Is it Time to Switch to Online Teletherapy?
Is It Time to Switch to Online Teletherapy?
Telehealth refers to healthcare services such as medical care, specialty services, or mental health treatment provided remotely through secure, HIPAA-compliant video platforms. Teletherapy specifically involves real-time online sessions with a licensed therapist or counselor.
Over the past several years, many people have become more mindful about how and where they access care. Between busy schedules, transportation challenges, and the desire for convenience and privacy, traditional in-person therapy is not always the most accessible option. At the same time, anxiety, stress, and emotional overwhelm continue to rise.
So what happens when you need support, but attending therapy in person feels difficult or unrealistic?
You bring therapy to you—online.
Benefits to Online Therapy (Teletherapy)
In my professional experience, online therapy can be just as effective as in-person therapy and for some clients, even more beneficial. Teletherapy allows you to meet with your therapist from the comfort of your home or any private space where you feel safe and at ease. Whether you’re starting your day or winding down, you can engage in meaningful therapeutic work without the added stress of commuting.
Online therapy also increases access to care. Therapists licensed within a state can provide services to clients located anywhere in that state. For example, I am licensed in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, which allows me to work with clients who might otherwise be several hours away from the nearest provider. This is especially valuable for individuals in rural or underserved areas and helps reduce travel time, expenses, and environmental impact.
Teletherapy also supports consistency. Clients are often more likely to attend sessions when barriers such as traffic, childcare, or low energy are removed. Increased follow-through with therapy is directly linked to better outcomes. Additionally, online platforms allow for more flexible scheduling and quicker access to support when unexpected stressors arise—all while clients maintain their daily routines with work, family, and other responsibilities.
“If in person therapy is a 10, online is an 8, but no therapy is a 0.”- redditor
Barriers to Online Therapy
While online medical support promises to grow rapidly over the next decade and has clear benefits, it still has some technical and practical problems for those seeking therapy. Of course, teletherapy is not for everybody. Clients would need access to a smartphone, tablet, or computer, along with a reliable internet connection. For some, technical difficulties or limited connectivity can disrupt communication and the therapeutic experience.
Not everyone has the insurance benefit for Telehealth. Even though finding out if you have this benefit is as easy as a phone call, it means some people may have coverage for in-person sessions, but no coverage for online therapy. Another aspect is the level of emotional suffering. Sometimes a person’s suffering is beyond what a 1-to 2-times-a-week therapy relationship can give. For these people, the more intensive and in-person therapy is more appropriate.
Find Support—Where You Are
If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or emotionally stretched, it’s important to prioritize your mental health. You don’t have to wait for the “perfect” time or circumstance to seek support. Online therapy enables you to initiate the healing process from wherever you are.
~Seclusion Special~
See a licensed master’s level online therapist for $75/session!
Send me a message through https://www.whereyouarecounseling.com/ to set up therapy today.
*Written by Hollie O’Keefe LPC Founder and Lead Clinician of Where You Are Counseling LLC