Therapy is a frontline form of treatment for numerous mental health concerns and decades of research confirms that it is extremely effective at addressing psychopathology and simply improving one’s wellbeing (Smith, Glass, & Miller, 1980). The COVID-19 pandemic forced society to adapt and change quickly to accommodate a new distant normal. These changes also included how people accessed therapy with psychologists. The regulatory landscape promptly changed, and telepsychology services became not only an option for services, but often required for safety and continuity of care. As a result, the rise of virtual therapy was quick and effective. Importantly, virtual therapy is here to stay and that is a good thing. Accessing traditional, in-person therapy poses unique challenges, with factors such as geographical barriers, time constraints, and perceived stigma often hindering individuals from seeking the support they need. In this article, we will explore how virtual therapy resolves such challenges and offers many benefits to clients.

Effectiveness

Virtual therapy is not just convenient, it is also highly effective. Meta-analyses and systematic reviews have found that virtual therapy produces outcomes comparable to those of in-person therapy for a variety of mental health conditions, including depression and anxiety (Cecagno et al., 2024). This evidence underscores the viability of virtual therapy as a legitimate treatment option for many individuals. Furthermore, ongoing advancements in telehealth technology have significantly enhanced the delivery of virtual therapy. Secure video conferencing, digital mental health tools, and mobile apps have made it easier than ever for therapists and clients to connect.  Further, it can be easier to share visual information virtually. There have been many instances in my practice where I could pull up a document to share, rather than worrying about whether I had the sheet available or printed. Moreover, clients accessing virtual services have a far greater number of psychologists to choose from; this provides a greater likelihood that an individual will find a psychologist who not only has the requisite training to address their needs and goals but is also a good personal fit. This fit is critical because the relationship between a client and their psychologist, which is called the therapeutic alliance, accounts for some of the greatest client improvements (Huggett, Peters, Gooding, & Berry, 2024; Wampold, B. E., 2015). Therefore, being able to access psychological services from professionals not just in your city, but also around the province, ensures you can find the best psychologist to help you achieve your mental health goals and thereby increases the effectiveness of therapy. The proven effectiveness of virtual therapy is critical knowledge for both clients considering attending and psychologists considering offering such virtual care.

Accessibility

Knowing that virtual therapy is an effective form of treatment means that it is important to explore other benefits of telepsychology, including those related to the increased accessibility of services. First, virtual therapy provides increased accessibility in that it can dissolve geographical barriers, prioritize flexibility and convenience, and reduce concerns of safety or stigma.  For example, one concern related to living outside a city or far away from services is that it can be difficult to travel to attend psychotherapy appointments. Moreover, it can be frustrating and disheartening to find the right psychologist for you but discover they are physically located far away from where you live. Virtual therapy closes that gap and helps you be in more control over your treatment. Since there is a greater number of psychologists available outside of your immediate geographical vicinity, it is easier to find a professional who has competent education and the requisite specialization(s), in addition to a good personal fit as discussed previously; this leads to tailored, effective treatment. Further, with virtual therapy, if either you or your psychologist move within the province, treatment is not disrupted or ended, and you can continue to see the same professional.

Availability

Another important benefit of virtual therapy is increased availability, increased flexibility, and better convenience. For example, a major benefit seen in many virtual providers is a broader schedule. That is, appointments on evenings or weekends, outside of standard working hours. As it can be challenging to arrange time away from work for an appointment, seeing your psychologist in the evening or on the weekend may better fit your schedule. A second consideration is eliminating the commute to a physical office. Our lives can be busy, so driving 20 minutes to an office and then driving another 20 minutes home can be a barrier to service.  Finally, convenience also includes cost. With fuel savings, not having to miss work to attend appointment times during standard business hours, and noting that most insurance plans cover virtual therapy, telepsychology makes financial sense.

Comfort

Something that continues to plague mental health care even today is a perceived stigma associated with receiving therapy, and such fears could be a significant barrier for many people seeking mental health care. Virtual therapy offers a private way to receive treatment, helping to reduce these concerns. Some research even suggests that individuals are more likely to seek help when they can do so from the comfort and privacy of their own homes (Weiner & Heckman, 2020). With the advancement of technology, you can attend effective therapy without having to enter businesses or sit in a waiting room to be seen. One comment echoed by many is the challenge of leaving a session or having to walk outside and drive home, after an emotionally vulnerable and taxing session. Further, I often encourage my virtual clients to gather coping items or resources during and after sessions. This could include sitting on your comfy couch, having a weighted blanket or your favourite cup of tea, or even having your pet beside you; these resources can add to the safety you feel during sessions and help you push through more difficult moments.

Conclusion

Virtual psychotherapy offers a host of benefits, from increased accessibility and convenience to cost-effectiveness and emotional safety. As empirical evidence continues to support its effectiveness, virtual therapy continues to emerge as a cornerstone of modern mental health care. For those seeking a flexible, private, and effective way to address their mental health needs, virtual therapy presents a compelling option. Exploring the resources available in the realm of virtual therapy could be the first step towards a healthier, more balanced life.

References 

Cecagno, P. O. M., Polesello, N. D., Abbadessa, M. C., Zafalon, R. J., Silva, L. A. B., & Machado, P. P. P. (2024). Efficacy of remote psychological interventions for patients with anxiety and depression symptoms: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Telemedicine and e-Health. https://doi.org/10.1089/tmj.2024.0297

Huggett, C., Peters, S., Gooding, P., & Berry, N. (2024). A systematic review and meta-ethnography of client and therapist perspectives of the therapeutic alliance in the context of psychotherapy and suicidal behavior. Clinical Psychology Review. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpr.2024.102064 

Smith, M. L., Glass, G. V., & Miller, T. I. (1980). The benefits of psychotherapy. American Psychologist, 36(3), 752-760.

Wampold, B. E. (2015). How important are the common factors in psychotherapy? An update. World psychiatry, 14(3), 270-277.

Weiner, I. B., & Heckman, T. (2020, July). Telepsychology: The new norm. APA Monitor on Psychology. https://www.apa.org/monitor/2020/07/cover-telepsychology