In fact, traumatic life events have affected 70% of the world's population. Top online therapy services can help if you're dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a result and you're looking for treatment.
With our team's 20+ years of clinical psychology experience, we're committed to helping you find the best online trauma therapy services. Browse our top recommendations below and take the first step towards getting the care you deserve.
» Never tried counseling? Check out the 10 most common types of therapy.
Our 10 Best Online Trauma Therapy Services in 2024:
- BetterHelp - Best online trauma therapy services overall
- Talkspace - Best for workplace mental health solutions
- Thriveworks - Best for self-care trauma tips and advice
- Regain - Best for relationship-focused trauma therapy
- Amwell - Best for over-the-counter medication scripts
- Cerebral - Best for one-on-one and couples counseling
- Online-Therapy.com - Best for interactive digital tools and resources
- MDLive - Best for deaf or hard-of-hearing patients
- BrightSide - Best for skill-building lessons
- Talkiatry - Best for individualized care plans
How We Reviewed the Best Online Trauma Therapy Services
Evaluation Process
Our team consists of professionals with backgrounds in trauma psychology to ensure that all assessments are well-informed. We looked at therapist credentials as well as real user experiences, academic research, and testimonials to create well-rounded evaluations.
Evaluation Criteria
- Therapist credentials: We reviewed therapists' qualifications and experience (e.g., PsyD, Ph.D., LCSW, LPS) to ensure their suitability for trauma therapy.
- Therapy techniques: We examined the range of evidence-based therapeutic approaches specifically designed for trauma treatment.
- Personalization features: We looked at treatment and scheduling options to understand the degree of individualized care provided.
- Accessibility and cost: We weighed pricing, insurance coverage, and features (e.g., video conferencing) to ensure affordability and accessibility.
- Privacy and security: We prioritize platforms emphasizing patient confidentiality and data security.
- User reviews: We analyzed client feedback to understand real user experiences. We highlighted key concerns and benefits to guide readers in making a well-informed decision.
A Closer Look at Our Best Online Trauma Therapy Services in 2024:
1. BetterHelp
Best online trauma therapy services overall
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- Best for - Messaging your therapist online at any time, from anywhere
- Pricing - from $65/session
- Communication types - Text messages, live chat, phone calls, video conferencing
- Accepts insurance - No
- Therapy methods - Person-centered, acceptance, cognitive-behavioral, mindfulness, emotionally focused, solution-focused, trauma-focused, motivational interviewing, dialectical behavior
BetterHelp claims to be the world's largest provider of therapy services online, with over 30,000 licensed health professionals. This means you're more likely to find a therapist who can help you work through your trauma.
As a BetterHelp member, you can access over 20 free weekly interactive seminars hosted by expert counselors. Within 24-48 hours of signing up, the service will match you with a therapist specializing in trauma treatment.
Why we chose BetterHelp: The website has a wealth of resources to help you understand trauma, its effects, and the specific techniques used. These include dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), eye movement desensitization, and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. It even offers trauma-focused counseling for children.
Our experience: I found it incredibly easy to match with a therapist and was paired up within a few hours of signing on. It felt like my needs were being prioritized, and my concerns mattered. I'm also grateful that I could use the live chat option since I was uncomfortable chatting on the phone or doing a video call.
Pros
- Payments are accepted through high-deductible health plans (HDHP)
- You can cancel your membership at any time for any reason
- Journal features available through the Apple or Android app
Cons
- No medication prescriptions provided
- Insurance typically doesn’t cover treatment
Read the full BetterHelp review
2. Talkspace
Specializes in treating 150+ conditions
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- Best for - A network of certified therapists across 50 states
- Pricing - from $25/session
- Communication types - Messaging sessions, live chat, phone, video call
- Accepts insurance - Yes
- Therapy methods - Cognitive behavior, dialectical behavior, emotion-focused, exposure, grief counseling, humanistic, somatic
Talkspace offers several ways to save on trauma therapy. Many major health insurance providers, like Aetna and Cigna, cover Talkspace sessions. You could also qualify for free sessions with your employer's code or Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Additionally, first-time clients may receive a promotional discount.
