5 Important Online Mental Health Resources You Need to Know
Mental health is of paramount importance to the overall health and well-being of human beings. It can affect a person’s behavior as well, as how they feel and think on a day-to-day basis. Poor mental health, which can be caused by internal or external factors, is associated with an increased risk of physical health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. According to a study in the journal World Psychiatry, more than 50 percent of people are diagnosed with some form of mental illness in their lifetime. Even those who aren’t diagnosed with a mental illness may experience mental health challenges at various points in their lives.
The COVID-19 pandemic and the societal shutdowns it caused have exacerbated mental health problems worldwide. According to the World Health Organization, the prevalence of depression and anxiety increased by 25 percent through the first year of the pandemic. There are several things people can do to manage symptoms of depression and anxiety, including exercising, socializing, and maintaining a healthy diet.
Sometimes, however, these proactive measures aren’t enough. Speaking with a licensed therapist or psychiatrist can help individuals with poor mental health work through their problems. Below are five popular online mental health platforms that give users the ability to speak directly with therapists and other mental health professionals.
BetterHelp
BetterHelp is one of the most well-known and effective platforms for mental health support. The online therapy app has a network of more than 25,000 licensed mental health professionals from diverse backgrounds and cultures to help individuals with an array of challenges, including depression and anxiety, relationship problems, and trauma. Other services provided include addiction counseling, couples counseling, marriage and family therapy, and gender-affirming therapy. Users can communicate with BetterHelp’s professionals through the medium of their choice, whether it’s live chat, video calls, or messaging.
BetterHelp is an extremely cost-effective alternative to in-office therapy, which can range from $75 to $200 per session. Membership is between $60 and $90 per week and users are only charged in four-week intervals. Users are paired with qualified professionals after filling out a questionnaire in which they list their age, gender identity, and relationship status, among other background details.
Talkspace
Rated as the best overall app for mental health by the website verywellmind.com, Talkspace works similarly to BetterHelp in that it prompts users to complete a brief assessment before matching them with a certified therapist. Users can also select how they’d like to communicate with their therapist. Depending on the subscription plan, the monthly fee for Talkspace can be more than $500, but the company accepts insurance, whereas BetterHelp doesn’t. The most comprehensive package includes video, messaging, and access to weekly mental health workshops.
Talkspace serves all 50 states and has a network of 3,000 licensed therapists, mental health counselors, and social workers. It also offers targeted services for businesses, as well as veterans and members of the LGBTQ+ community.
Brightside
Brightside is one of the most cost-effective online platforms with membership options ranging from $95 to $349. It also accepts insurance. Whereas BetterHelp and Talkspace offer a variety of mental health services, Brightside specializes in depression and anxiety and provides a proprietary treatment plan that involves therapy, self-care, and medication. Prospective users can complete a free mental health assessment and enroll in a free self-care program before registering for membership.
The cheapest membership tier, $95, is for medication only. Users are diagnosed and given a prescription by a licensed psychiatrist following a 15-minute video consultation. The therapy only membership plan, offered at $299 per month, includes a 45-minute introductory therapy session as well as one 30-minute session each week and unlimited messaging.
Teen Counseling
Mental health isn’t just a concern for adults. The WHO, in 2021, reported that 14 percent of youth worldwide between the ages of 10 and 19 experience mental health conditions. While many apps offer services catering to youth, the website and app Teen Counseling is among the best platforms to help teenagers navigate their unique mental health challenges.
To start, parents discuss their child’s issues with a licensed therapist, after which the child can connect with the therapist through an app on their phone. Communication options include phone and video calls and texting. Therapists will mostly keep all communication private, but will alert parents if intervention is needed.
Pride Counseling
Members of the LGBTQ+ community experience mental health challenges at a higher rate than the general population. Pride Counseling recognizes this and, as such, provides accessible therapy services with expertise in areas such as depression and anxiety, family conflicts, relationships, and eating disorders. All of the counselors have at least three years and over 1,000 hours of experience in working with the LGBTQ+ community. Membership ranges from $60 to $90 per week. The services are not covered by health insurance, Medicaid, or Medicare.
