms (although insurance issues can be equally tricky for traditional therapy as well).

Ultimately, as with most tools in the recovery toolbox, the question of whether online therapy is right for you will come down to personal preference. Online therapy platforms might work great for some, while being a poor choice for others. While we hope this breakdown offers some guidance for those who might be trying to decide between traditional therapy and online therapy platforms, sometimes finding the right approach simply comes down to trial and error, which we admit can be frustrating. However, even missteps that turn out not to be the right approach for you are steps closer to finding the tools that will help you.

And always know if you need more support along the way, we are here for you.