Why we chose Talkspace: The website has links to practical self-help information to answer questions about your feelings. For example, you can take a free anxiety or depression test. This information can be useful if you need immediate assistance while seeking professional help for trauma.
Our experience: Talkspace's commitment to privacy allowed me to feel secure when sharing my trauma experiences. My therapist created a safe space to explore emotions and beliefs hindering my healing. We developed coping strategies for managing triggers that caused flashbacks or intrusive thoughts.
Pros
- Online therapy room is fully encrypted for protection
- 30% discount through veterans page signup with "MTSUPPORT"
- Offers therapy in over 25 languages
Cons
- Limited control over therapist choice
- No live sessions available on the lower-tier plan
Read the full Talkspace review
3. Thriveworks
Accepts coverage from over 585 different insurance plans
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- Best for - Easy access to local contact numbers in your location
- Pricing - From $0/week
- Communication types - Phone and video counseling sessions
- Accepts insurance - Yes
- Therapy methods - Behavioral, dialectical, mindfulness-based, psychiatry, medication management
Thriveworks caters to numerous trauma needs in various ways. Your scheduled sessions last between 50 and 60 minutes for extra support. But, for immediate help, the website has a PTSD guide and other trauma-related support resources, like articles on cyberbullying.
Why we chose Thriveworks: The website allows you to access online care contacts in your region and across the US. Additionally, support calls are answered in under a minute, ensuring you get help right away when you need it.
Our experience: The longer sessions provided ample time for me to open up, despite my usual shyness about sharing my thoughts. The website's reading resources and guides also allowed me to learn more about trauma in my spare time, further supporting my healing journey.
Pros
- Offers online and in-person therapy options
- Over 340 locations in the US
- Free downloadable e-books to understand and help with trauma
Cons
- Magellan Insurance is the only in-network provider in selected states
- Billing and payment updates must be made via support calls
Read the full Thriveworks review
4. Regain
Doesn't require your full name and contact details to sign up
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- Best for - Deleting messages to control your communication history
- Pricing - From $65/session
- Communication types - text messages, live-video sessions, phone calls
- Accepts insurance - No
- Therapy methods - Exposure therapy, eye movement desensitization, reprocessing, cognitive-behavioral therapy
Regain prioritizes your privacy so you can feel safe sharing your traumatic experiences with your online therapist. State and federal laws also protect all your communications. To learn more about how Regain protects your information, please review their Privacy Policy.
Why we chose Regain: With Regain, you can invite your partner to join you on the platform immediately or later. They'll receive a personalized invite link to keep their information private and secure. This way, you can share your trauma therapy and provide support as a team.
Our experience: My most valuable aspect was inviting my partner to join my sessions. It helped us support each other as the treatment developed. When we moved away, I was relieved I could cancel my plan without any consequences.
Pros
- Therapists all have 1,000+ hours of experience
- Therapists can intervene via authorities if you're in immediate danger
- You can cancel your membership from the website or phone app
Cons
- No option to look at therapist bios before booking
- Not suitable for minors or those under a legal guardian's care
5. Amwell
Provides doctoral-level psychologists and master’s level therapists
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- Best for - Viewing your therapist's treatment style before selecting
- Pricing - From $109
- Communication types - Web‑based and mobile app sessions
- Accepts insurance - Yes
- Therapy methods - Cognitive behavioral, dialectal, motivational interviewing, acceptance and commitment therapy
Amwell's services page has a detailed FAQ section that provides different ways to maximize your trauma counseling sessions. For example, reflecting on your calls and journaling help you notice changes in your thoughts and behaviors. These tips, activities, and assignments can help make your therapy more effective.
Why we chose Amwell: This service hosts a broad network of specialists to help you get well-rounded care. For example, you can reach physical therapists and neurologists for assistance with specific conditions related to your trauma. Additionally, these types of consultations may be reimbursed.
Our experience: I appreciated seeing my therapist's treatment approach before choosing. I felt informed to select a professional whose style resonated with mine. It was also convenient to have reminders sent to me about the sessions instead of having to create and change the alerts myself.
