Is telehealth therapy as effective as in person therapy?

Online therapy offers an equally effective option for mental health support as in-person therapy. People seeking therapeutic support for anxiety, depression, and other common mental health needs can use virtual or in-person therapy as support. Many clients say that teletherapy is as effective as face-to-face therapy. In fact, some consider teletherapy to be even more effective than face-to-face therapy because they feel more comfortable talking at home.

With that in mind, teletherapy isn't ideal for all situations. Technology may be an obstacle for some clients, and teletherapy may not be as enjoyable as face-to-face therapy. In many cases, online therapy offers the same quality of care. Several studies have found that teletherapy is as effective as face-to-face sessions in treating a variety of mental health disorders, including anxiety and depression.

Online therapy refers to psychotherapy or counseling services performed over the Internet. Unlike face-to-face therapy, online therapy allows you to connect with a licensed therapist or counselor using any device that has an Internet connection, such as a computer, tablet, or smartphone. People who are unable to leave home for various reasons, such as physical or mental illness, may find online therapy as a useful alternative to traditional face-to-face psychotherapy settings. However, another review of 19 studies found that online CBT was superior to placebo and was on the waiting list, and as effective as face-to-face therapy for the treatment of anxiety.

Whether you have a serious mental health disorder that requires more intensive care or you simply prefer to communicate in person, online therapy isn't always the best option. Some people may feel more comfortable undergoing therapy in a digital environment, especially younger people who are more familiar with these methods of communication, but other therapists and patients alike may take more advantage of therapy that uses more direct human contact. The drawbacks of online therapy include ambient noise (especially since many therapists and clients are currently attending sessions from home), technological problems, and lack of non-verbal communication. In this review of the evidence, the researchers identified 17 randomized control trials that compared therapist-supported cognitive behavioral therapy administered electronically with face-to-face cognitive behavioral therapy.

Hosted by editor-in-chief and therapist Amy Morin, LCSW, this episode of The Verywell Mind Podcast shares the pros and cons of online therapy. Now that inpatient visits are starting to open up again, you may be wondering if telehealth therapy is as effective as face-to-face therapy. CNLD Testing & Therapy is proud to offer in-person therapy and teletherapy programs to clients from all walks of life.