In recent years, online therapy has been growing in popularity for its convenience, affordability, and accessibility. One platform that has been gaining traction is 7 Cups of Tea.
It’s an affordable online therapy and service with a unique approach to therapy that involves trained active listeners who provide emotional support and guidance. But before you decide to try it out, it might be helpful to gain a better understanding of this platform.
This blog post will review 7 Cups of Tea and offer insights into the online therapy experience and mental health as a whole.
What is Online Therapy?
First, let’s define online therapy.
Online therapy or e-therapy is the delivery of therapy services through the Internet. It can include video calls with licensed therapists or text-based chat sessions with trained listeners.
7 Cups of Tea fall under the latter category.
- It provides a space for people to talk about their issues anonymously without the need for health insurance, or expensive clinic visits.
- The active listeners, numbering more than 300,000, are available 24/7 to respond to user messages. The anonymous nature of the platform can make it a comfortable place to talk for people who are hesitant about opening up to others.
However, 7 Cups of Tea’s approach to therapy is different from traditional therapy.
The active listeners have gone through online training, which typically lasts six weeks, on how to communicate with users and build supportive relationships.
However, they are not licensed therapists nor do they provide medical advice. Instead, they offer emotional support, active listening, and empathy. This approach to ‘therapy’ can be beneficial for people who just want to vent their frustrations about their day or talk through a problem that they’re facing.
What are 7 Cups and How Does It Work? Our Experience
7 Cups of Tea Does Not replace traditional therapy
If you’re dealing with a severe mental health issue like depression, anxiety, or trauma, you need the help of a qualified therapist.
- Of course, the 7 Cups Platform can still be a valuable resource to supplement traditional therapy or as a step before it.
- It can also be great for people who just need a quick emotional tune-up or want to receive support in between therapy sessions.
- Most importantly, those who are resistant to therapy may be open to the anonymous nature of 7 Cups.
Do 7 Cups Cost Money?
Depends. The listening services on 7 Cups are always free.
However, getting therapy on the 7 Cups app costs $150 per month and includes unlimited chatting with a licensed therapist online.
However, you can opt for a premium membership which is available at $12.95 per month.
7 Cups also has a free online community where you can find support from other individuals along with free listening.
If you are considering therapy, it’s essential to consider the cost and find the best option that fits your budget and mental health needs.
What are 7 Cups Premium Membership
Do 7 Cups Accept Insurance?
7 Cups currently does not accept insurance for its online therapy services.
However, 7 Cups does accept some health insurance for its premium plans. Unfortunately, we tried many popular healthcare providers such as Cigna and Kaiser, but these did not appear in the 7 Cups search results.
Types of Therapy Offered In Cup 7
The primary type of therapy and listening offered at 7 Cups is Active listening.
The site describes it as a way to listen to that shows compassion and understanding by asking open-ended questions that are meant to get you to talk more.
How to Get Started with 7 Cups
If you’re struggling with mental health and want to connect with someone who can listen and offer support, getting started with 7 Cups is easy.
First, visit their website at www.7cups.com and browse through the different services they offer to and through volunteer listeners.
You can either connect with a listener who is available immediately by requesting the first available listener, or you can select a specific listener from their community of trained volunteers.
Become A Trained Volunteer 7 Cup Listener
Becoming a 7 Cup volunteer listener offers several benefits:
- Free training in attentive active listening
- Volunteering online from the comfort of your own home (or via an app!)
- You are in charge of your availability to listen
- You can earn certificates that will look good on your CV
- You will receive assistance and coaching from kind mentors
If you’re interested in becoming a volunteer listener yourself, 7 Cups provides free online training and support. All you need is an internet connection to get started. You will undergo active listening training and once completed you can earn a shiny badge and be listed as an official listener.
Their basic objective is to administer Psychological First Aid (PFA) online to those whose mental health professional lives have been touched by a disaster. So, they have different resources on the website that can help you receive the right support for your specific situation.
You can learn more about becoming a trained 7 Cup listener here: https://www.7cups.com/listener/become-a-volunteer-listener.php.
7 Cups Free Version
If you’re struggling with mental health, you may want to consider looking into the 7 Cups free version.
This version offers unlimited chatting with peer support listeners for free. While this version does not include access to licensed therapists, it can still be helpful to connect with others who may be going through similar struggles.
