What Is Teletherapy?

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsTechniquesOnline TherapistsUsesBenefitsEffectivenessCostThings to ConsiderGetting Started

Table of ContentsView All

View All

Table of Contents

Techniques

Online Therapists

Uses

Benefits

Effectiveness

Cost

Things to Consider

Getting Started

Close

Teletherapy, also known as online therapy, e-therapy, e-counseling, or cyber-counseling, involves providing mental health services and support over the internet. Services can be offered through email, text messaging, video conferencing, online chat, messaging, or internet phone.

Teletherapy can occur in real-time, such as in video or phone conversations and text messaging, or in a time-delayed format, such as through email messages. Though this type oftherapyhas limitations, it is quickly becoming an important resource for a growing number of people.

Get Help NowWe’ve tried, tested, and written unbiased reviews of thebest online therapy programsincluding Talkspace, BetterHelp, and ReGain. Find out which option is the best for you.

Get Help Now

We’ve tried, tested, and written unbiased reviews of thebest online therapy programsincluding Talkspace, BetterHelp, and ReGain. Find out which option is the best for you.

2:13What Is Online Therapy?

2:13

What Is Online Therapy?

The primary tools for communicating in teletherapy include:

Such services may be accessed via a desktop computer or laptop, but mobile apps are also becoming an increasingly popular option.

The Best Mental Health Apps, Tried and Tested

Just as therapists and counselors in the “real-world” can have a range of qualifications and licenses, online therapists can also differ considerably in their training and credentials. Though some websites promise a quick and easy path to becoming an online therapist, it actually takes the same education and training as becoming a traditional in-person therapist.

However, the practice of teletherapy is very difficult to regulate since therapists can operate from anywhere in the world, making it tougher to enforce state laws regulating education, training, and scope of practice.

Rules and Ethics of Teletherapy

The American Psychological Association (APA) offers a good ethical framework for the use of technology in mental health. These guidelines suggest the minimum practices and standards required forethical teletherapy:

What Teletherapy Can Help With

Some of the conditions that can be effectively treated with teletherapy include:

Though teletherapy can be useful for a variety of conditions and complex situations, it’s not the best option if you have a condition that requires close or direct treatment or in-person intervention, such asschizophrenia.

A Verywell Report: Americans Find Strength in Online Therapy

Benefits of Teletherapy

Below arejust a few reasons why teletherapyhas become a first choice for so many:

Press Play for Advice On Online Therapy

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Does Teletherapy Work?

Research suggests that e-therapy is just as effective as traditional face-to-face therapy.In one study, researchers found that when combined with clinical care, onlinecognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)can effectively treatdepression,anxiety, and illness-related emotional distress.

According to some, e-counseling may even bemoreeffective than in-person therapy. A review of 17 studies found that online CBT was more effective than face-to-face CBT at reducing the severity of depression symptoms.

While teletherapy presents some challenges, it has received support from many patients who have utilized online mental health treatments. In a review of studies published in the journalWorld Journal of Psychiatry,patients receiving mental health treatment through video conferencing reported “high levels of satisfaction.”

Verywell / Alison Czinkota

We Tried 100+ Therapy Services and Apps—And These Are the 8 Best for Online CBT

How Much Does Teletherapy Cost?

Teletherapy is generally considered more affordable than traditional in-person therapy. Most in-person therapists charge anywhere between$60 and $200 per session. Since most therapists recommend you see them once a week, you can end up paying hundreds and hundreds of dollars per month.

Not only are e-therapy sessions typically cheaper than face-to-face sessions, but e-counseling is commonly based on a subscription model. This means you pay the same rate regardless of how often you correspond with your therapist.

Price Comparison for Top Teletherapy ProvidersBetterHelp: $65-$90 per week, billed monthlyTalkspace: $69-$109 per week, billed monthlyReGain: $70-$100 per week, billed monthlyBrightside: $299 per monthOnline-Therapy.com: $60-$120 per week

Price Comparison for Top Teletherapy Providers

BetterHelp: $65-$90 per week, billed monthlyTalkspace: $69-$109 per week, billed monthlyReGain: $70-$100 per week, billed monthlyBrightside: $299 per monthOnline-Therapy.com: $60-$120 per week

BetterHelp: $65-$90 per week, billed monthly

Talkspace: $69-$109 per week, billed monthly

ReGain: $70-$100 per week, billed monthly

Brightside: $299 per month

Online-Therapy.com: $60-$120 per week

The 8 Best Online Therapy Services that Accept Insurance, Tried and Tested

Research increasingly suggests that teletherapy can be an effective option, but that doesn’t mean that it’s right for everyone. More serious forms of mental illness, includingsubstance use disordersand psychiatric conditions includingsevere depressionandschizophrenia, typically require more than online treatment can provide alone.

Consider talking to your doctor about whether teletherapy is right for your situation or if you should only use it as a supplement to more traditional treatment options. If you think that teletherapy might be right for you, research some sites and apps that are available to determine which one is best for your needs and budget.

How to Get Started

If you think teletherapy may be the right fit for you, consider the following questions:

The Best Online Therapy ProgramsWe’ve tried, tested and written unbiased reviews of the best online therapy programs including Talkspace, Betterhelp, and Regain.

