Why You Should Use Telehealth Therapy
Many people are now turning to telehealth as a way to better manage their mental health and behavioral healthcare needs. Telehealth has many benefits over traditional in-person therapy sessions.
What is Telehealth Therapy?
Telehealth therapy, also called online therapy or virtual therapy, means you meet with a licensed therapist using technology instead of going to an office. Most people picture a video session, but telehealth can also include phone sessions, and sometimes secure messaging for quick coordination between sessions.
Telehealth therapy isn’t a different kind of therapy. The work is the same. You still talk through patterns, practice skills, and build a plan for anxiety, stress, relationships, or whatever brought you in. The difference is the setting. You meet from home or another private place, and your therapist meets from their workspace.
Telehealth has been around for years, but a lot of people tried it for the first time around 2020, and many stuck with it because it removed friction. No commute. No waiting room. Less time lost in the middle of your day. For plenty of people, that alone makes therapy easier to start and easier to keep going.
What a telehealth therapy session looks like
A telehealth session usually looks like this:
You schedule a time like you would for an in-person session.
You get a link to a secure video platform, or you agree to meet by phone.
You join at your appointment time, and you do therapy the same way you would in an office.
A first session still covers the basics: what’s been going on, how anxiety shows up in your day-to-day life, what you’ve tried, what support you want, and what goals feel realistic. You’ll also talk through a few telehealth-specific details so sessions feel smooth, like where you’ll sit, how you’ll protect your privacy, and what to do if the call drops.
One practical note: telehealth rules often depend on where you physically are during the session. Many therapists are only allowed to provide therapy when you’re located in certain states. So even though you’re meeting online, location still matters.
The Benefits of Telehealth Therapy
Telehealth therapy is an excellent choice for anyone who wants to access mental health care from home. As opposed to traditional therapy, which requires you to make regular visits to a therapist’s office, telehealth therapy allows you to connect with your therapist via phone or video conference—from wherever you are in the world!
Telehealth also provides great flexibility - With telehealth therapy services, you can still meet with your therapist at any time of day or night and schedule appointments around your busy schedule.
It's convenient. Telehealth therapy allows you to get help from a therapist without having to go into an office or even leave the comfort of your own home.
It’s affordable. Telehealth therapy is often cheaper than in-person therapy. If you have insurance, it's likely that your out-of-network coverage will be more affordable compared to traditional options.
It feels more private. This often means you receive treatment in the privacy of your own home—a huge advantage for someone struggling with PTSD, trauma, or other mental health issues that can make them feel isolated from society.
Just as flexible as in-person. It can be used for many different types of problems, including PTSD, trauma, and anxiety; depression; schizophrenia; eating disorders; substance abuse; autism spectrum disorder (ASD); attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD); developmental delays or conditions; chronic pain management; and child behavioral concerns.
How to make telehealth therapy feel better
A few small setup choices often make telehealth feel dramatically better.
Pick a consistent spot
Your brain learns places. If you always do therapy in the same chair or corner, it becomes a cue for focus and honesty. This reduces the “Where do I even start?” feeling at the beginning of sessions.
Use headphones
Headphones improve sound quality, reduce distractions, and add privacy. They also make it easier to stay present because you’re less aware of noise around you.
Give yourself a two-minute runway
Try not to click into session while you’re still finishing an email or answering a text. Two minutes is enough to get water, use the bathroom, and close extra tabs. Anxiety loves rushed transitions.
Plan a short reset after
Telehealth ends and you’re instantly back in your life, which can feel abrupt. A short walk, a shower, a snack, or five minutes of quiet can help you shift gears. This is especially helpful if you talk about heavy topics or do somatic work in session.
The future of telehealth is bright, and it’s a great option for anyone who needs help with their mental or behavioral health. The convenience, affordability, and accessibility of this type of therapy make it ideal for people who may have been unable to access care before. With increasing numbers of people using telehealth services every day, you should know how these options can help improve your life!
About the Author
Taylor Garff, M.Coun, LCPC, CMHC, LPC, is a licensed therapist with over 10 years of experience helping adults manage anxiety, overwhelm, and identity challenges. He is certified in HeartMath, Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP), and breathwork facilitation. Taylor is the founder of Inner Heart Therapy, where he provides online therapy across multiple states.
Updated: December 12, 2025
