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There can be no denying the fact that technology has immensely transformed the healthcare system today, shaping access and quality of care. Today, one of the biggest areas of influence is in terms of telemedicine services. Companies like BetterHelp and Doctor on Demand allow patients to instantly access services offered by licensed medical practitioners, from any place and at any time. Thanks to telehealth services, getting professional therapy is now easier and more convenient than ever before. While the promise of online therapy options is impressive, not all providers are designed the same. Some offer amazing quality and functionality, while others are still in the nascent stages of development. This is why we perform reviews of top telehealth companies. Here, we examine some objective reviews of Doctor on Demand and BetterHelp.
Reviews of Doctor and Demand
On the company website, Doctor on Demand indicates that its goal is to offer quality face-to-face consultations for clients who don’t have the time to book and attend traditional in-office sessions. It also caters to those who require care outside the conventional business hours. Whether or not you have insurance, the company is able to connect you to competent physicians through your personal computer, phone, or tablet. The intention is to help people in need of therapy to save on time and money.
Of the companies we have reviewed, the signing up process used by Doctor on Demand seems relatively simple. The client is allowed to sign up on his or her own, or create an account for business. Upon signing up, you will be able to instantly access physicians who can help examine, diagnose, and offer treatment through video calls. To sign up, the client needs to offer some basic information and create your patient profile. Once you have entered the required information, you will be asked to detail your health insurance information, if you are covered.
Having insurance is not a requirement on the Doctor on Demand platform. You may also be asked if your employer will cover some or all the visits to Doctor on Demand, since some employers choose to partner directly with the service provider. Once you are done with the sign-up process, you will be taken to a page that requires you to choose whether to see a mental health care professional or a medical doctor. When you want to see a medical doctor, you will be allowed to book an appointment immediately. Those who want to see mental health professionals may take a brief assessment before being linked to a therapist.
The signup process on the Doctor on Demand website is intended to allow clients to provide important information to be used when matching them with health professionals. There is also the functionality that allows users to either make appointments directly or to schedule appointments for later dates.
When it comes to pricing, Doctor on Demand only provides one set fee for all medical visits. The cost of mental health therapy will differ according to the nature of the treatment delivered. Medical doctors on the platform charge $75 for appointments that last fifteen minutes. Most of the services on the platform can be accessed every day and around the clock. Although the cost of a consultation is comparable with most standard copays, the platform does not take most insurances.
The Doctor on Demand Service is accredited by the American Telemedicine Association and offers mental health therapy as well as medical doctor consultations. However, the rate charged that comes to about $180 per 50-minute session is very pricey, higher than most top telehealth services online.
Reviews of BetterHelp
BetterHelp is currently one of the most renowned platforms offering online therapy to clients around the world. The company was created to improve access to quality therapy at affordable rates. With more than nine hundred thousand clients and eight thousand clients, the company remains one of the best in the telehealth industry. The company, which is also accredited by the American Telemedicine Association, was started in 2013 by Alon Matas, a technology expert.
Our Preferred Online Therapy Service
BetterHelp provides a simple and effective platform for obtaining therapy. There are text, live chat, and video options available for clients to use. However, users are not able to access the pricing scheme until they get started on the signup process.
The process of signing up to BetterHelp is relatively simple and fast as the user is only required to answer questions about himself or herself. The questions relate to the nature of the services you need and your preferred payment method. They are intended to assist the algorithm in matching the patient to well-trained therapists according to the specific client needs. BetterHelp also has a team of customer support agents that can guide clients through the process of signing up.
Top Five Providers of Online Therapy
Over the years, BetterHelp has sought to improve the quality of its services by partnering with other telehealth therapy providers. The platform offers various communication methods, price points, and services tailored to suit couples and teens. As you sign up, understand that there is no requirement that you give out your real names. All that is needed to complete the process of signing up is your email address and nickname in case you don’t feel comfortable giving out your real name. You will also need to give out contacts of someone who can be contacted in the event of an emergency. In essence, the goal is to provide therapy that is convenient and affordable.
What Alternatives Exist
As we compare the services offered by Doctor on Demand and BetterHelp, it also helps to look at other available services. Here are some options:
- MDLive — allows people to access counselors, doctors, and dermatologists through live chat or video calls;
- Talkspace — connects patients with qualified therapists while guaranteeing affordability;
- PlushCare — allows patients to get diagnosis, treatment, and prescription.
Just like is the case when one chooses a conventional in-office appointment, Doctor on Demand and BetterHelp allow people to obtain affordable and convenient care. They also get to talk to professionals about symptoms and assessments are carried out through online video platforms.
