These days, it’s incredibly important for you to be taking care of your mental health. Whether that’s making time for some self-care activities or getting professional help, technology now makes it easier for people to find support. With the help of websites or apps, you can reach out for aid from a therapist – all without having to leave your couch. Interested in focusing on your mental health? Just grab your smartphone!
There are several easy-to-use apps that you can download on your phone to help you get connected to a therapist. Apps like CounselChat and TalkSpace will connect you with a licensed therapist that can conduct sessions with you through video or online chats. These apps make it a simple process to find a therapist that can help you with your specific needs (whether that’s support for depression, anxiety, etc.). Another upside is that these services are often cheaper than if you went for a traditional in-person office visit with a mental health professional.
Another great resource is the BetterHelp site, which allows you to search a database for a therapist practicing in your area. You just have to enter your city and state or zip code, and you’ll get an instant list of options. Information about each therapist is available immediately, so you can see which individual might be a good match for you. You can find out everything from how many years of experience they have to what their specialties are. This can be really helpful if you’re looking for a therapist with a particular area of expertise (such as couples counseling, cognitive behavioral therapy, and more). If you want to visit with a therapist in person, BetterHelp is a useful tool. In addition, many of the therapists listed on the site are open to other forms of communication that work best for the client, including phone or video sessions, live chat, or texting, so that you can always find the most convenient option for you.
With apps and sites like BetterHelp, you’ll not only be able to find a therapist quickly, but you can also get started with sessions sooner than you would with in-person visits. Oftentimes with in-person sessions, you’ll find that you can’t get in for an appointment very fast and you might have to go through your insurance (which can also create some delays). Getting help from therapists through sites like BetterHelp means you can message a therapist immediately to begin receiving support. There’s also the option of messaging your therapist 24/7, so you can reach out for help whenever you need it.
Unfortunately, there is still a stigma attached to people seeking help for mental illness. Using an app to find a therapist (and then having non-traditional sessions with them) can help you keep protect your information. If you’re worried that other people won’t understand or will judge you, apps or websites can also allow you to maintain some privacy with your search for a therapist. Plus, if you conduct your sessions through online or video methods, no one even has to know that you’re seeking help.
Don’t put off getting a therapist – your mental health can depend on it! Download a therapist finder app or use BetterHelp to get you started on the path towards healing.