Telehealth Therapy: Choosing the Right Platform for You

Telehealth therapy platforms differ significantly in scope, with relationship-focused services specializing in couples counseling while comprehensive platforms provide individual, couples, and family therapy through licensed clinical social workers using evidence-based therapeutic approaches.

Ever felt overwhelmed scrolling through endless therapy apps, wondering which one actually fits your needs? Telehealth therapy platforms aren't one-size-fits-all, and choosing the right match can make all the difference in your healing journey.

Content warning: Please be advised, this article might mention trauma-related topics that could be triggering to the reader. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, please contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or seek immediate emergency services.

Over 41.7 million Americans saw a therapist in 2021, and online therapy has become an increasingly popular treatment method. Telehealth platforms now offer various types of therapy, from individual treatment to couples and family therapy, with care focused on particular symptoms or concerns. Many individuals exploring virtual mental health services may wonder about the differences between platforms specializing in individual therapy versus those focused on relationship counseling.

Once you’ve determined that therapy is right for you, it’s important to understand that telehealth mental health services allow you to receive professional counseling with a licensed clinical social worker wherever you have an internet connection. Different platforms offer professional support with varying specializations. Understanding these differences can help you make an informed decision about the best type of virtual therapy for your needs.

Relationship-Focused Telehealth Platforms

Several telehealth platforms specialize in marriage and relationship counseling. These services typically allow you to participate in therapy with your partner or discuss your relationship concerns in individual counseling sessions. Sessions are generally available on desktop, tablet, or mobile devices with an internet connection.

Relationship-focused platforms provide affordable and convenient sessions with licensed therapists to individuals and couples seeking relationship therapy. Often, one partner can start sessions and invite their partner later for joint sessions. These platforms are oriented primarily towards couples therapy and counseling, so they may not be ideal for individuals looking for comprehensive mental health support beyond relationship issues.

According to a survey, 95% of couples who engage in online therapy consider it beneficial, which demonstrates the efficacy of virtual couples counseling. Relationship-centered telehealth can assist couples in resolving issues when relationship difficulties feel beyond your control.

Individual-Focused Telehealth: The ReachLink Approach

ReachLink is a comprehensive telehealth platform providing accessible, convenient, and supportive care from licensed clinical social workers. The licensed clinical social workers at ReachLink provide individual, couples, and family counseling to those experiencing challenges in their lives or various mental health concerns like stress, depression symptoms, or past trauma.

ReachLink offers individual counseling geared toward improving your relationships and uses specific therapy modalities like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to help individuals address symptoms of mental health conditions like anxiety or depression. Additionally, ReachLink’s family therapy services can address dynamics affecting the entire family unit.

Studies have demonstrated that online CBT can significantly reduce the symptoms of various mental health concerns, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, phobias, and panic disorder.

Important distinction: All ReachLink providers are licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs), not psychiatrists or medical doctors. ReachLink does not provide prescription medications or pharmaceutical services. If you require medication management, you’ll need to consult with a psychiatrist or primary care physician who is authorized to prescribe medications. ReachLink can provide appropriate referrals when services outside the scope of clinical social work practice are needed.

Comparing Telehealth Approaches

According to a Forbes Health review examining the pros and cons of online counseling services, ease of availability and convenience are two of their main benefits. In cases where in-person sessions present a challenge for the client, telehealth services allow more people to attend counseling with professional therapists, whether through phone sessions or video sessions.

Different platforms serve different needs. Relationship-focused platforms offer both couples counseling and individual sessions focused on relationship issues, which can be scheduled separately. If you first seek counseling individually, you can later add a partner to your therapy sessions. Some platforms allow you to create joint accounts to share subscription costs.

ReachLink is designed to provide comprehensive mental health support for individuals, couples, and families. People experiencing mental health concerns such as symptoms related to depression or anxiety, past trauma, family conflicts, or relationship challenges can all find appropriate support. All therapists working through ReachLink are thoroughly vetted licensed clinical social workers with advanced degrees and the requisite credentials to provide professional therapy.

ReachLink offers therapy sessions through video conferencing and phone calls, with secure messaging capabilities for communication with your therapist between sessions.

