Anxiety Treatment Online

There are many online ways to access therapy for anxiety, including video conferencing with Zoom, Google Meet, Skype or FaceTime, through phone and tablet apps and via text messaging.

Most patients won’t need a referral from their primary care doctor to see a psychologist, counselor, therapist or nurse psychotherapist for online therapy. A clinical or licensed social worker with training can also provide anxiety therapy.

However, you may need a referral to see a psychiatrist, and only your psychiatrist or general practitioner can prescribe anxiety medications. Check with your health insurance provider to find a therapist covered by your plan.

Networks of therapists and professional counselors exist to support people dealing with anxiety and mental health challenges. The type of therapy you receive depends on your circumstances and your specific treatment.

Therapists have engaged in many therapies to treat symptoms of anxiety. Although CBT is the most widely used, other treatments may also be appropriate, depending on your circumstances.

Results of one study focusing on college students with anxiety found that in-person and online (synchronous video) counseling methods were equally effective in delivering treatment. Another review related to university students supported the idea that different online interventions can promote mental health, though they recommended more research.

Experts investigating child anxiety found that symptoms and functional impairment improved after they offered families online support and intervention. Most children showed a reliable change in symptoms and needed no further treatment to deal with their anxiety.

Several studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of SMS (text) messaging in supporting changes in the attitudes of individuals with anxiety. One study showed the necessity of specific message construction for successful treatment. Another study found that, even without therapist guidance, significant gains are possible for some types of anxiety, such as social anxiety, though not generalized anxiety disorder.

However, not all therapies work online. Research relating to laughter therapy found no impact on anxiety, though it reduced depression.

The cost of online anxiety treatment depends on where your provider works, that provider’s hourly rates, what portion of the charges your insurance covers and whether your therapist accepts insurance. Some therapists offer telehealth sessions for a $25 copay. For people without insurance, in-person sessions cost $60 on the low end and up to $250 or more for specialized or more experienced therapists. One pre-pandemic research review suggests that telehealth mental therapy is less expensive than in-person sessions. Per-hour costs of online therapy vary by provider, so research your options.

Although most insurance plans cover psychological therapy, check with your insurer to confirm it covers online therapy. The specific coverage may depend on your chosen therapist, state regulations and insurance plan.

The Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008, or MHPAEA, is a federal law protecting mental health and substance use disorder benefits. A study found that since MHPAEA passed, more children and adolescents were diagnosed with and treated for anxiety, suggesting that anxiety screening also improved.

There are several pathways to choosing the best online therapist to treat your anxiety. If you already have an in-person therapist you like, ask them if they offer telehealth or online therapy. Your general practitioner is another person who can make a referral.

You should be able to identify online therapists via your insurance network. Confirm the type of practice and their qualifications to ensure they treat anxiety. Another useful source of information may be online patient reviews.