Friday, April 26, 2024

Free Online Help For Depression

Criteria We Used To Pick

How does an online support group help people overcome depression?

To find the right services, we reviewed dozens of contenders, looking at the following:

  • Price. When you live with depression, cost shouldnt be a barrier to support. Thats why we did our best to find as many free options as possible.
  • Options. We looked to find groups that had more to offer than one generic type of support for depression.
  • Reputation. We focused on groups that have been around for a while. This way, you can rest assured that your community isnt going anywhere.

Best For Medication Management: Cerebral

Cerebral

  • Cost: $85$325 per month, plus cost of prescriptions if applicable
  • Platforms: Desktop, tablet, phone, or text
  • Free Consultation: Yes

Treatment for PPD might require psychotherapy and antidepressantsand Cerebral offers the most comprehensive plan if you need both.

  • Insurance coverage varies by state

  • Unable to pick your own healthcare provider

  • Talk therapy not available in every state

Treating PPD often involves both psychotherapy and antidepressant medications. Cerebral offers both and you don’t have to leave your home. You can attend weekly talk therapy sessions, monthly meetings with your psychiatrist, and message your care team anytime you want. You dont even need to go to a pharmacy to pick up your prescriptionit will be shipped right to your door.

All of Cerebrals healthcare providers have advanced degrees in therapy and/or psychiatry and are trained in evidence-based practices like cognitive behavioral therapy , a leading treatment for postpartum depression. In addition, its prescribers are trained to treat a variety of conditions, including PPD specifically.

Of the users who had tried Cerebral that we surveyed, 83% said the services were either very good or excellent 82% said the value for money was very good or excellent and an impressive 95% said they would recommend the company to someone like them.

Cerebral offers several monthly subscriptions for its therapy services that are more affordable than many of the other companies we reviewed:

What Is A Reasonable Cost For Therapy

The cost of therapy will vary from person to person based on their means and the necessity of the treatment, says Howes. Wealthy people with plenty of savings and disposable income will find that therapy for hundreds of dollars per session is reasonable, she says. Someone who is out of work and in debt may find any fee to be excessive.

You could say that a reasonable cost for therapy is an amount that represents a fair fee for the service the therapist provides. Howes says. And the cost is reasonable when it is an amount that the clients can pay without negative consequences to their lives. How much you may need therapy also comes into play. If someone is experiencing such debilitating symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome that they cannot hold a job, they may place a high value on therapy that could potentially help them regain the ability to function, Howes says. On the other hand, a student coming to therapy to decide whether or not to take a semester abroad may find therapy expendable, she explains.

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What Is The #1 Cause Of Depression

The number one cause of depression is the tough stuff, the major life events that go wrong, says Steven Hollon, PhD, of Brentwood, Tennessee, a professor of psychology at Vanderbilt University. Depression can occur when people experience adverse life events such as the death of someone close, the loss of a job, or some type of psychological trauma. Depression can lead to more stress and dysfunction, which can worsen the depression itself.

There also is a connection between depression and physical health. For instance, cardiovascular disease can lead to depression .4,5

Thankfully, there are effective treatments for depression. We know that depression is a very treatable condition and that over 80 percent of people who receive appropriate treatment for their depression will improve significantly, says Rudy Nydegger, PhD, Professor Emeritus of psychology and management at Union College and chief in the Division of Psychology at Ellis Hospital, both in Schenectady, New York. Unfortunately, the large majority of people with depression never get appropriate treatment.

  • American Psychiatric Association. What is depression? Page Last Reviewed October 2020. Accessed July 9, 2021.
  • National Institute of Mental Health. Depression: What is depression? Page Last Revised in 2021. Accessed July 9, 2021.
  • American Psychiatric Association. DSM 5 Frequently Asked Questions. Accessed July 9, 2021.
  • National Institute of Mental Health. Major depression. Revised 2021. Accessed July 9, 2021.
  • Free Online Counselling And Therapy

    FREE online workshop: Dealing with the Depression that ...

    Apr 23, 2020 | Anxiety, Depression, Healing, Online Counseling, Online Counselling, Online Therapy, Panic Attacks

    Ready to seek the help of a mental health professional and you arent sure how to get started? Many of us Consider free online counselling and therapy as an option. Let us understand is there anything called free professional counselling?Todays Online Psychological services and online psychologist consultation, assessment are no longer confined by the four walls of your therapists office you can now have online counselling and therapy sessions. You can connect with certified psychologists and counsellors online. Let us talk about our best options for online counselling and therapy.This article talks about how free online therapy works and why it may not be the best option for you. Manastha provides affordable online counselling and therapy and few of the packages provide Free personalized counselling materials.

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    What Is Samhsa’s National Helpline

    SAMHSAs National Helpline, , or TTY: is a confidential, free, 24-hour-a-day, 365-day-a-year, information service, in English and Spanish, for individuals and family members facing mental and/or substance use disorders. This service provides referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations. Callers can also order free publications and other information.

    Also visit the online treatment locator.