Signing Up for Virtual Mental Health Services

Most telehealth platforms offer virtual therapy through live video calls, audio messaging, and chat messaging. They are alternative options to in-person or traditional therapy.

Relationship-Focused Platforms

Primarily intended for individuals facing relationship challenges, relationship-focused platforms make professional therapy available through networks of licensed therapists, marriage and family therapists, and clinical social workers.

When signing up for relationship-centered platforms, you can invite your partner during the initial session or invite them to join your therapy sessions later. The initial questions you’re asked upon signing up are typically focused primarily on your relationship dynamic, concerns, and goals.

ReachLink

When creating an account with ReachLink, you’ll first complete a detailed questionnaire addressing:

• The type of therapy in which you’re interested (individual, couples, or family)
• Demographic information
• Religious or spiritual preferences
• Expectations and goals for therapy
• Previous experience with therapy
• Preferred communication methods
• Preferred therapist characteristics

You can also include specific preferences for your ideal therapist during the sign-up process. Once you’ve created an account, you’ll be matched with a licensed clinical social worker specific to your requests. ReachLink’s extensive network of providers means you can find a therapist who fits your needs, and you can request a different provider if your initial match isn’t the right fit.

Understanding Costs and Payment Options

Various telehealth platforms provide virtual therapy services from licensed clinical social workers and other mental health professionals. Counseling costs typically range from $65 to $100 per week, depending on factors such as your location, referral source, preferences, therapist availability, and any applicable discounts or promotions.

Many telehealth platforms do not directly accept insurance. However, the total cost of subscriptions may be comparable to the co-pays of many insurance plans and are often significantly cheaper than paying out of pocket for mental health care in many areas. Additionally, couples or family therapy costs might be shared among multiple family members, making it more affordable overall.

To obtain reimbursement from your health insurance, you can contact them directly and inquire whether reimbursement for telehealth services is possible. Some insurance providers now recognize telehealth mental health services for reimbursement. If you’re struggling to meet the cost of virtual therapy, platforms like ReachLink may offer financial assistance options to those who qualify.

Selecting Your Therapist

Quality telehealth platforms employ licensed clinical social workers, marriage and family therapists, psychologists, and licensed professional counselors. All therapists should be fully licensed, hold appropriate degrees, and have substantial experience as mental health professionals.

However, different therapists have different approaches and areas of focus, so choosing a platform suited to your specific needs is valuable. Most platforms allow you to complete a questionnaire to provide specific information about yourself that helps match you with an appropriate therapist.

When you sign up, you can often set preferences for your therapist, including preferred gender, approximate age, religious affiliation, LGBTQ+ identity, or BIPOC identity. These settings help ensure individuals are matched with a therapist with whom they feel comfortable. The matching process may take a few hours to 48 hours, depending on the availability of a therapist who best suits your individual, relationship, or family needs.

Once you’re matched, your therapist will typically contact you and share information about their approach, any information they need before your session, and background about their experience and specializations. You can also review their profile through the platform’s app or website.

How Telehealth Platforms Work

Most telehealth platforms offer sessions with a licensed therapist remotely. You can typically choose between phone, video, or live chat sessions with your matched therapist. When your appointment time arrives, you can enter a secure digital space according to the type of therapy you specified when scheduling.

For couples or family therapy, your session might focus on relationship dynamics or family concerns. Options to add your partner or family members are typically available in the platform. Therapy sessions proceed much like traditional therapy, with the primary difference being the virtual format. Many platforms also offer supplementary resources like worksheets, educational materials, or journaling prompts.

Comprehensive Mental Health Support

Whether you’re seeking individual therapy, couples counseling, or family therapy, telehealth platforms enable you to address what matters to you in a safe, confidential environment. For example, if you’re grappling with your sexual orientation or gender identity, finding LGBTQIA+-affirming therapy can be an invaluable source of support in navigating challenges and mental health concerns.

ReachLink’s licensed clinical social workers are trained to address a wide range of mental health concerns using evidence-based therapeutic approaches. While ReachLink cannot provide prescriptions or psychiatric services, the platform can provide referrals to appropriate medical professionals when medication management or psychiatric evaluation is needed.

