Key takeaways
- Online therapy for trauma is an accessible and flexible option for many people.
- It is important to find a qualified therapist with experience in trauma therapy. Teletherapy platforms may work with various qualified mental health professionals.
- Some top picks for online therapy include Grow Therapy for its robust therapist search and optional in-person sessions, and Cerebral for psychiatry and medication management.
This list compiles teletherapy services that Medical News Today rates highly, and that also treat trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
It is important to note that these platforms are not trauma-specific and may not all utilize therapy techniques effective for trauma, such as:
Similarly, not all therapists and professionals working with the platforms will have experience in treating trauma.
As such, it is essential to research teletherapy platforms before signing up to determine if they are a good fit for a person’s needs. For example, not all providers are suitable for severe trauma or urgent mental healthcare.
Look for therapists who are trauma-informed and, when meeting a new therapist, ask about their experiences and approaches for treating trauma specifically. Do not be afraid to request a new therapist if the match does not work.
We have listed our picks of online therapy platforms that treat trauma in no particular order.
| Services | Medication management | Accepts insurance | HSA/FSA | Cost | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BetterHelp | therapy | no | no | yes | $280 to $400 /monthly |
| Grow Therapy | therapy, medication management | yes | yes | yes | $100 to $150 /session |
| Brightside | therapy, psychiatry and medication, IOP and suicide prevention program | yes | yes | yes | $95 to $349 /month |
| Cerebral | psychiatry and medication, therapy | yes | yes | yes | $60 to $365 /month |
| Our Ritual | relationship therapy | no | no | no | $128 to $310 /month |
| Little Otter | family therapy for children, teens, and parents | yes | yes | yes | therapy, psychiatry and medication, IOP, and suicide prevention program |
| Inclusive Therapists | therapy for minorities, e.g., POC, LGBT+ | varies | varies | varies | varies |
Medical News Today only features brands and products that have passed our strict vetting criteria.
We work with a team of medical professionals who rigorously assess brands and products for quality, trustworthiness, and effectiveness.
They have assessed over 35 teletherapy platforms, carefully considering their adherence to industry best practices and standards of care. We also consider the range of therapies offered, public reputation, and customer reviews.
Where our team has tested services, we gather their honest feedback and evaluate whether to feature the brand.
The teletherapy brands in this article were selected for their qualities as online therapy providers and because they offer therapy for trauma but were not selected purely for their trauma therapy credentials.
Medical News Today spoke with Dr. Nicole Washington, DO, MPH, an ABMS board certified psychiatrist who primarily works with patients online.
While she says that trauma therapy online is possible, there are mixed opinions on how effective it is.
“It is possible. Is it efficient? Post-2020, it’s just part of [providing therapy]. Also, someone may be in a remote or rural area and find a great therapist match who is 3 hours away. Busy professionals and parents can have therapy at odd hours. It opens up therapy for a lot of people.”
Online therapy allows patients to experience therapy in a time and space that is comfortable for them. For some people, this may make it easier for them to relax in therapy sessions. This can be particularly effective for trauma therapy, as it allows the patient to control their environment and can empower them to open up.
However, Dr. Washington notes that the therapist’s office is designed to eliminate distractions and help people relax. Individuals may find this difficult with online therapy, particularly if finding a private space and time to talk is difficult.
Overall, she stresses that the most important aspect of therapy is the relationship with the therapist.
“Regardless of how you do therapy, that therapeutic alliance is most important. Look for a professional with experience and training in trauma.”
“If things aren’t working with your current therapist, don’t be afraid to say, ‘this is not working for me in the way that I hoped it would,’ and seek a new therapist.”
Finally, Dr. Washington notes that, in some cases, online therapy alone will not be adequate to manage a person’s trauma. Specifically, in cases that involve a risk of suicidality, in-person treatment may be necessary.
Online therapy is not suitable in a crisis and cannot replace in-person treatment. In urgent situations, contact emergency services or suicide support helplines.
Help is out there
If you or someone you know is in crisis and considering suicide or self-harm, please seek support:
- Call or text the 988 Lifeline at 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. Caring counselors are available to listen and provide free and confidential support 24/7.
- Text HOME to the Crisis Text Line at 741741 to connect with a volunteer crisis counselor for free and confidential support 24/7.
- Not in the United States? Find a helpline in your country with Befrienders Worldwide.
- Call 911 or your local emergency services number if you feel safe to do so.
If you’re calling on behalf of someone else, stay with them until help arrives. You may remove weapons or substances that can cause harm if you can do so safely.
If you’re not in the same household, stay on the phone with them until help arrives.
Yes, it is possible to receive trauma therapy online, including techniques such as EMDR and trauma-informed CBT therapy.
Many teletherapy companies, such as BetterHelp, Grow Therapy, and Cerebral, specifically offer online therapy for trauma and PTSD.
In some cases, online therapy may not be adequate for treating a person’s trauma. It is also unsuitable in a crisis.
A range of techniques are known to be effective for trauma, including EMDR and trauma-informed CBT therapy. Which type of therapy is most effective will depend on a person’s trauma and response to different techniques.
Learn about therapy techniques for trauma and more.
A positive and open relationship with a therapy provider can improve therapy outcomes.
Many places provide free, low cost, or sliding-scale therapy online.
Read our list of the best places to get free and low cost online therapy.
National charities and support groups may provide hotlines and online chat options, including crisis support. People may also find government-funded and local volunteer groups providing in-person and online support.
For people seeking therapy for trauma, online platforms offer a convenient and accessible option. Using video calls, phone calls, or online chat, these teletherapy companies can allow people to pursue therapy with the benefits of flexible scheduling and control over their surroundings.
It’s important to note that online therapy for trauma cannot replace urgent care in crisis situations.