Pros
- Its healthcare professionals can send a script to your local pharmacy
- No price increases over weekends and holidays
- Helpful reminder emails are sent to you before your call begins
Cons
- $40 fee for missed or canceled calls within 24 hours of appointment
- No services available outside the US
6. Cerebral
Gives you summaries and notes from your sessions
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- Best for - Therapist Chat option available between calls
- Pricing - From $82/week
- Communication types - Live video sessions, phone, text messages
- Accepts insurance - Yes
- Therapy methods - Cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical, psychodynamic, emotionally focused, Gottman method
Cerebral is subscription-based, with long and short-term therapy for many types of trauma. Including grief and loss, traumatic life events, PTSD, postpartum depression, phobias, and more. Plus, you can keep track of your progress with your personalized treatment plan.
Why we chose Cerebral: Cerebral offers a discounted Strong Start option for ongoing trauma therapy over several months. This plan is designed to build a lasting bond with your therapist, familiarize you with your treatment routine, and help you adjust to any medication.
Our experience: The personalized trauma therapy sessions and regular progress reviews helped me stay committed to my healing journey. I felt empowered to process my experiences and develop coping strategies in a safe, supportive environment.
Pros
- You can change your counselor through self-help or with assistance
- Different packages available for therapy, medication, or both
- On-call clinicians available for prescriptions
Cons
- Therapist capacity dependent on state
- All fees are non-refundable
7. Online-Therapy.com
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- Best for - Downloadable worksheets and video files for offline mode
- Pricing - From $40/week
- Communication types - Phone, texting, live video sessions
- Accepts insurance - No
- Therapy methods - Cognitive behavioral therapy
Online-Therapy.com has three subscription options, providing you with flexibility in your search for online trauma therapy. The platform uses CBT as a method to help solve mental health challenges such as trauma.
With the guidance of your dedicated therapist, you'll work through traumatic memories at your own pace in a safe, controlled environment.
Why we chose Online-Therapy.com: It prioritizes your safety and well-being. The platform offers a dedicated page with resources for immediate assistance, including worldwide emergency contacts, should you experience thoughts of self-harm.
It also offers a free, anonymous PTSD test to help you determine whether professional trauma therapy is right for you.
Our experience: I was relieved to find that Online-Therapy.com offered insurance support, making trauma therapy more accessible and affordable. The platform's offline mode allowed me to continue my therapy program and access resources even without a stable internet connection.
Pros
- 20% discount on your first month
- Account information automatically deleted after two years for privacy
- Offers individual and couples therapy
Cons
- Live sessions not included in basic plan
- Support only available from Monday to Friday
Read the full Online-Therapy.com review
8. MDLive
Tracks your health vital signs and alerts you of changes
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- Best for - User-friendly app
- Pricing - From $0/session
- Communication types - Live video sessions, phone chat, text
- Accepts insurance - Yes
- Therapy methods - Talk therapy, psychiatry
MDLive can give you an overall approach to your trauma recovery. It covers conditions like PTSD and anxiety therapy and offers primary care. You can make appointments for wellness screenings to help identify potential health issues.
Blood pressure and glucose monitoring are also available with personalized health advice.
Why we chose MDLive: MDLive's E-Treatment is an added service that diagnoses everyday conditions like burns and headaches. It allows you to send your symptoms to a certified doctor, who assesses them and can send prescriptions to your preferred pharmacy.
This feature is handy for trauma patients who prefer to avoid in-person consultations.
Our experience: I had a problem with a prescription at the pharmacy, so I called MDlive. The support team was caring and took care of it right away. The platform is also easy to use. My expert asked all the right questions and got right to the heart of the matter.
