Online Therapy Resource Center
Wellness & SelfcareMental HealthTherapy

Online Therapy

by
Online therapy, or telemental health, offers mental health support through a range of digital platforms, providing convenient access to licensed therapists and counselors. You may experience online therapy sessions via video calls, phone calls, text messages, or a combination thereof. A number of platforms also provide access to mental health resources like guided meditations and mood trackers. The effectiveness of online therapy as a mental health treatment varies, and lifestyle factors like consistent engagement and a supportive environment play an important role in achieving positive outcomes.

FAQ

Is online therapy as effective as in-person therapy?
Research suggests online therapy can be just as effective as in-person therapy in improving mental health and alleviating symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress. What’s more, both providers and patients tend to report good experiences with teletherapy.
Online therapy can be more accessible than in-person therapy depending on where you live. It’s also convenient, eliminating extra commutes and providing more schedule flexibility. For many, digital access minimizes the social stigma still attached to therapy as well.
Start by researching online therapy platforms that work exclusively with licensed therapists, and verify that their credentials are applicable for the state in which you live. Next, explore which available therapists specialize in the issues you want to work on.
Reputable online therapy platforms prioritize user privacy and data security. However, it’s recommended you read any informed consent documentation carefully to confirm what information a platform keeps confidential.
Most online therapy platforms aren’t designed to single-handedly support the needs of people with severe mental health conditions. However, online therapy may serve as a helpful supplement to in-person therapeutic interventions.
Meet Our Experts In Therapy
See Our Editorial PolicyMeet Our Health Expert Network
Everyday Health’s team of board-certified physicians and health professionals contribute to the creation and review of content, ensuring that the information is useful, up to date, and accurate.

Kelsey M. Latimer, PhD, RN

Medical Reviewer

Kelsey M. Latimer, PhD, RN, is a psychologist, nurse, and certified eating disorder specialist, and is the founder and owner of KML Psychological Services.

Dr. Latimer earned her Ph...

See full bio
Justin Laube

Justin Laube, MD

Medical Reviewer

Justin Laube, MD, is a board-certified integrative and internal medicine physician, a teacher, and a consultant with extensive expertise in integrative health, medical education, a...

See full bio
lauren-masopust-bio

Lauren Masopust

Medical Reviewer
Lauren Masopust is a licensed marriage and family therapist who provides psychotherapy to youths, adults, couples, and families. She finds her work particularly meaningful when off...
See full bio
marni-amsellem-bio

Marni Amsellem, PhD

Medical Reviewer

Marni Amsellem, PhD, is a licensed clinical psychologist, consultant, and writer. Her areas of specialty include health and health behavior, mental health, stress and coping, and t...

See full bio
Leslie-Becker-Phelps-bio

Leslie Becker-Phelps, PhD

Medical Reviewer
Leslie Becker-Phelps, PhD, is a licensed psychologist based in New Jersey who practices via telehealth in many other states. She has been on the medical staff at Robert Wood Johnso...
See full bio
chester-wu-bio

Chester Wu, MD

Medical Reviewer
Castle Connolly Top Doctor

Chester Wu, MD, is double board-certified in psychiatry and sleep medicine. He cares for patients through his private practice in Houston, where he provides evaluations, medication...

See full bio
Dr. Allison Young

Allison Young, MD

Medical Reviewer
Member of American College of Lifestyle Medicine

Allison Young, MD, is a board-certified psychiatrist providing services via telehealth throughout New York and Florida.

In addition to her private practice, Dr. Young serves as an a...

See full bio
Patrice-Harris-MD-article

Patrice A. Harris, MD, MA, FAPA

Medical Reviewer

Dr. Patrice Harris is Everyday Health's chief health and medical editor and a board-certified psychiatrist in Atlanta with diverse experience as a private practicing physician, a c...

See full bio
heidi-green-bio

Heidi Green, MD

Medical Reviewer
Castle Connolly Top Doctor, Member of American College of Lifestyle Medicine
Heidi Green, MD, is board certified in psychiatry, addiction medicine, and lifestyle medicine. She currently divides her time between maintaining a small private practice and worki...
See full bio
seth-gillihan-bio

Seth Gillihan, PhD

Medical Reviewer
Seth Gillihan, PhD, is a licensed psychologist in private practice in Ardmore, Pennsylvania, who helps people find personal growth by making important changes in their thoughts and...
See full bio
See Our Editorial PolicyMeet Our Health Expert Network
EDITORIAL SOURCES
Everyday Health follows strict sourcing guidelines to ensure the accuracy of its content, outlined in our editorial policy. We use only trustworthy sources, including peer-reviewed studies, board-certified medical experts, patients with lived experience, and information from top institutions.
Resources
  1. What Is Telemental Health? National Institute of Mental Health.

ALL THERAPY ARTICLES

See All Articles