The Pros and Cons of Online Therapy: What You Need to Know

Online therapy, also known as virtual therapy, teletherapy, or telehealth, is a format of receiving mental health services through telephone or video call. Even though many professionals and clients have had to adjust from in-person to online therapy during COVID-19, this type of format has been around for much longer than you might think (Moudatsou et al., 2024). Telephone therapy has been around since the 1960s, and online therapy has increased in popularity in the 1990s, notably with the rise of the internet (Mozer et al., 2008).

Today, people from all across the world can log on to securitized platforms and receive specialized treatment from licensed therapists from the comfort of their own homes, but what are the benefits and risks of doing therapy online? How do you know if it’s the right platform for you? Here are some pros and cons of online therapy to help you make an informed decision.

The Pros

Flexibility

Online therapy broadens your scope of professionals who are accessible to you. Whether it is from a general limitation of therapists in your area or the challenge of finding one that is specialized in what you need, choosing online therapy allows you to connect with a therapist who can support you in your therapeutic goals. Having a therapist who makes you feel safe and comfortable is fundamental in your therapeutic progress (Opland & Torrico, 2024). Receiving online therapy can assist you in finding a therapist who feels right, where you can be yourself fully.

Accessibility

Continued treatment can be offered amidst life’s unpredictable circumstances (Moudatsou et al., 2024). Whether you are moving, adopting a new schedule following a career change, or have physical disabilities or mobility challenges, therapy can be a stable rock on which you can rely.

Convinience

This format can allow you to receive services without encountering challenges such as travel distance and time constraints (Moudastou et al., 2024). This can be great for those who have limited time in the day to get to appointments or live far from their therapy clinic.

Comfort and Privacy

Engaging in a therapeutic process can be nerve-wracking. For some, holding sessions in their own home can bring a sense of comfort and, in turn, allow emotions to surface and discussion to deepen. This can be achieved by removing certain stressful barriers and adding soothing elements that make this experience more comfortable. Online therapy can help maintain confidentiality by limiting the risk of running into someone you know at the therapist’s clinic (Wesołowski et al., 2023).

The Cons

Nonverbal Communication

As one may expect, nonverbal communication can be limited in online therapy (Cherry, 2024). Body language, facial expressions, and vocal tones can be harder to capture through a screen or telephone, and these cues can give interesting insight into your thoughts and feelings.

Technical Challenges

Although online therapy can be a great option to avoid traffic, technical challenges can be an issue (Chen & Gombay, 2024). From an overheating device to a power outage, or even a spotty internet connection, it is important to consider that such issues may lead to quick adaptations during sessions. Holding online sessions requires a stable internet connection and a device with a camera or a telephone.

Privacy

For some, it can be challenging to find a space in the home to have a therapy session (National Institute of Health, 2025). It is important for you to be fully available during therapy, and hearing friends and family in the other room that could overhear the discussion or having a session in your office with potential disruptions from your colleagues can hinder your ability to be mentally present (Moudatsou et al., 2024). Seeing your therapist in person can help you focus on yourself if distractions are an issue.

Concerns

Some therapeutic concerns may be more adapted to in-person therapy, such as severe substance use, acute psychosis, and suicidal ideation (Cherry, 2024). Since the therapist is not physically present with you during the session, it may be challenging to provide appropriate assistance should you require it.

Online Therapy versus In-Person: What to Decide?

For some, online therapy will be the best option, and for others, in-person therapy will be optimal. A blend of both can also be beneficial (Cherry, 2024). Ultimately, deciding between online and in-person therapy is your choice and depends on your preferences and needs. If you are still hesitant about which option is best for your situation, here are a few pointers that will help you narrow it down:

• Where do you live? If you live in a rural area with limited access to therapy or if you require specialized treatment, online therapy can be an interesting option.
• What are your concerns? If you struggle with severe mental health challenges or are in an acute crisis, in-person support may be best for you by providing you with the proper level of care.
• What does your schedule look like? If you’re a busy bee who is always on the go or if you have limited time in your day, online therapy can be a great option. It offers flexibility, and you can connect to your session with a simple click of a button without having to worry about traffic, parking, and more.
• What does your home environment look like? If your home is busy and you don’t have access to a confidential space, having in-person sessions can offer you a safe space so you can really focus on yourself without distractions.

Online therapy has allowed many to receive mental health services that were not always accessible. Whether you decide to have your sessions online or in person, finding a therapist who makes you feel comfortable, safe and heard is vital for your therapeutic progress. Luckily, online therapy has made this more easily accessible than ever before.

At Vital Minds Psychotherapy, we offer tailored services in-person, online and telephone consultations. Feel free to book a FREE virtual or telephone consultation with one of our licensed therapists. We look forward to connecting with you in the format that best suits your needs!