Meaning: 'Alternative' refers to a choice or option that can be used instead of another.

Wrong options:

• depression: 'Depression' is a noun that refers to a mental health condition, which does not fit the context of describing a type of therapy.
• infection: 'Infection' is a noun that refers to a disease caused by germs, which is unrelated to the context of therapy.
• spending: 'Spending' is a gerund that refers to the act of using money, which does not fit as a noun describing therapy.
• age: 'Age' is a noun that refers to the length of time a person has lived, which is irrelevant in this context.
• expenses: 'Expenses' is a noun that refers to costs incurred, which does not fit as a substitute for therapy.

Correct answer: depression

Explanation: The term 'depression' is a noun that specifically refers to a common mental health condition. It fits contextually as it is one of the issues that online therapy is effective in treating, maintaining the focus on mental health.

Meaning: 'Depression' refers to a mental health disorder characterized by persistent sadness and a lack of interest or pleasure in previously enjoyed activities.

Wrong options:

• infection: 'Infection' refers to a disease caused by germs, which is not relevant to the context of mental health treatment.
• spending: 'Spending' is a gerund that refers to the act of using money, which does not relate to mental health conditions.
• age: 'Age' is a noun that refers to the length of time a person has lived, which is not applicable in this context.
• cost: 'Cost' refers to the amount of money required for something, which does not fit as a type of mental health issue.

Correct answer: cost

Explanation: The word 'cost' is a noun that refers to the amount of money required for something. It fits grammatically and contextually as it introduces the idea of financial considerations in accessing therapy, which is relevant to the discussion of online versus traditional therapy.

Meaning: 'Cost' refers to the amount of money that needs to be paid or spent to obtain something.

Wrong options:

• depression: 'Depression' is a noun that refers to a mental health condition, which does not fit in the context of discussing financial issues.
• infection: 'Infection' is a noun that refers to a disease caused by germs, which is unrelated to the financial aspect of therapy.
• spending: 'Spending' is a gerund that refers to the act of using money, which does not fit as a noun indicating an issue.
• age: 'Age' is a noun that refers to the length of time a person has lived, which is irrelevant in this context.
• expenses: 'Expenses' is a noun that refers to costs incurred, which does not fit as a singular issue in this context.

Correct answer: expenses

Explanation: The term 'expenses' is a noun that refers to the costs incurred in the process of providing therapy. It fits contextually as it relates to the overhead costs that therapists can save on when working online, thus supporting the argument about affordability.

Meaning: 'Expenses' refers to the costs associated with running a business or service, in this case, therapy.

Wrong options:

• depression: 'Depression' is a noun that refers to a mental health condition, which does not fit in the context of discussing costs.
• infection: 'Infection' is a noun that refers to a disease caused by germs, which is unrelated to the financial aspects of therapy.
• spending: 'Spending' is a gerund that refers to the act of using money, which does not fit as a noun indicating costs.
• age: 'Age' is a noun that refers to the length of time a person has lived, which is irrelevant in this context.
• cost: 'Cost' refers to the amount of money required for something, which does not fit as a plural noun indicating multiple costs.