5 SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Joint Task Force for the Development of Telepsychology Guidelines for Psychologists.Guidelines for the practice of telepsychology.Am Psychol. 2013;68(9):791-800. doi:10.1037/a0035001Gude J, Subhedar RV, Zhang MH, et al.Emerging needs and viability of telepsychiatry during and post COVID-19 era: A literature review.Cureus. 2021;13(8): e16974. doi:10.7759/cureus.16974Gratzer D, Khalid-Khan F.Internet-delivered cognitive behavioural therapy in the treatment of psychiatric illness.CMAJ. 2016;188(4):263-272. doi:10.1503/cmaj.150007Luo C, Sanger N, Singhal N, et al.A comparison of electronically-delivered and face to face cognitive behavioural therapies in depressive disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis.EClinicalMedicine. 2020;24:100442. doi:10.1016/j.eclinm.2020.100442Chakrabarti S.Usefulness of telepsychiatry: A critical evaluation of videoconferencing-based approaches.World J Psychiatry. 2015;5(3):286-304. doi:10.5498/wjp.v5.i3.286Additional ReadingAnthony K, Nagel DM.Therapy online: A practical guide. SAGE Publications.DeAngelis T.Practicing distance therapy, legally and ethically.Monitor on Psychology.2012; 43(3): 52.

5 Sources

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Joint Task Force for the Development of Telepsychology Guidelines for Psychologists.Guidelines for the practice of telepsychology.Am Psychol. 2013;68(9):791-800. doi:10.1037/a0035001Gude J, Subhedar RV, Zhang MH, et al.Emerging needs and viability of telepsychiatry during and post COVID-19 era: A literature review.Cureus. 2021;13(8): e16974. doi:10.7759/cureus.16974Gratzer D, Khalid-Khan F.Internet-delivered cognitive behavioural therapy in the treatment of psychiatric illness.CMAJ. 2016;188(4):263-272. doi:10.1503/cmaj.150007Luo C, Sanger N, Singhal N, et al.A comparison of electronically-delivered and face to face cognitive behavioural therapies in depressive disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis.EClinicalMedicine. 2020;24:100442. doi:10.1016/j.eclinm.2020.100442Chakrabarti S.Usefulness of telepsychiatry: A critical evaluation of videoconferencing-based approaches.World J Psychiatry. 2015;5(3):286-304. doi:10.5498/wjp.v5.i3.286Additional ReadingAnthony K, Nagel DM.Therapy online: A practical guide. SAGE Publications.DeAngelis T.Practicing distance therapy, legally and ethically.Monitor on Psychology.2012; 43(3): 52.

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Joint Task Force for the Development of Telepsychology Guidelines for Psychologists.Guidelines for the practice of telepsychology.Am Psychol. 2013;68(9):791-800. doi:10.1037/a0035001Gude J, Subhedar RV, Zhang MH, et al.Emerging needs and viability of telepsychiatry during and post COVID-19 era: A literature review.Cureus. 2021;13(8): e16974. doi:10.7759/cureus.16974Gratzer D, Khalid-Khan F.Internet-delivered cognitive behavioural therapy in the treatment of psychiatric illness.CMAJ. 2016;188(4):263-272. doi:10.1503/cmaj.150007Luo C, Sanger N, Singhal N, et al.A comparison of electronically-delivered and face to face cognitive behavioural therapies in depressive disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis.EClinicalMedicine. 2020;24:100442. doi:10.1016/j.eclinm.2020.100442Chakrabarti S.Usefulness of telepsychiatry: A critical evaluation of videoconferencing-based approaches.World J Psychiatry. 2015;5(3):286-304. doi:10.5498/wjp.v5.i3.286

Joint Task Force for the Development of Telepsychology Guidelines for Psychologists.Guidelines for the practice of telepsychology.Am Psychol. 2013;68(9):791-800. doi:10.1037/a0035001

Gude J, Subhedar RV, Zhang MH, et al.Emerging needs and viability of telepsychiatry during and post COVID-19 era: A literature review.Cureus. 2021;13(8): e16974. doi:10.7759/cureus.16974

Gratzer D, Khalid-Khan F.Internet-delivered cognitive behavioural therapy in the treatment of psychiatric illness.CMAJ. 2016;188(4):263-272. doi:10.1503/cmaj.150007

Luo C, Sanger N, Singhal N, et al.A comparison of electronically-delivered and face to face cognitive behavioural therapies in depressive disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis.EClinicalMedicine. 2020;24:100442. doi:10.1016/j.eclinm.2020.100442

Chakrabarti S.Usefulness of telepsychiatry: A critical evaluation of videoconferencing-based approaches.World J Psychiatry. 2015;5(3):286-304. doi:10.5498/wjp.v5.i3.286

Anthony K, Nagel DM.Therapy online: A practical guide. SAGE Publications.DeAngelis T.Practicing distance therapy, legally and ethically.Monitor on Psychology.2012; 43(3): 52.

Anthony K, Nagel DM.Therapy online: A practical guide. SAGE Publications.

DeAngelis T.Practicing distance therapy, legally and ethically.Monitor on Psychology.2012; 43(3): 52.

Hannah Owens, LMSW

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