Is Virtual Therapy as Effective as In-Person Therapy?

For many individuals, virtual therapy is an effective alternative to traditional in-person therapy. Recent studies show that internet-based therapy provides comparable levels of care as in-person therapy, with individuals reporting improved symptoms after treatment.

Those with mobility concerns, lack of transportation, rural living situations, or difficulties leaving home may find telehealth therapy invaluable for receiving care. Some clients also prefer the flexibility and convenience of virtual therapy, as it eliminates commute time and allows individuals to attend therapy from home.

There are some differences between virtual and in-person traditional therapy methods, however. Telehealth therapists who are clinical social workers cannot prescribe medication or provide psychiatric evaluations. These services require consultation with a psychiatrist or other medical professional. Additionally, telehealth services are not a replacement for crisis support or emergency intervention. If you’re experiencing a mental health crisis, contact 988 or seek immediate emergency services.

Choosing the Right Platform for Your Needs

A licensed therapist can be a valuable resource if you’re experiencing mental health concerns, relationship issues, family conflicts, or life challenges. Telehealth therapy can be a practical option for receiving support from the comfort of your home.

When selecting a telehealth platform, consider:

• Your primary concerns: Are you seeking individual therapy, couples counseling, family therapy, or a combination?
• Provider credentials: What types of licensed professionals does the platform employ? ReachLink exclusively works with licensed clinical social workers.
• Service scope: Does the platform provide the specific services you need? Remember that platforms staffed by clinical social workers cannot prescribe medications.
• Cost and payment options: What are the subscription costs, and are there financial assistance programs or insurance reimbursement possibilities?
• Platform features: What communication methods are available, and does the technology meet your needs?

ReachLink offers comprehensive telehealth mental health services through licensed clinical social workers, providing individual, couples, and family therapy for a wide range of mental health concerns. With a commitment to accessibility, evidence-based treatment, and personalized matching, ReachLink helps clients find the support they need to address life’s challenges and improve their mental wellness.

If you’re interested in exploring telehealth counseling, consider what type of support best matches your needs and circumstances. Quality mental health care is increasingly accessible through virtual platforms, making it easier than ever to take that important first step toward improved mental health and wellbeing.

The information in this article is not intended to be a substitution for diagnosis, treatment, or informed professional advice. You should not take any action or avoid taking any action without consulting with a qualified mental health professional.

FAQ

• What should I look for when choosing a telehealth therapy platform?

  When selecting a telehealth therapy platform, prioritize licensed therapists with proper credentials, secure video technology, and flexible scheduling options. Look for platforms that offer the specific type of therapy you need, whether that's individual counseling, couples therapy, or family sessions. Consider factors like ease of use, privacy protections, and whether the platform accepts your insurance or offers affordable payment options.

• How effective is online therapy compared to in-person sessions?

  Research shows that online therapy can be just as effective as in-person therapy for many mental health conditions. Studies have found similar outcomes for depression, anxiety, and other common concerns when using evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). The key is finding a licensed therapist who can adapt their therapeutic techniques to the online format while maintaining a strong therapeutic relationship.

• What types of therapy can be conducted through telehealth platforms?

  Most therapeutic approaches can be effectively delivered through telehealth platforms, including individual therapy using CBT, DBT, mindfulness-based interventions, and talk therapy. Couples counseling and family therapy are also commonly provided online, allowing multiple participants to join from different locations if needed. However, some specialized treatments or those requiring physical presence may be better suited for in-person sessions.

• How do I know if online therapy is right for me?

  Online therapy works well for people who have reliable internet access, feel comfortable with technology, and can create a private space for sessions. It's particularly beneficial for those with busy schedules, mobility limitations, or who live in areas with limited access to mental health professionals. However, individuals in crisis situations or those needing more intensive support may benefit more from in-person care or higher levels of treatment.

• What credentials should my online therapist have?

  Your online therapist should be fully licensed in your state and hold credentials such as Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), or Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). They should have specific training in telehealth delivery and maintain continuing education requirements. Always verify their license through your state's licensing board and ensure they have experience treating your specific concerns using evidence-based therapeutic approaches.