What Is Online Therapy and How Does It Work?

What is Telehealth Therapy?

Online therapy—also known as telehealth therapy—is a way to connect with qualified, licensed mental health professionals remotely through video calls, phone conversations or text/online chat. Telehealth therapy can be a convenient, effective, flexible and time-saving alternative to traditional therapy and it’s becoming an increasingly popular way to address mental health concerns without the hassle of having to travel to and from an in-person appointment.

When you sign up for online therapy sessions, your appointments with your therapist take place on secure, private, HIPAA-compliant platforms. You can choose the format that meets your needs and comfort level. If you prefer to see your therapist then video calls may make the most sense for your needs. Find it easier to open up when you’re not face-to-face? Phone appointments or text-based options may be a better fit for your needs.

The rise of online therapy makes sense—in today’s world of busy schedules, many people prefer the convenience and comfort of meeting with a therapist while relaxing at home. Telehealth therapy can also provide access to mental health services for people who live in areas where licensed therapists are not readily available.

Why Choose Online Therapy

Curious about whether therapy online could be a good fit for you? Let’s take a look at some of the pros of using telehealth for your mental health needs.

Convenience and Flexibility

When you choose online telehealth therapy, you get to schedule your sessions at times that make sense for your needs. Many online therapy platforms offer weekend and evening availability, making it easier for you to find a time that works for your schedule.

Access to the Best Therapists

When you use an online therapy provider, you aren’t limited to the therapists available in your area—you can find a therapist who specializes in exactly what you’re looking for.

Just as Effective as Traditional Therapy

Telehealth therapy can be just as effective as in-person therapy and many clients report that they feel as connected and supported as they would in a face-to-face, in-person setting. Some people find that participating in therapy from the comfort of home makes it easier to open up and engage with their care provider.

Couples Counseling Options for Relationship Support

Telehealth couples therapy is a fantastic way for partners to strengthen their relationship. Guided video sessions with a trained mental health professional can help couples explore communication patterns, resolve conflicts and deepen emotional connections.

Couples can attend video therapy while they’re in the same location or each party can attend the session from their own location. This flexibility makes telehealth therapy an especially valuable option for long-distance couples.

FAQs

Is online therapy as effective as in-person therapy?

Yes, online therapy is just as effective as in-person therapy for a wide range of mental health conditions. Research shows that people who participate in online therapy show improvements similar to those who attend therapy in an in-person, traditional setting.

Are there free online therapy options available?

Some organizations provide free online therapy to those who need support but are unable to pay for mental health care. Some non-profit programs and community resources may offer low-cost or sliding-scale telehealth therapy.

How can I find online therapy that takes Medicaid?

Many online mental health therapy providers accept Medicaid, but you must verify your coverage before your first session. Most online therapy providers offer a list of insurance plans they accept, making it easier for you to narrow down your search. You can also contact your insurance provider directly for a list of in-network providers.

How much is online therapy on average?

The cost of online therapy can depend on several factors, including the length of your sessions, your therapist’s education and experience level and more. Typically, you can expect to pay between $85 and $135 per session.

Can couples benefit from online therapy?

Absolutely. Online couples therapy provides couples with a convenient, relaxed, supportive environment to work on improving communication, resolving conflicts and deepening emotional connections. If you and your significant other cannot or prefer not to attend in-person therapy, then online therapy can be a great alternative. If you and your significant other are not in the same location then talk with your therapist about how you can use their platform for couples therapy.

Finding a Therapist

When you’re choosing the best online therapy provider for your needs, you may be overwhelmed by your options. Since you’re not limited by geography, you may find that there are an overwhelming number of therapists who meet your needs.

Consider the following when choosing a therapist for online therapy:

Specialties

Look for therapists who specialize in your area of concern. Whether you’re looking for help with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, substance misuse or other mental health concerns, you’ll be able to find a telehealth therapist who can meet your needs.

Communication Methods

Choose whether you’re interested in meeting with a therapist over video sessions, phone calls or text-based chats and find a platform and provider that’s able to communicate with you through your preferred method.

Reviews

Read reviews from clients to get an insider’s look at platform and provider performance.

Insurance

If you’re using private health insurance or Medicaid to pay for telehealth then it’s a good idea to use a directory that allows you to filter according to your insurance plan.

Online Therapy Pricing

Online therapy pricing can differ from one platform to another. Some platforms offer subscription-based plans that allow you to pay for a month or several months of therapy at a time, while others charge on a per-session basis.

If you’re unable to pay for telehealth therapy then you may be interested in receiving free online therapy chat and emotional support.

Insurance and Medicaid for Online Therapy

Many online therapy platforms accept insurance, but it’s always a good idea to double-check that you’re covered before you get started. Reach out to your insurance provider directly to confirm whether online therapy is covered by your plan. You can also talk with your therapist or a customer service agent at your chosen therapy platform to verify your benefits before scheduling your first session.

Most online therapy platforms accept a wide range of insurance plans. Medicaid coverage can vary from state to state, so it’s important to check your specific coverage to select a provider that accepts your Medicaid insurance plan.

If you’re looking for therapy on a budget then you’re not alone. Try these tips to receive high-quality care at a reduced cost:

Explore sliding-fee scale options: When a therapist charges using a sliding fee scale, your treatment cost will be based on your income. This can be a good idea if you’re on a fixed or limited income and want telehealth therapy.
Choose telehealth therapy over in-person options: Telehealth therapy is often less expensive than traditional therapy sessions.
Alternate session lengths: While a typical therapy session is 50 minutes long, some therapists also offer 25-minute sessions. Alternating between 50-minute and 25-minute sessions can help to lower your costs.

Less expensive doesn’t have to mean lower quality. With these tips, you can find an online therapist who meets your needs and fits your budget.

What to Know About Online Therapy and How It Works