In a world where convenience is everything, it’s no surprise that mental health care has also gone digital. If you’ve ever wondered what virtual therapy is, you’re not alone. As mental health awareness grows, so does the popularity of virtual therapy as a practical, accessible solution for individuals seeking support for emotional and psychological well-being.
VELLIS NEWS
24 Jun 2025
By Vellis Team
Vellis Team
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This guide will walk you through exactly what is virtual therapy, explore the types available, how it works, and what it typically costs.
At its core, virtual therapy refers to psychological counseling or psychotherapy that’s delivered through technology instead of traditional in-person sessions. Think video calls, secure messaging apps, or even phone calls where licensed professionals provide structured therapy from afar.
It’s important to distinguish virtual therapy from general online wellness advice, mental health blogs, or peer-support forums. With virtual therapy, you’re working directly with trained and licensed professionals using recognized therapeutic methods.
The demand for virtual therapy surged during the COVID-19 pandemic when lockdowns made traditional therapy difficult. Platforms like BetterHelp, Talkspace, and even individual provider portals saw explosive growth, making therapy more approachable and scalable than ever before.
The process of starting virtual therapy is easier than you might think. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:
Many services adhere to strict privacy standards like HIPAA compliance and end-to-end encryption to ensure your information stays confidential.
Curious about other forms of virtual healthcare? Here’s a quick tangent of how do virtual doctor visits work: much like virtual therapy, these involve scheduling, secure video platforms, and real-time conversations, only with medical doctors instead of therapists.
Virtual therapy isn’t one-size-fits-all. Depending on your comfort level and needs, different formats are available.
The most similar to in-person therapy, using Zoom-like platforms.
Communicate with your therapist through a secure chat system, often asynchronously.
Great for people with limited bandwidth or camera access.
These include mood tracking, journaling, guided meditations, and AI support that complement therapy sessions.
Each format serves different preferences. For example, someone with social anxiety might prefer messaging, while someone dealing with relationship issues may benefit more from live video interaction.
Virtual therapy is incredibly versatile and can help a wide variety of people and challenges, including:
It’s especially beneficial for remote workers and digital nomads, students juggling coursework and mental health, caregivers or parents with tight schedules, and individuals in rural areas with limited access to therapists.
Why are so many people turning to virtual therapy? Here are some compelling reasons:
No need to commute or live near a therapist’s office.
Sessions can be scheduled during lunch breaks or late at night.
Often more affordable than in-person sessions.
Great for those who feel uneasy about being seen entering a therapy office.
You’re not limited to local therapists and can find a specialist who truly meets your needs.
While virtual therapy has many advantages, it’s not perfect for every situation. Here are some scenarios where in-person care might be more effective:
Virtual therapy can effectively address many issues:
So, if you’re wondering whether virtual therapy is “real” therapy, it absolutely is. It uses evidence-based methods just like face-to-face counseling.
Pricing for virtual therapy varies, but it tends to be more budget-friendly than traditional therapy.
Services like BetterHelp or Talkspace offer weekly or monthly plans starting around $60–$90/week.
Independent therapists or provider platforms may charge $80–$200 per session.
Some platforms offer tiered packages based on how many sessions or features you want.
Many insurance plans cover virtual therapy, but the details vary. Some may require a copay, while others reimburse after the fact. Be sure to check with your provider. Also, some platforms offer financial aid or sliding-scale fees, making therapy more affordable for lower-income users.
Platforms and providers have also adjusted their systems to support telemedicine payment processing, ensuring secure, fast, and compliant billing.
Absolutely, but with caveats. Reputable platforms take user privacy and data protection very seriously.
Many therapists undergo continuing education to ensure they’re trained in delivering effective care online.
Virtual therapy isn’t just a temporary solution, it’s shaping the future of mental health care. Exciting developments in the field include:
You might also ask about what is virtual physical therapy, another niche of remote healthcare helping people recover from injuries with guided virtual exercises.
Both terms are often used interchangeably, though “teletherapy” sometimes refers more broadly to therapy over any distance-based tech.
Not usually. Therapy providers typically do not prescribe, but they may coordinate with psychiatrists who can.
Studies suggest it’s equally effective for many conditions, especially when sessions are consistent and provider-patient match is strong.
A different type of care involving guided physical rehab via video, focused on mobility, pain relief, and recovery support.
Payment is typically handled via credit/debit cards or health savings accounts; some platforms integrate telemedicine payment processing systems.
1. National Institute of Mental Health. What is telemental health? Retrieved from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/what-is-telemental-health
2. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. Individual teletherapy: Telehealth for behavioral health Retrieved from https://telehealth.hhs.gov/providers/best-practice-guides/telehealth-for-behavioral-health/individual-teletherapy
3. American Psychological Association. What you need to know before choosing online therapy Retrieved from https://www.apa.org/topics/telehealth/online-therapy
4. Psychology.org. Virtual Therapy Vs. In‑Person Therapy Retrieved from https://www.psychology.org/resources/virtual-therapy-vs-in-person/
5. Medical News Today. Virtual therapy: Types, uses, and cost Retrieved from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/virtual-therapy
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