Overall, 7 Cups provides an accessible option for those seeking support and a community to connect with.
7 Cups is one of our top recommendations for free online chatting and low-cost therapy.
However, there are other free online counseling resources for teens, which you may want to investigate.
What States Is 7 Cups Therapy Available?
7 Cups therapy services are available across the United States, but according to their therapist directory, therapists are limited in number if you want to find a local therapist.
However, it’s important to note that 7 Cups offers online therapy, which means you can access their services from anywhere with a reliable internet connection.
Mindfulness Exercises
If you are struggling with mental health conditions, practicing mindfulness exercises may help you reduce stress and anxiety.
7 Cups offers many “Paths” which are essentially online training programs. However, 7 Cups does not offer a Mindfulness training ‘path’.
Mindfulness exercises involve focusing on the present moment and being aware of your thoughts, emotions, and surroundings. Some examples of mindfulness exercises include body scan meditation, mindful breathing, and deep listening.
You can find plenty of free resources online, including guided meditations, mindfulness courses, and worksheets that can help you get started. One of the leading providers of online mindfulness training, Headspace, offers a free 2-week trial of their mindfulness app.
Practicing mindfulness exercises regularly can improve your mental health and overall well-being.
7 Cups Premium: Detailed Review
The 7 Cups Premium is a subscription-based therapy service offered by 7 Cups that costs $12.95 per month.
- This plan provides everything in the regular version, as well as unlimited chatting with a licensed therapist in your private chat room. Although the service only offers text-based therapy, it incorporates a unique sense of community into the therapy industry. The quality of volunteers may vary, and the number of therapists and available treatments is limited.
- Overall, 7 Cups Premium may be a valuable option for those seeking affordable and accessible therapy from licensed mental health professionals..* If you’re struggling with mental health and looking for more information, 7 Cups is worth a look.
7 Cups and Betterhelp
If you’re deciding between 7 Cups and BetterHelp for online therapy, both offer mental health services with licensed therapists at a cost.
However, 7 Cups is cheaper than BetterHelp and has a free counseling option with trained listeners. On the other hand, BetterHelp has more licensed therapists on its platform and has many more positive reviews.
If you’re looking for an affordable and accessible option, 7 Cups may be a good choice, but if you’re looking for a more personalized online therapy experience, BetterHelp may be a better option.
It’s crucial to choose what suits you best, so consider your needs and budget carefully before making a decision.
7 Cups vs. Talkspace vs. Betterhelp vs. In-Person Therapy
If you’re struggling with mental health and wondering about the differences between 7 Cups, Talkspace, Betterhelp, and in-person therapy, it’s important to know that each option has its unique advantages.
- 7 Cups offers both paid sessions with licensed therapists and free peer-to-peer support. On the other hand, Talkspace has received high ratings from users for the overall experience and offers insurance coverage to over 50 million people living in the United States of America.
- Betterhelp has the best prices, and the best ratings from people who use their service – but does not provide any insurance coverage.
- Finally, in-person therapy offers a personalized and face-to-face approach with your therapist, but may not offer the same convenience and flexibility as online options.
Ultimately, the best option for you depends on your individual preferences and needs. Taking the time to research and compare these options can help you make an informed decision.
7 Cups Conclusion:
7 Cups is not for everyone, but it can be a valuable resource for people dealing with mental health issues.
Its anonymous platform and trained listener approach can be a great way to connect with others and get emotional support.
While it can’t replace traditional therapy in some circumstances, it can complement it or be a good starting point for those hesitant about seeking professional help. As with any online platform, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons before using it.
Overall, 7 Cups is a service worth considering if you’re looking for emotional support and connection.
We would love to hear your thoughts on Cup 7! If you have any questions or suggestions on the mental health services, apps, or courses you’d like us to review next, please leave a comment below. We value your opinions and look forward to hearing from you.
If You Are In Crisis
In case of an urgent situation where waiting for an online therapy appointment may not be safe, call 911 immediately. This is particularly important if you’re having suicidal or violent thoughts. There’s also the option of dialing 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or calling the National Helpline at 800-662-HELP (SAMHSA) for confidential support on mental or substance abuse issues, treatment, and related information. Both helplines are available 24/7.