Family therapy is a form of psychotherapy that involves working with one or more members of a family to address issues that affect their relationships and well-being. Family therapy can help families cope with various challenges, such as:
- Communication problems
- Conflict resolution
- Parenting difficulties
- Life transitions
- Mental health disorders
- Substance abuse
- Grief and loss
Family therapy can also help families improve their understanding, empathy, and support for each other. By enhancing the quality of family interactions, family therapy can foster positive change and growth in the family system.
However, finding the time, money, and access to see a family therapist in person can be challenging for many families. This is where online family therapy can be a convenient and effective option.
What Is Online Family Therapy?
Online family therapy is a type of therapy that allows families to connect with licensed therapists via phone, video, chat, or app. It can offer many benefits for families who want to improve their relationships, such as:
- Convenience: You can schedule sessions at your own pace and convenience, without having to travel, take time off work, or find childcare.
- Flexibility: You can choose from a variety of therapists, platforms, and services that suit your needs and preferences. You can also switch therapists or modes of communication if you are not satisfied with your experience.
- Affordability: Online family therapy can be cheaper than traditional therapy, especially if you have no insurance or limited coverage. Some platforms offer unlimited messaging or flat fees for unlimited sessions.
- Privacy: Online family therapy can provide more privacy and anonymity than face-to-face therapy, especially if you live in a small community or have concerns about stigma. You can also avoid the awkwardness of running into your therapist or other clients in public.
- Effectiveness: Online family therapy can be as effective as traditional therapy, according to research. Studies have shown that online therapy can improve relationship satisfaction, communication skills, conflict resolution, and emotional well-being.
How to Choose the Best Online Family Therapy Service for You
There are many online family therapy services available today, but not all of them are created equal. To find the best one for you and your family, you should consider the following factors:
- Credentials: Make sure that the therapists on the platform are licensed and qualified to provide family therapy. You can check their credentials on their profiles or on the website of their licensing board.
- Specialties: Look for therapists who have experience and expertise in the issues that you and your family are facing, such as divorce, trauma, addiction, etc. You can also look for therapists who use specific approaches or techniques that resonate with you, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), Gottman method, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), etc.
- Reviews: Read the reviews and testimonials from other clients who have used the platform or the therapist. You can get a sense of their style, personality, effectiveness, and satisfaction level.
- Compatibility: Try to find a therapist who is compatible with you and your family. You can do this by having a free consultation or trial session with them before committing to a long-term plan. You can also ask them questions about their background, philosophy, goals, expectations, etc.
- Cost: Compare the prices and plans of different platforms and therapists. Some platforms charge per session, while others charge per week or month. Some platforms accept insurance or offer sliding scale fees, while others do not. Find a service that fits your budget and offers value for money.
Our Top Picks for Online Family Therapy Services
To help you narrow down your search, we have compiled a list of our top picks for online family therapy services based on our research and evaluation. Here they are:
- BetterHelp: This is one of the most popular and trusted online therapy platforms in the market. It offers unlimited messaging and live video sessions with licensed therapists who specialize in family therapy. It also has a dedicated app that allows you to communicate with your therapist anytime and anywhere. BetterHelp costs $80-$100 per week (billed every four weeks)1.
- Talkspace: This is another leading online therapy platform that offers unlimited messaging and live video sessions with licensed therapists who specialize in family therapy. It also has a dedicated app that allows you to communicate with your therapist anytime and anywhere. Talkspace costs $99-$396 per month depending on the plan2.
- Regain: This is a platform that offers specialized therapy for couples and families who want to improve their relationships and intimacy. It allows you to communicate with your therapist via unlimited messaging or live video sessions. It also matches you with a therapist who is best suited for your situation and goals. Regain costs range from $80-$100 per week (billed every four weeks)3.
- Little Otter: This is a platform that offers online family therapy for families with young children (ages 0-12). It helps families address issues such as behavior problems, anxiety, depression, ADHD, autism, and more. It also offers parent coaching and psychoeducation. Little Otter costs $99-$149 per session depending on the therapist4.
- Thriveworks: This is a platform that connects you with local therapists who offer online sessions via phone or video. It has a large network of therapists who are experienced in various issues and modalities. It also accepts most major insurance plans and offers flexible scheduling options. Thriveworks costs vary depending on your insurance coverage5.
Online family therapy can be a great way to help you and your loved ones overcome challenges and strengthen your bonds. It can offer many advantages over traditional therapy, such as convenience, flexibility, affordability, privacy, and effectiveness. However, you need to choose the best online family therapy service for you and your family based on various factors, such as credentials, specialties, reviews, compatibility, and cost. We hope that our list of top picks can help you find the right service for your needs. Remember that online family therapy is not a magic bullet that can fix all your problems overnight. It requires commitment, effort, and cooperation from you and your family. But with the right guidance and support, you can achieve positive outcomes and enjoy a happier and healthier family life.
References:
1: BetterHelp Family Therapy 2: Talkspace Family Therapy 3: Regain Family Therapy 4: Little Otter Family Therapy 5: Thriveworks Family Therapy