Online therapy became hugely popular during the COVID-19 pandemic, and there are no signs it will fall out of favor anytime soon. But how can consumers know if online therapy is right for them? It's important to weigh the pros and cons before making any decision, and this article will provide everything consumers need to know before diving in. For more information on one of the leading providers, Health.com provides information on Talkspace.
Chat vs. live sessions
It's important to understand the advantages and disadvantages of the various platforms. One of the first things consumers should realize about online therapy is the fact that most firms offering services provide online chat as the first line of treatment.
Most firms offer multiple packages to choose from, and the cheapest package often only includes chat. Consumers looking for live therapy sessions should review each package from multiple providers to ensure that they select one that offers live sessions. Different packages offer different amounts of live therapy sessions per month.
Payment
Cost is usually a factor for consumers who are paying for online therapy out of their own pockets, but it might be less of a concern for those who have insurance that covers therapy. Patients should find out if their insurance plan covers counseling and, if it does, whether online therapy is covered, and which providers are in their network.
Some online therapy providers take insurance, while others do not. Those who must pay out of pocket may be more concerned about the price. Consumers considering online therapy should first find out if their insurance covers any therapy. If it does, they can look for a company that takes insurance, but if it doesn't, they should look for one that fits their budget.
Other features
Consumers may find it helpful to read multiple reviews on any online therapy providers they are considering. Researching online and reading online reviews will uncover the finer details that make each company unique. For example, some companies provide optional group therapy sessions on a weekly basis, while others do not.
Additionally, some companies offer psychiatry services, enabling patients to receive a diagnosis and medication if needed. However, not all of them do. Another thing to take into consideration is the onboarding process. Some online therapy providers pair patients with a therapist using a questionnaire, while others take a more personal tactic by allowing them to speak with a therapist and then choose from some options of different therapists.
Consumers have many things to consider when deciding whether online therapy is right for them. It's important to look at multiple service providers when trying to choose a company to work with.
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Original Source: What Consumers Need to Know Before Choosing Online Therapy
