Is Online Therapy Effective? What Research Shows
The Nystrom & Associates providers consulted for this article on online therapy are Dr. Karin Ryan, LP; Brett Cushing, LMFT; and Christa Overson, LMFT, hosts of Everyday Therapy Podcast.
Telehealth, telemedicine, virtual appointments - many people first heard these terms at the start of the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic. The CDC reported that telehealth visits increased from 15.4% of all healthcare encounters in 2019 to 86.5% in 2021. Now, online appointments for doctor's visits, therapy, psychiatry, and more are commonplace.
But how effective is online therapy compared to traditional in-person sessions? In this post, we'll explore the latest research and expert advice on the benefits and drawbacks of online therapy. We'll also cover how to make the most of your virtual appointment with a therapist.
Related: Mental Health Awareness Month: Why Awareness Matters
What is Online Therapy?
Online therapy is any therapy appointment done remotely by video or voice call. Just like an in-person appointment, it will include connecting with a mental health professional for 45 minutes to an hour.
Dr. Karin Ryan, a licensed psychologist, connects with her patients over the video service Zoom. She says it helps her clients who may have difficulties getting into the office for an appointment. “If you have a busy lifestyle or have transportation or mobility difficulties, it can be really helpful to be at home or in a space where you don’t have to travel and connect with your therapist virtually.”
Related: ASMR: The Unexpected Mental Health Benefits
Is Online Therapy Effective?
"The research definitely shows that online therapy is just as effective as in-person therapy," says Brett Cushing, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and co-host of the Everyday Therapy Podcast. A meta-analysis published in American Psychologist found that online therapy was equally as effective for common mental health challenges for teens, and other studies show this is true for adults as well.
However, there are times when your therapist may recommend coming into the office for an appointment. Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Christa Overson says one she does recommends clients to come into the office at times. If they dealing with severe isolation and depression, in-person appointments can be very helpful.
She says that just the act of coming into the office can be a powerful way to reduce depression symptoms. "Just getting up, getting dressed, and being out can help reduce that isolation," she notes. She adds that, "At the end of the day, of course it'll be up to the personalized treatment plan you and your therapist decide on."
Your therapist may recommend in-person therapy for other reasons. If you have a complex mental health diagnoses or if you don't have a private place to do online therapy, in-office may be better for you.
Related: 3 Surprising Signs You May Be Experiencing Depression
How to Make the Most of Your Session
A few practical things you can do to make the most of your online therapy session are to make sure that you have a good internet connection, that you’re in a private place where you won’t be disturbed, and that you’re arriving a few minutes early.
Ultimately, the most important thing, according to Brett Cushing, is the attitude you bring to your appointment. “Treat online therapy very much like you would for in-person therapy,” he says. He advises patients to show up, “with the mentality that says, ‘I am really going to work on some things and I’m going to do the hard work.’”
With this mindset and a steady internet connection in a private space, you’ll be well on your way to getting the most out of your online therapy session.
Starting Online Therapy at Nystrom & Associates
At Nystrom & Associates, we provide comprehensive online mental health services including counseling, psychiatry, and substance use disorder treatment. Our team of licensed professionals offers evidence-based care tailored to your individual needs. With telehealth, we're able to literally meet you where you’re at.
Whether you're experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, or other mental health concerns, support is available. Our caring professionals work with you to develop personalized treatment plans that address your specific situations and goals.
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Try it Out Today
For some, online therapy may be a way to try out therapy without a big time commitment or having to leave home. “Try it out,” Christa says, “If you’re someone who said I’ll never try therapy, maybe this is the way you stick your toe in the water and see what it’s all about.”
Call 1-844-NYSTROM or request an appointment online to get help today!
