Do you want to receive mental health treatment that’s more flexible, convenient, and cost-effective? Or are you a practitioner looking to grow your practice, cut your wait times, and reach more patients with technology?
Teletherapy, or telepsychology, is a growing field of psychological services that allows patients and practitioners to interact in real-time, without the need to meet in person. Read on to learn about the research on teletherapy, learn about its benefits and drawbacks, and discover whether it’s right for you.
What is Teletherapy?
Teletherapy is quite simply: [1]
The provision of psychological services using telecommunication technologies.
Essentially, it is an alternative way for practitioners to deliver (and patients to receive) the same counseling or mental health services as one would expect from professional face-to-face treatment.
The same high service quality and ethical considerations apply to both – in other words, practitioners are bound by privacy laws such as HIPAA to protect patients’ confidentiality. Despite there being no nationwide legal framework for the regulation of these practices as yet, many states have introduced their own laws to ensure their enforcement.
Let’s compare the two side-by-side for a few examples of their similarities and differences:
Aspect | Face-to-Face Therapy | Teletherapy |
---|---|---|
Interaction | In-person treatment | Live video, Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP), e.g. Skype, Zoom, FaceTime |
Flexibility | Depends on therapist and client arrangements | Involves no travel, typically flexible timing |
Timing | Synchronous, live interactions | Can be synchronous (e.g. video conferencing, live chat), or asynchronous (e.g. email-based e-therapy) |
Cost | Depending on provider Can average between $150 – $300 per 45 min/1 hour session | Depending on provider/therapist Can range from free (peer-counseling) to $300+ monthly for more comprehensive treatment |
Insurance/State Coverage | More frequently included in coverage plans | Less widely covered by providers, between states |
Applications
Teletherapy can be thought of as a key approach within the much larger blended care family, which covers a range of telepsychiatry, telehealth, and telepsychology treatments.
In this respect, many validated, established treatments such as Internet-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (iCBT), psychoeducational therapies, and behavioral therapies can be implemented over video conferencing tech in a similarly structured way, minus the personal interface. Already, teletherapy is being widely used by practitioners to help patients with [2]:
- Anxiety disorders
- Depression
- Speech-language challenges
- PTSD
- Smoking cessation
- Physical Therapy
- Occupational Therapy
- Body image issues, and more.
As increasingly more research emerges on its practice, growing evidence suggests teletherapy can be an acceptable – even an equally effective, more engaging alternative – to in-person sessions [3].
Let’s have a look.
Is It Effective?
In general, teletherapy seems to hold some significant promise for the treatment of specific illnesses, as well as being a source of social support for those who seek out peer-counseling platforms.
Here, a few more studies and meta-analytic data suggest that professional, therapist-guided teletherapy may be an effective way to treat depression, anxiety, and stress, among other conditions.[4][5].
Depression
Participants who undertook teletherapy showed large, significant decreases in depressive symptoms in comparison to control group (wait-listed) individuals.[6]
Further, comparing traditional-only therapy patients with a group who received teletherapy (iCBT) and traditional treatment, studies found greater improvement in the latter group several months later[7].
Anxiety
Paxling et al.[8] studied wait-listed (control group) participants with those undergoing an 8-week, therapist-guided iCBT. The teletherapy group patients showed significant notable improvements in anxiety symptoms such as persistent worry and irritability compared to the control group.
Stress
Looking at PTSD and other stress effects in a meta-analytic review, Barak et al.[2] found various forms of teletherapy can be particularly effective for treating stress-effects, concluding that it can be as effective, on average, as in-person interventions.
Many professionals are quick to advise against the use of teletherapy as a treatment for severe psychiatric or mental illnesses – as more serious issues, these almost always warrant a direct and close level of supervision that virtual care cannot provide[9]. However, telepsychiatry can and is an effective means of treating certain conditions.
Teletherapy seems to hold some significant promise for the treatment of specific illnesses
Benefits of Teletherapy
In today’s world, where VOIP and video protocols are almost ubiquitous, teletherapy opens up a whole host of new blended care possibilities for conventional treatments such as CBT, Applied Behavior Analysis, ACT, and more. And this field of real-time, licensed treatment options brings with it an array of distinct benefits for both therapists and patients.
Let’s take a look.
Patient Benefits | Practitioner Benefits |
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Disadvantages of Teletherapy
Teletherapy has plenty of potential for practitioners looking to grow their practice, as well as for potential patients who are restricted from conventional treatment due to financial, medical, or other concerns. As with any treatment option, however, teletherapy has limitations to note if you’re trying to decide whether it’s right for you.
Limitations For Patients | Limitations For Practitioners |
---|---|
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Is Telepsychology Right For Me?
