Is Technology Transforming—or Undermining—Mental Health Care? Featuring Dr. Aaron Balick

In this episode of Out of Session, therapist, Anna Kim, together with guest, Dr. Aaron Balick, critically examine the rise of online therapy platforms like BetterHelp, discussing the fundamental differences between traditional psychotherapy and tech-driven mental health services. They argue that while these platforms promise convenience and accessibility, they fundamentally misunderstand the complex, relational nature of therapy, which requires consistent boundaries, deep engagement, and the willingness to sit with discomfort.

The conversation delves into how technology platforms like BetterHelp have essentially commodified therapy, treating it like a consumer product that can be easily switched or customized. Both Kim and Balick highlight the problematic aspects of such platforms, including the ability to change therapists quickly, text messaging therapists, and the lack of consistent therapeutic boundaries, which can undermine the essential work of processing emotional experiences and developing interpersonal skills.

Beyond critiquing online therapy platforms, the discussion explores broader implications for mental health in the digital age, including the 'TikTok-ification' of mental health information and the challenge of translating deep therapeutic work into easily consumable content. They emphasize that true therapeutic growth requires time, commitment, and the willingness to engage in complex interpersonal relationships, which cannot be reduced to a subscription-based service or quick technological solution.

For more on this topic, check out the blogs that brought Aaron and Anna together:

Dr Aaron Balick - BetterHelp or BetterNot? Ensuring Mental Health Tech Innovation is Psychologically Sound.

Anna Kim, LCSW - On Better Help than BetterHelp

Look out for the full transcript of this episode on the Kindman & Co. ⁠⁠⁠blog⁠⁠ and sign up for our Kindman & Co. ⁠⁠newsletter⁠⁠ on our website to get community updates!

This episode is bringing you to: 

Scribble is a nonprofit community center in Highland Park, Los Angeles, CA. They offer affordable individual, couples, group, and family counseling on a sliding scale, as well as other workshops, classes, and community events, including live music and arts performances. Scribble is an inclusive and community-focused organization, and a sober space. Their services are available in person and via telehealth throughout the state of California. Instagram: @scribble.community

Inclusive Therapists is a social justice and liberation-oriented mental health directory, community, and resource hub. This can be a great place to start your search for a therapist or group, knowing that the providers on the platform are committed to Racial, @SLGBTQIA+, Neurodivergence, and Disability Justice. Inclusive Therapists also centers the needs of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) and Queer, Trans, Nonbinary, Intersex, ACE+ intersections (QTBIPOC)—both clients and providers. Therapists on this platform are also able to share about their identities, life experiences, and specialty areas so that clients can make a more informed choice, and find a therapist that is a good fit for them. Instagram: @inclusivetherapists