Therapy is not for crazy people or for those who have hit rock bottom.
In fact, you should go to counseling before it hits that point, because it is most effective when you stay proactive and find ways to control your stress or anxiety before it becomes severe.
The first time I decided to go to counseling was after the death of my grandfather. It was a tough time for me and trying to sort my feelings out with friends and even with myself wasn’t helping.
I had gone into it thinking that it wouldn’t be effective and boy was I fooled. It was one of the best decisions I had ever made and it helped me in so many ways.
I’ve only tried in-person counseling, but as an on-the-go kind of person, I see the benefits that online therapy can have and through thorough research, it’s been found to be just as effective.
That’s why we’ve researched and rounded up well-known online therapy websites and services that are flexible, convenient and affordable.
#1. Breakthrough
Breakthrough is a confidential online therapy and counseling website that is all done through video chatting, either via Skype or Google Hangouts.
You can search for therapists, social workers, psychiatrists and counselors that are in your area by entering your zip code.
Next to each therapist, you’ll find all the information you need, which includes what insurance they take, if they take cash, what their rates are, their specialties and where they’re located.
The awesome thing about Breakthrough is that you can chat with therapists that you’re interested in, before you book a session so you can see if they are the right fit for you.
Create an account on the website and you can start booking your first and future sessions using their online calendar and schedule.
Website: https://www.breakthrough.com/
#2. BetterHelp
Another online counseling website that is convenient if you’re a person who is always on the go. You can access BetterHelp on your computer, your smartphone or your tablet at wherever.
You take an assessment and they will match you to counselors that could be a good match for you, based on your situation, your preferences and what you’re looking to get out of therapy.
In contrast to Breakthrough, where all sessions are done by video chatting, BetterHelp is not done in real-time and you do not need to schedule a session.
You have access to chatting with your therapist whenever you need it and whenever you and your therapist have agreed to speak.
As for finances, you can try out BetterHelp for seven days before you make a decision on whether or not you decide to commit to a membership or a subscription.
Should you decide to continue with this service, they have three plans: monthly ($35 per week), weekly ($40 per week) and quarterly ($28 per week). You can cancel your subscription at any time.
Website: https://www.betterhelp.com/
#3. Lantern
Lantern is not a full-out online therapy service but they have a program for those who have stress, anxiety, or both, which provides tools that are supposed to help you manage it.
You take a short assessment that includes a range of questions that will help them determine which therapist may be the right fit for you. All coaches are licensed and trained professionals.
What’s different about Lantern is that on your dashboard, they have daily reading and techniques that may be effective in helping with what you’re struggling with.
This service is not done through video chat but you can talk on the phone or message online with your assigned coach whenever you want to talk to them.
The cost for Lantern is currently $49 per month, which amounts to less than $2 per session, a lot cheaper than regular in-person counseling services.
Website: https://golantern.com/
#4. Talkspace
You may have seen or read about Talkspace while browsing through your smartphone’s app store, because it’s a fairly popular online therapy service that has an app.
This online therapy service provides what the first two companies provide and there’s nothing particularly unique about this one.
There have been great reviews and the therapists are well-trained and professional. What separates Talkspace over others is that it is literally easily accessible.
You can talk to your therapist at anytime, anywhere, by sending a text through the app, in addition to speaking to them by using your laptop.
Their prices are more than reasonable and they have a variety of plans you can subscribe to. You can do it weekly ($49 per week), monthly ($25 per week), quarterly ($19 per week) or yearly ($12 per week).
Website: http://www.talkspace.com/
Featured Image: Bigstock
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