Last updated on November 28th, 2020 at 09:17 pm

As a kid, you probably wanted to grow up so dang bad! Not realizing how hard this adulting stuff could truly be. You’re expected to go to work, manage relationships, unpack trauma, and deal with the chaos in the world—at the bare minimum.

But this can be overwhelming and not everyone, unfortunately, was given the right tools to cope with their emotions.

So, you put your best foot forward and deal with all the adversity that comes your way. Sometimes it’s heavy, and other days are more manageable.

I think you’re doing great.

But now that it’s 2020, everyone needs to de-stigmatize mental health and prioritize going to therapy. You owe it to yourself.

It’s your God given right, just like drinking water or breathing air.

Therapy isn’t just for mental illness or trauma. Sometimes it’s a simple as gaining emotional intelligence and coping with uncomfortable feelings. Whatever it may be, I 100% recommend you go.

At the very least, having an unbiased person listen to you for 30-60 mins is great! (especially if you’re talkative like me)

If you’re wondering where to start your search, look no further. Here are some places to check out that offer virtual therapy.

Don’t worry, these are affordable options—I got you.

1) Psychology Today

You can filter as much as you want on this site, which can help you find the perfect therapist.

If you’re without insurance, you can click “sliding scale” and it’ll show you those willing to work with your price range. Mental health professionals understand that people can’t afford therapy, but they don’t want that to stop you from going.

If you have insurance, you can also look for those who accept yours. Use this time to get as specific as you want! Even with those who specialize in what you’re looking for, such as self-esteem or anxiety.

If you can’t physically go, you can search for “online/phone counseling”.

2) Better Help

This platform is 100% online! Before you get started, they ask you general background questions to help match you with the right therapist.

You can also set your preference for a therapist, that way you can get someone who aligns with what you need.

Oh, and it gets better! You can get to further specify what kind of experience you’d like your counselor to have.

Better Help is a monthly subscription, but you get to send unlimited texts among other benefits.

* The rate varies based on your income, so it’s anywhere from $45-65/week, but billed monthly*

3) Talkspace

Similar platform to Better Help, where it’s 100% online. Plans range from $65-99/week depending on what kind of service you’re looking for. But every plan includes unlimited messages and is billed monthly.

The least expensive option is their Unlimited Messaging Therapy Plus, which is $65. It includes text, video, picture, and audio messaging. Talkspace guarantees daily responses from a therapist 5 days/week.

The next plan is Unlimited Messaging Therapy Premium, costing $79/Week. You’ll have the option to text, video, picture, and audio messaging your therapist. On top of the guaranteed daily responses (Monday-Friday), you’ll also get 1 live session/month for 30 minutes.

If you’re wanting more, they offer the LiveTalk Therapy Ultimate plan and it’s $99/Week. Including text, video, picture, and audio messaging. Guaranteeing daily responses and 4 live sessions/month for 30 mins each.

*Talkspace doesn’t accept insurance, but you can try to get reimbursed from your insurance provider by submitting the billing receipt to your FSA/HSA*

You can also specify which demographic you are looking for in your therapist.

4) Therapy For Black Girls

Black women often struggle to find a therapist that looks like them AND are in network.

It’s a dang shame. Because people need to see they are represented.

With Therapy For Black Girls, you can search specifically for Black female therapists. And you can select sliding scale if you don’t have insurance so you won’t hurt them pockets.

If you’re looking for online counseling, you can also add that filter too.

Now we have all these resources at our fingertips, which makes getting help that much easier. Be empowered and make your mental health the priority.