Text Therapy Apps: Working, Uses, Benefits and Challenges

Mental health has been a topic of growing concern in recent years, with an increasing number of people seeking professional help to manage their psychological well-being. However, access to therapy can be limited by several factors, such as cost, stigma, and availability of mental health professionals. To address this issue, text therapy apps have emerged as a convenient and affordable alternative to traditional therapy. In this article, we will explore the benefits of text therapy apps and how they are transforming the mental health landscape.

Therapists on these apps typically respond to messages within a set period, which varies depending on the app but is typically within 24 hours. Users can message their therapist at any time, which provides a level of accessibility that traditional therapy sessions may not offer.

• Convenience and accessibility: Text therapy apps offer users the ability to communicate with their therapist at any time and from anywhere, eliminating the need to schedule appointments or travel to a therapist’s office. This can be especially helpful for individuals who live in remote areas or have mobility issues.
• Affordability: Text therapy apps can be more affordable than traditional therapy, as they often offer lower session fees or subscription-based pricing. This can make therapy more accessible to individuals who may not have the financial resources to attend traditional therapy sessions.
• Anonymity and reduced stigma: Text therapy apps can provide users with a level of anonymity, as they can communicate with their therapist without disclosing personal information such as their name or location. This can be especially helpful for individuals who are hesitant to seek mental health support due to the stigma associated with therapy.
• Increased communication and engagement: Text therapy apps may increase communication and engagement between the user and their therapist. Users can message their therapist at any time, which can help them to feel more connected and supported throughout their mental health journey.
• Time-efficient: Text therapy apps can be a more time-efficient alternative to traditional therapy, as users can communicate with their therapist at their own pace and schedule. This can be especially helpful for individuals who have busy schedules or find it difficult to commit to regular therapy appointments.

• Increased demand for mental health support: The COVID-19 pandemic has increased demand for mental health support. According to a report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), symptoms of anxiety and depression have increased significantly since the pandemic began.
• Growing market: The market for text therapy apps is growing rapidly, with a projected global market value of $4.9 billion by 2027, according to a report by Grand View Research.
• Increased adoption: Text therapy apps are becoming more widely adopted, with a 2020 survey by the American Psychological Association finding that 76% of psychologists were using telehealth to deliver services, up from just 23% in 2019.
• Increased investment: Text therapy apps are attracting significant investment. In 2021, the text therapy app Talkspace went public, raising $187 million in its initial public offering.
• High user satisfaction: Text therapy apps have high user satisfaction rates. A 2020 study published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research found that users of text therapy apps reported significant reductions in symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress.

• Mantracare: Mantracare is one of the most popular text therapy apps, offering unlimited messaging therapy and live sessions with a licensed therapist. Pricing ranges from 600 to 900 per week, depending on the user’s location and payment frequency.
• Therapymantra: Therapymantra is another popular text therapy app that offers messaging, live video, and voice sessions with a licensed therapist. Pricing ranges from 650 to 1000 per week, depending on the user’s location and payment frequency.
• 7 Cups: 7 Cups offers text-based support from trained volunteer listeners, as well as paid therapy with licensed professionals. Users can choose from a variety of therapists and pricing starts at $150 per month.
• Ginger: Ginger offers text-based therapy and coaching with licensed therapists and coaches. Pricing starts at $129 per month, with unlimited messaging and one live session per week.
• Woebot: Woebot is a chatbot-based text therapy app that uses cognitive-behavioral therapy techniques to help users manage their mental health. Pricing starts at $39.99 per month, with unlimited messaging and personalized feedback.

• Limited nonverbal communication: Text therapy apps rely solely on text-based communication, which can limit the amount of nonverbal communication between the user and therapist. Nonverbal cues such as body language and tone of voice can provide important context and meaning to a conversation that may be missed in text-based interactions.
• Lack of in-person support: Text therapy apps cannot replace the benefits of in-person therapy, such as the physical presence of a therapist and the sense of connection that can come from face-to-face interactions.
• Technology issues: Technical issues such as poor internet connectivity or app malfunctions can disrupt communication between the user and therapist, leading to delays or missed sessions.
• The limited scope of services: Text therapy apps may not be appropriate for individuals with severe or complex mental health concerns that require more intensive or specialized treatment.
• Privacy and security concerns: Text therapy apps must adhere to strict privacy and security regulations to protect the user’s personal and health information. However, there is always a risk of data breaches or unauthorized access to personal information.
• Dependency on messaging: Text therapy apps may promote dependency on messaging as the primary mode of communication, potentially limiting the user’s ability to develop healthy communication skills in other areas of their life.

• Licensing and regulation: Text therapy apps must comply with state and federal licensing regulations to ensure that therapists are properly licensed and qualified to provide mental health services. Additionally, app developers must adhere to HIPAA regulations to protect users’ personal and health information.
• Informed consent: Therapists on text therapy apps must obtain informed consent from users before providing services. This includes informing users of the limitations of text-based therapy and obtaining consent to provide therapy in this format.
• Boundaries and scope of practice: Therapists on text therapy apps must maintain professional boundaries and adhere to their scope of practice when providing services. They must also be able to recognize when a user’s needs exceed the limitations of text-based therapy and make appropriate referrals.
• Emergencies: Text therapy apps must have policies in place for handling emergencies, such as a user expressing suicidal thoughts. Therapists must have the training to recognize and respond to these situations and have a plan for making appropriate referrals.
• Confidentiality: Text therapy apps must have policies in place to ensure that user information is kept confidential and secure. Therapists must also be trained to recognize and report any potential breaches of confidentiality.
• Quality of care: Text therapy apps must ensure that therapists are providing quality care and adhering to ethical guidelines. This may include regular supervision, training, and performance evaluations.