Pros
- After-hours therapy available
- Accessible in the US and Puerto Rico
- Caters to English and Spanish-speaking clients
Cons
- No disability paperwork provided
- Medical prescriptions only available from psychiatrists
9. BrightSide
Encourages regular check-ins for continued support.20210114062643.png){kind=icon}
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- Best for - Completing care tools and assignments at your own pace
- Pricing - From $95/month
- Communication types - Live video, messaging
- Accepts insurance - Yes
- Therapy methods - Cognitive behavioral, talk therapy
BrightSide's therapists track your symptoms with bi-weekly questionnaires to personalize your trauma treatment. This evidence-backed approach assists you in identifying harmful thought patterns and replacing them with better habits.
The coping mechanisms you learn can help ease trauma symptoms and feelings of guilt.
Why we chose BrightSide: The service offers Crisis Care for individuals with a high risk of suicide due to trauma. This program is based on the Collaborative Assessment and Management of Suicidality (CAMS) framework. It's a highly interactive model where you're the "co-author" of your treatment plan.
Our experience: When we decided to try medication for my family member's trauma treatment, local providers had months-long waiting lists. BrightSide allowed us to schedule a Zoom appointment within 36 hours.
The process was streamlined by providing a detailed history via the app, and we had the medication in hand within three hours of the appointment.
Pros
- The first prescription can be shipped directly to your home
- All members have access to the free self-care program
- You can change therapists at any time
Cons
- Charges extra for video appointments outside your package
- Doesn't offer family therapy
Read the full BrightSide review
10. Talkiatry
Treats children, teens, and adults ages 6 years and older
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- Best for - In-network insurance plans
- Pricing - N/A
- Communication types - Text messages, live video sessions
- Accepts insurance - Yes
- Therapy methods - Talk therapy
Talkiatry believes that a strong therapeutic alliance is key to achieving positive results. The platform aims to provide an environment where you can build a trusting relationship with your therapist during your trauma journey.
Plus, if you ever feel uncomfortable with your specialist's trauma treatment approach, you can request adjustments from your first visit.
Why we chose Talkiatry: Talkiatry offers a convenient way to check if your insurance covers its trauma counseling services directly on the website. Simply select your insurer and plan details, then take a brief assessment to determine your session costs.
Our experience: I was pleased that the app worked well, and I never had a video call break signal during my trauma therapy sessions. My specialist was always on time, and scheduling a session with him was easy.
Pros
- Your first therapy session is a full hour
- Assists with substance abuse disorders
- Prescribed medication is FDA-approved
Cons
- Only available in 43 states
- No in-person visit options
Compare Our Best Online Trauma Therapy Services:
What Is Trauma Therapy?
Trauma therapy is a specialized form of therapy aimed at helping individuals process and heal from traumatic experiences. This type of therapy employs various techniques to address the emotional and psychological impacts of trauma, allowing individuals to regain control over their lives and reduce the symptoms associated with trauma, such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD. Research supports the effectiveness of trauma therapy in improving mental health outcomes for trauma survivors Mayo Clinic.
Types of Trauma Therapy
Trauma therapy encompasses a variety of approaches designed to help individuals process and heal from traumatic experiences. Common types include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT). Each approach is tailored to address specific aspects of trauma and has been shown to be effective in reducing symptoms and improving overall mental health Mayo Clinic.
Who Is Online Trauma Therapy Right For?
Unresolved Trauma
Individuals who have suffered from a traumatic event in the past and are still dealing with its effects can benefit greatly from online trauma therapy.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
People who are haunted by the memory of traumatic events may experience symptoms like mood swings, flashbacks, nightmares, dissociation, anger, being on high alert, and physical symptoms like headaches and nausea. Online trauma therapy can help manage and alleviate these symptoms WebMD.
Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
This can result from complex trauma or repeated trauma in the form of microaggressions, emotional abuse, neglect, etc. Online therapy provides a platform for addressing these deep-seated issues.
Geographic Barriers
For those in remote locations where access to in-person therapy is limited or unavailable, online trauma therapy offers a convenient alternative.
Personal Comfort
Individuals who may feel more comfortable discussing their trauma in the privacy of their own space can find online trauma therapy to be a safe and effective option.
Signs You're Suffering From Trauma
Recognizing the signs of trauma is crucial for seeking help. Symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, uncontrollable thoughts about the event, emotional numbness, and physical symptoms such as headaches or nausea. If you are experiencing any of these signs, consider seeking professional help Medical News Today.
