Benefits of Online Therapy

How Does Online Therapy Work?

Online therapy adheres to the same laws and ethics as traditional, in-person therapy. Therapists must hold their sessions through a HIPAA-compliant platform and maintain all necessary privacy and confidentiality measures.¹ The onboarding process may also look similar, in the sense that clients will complete intake forms and schedule sessions on a consistent weekly or biweekly basis.

Online therapy comes in different formats. Some therapists offer live video, whereas others may utilize text-based therapy, phone sessions, or email-based support. Online therapists can also be found directly (i.e., many therapists provide both in-person and online options). Furthermore, many online therapy platforms or therapist directories offer therapist matching processes to help you narrow down your selection.

Key Benefits of Online Therapy

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, almost all therapists now offer online therapy as part of their practice.² This represents a significant change within the mental health landscape over the past decade. While in-person services are also essential, it appears clear that the demand for online treatment is also here to stay. Many clients benefit greatly from the flexibility, affordability, and convenience offered through online therapy versus in-person.

Accessibility & Convenience

Approximately one in five Americans lives in rural America,³ and research has shown that rural individuals often experience significant difficulties accessing traditional, in-person mental health services.⁴ Online services offer a greater range of available, specialized clinicians, as many people live in areas with very limited therapeutic options.

Many people also have tight schedules with work, parenting, or other life constraints that make it difficult to meet in person. For instance, long commutes, sitting in traffic, or needing to leave work early all pose barriers to accessing therapy. Furthermore, clients with transportation or mobility challenges may not be able to easily attend services in person. Online options are convenient and sensitive to those specific needs.

Greater Affordability

In some cases, online therapy may cost less than in-person sessions. This is the case when using a subscription model or working with a therapist offering a sliding scale. Several online therapy platforms take insurance. If you’re working with a therapist out of your insurance network, you may still be able to use your insurance benefits to subsidize coverage as most insurance carriers will offer reimbursement for telehealth. Finally, online therapy cuts down on costs by eliminating the need to commute to an office.

Privacy & Comfort

Some people prefer to meet online because it feels more comfortable to open up about challenging topics in a familiar environment. Attending sessions in person may feel overly vulnerable or anxiety-provoking. In these cases, it may be beneficial to meet from the comfort of their own homes. They can still work through what’s important to them without feeling incredibly activated.

Easier Access to Specialized Therapists

When you’re looking for a therapist with specific training or experience in a particular condition or treatment modality, it can be challenging to find the right local match. Specialists may have long waitlists or limited availability. With virtual therapy, you have access to a broader network of professionals, increasing your chances of finding someone who best fits your needs and schedule.

Evidence-Based as Effective

Meta-analyses of over 40 clinical studies demonstrate that online therapy offers comparable benefits to traditional in-person therapy for treating depression, anxiety, PTSD, and adjustment disorders.⁵ This may be helpful if you feel ambivalent about meeting your therapist virtually. Most people feel they can form a meaningful therapeutic alliance with their clinician and work toward their treatment goals effectively.

Discreet & Anonymous

All therapists must legally uphold all confidentiality standards (except in the cases of mandated reporting). However, in-person therapy does have some privacy considerations, such as sitting in a waiting room, having your car in the parking lot, and potentially bumping into other people attending therapy. Online therapy, on the other hand, is entirely discreet.

Easier to Fit Into Your Daily Schedule

Because there’s no commute to consider, many people find scheduling online therapy less cumbersome than in-person therapy. Even though the session length may be the same, you only need to log in a few moments before your meeting. Then, after the session ends, you can return to whatever task is next. This can be highly advantageous for busy professionals.

Ability to Maintain Consistency & Continuity

Some people engage in a hybrid approach, where they meet with their therapists in person and virtually, depending on life circumstances. This can be beneficial if you travel frequently (you can still meet with your therapist as long as you’re in the same state) or experience chronic illness, as you can meet online instead of driving in.

Who Can Benefit Most from Online Therapy?

Online therapy can benefit many people, but certain demographics may find this option particularly helpful. As mentioned, the convenience and flexibility are among the two of the more attractive perks associated with virtual services. Online therapy may also be more practical for those with demanding schedules or limited access to local specialists.

Individuals who may benefit most from online therapy include:

• People living in remote or rural areas with limited in-person providers
• Busy working professionals
• Students with part-time jobs and busy academic schedules
• People without reliable transportation options
• People who can’t easily leave home
• People who experience significant anxiety or agorophobia
• People with chronic health conditions or other physical constraints

Although these groups may benefit the most, online therapy can also be widely suitable for many other people. Keep in mind that your individual preference and the strength of the therapist-client relationship are key to treatment success. With that, if you feel interested in pursuing online therapy, it’s certainly worth considering!

Possible Limitations of Online Therapy

While online therapy offers numerous advantages, it’s not ideal for everyone. In-person care may be better suited for people experiencing more acute or severe mental illness, such as psychosis or complex trauma that requires closer monitoring. Those in active crises may also benefit from the immediacy of accessing in-person resources.

Online therapy may not be suitable for:

• Individuals experiencing active suicidal ideation or self-harm
• Individuals with several distractions or a lack of privacy at home (small children, many roommates, etc.)
• Limited or unreliable Internet access
• Difficulty connecting virtually
• Involuntary or court-mandated therapy
• Individuals with severe substance use disorders

These limitations don’t inherently make online therapy “less than” in-person therapy. However, it’s always essential to consider individual circumstances, symptoms, and needs when exploring options. If you’re not sure what’s best for you, you can always consult with a potential provider. They can discern the best treatment options based on your situation.

How to Choose the Right Online Therapy Platform

Selecting an online therapy platform may feel overwhelming, especially if you’re struggling right now. There are many options, and it can be difficult to know what’s best for you. Try to start your search by prioritizing what feels most important right now, as each platform will offer a unique set of benefits. For example:

• BetterHelp: offers a fast sign-up process so you can get started quickly through BetterHelp.
• Grow Therapy: known for accepting a wide variety of insurance options, making Grow Therapy a good choice if cost is a concern.
• Amwell: specializes in therapy for women, so Amwell may be a helpful option for gender-specific support.
• Brightside Health: known for providing comprehensive therapy and psychiatry services, so if you need medication, you may be able to get it through Brightside Health rather than having separate therapy and psychiatry services.

Think about what you prefer regarding price, communication options, therapist qualifications, and frequency of meeting.

Also consider the following when choosing an online therapy platform:

• Types of communication offered (video, text, phone)
• Pricing structure, cost of services, and insurance acceptance
• Session scheduling frequency
• Ease of platform use and type of interface offered
• Therapist specialty and personality
• Therapist no-show, cancellation, and rescheduling policies
• Therapist modalities
• Therapist matching processes
• Emergency protocols

Remember that understanding the pros and cons of online therapy can help guide your choices, but it’s most important to find an online therapist who aligns with your specific preferences. At all stages, your autonomy matters and it’s comforting to know you can always switch therapy platforms or providers if the fit isn’t working. Treatment is about you– it’s crucial that you feel you’re getting what you need from your time and treatment.