    How Do People Use Online Therapy

    People use online therapy to gain coping strategies, tap into mental health resources, and get talk therapy and support so they can manage anxiety, depression, and a host of other mental health concerns. You can use online therapy from anywhere in the world, as long as you have a stable internet connection.

    To use online therapy, you register with the platform. You might be asked to fill out a questionnaire or assessment so the service can match you with the right therapist, counselor, volunteer, or listener based on your mental health concerns. Free services can deliver online therapy via text, online chat, and live online sessions with a professional. Services can require you to sign up for a subscription, pay per session, and some are free.

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    What Do I Do If I Can’t Afford Therapy

    Look for clinics that offer a sliding fee scale, Ruddy says. Some people find peer support groups helpful, and some healthcare systems offer peer support programs that are free or nearly free. Some people find mental health apps helpful, too, Ruddy says. Some of these apps have a specific target issue, like depression, or anxiety. Others are more akin to a psychotherapy chat box.

    Some individuals find free groups run through churches and community centers, Howes explains. Or you can reach out to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration or the National Alliance on Mental Illness to find additional resources in your community, Howes says. 1,2

    Crisis And Suicide Prevention Hotlines

    Online Therapy for Depression with a Licensed Therapist

    Anyone experiencing a crisis, possibly involving suicidal thoughts, can contact a hotline for emotional support. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24/7 at 1-800-273-8255.

    Like any other form of therapy, online therapy has advantages and disadvantages. Considering these can help a person decide whether online therapy might be right for them.

    Read Also: Mental Hospital For Anxiety And Depression

    Who Might Be A Good Candidate For Online Therapy

    Anyone who is willing to listen, focus, and is committed to bettering their mental health will benefit from online therapy.

    Studies reveal that people with depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and substance use disorders can thrive in online therapy.

    However, someone with mental health conditions that need more direct management, such as schizophrenia or psychosis, might need immediate, face-to-face intervention. Online therapy might not be beneficial for someone with schizophrenia, because it might exacerbate the feeling of being secretly watched.

    Additionally, if you or someone you know is experiencing significant suicidal ideation, in-person therapy might be a better choice.

    Free Online Relationship Counselling

    Free online relationship counselling is quite common these days, given the hectic life of people, as well as the epidemic that is forcing people to stay indoors, there has been a realization everywhere that therapy and counselling can easily be provided to people online.

    There are many websites that provide paid as well as free online relationship counselling, and some of them may have free trials that may well serve as introductions to the concept of relationship counselling, if the couple needs that first.

    Regain.us is one such website where someone might be able to find paid or free online relationship counselling, and the process is simple:

    • Register for your free therapy account
    • Take an online questionnaire.
    • Get matched one of the licensed therapy providers to conduct your online therapy sessions.
    • Start online therapy sessions with a relationship counselor individually or as a couple.

    Another great website for free online relationship counselling is Talkspace, which is a leading counselling service for many other problems as well, and it has some great resources for couples counselling that one must make use of if they are facing relationship problems.

    The process of free online relationship counselling on talkspace is very simple too:

    • Take a Brief assessment: Answer a few questions about your preferences.
    • Pick a therapist: You may Select from a list of recommendations.
    • Start therapy.

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    How Do Onlinecounselling4u Maintain Confidentiality

    At OnlineCounselling4U, we maintain a 100% confidentiality and is as safe as talking to the therapist in person. Here, your confidentiality can never be compromised even in the best of circumstances. The best part is that you could be anonymous and still talk to our counsellors. Even our counsellors do not have any details of you and once the session ends, they would not be able to contact you any further.

    Free Online Counselling Chat 24/7 Australia

    Beyond the Blues

    If you are looking for free online counselling chat 24/7 in Australia, you can contact either of the following services:

    • Free Drug & Alcohol counselling 24/7 at Counselling Online To start you have to choose between joining their community or starting a single access session. After that, a chat window will open and you can start chatting to your counsellor.
    • Eheadspace Offers free online group chats or 1-on-1 counselling sessions for young people 12 25 and their families and friends.
    • MensLine Australia offers online and phone counselling to help men manage their mental health issues and worries regarding relationships, being a dad, or dealing with depression or substance abuse.

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    Who Should Use Support Groups

    Support groups are offered as a space where individuals can come together to share their stories, experiences, and lives in a way that helps reduce isolation and loneliness. Oftentimes, we think we are struggling alone, but support groups help us see that there are others who may dealing with similar situations and who in turn can help us get better.

    Support groups are open to anyone, but they are often focused on specific topics . So, take some time and do some research to find the right one for you and your current situation.

    Finding the right support group can be helpful. Do not be discouraged if the first support group you find doesn’t quite feel right. You should feel comfortable in the support group space that you choose, so trying different ones may help you determine the best fit.

    We also encourage you to also take a look at Mental Health America’s LiveYourLifeWell program to learn more about the value of connecting with others and other helpful wellness tools.

