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Connect by live chat with professional therapists and counselors to take ownership of your personal mental health goals. Find Therapists WFH freelancers on January 21, 2025 who work remotely. Read less

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Top Frequently Asked Questions

What to Know

Who should people call in crisis?

In the United States, there are several crisis lines and advice centers available for mental health emergencies. Here are some key resources you can contact:

Crisis Lines:

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
How to Contact:
Call: 988
Text: 988
Chat: Visit 988lifeline.org
Description: Previously known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, this service connects you with trained crisis counselors 24/7.

Crisis Text Line
How to Contact:
Text: HOME to 741741
Description: Provides free, 24/7 crisis support via text message.

Veterans Crisis Line
How to Contact:
Call: 988 then press 1
Text: 838255
Chat: veteranscrisisline.net
Description: Specifically for veterans, active duty service members, and their families, offering confidential support around the clock.

Disaster Distress Helpline
How to Contact:
Call: 1-800-985-5990
Text: TalkWithUs to 66746
Description: Provides immediate counseling to anyone experiencing emotional distress related to any natural or human-caused disaster.

Trevor Project
How to Contact:
Call: 1-866-488-7386
Text: START to 678-678
Chat: thetrevorproject.org
Description: Focused on crisis intervention and suicide prevention for LGBTQ+ young people, available 24/7.

National Domestic Violence Hotline
How to Contact:
Call: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
Chat: thehotline.org
Description: Offers support and resources for victims of domestic violence, available 24/7.

Advice Centers and Services:
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
How to Contact:
Helpline: 1-800-950-NAMI (6264), text "NAMI" to 741741
Description: Provides information, resources, and support for individuals affected by mental illness, including a helpline that isn't for crisis but can guide you to resources.

MentalHealth.gov
How to Contact: Visit mentalhealth.gov
Description: Offers a wealth of information on where to find help for mental health issues, including locating services near you.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
How to Contact:
National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
Description: Provides referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations for mental health and substance abuse issues.

FindTreatment.gov
How to Contact: Visit findtreatment.gov
Description: An online resource to find mental health and substance use treatment services in your area.
Local Community Mental Health Centers
How to Contact: Search for community mental health centers or clinics in your local area, often listed through state health department websites or by calling 211, a service that connects people with local community services.

Psychology Today's Therapist Finder
How to Contact: Visit psychologytoday.com/us/therapists
Description: While not an emergency service, this tool allows you to find therapists in your area, many of whom might offer emergency sessions or know of crisis services.

Additional Tips:

Emergency Services: If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 911.

Know Your Local Resources: Each state or even local area might have specific crisis centers or mobile crisis teams. Search for "mental health crisis [your city/state]" to find more localized support.

Cultural and Language-Specific Services: There are services tailored to specific cultural groups or offering support in various languages; look for these if relevant.

Remember, reaching out for help is a sign of strength, and there are many professionals and services dedicated to supporting you through mental health crises.

Do therapists need to be qualified?

Therapists without formal qualifications can bring value to one's mental health under certain conditions, though there are important considerations to keep in mind:

Potential Value:

Life Experience and Empathy: Individuals who have navigated through personal challenges or have extensive life experience in dealing with mental health issues can offer profound insights and empathy. They might connect on a personal level that resonates with someone going through similar experiences.

Peer Support: Models like peer support specialists or recovery coaches, often without traditional therapy qualifications, are based on the power of shared experience. They can provide encouragement, understanding, and practical advice from a place of having "been there."

Alternative Perspectives: Those with unconventional backgrounds might bring unique therapeutic approaches or philosophies that can be beneficial, particularly for individuals who feel traditional therapy hasn't met their needs.

Cultural Relevance: In some communities, cultural or spiritual healers might not have formal psychological training but can offer culturally attuned support, which can be incredibly valuable where cultural understanding is key.

Accessibility: Sometimes, the lack of formal credentials can make mental health support more accessible to those who might not engage with traditional therapy due to cost, stigma, or distrust in formal systems.

Niche Support: For specific issues like addiction recovery, life coaching, or certain types of group therapy, individuals with personal experience or specialized training (but not formal therapy qualifications) can provide targeted support.

Caveats and Considerations:

Lack of Formal Education: Without formal training, there might be gaps in understanding complex psychological disorders, therapeutic techniques, or ethical standards, which could lead to inappropriate advice or harm.

Ethical Concerns:

Confidentiality: There's no professional obligation to maintain confidentiality unless they've agreed to do so.

Boundaries: Untrained individuals might not recognize or respect therapeutic boundaries, potentially leading to dependency or other issues.

Diagnosis and Treatment: Only licensed therapists can legally diagnose mental health conditions or prescribe treatment plans in most jurisdictions. Non-qualified individuals cannot offer this level of service.

Safety: In emergencies, a formally trained therapist is better equipped to handle crisis situations, knowing when to refer or intervene.

Accountability: There's less accountability for non-professionals. Licensed therapists are subject to oversight by professional bodies and can lose their license for unethical behavior.

Evidence-Based Practices: Licensed therapists are more likely to use treatments that have been scientifically validated. Non-qualified individuals might rely on personal methods or anecdotal evidence.

