Why “New Age” Therapy May Not Be for You: The Downsides of Corporate Platforms and the Value of Personalized Care

The Rise of Corporate Therapy Platforms

Over the past few years, large online therapy companies have made mental health care more visible and accessible. Platforms like BetterHelp and Talkspace have connected thousands of people with therapists at the click of a button. For some, this level of convenience has opened a door to getting help for the first time.

However, not all online therapy experiences are created equal. While the idea of quick matching and text-based support may sound appealing, many clients discover that the experience feels rushed, impersonal, or inconsistent.

Potential Downsides of Large Therapy Corporations

While these platforms serve an important role in expanding access, it’s worth understanding their limitations before choosing them for your care:

1. Limited Personalization: Corporate platforms often use algorithms to match clients with therapists, which may not always result in the best clinical fit. It can take several tries to find someone with the right expertise or style for your needs.

2. High Turnover and Inconsistent Care: Many therapists on these platforms work part-time or temporarily, which can lead to frequent changes in providers and a lack of continuity in your treatment.

3. Reduced Privacy and Oversight Concerns: Large corporations often manage client data at scale. While they must meet privacy standards, some clients feel uneasy about how their personal information is stored and shared.

4. Pressure on Therapists: Some clinicians report being encouraged to maintain high caseloads or meet productivity quotas, which can affect the quality of attention and care each client receives.

Why Choose a Private Practice Provider

When you work with an independent, licensed psychologist, the process is very different. Private practice allows for depth, trust, and continuity—key components of meaningful therapeutic change.

Here’s what that means for you:

• Tailored, Evidence-Based Care: As a private psychologist, I offer research-supported treatments and approaches that are adapted to your unique needs and goals.

• Consistency and Trust: You’ll work with the same therapist over time, allowing for a strong therapeutic relationship and ongoing progress.

• Flexible, Secure Telehealth: I provide one-on-one telehealth therapy for adults in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Vermont—combining accessibility with the personal connection of a private practice setting.

• Whole-Person Approach: Therapy isn’t just about symptoms—it’s about helping you rebuild meaning, navigate change, and strengthen resilience in the context of your life.

Finding the Right Fit

Therapy is a deeply personal process. The right therapist for you is someone who understands your story, listens without judgment, and uses evidence-based tools to help you heal. If you’ve tried large therapy platforms and felt unseen or stuck, it may be time to explore a more individualized approach.

About Dr. Lauren Brenner

I’m a licensed clinical psychologist and founder of Brenner Psychological Associates, offering secure telehealth therapy for adults in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Vermont. My practice specializes in grief and loss, trauma, adjustment to medical conditions, and emotional resilience.

If you’re looking for therapy that’s personal, thoughtful, and rooted in science—not algorithms—I invite you to reach out.