Online Therapy Ohio: Things You Should Know

The COVID-19 pandemic has made mental health conditions worse in the US. The negative impact on mental health in the US has been huge.

The number of adults suffering from anxiety and depression has skyrocketed.

According to the KFF analysis of the US Census Bureau, 33.1% of adults in Ohio suffer from anxiety or some other depressive disorder.

Not only that, but the numbers for drug abuse and death related to that have also doubled in figure.

All these figures emphasize why therapy or counseling is the need of the hour. However, the high medical expenses make it impossible to consider them.

But with online therapy, the problems can be resolved at an early stage.

Online therapy in Ohio got quite a boost in popularity after 2020. If you are considering getting into online therapy, this guide is all you need.

So, to know more about Ohio’s top online therapy platforms and their pros and cons, keep reading.

But First, What Is Online Therapy, and Who Is It For?

Online therapy or teletherapy is a way of providing remote mental health support. Unlike traditional therapy, here, you communicate through mobile or PC.

In online therapy, there are modes like calling, video calling, or live texting that you can use. These modes make it accessible even for people with hearing and speaking impairments.

But is online therapy suitable for everyone?

Experts say that for depression, anxiety, or trauma, online therapy is as effective as traditional. For most, there is no difference in patient satisfaction, and the outcomes don’t vary.

It is also effective for mid to moderate conditions like-

So, if you are dealing with one of those, you can go for online therapy and save hundreds of dollars. Because, in most cases, online therapy could cost half of the cost of in-clinic sessions.

But it is important that we mention the other side as well. Although online therapy offers perks such as cost-effectiveness and easy accessibility, it has limitations.

It is only suitable for people with mild to moderate conditions and disorders.

Mental illnesses like the following are difficult to treat via online therapy. These are some emergency cases where one should not rely on online therapy.

Top Online Therapy Platforms- Ohio

If online therapy works for you, consider exploring these platforms.

BetterHelp

It is the largest online therapy network, with over 30,000 therapists.

Average cost: $60-$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.

Amwell

A hybrid care platform that also offers medical and mental health services.

Average cost: $99-$269 per visit, depending on the provider.
Services: Therapy and psychiatry for individuals and couples.
Treatment approaches: Varies based on provider.
Insurance: Accepted by many health plans and employers.

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.

Blue Boat Counseling

This is a Columbus, OH-based counseling practice.

Average cost: $150-$200 per session, depending on the provider.
Services: Therapy for adults, teens, couples, and families.
Treatment approaches: CBT, DBT, EMDR, trauma-informed care, etc.9
Insurance: Accepted by some health plans.

TherapyTribe

This is a directory website to find therapists and psychiatrists in your area. This website lets you search manually.

It lists professionals who offer online sessions.

Average cost: Varies by provider.
Services: Search for mental health professionals and online support groups.
Treatment approaches: Varies by provider.
Insurance: Varies by provider.
Other: Free online wellness community with mood tracking and wellness activities.

Regain

An extension of BetterHelp that explicitly focuses on couple therapy.

Average cost: $60-$90 per week, billed monthly.
Services: Couples therapy.
Treatment approaches: Varies by provider.
Insurance: Not accepted, but there are discounted prices for eligible people.

Tips To Choose Therapists Online

Choosing the right therapist online can be a task. So here are some things you can keep in mind to make the selection easier.

Ensure you are selecting a licensed practitioner. Someone with qualifications that meet your needs will be a plus.
Think about your goals ahead of time and communicate with your therapist. A good therapist should customize their approach to help you achieve your goals. They shouldn’t rely on standardized methods.
Opting for someone who is in-network with your health insurance can help you save a lot of money.
After the initial session, you should feel at ease and understood. You should also have a strong connection with your therapist.
You should feel in harmony with their treatment approach. You should feel secure sharing your intimate details with them.

Final Thoughts

Online therapy is a subject that completely divides the audience into two. While one group might feel that it is more convenient and does the job, for the others, it might seem less effective.

So, only you can judge whether online therapy is for you. If you can be disciplined about your sessions and create a therapy-friendly environment at home, why not?

Here are some important helplines.

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988.

Local 24-Hour Crisis Phone Line: 614-221-5445.

National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233

But again, we forbid people with crises and emergencies to rely on online therapy. If you are having suicidal thoughts or have a severe mental health condition, speak to a local doctor or psychiatrist immediately.