How to Choose an Online Therapy Service
Cost: Consider the affordability of the service to ensure it fits within your budget.
Therapist Qualifications: Look for licensed therapists with experience in trauma therapy to ensure you receive effective treatment.
Availability: Ensure the service offers appointments that fit your schedule.
Therapy Approach: Choose a service that aligns with your preferences, whether it's cognitive-behavioral therapy, EMDR, or other approaches.
User Reviews: Read reviews from other clients to gauge the effectiveness and satisfaction with the service.
Confidentiality: Ensure the service prioritizes confidentiality to protect your privacy.
Technology Requirements: Check if the service requires specific technology or internet speed that you have access to.
Accessibility: Consider how easy it is to navigate the platform and communicate with your therapist.
Flexibility: Look for a service that allows you to switch therapists if needed or offers different therapy formats.
Support Services: Check if the service offers additional support resources or guidance outside of therapy sessions.
Online Trauma Therapy vs. In-Person Therapy
Online
Convenience: Online therapy offers the flexibility to attend sessions from the comfort of your own home, saving time and eliminating the need for travel.
Accessibility: With online therapy, individuals in remote areas or with mobility issues can access therapy that may otherwise be difficult to obtain.
Comfort: Being in familiar surroundings during online therapy sessions can promote a sense of comfort and relaxation, leading to more open and productive discussions.
Cost-effectiveness: Online therapy often tends to be more affordable than in-person therapy, with lower overhead costs for therapists that can translate to lower session fees for clients.
Variety of Options: Online therapy platforms often offer a wider selection of therapists and therapy approaches, allowing individuals to find the right fit for their needs more easily.
In Person
Personal Connection: In-person therapy allows for face-to-face interaction, fostering a deeper sense of connection and rapport between the client and therapist.
Non-verbal Cues: Being physically present enables therapists to observe non-verbal cues such as body language and facial expressions, enhancing their understanding of the client's emotions and experiences.
Immediate Support: In-person therapy provides immediate support and intervention in crisis situations, offering a sense of safety and security to clients.
Enhanced Focus: Without the distractions of screens and technology, in-person therapy sessions often promote better focus and engagement, leading to more effective therapeutic outcomes.
Therapeutic Environment: The physical therapy office creates a dedicated, safe space for clients to explore their thoughts and emotions without interruptions from the outside world, fostering a conducive environment for healing and growth.
Finding the Right Online Trauma Therapy
Online therapists offer valuable services for helping you overcome trauma. Providers like Cerebral and Talkspace alternatives offer different ways to communicate with specialists, making finding support easier.
Consider BetterHealth for its useful tools and personalized care. Or try platforms like ReGain and Amwell, which prioritize privacy and accept insurance to make therapy more affordable. With some research, you can find the one that helps you heal.
» See these 10 mental health conditions CBT therapy can help with.
FAQs
What questions will I be asked in trauma therapy?
Expect your therapist to ask you to describe your traumatic experience and express your feelings about it. They may also inquire about how the trauma impacts your thoughts and daily life. These questions aim to help them understand your unique situation and provide personalized treatment.
Is online therapy effective?
Yes. Research shows that therapy delivered remotely is effective. Many online therapists use evidence-based approaches. For example, treatments like CBT and EMDR are effective in helping patients heal from trauma and can be used virtually.
How does PTSD affect your life?
When dealing with PTSD, you may struggle to maintain normalcy in your daily life, including work and relationships. Others may find you distant or disengaged as you attempt to cope with difficult memories. If you're seeking relief, methods like EMDR therapy for PTSD can help.
What is trauma-informed care?
Trauma-informed care is a therapeutic approach that aims to understand a patient's life experiences to provide effective health care services. This gives specialists a complete picture of your circumstances, which can aid in personalized treatment.
What are the drawbacks to online therapy?
The lack of in-person meetings reduces intimacy, which some patients consider essential for strengthening the therapist-client bond. Additionally, some insurance companies may not cover online counseling.
