With the push for self-quarantines and social distancing increasing every day, our society is becoming more and more isolated by the minute. While no member of society will go un-touched by the impact of Corona-virus, each person will be impacted in their own way. Each of us will be forced to make our own sacrifices, and will suffer our own losses.
While social distancing can be disappointing for the more obvious reasons, such as not being able to see friends and family- it is also having a serious impact on certain individual’s ability to receive mental health treatment. Therapy offices are closing, support groups in some locations are actually banned, and those depending on these resources are suffering as a result.
So, what should you do if you or a loved one is struggling without your routine mental health services? Well first and foremost, many mental health professionals will be willing to do phone call, face-time, or video chat sessions. Start by asking your mental health professional if this is an option for you. If this is not an option for you, or this is your first time seeking out professional help, you have options. Listed below is a series of virtual options that might work for you.
Psychology Today: Psychologytoday.com is a great option for those of you who would like to find a new mental health professional due to a lack of virtual opportunity with your current one, or are seeking professional help for the first time. On this website you can put in your zip code and select your insurance to find a local professional near you. Utilize their listed contact information to reach out. You might want to try both calling and e-mailing as not all professionals will be in their office at this time. E-mail explaining your mental health support needs, and inquire about whether or not they provide phone call or video chat options. Not all will, so it is best to reach out to a few at a time!
BetterHelp: Betterhelp.com is the world’s largest virtual counseling service, and is 100% online. Their services are accessible through their app or online. Their website states, “Tap into the world’s largest network of licensed, accredited, and experienced counselors who can help you with a range of issues including depression, anxiety, relationships, trauma, grief, and more. With our counselors, you get the same professionalism and quality you would expect from an in-office counselor, but with the ability to communicate when and how you want.”
Services include:
Free evaluations to assess your needs
Video, phone, live chat, messaging
Unlimited messaging,
Cancel anytime
Privacy protected by federal HIPAA laws.
Talkspace: Talkspace.com is a great platform that provides quick and easy access to online therapy. Their website includes, “Send your therapist text, audio, picture, and video messages at any time, and they will respond daily, 5x/week. If you’re looking for the “face-to-face” therapy experience, we also offer Live Video Sessions so you and your therapist can plan to connect in real-time.” Their services include:
24/7 access — reach out whenever you need
No appointments or commuting needed
Ongoing support — express yourself in real-time
Seamlessly switch therapists, at no extra cost
Teen Counseling: Teencounseling.com is a great resource for your teenager struggling with mental health issues, or for any teen who might be affected by this major lifestyle change during the COVID-19 pandemic. This platform allows you to find a mental health professional in a few easy steps. Their website breaks down the easy process in the following steps:
Get matched with a licensed therapist who specializes in teens
Discuss your child’s issues and situation with the therapist
When you approve, the therapist is connected with your child
Your child uses an app on their phone to communicate with the therapist
The therapist interacts with your child over text, phone, and video
Counseling is confidential but the therapist will alert you if an intervention is required
Pride Counseling: Pridecounseling.com is an amazing resource for those seeking mental health support within the LGBTQ community. Their mission is as follows, “Whether you are struggling with mental health issues, your identity, or just need someone to talk to, we believe help should be accessible to everyone. We noticed that individuals in the LGBTQ community suffer from mental health issues at a disproportionately high rate and we wanted to help. By providing online counseling to the LGBTQ community, we make help accessible and accepting of everyone. We provide a platform for people to get the help they need discreetly, affordably, and conveniently.” Their website makes the process of getting connected quick and accessible. Their services include the following:
Counselors that specialize in the LGBTQ community
Get matched to a licensed therapist. Communicate via phone, video, and messaging.
Message whenever you want. Schedule sessions that work with your schedule.
Pride Counseling that is accepting of people from every gender, orientation, and identity.
Regain Couples Counseling: Regain.us is a great online platform for couples counseling, and can be offered to both members of a couple or individually. Too much time with anyone is difficult, and being quarantined during COVID-19 can certainly add fuel to the fire in any relationship. Whether you are suffering from a pause in your current couples counseling or think now could be the right time to start- Regain is a great platform to conscider. Their website describes their services as follows: “We change the way people get help facing relationship challenges by providing convenient, discreet, and affordable access to a licensed therapist. Regain makes professional counseling available anytime, anywhere, through a computer, tablet or smartphone.”
Faithful Counseling: Faithfulcounseling.com is an online platform specific to Christians seeking mental health advice. Their website describes their services as, “a solution for people seeking traditional mental health counseling who would prefer hearing from the perspective of a Christian. If you are seeking a mental health professional who is a practicing Christian, Faithful Counseling may be a great option for you.” Their services include the following:
Video, phone, live chat, messaging
Counseling from a Biblical perspective
All counselors are practicing Christians
Feel free to comment with alternative options that you might be aware of. Remember that your mental health must be a priority during this time, and that you are not alone. If you are feeling suicidal or need to speak with someone immediately, you can call 1–800–273–8255 at any time.
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