Choosing a Therapist: Tech Start Ups vs Private Practice

For decades, the field of psychotherapy has researched what are the key factors that make therapy effective for folks. Is it a particular modality (i.e. CBT, EMDR, CPT)? Is it the years of experience of the provider? What consistently shows up as the number one variable that impacts the effectiveness of therapy: The Therapeutic Relationship. The Client-Therapist relationship cannot be underestimated particularly during a time when the need for support continues to rise along with the increased sense of loneliness individuals are experiencing.

Enter tech start-ups…Where there is a need, there is an opportunity to capitalize. Regardless of whether or not this is a moral dilemma, this is the way our systems work. But we can educate ourselves about these dynamics so that we can make the most informed decisions that are right for our individual needs. Companies like Amwell and Betterhelp operate on a model of high volume, short-term therapy. This model reaches more folks in need due to their short term model (therapists are goal oriented within a set number of sessions). Short term therapy or Solution Focused Therapy can be helpful depending on the issue at hand. However, if someone is looking for support with healing trauma, relationship challenges, higher levels of anxiety and depression, short term therapy will leave a client feeling unsupported and stuck in the same patterns.

However, it does not sound like Solution Based Therapy or any model of evidence based therapy is the preferred modality for these national companies. According to an article from Mental Health Match (see below) “companies like BetterHelp and Talkspace have pay structures that incentivize therapists to prioritize company goals over quality therapy that helps clients improve.” How does a higher volume, lower impact caseload affect therapists or any healthcare provider for that matter? Simply overworked and underpaid. Some of national companies are paying therapists $25/hr…I could apply at the local Hannaford’s deli for $26/hr. No experience required.

How a therapist feels about their own worth and value in delivering quality care will impact their ability to relate and empathize with clients. As you search for the right fit for you, taking into consideration how and with whom you want to invest takes time. Whether or not you choose to consider a tech company like the ones mentioned or meet in-person with a local provider, asking prospective therapists about how they value the therapeutic relationship might help you determine who is a good fit for you.

Mental Health Match Article:

https://mentalhealthmatch.com/articles/for-therapists/end-private-practice-therapist?fbclid=IwAR0ozLiwixLTIel0mn9TO6osKLAUlp8hsFCgVzkE2e4MVpjn2cGVuBm5pd0