How Can A Therapy Hotline Help With My Relationship Issues?

Therapy over the phone removes the face-to-face element traditionally associated with in-person therapy. This option may not seem preferable compared to traditional therapy. Still, phone therapy has increased substantially in popularity in recent times as part of a more versatile, remote therapy treatment.

What exactly are phone therapy and therapy hotlines?

Phone therapy refers to any therapy conducted by telephone. A local therapist could facilitate this, or a therapist found over the internet. Therapy hotlines serve anyone who may seek counseling or mental health services in a convenient and comfortable environment. These hotlines may offer standard counseling, including relationship counseling, but they often offer crisis support to people facing serious situations, like the SAMHSA hotline for help with substance abuse.

In recent times, particularly with the Covid-19 pandemic, therapy, and healthcare, in general, have had to become more flexible. Some online therapy services, such as BetterHelp and Regain, offer phone line, text support, and the possibility to meet virtually via videocall.

Reasons to consider phone therapy

Many licensed mental health professionals now make various options available for their patients, including phone therapy. This can be a huge source of relief for patients who may need to talk to someone outside of their scheduled appointment hours. It can also be hugely beneficial for agoraphobia (the fear of going outside). People with anxiety disorders may also feel uncomfortable doing video calls, making phone therapy highly desirable.  

The evidence of phone therapy’s efficacity has been researched at length. 

Additionally, given the pandemic and a general movement towards remote forms of health care (also known as “telehealth” or “telehealthcare”), many insurance plans cover therapy by phone.

Remote therapy, such as phone therapy and online therapy, can be highly complementary to or an effective replacement for traditional therapy methods, according to the American Psychological Association (APA). They also have the benefit of being more affordable in many cases.

Relationship help with phone therapy

Phone therapy is not only for individuals. Thanks to speakerphone and group calling, couples who need relationship help can look to phone therapy as a convenient option to consider.

While phone therapy can complement traditional couples counseling sessions, it can also function as a standalone therapy treatment. Couples who may be separated for whatever reason (e.g., because of work) may especially appreciate the convenience of jumping on the phone and doing the necessary work to help strengthen the relationship.

Phone therapy begins in the same way that other forms begin—with an assessment. Your remote therapist will consult with you and your partner to assess the problems you may be having and the areas you want to strengthen. From there, you discuss your relationship and the therapist looks for ways to smooth rough patches and helps encourage the strengthening of your relationship.

You can be confident that couples counseling via phone therapy is the right choice for your relationship if the following applies to you:

• You would like an objective, third-party perspective
• Cost and convenience are important 
• You are eager to improve and save the relationship
• You are currently engaged in traditional therapy, but it hasn’t proved effective
• You are trying to decide whether to continue as a couple
• You do not have a preferred therapist locally
• You would like to try phone therapy before committing to in-person therapy

Benefits of therapy hotlines for individuals and couples

Therapy hotlines tend to be more of a convenient, one-time option for people who may be feeling overwhelmed. Depending on your situation, you can find the therapy hotline or free counseling hotline that makes the most sense for you.

Therapy hotlines are also sometimes referred to as “crisis lines” and are a good option for moments of extreme duress. That said, if you ever find yourself in an extremely dangerous situation, you should always dial your local authorities for help (911 in the United States). 

What kinds of mental health hotlines are there?

There are a variety of different hotline numbers, some of which are for specific concerns and others that are more general. Here are some hotline numbers for a variety of different concerns.

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

The national suicide prevention lifeline is available 24/7 and has a website full of resources and information in addition to their hotline service. You can reach the national suicide prevention lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

The National Domestic Violence Hotline

If you face or witness abuse of any kind, the National Domestic Violence Hotline is available 24/7. Call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or Text “START” to 88788. You can also use the online chat.

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)

The National Alliance on Mental Illness has abundant resources available on its website ranging from statistics to information regarding mental health conditions or mental disorders. They also have a hotline at (800) 950-NAMI (6264).

Panic Disorder Information Hotline

The Panic Disorder Information Hotline can provide you with information regarding the panic disorder. Panic disorder can be difficult to live with and can impact your ability to function, but it’s highly treatable and support is out there. 

This hotline is an appropriate choice if you have a panic attack or believe you might be. You can contact the panic disorder information hotline at (800) 647-2642.

NEDA

Contact the NEDA helpline at 1-800-931-2237 or use the live chat option on their website, available from 9 AM-9 PM Eastern standard time Monday through Thursday or 9 AM-5 PM on Fridays.

SAMHSA

SAMHSA offers a treatment locator tool and resources for family members to learn about substance use disorder.

American Addiction Centers

If you are struggling with substance use, you can contact American Addiction Centers for information regarding treatment options and other assistance. To contact them, call (888) 969-8176. You can also go to the American Addiction Center's website for more information. The phone number is free of cost and can help you find treatment options if you do not have the finances to pay for treatment.

Online therapy for relationships

Phone therapy and therapy hotlines can hugely benefit individuals and couples needing mental health and relationship support. Small couples counseling, such as the kind offered by Regain, can be a wonderful tool in helping couples overcome their issues more effectively.