At\u00a0Safe Sleep Systems, we’re supported by our audience, and we thank you.\u00a0As a BetterHelp affiliate, we may receive compensation from BetterHelp if you purchase products or services through the links provided at no additional cost to you.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
In today\u2019s fast-paced world, mental health issues are becoming more and more common. Yet, the stigma of seeking therapy is still present in many communities, which is why many people are trying to seek anonymous help. But can you go to therapy anonymously?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can\u2019t go to therapy with 100% anonymity since you\u2019ll have to share personal details with your therapist. However, your therapist will always keep your records confidential. If you don\u2019t want to meet a therapist in person, you can still seek help on online platforms like Talkspace and BetterHelp.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
In this post, we\u2019ll explain what remains confidential in a therapy session, and we\u2019ll also recommend multiple alternatives to in-person therapy if you prefer complete anonymity. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Before we start, if you think you\u2019re dealing with a mental health crisis, stop reading now and check these sources<\/a> to seek immediate help. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
In this post, we'll cover:<\/p>\n
Generally speaking, your therapist is legally and ethically obliged to keep your conversations private. They won\u2019t contact anyone without asking you first, and they may also ask for written consent to make sure you\u2019re fully aware of all the information they\u2019ll share. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
That said, therapists are also legally required to disclose private information in some<\/em> cases. We can\u2019t list all these cases in one post, but here are some examples to give you some context:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Therapists don\u2019t break confidentiality<\/a> unless someone\u2019s life or well-being is at stake. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
On the other hand, situations involving non-violent conflicts will generally remain confidential. For example, if a person was cheating on their significant other before going through a divorce, the therapist can\u2019t reveal that information in court<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Therapists have to share your diagnosis and treatment plan with your insurer to determine whether the care you need is covered or not. The same applies if you\u2019ll ask the insurer for reimbursement. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
From a legal perspective, insurers can ask for any documentation they deem necessary to pay for your therapy. And although they\u2019ll say your information will remain confidential, you shouldn\u2019t take their word for it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
For example, if the insurance is provided via work, the employer may need to know about your diagnosis to cover your therapy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
We know that keeping track of all the legal details can be daunting, especially if you\u2019re already stressed out. To save yourself the hassle, you can always talk with your therapist before sharing any information. Since a therapist\u2019s primary goal is making you comfortable, they\u2019ll put all cards on the table. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
This matter depends on two factors: location and financial status. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the US, some states may allow minors to go to a therapist without their parents knowing, while some states don\u2019t. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
For instance, Illinois allows minors older than 12 years to seek therapy without parental consent<\/a>. The therapist can only notify the parents in emergencies. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
On the other hand, Texan therapists can\u2019t accept minors younger than 18 years<\/a> without parental consent unless the patient is dealing with domestic abuse, thinking about suicide, or struggling with addiction. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
As you probably know, therapy isn\u2019t cheap. Sessions can cost anywhere between $100 and $200, and most people need up to 20 sessions to recover. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you can\u2019t pay for that out of your own pocket, you\u2019ll have to use your parent\u2019s insurance, and that may come at the cost of your anonymity. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Why? Well, the insurer sends a statement called the explanation of benefits (EOB)<\/a> to inform your parents about the nature, date, and cost of the provided service. In some cases, the report may explicitly say \u201cmental health treatment,\u201d but it can also say, \u201coffice visit.\u201d Even if the insurer uses discreet phrasing, your parents will still ask about the nature of that office visit. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If conventional therapy isn\u2019t discreet enough for you, it\u2019s still possible to seek help through other online platforms and communities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can find dozens of online therapy platforms where you can talk to licensed therapists and even psychiatrists<\/a>. Unlike traditional therapy, you get to control almost all treatment aspects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Since they got Michael Phelps<\/a> to be their spokesperson, Talkspace<\/a> has become the most renowned platform for online therapy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If Talkspace\u2019s plans are too expensive for you, BetterHelp<\/a> should be your best bet. Not only are their plans more affordable, but they also offer financial aid for those struggling to make ends meet. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Can\u2019t make up your mind? We highly recommend checking our detailed comparison between BetterHelp and Talkspace<\/a>. We\u2019ve covered everything you need to know, including the cost, experience, ease-of-use, and even employee satisfaction. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
7 Cups of Tea<\/a> offers therapy for only $150 per month. However, you get what you pay for \u2014 their therapists are only available via text, and they don\u2019t respond on weekends. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Keep in mind that 7 Cups has two paid services. The first<\/a> allows you to talk to licensed therapists. In contrast, the second grants access to the 7 Cups Collection<\/a> (a collection of interactive resources to help you overcome anxiety, depression, breakups, etc.).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As the name suggests, Teen Counseling<\/a> can help your kids overcome problems like bullying, school stress, eating disorders, and so forth. However, they only accept teen clients aged between 13 and 19.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pride Counseling<\/a> dedicates its services to the LGBTQ+ community. Their services include live sessions, phone calls, and text messages. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you can afford neither in-person nor online therapy, you can still blow off some steam in an online chat room by chatting with people who are going through the same hardships you’re encountering.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But of course, such communities can\u2019t provide real mental therapy. If you\u2019ve been dealing with depression<\/a> for a long time, we don\u2019t think these communities will help you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n