Therapy & treatment
Online Therapy
Online therapy lets you meet with a licensed therapist by video, phone or messaging. Learn how it works, who it suits, what the research says and what to check before signing up.
What is online therapy?
Online therapy — also called teletherapy or virtual therapy — is psychotherapy delivered remotely. You connect with a licensed mental health professional through:
- Video sessions, which are closest to in-person therapy
- Phone sessions
- Live chat
- Asynchronous messaging, where you and your therapist exchange messages over time
Some people see a local therapist who offers video sessions; others use dedicated online therapy platforms that match clients with therapists.
Does online therapy work?
Research on video-based therapy for common mental health conditions is generally encouraging, with many studies finding outcomes similar to in-person care for conditions such as depression and anxiety. Evidence varies by format — messaging-only therapy has been studied less than video therapy — and by condition.
Benefits
- Access: helpful if you live far from providers or have mobility, transport or scheduling barriers.
- Choice: a wider pool of therapists, including specialists.
- Comfort: some people find it easier to open up from home.
- Flexibility: evening, weekend or messaging options may be available.
Limitations
- Not appropriate for emergencies or crises. If you are in danger, call your local emergency number or see Get Help Now.
- May not suit people with severe symptoms who need closer monitoring or more intensive care.
- Requires a private space and a reliable internet connection.
- Therapists must usually be licensed in the state or country where you are located.
What to check before you sign up
- Licensing: is your therapist licensed where you live? Can you verify their credentials?
- Privacy: how is your data stored and shared? Is the platform used for advertising?
- Cost and billing: what is the total monthly cost, and how easy is it to cancel?
- Insurance: is the service in-network, or can you get a superbill for reimbursement?
- Fit: can you choose or switch therapists easily?
- Crisis policy: what happens if you need urgent help?
See our comparison of online therapy services and our guide to online therapy without insurance.
Related therapy approaches
Find care
Find the right support
Compare types of care — from online therapy to psychiatry — and learn what to consider before choosing a provider.
Explore care optionsWhen to seek professional help
Consider talking with a doctor or licensed mental health professional if symptomslast for more than two weeks, keep coming back, or make it harder to manage work, school, relationships or daily tasks. You don’t need to wait until things feel severe — getting support early often makes things easier.
If you’re thinking about harming yourself or are in immediate danger, call your local emergency number. In the US, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline).Crisis resources in other countries.
Explore care optionsFrequently asked questions
Is online therapy as effective as in-person therapy?
Can an online therapist prescribe medication?
Does insurance cover online therapy?
References
We rely on government health agencies, professional medical organizations, peer-reviewed research and academic institutions. Read our sourcing standards.
About this article
Written by
ExploreMentalHealth Editorial Team
Our editors research and write every article using government health agencies, professional medical organizations and peer-reviewed research, following our published editorial standards.
- First published
- September 7, 2026
- Last updated
- September 22, 2026
- Last medically reviewed
- Review pending