We Have A Problem Here
Over 42 million American adults suffer from some type of mental illness. That amounts to over 18 percent of the adult population in the country. And yet, despite the prevalence of mental health issues in society, a social stigma attached to therapy still lingers.
Of the people affected by mental illness, only half seek treatment. According to the CDC, the reason for this hesitation is clear: Only 25 percent of American’s suffering with mental illness have experienced sympathy and support from their communities.
Ultimately, individuals are ostracized and seen as being "weak" when they experience a mental health crisis, and this affects their decision to seek therapy. Or rather, their decision to not seek therapy.
Fortunately, the virtual couch is helping to close a gap between those that seek help for mental illness and those that do not. Cost efficient, accessible, flexible, and (most importantly) private, more and more people are turning to remote doctors for mental health support.
A New Kind of Help
Brain imaging studies by psychologists at UCLA have proven that talking about your feelings reduces the effects of pain, anger, and sadness—for those who may be hesitant to enter therapy, there are ways to get help without ever setting foot in an office.
The combination of the privacy of web counseling mixed with contemporary attitudes about web-based services is altering perceptions about therapy. And thanks to online therapy platforms like BetterHelp — a leader in the field — more and more people are experiencing the advantages of therapy without the traditional obstacles that come with it.
According to the APA, people suffering from mild to moderate depression, and who are not suicidal, are ideal candidates for online therapy. BetterHelp offers a variety of different web-based services that are perfect for the patient who is seeking this kind of support, or who is seeking support with major life changes, career or relationship issues, or who is just looking for new coping skills.
A study done by the Berkeley Well-Being Institute indicated that over 78 percent of patients who reported depressive symptoms before completing treatment with BetterHelp no longer reported the same issues after completing treatment. In a time when most people feel like they don’t have the time or resources to nurture their emotional health, there’s finally an answer.
Head to BetterHelp.com and try it for yourself. After answering a few survey questions, BetterHelp professionals will be able to match you with a mental health provider that’s best suited for you. And with over 1500 therapists in their network, you're bound to find a good fit.
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