Recognising that you need help for a mental health issue is a crucial step, however, you can immediately be faced with hurdles with faced with in-person therapy or talking on the phone. If that’s something you struggle with then you are definitely not alone and there are other options. Here are some free online chats for mental health issues so you can still get help.
Online therapy offers freedom and assistance that other types of therapy don’t. It means that those who struggle with phone calls or social interaction can help in a way that suits them best. Plus, you don’t have to leave your own home and you won’t be limited by specialists in your area.
One of the biggest offerers of online therapy is Better Help. Whilst this is definitely a great option in the long term, unfortunately, it isn’t free like lots of other mental health support on the NHS. However, we have a comprehensive list of online chats you can access for free.
Free Online Chats For Mental Health
Whether you want to talk to somebody before a GP referral or you’re further down your journey, the following websites offer free online help where you can talk to someone in the comfort of your own home. Most of these are trained volunteers, so whilst it isn’t therapy, they do know how to help you and are often available pretty immediately.
This site is a charity that works with volunteers who have real-life experiences with mental health problems. Available in England and Wales, My Black Dog is completely anonymous and completely free. Their chats are open Monday to Thursday 5 pm -10 pm, Friday 5 pm -7 pm, Saturday 1 pm – 3 pm and Sunday 7 pm – 10 pm.
eTherapy connects you with a counsellor via email for free. If you want their live chat, video or phone call services then you do have to pay. However, you will be receiving professional help and emailing when it is convenient to you. The site will connect with a counsellor who you’ll hear from within 24 hours of signing up. Plus, you can always switch counsellors if you find the one you’re working with doesn’t suit you. Even though eTherapy works with American professionals, you can get help in lots of different countries.
Free Online Support For Mental Health Issues
This site allows you to connect with volunteer ‘listeners’ whenever you want or can set you up with an online therapist for a 7-day trial. Free Online Therapy is also 24/7, meaning you can chat with someone no matter the time of day. Like most of these sites, you do need to set up an account, but once that’s done you can get chatting immediately. The volunteers are there to listen to you vent about your day to get it out of your system. Plus, you can stay anonymous.
Like some of the options above, Buddy Help gives you the option to talk to professionals or volunteers. Their latter option is completely free. The volunteers are still trained to give you emotional support, so it’s a great option when you can’t afford help. Plus, you don’t need to sign up or login in with Buddy Help, you can chat just by clicking a button. Though the site specifies it is not a replacement for therapy, it does offer similar help.
There are lots of options out there if you’re not ready to see a doctor or the thought of phone calls is part of the problem. Lots of these aren’t long-term solutions. However, they are there for you to make those first important steps; helping you prepare yourself to reach out for professional help.
Whether you’re stressed because of university, worrying you’re going to fail or have found yourself a little lonely in halls, chatting to somebody can really help. Don’t bottle it up and use one of these free online chats for mental health, as well as reaching out to loved ones.
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