Digital Platforms: Increasing Access To Mental Health Support
Digital platforms are breaking barriers and transforming the way we access mental health care. There are plenty of obstacles when seeking mental health care -- high costs, social stigma and limited accessibility or transportation options, to name a few. Online therapy has emerged as a practical solution to overcome these barriers.
By eliminating the need for a physical space, teletherapy significantly reduces costs, making mental health care more affordable -- and more accessible. An added benefit: the privacy of online sessions allows individuals to receive care without concerns about being seen at a therapist's office, creating a more comfortable and conducive environment for therapy.
Rural areas often have a shortage of mental health care providers ( A call to action to address rural mental health disparities - PMC (nih.gov)). This, coupled with the accessibility problem for those who lack reliable transportation, make the delivery of mental healthcare a significant challenge.
Online therapy allows for access to therapists regardless of location. This means patients can choose professionals based on personal preferences such as gender, race, age group, or specialty. This personalized approach fosters a stronger connection and sense of comfort between patients and therapists, enhancing the effectiveness of treatments. (The Health Site, 2023)
Online Therapy Platforms To Explore
One example of an online therapy platform is BetterHelp (https://www.betterhelp.com) which offers subscription-based services with various communication modes, including texts, video calls, and phone calls, catering to individual preferences.
With up to 32,000 licensed therapists specializing in different areas, BetterHelp can match prospective patients to the therapist(s) that best meet(s) their needs. If the patient does not feel a strong connection to the initial therapist offered, they have many other options. Patients are asked to answer a series of questions, including demographic information (e.g. age, religious background, relationship status) as well as questions that probe current state-of-mind and expectations from therapy (BetterHelp - Get Started & Sign-Up Today).
An alternative platform that also receives high marks is Talkspace (https://try.talkspace.com). Talkspace offers 4 steps to getting started: 1) Providing insights into why the patient is seeking therapy; 2) Getting matched to a therapist that meets the patient’s needs; 3) Selecting a plan and 4) meeting with your therapist to establish therapy goals. Therapy categories include online therapy; couples therapy; teen therapy (for patients between the ages of 12-17) and psychiatry (including medication management).
Does Online Therapy Work?
Studies have shown that online therapy can be as effective as traditional therapy in treating conditions like depression and anxiety, making it a viable alternative for those facing barriers to traditional care (Comparing efficacy of telehealth to in-person mental health care in intensive-treatment-seeking adults - PMC (nih.gov)).
COVID-19 was a triggering event for exploring tele-mental health as an alternative and now, digital platforms are transforming the landscape of mental health support and providing hope for those seeking help.