An estimated 1 in 4 adults in the United States experiences some form of mental illness. More than half of them don’t get treatment, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness. The low numbers of people getting therapy may be due to the stigma that unfortunately still surrounds many mental conditions. Cost of treatment or transportation challenges may be additional deterrents to treatment.
Advances in video conferencing and other means of communication have helped the field of mental health telemedicine to grow. Instead of traveling to an appointment to see a psychiatrist or other mental health provider, individuals are able to talk with counselors through HIPAA-compliant forms of communication, such as privacy-protected video conferencing.
Different mental health telemedicine companies offer a variety of services and rates. If this sounds like an appealing way to address your mental health concerns, check out the following companies.
1. Breakthrough
Breakthrough has a network of psychiatrists, clinical social workers, and other mental health professionals available in most states. These practitioners are available to work with people on a variety of concerns.
You can go on the website and read a little about each mental health provider and select the one you would like to work with. You can see a schedule of available appointment times and book an online or phone session. Sessions last anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour.
Breakthrough accepts most major insurance companies. If you don’t have insurance or the provider you’ve chosen doesn’t take insurance, you may be able to self-pay. Most sessions are more than $100 per hour.
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2. BlahTherapy
Blah Therapy mixes professional mental health assistance with more casual support from fellow members. If you wish to talk with a professional therapist, you can select one from the website and pay for your sessions. You can also submit a question and receive a list of therapists who may be able to help you with that type of issue.
Blah Therapy also allows for you to share your questions or concerns with strangers who can offer their perspectives. That kind of interaction is free.
Sessions with a therapist can cover a variety of issues, including:
- relationships
- depression
- addiction
- sexual identity
- self-esteem
- personal development
- other concerns
Blah Therapy also provides group forums on subjects that include:
- sexuality
- teen issues
- marriage and divorce
- common interests, such as gaming and books
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3. Counseling on Demand
Counseling on Demand allows users to receive remote therapy through two-way video, telephone, or instant messaging from a team of online therapists.
The initial consultation is free. Subsequent rates vary depending on the plan you choose. The “starter” program costs $50 per weekly 30-minute Skype or phone session. A weekly feedback report that is emailed or texted to you is included in the monthly fee.
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4. In Your Corner
In Your Corner takes a supportive and nurturing approach to helping clients live happier lives. A team of therapists, life coaches, and meditation instructors are available to help clients with a range of conditions.
You can choose a counselor, life coach, or instructor, and schedule a session on that individual’s calendar on the In Your Corner website.
You can start with a session fee of $50 as part of the pay-as-you-go program. You can also buy package deals for more money that include online or phone sessions, as well as life coaching time. The per-session prices drop if you commit to more sessions.
Many of the practitioners focus on dealing with the following:
- relationships and couples counseling
- stress
- eating disorders and body image concerns
- “feeling stuck”
- depression
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5. Joyable
Joyable is focused on a single issue: social anxiety. A team of experts offers cognitive behavior therapy and other approaches to help clients overcome their fears.
Clients work with coaches who give them “homework” assignments as well as hold regular sessions via Skype. The first session is a get-to-know-you consultation in which you can explain how social anxiety affects your life. Through cognitive behavior therapy and other treatments, you can expect to feel better soon.
Fees vary, but Joyable claims that its most popular package is a $99 per month program in which you have a dedicated coach, assigned activities to help you reduce social anxiety, and an online program tailored to you and your needs.
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