Online therapy and telehealth have grown rapidly over the past few years, with over 50% of Americans having attended a virtual medical session. Many wonder whether online therapy is actually effective compared to in-person care. And the research says yes.
Online therapy has successful outcomes for treating several mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, and substance abuse. It offers several benefits to patients, including increased attendance, engagement, and privacy.
Read on to learn more about the effectiveness of online therapy and if it is a good fit for you.
What is Online Therapy?
Online therapy, virtual outpatient treatment, or virtual addiction treatment refers to outpatient therapy sessions conducted online using HIPAA-compliant telehealth platforms, such as video calls, phone sessions, chat, or apps. It mirrors the clinical excellence of in-person therapy, but is adapted for extra convenience and flexibility.
In 2024, nearly 54% of Americans had tried at least one telehealth medical appointment visit, and 37% used the services regularly. These numbers have increased rapidly over the past five years, since the COVID-19 pandemic, when telehealth services became widely available. In 2022, 96% of psychologists in the US offered online therapy, a service that has been adopted by many treatment programs since the COVID-19 pandemic [1][2].
Research on the Effectiveness of Online vs In-Person Therapy
Recent data from the Journal of Research on Social Work Practice shows that online therapy is as effective as in-person therapy for most major mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, and PTSD.
Online therapy for addiction treatment was also found to have similar or sometimes even better outcomes for treatment retention. One study found telehealth can result in 50% retention rates after one year, compared to 36% for in-person care. The flexibility, privacy, and easy access increase patient attendance and engagement [3].
Benefits of Online Therapy for Clients
There are several benefits that online therapy offers to clients, including the ability to access therapy from the comfort of their own home, increased privacy, and reduced stigma. Some patients find it easier to open up with their therapist and build a rapport in a virtual setting as compared to in-person settings.
Flexibility
One of the biggest benefits of virtual therapy is the ability to attend sessions from the comfort of your own home and on your own schedule. As long as you have a stable internet connection and a laptop (or even just a cell phone), you can participate in treatment.
For those with limited access to the internet, several state and federal programs provide subsidized internet services to reduce costs.
- Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)
- Connect Home USA
- Lifeline, Comcast, and other private internet providers offer several discounts and may work with your family’s financial situation
Routine and Privacy
Virtual therapy helps establish routines with flexible scheduling that can be tailored to fit work or school schedules. Patients can book sessions at times that work for them, and research shows online sessions are less likely to be missed. Many telehealth platforms also provide automated reminders for rescheduling and upcoming appointments [4].
You can feel assured your privacy is secure through the use of encrypted platforms and wifi networks. Patients are encouraged to participate in a distraction-free, private space where they have the same confidentiality as in an in-person session.
Increased Family Involvement
Virtual therapy can increase family engagement by making it easier for family members, partners, or loved ones to participate in treatment sessions from their own homes. This reduces barriers such as schedule conflicts, travel, and the stigma of attending in-person sessions. Studies show family involvement in the addiction recovery process can increase treatment retention and lower the risk of relapse.
When In-Person Sessions May Be Preferable
In-person therapy is an ideal option when direct, face-to-face connection and physical presence are essential for safety and success. Here are a few situations where in-person sessions may be the better choice [5]:
- Crisis Situations: For those with severe mental health conditions such as psychotic disorders, suicidal ideation, or high risk of self-harm, in-person care is strongly recommended for monitoring, stabilization, and immediate intervention.
- Focus on Non-Verbal Cues: For those who struggle with communicating or have complex cases of trauma, in-person is a better choice so the therapist can read facial expressions, body language, and physical shifts in emotion.
- Specialized Therapies: EMDR, brainspotting, and movement-based therapies often require the physical presence of the therapist.
- Privacy: For those who do not have a safe, private, and quiet space for online sessions, a therapist’s office can be a neutral ground and a safe environment for clients outside the home.
- Active Addiction: For those in active addiction who require detox or physical stabilization, in-person treatment is often best to begin with.
Online Therapy at Trinity Wellness Group
Our integrative care approach at Trinity Wellness Group equips you with skills for resilience and a supportive community that fosters your emotional well-being, physical and mental health, and spiritual growth. Our team is guided by the principles of integrity and authenticity to provide you with clinically excellent care and the power of lived experience.
Our virtual therapy program allows you to attend treatment sessions from the comfort of your home, increasing attendance, engagement, and improving treatment outcomes. Contact our admissions team to see if virtual therapy is the right fit for your recovery needs.
Sources
[1] Riemann, C. et al. (2022). Comparing efficacy of telehealth to in-person mental health care in intensive-treatment-seeking adults. Journal of psychiatric research, 145, 347–352.
[2] American Psychological Association. 2024. Post-Pandemic Telehealth Practices Among Psychologists. American Telemedicine Association.
[3] Macgowan, M. et al. 2024. Comparative Efficacy of Online vs. Face-to-Face Group Interventions: A Systematic Review. Sage Journals.
[4] Adefisoye, J. (2022). Virtual Behavioral Health Treatment Satisfaction and Outcomes Across Time. Journal of patient-centered research and reviews, 9(3), 158–165.
[5] Deering, M. 2025. Virtual Therapy vs. In-Person Therapy. Psychology.Org.
