Online Counselors

[Debbiesue63]

Has anyone tried one of these? I’m afraid they’re scams. So many online scams nowadays...

[LiveandLetLive42]

You mean this site? HU is awesome!! A lot of love here! We try to help each other out with mental illness. It’s definitely not a scam at all. It’s like Facebook for mental illness. You can share posts on your thoughts and comment on others posts on giving advice and what not. Share something! And don’t get discouraged if you don’t get a ton of replies. Like Facebook, people are just doing their best to respond and share. You’ll love it here!!

[Agora1]

Debbiesue63, of course we must always be careful in online anything but my

theory is that if the person helps you, you should know the first time you talk

with them. (also try to pick a site that is more popular)

I remember the first time I was to do a therapy session by phone. (someone had

recommended her) I called to set up an appointment time that would work for both

of us. Was taken back when she said, she needn't talk to me in person on the phone.

What?? She said let's just agree on a time and I should think about my problems,

my questions and she will feel it and give me the answers I need through telepathy.

Of course she wanted a $ 175 paid up front. I couldn't hang up fast enough. I

thought I had heard it all.

Be careful when red flags go up. Good Luck xx

[Debbiesue63 in reply to Agora1]

LOL! EXACTLY, Agora1. Thanks for understanding. Sorry you had to deal with that scammer...

[NeuronerdDoaty]

Online counseling is great. You can be more open. Make sure you go through a reputable company. My insurance covers my counselor who is on the other side of the States. We were matched and my hour is at a time that fits my schedule. I really like her. I can also email what I’d like to cover on our next visit.

Best of luck to you

Doaty

[Donewhatisleft in reply to NeuronerdDoaty]

How do you get insurance coverage??

Please advise if possible

[LiveandLetLive42]

Wow I’m so dumb. You meant online counseling. Duh! 🙄 I still stand by what I said about this site, but online counseling can be such a hit or miss. My sister tried it and it didn’t really stick. She went to an actual therapist after trying it. I am old fashioned. I like talking to someone face to face. Or even on the phone can be okay. But online, I really don’t know 🤷‍♀️ I’m sorry I got mixed up. It’s the dits in me lol.

[Debbiesue63 in reply to LiveandLetLive42]

Nope, Live and LetLive42, my fault for not being more specific. 💕

[LiveandLetLive42 in reply to Debbiesue63]

You’re sweet thank you! I should have noticed it in the title though 😂

[NeuronerdDoaty in reply to LiveandLetLive42]

I love this site too.

[Hidden]

They can track your computer IP and locate your house. Be extremely careful with your responses. They will ask if you've taken anything harmful, like pills or liquids. And when they ask are you going to hurt yourself give them an emphatic NO. They can and will trace a landline and cell phones so computers are a breeze. Then they send the police. If front of the family, neighbors, etc., police cars. Of course they are there to do a welfare check and to be certain that you are the right person and they decide if you're a threat or not. If they determine that you may harm yourself they (Baker Act in FL) take your butt to the mental ward for at least a week. Just to talk to a counselor is fine but if you're considering suicide, just consider what I've said. If you need help and nothing else matters, then call and they will get you help. I'm not saying that's a bad thing but realize what will happen if you do call or talk. Is there someone else you can talk to? I know how silly that sounds cause I've heard it before myself, but if you can just talk to someone who's not going to rat you out based on suspicions it would be a great help. And here you are! Welcome, stay around and talk to us. We've been there and probably much more. Stay strong, take care and talk to us unless it's an emergency.

[NeuronerdDoaty in reply to Hidden]

I’m glad Rondo put that message up.

You’ll know it’s legit if there’s a disclaimer at the beginning about this being a ‘physicians appointment’ with your Right to Privacy. It’s a bit harder than that at least in the USA. They use certain servers designated for medical privacy. In the USA it’s difficult to get help through an IP address because the ‘Theys’ just don’t care if you die.

He makes good points. Make sure you’re with a reputable company.

[Hidden]

Yes robin Witt of BetterHelp was excellent

Really

[stansykes]

I have used Silvercloud in the UK but based in USA & it did help, a website program that you work through yourself but is overseen by a therapist/councillor for help/reviews. I won’t say I learned anything new but did find it useful, don’t know how you would get on the program in the USA but here I was referred by NHS local mental health team so trusted them in not being a scam from the start as I was not paying by the hour.

[Caelbo]

I am just about done with my first month of BetterHelp and I think it's awesome. You fill out a questionnaire and they match you with someone near you (in your timezone) and if it doesn't stick you can change counselors whenever you want. The counselor they matched me with is very responsive and helpful. I like her a lot so far. You can text, have a phone conversation or a video session whenever you want. The texting can be everyday, the phone and video you have to schedule. The first phone conversation I had scheduled with her we had technical difficulties but she set it up on her own time the very next day - and BetterHelp credited me 3 days for my inconvenience. It's about $65 a week which is less than I was paying for regular counseling. I believe there is an application you can fill out for a reduced price based on your income. Oh - and they also list all of your counselor's accreditation, education and experience on the site as well as reviews on him/her. It's pretty legit, I did a lot of research before I signed up and I think it's a great alternative to the hit and miss therapy I've experienced before. Of course, as they list on the site, it's not for crisis situations.

[Debbiesue63 in reply to Caelbo]

How long are the sessions?

[Caelbo]

1/2 hour. She was very prepared with questions so we were able to get a lot talked about. The texting session is ongoing. I sent the initial message with the things I felt I wanted to talk to her about and she sends me back a message within 24 hours, so we've basically been talking for a month straight - minus weekends and the holidays. You can send as many messages as you want, whenever things come up or when you feel you need to talk and they respond... There's also a journal tab on the app where you can write anything down on your mind and you have the choice to share that with your counselor or not.