    What Can I Talk To My Counsellor About

    You can talk about your feelings, emotions and problems – almost anything under the hat without feeling judged. Be it, relationships, marriage, learning disability, stress, anxiety, anger, pre and post marriage advice, parenting, depression or sex, feel free to discuss and our trained therapists will help you.

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    Who Is This Depression Quiz For

    Below is a list of 10 questions designed to help you determine if you might be experiencing depression. The questions relate to life experiences common among people who have depression. Please read each question carefully, and indicate how often you have experienced the same or similar challenges in the past few weeks.

    How Do I Get Completely Free Therapy

    Is There Online Counseling For Depression And Anxiety?

    Check to see if there are any mental health clinics in your area that offer a sliding fee scale, Ruddy advises.

    A sliding fee scale is a pay scale based on your ability to pay. Typically, these clinics are publicly funded, Ruddy says. Many counties have a county mental health service, she explains, so consider asking your local public health authority about this. If there is a college or university in your area that trains mental health professionals, they may have a training clinic that offers reduced-fee services. While you would most likely work with a student therapist, they would be receiving supervision from a licensed clinician, Ruddy explains.

    Recommended Reading: Association Of Anxiety And Depression

    How Do I Find An Online Depression Support Group

    Online depression support groups can provide you with encouragement from others — even people you don’t know. They can help you realize that youââ¬â¢re not alone in dealing with the feelings of depression. This added support can give you new confidence as you learn to manage your depression and handle daily challenges.

    For more information, see WebMD’s article on Preventing Depression.

    Providing A Safe Place To Seek Support

    Aron Janssen, MD is board certified in child, adolescent, and adult psychiatry and is the vice chair of child and adolescent psychiatry Northwestern University.

    Verywell / Bailey Mariner

    Depression chat rooms can help if you are feeling depressed and need to talk to someone who understands just what it is that you are going through. You can find a safe place to express yourself and get support from others who are also experiencing depression.

    Also Check: How To Control Depression Thoughts

    How Do I Know Which Option Is Best For Me

    Try to think about what you need the most. Is it a trained therapist? A connection with peers? Someone to listen to you? Support surrounding a specific condition?

    Once youve figured out your biggest need, you can look for a site that fits your criteria. If, after a certain amount of time like 1 month you dont feel its the right place for you, its OK to search for another site that may be a better fit.

    Check With Your Insurance Company

    HP

    Before you pay out-of-pocket for therapy, always check with your insurance provider for local therapists that may take your insurance. You may have a very small co-pay and not know it, so it never hurts to confirm with your provider.

    If you have out-of-network benefits, many therapists can also provide you with paperwork that you can submit to your provider for reimbursement. Just make sure that the reimbursement rate is worth paying out of pocket.

    Read Also: Can A Traumatic Event Cause Depression

    What Kind Of Things Do People Use Online Therapy For

    Online therapy can help you deal with relationship problems, overcome addiction, and better manage stress. Online therapy services can include talk therapy, psychotherapy, CBT, and other professionals approaches in an office setting. You can access online therapy for anxiety, depression, eating disorders, grief support, panic attacks, stress relief, and more. However, online therapy isnt appropriate for crises and emergencies.

    Free Online Counselling Chat 24/7 Benefits

  • Accessibility
  • Online counselling is easily accessible to all those who wish to use it.

    People who leave in remote areas, people that are physically disabled or unable to leave their homes can easily access such services with little inconvenience.

    Online counselling has also shown to be effective in encouraging children and teenagers to receive therapy as they seem to be more comfortable with using the internet.

  • Affordability
  • Online counselling is considered to be more economical for both the therapist and the client.

    Therapist do not have to rent commercial places in order to open a private practice, and clients benefit from the reduced charges.

  • Convenience
  • Online therapy is convenient. Both the therapist and the client have the convenience of corresponding with each other at a range of various times. Appointments can be potentially scheduled for over 24 hours and reach a larger geographical region.

  • Anonymity
  • Online counselling can prompt clients to communicate more openly without concerns for a bias of race, gender, age, size or physical appearance.

    The internet clearly offers a level of anonymity that is perceived by many users as non-threatening by allowing anonymity.

    Read Also: What Are The Characteristics Of Depression

    The 7 Best Online Help Resources For Depression In 2021

    Talkspace matches you to a therapist for individual sessions, and their services are available via desktop or mobile device. The therapists specialize in a variety of mental health issues, including depression, so you can count on them being a helpful resource to help get you in a better headspace.

    They offer three different levels of service/pricing plans:

  • Unlimited Messaging Therapy Plus: For $65 each week, youll get to exchange text, video, and audio messages with a licensed therapist who will respond on business days .
  • Unlimited Messaging Therapy Premium: For $79 each week, you can get all the benefits of the therapy plus plan, plus you get one live session per month.
  • Unlimited Messaging Therapy Ultimate: For $99 each week, you get everything in the therapy plus plan as well as four live sessions per month.
  • Additional live therapy sessions can be added to any plan if the therapist is agreeable. Thirty-minute sessions cost $49. Talkspace now offers a one-week free trial.

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