Online therapy gives patients access to mental health services without the requirement of showing up in person. These therapy platforms connect people seeking attention for mental health concerns with licensed therapists or mental health professionals via text messaging, phone calls, or live video chats.

There are many benefits to online therapy sessions, but it’s important to know what type of care you can expect from these free services. In this blog article, we’ll detail what free online therapy services and mental health resources are available and how to access them.

Therapy Basics

Therapy, often referred to as "talk therapy" or psychotherapy is a comprehensive approach aimed at tackling emotional distress and mental health difficulties. Therapeutic services are delivered by psychiatrists, therapists, and counselors in various public and private settings, catering to individuals and groups.

In a typical therapy session, an individual engages in one-on-one discussions with a therapist to explore and address a wide range of mental and emotional challenges in their life, such as stress, anxiety, depression, and relationship issues, among others. The therapist customizes a personalized treatment plan tailored to the patient's needs and objectives. These sessions employ techniques like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and other methods to delve into the core of the patient's mental or emotional issues, promoting a holistic and sustainable path to progress.

How Online Therapy Works

Online therapy is a form of telehealth used to address a range of mental health issues and improve patient’s mental well-being. Appointments with an online therapist may be conducted over video, phone calls, or text-based chats.

Because many individuals have a hard time fitting therapy into their daily schedule, these online mental healthcare services offer individuals the opportunity to seek professional help without having to commute to an office. Online therapy options are also suitable for individuals managing autism and other developmental disorders, as there is no requirement for in-person interaction.

Nearly all types of online therapy require a stable internet connection and a quiet, private space from which you can conduct your visit.

Some mental health issues that can be addressed online include:

• Depression and bipolar disorder
  
• Anxiety
  
• Eating disorders
  
• Trauma-related disorders (like post-traumatic stress disorder)
  
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder
  
• Substance abuse disorders
  
• Marriage and family therapy
  
• Stress management
  
• LGBTQ+ identity support
  
• Anger management
  
• Personality disorders
  
  

The range of mental health care you can receive online depends on the platform and provider. In addition, it’s important to note that not all types of therapy providers can prescribe medication for mental illnesses during an online appointment. We recommend checking the provider’s site or the online therapy platform to determine whether or not you can receive a prescription or refill an existing one during your appointment.

Best Free Online Therapy Options

Bliss Free Online Therapy for Depression is a free therapy program offered by CIMHS, a non-profit organization based in Toronto. The Bliss program consists of a questionnaire and interactive tools you can use at your own pace. These tools can help you manage and improve your overall mental wellness.

The Bliss program is totally free and easy to sign up for, but you will not be connected to a provider for a one-on-one session. The program is designed to give techniques to improve your mental health, but it is ineffective for individuals requiring talk therapy or those experiencing a mental health crisis.

7 Cups connects individuals to volunteer listeners for emotional support. Chat rooms are open 24/7 and are accessible to those who register on the site. In addition to online chats, 7 Cups offers community support groups and forums connecting site users.

The peer support offered by 7 Cups is different from therapy. You can use these listening sessions to express your concerns or stresses. Listeners on 7 Cups are not licensed therapists and cannot provide treatment plans or medication. You can, however, enroll in 7 Cups’ online therapy program for $150 per month. This paid version of the site gives you access to online counseling services and therapy.

Therapy Aid Coalition is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving access to mental health services and support for healthcare workers and first responders. Its mission revolves around bridging the gap between individuals needing therapy and mental health professionals who can assist.

For those unable to afford therapy, the coalition facilitates free therapy services. They work with trained volunteer practitioners to provide free therapy sessions to individuals in crisis or underserved communities. The coalition also connects individuals in need with licensed mental health professionals who offer reduced-cost or sliding-scale therapy options. This ensures that people facing financial constraints can still access vital mental health support.

Currently, the Therapy Aid Coalition specifically offers services to healthcare workers and first responders. If you do not belong to either of these communities, you may not be able to get mental health assistance from this organization. It’s also important to note that not all services the coalition provides are free.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is a national nonprofit organization that provides a range of free services to support individuals and families affected by mental health challenges.

NAMI offers a free helpline that provides information, resources, and support to individuals seeking information about mental health conditions, treatment options, and available services. This helpline connects people to knowledgeable, compassionate staff who can address questions and concerns. Helpline staff can offer guidance on navigating emergency mental health situations and connect individuals with crisis services, social workers, and hotlines.

NAMI also facilitates free support groups for individuals living with mental health conditions and their family members. These peer-led groups create a safe and confidential space where participants can share their experiences, gain insights, and receive emotional support from others who understand their challenges.

