Inclusive language: We looked for platforms that use language on the site and in intake forms that is gender, race, and identity inclusive.Note that insurers can have weird rules regarding both mental health and telehealth. We suggest placing a phone call to get that confirmation: It’s anecdotal evidence, but we’ve received inaccurate information from our insurance’s customer-help chat service. It’s a good idea to check with your insurer specifically before booking an appointment. Insurance: We sought platforms that accept insurance.Number of therapists: Having more therapists registered to work on a platform means you’re more likely to find someone you want to keep seeing.A scattershot offering isn’t a dealbreaker, though: A platform can still work for you as long as it has a therapist licensed where you are, and you get along with that person. We eliminated any platform that wasn’t at least in theory national (for example, practices that aim to serve only a specific region). Therapists in (most) every state: When it comes to therapy, the internet can eliminate geographic barriers only so much-your therapist still needs to be licensed to practice in your state.If you do choose a text-based service, look for one that offers video, as well, so you can connect with your therapist in a more traditional setting sometimes. Text-based therapy just isn’t supported by all that much research (see “ What Is Text Therapy, and Does It Work?” for more). Video: We focused on services that provide video therapy.URAC offers an accreditation program, and independent security companies such as HiTrust provide audits, too. Security: To confirm that companies are following best practices to keep your information safe, look for one or more third-party certifications.Of course, not all of these offerings claim to provide therapy, but sometimes they look suspiciously similar to those that do. Search for “therapy” in the iTunes App Store, and you’ll get a slew of options from legit medical providers to virtual coloring books. That means not a chat robot, and not some kind of coach. Licensed therapists: The most basic requirement is that the service connects you to licensed therapists (states issue these licenses, confirming that providers have one of a variety of degrees that prepare them for this work).We suggest that you use our recommendations of the best online therapy platforms to look for a therapist, but that you not consider them to be the final word on which service will provide you with the best health care. But we can’t guarantee you’ll find the right therapist through the service. We like that our top pick offers security and presents a unique interface that makes it feel most like a traditional therapy session. Keep in mind that video therapy is backed by peer-reviewed research and closely mimics an in-person appointment, unlike text-based therapy services. After putting in more than 75 hours of research over three years and trying appointments on six platforms, we recommend starting your search for an online therapist with Amwell. Online therapy services may even make the process of finding someone to speak with easier by expanding the number of licensed mental health professionals you can pick from, eliminating the need to go to a physical location for an appointment, and perhaps even reducing your out-of-pocket costs. When you can’t access a therapist in person, video appointments can be as effective. It’s so tricky being a person, and therapy can help.
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