Remote work, binge scrolling social media, and unhealthy lifestyle – these are just a few common reasons why our mental health is declining rapidly. Not to forget the traumatizing 2020 pandemic.
The Kaiser Family Foundation’s report on mental illness suggests that, in 2023’s Feb 24.9% of adults in North Carolina reported symptoms of anxiety or other depressive disorder. Yet only 13.0% of the population was able to receive proper mental health care.
Why? This was due to the shortage of healthcare professionals in the area.
In a pressing situation like this, online therapy can definitely become a great resort.
So in today’s article, we will discuss everything you need to know about online therapy Carolina.
What Is Online Therapy? And Is It For You?
Online therapy or teletherapy is a remote way of providing mental health care. In this, your provider connects with you through devices like mobile phones, tablets, or PCs.
You can select whichever is convenient for you.
You can also choose between modes like voice calling, video calling or live texting.
Telehealth therapy services are becoming increasingly popular in the state, bridging the gap for those seeking affordable and accessible mental health support. North Carolina has been making alterations in its rules to extend the services provided through telehealth.
But, remember, all of this is to make up for the shortage of healthcare providers. It does not necessarily mean that online therapy is your ultimate solution.
So, When Should/ Shouldn’t You Consider Online Therapy?
According to experts, online therapy can be as effective as the traditional one. But only for cases like-
- Mild to moderate depression
- Mild to moderate anxiety
- Moderate substance abuse
But these aren’t the only mental health issues you might face. For severe disorders or situations of crises, you should never rely on online therapy.
Here are some mental health conditions where online therapy is not suggested.
- Bipolar disorder
- Dissociation and dissociative disorder
- Paranoia
- Schizophrenia
- Severe depression/anxiety
- Suicidal tendency
Best Platforms For Online Therapy Carolina
If you find online therapy suitable for you, then here are some platforms you should check out.
Clarity Counselling Center
- Average Cost: $100- $200 per session.
- Services: Therapy and counselling sessions for adults, children, and couples.
- Treatment approaches: Majorly evidence-based therapeutic methods like- CBT, DBT, MBSR
- Insurance: Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna/ Evernorth, United Health Care, UMR, Surest, Private Pay. You can check out their website to learn about the out-of-network plans.
MindSpace Counseling
- Average cost: $100-$150 per session.
- Services: Individual, couples, and family therapy; EMDR therapy for trauma, anxiety, PTSD, and a wide variety of mental health challenges.
- Treatment approaches: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT), and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR).
- Insurance: Doesn’t take insurance but has discounted plans.
Foundation Family Therapy
- Average cost: $120-$150 per session.
- Services: Individual and couples counselling services; therapy for anxiety, trauma, PTSD, depression, and other mental health challenges.
- Treatment approaches: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT), and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR).
- Insurance: No information is available on their website about insurance or discounted plans.
Talkspace
A global platform that helps you connect with licensed therapists and psychologists.
- Average cost: $65-$100 per week, depending on the plan.
- Services: Therapy and psychiatry for individuals, couples, and teens; group therapy etc.
- Treatment approaches: Varies by provider.
- Insurance: Accepted by some employers. Health plans like Premera, Cigna, Optum, and Aetna also cover this etc.
BetterHelp
- Average cost: $65-$90 per week, billed monthly.
- Services: Individual, couples, and teen therapy; psychiatry.
- Treatment approaches: CBT, DBT, EMDR, exposure therapy, art therapy, hypnosis, mindfulness, etc.
- Insurance: Doesn’t take insurance but has discounted plans.
Things To Consider When Choosing A Therapist Online
When you are bombarded with options, it becomes harder to make the right choice. Something similar happens when you try to look for the right therapist online.
You get so many options that you get confused about whom to consult.
So here’s a checklist for making the choice easier for you.
- Certificates and credentials: Your therapist must be a licensed practitioner and qualified to practice online therapy in your state.
- Specialization: Always opt for a therapist/psychologist specializing in your area of concern.
- Cost per session: Your budget does matter. In most cases, people need to attend multiple sessions in a month for several months. So keeping that in mind, make a budget and stick to it. Or it won’t be sustainable in the long run.
- Read review: For in-person therapy, we mostly go by referrals from our acquaintances. You may not get the same for online therapy. So, your best bet would be to read online reviews of the service provider.
- Utilize free trials: Finding a suitable therapist online can be a process of trial and error. So, if a provider gives the option of a free trial session or a consultation call, go for them. Don’t forget to ask all your questions during that call.
- Explore platforms: Research different online therapy platforms and their features to find one that aligns with your preferences.
Final Thoughts
Don’t get disappointed if it doesn’t work out for you. As mentioned before, online therapy is not for everyone.
Even if someone doesn’t have a severe mental illness or crisis situation, there are cases when online therapy hasn’t worked for them.
You might not feel as connected if you are already accustomed to in-clinic therapy. But the opposite can happen, too.
The goal is to improve our mental health through online therapy, not make it a source of additional stress.
So be kind to yourself and take a step towards a healthier and happier you.