How to Find Counselors Online for Depression

One incredibly important and helpful aspect of the internet is that it has recently allowed us to receive professional mental health care from the comfort of our own homes.

Depression is an incredibly common mental disorder. According to the World Health Organization, over 264 million people worldwide live with depression. While depression can be a common occurrence, there are many professionally trained counselors prepared to help you manage any mental health struggles that arise.

How to Find Counselors Online for Depression

Many people at least theoretically recognize the value of talking about mental health, whether it be on a casual level with friends and family or on a professional level with therapists and counselors. Expressing deeply held emotions can help you better understand them, and encourage a happier and fuller life.

Once you consider that finding a counselor or therapist could be the best move for you, it can be daunting to try to find the right counselor. A large aspect of mental wellness can hinge on finding the right counselor.

The trick is finding the right counselor who connects with your personality and is best suited to help you work through your problems. Time and access can help. Online therapists are just as qualified as in-person therapists, and may even provide some advantages for your mental wellness.

Why Online Counseling Is a Fantastic Option

When people first think of counseling or therapy, they may automatically associate it with in-person therapy sessions. People often envision laying on a couch or trying to interpret vague ink designs. In reality, the modern version of therapy can include speaking with a counselor over a video conference from the comfort of your own home, utilizing various therapeutic techniques suited to your individual needs.

Online therapy is a great option for a few reasons. Since you don’t need to commute and can likely create a more flexible therapy session schedule, online therapy can save time and effort while increasing convenience, making you more likely to stick with it. 

Furthermore, for many people, online therapy is no less personal or intimate than in-person therapy. Many therapists remark that seeing patients in their own homes is insightful and can be helpful during the process.  

Online therapy is often cheaper than in-person therapy. While it may be less likely to be covered by insurance, online therapy is often less expensive overall.

While many people can benefit from therapy (not only those with a diagnosed mental illness) people who experience anxiety may find it easier to be vulnerable in a familiar space during more convenient times.

How to Find Depression Counselors Online

Finding the right counselor for you can be a scary task. Consider the following tips and tricks to try to find a counselor online, who may specialize in treating depression or whatever individual need you have.

1. Ask your physician. Next time you are at your doctor’s office, ask questions about available therapists or counselors. Doctors are tightly connected within the medical community and can provide incredibly valuable resources and recommendations.

2. Start by utilizing broad resources, then begin narrowing down your search. For instance, using national health databases can be a good starting place. While you may not find your exact counselor from one of these sites, they can provide context and help you find the personalized resources you need to find your counselor.

When you are specifically looking for an online therapist, one advantage can be the option to access specialists who may not be geographically close and therefore would not be available for an in-person session. Consider your unique needs and how a therapist might best treat them.

3. Don’t be afraid to do a single-session trial run. Working with a therapist takes time and doesn’t always become the right fit, just like any relationship. Don’t be afraid to try one session, see how you feel around each other, and then make an assessment with more information. 
4. Ask probing questions to potential counselors. Don’t be afraid to ask difficult questions right away. You want to be confident that this counselor can help you work through your toughest problems, so try to be an advocate for yourself. 
5. Use online counseling services. Sites like MyTherapist have a huge selection of counselors who may be able to provide valuable help. There are plenty of other online counseling websites, as well, that can help find you a counselor.

Author Bio: Marie Miguel has been a writing and research expert for nearly a decade, covering a variety of health- related topics. Currently, she is contributing to the expansion and growth of a free online mental health resource with MyTherapist.com. With an interest and dedication to addressing stigmas associated with mental health, she continues to specifically target subjects related to anxiety and depression.