It’s no secret that mental health issues have been on the rise since the onset of the pandemic in 2020. Chances are, you know at least one other person struggling with issues like depression, anxiety, or trauma — if you’re not struggling yourself. That’s why in this article we’ll be sharing online mental health services that could help.
More People Turning to Online Mental Health Services
A recent survey on COVID-19 and Mental Health revealed that in the spring of 2021, 25% of Canadians aged 18 and older had symptoms of depression, anxiety or posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) — up from 21% in the fall of 2020. People have been feeling the effects of social isolation, job loss, relationship issues and other major life shifts, and many people have turned to unhealthy habits such as substance abuse to cope.
What’s more, given the overburdened healthcare system and the general lack of in-person care available, many people are struggling to find help to cope with their symptoms. As a result, some people are turning to online mental health services or mobile apps to self-treat their mental health issues.
There’s now an estimated 10,000 to 20,000 mental health apps available online — a dizzying number that only highlights the desperate need for more treatment options in place. This number has only continued to grow since the pandemic has raged on, as more and more people are searching for mental health support that they can easily access from home or while on the go.
5 Online Mental Health Services That Could Help You
If you or someone you know is struggling with a mental health challenge, here are five online mental health services to check out as an alternative or a supplement to traditional treatments like in-person therapy and medication:
1. BetterHelp
As the largest professional therapy platform available today, BetterHelp is bridging the gap between people who are struggling with mental health issues and experienced therapists who are equipped to help.
Through the platform, users can access accredited psychologists (PhD / PsyD), marriage and family therapists (LMFT), clinical social workers (LCSW / LMSW), and board licensed professional counselors (LPC) for live chat, phone or video sessions.
In a 2019 study, the Berkeley Well-Being Institute found the platform to be as effective as face-to-face therapy, so you can rest assured BetterHelp is at least worth a shot for anyone who is struggling.
2. Talkspace
Talkspace is another high-ranking online mental health service, offering therapy sessions for individuals, couples, and teens, as well as psychiatry, including medication management. After a brief assessment, users are guided to choose their therapist before diving into a chat, phone or video session.
The platform also offers specialized services for the LGBTQIA+ community, veterans, and a wide spectrum of mental health issues like depression, anxiety, OCD, trauma and grief, and much more.
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3. Moodfit
Providing users with “fitness for mental health,” Moodfit was voted the best overall mental health app in both 2020 and 2021. The app is geared towards helping people reduce stress and strengthen their overall mental health through activities like journaling, mood tracking, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), gratitude, breathing exercises and more.
With a wide array of services and activities to choose from, Moodfit is the perfect place to start for anyone who isn’t sure of their personal mental health needs just yet. There is no one-size-fits-all approach, so taking the time to experiment and find what works for you is essential.
4. Sanvello
Based on the principles behind CBT, Sanvello is a top-rated app for those struggling with stress, anxiety and depression. Offering therapy, coaching, peer support and self-care resources, the app allows people to choose their own adventure towards emotional wellness by mixing and matching the services that resonate with them most.
Sanvello offers in-the-moment tools like suggestions for coping with morning dread or public speaking-related anxiety, as well as weekly check-ins and progress reports so you can track your mental health over time. Created by a team of clinical experts, the platform has been proven to help people on their path to healing and improving their overall mental health management.
5. Shine
With a team that’s 80% BIPOC, including the app’s female founders, Shine brings a diverse range of perspectives, experiences and identities to the mental wellness journey. The platform offers mental health services specifically geared towards women and marginalized groups such as Black, Latino, Asian American, LGBTQIA+ and trans people.
Taking the form of an inclusive self-care toolkit, Shine provides online services that help you cope with life’s everyday ups and downs, while processing challenging events. The app offers daily mental health strategies, strong community support, as well as an audio library filled with over 800 meditations, relaxation sounds and bedtime stories to help you channel an inner sense of calm.
Online mental health services mentioned in this article:
