Brightside: Online CBT Therapy

Pros:

• Convenient and accessible online platform
• Wide range of appointment times
• Ability to message providers any time
• Helpful CBT tools and resources
• Accepts insurance

Cons:

• Cannot choose your own therapist
• Intake questionnaire asks about height and weight
• Frustrations when trying to switch therapists

Our Experience:

Overall, our experience with Brightside was positive. The therapists were skilled and provided individualized treatment plans. We also appreciated the flexibility of appointment times and the ability to message our providers anytime. The CBT tools and resources were helpful and engaging.

However, there were a few aspects we found less favorable. We were unable to choose our own therapist, and the intake questionnaire asked about height and weight, which might be triggering for some individuals. Additionally, we encountered some challenges when attempting to switch therapists.

Tips:

• Reflect on your needs and preferences before committing to the service.
• The homework (worksheets) can be beneficial if you're able to stay consistent with them.
• Be aware that self-guided CBT activities may be overwhelming if you're struggling with severe depression, suicidal ideation, or executive dysfunction.
• If Brightside interests you, inquire about the availability of therapists in your region.

Cautions:

• Brightside services are exclusively for individual adults.
• Self-paying clients must commit to a membership plan.
• The intake questionnaire includes questions about height and weight, which could be triggering for those with eating disorders.
• Brightside's Crisis Care program is only available in certain states.
• We experienced challenges during the process of switching therapists. The company didn't always have therapists available, and we had to wait a considerable amount of time to meet with a new provider.