Affordable Mental Health Care: Navigating Online Therapy and Insurance

Considering the collective trauma that the people of Israel have experienced since October 7, it’s no surprise that nearly one in three people may suffer from severe mental trauma. The unprecedented horror of the day has left nearly 3 million Israelis with serious mental health conditions including PTSD, generalized anxiety disorder, and depression. The prevalence of all of these conditions has almost doubled, according to a report in The Lancet, which also recommends “rapid, nationwide assessments and triage for interventions” to address the mental health needs of the population. Unfortunately, there aren’t enough mental health professionals in the country to meet these needs. With just 16,000 registered psychologists in the country, it’s clear that we are faced with a mental health crisis as most people are unlikely to receive the care they need in a timely manner.

The digitalization of mental health services that occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic can help us meet many of the challenges ahead, as online therapy offers greater accessibility to patients, including those in remote locations. Moreover, online therapy can lower costs significantly and give people access to therapists beyond borders. While these benefits may be obvious to most people, it’s hard to discern between legitimate mental healthcare providers and unscrupulous ones looking to take advantage of vulnerable individuals. Stringent regulations and legislative oversight are critical to ensure the safety and efficacy of online mental health services, but until then, increased public awareness is essential. Here are some things to consider when choosing a therapy service online, from identifying credible platforms and avoiding scams, to finding online therapy platforms that take insurance.

Check The Licensing Requirements & Services Provided

When choosing an online therapy platform, the first and most important thing to do is to make sure that the platform employs licensed mental health professionals. In Israel, therapists must be registered with the Ministry of Health, ensuring that they meet stringent professional and ethical standards. Make sure the platform clearly displays the credentials of its therapists, such as their license number, qualifications, and areas of expertise. Of course, licensing requirements will vary depending on the location of the therapists and the head office of the therapy platform. Make sure that all of this information is easily accessible and verifiable.

It’s also important to understand the range of services provided by the platform. Some may specialize in specific areas of therapy such as couples counselling, child psychology, cognitive behavioral therapy, PTSD treatment, de-addiction, and so on. Coose a platform that aligns with your specific needs and to ensure that you receive the care you need. Keep in mind that if you suffer from a mental illness that requires medication, you will need access to a licensed psychiatrist as talk therapists and psychologists cannot prescribe medications.

Consider the Service Delivery Model

Online therapy platforms can offer a range of options for communication, such as video sessions, voice calling, live chats, or asynchronous messaging. Consider what medium of communication you would feel comfortable with and also the benefits of each. While video sessions allow for more personalized interaction, text-based communication can be a lot more flexible and convenient, especially if you have erratic work hours or a busy schedule. In addition to standard services that may be part of a subscription, find out whether the platform provides emergency support or crisis intervention services as these can be crucial in difficult situations.

Are They Affordable and Do They Accept Insurance?

Although affordability is an important consideration, don’t make all of your decisions based solely on pricing. Put it in context. Although you may find a cheap platform, it could end up costing you more if they provide subpar services or simply can’t help you deal with your problem. At the other end, you don’t want to pay too much because some platforms may charge more for add on services and features that you will never use. There are also free online therapy platforms, but they are limited in their services as they usually rely on trained counselors who volunteer their time and don’t provide access to licensed therapists.

Keeping all of this in mind, find out if the platform offers packages or subscription models that could reduce costs. In Israel, all citizens are entitled to mental health services through its mandated national health insurance plans but waiting times are problematic. Some therapy platforms may accept health insurance, but coverage can vary widely depending on the insurer and the specific plan. It’s important to check if the platform is covered by your insurance plan and whether there are any out-of-pocket expenses.

Look at their Privacy Policies and Data Security

Given the sensitive nature of mental health information, privacy and data security are major concerns. Ensure that the platform complies with Israel’s privacy laws, including the Protection of Privacy Law, which governs the collection, storage, and use of personal data. Review their privacy policy to understand how your data will be handled, including who can access it and how long it will be retained. For many users, anonymity is important and some platforms allow users to get help without revealing any personal information as this can help destigmatize mental healthcare.

Access to Self-Help Resources and Peer Support

Although it’s important that you get help from a qualified therapist, especially when dealing with severe mental illness, self-care and self-management are critical for improving outcomes and quality of life. This is where self-help resources and peer support can be invaluable. There is growing evidence that digital mental health apps can support patients by giving them access to relevant knowledge resources, offering self-care guidance and prompts, and providing training for self-management techniques using CBT. These features are supplemental when working with a therapist, but they also provide coping strategies that you can use independently.

In addition, peer support groups are known to have a positive impact on patients, creating a sense of community and shared understanding, which is invaluable. Such communities provide a safe space to share experiences, offer support, and find inspiration from others who truly understand what you’re going through.

Don’t forget to also look at reviews from experts and patients, as these will often give you the best insight into the reliability and safety of an online therapy platform.