While face-to-face therapy is preferable in many instances, that’s not always possible or feasible.

Online mental health services provide accessible and convenient treatment for depression through therapy, medication management, and self-guided resources.

These are some of the best options:

1. Online therapy platforms

Online therapy platforms connect users with licensed therapists for video, phone, or text-based counseling.

• • BetterHelp: Offers video, phone, and live chat therapy with registered counselors. Uses a monthly subscription model.
  • Talkspace: Provides text and video therapy with accredited professionals, plus psychiatry services.
  • Brightside: Specializes in depression and anxiety treatment, offering therapy and medication plans.
  • ReGain: Focuses on relationship and couples therapy, which can help if the depression is linked to relationship issues.
  • Online-Therapy.com: Specializes in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and suggests individual and couples sessions. It also put forward resources like worksheets, yoga videos, and virtual journals.
  • Therapist Belgium: Connects individuals with experienced English-speaking therapists in Belgium, addressing various psychological issues and mood disorders.
  • Doctor On Demand: Delivers virtual counseling, therapy, and psychiatry services for various mental health needs. Users can access licensed authorities through video sessions, often with shorter wait times compared to traditional in-person appointments.
  • Teladoc Health: Extends online therapy with licensed therapists ready to assist with a broad range of mental health concerns. The platform emphasizes real conversations and progress, aiming to make mental well-being open and available.
  • Talkiatry: Specializes in psychiatric services, providing clinical diagnoses and personalized treatment plans for depression. Their approach integrates medication management with therapeutic support, all delivered through online sessions.

2. Psychiatry and medication management

Hereunder services mentioned allow users to consult with psychiatrists online and receive prescriptions.

• • Cerebral: Provides therapy, psychiatry, and medication for depression and anxiety.
  • MDLIVE: Offers virtual psychiatric evaluations and medication management.
  • Lemonaid Health: Gives quick online consultations for antidepressants.

3. Self-guided therapy and apps

These tools use cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques, meditation, and habit tracking to support mental health.

• • Sanvello: Combines self-help tools, coaching, and therapy to treat stress, anxiety, and depression.
  • Woebot: An AI-powered chatbot that provides CBT-based support.
  • Happify: Uses science-backed activities to improve mood and resilience.
  • Headspace: Meditation and mindfulness app for stress and depression management.
  • Cope Notes: An innovative service that sends daily text messages containing positive thoughts, affirmations, and mental health exercises. These messages are reviewed by mental health professionals to ensure quality and effectiveness, and are designed to combat depression and anxiety.
  • Clare & Me: An AI-driven therapist providing 24/7 support via WhatsApp. Clare offers guidance based on extensive psychological research, delivering empathetic responses and therapeutic advice. While it offers immediate support, some users may find the lack of human interaction less personalized.

4. Free and low-cost options

The following platforms offer free or low-cost support if money is a concern:

• • 7 Cups: Free peer support and paid therapy options.
  • NAMI Helpline: Provides resources and support groups for those suffering from depression.
  • Psychology Today’s Therapist Directory: Helps find in-person and online therapists based on your budget and needs.
  • CIMHS: A non-profit organization offering a free 8-week online therapy program called “Bliss” for managing depression. The program contains interactive lessons and worksheets to help users monitor, manage, and improve their mental health.
  • Community Help Service (CHS): This organization provides mental health support to the international community in Belgium, including counseling services.
  • Find a Helpline: Offers a directory of helplines in Belgium for immediate support on various mental health issues.

5. AI and technology-based support

AI and technology-based support employ AI and devices to deliver evidence-based assistance.

• • Clare & Me: This AI therapist provides 24/7 support via WhatsApp by offering guidance based on psychological research.
  • Flow: A headset that uses transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) combined with a therapy app to address both physical and behavioral aspects of depression.

Final note

When selecting an online mental health service, consider important factors like the type of support you prefer (human interaction vs. AI-based), cost, and the specific features each platform offers. It’s essential to choose a service that aligns with your personal needs and comfort level.

While online resources can be highly beneficial, they may not replace traditional in-person therapy for everyone.

That’s why you should assess your situation carefully and seek professional advice if needed.