How Does Teletherapy Work?

Teletherapy has steadily grown in popularity and acceptance since the COVID-19 pandemic. Now a well-established part of the mental healthcare landscape, online therapy offers accessible and affordable alternatives to in-person services.

Learn more about teletherapy and common telepsychology methods, potential benefits and drawbacks, how to find a qualified therapist, and typical session costs.

Teletherapy connects you with mental health professionals remotely through video sessions, phone calls, and messaging. Secure online platforms and user-friendly devices such as computers, tablets, and smartphones can make therapy more accessible.

Videoconferencing relies on live video technology to provide virtual therapy. You can use readily available apps like Zoom or Google Meet, or specialized HIPAA-compliant platforms that offer greater security and confidentiality. Video therapy has proven effective for a variety of common mental health issues, according to a 2021 literature review.

Mental health professional, Jessica Plonchak, notes that “video sessions are the closest alternative to in-person therapy as they provide a more natural sense of connection, nonverbal cues and consistent eye contact.”

Phone calls offer an effective and convenient teletherapy format, especially for individuals without internet skills or who have limited access to video-capable technology.

Phone therapy provides a private and confidential environment, but, as Plonchak cautions, “it does not give the visual cues that are very important for clinical purposes.” When relying solely on phone calls, both patients and therapists must be aware of faulty assumptions based only on what they hear without visual confirmation.

Online chat, or text therapy, lets you communicate with mental health professionals through written messages on a mobile app. This method works particularly well for people with busy schedules. An effective tool for treating anxiety, depression, and posttraumatic stress disorder, online chat can also reduce the anxiety some clients experience in face-to-face therapy.

While a useful tool for those more comfortable expressing emotions in writing, Plonchak notes that “it lacks the immediacy and depth found in live sessions.”

Teletherapy has emerged as a popular and effective alternative to in-person therapy. The variety and accessibility of virtual services give clients greater control over their mental health. Having multiple treatment options, according to Plonchak, “allows clients to choose the one that best fits their needs in different situations. This makes the entire process of therapy more consistent and sustainable.”

Because teletherapy offers flexible scheduling to anyone with a phone or internet connection, it successfully removes geographical and other barriers to mental health services. Digital technology enables clients to access services in safe and familiar environments. Most importantly, research confirms that teletherapy can be just as effective as in-person methods for mild to moderate conditions.

Although teletherapy has proven beneficial to many, it is not without its drawbacks. The lack of nonverbal cues may reduce the level of communication and rapport between client and therapist.

Other practical challenges include privacy issues, difficulty securing safe and quiet locations for sessions, and technical issues or unstable internet connections.

Plonchak confirms contemporary findings about teletherapy’s effectiveness for anxiety, depression and stress management, but explains that “in-person sessions are more appropriate for critical mental conditions that require close observation.” Current research suggests that remote methods may not be viable treatment alternatives for severe conditions such as suicidal ideation, schizophrenia, or other psychotic disorders.

Finding the right teletherapist requires some effort. Begin your search using online platforms and professional directories like Psychology Today, which allows you to filter therapists by specialty, teletherapy method, and cost or payment plan options. Additionally, consider checking your insurance company’s in-network provider directory and seeking referrals from family and friends.

Finding a good match is key to a successful therapeutic relationship. Plonchak advises to choose a therapist who makes you feel comfortable, emphasizing that “the quality of the relationship matters more than the platform or method.” Some therapists may offer a free initial phone or online consultation to ensure compatibility.

Costs for teletherapy can vary widely. While major insurance providers may cover teletherapy, not all therapists accept insurance.

Cash pay rates for a single therapy session generally range between $100 and $200, while insurance copays can be as low as $15 to $30 per session. Medicare and Medicaid cover many types of teletherapy. Your workplace may offer free or low-cost sessions through an Employee Assistance Program or similar benefits.

Even if you lack insurance coverage or cannot pay out-of-pocket, Plonchak advises that you explore all resources carefully rather than avoiding seeking therapy altogether. These options include therapists who offer sliding-scale fees based on income or community clinics and university counseling centers that provide affordable or free services.

You can also take advantage of free or low-cost services offered through online mental health platforms such as the Crisis Text Line orOpen Path Psychotherapy Collective.

Teletherapy may seem strange at first, but you can use several strategies to make the most of your experience. Choose a comfortable and private space for your session — one that feels safe and is free from outside interruptions. Make sure your technology is working and check your internet connection to ensure uninterrupted communication with your therapist.

If you have trouble engaging with your therapist online, try reducing your anxiety by turning off the ‘self-view’ feature on your monitor or consider audio-only sessions.

You can enhance the effectiveness of teletherapy by treating it with the same importance as in-person sessions, keeping regular appointments, and giving the therapy process enough time to achieve your goals.