What Is Online Therapy?
Online therapy — also called teletherapy, telehealth counseling, or e-therapy — is professional mental health treatment delivered through digital platforms rather than a physical office. You connect with a licensed therapist via video call, phone, or secure messaging from wherever you are.
It works the same way as traditional therapy: you have regular sessions, build a therapeutic relationship, and work through challenges with professional guidance. The only difference is you don't have to commute.
How Online Therapy Works
The process is simpler than most people expect:
- You sign up or book a consultation with a therapy platform or directly with a therapist
- You complete an intake form describing what you're dealing with and what you're looking for
- You're matched with a therapist based on your needs, preferences, and schedule
- Sessions happen via video, phone, or chat — typically 45–55 minutes, weekly or biweekly
- You continue as long as it's helpful — most people see meaningful results within 6–12 sessions
Types of Online Therapy Sessions
Video Therapy
The most common format. You and your therapist see each other on screen, similar to a Zoom call but on a secure, HIPAA-compliant platform. Most people find this feels closest to in-person therapy.
Phone Therapy
Audio-only sessions. Good if you have connection issues, prefer not to be on camera, or are somewhere you can't have a video call. Research shows phone therapy is just as effective as video for most conditions.
Text/Chat Therapy
Asynchronous messaging with your therapist — you send messages throughout the week and your therapist responds. This works well as a supplement to sessions but is generally not recommended as a standalone replacement for most mental health needs.
What Can Online Therapy Help With?
Online therapy is effective for a wide range of concerns, including:
- Anxiety and panic disorders
- Depression and low mood
- Stress and burnout
- Relationship difficulties
- Grief and loss
- Life transitions (career change, divorce, moving)
- Trauma and PTSD
- Self-esteem and confidence
- Sleep problems
- Anger management
It's generally not recommended for severe psychiatric conditions requiring intensive monitoring, active psychosis, or situations requiring medication management alone — for those, in-person or combined care is better.
Is Online Therapy as Effective as In-Person?
Yes — and this is backed by substantial research. A 2017 meta-analysis published in World Psychiatry found that internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (iCBT) produced outcomes equivalent to face-to-face CBT for anxiety and depression. The American Psychological Association (APA) formally recognizes telehealth as an evidence-based treatment modality.
The single biggest factor in therapy outcomes is the quality of the therapeutic relationship — and research shows this transfers effectively to online formats.
"The evidence is clear: for the majority of mental health concerns, online therapy works just as well as sitting in an office — and removes multiple barriers that prevent people from getting help at all." — American Psychological Association
Who is Online Therapy Right For?
Online therapy tends to work especially well for people who:
- Live in areas with limited local therapist availability
- Have busy schedules that make in-person appointments difficult
- Experience anxiety about attending in-person appointments
- Travel frequently or work irregular hours
- Want more affordable options than traditional therapy
- Prefer therapy in English but live outside English-speaking countries
- Want to continue therapy without interruption when traveling
How Much Does Online Therapy Cost?
Online therapy is typically 30–50% cheaper than in-person therapy. Here's a rough breakdown:
- Per-session pricing: $65–$150/session depending on therapist credentials and platform
- Subscription plans: Some platforms offer weekly plans starting around $60–$100/week
- Sliding scale: Many independent therapists offer reduced fees based on income
Platforms like Shemesh Wellness offer transparent pricing with no hidden fees and free initial consultations so you can find the right fit before committing.
How to Get Started
Starting online therapy is easier than most people expect. The hardest part is usually the decision to begin — not the logistics.
- Identify what you want help with — you don't need a clear diagnosis, just a general sense of what's bothering you
- Choose a platform or therapist — look for licensed professionals (LCSW, LPC, PhD, or equivalent)
- Book a free consultation — most reputable services offer this
- Attend your first session — your therapist will guide the conversation
If you're ready to take that step, Shemesh Wellness offers a free initial consultation with licensed therapists who specialize in online care.
Related Guides
- How to Find Affordable Therapy Online
- Types of Therapy Explained: CBT, DBT, EMDR and More
- Online Therapy vs. In-Person: Which is Better?
- How to Start Therapy: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Is Online Therapy Effective? What the Research Says
Talk to a Licensed Therapist
Shemesh Wellness connects you with licensed therapists online — affordable, flexible, available. Free initial consultation from $79/session.
Get Started at ShemeshWellness.com →