What online therapy is
Online therapy—also called teletherapy or virtual therapy—is psychotherapy delivered remotely by a qualified mental health professional. It can include scheduled video, phone, or live-chat appointments. Some services also offer secure messaging between appointments.
It should still feel like therapy: a private relationship with clear goals, informed consent, professional boundaries, and a clinician who is legally permitted to work with you where you are located.
What it can help with
People may consider therapy for anxiety, low mood, stress, grief, relationship difficulties, life changes, self-esteem, or patterns that interfere with daily life. The National Institute of Mental Health describes psychotherapy as a group of treatments designed to help people identify and change troubling emotions, thoughts, and behaviors.
No single format or approach is right for everyone. A licensed professional should assess fit and help you understand other treatment options when appropriate.
How to evaluate an online therapy provider
- Confirm the therapist’s full name, license type, license number, and licensing jurisdiction.
- Ask whether the therapist can legally work with clients in your current location.
- Review privacy, security, cancellation, response-time, and emergency policies before paying.
- Understand whether messaging is asynchronous or live and what access your plan includes.
- Choose a provider who clearly explains scope, fees, limitations, and how to raise a concern.
When online therapy may not be the right level of care
Online outpatient therapy is not a substitute for emergency services. It may also be unsuitable when someone needs urgent assessment, inpatient or intensive care, medical monitoring, or another service that cannot safely be delivered remotely. A qualified professional can help determine an appropriate level of support.
Page last updated: August 18, 2026. General information only; not medical advice.