Because your schedule, your budget, or your demands might not always allow for in-person couch sessions. Use these therapeutic apps to reap the same advantages. APPS THAT MAKE IT EASY TO GET MENTAL HEALTH AND THERAPY
To be honest, navigating the health care system can be challenging for adults (just think about scheduling appointments, figuring out how to get to the doctor’s office, and dealing with complex insurance claims). Fortunately, in addition to interactive Snapchat filters and virtual reality, recent technological advancements have also given us telemedicine, which is completely altering the face of healthcare. Now you may move the inconvenience from the waiting room to your smartphone screen, where health care can be much more easily accessible, less painful, and need not be expensive.
With the introduction of virtual therapy applications and mental health apps that make taking care of your mind as simple as playing Candy Crush or texting your BFF, telemedicine in general and mental health telemedicine in particular are beginning to shine.
Find out who might benefit from the finest therapy apps and mental health apps by reading on. WHO COULD USE THERAPEUTICAL APPS
Disclaimer: Calling an relevant hotline or using emergency services is your best option if you’re experiencing a mental health emergency. Many online therapy services and mental health apps voluntarily acknowledge that they may not be the best option in certain situations, such as if you have suicidal thoughts, are a minor, have been diagnosed with a severe mental illness, have been advised to be under psychological supervision or psychiatric care, or were ordered to participate in therapy or counseling by a court or other authority.
These therapy apps, however, might be a great fit for you if you’re dealing with a common mental health issue (such as stress, addiction, anxiety, relationship problems, parenting issues, depression, anger, LGBT matters, grief, religion, self-esteem, etc.), want to try therapy, or just need an easier way to talk it out.
LARKR
FOR TRADITIONAL THERAPY WITHOUT THE WAITING ROOM
With the help of the treatment software LARKR , you can have a livestream video chat with a registered therapist. Additionally, they have experts in the fields of addiction, anxiety, mood disorders, relationship difficulties, LGBT concerns, PTSD, depression, and more. So you may enjoy all the benefits of an in-person couch session without having to worry about flying or trying to locate a therapist that “fits” you nearby. You will be charged $85 for each 50-minute session, and LARKR has streamlined the billing procedure to make it simple to submit an insurance reimbursement request, if you wish.
TALKSPACE
IS A WEBSITE FOR MILLENNIAL-STYLE COMMUNICATION
You probably don’t want to wait until a scheduled session to let your feelings out when things goes down with your lover at 2 a.m.
That’s where Talkspace comes in. It’s a therapy app (for your phone, tablet, or computer) that first connects you with a qualified licensed therapist. After that, you may send them messages (text, voice message, video message, or photo) whenever it’s convenient. You have the freedom to bring up a problem whenever it’s convenient for you, which is a significant advantage even though your therapist might not answer right away. Additionally, having the option to send a written message or an audio message allows you to either video word vomit or take your time writing it out.
It sounds simple, right? Even better for your money, unlimited chat therapy is available for as little as $32 a week. Want more assistance? You can also choose weekly counseling through video chat or even couples therapy.
7 cups for when you just want to talk.
You may not feel that you require formal counseling, but you do need to discuss your situation with someone who can offer you a sympathetic, understanding, and unbiased point of view. The 7 Cups mental health app and website provide immediate access to trained volunteer “active listeners” or an online counselor of your choosing via anonymous instant messaging (no appointment required). (Each of them posts a bio describing their personal style, background, and affiliations.) You can drop by a virtual support group to chat with folks going through similar problems by participating in facilitated discussions or open-ended forums. Best feature? These are all free services.
The good news is that 7 Cups can also connect you with a qualified therapist immediately on their platform if you prefer not to communicate with strangers or are looking for more genuine support. However, this service does cost money.
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BETTERHELP
FOR ALL-INCLUSIVE, UNLIMITED THERAPY
BetterHelp is the biggest e-counseling platform in the world, with more than 1,500 certified therapists on staff. Additionally, there are several other types of counseling available, and you can communicate with your therapist as often as you like by text, live chat, phone call, or video chat.
It’s also reasonably priced: The cost of using this treatment app for unlimited weekly conversation with your counselor ranges from $35 to $70. (The company does point out that treatments provided through the site are typically not covered by health insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid, however they are probably on par with or less than the cost of an insurance co-pay.) Uncertain if it’s appropriate for you? Check out a few of their 11,000 public testimonials and reviews .
PACIFICA
FOR DOING IT YOURSELF
There are many apps available for solo exploration if speaking with a therapist isn’t your thing (either in person or online). Consider Pacifica , a self-help software for mental health that draws on the research in cognitive behavioral therapy. To meet your current needs, select from guided self-help “paths” created by psychologists that include audio lessons and activities, mood and health tracking, or relaxing approaches. You can communicate with peer support networks on this mental health app to share tales, seek for advice, or discuss common difficulties even when you aren’t communicating with a therapist. The very best? It is completely free.
SUPERBETTER
FOR NOT TAKEING YOURSELF TOO SERIOUSLY
You may adore SuperBetter , a game software that enables you to play your way to better mental health, if self-help books and chatting about your thoughts make you feel worse rather than better. You are given activities and challenges by SuperBetter that are intended to enhance your resilience and capacity to maintain strength, motivation, and optimism despite significant setbacks. The concept is that mastering these skills in the mental health app will translate to mastering them in real life. According to a small study at the University of Pennsylvania, SuperBetter may help lift mood, lessen signs of anxiety and sadness, and boost self-assurance in achieving goals over the course of 30 days.
FOR THERAPY AND A PRESCRIPTION: CEREBRAL
Just so you know, not all mental health professionals are licensed to write prescriptions for medications. relevant hotline 0 may be the ideal therapy app for you if you want to speak with a therapist who can also write you a Rx. With the use of Cerebral, you can connect with a telehealth prescriber or therapist who can provide online diagnosis and treatment for issues like anxiety, depression, sleeplessness, and ADHD (with or without medication). Regular video or phone calls, limitless messaging, and, if you require a Rx, they will also take care of that, covertly packaging and sending it to your door each month, are all ways that you can receive support. (So simple, no?)
The good news is that this therapy app works with insurance to help make it even more reasonable. Plans range from $85 to $325 each month, and there are special discounts for the first month, allowing you to give it a try without having to spend a lot of money.
