10 Best Online Divorce Counseling Services of 2024
Guide to Choosing the Best Online Divorce Counseling
- Cost: When choosing a counseling service, there are many factors to consider, which can feel overwhelming. Most prominently, consider your method of payment. Will you be using health insurance? If so, you will want to select a platform and provider that is in-network and can accept your plan. If not, consider what is within your budget. While you might not necessarily want to choose the cheapest platform, identify what you can afford to make the service accessible to you.
- Counseling focus: Divorce counseling can refer to discernment counseling, or deciding whether or not you want to get divorced; individual therapy to process emotions around a divorce; or co-parenting work following a separation or divorce. Since divorce is so stressful, it’s appropriate to seek mental health support for yourself or your children during or following a divorce.
- Platform: Do you prefer video or audio sessions? How important is it to you to be able to contact your provider in between appointments? Do you need an appointment at a specific time, such as early morning or on the weekend? Each platform should offer information about what is available.
- Therapist specialties and cultural awareness: You might also consider whether the therapists on that platform have specialized training in working with people who are going through a divorce. This might help them better understand what you are going through. In particular, you might choose a therapist who shares (or is at least familiar with) your cultural background, such as your religion or race. Again, this may help them better comprehend your experience without you having to educate them about your identity.
Is Online Divorce Counseling Right for You?
It is important to have a strong support system, but even with friends and family who have your back, you may still want to talk to a professional about your divorce. There is no minimum threshold of difficulty or struggle to warrant seeking support. If you are experiencing stress related to a divorce, you might benefit from divorce counseling.
Online therapy is a great option for many people due to convenience, reduced time and cost of travel, and the ability to see providers who might not be in your immediate geographic area. Extensive research has shown that telehealth can be as effective, and in some cases more effective, than in-person therapy for the majority of people.
Of course, individual preferences are valid. It is acceptable to ask your provider about referrals for in-person options if you feel that telehealth is not the right fit for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How Much Does Online Divorce Counseling Cost?
The cost of therapy varies greatly and depends on a number of factors. If you are using insurance, your out-of-pocket cost will depend on your plan. Your insurance card should have a customer service phone number, which you can use to inquire about coverage.
If you are not using insurance, the cost will depend on the platform. Some charge a fee per session, which can be helpful if you might need to schedule sessions further out (rather than weekly) due to work or childcare conflicts. Others have a subscription model, where you pay a flat rate for a specific period of time. This can be helpful with budgeting.
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What Questions Should You Ask a Divorce Counselor?
Ask your counselor about their training and familiarity in working with those going through a divorce. It is okay to ask them about their comfort working with someone of your background and with your specific needs. Ask them what a therapy treatment plan tends to look like for them and about their approach to therapy.
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Can Online Divorce Counseling Help With Co-Parenting Arrangements?
Yes, one aspect of divorce counseling is co-parenting work. This is a type of therapy similar to couples therapy in which the parents are not looking to reunite but want to provide the best possible care for the child or children they are raising together post-divorce. Co-parenting counseling can help parents get on the same page about schedules, rules, and boundaries, and it can help them work through conflict that interferes with their ability to provide a united, stable front to the children.
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How Long Should a Separation Last?
Unfortunately, there is not a set length of time for separations. Depending on where you live, there may be laws surrounding how long you must be separated before you can file for divorce. At the same time, if your end goal is to reunite following the separation, it may take a long time to work through and address the issues that led to the separation. Your journey is unique, and there is no deadline for moving forward after divorce.
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Is Divorce Counseling Covered by Insurance?
Often, individual therapy is covered by health insurance, which may mean that sessions count towards a deductible or the client only has to pay a copay for each session. Couples therapy may not be covered if neither individual has a diagnosable mental health issue. However, many people going through a divorce experience adjustment disorders, which may allow for insurance to cover treatment. It is best to call your insurance company and ask about coverage prior to scheduling your first appointment.
Methodology
We surveyed users of 55 online therapy platforms, 27 online therapy directories, and other online services regarding their overall experience, quality of care received, cost, accessibility, and resources. In determining the best options available, we considered user experience as well as the platform’s privacy policy, reputation, services offered, and specific expertise in helping people before, during, and following divorce. Companies had to offer services specifically addressing divorce to be considered for this category.
Quality of care and ethical treatment are essential when helping families through divorce. It can be difficult to vet information on the internet, so determining which available options offer the best, most qualified care is essential in ensuring that your family’s needs are met.
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