[melinda84]

I haven't spoken to a therapist about my depression and i am really uncomfortable going to see a therapist in person. I feel bad enough that i need help figuring out my problems. Is there anywhere i can find a therapist who will do sessions through an online chat/email or over the phone? I did read an article on here that phone therapy can be successful too. I really don't see how it's going to help, but i feel like i'm losing myself here so i need to do something.

[jexa]

Here's a place you can get online therapy:

http://www.liveperson.com/experts/pr...al-counseling/

Hope this helps!

[melinda84]

Thanks for the link. I may try that site out, but those rates are pretty high and i'm guessing they don't accept insurance.

[jexa]

Insurance companies aren't going to pay for phone therapy or online therapy. Those rates are pretty standard -- I know they're steep but this is your mental health! Alternatively, if you're feeling pretty hopeless and just need someone to talk to, you could call 1-800-SUICIDE. They'll talk to you even if you're not actively suicidal.

[Yoda]

I would think therapists would want to see you in person at least once to get to know you and your issues. I email my psychiatrist at times & he responds with his advice. Never used email/phone with therapist.

[darkrunner]

Melinda-
I'm sorry things are so hard for you right now.
It can be really scary to see a therapist for the first time.
But it does get easier. Do you have someone that could go with you for a few times, until you're feeling more comfortable?
Try not to feel bad about needing help - lots of us need help dealing with our problems....it is not a sign of weakness or anything. It is a sign of strength when we are willing to reach out and ask for help.

Take care.

[Thimble]

I use online therapy and it really, really works for me - I would be in a much worse place without it.

As someone else mentioned, I also do not think insurance companies will cover it however - perhaps you could research and find an online therapist you want to use and then go to your insurance company and ask them specifically if they will cover that therapist's fees.

[Ellexa]

I've tried online, phone and in person therapy. Only "in person" therapy really works because a lot - if not most - of the work is accomplished through interaction and relationships between a client and a therapist. 80% of communication is non-verbal so when you talk on-line or even on the phone your imagination has to fill in the gaps which is not a good thing. You are not getting real imput in real time. If those are paid sessions they are not all that worth the money given that they cost as much as in person sessions.

Maybe a good idea would be to find a therapist who would be willing to talk with you on the phone briefly before scheduling your first appointment. It might make you feel more comfortable to come see him/her in person.

[chaotic13]

I know a lot of people say that phone or email therapy is not effective. Personally I think the effectiveness of therapy is totally an individual thing. For me I struggled a LONG time, probably still struggle with communicating IN session with my T. I am very, very thankful that my T decided to allow me to communicate with her via email. If she had not allowed this I would not be where I am at this point. For me I needed to break the communication impasse and email was an important stepping stone.