Did you know that around 26% of Americans aged 18 and above are diagnosed with a mental health disorder, every year? A large percentage of people who suffer from mental health problems, do so quietly. However, repressed emotions and thoughts are never healthy. This is why counseling is important.
With mental healthcare going online, help is never too far away. Here are 8 free online counseling platforms that will help you.
1. TalkSpace
Founded in 2012, TalkSpace has been guiding more than one million individuals towards a happier and more mentally secure version of themselves. The sign-up procedure is simple – you’ll need to complete a questionnaire, after which you’ll be redirected to a therapist that best suits you. The therapist will remain the same throughout treatment, unless you request a change.
If you prefer, you can also get assigned a therapist through their AI chat system. There are more than 3,000 professional therapists in TalkSpace with reliable backgrounds, so rest assured that you can trust them. These therapists are experts in dealing with a range of mental health issues like anxiety, depression, PTSD, addiction, sleep problems, trauma and LGBTQ struggles and needs as well.
Their treatment approach includes cognitive behavior therapy, mindfulness, dialectical behavior therapy, and psychodynamic therapy. While they’re not entirely free, you can get a free initial consultation with an agent to understand what TalkSpace is all about.
2. 7 Cups of Tea
Unlike TalkSpace, this counseling platform provides free peer-to-peer online therapy sessions to those people who wish to talk to someone about their problems. The platform is meant for people who need support and guidance but are unable to pay the hefty price that counselling often demands. Through this platform, you have access to trained listeners who provide advice and support.
Individuals of all ages can use this counseling platform to seek advice and relief for their mental health concerns. They also have a separate teen support section which provides relatable and reliable advice to young adults and teenagers alike.
The platform also offers self-help guides and growth paths providing tips on how to feel better. In case you are willing to upgrade your membership to a paid one, a licensed clinical worker will be assigned to provide you therapy online.
3. BetterHelp
BetterHelp is one of the largest free online consultation platforms that exist today. They have over 2,000 professional therapists providing support and help for any mental health issue you are suffering from. While it’s not entirely free, BetterHelp has just one pricing plan.
The therapists on this platform are psychologists, professional counselors, marriage and family therapists, and licensed clinical workers who work to help you cope and deal with your problems. Aside from its popularity, BetterHelp is known for its affordability and efficiency. It’s similar to going to an actual therapy session, but with more efficiency and convenience.
They also have unlimited messaging, in which your therapist can attend to your needs 24/7. In your therapy sessions, your therapist may provide homework and worksheets for your self-development. You are also encouraged to change therapists in case you feel your current therapist isn’t a good match.
4. Doctor on Demand
Doctor on Demand offers both physical and mental health services. Their trained psychiatrists and psychologists can give you expert emotional support and medication management. Doctor on Demand also provides free mental health assessment.
The platform offers a free screening tool to determine whether you are suffering from depression, anxiety, or other mental health issues. This free assessment only takes a maximum of 2 minutes.
Based on this, the platform assigns you a mental healthcare professional, to help you better deal with your concerns. This is the best online consultation platform for short-term consultations and emotional and mental health concerns. You will have to pay a fee once you start chatting with a licensed professional in the field, no matter what your diagnosis is.
5. Regain
Counseling isn’t just for mental health alone, but it’s a great way to rebuild a broken relationship or bond, as well. Regain is a platform focused solely on relationship counseling. As a couple, you can attend the sessions together, even if you aren’t physically together.
All therapists in Regain are professional relationship experts so you can rest assured that they know exactly what to do.
The sign-up process is flexible as it allows you to choose a therapist most aligned to your expectations and standards. For instance, if you prefer an older, female therapist, Regain can provide you with precisely that.
All their therapists are licensed and have at least 2,000 hours of experience so they can help you with any relationship problem effectively. Once you sign up, you will share a joint account with your partner, to help communicate with your therapist better. You can also choose to speak with a therapist privately, without your partner present.
6. Teen Counseling
Teens are more prone to mental health problems like anxiety and depression. The constant exposure to social media, teen pressure to keep up with trends and be seen as part of the crowd can put enormous strain on your mental health. This free online counseling platform specifically targets those aged 13 to 19 years old.
The platform helps teenagers cope with mental health problems, and also discusses issues like bullying, problems with self-esteem, stress, and eating disorders. All the mental health experts on the platform are licensed and are well equipped to deal with various problems.
All counseling sessions are confidential so you don’t have to worry about privacy. The only exception here is if a therapist feels the need to speak to a parent, especially in cases where self-harm is involved. There are also no limits to the number of messages you can exchange with your therapist, whether it is through live chat, messages, calls, or video conferences.
7. Pride Counseling
Pride Counseling provides members of the LGBTQ community with affordable and accessible online therapy and consultation. Whether it’s a mental health issue or LGBTQ related issues, their professionals trained to help with any concern you have.
All of their therapists and counselors are licensed professionals, family and marriage therapists, or psychologists with at least a master’s or doctoral degree.
They are experts in dealing with concerns related to the struggles the community goes through, so you’re in safe hands with Pride Counseling. The platform will match you with the best professional there, but in case you need to, you can change your therapist as well. You can communicate with your therapist either through live chats, phone calls, private messages, or video conferences.
8. Amwell
Amwell is a remarkable counseling platform that offers its services 365 days a year. They’re a comprehensive telemedicine site that can give you access to doctors, specialists, and therapists. Once you finish setting up your account, you have full control over what service you’d like to have.
The unique aspect about Amwell is they aren’t just restricted to offering therapy services, but also provide dermatology, cardiology, and other medical services. You can set up an appointment easily with the therapist of your choice, where you’ll be able to see their background and expertise before deciding. The platform also accepts insurance payments.
Takeaway
Online counseling offers various benefits such as ease of access, privacy and timely therapy, enabling you to deal with your problems better. You can read up on the benefits here.
With these online platforms, you can find a therapist best suited for your problems and needs, whether it’s anxiety, depression, relationship issues, family, grief, stress, PTSD, trauma, abuse, or even concerns about your orientation.
If you are going through any form of mental trauma, reach out and seek help. Timely help and counseling can help you deal with mental health issues better.