These days, there’s not much people can’t do online. You can order everything from groceries to ball gowns. Take a statistics class for college credit or connect with friends and family around the world in real time. Millions of people log in and work remotely, and, according to a 2023 study by the Pew Research Center, 1 in 10 adults in the U.S. who are in a committed relationship — 1 in 5 under 30 — met online.  

Psychotherapy, too, has moved into the virtual realm with platforms like BetterHelp, Brightside, and Talkspace serving up new ways to get help with mental health concerns. In fact, a recent study found that more than half of all counseling sessions take place over the phone or online.  

A Wrecking Ball to Barriers  

It makes sense. In the past, traditional, in-person therapy was never a possibility for many people. For some, it was a matter of scheduling: In-person therapists tend to keep regular business hours, and many people couldn’t find the time to slip away from their jobs to attend sessions. Others couldn’t afford child or elder care during sessions. Some people are dealing with physical or mental health limitations that keep them homebound (for people struggling with depression or social anxiety issues, venturing out into the world to a new therapist’s office can be an incredibly daunting prospect).  

For others, the issue was simply that there weren’t any available counselors within a reasonable distance. Many people, especially those in rural areas, live in “therapy deserts,” where the list of therapy seekers far exceeds the number of local mental health professionals. Case in point: A recent survey from Verywell Mind found almost 30% of would-be clients encountered difficulty finding a practitioner who was taking new patients in their area.  

Online platforms have all but eliminated those barriers for anyone with a smartphone and a decent internet connection.  

Gone are the stressors of fighting rush hour traffic or public transit manspreaders en route to a therapist’s office. No more searching for a parking spot and reading a year-old magazine in an uncomfortable waiting room chair.  

Online therapy clients simply find a comfy spot from their home, office, or wherever they have internet access and log on.  

What’s more, many of the therapists on online platforms offer more flexible hours for live sessions, including evening and weekend time slots — therapists are people, too, and not having to schlep to an office saves them time and headaches, just like it does their clients.  

These online platforms provide a literal oasis for those in therapy deserts. Because counselors are generally licensed to practice by the state, clients are no longer limited to practitioners within commutable distance. A farmer 30 miles east of Nowhere, Ohio, can connect with a therapist in Cincinnati. And those with jet-setting lifestyles that require frequent travel can still attend their sessions from their hotel room or even their tent (as long as they’ve got bars). No more scrambling to reschedule an appointment or paying a cancellation fee.  

The fact that online therapy is often done completely virtually also offers discretion for those who might not want family or friends to know they’re in treatment for whatever reason.  

Another major barrier for many otherwise would-be therapy goers has historically been the cost. Traditional psychotherapy doesn’t come cheap: Sessions with licensed professionals typically cost between $100 and $250 per 45-minute appointment, sometimes more depending on the provider’s credentials. And many health insurance plans are notoriously “meh” when it comes to mental health. If services are covered at all, it’s usually a limited number of sessions — sometimes as few as 10 per calendar year — and often only a portion of the cost is paid. And, of course, that’s only for in-network providers; many are booked up indefinitely.  

Some online therapy platforms like Talkiatry, Monument Health, and Brightside do accept some insurance plans. But because online therapists don’t have many of the typical overhead costs of traditional in-person therapists, even without insurance many online therapy plans can end up being cheaper anyway. At BetterHelp, for instance, plans range from $65 to $100 per week, and discount codes and financial assistance can shave costs even more. Plus, most online platforms will accept health savings account cards as a payment method. 

But Does Online Therapy Really Work? 

Yes, online therapy appears to be pretty darn effective and has been endorsed by the American Psychological Association. Though not ideal for every situation, research shows that, in many cases, online therapy’s efficacy matches that of in-person counseling.  

One recent review found online cognitive behavioral therapy for panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder was just as effective as in-person sessions. Another analysis of more than 60 studies concluded that “seeing a therapist virtually is just as effective as face-to-face sessions for most people with anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder.”  

Researchers in another study found that 95% of participants with bipolar disorder reported an increased quality of life after using online therapy. And in yet another survey, researchers found that participants in couples counseling actually preferred online therapy via videoconferencing to in-person sessions.  

What’s more, many online therapy platforms include additional features that clients appreciate. For instance, some online therapy platforms, including BetterHelp and Brightside, allow clients to send messages to their therapists at any time between live sessions, and the therapist will respond.  

Several platforms offer group sessions, where clients can join in discussions with others dealing with similar mental health concerns like bereavement or addiction, and some sites provide clients access to online journals or additional worksheets.  

Perhaps what makes online therapy most effective is simply that the convenience and ease of use mean that people who might not otherwise pursue traditional therapy are actually using it. 

So, if you’re already swiping right to find the love of your life, maybe it’s time to give online therapy a try. 

*This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, nor does it replace professional medical expertise or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about your health, always consult with a physician or other healthcare professional.