As a patient, you don’t need to be all-in or out – teletherapy can easily form one part of a broader blended care program. If your current therapist is located a while away, or if you’ve got a busy schedule, it can be a good way to continue your treatment between in-person sessions.
Additionally, with the huge range of different teletherapy options – from videoconferencing to email, VOIP, and even avatar therapy – there’s a good chance you’ll find something appropriate and effective for your specific needs.
Essentially, the most important considerations you’ll need to make come down to a few things:
- Cost – Does your insurance cover teletherapy? Are you prepared to pay out of pocket expenses if state funding is insufficient or non-existent?
- Effectiveness – Is there research supporting its efficacy for your particular issue? Do you feel like you might benefit from a therapeutic relationship via instant chat, videoconferencing, or phone calls?
- Convenience – Are you willing to hold yourself accountable for doing any exercises assigned, or turning up to scheduled virtual sessions? Is teletherapy available from a licensed practitioner in your state or area? Do you have the technology and digital proficiency to benefit from a teletherapy platform? If you’re unsure right now, don’t worry. Many teletherapy providers give a detailed overview of their services, and even free trials.
Let’s consider a few examples below of the best-known and most popular teletherapy platforms for patients and practitioners.
9 Teletherapy Platforms For Patients
As we’ve seen, teletherapy platforms can be a quick, easy, and cost-effective way to get support if you’re looking for it. Many of the following platforms will connect you with licensed therapists, while some use peer-counseling models.
The latter may not be appropriate for certain mental health issues, though they may be a valuable source of social support. As the name suggests, peer-counseling platforms are more comparable to groups in which members can communicate, share experiences, and offer advice, but do not necessarily have any mental health licensing or expertise. Peers in such groups may not be trained in delivering therapies and, as such, the model is often considered a complement rather than an alternative to psychotherapy.
App | Details |
---|---|
![]() | MDLive is a telehealth service provider that also focuses on mental health and counseling. They work with licensed therapists to help users who experience a variety of issues, from anxiety to depression, bipolar disorders, grief counseling, trauma, stress, or even PTSD. After you sign up for their services, you can choose the specialist you wish to see and contact them directly or schedule an appointment if an instant meeting isn’t available. MDLive Therapists may be licensed to issue prescriptions, and some insurance plans will cover these services. |
Name | MDLive |
Price | $99 Weekly |
Good For | Phone, Video |
Website | https://www.mdlive.com/ |
App | Details |
---|---|
![]() | BetterHelp is exclusively designed for therapy and other psychiatric services. After sign-up, you will be matched with an available counselor who fits your health objective requirements, so you can begin the session right away. However, if you feel the counselor is not a good match for you, you also can request a different therapist to work with. All their therapists are credentialed, licensed, and vetted by the platform before allowing them to counsel through BetterHelp. You can opt to remain anonymous while receiving treatment. |
Name | BetterHelp |
Price | $40 – $70 weekly |
Good For | Text Messaging, Chat, Phone, Video Therapy, Counseling |
Website | https://www.betterhelp.com/ |
App | Details |
---|---|
![]() | 7 Cups of Tea is a peer-support, chat-based platform that connects you with “active listeners” when you need it most. It may be very beneficial for those looking to speak to someone, but who are reluctant to talk to a friend or family member. It’s anonymous, users can discuss any topic of their choosing, and available active listeners are trained in offering support. It’s possible to pay to speak to a licensed therapist or counselor, but they are not able to provide users with medical advice. All user-listener connections are on-demand, so using 7 Cups recurrently means it’s possible to talk to different Active Listeners every time. As noted, the peer-counseling model on which it’s based may not be appropriate for those struggling with severe mental or emotional conditions. |
Name | 7 Cups of Tea |
Price | Free 24/7 Listener Chat – $150 Monthly for Counseling |
Good For | Peer/Social Support, Instant Messaging, Chat Rooms, Forums |
Website | https://www.7cups.com/ |
App | Details |
---|---|
![]() | Larkr is a service that closely resembles traditional face-to-face therapy models, as users connect with therapists through video. Their algorithm analyzes your profile and matches you with a licensed therapist in their database, although you can request a new therapist if you wish. The Larkr app also offers an integrated mood tracker and activity calendar that can be a useful way to monitor your emotional health or follow a therapeutic plan created for you by your practitioner. |
