Most of us know someone who should be in therapy but is not. Too many people still feel ashamed about getting help with mental health. But virtual therapy – speaking with a therapist by phone, video chat, or text – opens new possibilities.

Virtual therapy has become popular in recent years thanks to startups like TalkSpace hiring Michael Phelps as a spokesperson. The pandemic also introduced more people to the idea of virtual therapy. One benefit is not having to go in person to a therapist’s office, which removes some of the stigma.

There are several options to access virtual therapy. Each option has its own pros and cons you should be aware of before jumping in.

Getting past ‘therapy is for crazy people.’

My grandfather used to say, “People go into psychiatry for self-treatment.” The idea that you have to ‘be crazy’ to need help with mental health is outdated to say the least. But that view is still very widespread.

I have several family members who struggled with mental health, but only one sought treatment. That is also the only one living a normal and productive life. The others see mental health care as something ‘for crazy people.’ They continue to struggle with relationships, finances, unemployment, and even basic housing.

The events of 2020 were so stressful that many more people realized therapy could help.

The 2020 mental health curve-ball

Before the pandemic there were an estimated 58 million adults and 8 million children with mental health issues like anxiety, depression, post traumatic stress, or addiction. Less than half received treatment.

The pandemic, job losses, deaths, and civil justice issues caused anxiety and stress to go way up across all age groups. Demand for virtual mental health broke records in 2020. According to Teledoc virtual mental health visits went up almost 80% for men and 75% for women.

It is worth noting that it is not just younger people who adopted virtual therapy. Teledoc’s mental health visits went up 16% for people over 65. It just goes to show that everyone felt the stress.

Rise of virtual therapy

The beauty of virtual therapy is it removes the stigma of seeking help. Even before the pandemic many companies started offering virtual mental health services to employees. This is because they recognized that mental health connects to medical health. For example 85% of people with depression have other health conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes.

To make getting help easier, many companies started offering online mental health tools that include things like articles, videos, and guided therapy. These tools were meant to remove the stigma of getting help with mental health, and avoid employees having to travel to a therapist.

For example, BlueCross BlueShield created options for employees working overseas to get virtual mental health services. This was so they did not need to try to navigate the new country to get help.

Options for getting virtual therapy:

There are several options for getting virtual mental health care for you or a family member. There are pros and cons to each, but you will have to decide what is the right fit based on your needs and budget.

Option #1: Virtual therapy through your insurance company

United Healthcare, Cigna, and even the 1199 health workers union has information on their websites about how to access virtual mental health services. The services available depend on your plan. But several companies have mental health services available 24/7.

Pros: The benefit of going through your insurance carrier is knowing which providers and services they cover. The cost of counseling can be a barrier for many people. This may be your best option if it is available and cost is a consideration.

Cons: Not all insurance carriers have this option. You may also be someone who lost your employer-sponsored insurance coverage during the pandemic.

There are also some people who really do not like the idea of their employer knowing they got mental health care. Even though employers cannot discriminate against you for mental health issues, some people do not want to go through their insurance company.

Option #2: Online therapy programs

This is where programs like TalkSpace and BetterHelp fit in. They are online services that offer video, phone, and text contact with a therapist. They generally start with an assessment, and match you to a therapist based on your answers. Their services are bundled in packages that include messaging and a certain number of live video sessions with the therapist.

You are billed for these packages monthly, and can expect to spend anywhere from $140-$396 per month. For example, Talkspace offers five different packages ranging from $65 to $99 per week. This includes unlimited messaging and various numbers of live sessions per month, with the price going up the more live sessions you want.

BetterHelp is a competitor of Talkspace, but it works almost the same way. BetterHelp’s pricing is a bit less expensive than TalkSpace since they start at $35 per week and go up to $80 per week depending on how long you sign up for ($35 per week goes with a year-long plan).

One different offering from BetterHelp is their partnership with a company called Brightside. Brightside includes doctors who can prescribe medications in some states depending on what is needed.

Pros: These programs are convenient, offer a lot of support options, and have sleek websites and apps. This option can be less expensive than some in-person therapists, many if whom charge $100-$200 per session.

To help with cost, some people have been able to pay for these with a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA).

Cons: Even though having all the message support seems great, a therapist friend of mine pointed out that he would normally try to get clients to become more independent. His concern with the unlimited messaging is it could actually be enabling behavior that does not help the client with their treatment plan.

Option #3: Telehealth companies

Several telehealth companies you may have already heard of do offer mental health care. Teladoc offers mental health services by phone or video. Since Teladoc accepts insurance, the service may be free. Without insurance a mental health visit can cost as much as $99.

iCliniq does have therapists in their online directory with fees at $29.99 for a video chat.

Option #4: Therapists offering online and in-person sessions

Because of the pandemic, there are also many therapists who have pivoted their in-person practices to also offer virtual sessions. Sites like Therapy Tribe help you search for therapists in your area who offer online therapy.

Having the option of either in-person or virtual may be the best combination for you or your family member.

Key Takeaways:

There are many people who could benefit from therapy, but let old stigmas hold them back from seeing a therapist. One positive side effect of the pandemic is more openness to virtual care. Virtual therapy can be a good way to start a relationship with a therapist from the privacy of your home.

• There are several options for getting virtual therapy:
• Virtual therapy through your insurance company – if this is an option, it can mean lower cost for you.
• Online therapy programs – thanks to Michael Phelps, many people have heard of these and like the package of texting and video chat options.
• Telehealth companies – places like Teladoc and iCliniq employ therapists and do not require insurance.
• Therapists offering online and in-person sessions – possibly the best combination if you may want the option to see your therapist in an office.

Getting help when needed is the most important thing. Whether it is for you, a family member, or a friend, any of these options is a good place to start.