Online Therapy

What Is Online Therapy?

Online therapy—also known as teletherapy or virtual therapy—refers to counseling and mental health services offered through the Internet.

Instead of meeting face-to-face with a licensed therapist at their office, you attend video sessions from home (or anywhere with an internet connection) through your computer or smartphone.

Online therapy can address a wide range of mental health concerns, including:

• Anxiety and depression
• Stress management
• Anger management
• Relationship challenges
• Coping skills
• Life transitions
• Grief and loss
• Addiction recovery support
• Trauma and PTSD

Online counseling sessions can be provided by a variety of licensed professionals, from psychologists and psychiatrists to specialized counselors and social workers (LCSW).

While online counseling is highly effective for many, it may not be ideal for everyone. Severe mental health conditions or crises usually require immediate, in-person support.

Why Is Online Therapy Gaining Popularity?

Telehealth, which includes online therapy, has become much more popular in recent years, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. While the pandemic no longer restricts travel and in-person sessions, many people continue to use virtual therapy to fit their lifestyles and needs.

The American Psychological Association reports that many people don’t seek counseling services because cost is a factor. Yet online therapy tends to be a more affordable and accessible option for many people across the US.

In fact, a 2021 survey by the American Psychiatric Association found that 38% of Americans have used telehealth services to meet with a medical or mental health professional, and nearly 6 in 10 said they would use telehealth services for their mental health care needs.

Online therapy sessions can be very helpful for people with busy schedules and those who live in more remote areas, giving them access to mental health care that they may not have had before.

Additionally, online counseling can be great for anyone who finds traditional therapy settings intimidating. They can still enjoy face-to-face therapy but with an added buffer of screens and from the comfort of their homes instead of an office.

Online Therapy VS In-Person Therapy

Mental health support has become more accessible than ever, allowing people to connect with mental health professionals from home.

Both in-person and online therapy have benefits and limitations, but they largely depend on personal preferences and circumstances.

Online therapy and in-person therapy share the same goal: providing professional mental health care. Both involve licensed therapists, evidence-based approaches, and the opportunity to improve your overall well-being.

However, online therapy and in-person sessions have the following key differences:

	Online Therapy	In-Person Therapy
Setting	The client is responsible for creating a private, therapy-focused space, which may be challenging.	Controlled environment with fewer distractions; often quieter and more intimate.
Convenience	Most flexibility in scheduling, no travel required.	Travel to a therapist’s office may be challenging due to transportation or a busy schedule.
Cost	Tends to be more affordable; platforms offer sliding-scale fees or subscriptions.	May be more expensive (especially in urban areas).

Choosing the right option may also involve some trial and error. If you aren’t sure which is best, you can try one option for a few sessions to see if it works.

Sometimes, people meet with a few therapists before finding one that “fits,” so you may also decide to test the type of therapy session to discover what works best for your needs.

Benefits of Online Therapy

Online therapy provides a convenient, effective way for people to access mental health support. With the flexibility to attend sessions from anywhere, it removes many barriers that often prevent people from seeking help.

Whether you’re balancing a hectic schedule, living in a remote area, or simply looking for a more affordable option, online therapy can be an excellent solution for a variety of needs.

Here are some of the key benefits of online therapy:

• Accessible anywhere—even for people in rural or underserved areas
• Flexible scheduling can fit into busy lifestyles
• Not needing to travel saves time plus gas or fare money
• Typically more affordable than in-person therapy
• Multiple communication styles to choose from (e.g., video, phone, or messaging apps)
• Access to a broader range of therapists and specializations
• Allows ongoing support or check-ins through text or chat features (i.e., text therapy)
• You can still have sessions when traveling or if you move

Potential Limitations of Online Therapy

While online therapy offers several benefits, it won’t be the right fit for everyone. Understanding these potential drawbacks can help you determine whether online counseling services are a good fit for your ongoing mental health care.

Here are some possible limitations of online therapy:

• Requires a stable internet connection, which may not be available to everyone
• Technical issues can interrupt sessions (e.g., poor video quality, dropped calls, internet outages, etc.)
• It is not always ideal for people with severe mental illness or those in crisis
• It can feel less intimate, making it challenging to build a connection with the counselor
• Privacy may not be available for those living in shared spaces or similar
• Not all therapists are trained to provide effective telehealth services
• Health insurance coverage for online therapy varies and may not be available
• Some types of therapy (e.g., exposure therapy or EMDR) can be less effective online
• Medication management may require additional appointments with in-person providers

Types of Online Therapy

Like traditional therapy, online counseling offers several styles to support individuals, families, and groups with similar issues.

Each type of therapy is designed to address specific challenges, and the flexibility of telehealth counseling makes it easier to choose the one that best fits what you need from your therapist.

Below are the common types of online therapy and how they work.

Individual Sessions

One-on-one sessions with a licensed therapist focus entirely on your personal challenges and goals. These one-on-one sessions often occur via video or phone calls, allowing for in-depth discussions and customized treatment plans.

Some online therapy platforms offer text-based options, where you can communicate with your online therapist through secure messaging.

Using text messaging to communicate can be extremely helpful for people with social anxiety, who need more flexibility, or who want ongoing support between scheduled sessions.

Group Therapy

Online group therapy brings together people who are dealing with similar issues, such as addiction recovery, anxiety, grief, or eating disorders.

Group sessions, led by a licensed therapist, provide a safe space for people to share their experiences, improve their coping skills, and build connections with others who can empathize with them.

