Mental Health Online: Schedule Therapy and Get Better Soon

Online Counseling and Therapy Trends

Thanks to technology, there are now mental health online services. Also known as online therapy, telehealth, or e-therapy, mental health online is more accessible to patients who need it. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, mobile devices like cell phones, smartphones, tablets, and laptops are giving the public, doctors, and researchers new ways to access help, monitor progress, and increase mental health knowledge. 

The most common conditions that can be treated with telehealth therapy include the following:

• Addiction
• Anger management
• Anxiety disorders
• Bipolar disorder
• Depression
• Eating disorders
• Relationship conflict

While mental health online services may seem simple, they’re also very effective. In fact, this type of technology can be found in smartphone applications or apps. Some mental health online apps utilize the mobile device’s built-in sensors to collect information on a user’s behavioral patterns. That way, when the app detects a behavior change, it omits a signal to show help is needed to prevent a crisis. Other apps are stand-alone programs that help improve memory or critical thinking skills. Then there are the apps that connect you to a peer counselor or health care professional. Additional online therapy apps include: 

• Self-management apps
• Critical thinking apps
• Skill-training apps
• Illness management
• Passive symptom tracking
• Data collection

Recently, online mental health services have become more and more popular. In fact, thousands of mental health apps are available for download, and the number is growing yearly. The downfall to mental health online is that there is very little information on app effectiveness, leading patients to wonder which mental health apps they can trust. 

To discover how the mental and behavioral health care programs can help patients at You Behavioral Health via our online platform, give us a call at (855) 206-2268 to get started.

10 Benefits of Online Therapy

Studies show that there is a wide range of benefits to mental health online. These are 10 advantages to e-therapy: 

1. Enhanced convenience: scheduling in-person therapy around a busy schedule can be tough. With online therapy, you don’t have to worry about commute time because you can do mental health online from anywhere
2. Anonymity: with online therapy, you don’t have to worry about running into someone you know because e-therapy is conducted over the internet
3. Introduction to mental health care: if you have hesitations about visiting a therapist, then online therapy may be a good introduction to care
4. Lower cost: mental health online apps are free or cost less than traditional care. Other times, insurance companies will cover telehealth services, including mental health
5. Provides service to more patients: technology allows mental health providers to now treat people who live in rural or remote areas of the country or people who may need immediate or sudden care
6. More interesting therapy approach: some mental health online services may be more appealing than traditional in-person methods. In fact, some apps include games, videos, podcasts, and other learning techniques 
7. Offers 24-hour service: with online therapy, patients can receive help anytime they need it, 24 hours a day, seven days a week
8. Consistent care: mental health online can offer the same treatment program to all users, making slight adjustments per individual
9. Increased support: if you’re not sold on online therapy, consider doing it in tandem with in-person therapy. Studies show that e-therapy can complement traditional therapy by extending an in-person session, reinforcing new skills, and providing support and monitoring of symptoms
10. Objective data collection: technology doesn’t discriminate, so it can quantitatively collect information such as location, movement, phone use, and more

While online therapy has many benefits, one question remains: is e-therapy effective? Studies show that online therapy is equally as effective as in-person sessions. In fact, research shows that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is at least as effective as traditional therapy and works for a range of conditions including depression, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, panic, post-traumatic stress disorder, bipolar disorder, psychosis, phobias, and more. Additionally, a 2020 review of 17 studies found that online CBT for depression may be more effective than face-to-face therapy. 

How effective therapy can be often depends on finding the best therapist for you. 

How to Choose an Online Therapist

Before finding a therapist, it’s best to determine what you want from therapy first. Here are some common factors to consider: 

• What do you want to work on in therapy?
• How frequently do you want to meet for sessions?
• How much does online therapy cost?

Next, it’s time to find and vet a therapist. The biggest factor to consider when it comes to finding an online therapist is ensuring they’re properly accredited and certified. A good rule of thumb is to check to see if the therapist’s name title is regulated by the state licensing board. You can simply ask the therapist to send their license number to find out. If they have a negative reaction, that’s a red flag that you don’t want to work with them. 

Additional factors to consider when choosing a mental health online counselor include: 

• Physical location: ensure the therapist you see is licensed in the state where you live
• Privacy concerns: double-check the therapist has a HIPAA compliant video chat software to ensure maximum privacy
• Specific treatment concerns: anytime you work with a therapist, you’ll want to make sure they specialize in the thing or things that bring you into the office
• Cost/insurance coverage: consult your insurance company to find out what your coverage options are when it comes to mental health online telehealth
• Your fit with the therapist: one of the most important things is making sure you and the therapist are a good fit. You should feel comfortable and at ease with your mental health care provider

Another way to find an online therapist is through a mental health facility, such as You Behavioral Health. 

Address Your Mental Health Online With You Behavioral Health

If you or a loved one are interested in online therapy, consider seeking care from You Behavioral Health. Here, you’ll receive personalized treatment to help you heal. 

First, You Behavioral Health will take you through a mental health assessment. This questionnaire is designed by licensed and accredited therapists and is meant to evaluate your mental health. This assessment helps determine the type of care that would be best for you. 

Next, you and a therapist will work together to create an individualized treatment plan that meets your unique needs. Once you’ve completed the first two steps, the healing process begins. From there, you can receive support for depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, and then some to build a foundation for ongoing success. 

At You Behavioral Health, you can enroll in online therapy sessions for treatment on the go. With help from licensed and trained professionals, you can undergo CBT, dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), trauma-informed therapy, individual therapy, and more.

Wondering if you can afford mental health online? You Behavioral Health accepts all major insurance companies to make it easier for patients to seek care. 

Interested in virtual therapy that nurtures healing but is delivered online? Contact You Behavioral Health for more details.