Why So Many People Are Choosing Online Therapy: An Introspective Thera-Link Review

Updated October 18, 2024by Regain Editorial Team

As online therapy continues to surge in popularity, quickly becoming the go-to option for many wishing to access mental health care, many therapists are considering whether to shift all or part of their practice online. Whether you choose to see some patients remotely while maintaining a physical office or to adopt practicing remotely in all cases, it is typically helpful to have an understanding of the tools available to facilitate the process. One tool, thera-LINK, offers a comprehensive solution for mental health practitioners who wish to begin offering their services online. This article will impartially discuss thera-LINK’s service and features so that you can make an informed decision about its utility for online practice.

Thinking of offering online therapy?

Who is thera-LINK for?

Thera-LINK is mainly targeted towards therapists and counselors who provide mental health services. The platform is optimized for providers who have a regular caseload with clients or patients who require face-to-face interaction, such as those offering psychotherapy. However, many other professions may find thera-LINK useful. Thera-LINK’s website indicates that they currently provide services for the following professions: 

  • Mental Health Therapists and Counselors
  • Psychotherapists
  • Marriage and Family Therapists
  • Addiction Specialists
  • Coaches
  • Dietitians
  • Hypnotherapists
  • Occupational Therapists
  • Physical Therapists
  • Psychologists 
  • Psychiatrists
  • Social Workers
  • Speech-Language Pathologists

Thera-LINK features

Thera-LINK is a comprehensive digital platform for remotely-delivered mental health care. Providers can access a full suite of support services, including scheduling, billing, session notes, and protected messaging. Thera-LINK designed the platform to be easy for providers and clients to use. Videoconferencing, like all other features, is managed through thera-LINK’s proprietary backend software, creating a seamless, reliable experience. 

Some of thera-LINK’s common features are outlined below: 

Riskless videoconferencing

Thera-LINK offers high-quality streaming video, enhancing therapeutic rapport by creating an environment akin to an in-person experience. 

The video conferencing software allows multiple people to attend each session, which is ideal for couples or family counseling. Robust video processing software optimizes each session to provide the highest-quality picture and sound that each client’s internet connection will allow. 

Easy scheduling

The built-in Client Scheduler allows providers to set their availability and automatically processes client appointment requests. The Provider Dashboard lets practitioners quickly accept or decline appointments. Once an appointment is scheduled, thera-LINK automatically sends reminders to clients 24/48/72 hours ahead, selectable based on the provider’s cancellation policy. 

Providers can also create custom appointment types (intake, individual, couple, etc.) that match their services, allowing clients to book appointments based on both time and appointment type. In addition, clients can make payment arrangements for their appointment while it is being scheduled. 

Payment management

Providers can set their fee per appointment per client. Payment can be requested anytime, and clients can easily pay via a credit card. Payment processing is handled by Stripe, which charges a flat fee of 2.9% + $0.30. Clients can be automatically notified about an upcoming payment, and providers can decide whether to require a client to pay before a session. Clients and providers can review outstanding payment requests and past payments through thera-LINK’s payment manager.

Getty/AnnaStills

Client notes

Thera-LINK offers a flexible client note solution designed to meet the needs of any provider. An integrated note editor allows providers to create custom note templates based on need. Notes can also be associated with a session or written as a general client note. Notes are automatically time-and-date stamped, and providers can lock notes with their signature, preventing them from being edited in the future. Providers can also review past notes easily through thera-LINK’s platform and even examine past client notes without closing out of a new note being created. 

Online session experience

Thera-LINK offers a customizable waiting room, providing a unique and enjoyable start to a client’s therapeutic experience. Providers can select custom images and music to greet clients entering the virtual waiting room and chat with clients in the waiting room to let them know that they will be seen shortly. 

Once clients enter a session, they are greeted by a robust video conferencing platform that optimizes the connection to provide the best possible sound and video. Providers can conduct therapy with couples, families, and groups while maintaining a high-quality videoconferencing experience. They can also share their screen with everyone in the session, mute specific clients, or allow clients to mute themselves. 

Robust practice protection

The platform adheres to comprehensive policies and procedures and offers support through its 24/7/365 HPPA-certified support staff. Client payment information is processed safely by Stripe, a well-known and robust payment processing service. 

Provider directory

Thera-LINK offers an optional service for adding providers to its directory of professionals. Clients can easily search for providers using thera-LINK’s platform, bypassing complex online brand-establishing practices like optimizing website SEO. Should a provider have their own website or an established online brand, they can easily direct clients to their thera-LINK profile by placing a protected link on their website, social media platform, or other online presence. 

What does thera-LINK cost?

Thera-LINK offers straightforward pricing options based on a three-tiered model following a 15-day free trial. There are no long-term contracts and most thera-LINK users are billed monthly. Clients do not need to pay to see a provider using the thera-LINK platform.

Getty/AnnaStills
Thinking of offering online therapy?

Three tiers of plans are available for both individuals and teams. Individual plans are geared toward solo practitioners, while team plans are aimed at groups and clinics. A full breakdown of the thera-LINK tiers is below: 

Basic Individual Plan

Sessions per month: 5

Plan-specific Features: Basic client scheduler

Cost: $30/month

Plus Individual Plan

Sessions per month: No limit

Plan-specific Features: Advanced client scheduler, office manager accounts, payment requests, riskless file sharing, and a directory listing.

Cost: $45/month

Ultimate Individual Plan

Sessions per month: No limit

Plan-specific Features: All plus plan features, client notes, riskless messaging, a branded portal, and a featured directory listing.

Cost: $65/month

Basic Team Plan

Sessions per month: 50

Providers: No limit

Plan-specific Features: Basic client scheduler

Cost: $250/month

Plus Team Plan

Sessions per month: No limit

Providers: 5 minimum

Plan-specific Features: Advanced client scheduler, office manager account, payment requests, riskless file sharing, and a directory listing. 

Cost: $40/month per provider

Ultimate Team Plan

Sessions per month: No limit

Providers: 5 minimum

Plan-specific Features: All plus plan features, client notes, riskless messaging, custom branding, API access, and a featured directory listing.  

Cost: $55/month per provider

Is offering online therapy worth it? 

As a mental health provider, you might have some legitimate concerns about offering therapy services online. As more people choose to access therapy remotely, many providers are questioning whether meeting that demand is worth a potential hit to therapeutic rapport or client outcomes. 

During the COVID-19 pandemic, online therapy briefly became the norm for many practitioners, which prompted researchers to conduct additional studies regarding its effectiveness. The results of that research indicate that, in most cases, online therapy is just as effective as in-person alternatives. Clients report feeling connected to their therapist, and outcomes for common mental health conditions are similar. If you’re curious about online therapy or want to learn more about the process, consider scheduling online therapy for yourself to get a sense of how the process works and what a typical client experience is like. 

Takeaway

Online therapy is increasingly popular, and many practitioners are considering offering services remotely. Thera-LINK, an online therapy platform, answers the demand for an affordable, protected tool for providers to offer remote services to their clients. Providers can set up a custom waiting room that fits their aesthetic. Clients receive a streamlined, high-quality therapy experience. 

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