Name | Larkr |
Price | $85 (50 min Therapy Session) |
Good For | Video Chat, Professional Therapy |
Website | https://larkr.com/ |
App | Details |
---|---|
![]() | There are over 3000 therapists on TalkSpace – all licensed and vetted with rigorous background checks. On filling out a sign-up questionnaire, users are matched algorithmically with a practitioner that best suits their requirements. You can work with the same professional for the duration of your treatment by default or request to swap therapists. Your therapist will respond 5 days a week, and it’s possible to choose a more comprehensive plan for up to 4 30-minute live sessions per month. While arguably one of the best-known teletherapy platforms, it’s not covered by insurance. |
Name | TalkSpace |
Price | $260 – $396 Monthly |
Good For | Text, Audio, Video Messaging, Counseling |
Website | https://www.talkspace.com/ |
App | Details |
---|---|
![]() | With the Amwell app, it’s possible to reach therapists and medical professionals 24/7. After signing up, you’ll indicate what service you’re looking for, then you’ll be invited to schedule a therapist consultation. Browse the full bios of each licensed professional before you choose one, including their credentials and photos, and choose a practitioner with the specialty and expertise you’re after. Some insurers and employers will cover Amwell consultations, while therapists provide counseling and care for a range of issues. Examples include panic attacks, depression, stress management, insomnia, life transitions, and OCD. |
Name | Amwell |
Price | $59 – $99 per consultation, depending on practitioner. |
Good For | Video Calls, Phone, Therapy, Psychiatry, Medical Conditions |
Website | https://business.amwell.com/ |
App | Details |
---|---|
![]() | With Joyable, which is designed for employers, users fill out a brief 60-second introductory quiz to unlock digital therapy designed by a trained coach. You’ll get daily activities and science-based CBT solutions for common issues such as stress, depression, and anxiety, however, Joyable coaches are not licensed doctors or therapists. You can choose to have an introductory call with your coach, establish personalized goals, and contact them an unlimited amount via email or text message. It’s also possible to schedule check-in phone calls during your customized program if you wish. |
Name | Joyable |
Price | $99 Monthly |
Good For | Text Messaging, Phone, Email, Coaching, CBT |
Website | https://joyable.com/ |
App | Details |
---|---|
![]() | Regain Counselors are all certified, licensed psychologists, professional counselors, marriage and family therapists, or clinical social workers with the 2000 hours of experience required for accreditation. Two users share one account on the platform and interact with the counselor together (you need to be in the same place for live video), although it’s also possible to schedule an individual chat with your therapist. You’re connected algorithmically with your therapist based on the information you provide, and you’re free to discuss anything that falls under the relationship counseling umbrella. Examples include conflict, communication, infidelity, intimacy, and more. It’s possible to leave text messages for your therapist at any time if you prefer asynchronous communications. |
Name | ReGain |
Price | $40 – $70 Weekly, Billed Monthly |
Good For | Messaging, Video Chat, Live Chat, Couples Counseling |
Website | https://www.regain.us/ |
App | Details |
---|---|
![]() | iCounseling offers unlimited video conferencing therapy with an accredited, licensed counselor. It’s billed at a flat rate, though its services are not covered by most public or private insurance providers. HIPAA-compliant, secure, private, and anonymous, national and state laws protect everything that you share with your practitioner. iCounselors all have a minimum of 2000 hours of practical experience and operate independently through the platform, meaning you will work with them directly. You’re able to set appointments whenever it’s convenient, and you’re matched within 24 hours or fewer. You can choose to discuss a whole range of common topics with your professional, including anxiety, depression, addictions, trauma, conflicts, and self-esteem. |
Name | iCounseling |
Price | $40 – $70 Weekly, Billed Monthly |
Good For | Live Chat Messages, Video Calls, Phone, Counseling |
Website | https://www.icounseling.com/ |
6 Teletherapy Platforms for Practitioners
Many, if not all of the above platforms provide the HIPAA-compliant tech that practitioners need to start using teletherapy with clients. They’re also a good way to broaden your reach and help more people thanks to their established reputations. But what if you want to help your existing clients, or prefer to work independently?