When It Might Be Beneficial:

As Complementary Support: Someone without formal qualifications might be beneficial in a supportive role alongside professional therapy, especially for areas where their personal experience or cultural background adds value.

Initial Engagement: For individuals hesitant about formal therapy, starting with a less intimidating, more relatable figure might ease them into the process of seeking help.

Specific Life Skills: For coaching on particular life skills or transitions, where the focus isn't on treating mental illness but on personal development, a non-licensed coach might suffice.

Safety and Efficacy Tips:
Research: Even for non-licensed helpers, look for testimonials, references, or evidence of effective peer support.

Clear Expectations: Discuss what they can and cannot do. Ensure they understand their limitations and are willing to refer to professional services when necessary.

Ongoing Evaluation: Regularly assess whether this support is beneficial or if you need to transition to or add a licensed therapist.

Set Boundaries: Clearly define what the relationship entails, ensuring it remains within safe and ethical bounds.

While non-formally qualified individuals can indeed offer value, especially in areas of peer support or cultural understanding, they should not be the sole source of mental health support for serious or complex issues. For those conditions, professional, licensed help is crucial for safety, effectiveness, and comprehensive care.

How do professionals recommend you choose an online therapist?

Choosing an online therapist is a significant decision that can impact your mental health journey. Here's detailed advice on what to look for:

1. Credentials and Licensing
Check Qualifications: Ensure the therapist is licensed to practice in your state or country. Look for titles like Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), or Psychologist (PsyD, PhD).
Verification: Use state licensing boards or professional association directories to verify credentials.

Specialization: Some therapists specialize in areas like depression, anxiety, trauma, couples counseling, etc. Verify if their expertise aligns with your needs.

2. Experience
Years in Practice: Longer experience can indicate a depth of knowledge and familiarity with various issues, though newer therapists can also be very effective with fresh perspectives.
Client Demographics: Check if they have experience working with clients similar to you in terms of age, background, or specific issues.

3. Therapeutic Approach
Methodology: Different therapists might use different therapeutic modalities (e.g., Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Psychodynamic Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)).
Fit: Research if their approach matches what you're looking for or have found effective in the past.

4. Communication Style and Compatibility
Initial Consultation: Many therapists offer a free or low-cost initial consultation. Use this to assess:
Rapport: Do you feel comfortable speaking with them?
Listening Skills: Do they listen actively and respond in a way that makes you feel heard?
Empathy: Do they show genuine care and understanding?
Style: Some people prefer a more directive therapist, while others might want someone who facilitates more open exploration.

5. Technology and Platform
Security and Privacy:
HIPAA Compliance: Ensure the platform they use is HIPAA-compliant in the U.S., or compliant with similar privacy laws in other regions.
Encryption: Check if communications are encrypted.
Platform Usability:
Ease of Use: Is the platform intuitive? Does it support video, voice, and text sessions as per your preference?
Technical Support: What kind of support is available if you encounter issues?

6. Availability and Scheduling
Session Times: Verify if their available times work with your schedule, especially if you're in different time zones.
Flexibility: Some platforms offer more scheduling flexibility than others.

7. Cost and Insurance
Fees: Understand the session cost, payment methods, and any subscription models.
Insurance:
Coverage: Check if they accept your insurance. If not, see if they offer sliding scale fees or if you can submit for out-of-network reimbursement.
Super Bills: Some therapists can provide documentation for you to seek partial reimbursement from insurance.
Financial Assistance: Some services might offer financial aid or scholarships for therapy.

8. Reviews and Testimonials
Peer Reviews: Look for reviews or testimonials from other clients. Platforms like Psychology Today or specific therapy directories might have these.
Professional Reputation: Check if they are recommended or have positive mentions in professional circles.

9. Cultural Competence
Diversity: Consider if the therapist has experience or training in cultural sensitivity relevant to your identity or background.
Language: If English isn't your first language, see if they offer sessions in your preferred language.

10. Accessibility
Special Needs: If you have any disabilities or special needs, ensure they can accommodate (e.g., closed captioning for the hearing impaired).

11. Continuity of Care
Plan for Emergencies: Understand their policy if you need immediate help outside of session times.
Long-Term Commitment: Discuss how they handle ongoing care or if they can refer you if you need a different kind of support.

12. Ethical Practices
Confidentiality: Confirm they adhere to confidentiality except in legally mandated situations.
Boundaries: They should maintain professional boundaries.

13. Feedback and Progress
Monitoring Progress: Ask how they evaluate the effectiveness of therapy and track your progress.
Feedback: Ensure there's an open dialogue for feedback on the therapeutic process.

14. Cancellation Policy
Understand Terms: Know their policy for cancellations or rescheduling to avoid any surprises with fees.

15. Professional Development
Ongoing Education: A therapist committed to continuous learning might be more up-to-date with therapeutic techniques.

By considering these factors, you can find an online therapist who not only matches your needs but also provides a safe, effective, and supportive therapeutic environment. Remember, finding the right therapist might take time, and it's okay to switch if you feel the match isn't quite right.

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