Thankfully, finding an online therapist is easier and more accessible than ever, and can be done without ever having to leave the house. For Carly, experiencing anxiety and depression while being in quarantine compelled her to find a therapist who could help her get through the moment. Because she doesn’t have medical insurance, a sliding scale therapy option proved to be a viable option for getting mental health relief.
“I found online sessions on a sliding scale of $30 to $60 dollars,” Carly says, underscoring the fact that there are affordable options out there—regardless of your insurance status. “Within an hour, I found a therapist I vibed with and set up our first appointment.”
Stepping up to the plate
Margot Reilly, a Portland, Oregon-based trauma therapist, has continued her regular sessions throughout the crisis. Teletherapy has made it possible to continue providing support for clients and has even inspired previous clients, who may have filtered off over the years, to come back.
“I have a lot of old clients reaching out and people wanting to connect more,” Reilly tells Supermaker. “I’m really grateful and glad to be able to be there for people. With the fear and uncertainty and isolation, it’s such an important piece to be taken care of and acknowledged.”
Though some of us may already have a support network of family and friends who we can count on during this time, seeking professional, therapeutic support to hold space for feelings and worries can be key to staying well during this pandemic. “Even if this isn't the silver bullet for curing all my mental and emotional challenges,” explains Carly, “right now when there's little to distract myself from my internal monologues and worries, I feel grateful to have an outlet designed to make space for these things—even if it is digital.”