The top three reasons: Convenience. Access. Ability to work with a specialist.

By doing therapy online, you are able to save time commuting to the therapy office. You’re able to access therapy from a variety of locations (when visiting family, on a work trip, etc.). You’re also able to continue working with a therapist if you were to move cities or states! Finally, online therapy allows you to find a therapist who specializes in just what you need, who may not be available in-person near you.

Finally, research indicates that therapy online is just as effective as therapy in person (of course, individual preferences apply).

Yes, therapy online can also have drawbacks, including occasional connection issues, issues in finding a private space, and “zoom fatigue.” We also may miss some nonverbal communication cues, such as body language, that are out of view.

It may be! Mostly it is a personal preference issue.

There are a couple of situations, though, in which online therapy may not be best suited, including:

• if you are at serious risk of harm to self or others (e.g., suicide, homicide)

• if you are at risk or experiencing psychosis and breaks from reality

• if you do not have access to a private space for therapy

• or if you have unreliable or intermittent high speed internet access.