Whether you're dealing with stress, anxiety, relationship difficulties, burnout or simply need someone to talk to — online therapy can make it easier to start and stay consistent.
Online therapy isn’t just a convenience — for many people, it's the only format that truly fits their real life, commitments and schedule.
Morning, evening or weekend times — fewer cancellations & more consistency.
Skip traffic, parking and waiting rooms — talk from a comfortable private space.
You're no longer limited to whoever practices near you — access a wider pool.
Share what you're going through and your preferences.
Based on your answers, you'd be matched with licensed therapists.
Choose video, phone or chat — from the comfort of your home.
| Aspect | In-person therapy | Online therapy |
|---|---|---|
| Accessibility | Travel required | Start from anywhere |
| Scheduling | Fixed times | More flexible |
| Privacy | Waiting rooms | Full privacy |
| Formats | In-office only | Video • Phone • Chat |
| Therapist choice | Local providers only | Wider selection |
Includes messaging & one live session.
Approx: $60–$90/week
Multiple live sessions + messaging.
Approx: $240–$360/month
Insert your quiz block here when ready (your otq4 or otq5 quizzes).
Here are some of the most common questions people ask before trying online therapy for the first time.
Research suggests that for many issues — like anxiety, mild to moderate depression, stress and relationship concerns — online therapy can be similarly effective to in-person sessions, especially when you feel comfortable with the format and can attend regularly. It’s not about the building; it’s about the quality of the therapist and the fit for you.
Online therapy is commonly used for anxiety, stress, low mood, burnout, relationship issues, life transitions, self-esteem and many other emotional or psychological challenges. For very high-risk situations or complex medical/psychiatric needs, in-person or specialist services may still be more appropriate.
Typically, you agree on a time and format (video, audio or chat). At the session time you log in, connect with your therapist and talk much like you would in an office. Many platforms also offer secure messaging between sessions so you can share updates or questions when things come up.
It’s completely okay if the first match doesn’t feel like the right fit. On most online therapy platforms, you can request a different therapist or browse other profiles. Finding someone you feel comfortable with is an important part of the process, and switching is a normal step — not a failure.
No. Online therapy is not designed for immediate emergencies or crisis situations. If you or someone else is in danger, or you’re thinking about harming yourself, please contact your local emergency number, crisis hotline, or go to the nearest emergency service right away. You can still explore online therapy later for ongoing support.
Legitimate online therapy providers use secure technology to protect your data and follow professional confidentiality rules, similar to in-person therapists. When we add partner platforms, we’ll highlight services that prioritise privacy, encryption and clear data policies so you can see exactly how your information is handled.
Online Therapist is a directory and does not provide crisis intervention or emergency services.
If you are in crisis, feeling unsafe, or experiencing thoughts of self-harm, call 911 or your local emergency number immediately.
In the United States, you can also contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988.