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A Guide To Internet Therapy Platforms

By: admin

Teletherapy has been around for years; peer-reviewed studies, lots of them, show that it's just as effective as in-person treatment. But it took a pandemic to set off the massive surge in platforms and popularity -- because how else would we have seen our shrinks in 2020? -- and it's here to stay. Ninety-six percent of therapists now offer at least some of their services remotely, according to a recent American Psychological Association survey. And with good reason: It's so damn convenient for all involved.

Men take to it particularly well. Antonieta Contreras, a therapist in New York City, says she's seen her male patients open up more readily onscreen than they ever had in her office. "Being in their own space may be the invitation to be vulnerable, to express emotions," she says. "Instead of feeling exposed, they feel safe." Men are also less likely to bail: "I work with a lot of busy guys, and if before they had the excuse of being too busy as a justification for canceling a session, now they don't."

"SMS & CHILL"

BETTERHELP

How It Works: You fill out a questionnaire -- you you are, what you are (and aren't) looking for. There are plans for text-based communication, video sessions, and a combination of the two. It also offers need-based financial aid.

What I Liked: For a screen-based service, it's deeply personal. I didn't jell with my first therapist; I easily switched and struck gold. Texting affords daily direct access to your therapist without the concern that you're overdoing it.

What I'd Change: If for whatever reason the payment doesn't go through, you're locked out of all communication with your therapist. BetterHelp doesn't handle insurance claims, so that's on you.

Price Per Session: $60-$90 per week for unlimited communication with your therapist

Takes Insurance? No.

See Also: Talkspace, Brightside, Calmerry

"HIDE YOUR MUG"

AMWELL

How It Works: It's easier than placing an Amazon order: Enter your info, click the behavioral- health tab (they offer other medical services), and make an appointment with a provider of your choosing.

What I Liked: It's be hard *not* to find a therapist with next-day availability. I could hide my face onscreen; as of this writing, that's unique among the competition.

What I'd Change: There wasn't enough info about each therapist to secure confidence in my selection. (I threw a dart to make my pick; I liked him!) The onboarding process felt like the digital equivalent of a hospital waiting room. I wish I'd been chatting with a live agent right off the bat, as I did when trying out Talkspace.

Price Per Session:
$109-129 (therapists) or $279 (psychiatrists)

Takes Insurance? Yes, some.

See Also: Cerebral, Teladoc

"DR. PHIL's SIDE HUSTLE"

DOCTOR ON DEMAND

How It Works: TV's third-favorite doctor invested in this early entrant in the telehealth wars. It's the Lexus of its class: built well, runs smooth, but not exactly a lively experience.

What I Liked: Like Amwell (but not BetterHelp), DoD is verified by URAC, a third-party accreditor -- an assurance that the platform follows best practices. The company is bullish on longevity. In 2021, it merged with two others; the estimated valuation of the telehealth giant, not public as of this writing, is in the billions.

What I'd Change: My therapist, a kind man from North Carolina, knew I was shopping around, which lent the session the vibe of a speed-dating round. At times, it felt like he was falling back on canned lines. "I bet he says that to all his clients..."

Price Per Session: $179 for fifty minutes with a psychologist

Takes Insurance? Yes, some.

See Also: Amwell, Teladoc

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