This article will explain if Talkspace provides an ESA letter. We shall also be looking at the benefits an emotional support animal can bring to a person who is struggling in mental health. In addition to this, we will be describing the various advantages of using a platform like Talkspace for online therapy.

Does Talkspace provide an ESA letter?

No, Talkspace cannot provide an ESA letter. This is because according to federal rules and regulations, telehealth services cannot provide official letters or certificates related to mental health. This is also why the therapists and providers in Talkspace are not allowed to diagnose any mental condition.

Benefits of an emotional support animal

Animals have been bringing humans great joy and comfort since times immemorial. Animals like dogs, cats, horses, dolphins and many more, often share deep emotional bonds with humans that can go on for a lifetime. Emotional support animals today are being heavily sought after for the management of various symptoms related to mental illness. Some of benefits of ESAs are:

They can provide companionship

Emotional support animals can bring high quality companionship and friendship to the owner. This is the most fundamental role the animal plays here. Those who have mental illnesses may often feel judged among friends and relatives and thus might not want to interact much. However, animals can provide non-judgmental companionship, which can be very healthy.

They can give the person more purpose

Having an animal in your life automatically gives you more purpose, as you need to feed it, bathe it and take care of it in many other ways. Those individuals who are struggling with mental health might feel purposeless and thus have low self-esteem. However, taking care of their ESA can bring these persons more purpose and also boost their self-confidence.

They can bring about healthy habits

Animals can also encourage the person to take up many healthy habits, such as regular exercise, outdoor time and even socialization with others. This is not only stimulated by the presence of the animal alone, but can also be encouraged through the needs of the animal by which the person is gently pushed into taking up these habits.

They can help in emotional distress

Emotional support animals are also trained to be aware of high anxiety levels in their owners. They are not only aware but also know how to reduce the anxiety levels of these persons. ESAs like dogs often lay their heads on the lap of their owners or simply crouch next to their legs to help them relax while bringing them steady support.

They can remind about medicine time

Emotional support animals can also remind the owners about when it is time to take their medications. Medications are often an issue with those who have mental illnesses, as many refuse to take them or simply forget. Emotional support animals can remind their owners about the medications, while also providing the right motivation to do so.

They can teach emotional skills

Those who struggle in their emotional and social skills can also greatly benefit from emotional support animals. This can include even children who are just starting to socialize. ESAs are highly recommended for autistic persons as these can help them build foundational social skills that can be applied elsewhere in life.

Advantages of using Talkspace for therapy

Many individuals who are struggling in their mental health are switching to online therapy platforms such as Talkspace. Talkspace, in particular, can bring a wide variety of advantages and benefits to its users, such as:

It is quite cost-effective

When compared to in-person therapy, Talkspace can be quite cost-effective and thus very affordable for many. This is important as the high cost factor of therapy is one of the major reasons why people do not go to therapy. The plans in Talkspace are not only very affordable but can also be easily covered by insurance.

It provides psychiatry services

In addition to psychotherapy, Talkspace also provides psychiatry services. This means that those with mental illnesses such as severe depression, high levels of anxiety, schizophrenia, PTSD, and others, can avail their therapy sessions as well as medications from the same platform. The psychiatry services in Talkspace are also covered by insurance.

It offers couples therapy

The platform not only offers individual therapy, but also has therapy for couples. Couples therapy can help families who are struggling in their relationships. Through couples therapy, these pairs will learn strong communication exercises and toolkits that can help them understand each other better and thus create a stronger bond between themselves.

Best alternative to Talkspace

There are many online therapy platforms that mimic many of the features of Talkspace. The best alternative to Talkspace among these is definitely BetterHelp. This platform offers very affordable plans and also provides financial assistance to those who require it. BetterHelp not only provides individual therapy, but also has teens therapy, couples therapy and group sessions.