Additionally, NAMI conducts free educational programs and workshops that aim to provide valuable information about mental health conditions, treatment modalities, and strategies for coping and recovery. These programs are designed to empower individuals and families with knowledge and skills to manage mental health issues better.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is a United States government agency that provides a wide array of free services and resources to promote mental health and address substance use issues.

SAMHSA operates the National Helpline, a free and confidential 24/7 hotline that offers support and information for individuals and families dealing with mental health and substance use concerns. Trained professionals provide guidance, referrals, and crisis intervention for individuals and communities dealing with mental health crises, natural disasters, and other emergencies.

Other services SAMHSA offers include an online Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator that allows individuals to find support facilities. Additionally, you can find free educational materials, toolkits, and resources on their site to educate yourself about mental health and substance use disorders.

SAMHSA answers phone calls and connects individuals to local assistance and support networks. You cannot find counseling services or talk therapy through SAMHSA.

Crisis Text Line is a nonprofit organization that provides free crisis intervention services via text messaging. Their primary service is a 24/7 crisis hotline that allows individuals in crisis to text "HOME" to 741741 to connect with a trained crisis counselor. This service is completely confidential and provides immediate support to those experiencing emotional distress, suicidal thoughts, or any form of crisis.

One of the critical advantages of Crisis Text Line is its accessibility, as it allows people to seek help discreetly and without the need for a phone call or face-to-face interaction. It caters to a wide range of issues, including depression, anxiety, self-harm, bullying, and relationship problems, among others.

In addition to its crisis hotline, Crisis Text Line offers educational resources and initiatives to raise awareness about mental health issues and promote mental well-being.

Low-Cost Mental Health Care

The wealth of resources above provides options to people looking for free online mental health care. These services do, however, have some limitations. Not all services are free. Free services may be targeted to a specific group or problem. While these sites can connect you to online mental health care, they rarely offer free online counseling or therapy themselves. For individualized face-to-face online therapy sessions, look for a low-cost telehealth option like these:

Sesame provides accessible and discreet online therapy sessions conducted by licensed mental health professionals available throughout the country. Therapy sessions present patients with holistic, non-pharmaceutical treatment modalities such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and talk therapy. These therapeutic approaches are designed to promote personal development, enhance mental health, and elevate the overall quality of life by nurturing self-awareness, deepening insight, and cultivating effective coping skills.

Each session typically spans 30 to 50 minutes. Therapy on Sesame helps patients better understand their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and develop strategies to manage and overcome anxiety, depression, stress, relationship conflicts, and more.

Sesame’s online therapy pricing varies depending on the provider. The price you see on the site is the price you pay for the service. No health insurance is needed, and there are no surprise charges. If you need a prescription or a follow-up appointment, a support team member will contact you regarding next steps.

BetterHelp is a cost-effective therapy option for individuals seeking mental health support.

BetterHelp offers affordable subscription plans, allowing users to access weekly therapy sessions. These plans are typically more budget-friendly compared to traditional in-person therapy. These subscription plans provide users with unlimited messaging and scheduled live sessions with licensed therapists, allowing them to receive consistent support at an affordable rate.

Additionally, BetterHelp offers financial assistance to those facing financial constraints. The platform has a sliding scale fee structure that considers an individual's income and financial situation. This means that individuals with lower incomes can receive therapy at a reduced cost, ensuring that mental health care remains accessible to a diverse range of people.

The first step in improving your mental health is seeking out care. Online therapy is an excellent option for those who are looking for mental health care without the commitment of going to a therapist’s office. There are numerous free resources accessible to patients across the country. It’s important to keep in mind that these services may be limited or targeted toward a specific problem.

Whether seeking general therapy or targeted treatment, Sesame is an excellent place to start your mental wellness journey. Book an online therapy appointment today to discuss any questions or concerns with a skilled therapist.

Sources:

• (n.d.). Mental Health Treatments. National Alliance on Mental Illness. nami.org
  
• Sander, J., Bolinski, F., Diekmann, S., Gaebel, W., Günther, K., Hauth, I., Heinz, A., Kleiboer, A., Riper, H., Trost, N., Vlijter, O., Zielasek, J., & Gerlinger, G. (2022). Online therapy: an added value for inpatient routine care? Perspectives from mental health care professionals. European archives of psychiatry and clinical neuroscience, 272(1), 107–118. doi.org
  
• Wan-Chen, C., Hsun-Yu, C., Sung, Y. H., Po-Lin, C., Ya-Feng, H., Kuo-Chang, H., & Shi-Sen, H. (2023). Therapists' practical implementation and preparation of online counseling in the post-pandemic era. Current psychology (New Brunswick, N.J.), 1–13. Advance online publication. doi.org