Seniors Suffering from Isolation During COVID-19 May Benefit from Online Therapy

Social distancing is an important way to limit the spread of COVID-19, a disease which can be particularly dangerous for the elderly and ill. However, the loneliness and isolation that social distancing can cause among seniors living alone or in assisted living facilities is in some cases doing more harm than good.

“Right now, people are more isolated than normal, which adds another layer of complexity for those struggling with anxiety and depression,” says Aubrey Nelson, a mental health advocate here at OnlineTherapy.com. “Social frameworks that usually exist to provide a supportive presence are greatly impacted, and COVID-19 related life changes and stresses are compounding, likely leading to or furthering mental health issues.

In the absence of in-person social interaction with family and friends, it’s important for elderly and lonely people to have some other form of interaction. Phone calls and video chatting can help, but for those who need a little more assistance keeping their mental health in order, online therapy can work wonders.

Online therapy can allow individuals to get help with their mental, emotional, and behavioral health without having to travel or meet with a therapist in person. It’s the perfect type of therapy to start during the pandemic to help with all the new challenges this difficult year has brought.

If you or someone you love might benefit from online therapy but you’re not sure where to turn, you’re in luck. OnlineTherapy.com has evaluated several different online therapy sites and picked the best in each of several categories so that you can choose the best one for your personal needs.

Here are some of the top online therapy tools, more specifically the ones we believe will best pertain to older adults living alone or in facilities where they cannot see their friends and family.

BetterHelp

BetterHelp tops the list as the best overall online therapy option. It has over 12,000 therapists trained to address a wide range of issues, which means you’re sure to find the one that’s right for you. It also has affordable rates and a variety of flexible communication tools.

Amwell

Amwell is OnlineTherapy.com’s choice for the best option in terms of insurance coverage. Amwell accepts Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare, and several other major providers, meaning their care is accessible and affordable to many who wouldn’t otherwise be able to get therapy.

7 Cups

7 Cups may be your best option if you’re looking for free services. They offer self-help guides, online support groups, and 24/7 live chat with trained volunteer listeners. And if you’re in need of extra support, you also have the option to pay for a traditional session with a licensed therapist.

Doctor on Demand

If you think you or someone you know may be in need of help beyond what ordinary therapy can provide, try out Doctor on Demand, a tool that allows you to get virtual access to licensed psychiatrists who can prescribe medication when necessary.

MDLive

MDLive is another place where you can access a doctor remotely. Here you can find online therapy and psychiatry services, as well as remote medical care for other common ailments.

Visit OnlineTherapy.com for the full list of top online therapy programs. We hope you’re able to find the assistance you need to help yourself or a loved one make it through the rest of this pandemic feeling happier and more fulfilled.