If that’s the case, you’ll be looking for a multi-functional service that ticks more than one box. Here are a few examples:
App | Details |
---|---|
![]() | Doxy.me supports Low- (LD), Standard- (SD), and High-Definition (HD) video calls, as well as audio. HIPPA-compliant and available in free or paid versions, it’s simple for patients to use with no need for any special downloads. Usable with iOS and Android, you’ll also find it comes with Waiting room and Patient queue features plus somewhere to view your Meeting history. |
Name | Doxy.me |
Price | Free – $50 (Monthly) |
Good For | Videoconferencing, Text Chats, Audio |
Website | https://doxy.me/ |
App | Details |
---|---|
![]() | eVisit is a video chat platform not unlike Skype, which includes a host of features that make it easy to work with clients. Using your tablet or smartphone camera, you can have live meetings with clients and bill them afterward – you can also view relevant background information they’ve provided, their insurance, and their electronic medical records. It’s HIPAA-compliant and patients have access to their own portal so they can schedule appointments and register. |
Name | eVisit |
Price | $600 (Monthly) |
Good For | Videoconferencing, Text Chats, Audio |
Website | https://evisit.com/ |
App | Details |
---|---|
![]() | Quenza is especially-designed for teletherapy and mental health coaching, with quick and simple tools for designing activities and interventions. Assessments, meditations, exercises, and learning content can all be professionally created and branded, then uploaded to a patient portal for digitally sharing with clients through the web or mobile-based apps. A library of science-based assessments and resources helps speed up treatment planning, while custom form creators help you create therapy progress notes, intake forms, informed consent documents, SOAP notes, BIRP notes, and more. Multimedia support makes video coaching and video therapy easy, while automation tools allow teletherapists to schedule and deliver entire programs or care pathways in a pre-determined sequence. As well as goal-setting and treatment tools, Quenza enables progress monitoring through reports, allowing you to make tweaks and amendments to boost engagement. HIPAA-compliant for telepsychiatrists, e-counselors, and psychotherapists, Quenza can be trialed for $1/month. |
Name | Quenza |
Price | $1+ monthly |
Good For | Video Coaching, Instant Messaging |
Website | https://quenza.com/ |
App | Details |
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![]() | With Clocktree, teletherapists can have a certain number of HD video hours per month with an unlimited number of clients, and it features secure HIPPA-compliant messaging and storage. Keep your client notes in a dedicated space, use the scheduling feature to organize appointments, and get reminders for key events on any computer. There’s no cap on the number of providers you can have on your therapist account, and you can share documents, images, and more. |
Name | Clocktree |
Price | $29 – $89 Monthly |
Good For | Video, Audio |
Website | https://www.clocktree.com/ |
App | Details |
---|---|
![]() | Teletherapists can use VSee to connect with clients through messages and video. Setup involves only an email and login, then you can invite clients with links and view them in a contact book. HIPAA-compliant, the platform allows file sharing, screen sharing, annotation, and more to help you communicate. Compatible with Mac, iOS, Windows, and Android, it’s fairly easy to use. |
Name | VSee |
Price | Free – $49 Monthly. Includes enterprise plans at quoted prices. |
Good For | Instant Messaging, Video |
Website | https://vsee.com/ |
App | Details |
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![]() | Telemental health platform WeCounsel provides video and text-based communication functions that therapists can use to hold sessions, as well as document sharing, scheduling, billing, and assessment capabilities. It’s designed to be a scalable solution for private practitioners and includes eSign functionality for official documentation. |
Name | WeCounsel |
Price | Free – $99 Monthly |
Good For | Instant Messaging, Video |
Website | https://www.wecounsel.com/ |
Final Thoughts
Teletherapy is continuing to remove mental healthcare barriers such as distance, expense, and stigma for increasingly more people every day. As technology advances and more platforms become available to practitioners, we can expect this positive trend to continue.
Whether teletherapy is right for you is very much a matter of what you’re looking to achieve by seeking virtual treatment. For more serious issues such as mental health, psychiatric conditions, or similar, it’s always best to seek direct and close help from a licensed professional rather than looking online as the first port of call.
However, if you’re hoping for a convenient complement to an existing treatment or help for more common issues such as depression, anxiety, and stress, teletherapy as a field holds some serious promise.
Let us know your experiences as a practitioner or as a patient – have you tried counseling others, or receiving treatment using teletherapy? How did you find it?
We hope you enjoyed this article. To take your practice online, get started with your $1 Quenza trial, for a month of unlimited access to all its teletherapy features. Designed especially for online therapists and coaches, our tool has everything you need to create custom activities and automated care pathways, so you can engage patients more effectively for the best possible results.
References
- ^ APA. (2020). Guidelines for the Practice of Telepsychology. Retrieved from https://www.apa.org/practice/guidelines/telepsychology
- ^ Barak, A., Hen, L., Boniel-Nissim, M., & Shapira, N. A. (2008). A comprehensive review and a meta-analysis of the effectiveness of internet-based psychotherapeutic interventions. Journal of Technology in Human Services, 26(2-4), 109.
- ^ Novotney, A. (2017). A growing wave of online therapy. Monitor on Psychology, 48(2), 48.
- ^ Barak, A., Hen, L., Boniel-Nissim, M., & Shapira, N. A. (2008). A comprehensive review and a meta-analysis of the effectiveness of internet-based psychotherapeutic interventions. Journal of Technology in Human Services, 26(2-4), 109.
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- ^ Paxling, B., Almlöv, J., Dahlin, M., Carlbring, P., Breitholtz, E., Eriksson, T., & Andersson, G. (2011). Guided internet-delivered cognitive behavior therapy for generalized anxiety disorder: a randomized controlled trial. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, 40(3), 159.
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