Mental health crisis has become a huge issue across the globe. However, for the USA, the problem seems to be more severe. Not only is the number of reported cases increasing each year, but the lack of enough support is making the situation worse.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), one in five US adults lives with mental illness. And not enough support is there to help these people out.
However, online therapy can solve this situation to a great extent.
If you live in Massachusetts and are curious about the scope of online therapy there, this article is for you.
We will discuss the current mental health condition of the state, how online therapy in Massachusetts can be a solution, and what platforms to go to; keep reading.
Why Do You Need Online Therapy Massachusetts
Massachusetts, like many other states, is combating mental health issues. Numerous studies and reports shed light on the seriousness of this issue.
According to the Behavioral Health Barometer report by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), a massive population of Massachusetts’s adults and youth are affected by mental health disorders.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) reports that 1,155,000 adults in Massachusetts have a mental health condition. This is more than six times the population of Worcester. 42% of this population struggle with some level of anxiety or depression.
Not only adults but the youth are struggling too. NAMI’s report indicates that 66,000 Bay Staters aged 12–17 have depression. This is causing high schoolers to be twice as likely to drop out. This can have a devastating impact on the state’s socio-economic condition.
However, despite all these soaring numbers, Massachusetts is failing to increase its number of mental health professionals.
According to NAMI, 273,105 people in Massachusetts live in a community that does not have enough mental health professionals. And the other majority that has access refrain from it because of the high cost.
Plus, the stigma around mental health care is still prevalent in Massachusetts, which is not helping to solve the workforce shortage.
Therefore, judging the above issues, online therapy seems the best option in Massachusetts.
Does Online Therapy Work?
For those who don’t know, online therapy or teletherapy is a remote way of providing mental health support. Here, your therapy sessions are held on mobile, tablet, PC, or other devices instead of in person. Based on your preference, you can choose between modes like live calling, video calling, or live texting.
But is it as effective as in-clinic therapy? And can it solve Massachusetts’ declining mental health?
The answer is yes. It can help solve Massachusetts’ mental health crisis to a great extent.
According to research, for cases like anxiety and depression, online therapy can be as effective as the traditional one. This can help support the state’s mental health support shortage and help the adults and youth before things get out of hand.
With advancements now, you can avail a range of therapy online like-
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR), etc.
Things To Consider Before Going For Online Therapy
Before coming to a decision on whether online therapy is for you or not, you should be aware of some of its aspects. Here, we have given a checklist. Make sure to go through it before making up your mind.
How serious is your mental health condition?
Online therapy works great for conditions like minimum to moderate levels of anxiety, depression, and mood disorders. Or for relationship therapies.
But if you are struggling with severe mental illness like bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or major depressive disorder, online therapy is not for you.
Are you good with technology?
Since online therapy is provided through mobile, PC, or similar gadgets, you must be familiar with them. If you are not very technology-friendly or struggle with using the internet, online therapy can become a task for you.
Does your health care insurance cover online therapy?
Online therapy is comparatively cheaper than in-clinic treatment, almost half the cost. But in the longer run, having your insurance is always better. It will ensure you won’t have to stop your therapies mid-way due to monetary issues.
How disciplined and adamant are you to improve your mental health?
Unlike traditional therapy, in teletherapy, you need to be more disciplined. As you are the one scheduling and setting up the session’s environment, you need to be more responsible.
This is why online therapy is not suggested for underage people without parental guidance.
Top 5 Platforms To Get Online Therapy- Massachusetts
Here’s the list of the top five online therapy platforms in Massachusetts, with their services, average cost, and accepted insurance.
| Platform | Services | Average Cost | Accepted Insurances |
| BetterHelp | Individual counseling, couples counseling, teen counseling, LGBTQ+ counseling and more | $80 – $100 per week | Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Humana, UnitedHealthcare, and more |
| Talkspace | Individual counseling, couples counseling, teen counseling, LGBTQ+ counseling and more | $65 – $99 per week | Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, and more |
| Amwell | Individual counseling, couples counseling, teen counseling, LGBTQ+ counseling and more | $85 – $150 per session | Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, and more |
| Teladoc | Individual counseling, couples counseling, teen counseling, LGBTQ+ counseling and more | $0 – $299 per session | Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, and more |
| Brightside | Individual counseling, couples counseling, teen counseling, LGBTQ+ counseling Medication managementPsychiatry, etc. | $199 per month | Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, and more |
Tips To Choose The Therapist Online
Searching for the right therapist online can be difficult, especially when you have so many options to pick from.
In traditional therapy, we usually go by recommendations. Someone from our friends and family recommends us the best person they know about. But this doesn’t happen online.
So, how do you know if the therapist will be a good fit for you? Well, here are some tips for that.
- Always go to licensed practitioners who have atleast three years of working experience.
- Instead of a general practitioner, go to specialists who handle your area of concern.
- If you get the opportunity of a free trial session, go for it. Utilize it to understand your compatibility with the therapist.
- Your care provider should listen to your goals and work towards them.
- Ask them about their treatment approach and see if that’s comfortable with you.
Final Thoughts
It is your right to have good mental health; you should try everything to improve it. If you cannot go for traditional therapy, e-therapy can be an excellent option. If you find the right care provider, you can resolve your mental issues at an early stage.
But we must remind you again about its limitations. If you are already dealing with severe mental illness or having self-harming thoughts, you must not rely on online therapy.
For cases like that, you should seek immediate in-person help. Here are some numbers you can contact 24/7.
Massachusetts Behavioral Health helpline: 833-733-2445
National mental health crisis helpline: 988