SEVEN STRATEGIES FOR FINDING CHEAP OR FREE THERAPY
#5
Teletherapy, Online, and Apps
The world of psychology and therapy is just now starting to embrace technology. However, there are still many obstacles and questions about how effective it can be. Confidentiality has always been a central tenet of therapy and doing it remotely can make that challenging to ensure. Research is still just beginning to come in about what kind of clients benefit from teletherapy, what kinds of treatments work best, and how consistent the outcomes are.
Despite these challenges and questions teletherapy does help to open up opportunities for those who can’t access traditional means of therapy to get some form of treatment. We’ve gathered up some of the more popular and highly rated services for you to check out.
Online Therapy Services
Talk Space
- Matches you with a licensed therapist
- Communicate through text
- Therapy for individuals, teens, and couples
- HIPAA compliant
Better Help
- Connects you to a licensed therapist
- Therapy plans start at $40 a week
- HIPAA compliant
Regain
- Specifically designed for couples counseling
- Rebuild intimacy, affection, and positivity in relationship
- Can be used individually or as a couple
- Sessions can range from $40-$70
Therapy Skills on Your Phone
Maybe you’re not sure if you want to have a virtual therapist but that doesn’t have to stop you from having access to therapeutic skills on your phone! There are a lot of apps out there that don’t provide therapy per se but do give practical tips, skills, or meditations.
Headspace (iOS, Android)
This playful app may look likes it’s just for fun with its cartoons and cuteness but it’s grounded in the scientifically proven benefits of mediation. Meditation exercises (guided bu those cartoons) will help you to reduce stress.
The app is free for download for iPhone or Android but offers in-app purchases.
Calm (iOS, Android)
Focused on helping you relax Calm teaches you breathing and meditation practices from experts in their area. The app also offers various peaceful sounds, songs, and stories to help you relax, focus, or get to sleep.
You can download the app for free as well as in-app purchases range start at $14.99.
Happy Not Perfect (iOS, Android)
This app is like a quick daily workout for your mind and mood. It takes you through an 8-step routine to “boost your feel-good hormones and relax your nervous system.” And you can do this workout anywhere.
While you can download the app for free, it also offers in-app purchases.
Moodfit (iOS, Android)
You can tell by its name that this app is borrowing from the fitness industry in its approach. This app also has lots of skills and exercises to offer but really focuses on tracking your data (sleep, mood, etc.) to see what’s working and what’s not.
A free app also offering in-app purchases.
PTSD Coach (iOS, Android)
The US Department of Veterans Affairs has developed this app to help further their necessary goal of treating and supporting those with PTSD. Relaxation, positive self-talk, and anger management are all here.
You can download the app for and access all of it completely free.
If techie solutions to therapy aren’t what you’re looking for there are still some options available to you!