Online Therapy For Christians: A 2024 Guide

Online therapy for Christians, also known as faith-based counseling, is a form of counseling generally provided by state-licensed mental health professionals who have an understanding of Christian beliefs and values. These services are available online and tailored to address the emotional, psychological and spiritual needs of individuals who follow a Christian faith. Online therapy is a convenient way to access mental health services from home, which is especially helpful for those who live in areas with limited access to faith-based counseling services.

Online therapy can help people with various mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, grief, addiction and relationship problems. Each therapist’s approach may vary based on their background and experience. Some therapists may also specialize in specific conditions or therapy modalities, such as marriage counseling or cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).

Online Christian therapy ranges from roughly $240 to $400 per month, depending on the service and frequency of visits. Some companies do not accept insurance, so this can be an out-of-pocket cost, but you may be able to submit documentation to your insurance company afterward for partial reimbursement.

Pros

• Convenient and time efficient. You can connect with your therapist from home via video chat or a secure therapy platform. This saves time as you don’t have to drive to and from the therapy office. Online therapy is also helpful for clients with physical (as well as mental health) limitations who have difficulty leaving the home.
• Access to many different therapists. Because you can work with any therapist licensed in your state, you are not limited to therapists in your immediate area. This provides more flexibility and options to choose from.
• Cost saving. You can often find an online therapist who offers sessions at a lower cost than therapists in your area who practice in person, making it a more desirable option for some.

Cons

• Must have a strong internet connection. Because most sessions take place over video, having spotty internet service can lead to multiple interruptions during your session, which can be distracting.
• Limited privacy. Some people may feel uncomfortable participating in virtual therapy sessions if they do not have a private room for their sessions. Clients may worry that others will hear them, making it difficult to share personal information.
• Limits ability to pick up on non-verbal cues. “Much of the information, such as body language that helps a therapist better understand a patient is more difficult, and at times, impossible to discern over telehealth,” says Forrest Talley, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist at Invictus Psychological Services, practicing in Sacramento and Folsom, California. This can affect the therapeutic relationship between the therapist and client, which is a predictor of a positive outcome.

The following platforms and resources may be helpful in your search for the right Christian online therapy.

• Faithful Counseling. A sister site of BetterHelp, Faithful Counseling offers online therapy from a biblical perspective, with professionally licensed, spiritually informed and readily accessible therapists, according to the company.
• Anchored Hope. This virtual Christian counseling platform offers traditional, premarital and marriage counseling, ranging from $90 to $125 per session.
• Cornerstone Christian Counseling. Cornerstone offers individual, couple and family counseling online, as well as in person in Florida and Colorado.

You can find additional resources on a number of government websites and within your local community as well.

To get the most out of therapy, it’s important that you feel comfortable enough with your therapist to honestly share details of your life. This is why finding a therapist you connect with is important for a positive experience. “To identify as Christian is one thing; to be involved with the community of Christians is quite another. The therapist actively involved in the practice of their faith is much more likely to have a deep appreciation of the intersection between faith and the broader problems that trouble a Christian patient,” adds Talley. He also suggests that speaking with two or three therapists on the phone is helpful before setting up an appointment.

It’s also essential to know who you are seeking therapy from and decide if their level of education is important to you. “While there are trainings for life coaches, it is not a requirement, which opens the risk of maltreatment since anyone can use the term ‘counselor’ or ‘coach’ and have zero formal education about clinical diagnostics and treatment for mental health,” says Ciara Helm, a licensed clinical social worker and EMDR therapist based in Tampa, Florida. This is why seeking out a board-certified professional is often recommended.

Lastly, Helm emphasizes the importance of being proactive in your treatment. Arrive at your first session with questions and concerns ready to share. There are many different types of therapy, so it may be helpful to research different therapeutic methods ahead of time and ask your therapist follow-up questions. This will help you feel in control of your treatment and get the most out of your sessions.