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🔒 Secure checkout 🗓️ Flexible scheduling 🧠 Licensed providers 💬 Multiple ways to message
Feature
What matters most
BetterHelp
Best overall fit for most people
Top pick
Talkspace
Good for messaging-first support
Popular
Online-Therapy.com
Structured tools + sessions
Value
Best for
Who it’s a great match for
Fast matching + broad therapist network
Messaging-first + scheduled sessions
Structured tools + resources
Ways to connect
Message / video / live chat
Messaging + live sessions
Messaging + live sessions
Sessions + guided tools
Scheduling
How flexible it is
Flexible, choose times that fit
Flexible, plan ahead easily
Flexible, plan-based
Insurance
May vary by plan/state
Depends on your setup
Check provider’s site
Depends on your setup
Check provider’s site
Depends on your setup
Check provider’s site
Fast start
Get started quickly
Start in minutes
Start in minutes
Start in minutes
Quick note
Why people choose it
Best all-around if you want simple onboarding and quick matching.
Messaging-friendly option if you like checking in more often.
Structured tools if you prefer guided resources alongside sessions.

BetterHelp Top pick

Best overall fit for most people

⚡ Fast matching 💬 Messaging 📹 Live sessions
Check availability
See key details
Best for: quick onboarding + broad therapist network
Ways to connect: messaging + live sessions
Notes: simple to start, easy to switch if needed

Talkspace

Good for messaging-first support

🧾 Messaging-friendly 🗓️ Scheduled sessions 📱 App experience
Visit Talkspace
See key details
Best for: frequent check-ins via messaging
Ways to connect: messaging + live sessions
Notes: great if you like consistent async support

Online-Therapy.com

Structured tools + sessions

🧩 Guided tools 📘 Worksheets 📹 Sessions
Visit Online-Therapy.com
See key details
Best for: structured programs + resources
Ways to connect: sessions + guided tools
Notes: good if you want a more “program” feel
Top pick: BetterHelp Fast matching • Start in minutes
Visit →

Criterion – Wachusett Early Intervention Program

  • Updated 4 weeks ago
  • 567 Pearl St, Gardner, MA 01440
  • Early Intervention

About Criterion – Wachusett Early Intervention Program

Is online therapy a good fit for you?
5 quick questions · ~30 seconds
Answer a few short questions and see which type of online support could work best for you.
1. What is your main reason for seeking support right now?
Stress, worry, anxiety, panic, or feeling on edge
Low mood, loss of interest, feeling stuck or hopeless
Relationship or family issues (including couples)
Life changes, decisions, personal growth, or “not sure yet”
2. How much is this affecting your day-to-day life?
It’s noticeable but I’m coping most of the time
It’s starting to interfere with work, studies, or relationships
It’s hard to manage daily tasks or responsibilities
3. How comfortable do you feel talking to someone online?
I’m comfortable with video / phone or chat and use them often
I’m a bit unsure, but willing to try
I usually prefer in-person conversations
4. Which practical issues apply to you?
My schedule is busy or changes week to week
I live far from providers or have limited transport
I prefer to avoid waiting rooms and keep things discreet
None of these, I just want to talk to someone
5. How soon would you like to start?
As soon as possible (within the next few days)
Within the next 1–2 weeks
I’m just exploring options for now

About Criterion – Wachusett Early Intervention Program

Criterion – Wachusett Early Intervention Program is a program that provides individualized services to eligible children and their families in Ashburnham, Barre, Gardner, Hardwick, Hubbardston, New Braintree, Oakham, Princeton, Rutland, Templeton, Westminster and Winchendon, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, country of national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, political affiliation or handicapping condition. We offer Developmental Enrichment Groups designed to promote growth and development through play and social interaction, as well as consultation and training to all early childhood programs in the community to help foster a more inclusive environment. For more information on our services or to register for a group, please call us.

Online Therapy vs In-Person Therapy

Not sure whether to see a therapist in person or online? This comparison highlights why online therapy is often the more flexible and accessible option.

Thinking about online sessions instead? See online therapy options
Aspect In-Person Therapy Online Therapy (often more flexible)
Convenience & Time ✖️ Requires travel, scheduling time off, and a fixed location. ✔️ No travel; join from home, office, or car when it suits you.
Scheduling Flexibility ✖️ Mostly office hours; fewer last-minute or out-of-hours options. ✔️ Early morning, evening, and lunchtime sessions are easier to find.
Comfort & Privacy ✖️ Waiting rooms, chance of meeting someone you know, commuting when feeling low. ✔️ Talk from your safest private space at home or elsewhere; no waiting room.
Therapist Availability ✖️ Limited to providers within driving distance and local specialties. ✔️ Access a much wider pool of therapists, including niche expertise.
Cost & Extra Time ✖️ Parking, travel expenses, and extra commuting time around each session. ✔️ No travel or parking costs; time is spent on the session, not the journey.
Accessibility ✖️ Harder for rural areas, busy parents, chronic illness or mobility issues. ✔️ Accessible from anywhere with internet; ideal for busy or remote lifestyles.
Consistency ✖️ Travel, moving, or bad weather can interrupt or cancel sessions. ✔️ Continue therapy even while travelling or during bad weather days.
Best For ✖️ Situations where physical presence or hands-on support is essential. ✔️ Most stress, anxiety, depression, relationship issues and life transitions.
Limitations ✖️ Less flexible; easier to miss sessions due to travel or schedule conflicts. ✔️ Requires internet and a private space; not suitable for emergency situations.

Bottom line: For most people, online therapy offers the best mix of convenience, comfort, and therapist choice—while still providing high-quality support.

👉 Prefer a flexible option? View trusted online therapy providers

Is online therapy actually effective?
Research shows that for many issues—such as anxiety, depression, stress and relationship difficulties—online therapy can be just as effective as in-person sessions. What often matters most is finding a therapist you connect with and staying consistent over time.
Learn how to start online therapy →
When is online therapy a better fit than in-person?
Online therapy is ideal if you:
  • have a busy or changing schedule,
  • live far from providers or have limited transport,
  • prefer the privacy and comfort of your own space,
  • travel frequently or split time between locations.
For many people, this flexibility is what makes it possible to actually stay in therapy.
Explore flexible online therapy options →
Is online therapy private and secure?
Reputable online therapy platforms use encrypted connections and secure apps that are designed for confidential healthcare communication. Sessions are held in a private space of your choosing, which can feel safer than a public waiting room.
See trusted online therapy platforms →
How do costs compare with in-person therapy?
Online therapy can sometimes be more affordable overall: there are no travel costs, less time away from work or family, and many platforms offer predictable weekly pricing. The value often comes from being able to attend regularly without extra friction.
Check online therapy pricing & plans →

Services

Working hours

Open now

9:00 am - 6:00 pm

  • Monday

    9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Tuesday

    9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Wednesday

    9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Thursday

    9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Friday

    9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Saturday

    Closed all day
  • Sunday

    Closed all day
  • Local time

    02/23/2026 3:28 pm

Languages

  • English

Have questions?

Contact Phone number is (978) 632-4432.
https://www.criterionchild.com

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