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The plans are accessible in all 50 states to adults, teens, and couples.
We were impressed with the flexibility of these messaging options and how quickly our therapists responded to us.
And overall, we were impressed.
Every plan we tried at Talkspaceincluding the couples therapy planincludes text-based therapy.
Usually, it only took a couple of hours to hear back unless we messaged late on a Friday.
“I read [a message from my therapist] at the exact moment I needed that.
At Talkspace, you also have the option of signing up for a plan with live chat sessions.
Rather than wait hours for a response, your therapist responds in real time.
However, this form of chat isnt for everyone.
VeryWell Mind / Design by Amelia Manley
Its personalized care plans, unlimited messaging support, and in-depth self-paced assignments also stood out to us.
Our therapists were typically prompt when responding, and never sent canned answers.
“Overall, I feel I’ve gained new approaches to tackling certain situations and thought processes.
I’ve also learned new breathing techniques to help with anxiety rather than relying on medication.
So far, therapy has been helpful and I’m glad I gave it a shot.”
We were impressed with the sheer number of therapy communication options it offered.
One thing to note: A major aspect of CBT is homework outside of therapy sessions.
We appreciated the multitude of text-based communication methods available, and for the most part, they worked well.
However, while we could message our therapist at any time, we didnt always receive a response.
In addition, we had some trouble with the live chat function.
We tried to have the chat session, but it was filled with long lags between responses.
Thats why we believe Crisis Text Line is such a vital resource.
It offers 24/7, bilingual, free support via text with volunteer crisis counselors in the U.S. and internationally.
They will also help wind the conversation to a close to help you transition out of the chat.
This is often the case with crisis hotlines, but is something you should be aware of.
Theyre also guided by a group of supervisors with relevant masters degrees or crisis intervention experience.
As such, they can provide key support, advice, and information about resources in your area.
We found that the therapists’s responses were engaged and thoughtful.
This meant that, in the end, we covered less ground in a session.
However, we especially appreciated the way the service handled parental involvement in the process.
When we signed up with our teen, we both got our own online room to message our therapist.
Its one of the only free peer support services that we came across.
Common chat room topics includegrief,loneliness, breakups, chronic illness, and caregiving.
But remember, 7 Cups offersonlytext-based therapy rather than live chat, video, or audio sessions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Does Text-Based Therapy Entail?
How Much Do Text-Based Therapy Services Cost?
Online therapy is typically paid for via a weekly or monthly subscription.
Prices can range from $95 per month to $400 a month or more.
Some online therapy platforms also offer pay-per-session payment models, which often cost $50 or more per session.
Does Insurance Cover Text Therapy Services?
Some online therapy services that offer text-based therapy, such as Brightside and Talkspace, take insurance.
Other platforms will provide you with a superbill that you could submit to your insurance provider for potential reimbursement.
Is Text-Based Therapy Effective?
Is There a Free Option for Text Therapy?
Most text-assisted therapy platforms require payment, especially if youre working with a licensed therapist.
However, some crisis/emergency text therapy resourcessuch as the Crisis Text Lineare free to use.
Others, such as 7 Cups, offer free peer support and advice from trained volunteers.
