What Is Teletherapy?

Teletherapy, also known as online therapy, e-therapy, e-counseling, or cyber-counseling, involves providing mental health services and support over the internet. Services can be offered through email, text messaging, video conferencing, online chat, messaging, or internet phone.

Teletherapy can occur in real-time, such as in phone conversations and text messaging, or in a time-delayed format, such as through email messages. Though this type of therapy has limitations, it is quickly becoming an important resource for a growing number of people.

Techniques

The primary tools for communicating in teletherapy include:

• Email
• Mobile device apps
• Real-time instant messaging
• Telephone
• Text-based chats
• Video conferencing

Such services may be accessed via a desktop computer or laptop, but mobile apps are also becoming an increasingly popular option.

Online Therapists

Just as therapists and counselors in the "real-world" can have a range of qualifications and licenses, online therapists can also differ considerably in their training and credentials. Though some websites promise a quick and easy path to becoming an online therapist, becoming an online therapist takes the same education and training as becoming a traditional in-person therapist.

However, the actual practice of teletherapy is very difficult to regulate since therapists can operate from anywhere in the world making it tough to enforce state laws regulating education, training, and scope of practice.

What Teletherapy Can Help With

Some of the conditions that can be effectively treated with teletherapy include:

• Addiction
• Anger management
• Anxiety disorders
• Bipolar disorder
• Depression
• Eating disorders
• Interpersonal relationship conflicts

Though e-therapy can be useful for a variety of conditions and complex situations, it's not the best option if you have a condition that requires close or direct treatment or in-person intervention.

Benefits of Teletherapy

Below are just a few reasons why teletherapy has become a first choice for so many:

• Accessibility: There can be many physical barriers to getting to therapy. For example, maybe you live in a remote area. Or you don't have access to adequate transportation, meaning you have to rely on friends and family to get around. Thanks to technology, you can benefit from therapy regardless of mobility issues.
• Affordability: Teletherapy eliminates much of the overhead costs associated with a brick-and-mortar location, which allows therapists to offer more affordable treatment options. And don't forget, there is no cost associated with "traveling" to an teletherapy session.
• Convenience: E-therapy makes it possible for you to schedule sessions that fit your life. You can schedule them around your work schedule and family obligations.
• Privacy: Worried about bumping into your co-worker at a therapist's office? With teletherapy, you can enjoy complete privacy. You can schedule your sessions for when you're home alone.

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Does Teletherapy Work?

Research suggests that e-therapy is just as effective as traditional face-to-face therapy. In one study, researchers found that when combined with clinical care, online cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can effectively treat depression, anxiety, and illness-related emotional distress.

According to some, e-counseling may even be more effective than in-person therapy. A review of 17 studies found that online CBT was more effective than face-to-face CBT at reducing the severity of depression symptoms.

While teletherapy presents some challenges, it has received support from many patients who have utilized online mental health treatments. In a review of studies published in the journal World Journal of Psychiatry, patients receiving mental health treatment through video conferencing reported "high levels of satisfaction."

How Much Does Teletherapy Cost?

Teletherapy is generally considered more affordable than traditional in-person therapy. Most in-person therapists charge between $75 and $150 per session. Since most therapists recommend you see them once a week, you can end up paying $300 to $600 per month.

Not only are e-therapy sessions typically cheaper than face-to-face sessions, but e-counseling is commonly based on a subscription model. This means you pay the same rate regardless of how often you correspond with your therapist.

Things to Consider

Research increasingly suggests that teletherapy can be an effective option, but that doesn't mean that it's right for everyone. More serious forms of mental illness, including substance use disorders and psychiatric conditions including severe depression and schizophrenia, typically require more than online treatment can provide alone. 

Consider talking to your doctor about whether e-therapy is right for your situation or if you should only use it as a supplement to more traditional treatment options. If you think that e-counseling might be right for you, research some sites and apps that are available to determine which one is right for your needs and budget.

How to Get Started

If you think teletherapy may be the right fit for you, consider the following questions:

• Do you want a subscription service that allows unlimited messaging or would you rather schedule and pay for therapy sessions as you need them?
• Does your online platform of choice accept your health insurance?
• Can you choose your own therapist or is a therapist selected for you?
• How would you like to communicate with your therapist: instant messaging, live video appointments, or phone calls?