Is Online Therapy Legit?
So, we know you can get just about anything you want online now but some of it is not worth your time. Like those websites that say you can make a million dollars a week just by clicking on their page. Yeah, right. If that were true, we would all be rich. But, how about online therapy in your home or another location you choose? Is that legit or fake? Well, this is a complicated question.
Is It Legit?
Of course, there are always going to be some fake sites just trying to scam people for money. I mean, I guess anyone can post a page saying they have professional therapists and counselors on staff. However, the trick is to find a site that has the real licensed therapists and counselors. There are many that have licensed therapists, counselors, and psychologists that you can look up and verify before even trying them. But, if I were you, I would talk to others who have used these online services and get recommendations. For example, betterhelp.com has over 2,000 licensed professionals available 24 hours a day. No appointment needed.
Why Online Therapy?
So, why choose online therapy instead of going to an actual therapist for treatment? Well, convenience for one. You do not have to search for a therapist near you, set an appointment, and then find a babysitter, get dressed, and drive to the office. You do not even have to get dressed. Or set an appointment. And who needs a babysitter? Just tell them to go out and play while you talk to your therapist. You will be feeling better in no time. Seriously, though, many people have trouble doing anything when they are depressed, which is one of the most common mental illnesses in the United States. It is a struggle just to get out of bed in the morning for some, so being able to talk to a therapist from the comfort of your own home makes it so much easier. It is also cheaper. That is a big plus. And you can even be anonymous if you want to. You cannot do that face to face, can you?
How Does Online Therapy Work?
The first thing to do is to choose a reputable website, look up their accreditation, and check them out thoroughly. If they have been around for a while, they are most likely legit because the American Psychological Association keeps an eye on things like that and will make sure to shut down the bad ones. Once you have found the one you like, you can choose how you want to talk to the therapist. You can do videoconferencing like Facetime or Skype, chatting online, instant messaging, telephone, email, or even texting. Many of the reputable sites offer most, if not all, of these choices.
The Cons of Online Therapy
Of course, there are bad points for everything, right? Nothing is right for everyone. What helps me may not help you at all. For example, you may not like talking on the phone or internet. Maybe you would rather talk to a therapist face to face. Also, a lot of insurance companies do not pay for online therapy. Yet. As it gets more popular, more insurance companies are jumping on the bandwagon. So, whichever way you want to get help, if you need to talk to someone, just do it. Life is too short to be unhappy.