Group sessions typically follow a structured format, often including discussions, therapeutic exercises, and guided feedback. The group dynamic can be an excellent option for people seeking peer support while still benefiting from the guidance of a therapist.

Family Therapy

Online family therapy is designed to help families improve communication and resolve conflicts. Sessions involve multiple members participating, often from different locations.

A licensed family therapist guides these sessions, helping family members understand each other’s perspectives and develop healthier communication patterns.

Online family therapy can be particularly beneficial for families navigating life transitions—such as divorce, grief, or addiction recovery—by offering a structured, neutral space for meaningful conversations and conflict resolution.

Couples Counseling

Couples counseling via telehealth helps partners work through relationship issues in a supportive, structured environment. Virtual therapy sessions offer added convenience, allowing partners to attend from different locations or fit sessions into their busy schedules.

Online couples therapy can be beneficial for navigating issues such as conflict resolution, intimacy concerns, or significant life changes, providing tools to help both people improve communication and emotional connection.

Common Styles of Online Therapy

Online therapy uses different approaches (modalities) to help people with a variety of mental health challenges. These methods are adjusted to work well in a virtual setting while still using proven, effective techniques.

Below are some of the most common types of therapy styles used in online sessions.

Talk Therapy (Psychotherapy)

Psychotherapy—more commonly called “talk therapy”—is a broad approach that includes popular strategies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).

CBT focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors, while DBT incorporates mindfulness and emotion regulation techniques to help clients manage intense emotions and build healthier coping strategies.

Addiction Counseling

Addiction counseling provides specialized support for people recovering from substance use disorders or behavioral addictions.

Online addiction therapy often involves working with a counselor to develop personalized recovery plans, manage cravings, and identify triggers.

Some sessions may also incorporate relapse prevention techniques and ongoing emotional support to help participants achieve long-term sobriety.

Psychodynamic Therapy

Psychodynamic therapy focuses on understanding how unconscious thoughts and past experiences shape current emotions and behaviors.

The psychodynamic approach helps clients explore unresolved conflicts, improve self-awareness, and recognize patterns that may be causing emotional distress.

Psychodynamic therapy can be especially helpful for individuals who want to gain deeper insight into their emotions and work through recurring relationship problems or self-esteem issues.

What to Expect from Online Therapy Services

Online therapy services are designed to provide convenient and flexible mental health support, but understanding how they work can help you feel more prepared.

Here’s what you can typically expect from online therapy.

Platforms and Tools Used

Most online therapy services use secure platforms that offer various communication options, including video calls, messaging (i.e., text messages), and specialized apps.

Video calls are the most common approach for face-to-face sessions with your therapist, but text options might exist for between-session support.

Other platforms offer dedicated apps specific to their services. These apps allow users to schedule appointments, join calls, and send messages simultaneously.

In addition to live video sessions, many online platforms offer other communication options, such as:

• Phone sessions for those who prefer audio-only calls
• Live chat sessions for clients who feel more comfortable typing instead of speaking
• Flexible messaging (like email) where you can send messages at any time and receive a response during agreed-upon hours

Session Structure and Length

A typical online therapy session lasts 45 to 60 minutes, similar to an in-person session. Sessions often start with a check-in on progress and challenges, followed by focused discussions on specific concerns and strategies for addressing them.

However, the structure may vary depending on the type of therapy and your personal goals.

How to Find the Right Online Therapy Services

When selecting an online therapy service, it’s important to consider a few key factors to ensure the platform meets your needs and preferences.

Not all online therapy services are the same, so reviewing these considerations can help you make the best choice for your mental health care.

• Licensing and Credentials of Therapists: Make sure the therapists on the platform are licensed and qualified to practice in your state. Many platforms provide information about each therapist’s background, specialties, and certifications so you can choose someone who matches your needs.
• Types of Therapy Offered: Different platforms may specialize in various kinds of therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), couples counseling, or addiction support. Check whether the service offers the type of therapy you’re looking for and whether it offers individual, group, or family therapy options.
• Cost and Insurance: Pricing can vary between insurance plans, so it’s important to compare costs. Some online therapy providers charge a flat subscription fee, while others offer pay-per-session pricing. Look into whether the platform accepts insurance and whether your provider is in-network. Consider factors like copays, deductibles, and any potential out-of-pocket costs.
• Ease of Use: A platform’s usability can significantly impact your therapy experience. Look for a service with an intuitive user interface that makes scheduling sessions, joining calls, and communicating with your therapist easy. Platforms that offer mobile apps can make accessing therapy even more convenient.

Take the Next Step Toward Better Mental Health

Online therapy provides a convenient, flexible, and effective way to get the mental health support you need.

Telehealth services make it easier to connect with licensed professionals from anywhere, whether you’re looking for individual counseling, couples therapy, or addiction support.

If you’re ready to get started, here are some examples of online therapy platforms you might consider:

• BetterHelp: Offers a wide range of services, including individual, couples, and family therapy, with flexible communication options like video, phone, and messaging.
• Talkspace: Specializes in therapy for anxiety, depression, and addiction, with options for text-based and live sessions and coverage through many insurance providers.
• Brightside: Focuses on therapy and medication management for anxiety and depression, offering personalized care plans that include virtual check-ins.
• Online-Therapy.com: A platform that centers around cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and provides additional resources like journaling and worksheets to support progress.
• Amwell: A comprehensive telehealth service that offers mental health support alongside medical care, making it a convenient option for those seeking holistic care.