Types of online therapy
- Video conferencing: This is the most common type of online therapy. It is similar to in-person therapy, but you and your therapist will meet online using a video conferencing platform such as Zoom or Skype.
- Live chat: This type of therapy involves communicating with your therapist in real time via a text chat platform.
- Asynchronous messaging: This type of therapy involves exchanging messages with your therapist at your own convenience. You may not receive a response from your therapist immediately, but they will respond as soon as they are able.
Find a therapist who is specialized in PTSD
- These therapists have the knowledge and experience to help you develop an effective treatment plan.
- They can help you understand the symptoms of PTSD and how to manage them.
- They can provide you with support and guidance as you work through your trauma.
Treatment approaches for PTSD
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT is a type of therapy that focuses on changing your thoughts and behaviors. In CBT for PTSD, you will learn how to identify and challenge negative thoughts and beliefs related to your trauma. You will also learn how to manage your symptoms and live a more fulfilling life.
- Exposure therapy: Exposure therapy involves gradually exposing yourself to things that remind you of your trauma in a safe and controlled environment. This can help you to desensitize yourself to your triggers and reduce your fear and anxiety.
- Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR): EMDR is a type of therapy that uses eye movements to help you process and reprocess traumatic memories. This can help to reduce the distress associated with your trauma and improve your symptoms.
Best Online Therapy Options for PTSD: At a Glance
Best for Trauma, Anxiety and Support Groups
BetterHelp therapy is one of the top-rated online therapy providers as of today.
- 30000+ licensed therapists
- Live video calls, phone calls, and messaging.
- Provides counseling in specialized areas of treatment such as anxiety, depression, and many others.
Pros
- Multiple communication methods
- Enables access to professional and experienced board-licensed therapists
- Transparent on pricing
- 24/7 availability
- Patients can switch therapists at any time and as many times as needed
Cons
- No free trial
- No psychiatric care is available
- Only one subscription plan is available with the prices varying
Best for People Looking Afforable Therapy
Online-Therapy.com is an affordable, convenient, and private online therapy website. It offers a variety of tools and resources to help users, such as worksheets, live sessions, and a journal.
Pros
- Pricing
- Safety, privacy, and confidentiality
- Plenty of licensed therapists to choose from
- Daily worksheet replies Mon-Fri
Cons
- Insurance is not accepted.
- You are matched with a therapist and not given the option to choose.
- Not available in all 50 states.
Best for Medication Management Services
TalkSpace is an online therapy platform, that offers private counseling with the help of a network of licensed therapists. Customers can avail special features like unrestricted texting and access to registered as well as qualified therapists without requiring prior appointments.
Pros
- Three payment plan options
- Talkspace does accept insurance
- Offers teen therapy services
- Includes psychiatric services and medication management
- Possibility to choose a therapist.
Cons
- The basic plan doesn’t include live sessions
- Therapists take longer to respond
- No option for communicating with the therapist via phone
- Prices vary based on location and therapist availability
Introduction
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental illness brought on by a frightening, life-altering event. The traumatic events causing PTSD are either experienced or witnessed by an individual. When the event is over, people with PTSD continue to suffer fallout from it, including reliving it through flashbacks, terrifying nightmares, and intense anxiety. Their minds may wander back to the event because they cannot control any negative thoughts surrounding the experience.
Not everyone who experiences trauma develops PTSD. Some people have more trouble adjusting and coping, whereas others can do so with proper self-care and time. Those who move past their trauma can return to their normal lives. Then there are those who’s symptoms worsen over time. Their thoughts and feelings around the terrifying event sabotage their daily life and relationships. If this sounds like you, you may be living with PTSD.
Seeking treatment for PTSD with the help of a mental health professional is vital to improving your life and coping with your symptoms.
What Is the Best Online Counseling for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Messages
Phone calls
Video Chats
Online Vs. In-Person
Online and in-person counseling vary in their delivery but have the same goal in mind. The point of therapy is to assist the patient to overcome their PTSD. If you are considering counseling, you may be interested in learning more about the online version. Counseling online is a newer trend that comes with many benefits.
Online counseling is often more budget friendly. The sessions can take place from home, they are not as expensive to do. Secondly, appointment times are often more flexible. It is much easier to schedule appointments at non-traditional times when no one has to leave home. Finally, some counseling websites allow for anonymous participation. This may be very helpful for someone experiencing guilt, embarrassment, or shame.
How Does It Work?
Most therapy for PTSD takes place through cognitive behavioral therapy. This is a short-term style of talk therapy, usually lasting less than one year. During each session, you and the counselor work together to overcome your symptoms. The sessions are dedicated strictly to the PTSD, rather than any other issues. Sessions are sometimes one-on-one, but a counselor may suggest group sessions as well. Sometimes, working with a trusted friend or family member can be immensely helpful in your recovery.
There are two primary components of CBT for PTSD. They are exposure therapy and cognitive therapy. In exposure therapy, the patient is slowly exposed to their trauma in a safe environment. Often, this is done through writing, imagination, or visiting the location the trauma took place.
In cognitive restructuring, the counselor helps you make sense of the upsetting memories. This helps unearth misremembered details and/or feelings of shame or guilt for events that are not their fault. Your counselor enables you to understand the traumatic event in a more realistic way.
Things to Know Before Choosing PTSD Therapy
How to Choose the Best Online Counselor
Choosing the best counselor for you is essential for your recovery journey. Building a relationship and a trusting bond helps you to open up and communicate more clearly. This open communication is what helps you move through the steps to recovery. There are a few factors to take into consideration when looking for a therapist. They include:
- Find a counselor who specializes in PTSD
- Find a counselor who fits within your budget
- Find a counselor who’s schedule fits with yours
- Find a counselor who you feel you can trust
- Find a counselor with good reviews and success rates for other patients
Reviews
A good counselor and the website which they are affiliated with should have many reviews from other patients. Reviews are an essential tool in scoping out your counselor. They give you insight into the methods the counselor uses and what you can expect from your sessions. Having information like this can make you feel more comfortable and prepared before your first session.
Additionally, it can help you find a counselor you like and avoid those you think are not right for you.
Final Remark
PTSD is a severe mental health illness. Left untreated, you can encounter significant difficulties in your daily life and relationships. In extreme cases, PTSD can even lead to thoughts or attempts of suicide. If you are experiencing symptoms PTSD, do hesitate to get help as soon as possible. Your quality of life can improve significantly with the guidance of a professional. If you ever have feelings of suicide, call a suicide hotline, or someone you trust immediately. You are worth it.
