According to WHO (World Health Organization), mental health is defined as “a state of well-being in which every individual realizes his or her potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and can make a contribution to her or his community.” 

There is no doubt that 2020 didn't affect a single person’s mental health wellness in some way.

We can name everything that we experienced: routine changes, stay-at-home orders, work from home assignments, online schooling, travel restrictions, limited in-person companionship, potential job loss, business closures and much more.

These stressors are more than enough to affect our lives, our communities, and our well-being, causing us to work less productively and less fruitfully. These stressors also exacerbate anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders.  

For those who already struggle with anxiety and stress; the pandemic experiences have deepened the mental health chasm, causing even more of a need to seek out professional counseling.

Not only has the disruption in our lives affected adults, but also our youth and children as well.

1 in 6 US Children (Ages 2-8) have a diagnosed mental health disorder.

7.1 % of our youth between ages 3-17 have a diagnosed anxiety disorder.

3.2 % of our youth between ages 3-17 have a diagnosed depressive disorder.

The numbers are no better for adults. The Pandemic has affected the mental health status of at least 1 in 3 Adults, with depressive disorders and substance abuse continually rising.

While these numbers seem scary, there is much hope to be found. 

Despite stigmas surrounding counseling, the benefits are numerous when it comes to helping the patient process and overcome life challenges. The difficulty of scheduling, providing in-person counseling, and staying safe during the Pandemic has caused the rise and popularity of virtual therapy, provided by organizations much like BetterHelp.

Why Virtual Therapy over Traditional Therapy?

Traditional Counseling is face-to-face talk therapy, with the counselor and patient discussing specific private issues. Traditional Therapy still follows business hour methods- with scheduled office visits, certain hours, and inaccessibility of the counselor during “off-hours, and once-a-week visits. Face-to-Face Therapy often focuses on diagnosing the issues and determining behavior components that one can change regarding those issues.

Virtual Therapy, or Online Counseling, offers talk therapy using the internet to connect to the counselor. A private space is needed to discuss issues, so it could be difficult if you are sharing a home and are not comfortable discussing certain things near family members.  Virtual counseling offers convenient appointment times even outside of what is deemed normal business hours. If accessibility is important to your needs, virtual counseling is a great experience for you to try out.  Virtual Therapy still works like Face-to-Face regarding life challenges, diagnosis, and determining workable next steps. Counselors can offer support, discussions, and provide techniques to help the patient through their difficulty. 

Why use BetterHelp? 

BetterHelp is like an online database that that seeks to connect those in need of help with licensed professional counselors while making counseling accessible, affordable, and convenient.  BetterHelp wants people to feel whole, happy, and well. 

Upon sign-up on the BetterHelp website, the patient is matched with a professional counselor based on the needs listed and the counselor’s expertise. Using a computer, smartphone, or tablet, the patient can access a professional counselor at any time via messaging, live chat, verbal communication, and video conferencing. The time-frame is relatively quick, but it does depend upon the counselor's availability and expertise as they are matched to the patient's needs. 

Counselors are accredited psychologists, marriage and family therapists, clinical social workers, and licensed professional counselors. BetterHelp requires that their counselors have Masters in their field, be certified by the state board in which they practice in and possess three years’ experience.

BetterHelp also aims at providing affordable mental health care while using online methods of counseling. Signing up with BetterHelp is like a monthly membership, can be canceled if services are no longer needed. Each session costs between $60 and $90. Monthly billing most likely won’t be covered by insurance, so check with your insurance company before you sign-up for BetterHelp services.

While counselors can engage in the patient's difficulties, they cannot make official diagnoses or prescribe medications, but are able to work with patients to move forward in their mental health wellness journey. 

Why use virtual counseling? 

Virtual Counseling can help you heal and start the journey towards wellness and wholeness. Instead of ignoring your difficulties, addressing them with a counselor, as painful as it may be, can begin a new road of discovery. 

While virtual counseling is not for those in immediate crises or danger, the benefits include accessible counselors, the ability to meet from your home, the ability to remain anonymous, and the ability to receive needed help outside of normal business hours. 

A larger choice of providers is also available, especially if the counselor and patient are not meshing well together. Another benefit is the accessibility of patient care in remote areas. Skip the travel and stay home to arrange appointments with your mental health care provider over the internet!

Of course, the downfall of virtual mental healthcare is that the internet is not always reliable, but in the case of BetterHelp, the benefits outweigh the negatives! 

BetterHelp claims that 98% of their patients made significant process overcoming their difficulties and 70% alleviated depression symptoms using their services. 

The key component is taking that next step to seek out help for anxiety, depression, or other symptoms.

Studies, such as JMIR Publications, do conclude that BetterHelp does provide relief and benefit for those facing anxiety and depression disorders. 

If you feel as if you or a loved one is in danger, please use these resources over BetterHelp services. 

Questions? Check out the FAQ or Contact BetterHelp for more information. 

As 2021 shapes up to be another challenging year, take advantage of virtual therapy through BetterHelp. 

A licensed counselor will help you navigate the challenges you face this year. 

Remember, you are not alone and there are people willing to help you.