In Michigan, 22% of adults (approximately 1,729,000 people) suffered from a mental illness in 2023. Moreover, almost 50% of adults did not receive any treatment to improve their mental health.
After the onset of COVID-19, online therapy has become more common, offering an alternative to in-person therapy in Michigan. Online therapy offers a cheaper and more convenient alternative to traditional therapy methods. Many online therapy platforms connect individuals with licensed mental health professionals.
This article evaluates the benefits of online therapy in Michigan, the pros and cons of different online platforms, teen therapy, and the various services provided.
Online Therapy in Michigan
According to the Kaiser Foundation, 29.9% of adults in Michigan had symptoms of anxiety or depression. This makes it almost at par with the U.S. national average of 31.1%.
Online therapy in Michigan can provide a quick and affordable solution to address anxiety and depression with almost similar efficacy compared to in-person therapy.
Many online platforms offer additional online resources such as text messaging and online journaling that can help users solve their mental health challenges.
What Are the Benefits of Online Therapy?
According to the National Alliance on Medical Association (NAMI), 355,000 individuals experienced a serious mental health issue in Michigan recently. This is due to shortages of professionals and affordability among other reasons.
Online therapy offers a convenient alternative to provide quick and cost-effective therapy to the residents of Michigan.
1. Addresses Accessibility Needs
Almost 20% of Michigan’s population resides in rural areas making it difficult to access in-person therapy sessions. Moreover, the Kaiser Foundation indicates that only 33.1% of mental healthcare needs are met in Michigan. With online therapy, Michiganders can access therapy from the comfort of their home starting their journey to mental wellness.
2. Caters to Diverse Wants
Michigan has a thriving multicultural community, especially in urban areas such as Detroit and Ann Arbor. These diverse communities including Hispanics, Blacks, and Asians can find it challenging to locate a therapist who can understand their unique cultural issues. Online therapy platforms, with their vast directories, can connect users with the therapist of their choice in mere seconds.
3. Provides Holistic Assistance
With Michigan’s flourishing industrial and educational environment, many students and professionals find it costly and unsuitable to get therapy. This is primarily due to tight schedules, and long hours for study or work. Users find online therapy easy to fit into their schedules and cheaper than many in-person clinics. Online therapy platforms also support users in staying consistent with additional online tools such as journals and activity plans.
Mental Health Problems Addressed Using Online Therapy
With the high prevalence of major depressive disorder, substance abuse, and drug overuse among other illnesses in Michigan, the need for therapy is pressing.
Online therapy can offer a viable solution to address these disorders and help the residents of Michigan get better.
The following mental illnesses are covered by most online therapy platforms.
- Anxiety
- Stress
- Depression
- Substance abuse
- Drug overuse
- Family problems
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder
- Chronic pain management
- Eating disorders
- Insomnia
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Trauma
- Anger management
Integrating Online Therapy Into Your Life: Expert Tips
Just like any other technology, it can initially prove to be challenging to work with an online therapist. However, by staying focused and consistent, you can start feeling better in no time with online therapy.
Tip # 1 Staying Regular and Consistent
The key to your mental well-being lies in being regular and consistent with online therapy. For starters, it is a good idea to set a specific time for a session with the therapist and stay consistent in meeting them.
Moreover, creating a dedicated spot in your house with no disturbances can also help you stay focused on addressing your mental well-being.
Tip # 2 Leveraging the Surroundings
Being one with nature can help humans overcome their mental worries significantly. With Michigan’s natural beauty including lakes, falls, and national parks, you can connect with nature and practice mindfulness.
You can also plan and plan some online sessions in the great outdoors to help your mind relax and unwind. Going hiking, climbing, or fishing can also help you get involved in healthy activities with positive outcomes.
Tip # 3 Involving Others
A problem shared is a problem halved and one way to heal your mental health is to involve your loved ones in this journey. You can create a support system to overcome mental health challenges in a structured manner.
Similarly, you can also participate in community wellness programs in Michigan to support your online therapy journey.
Enhancing Teen Mental Health in Michigan
A whopping 57.8% of children aged 12-17 did not receive any care for their mental health in the previous year. Similarly, 19% of youth in Michigan suffer from at least one major depressive episode.
This makes teen mental health an important priority which can be effectively dealt with using online therapy platforms.
Here are a few important steps that can address mental health issues in teens in Michigan:
- Addressing school pressure: Academic stress and inability to compete can lead teens to develop anxiety and depression. Online therapy platforms can assist teens in navigating themselves from the tumultuous high school years.
- Cultural support: Teens may find it easier to interact with online therapists who have experience in specific cultures, making therapy more constructive.
- Leveraging technology: Teens may find online therapy more convenient than elderly populations as they are more comfortable using smartphones.
- Dedicated platforms: Dedicated platforms such as Teen Counseling offer licensed therapists experienced in teen therapy.
Best Platforms for Online Therapy in Michigan
There is a shortage of mental health workers in Michigan with almost 1 clinician available for 330 residents This makes large-scale availability of licensed therapists to cure patients timely quite challenging. Online platforms can reduce this burden significantly by offering many curated therapists on their portals.
1. Online Therapy (Dot) Com
This is another famous site that offers handy therapeutic services in Washington state. The website offers reasonably priced options for both singles and couples. Licensed therapists and practical resources like an online journal and customized activity plan are available on the platform.
| Pros | Cons |
| Cost-effective therapy ranges from $200 to $440 per month. Licensed medical professionals. Online resources including online journals and yoga. | Doesn’t offer medication or diagnosis. Doesn’t accept insurance. |
Read our complete review Online Therapy.com
2. BetterHelp
A large selection of licensed therapists may be found on BetterHelp, one of the most popular online therapy platforms. The platforms provide reasonably priced therapy, with weekly rates ranging from $65 to $90. BetterHelp offers treatment for several mental health conditions, including anxiety and trauma.
| Pros | Cons |
| Affordable therapy; starts at $65 per week. Licensed therapists with at least 3 years of relevant experience. Features like digital worksheets and group sessions. | Doesn’t accept insurance. Automatically matches with a therapist. Doesn’t offer medication or diagnosis. |
3. Calmerry
With certified mental health practitioners available via text and video chat, Calmerry is an online therapy platform. The platform addresses a range of mental health conditions, such as trauma, despair, and anxiety. Additional online services provided by Calmerry include online journals and mood tracking.
| Pros | Cons |
| Licensed therapists and mental health professionals. Cost-effective pricing plans (starting at $50 per session). Online resources such as mood tracking and online journals. | Doesn’t accept insurance. No free trial periods. |
Key Takeaways
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FAQs
Are Online Therapists Worth It?
Indeed, internet counseling is just as successful as traditional or in-person counseling techniques. Several empirically supported research studies have found that online treatment is just as successful as in-person therapy. As a result, it is a useful tool for providing therapy to people in Michigan and throughout the nation.
What’s The Difference Between A Therapist And A Counselor?
The major difference between therapists and counselors is that counselors typically address mental health problems in the short term while therapists provide support on a more long-term basis.