What Is Teletherapy?

​

Teletherapy (online therapy) allows you to meet with your therapist through a secure video platform rather than in person. Sessions follow the same professional and confidentiality standards as in-office therapy.

________________________________________

 

Teletherapy May Be a Good Fit If You:

​

• Want the convenience of attending therapy from home

• Have limited time, transportation, or childcare

• Live in a rural area

• Travel frequently (while remaining in your therapist’s licensed state(s))

• Feel more comfortable in your own space

• Have reliable internet and a quiet, private location for sessions

________________________________________

​

Teletherapy May Not Be Ideal If You:

 

• Cannot access a stable internet connection

• Do not have a confidential, uninterrupted space

• Experience frequent technology difficulties

• Are in acute crisis or need intensive, in-person support

• Strongly prefer face-to-face, in-office interaction

• You are on the autism spectrum or have Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) which may make it difficult to focus during an online session; in-person sessions might be more appropriate

________________________________________

​

Questions to Consider

 

• Can I consistently attend sessions from a quiet, private location?

• Am I comfortable using video technology?

• Will being at home help me focus — or distract me?

• Do I feel safe discussing personal concerns in my current environment?

________________________________________

​​

Benefits

​​

• No commute or travel time

• Flexible scheduling

• Access to specialized providers

• Continuity of care during illness or bad weather

• Comfort of familiar surroundings

________________________________________

​

Limitations

​

• Possible technical disruptions

• Fewer nonverbal cues than in-person therapy

• Increased risk of distractions

• Privacy concerns if others are nearby

• Licensing restrictions if you are physically out of state

​

________________________________________

​

Important Safety Notes

​

Teletherapy is not a substitute for emergency care. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency:

​

• Call 911 (or your local emergency number)

• Go to the nearest emergency room

• In the U.S., call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline)

​

Teletherapy sessions CANNOT happen while you are driving.

​​

•If you must attend a teletherapy session from your vehicle, please make sure that you are parked in a safe location before joining the session.

________________________________________

​

You Have Options 

​

If teletherapy does not feel like a good fit, you and your therapist can discuss referrals to in-person care. If you are unsure, you may try teletherapy for a few sessions and reassess with your therapist.