The process typically involves the following steps:

• You will start by filling out a brief questionnaire about your current and past mental health, your reasons for seeking therapy online, and your personal information. Some of the questions may touch on topics such as your religion or spirituality, gender identity, sexuality, or relationship status. While answering these questions is optional, it can help in the next step.

​

• The next step is to be matched with an online therapist. Some online counseling platforms will provide you with a list of therapists to choose from, while others will match you with a therapist who they think is best suited to your needs and preferences. If you don't feel like you're making progress with your current therapist, you can request a new one.

​

• Once you've been matched with an online therapist, you can start communicating with them through messaging. They may also reach out to you to introduce themselves and explain their treatment approach. Depending on the platform and plan you've chosen, you may also have the option of setting up a voice or video call.

 

The best online therapy apps offer a wide range of specializations, so you can easily find an online therapist who is right for you. These specializations include family counseling, anger management, child or teen counseling, depression, anxiety, OCD, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, religious and spiritual counseling, grief, trauma, PTSD, chronic pain, eating disorders, sleep disorders, insomnia, and LGBTQ+ issues.

 

Online therapists have the same accreditations as traditional therapists, including accredited psychologists (PhD, PsyD), licensed professional therapists (LPC or LPCC), licensed clinical social workers (LCSW/LMSW), and licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFT).

​

​