One of the biggest shifts in psychotherapy over the past few years has been the increased use of telehealth, also known as teletherapy, online therapy, or virtual therapy. Teletherapy became popular during the COVID-19 pandemic out of necessity, but what started as a temporary solution has now become a long-term option that many people genuinely prefer.
So, what makes telehealth therapy so appealing? Let’s look at some of the reasons people love it.
1. It’s Convenient and Helps with Consistency
One of the biggest perks of telehealth is the convenience. With telehealth, you can attend a therapy session from (almost) anywhere. You no longer need to take half a day off work, fight traffic, or hunt for parking. You can simply log on during your lunch break, from the comfort of your living room, or even from your car if that is where you have privacy. Telehealth has given therapy the flexibility to fit into your real life, instead of becoming another thing you have to juggle. This flexibility can help you to remain with sessions, in turn helping you to achieve the progress you’re looking for.
The research that backs it up: This study found that clients who were attending therapy virtually had less missed sessions and cancellations, and more treatment completions when compared with those attending therapy in-person.
2. It’s Just as Effective as In-Person Therapy
The most important question many people have is whether teletherapy actually works, and the research says yes. While it’s true that virtual therapy is a different experience than sitting face-to-face in a room, it’s not a “lesser” one. Multiple studies have found that telehealth is just as effective as in-person sessions. Progress, client satisfaction, and outcomes all look very similar whether therapy happens in an office or on a screen.
The research that backs it up: This study found that CBT was as effective in treating anxiety in people who are engaging in teletherapy compared to in-person. And this one found that CBT was even more effective at reducing symptoms of depression when used in telehealth compared to in-person therapy.
3. Being Comfortable Helps You Open Up
The thought of sitting on a couch in an unfamiliar environment across from a stranger has historically been a barrier to starting therapy for many people. Now, more and more people are logging on from their own couch, and the comfort of being in your own familiar space, wearing whatever you’re most comfortable in, and maybe even having your pet nearby can make a big difference in how safe and relaxed you feel during your session. This makes it easier to get vulnerable, open up, and be honest.
The research that backs it up: This study found that feeling more comfortable emotionally and safer psychologically was the second highest reason people who are currently receiving individual therapy prefer telehealth over in-person.
4. It Still Feels Like Real Connection
A lot of people are surprised to find out how natural it feels to connect during virtual sessions. You can still see facial expressions, hear tone of voice, and pick up on the same cues you would in person. Therapy is about human connection, and that connection isn’t limited to physical presence. If anything, telehealth shows us that meaningful, authentic relationships can be built in all kinds of ways.
The research that backs it up: This study found that there are no significant differences in the therapeutic alliance when comparing telehealth and in-person therapy.
5. You Have More Options When Choosing a Therapist
Finding the right therapist is one of the most important parts of the therapy process, and telehealth makes that easier. Instead of being limited to professionals within driving distance, you can connect with someone whose background, specialty, or approach feels like the best match for you. Being able to connect with a therapist who specializes in the specific issues you are facing rather than having to settle for whoever is in your general area can significantly improve the progress you make in therapy.
The research that backs it up: This blind study found that when a client is matched with a therapist whose strengths align with their presenting problems, there was a significant increase in the effectiveness of the therapy.
6. It’s Private and Discreet
For some people, the idea of walking into a therapy office feels intimidating or stressful, and some also worry about running into someone they know. Telehealth offers another layer of privacy since you do not have to worry about sitting in a waiting room or seeing someone you know while walking into your therapist’s office. With telehealth, therapists are required to use HIPAA-compliant platforms, which means sessions are private and encrypted. As long as you have a private space to attend from and a secure internet connection, your sessions are just as confidential and protected as in-person visits.
The research that backs it up: This study found that clients reported overall strong perceptions of confidentiality and privacy with telepsychiatry, with some even finding that telehealth offers more privacy because they could avoid being seen by others in a clinic setting.
7. It Saves Time and Money
Telehealth sessions can save you both time and money. There is no commute, no need to pay for gas or public transportation, and no added stress of finding childcare or leaving work early. Along with this, most insurance plans now cover telehealth, with some plans even waiving co-pays for virtual visits.
The research that backs it up: This study found that telehealth appointments can significantly decrease the total amount of time spent on an appointment, reducing it by 31% just by cutting out the travel time. The decrease is even greater when accounting for time spent looking for parking and in the waiting room.
Is Teletherapy Right for You?
Every person is different, and what works for one person might not work for another. For many people, teletherapy is a flexible and effective way to get support. If you have a busy life, limited access to local therapists, or simply prefer the idea of doing therapy from your own space, it might be a great option to try.
There are some situations where in-person therapy may be a better fit. For example, if someone is in crisis or needs a higher level of support. Talking with a therapist about your unique needs can help you decide if telehealth is right for you.
If you’re curious if online therapy would be a good fit for you or are ready to get started, reach out to schedule a free consultation.