My Experience with Online Therapy

Have you ever heard or used the saying “the time to see a dentist is not when you need one, but rather when you don’t?” My mentor once told me the same thing about therapists, and boy, was he right. But, who has the time to find someone they like and trust? Welcome to BetterHelp: an online therapy and counseling platform that makes finding a therapist and attending appointments extremely simple.

After a thorough questionnaire about yourself, your current situation and needs, the service matches you with one of more than 30,000 licensed therapists, and you can easily book video, audio or text chat appointments weekly from then on. Don’t feel like you were assigned the right person? Changing therapists is easy. Miss a week or your therapist isn’t available? An assistant can help you get a credit for that week’s cost. The best part — it really does work!

A couple of months ago I found myself in the aforementioned situation where I needed to talk to someone. I wasn’t sure where to turn, but my wife mentioned trying BetterHelp as we had both seen and heard their online advertising. Within 48 hours of signing up for the platform, I was matched with Spencer, a therapist with more than 25 years’ experience and who seems to have been tailor-fit for me. We’ve had weekly calls since early October, and I wholeheartedly feel that our sessions have been greatly beneficial for me in so many ways.

He has provided me with wonderful insight into why I’m experiencing certain issues, tools to affect the changes I’ve needed, and a non-judgmental, unbiased ear I can use as a sounding board for guidance. One of the best aspects of the service, though? You never have to leave your house. BetterHelp sessions are all completed digitally and discreetly, meaning you can meet with your therapist while on a long drive, while you’re sitting on your couch at home, while jogging with your headphones, or anywhere else you have internet access.

I’m well aware of the stigma associated with mental health, and while we shouldn’t be embarrassed about seeking help, BetterHelp makes it feel less scary. Our lives are stressful. Our careers are stressful. We all made it through dental school, which means we are strong individuals, but at some point, even strong folks need a hand and an ear. BetterHelp’s platform of licensed therapists offers a convenient, effective, readily-available opportunity for anyone in need. How do I know? Just ask me!

Dr. Taylor is a Dental Well Being Foundation Board Member and the MDA Treasurer. He is the Dental Director at the Bernie Dental Center, part of the SEMO Health Network.