Need Psychological Help Online? Free Resources to Get You Started

Did you know that one out of every 5 Americans lives with at least one mental health issue? That amounts to almost 52 million people in the U.S. alone.

Mental health is a critical part of a person’s overall well-being, one that is unfortunately widely overlooked and under-resourced in the modern world. Just like a doctor or dentist, a mental health professional can help us deal with issues that are central to our wellness. That’s why it’s important to overcome the general misunderstanding and stigma associated with mental health.

Are you wondering where you can get help? Keep reading to learn more about where to go if you need psychological help online for free. But first, let’s take a look at some of the conditions that may improve with psychological help.

Some Reasons to Seek Mental Health Support

There’s no getting around the fact that seeking psychological help can not only better lives, but can also save them. Since mental health covers such a wide range of potential challenges, it’s worth learning about some of the most common ones.

Though only a mental health professional can provide a diagnosis, this very basic information may help identify potential issues so you can bring them up with a professional and get some relief.

Mood disorders are some of the most common types of mental health problems. They can take the form of depression, bipolar disorder, dysthymia, and more. Unlike the average fluctuations people experience in their everyday moods, these illnesses can be constant and severe in their symptoms, including feelings of profound misery and euphoria.

Anxiety disorders are also very common. Post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and social anxiety are just some of the main types. The primary feelings associated with these disorders are often extreme stress, agitation, and fear.

Eating disorders are a type of mental health problem found most commonly in the United States. They can include binge eating, anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, excessive rumination, and combinations of one or more of these conditions. In addition to dangerous and potentially life-threatening eating habits, these disorders can be marked by body-image issues and weight obsession.

Substance use disorder is also extremely common in the US and a condition that may respond very well to treatment.

There are also individuals who are contending with psychosis, a serious mental health condition marked by an unreliable relationship with reality. Despite harmful and stereotypical depictions in popular culture, people suffering from psychosis aren’t always violent, but they could be a danger to themselves. Specific manifestations of psychosis can include schizophrenia, delusions, and schizoaffective disorder.

All of these conditions can be worsened by stressful conditions, and most of them are prevalent in low-income communities and among veterans. Research shows that veterans are at serious risk for negative mental health outcomes, including suicide.

Now that we have some understanding of what some mental health issues may be and who may encounter them (spoiler alert: anyone!), let’s take a look at some resources that may be able to help.

7 Cups

Do you think you may need mental health support and guidance? If so, it’s essential to consider getting free psychological help. Even if you don’t think you have a specific mental health problem, it can still be helpful to talk with a therapist, for instance.

Seeing a therapist has become much more normalized over the decades and has the potential to help just about anyone. You’ll be glad to know that there are plenty of options for you that don’t even require you to leave the comfort of your own home.

One free platform is called 7 Cups.

This site allows people to join the site for free and connects them with people trained to listen as well as a variety of self-help and education resources. However, while they are indeed trained, these people aren’t necessarily licensed therapists, so the advice you receive will be considered “non-therapeutic.”

The good news is that you can upgrade your membership to a paid one if you decide that you need something more than a trained listener. In that case, you’ll be paired with a certified therapist. Your specific needs will depend on the type of mental health problem you’re suffering from.

Another benefit of this platform is that it has a section dedicated to teenagers. This is a challenging time in a person’s growth even in the best of conditions, so it can be extra helpful to talk with someone specialized in listening and advising people in that age range.

Talkspace

Talkspace is another option for psychological help online. This platform isn’t ordinarily free, but they do have free trials, discounts, and not too long ago, they offered free therapy for frontline medical workers during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. They also have a free app that you can download onto your phone for quick and easy access to their services.

You may have already heard of Talkspace from the commercials that feature gold-medalist swimmer Michael Phelps. He uses Talkspace and demonstrates that no matter who you are, just about anyone could use some professional help. Simply put, one should never feel ashamed or hesitant about talking with a therapist.

You may be surprised to learn that Talkspace has a small army of around 3,000 licensed therapists on its platform. With so many different professionals to choose from, there’s a great chance that you’ll be able to find someone who suits your needs to a T. Once you find someone, you can schedule live chats during any time that fits with your schedule and theirs.

If you need even more access, then there’s the option of upgrading your membership to include unlimited messaging. Then, with a therapist always at your fingertips, you can have a lot more peace of mind.

Pro Bono

Are you still thinking about searching for “psychological help near me” in Google? If so, you may want to look into the possibility of seeing a therapist pro bono. “Pro bono” is a Latin phrase that translates to “for good” and refers to professionals who offer their services for free in some instances.

One of the best ways to figure this out is by searching for therapists in your area and emailing them. Be sure to let them know that you need help but are not in a stable financial situation that would allow you to afford their services. While this can be a gamble, you’ll never know who might reply, letting you know that they do offer pro bono services.

As you search for therapists, be sure to contact those who list virtual sessions on their website. That way, you won’t have to travel to their office every week or every other week, for example.

If you’re struggling in your search, you could try asking friends and family members for recommendations. Chances are, at least one person you know has seen or is seeing a therapist who is noteworthy.

Look Into Your Health Coverage

If you have health insurance, you may be able to get online psychology help at no cost to you. To look into this option, you should start by contacting your health insurance provider. The good news is that many providers must have mental health coverage as part of their plans.

They may or may not offer referrals, but research is essential before deciding on a specific option. You’ll also want to ask about their experience and if they’ve handled cases that are similar to yours.

You can even check out online reviews that their current and past clients have left regarding specific therapists. This will give you a good idea of what it may be like to have them as your therapist.

Don’t forget to double-check their credentials and licensing. If you’re still stumped about which therapist could be right for you, then it can be helpful to schedule an online consultation. This is where you’ll get the most accurate impression.

If they make you feel uncomfortable in any way, then you might be better off going with a different therapist on your list. While therapists can have different approaches depending on the patient’s mental health condition and situation, they should always create a safe and open environment for you to thrive in.

Need Psychological Help Online for Free? You Know What to Do

Now that you’ve learned inforamtion about where to go if you need psychological help online for free, you can take the necessary steps to have a happier and less stressful life. Mental health is wellness, and there’s no reason not to take steps toward getting some relief today. You can do this!

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