What Is Remote Therapy?
Online or remote therapy (also referred to as “telepsychotherapy”) is emotional and psychological therapy delivered via the internet rather than through in-person meetings in a clinic. In online therapy, the therapist and client communicate remotely using technological tools – most commonly video calls via a computer (for example, therapy through Zoom or Skype), but also through phone calls and even text-based chat. Sessions can take place from anywhere, with each participant in an environment that feels comfortable and safe for them.
In recent years, the popularity of online therapy has increased significantly, especially following the COVID-19 pandemic, during which many therapists and clients transitioned to online formats in order to maintain continuity of care. Today, online therapy has become a widely accepted and established part of mental health services worldwide, supported by structured processes that enable effective therapeutic communication at a distance.
Advantages of Online Therapy
Online therapy offers many benefits, making it a preferred option for both clients and therapists:
Maximum convenience and high availability
One of the most prominent advantages is the ability to receive therapy from anywhere. There is no need to travel to a clinic – sessions can take place from home, the office, or any other private location with an internet connection. This allows for greater flexibility in scheduling sessions and better alignment with the client’s daily routine. For working individuals or busy parents, this flexibility can be essential for integrating therapy into everyday life.
Accessibility without geographic limitations
Online therapy removes distance as a barrier. Clients can choose the therapist who best fits their needs, even if the therapist is located in another city or country. For example, Israelis living abroad – whether due to relocation or extended travel – can receive therapy in Hebrew from a therapist based in Israel, without the need to fly. Similarly, individuals living in rural or remote areas with limited access to local therapists can benefit from high-quality online therapy tailored to their specific needs.
Saving time and resources
Without travel, a significant amount of time is saved for each session. There is no need to sit in traffic, search for parking, or use public transportation. In addition to time savings, there are financial benefits – such as reduced transportation, parking, and time-off-work costs. Online therapy allows for more efficient use of time for both client and therapist.
Privacy and emotional comfort
For many people, the home environment feels safer and makes it easier to open up. Having sessions in a private space reduces concerns about running into acquaintances in a waiting room. A familiar setting can enhance feelings of safety and reduce anxiety, especially at the beginning of therapy.
Flexibility in therapeutic formats
The digital medium allows for different forms of communication – video, audio-only, or text-based interactions. This makes it possible to adapt the format to each client’s preferences and needs. Some clients feel more comfortable speaking without a camera, while others find it easier to express themselves in writing. In some cases, therapists also integrate between-session contact via text messages or email, which can strengthen the sense of ongoing support.
Addressing Common Concerns About Online Therapy
Despite its advantages, it is natural to have questions or concerns about online therapy. Here are some common ones, along with clarifications:
“Is remote therapy as effective as face-to-face therapy?”
This is one of the most common questions. The good news is that many studies and surveys have found online psychological therapy to be highly effective, often comparable to in-person treatment. The current professional consensus is that online therapy works. Many clients experience significant emotional improvement through remote therapy, especially when it is provided by a therapist who is skilled and experienced in this format. Some studies even suggest that there is no meaningful difference in outcomes between online and in-person sessions, and that online therapy may have unique advantages. For example, some clients take greater responsibility for their work between sessions when therapy takes place remotely. Of course, effectiveness – whether online or in person – also depends on the fit between therapist and client, the quality of the therapeutic relationship, the suitability of the therapeutic methods, and commitment to the process.
“Can a real human connection be created through a screen?”
It is understandable to worry that a screen might create distance and make it harder to form a therapeutic alliance, empathy, and emotional connection. In practice, the experience of both therapists and clients shows that a strong therapeutic relationship can absolutely develop online. Many clients report feeling trust and a meaningful connection with their therapist despite – and sometimes even through – the technological medium. While body language may be somewhat less visible via video, therapist and client still see and hear each other, and many clients feel sufficiently comfortable to open up emotionally. Skilled therapists are trained to notice subtle cues in tone of voice, facial expression, and pacing even through a screen. When needed, practical adjustments can be made, such as positioning the camera to capture more body movement or asking direct clarifying questions. Ultimately, the foundation of effective therapy is connection and understanding – and these can be built remotely with openness and a bit of patience at the beginning of the process.
“What about technical issues and security?”
Technical considerations are important, but today there are excellent solutions that allow for safe and uninterrupted therapy. Before starting therapy, the therapist usually ensures that the client has the necessary equipment – a computer or phone with a functioning camera and microphone, and a stable internet connection. In the rare event of a video or internet disruption, it is helpful to have a backup plan, such as continuing the session by phone. This way, therapy does not have to stop abruptly.
In terms of privacy, most professional online platforms offer high levels of encryption and data security. It is also important that the client is in a private environment – for example, a closed room at home, with no other people present, or even a parked car. When these conditions are met, confidentiality and discretion are maintained at the same level as in a physical clinic. With proper preparation and attention to technical details, most clients report that their sense of technological safety increases quickly after one or two sessions, and concerns about disruptions decrease significantly.
“Maybe it won’t feel ‘real’ enough?”
Some people worry that the absence of physical presence will reduce the seriousness or emotional depth of the process. In practice, once a quiet time and space are set aside and the session is treated like any other therapy appointment, the experience becomes very real and meaningful. The therapist approaches online sessions with the same professionalism and care, and when clients allow themselves to be present and focused, they often find that online therapy evokes emotions and insights just as strongly as in-person therapy. In some cases, being in one’s familiar home environment even enhances the sense that therapy is part of real life, rather than something that only happens “in the therapy room.” If any discomfort or sense of disconnection arises, it is recommended to share this openly with the therapist. Together, adjustments can be made – such as switching from video to phone or integrating writing – to increase comfort and connection.
Research and Professional Recommendations: Is Online Therapy Effective?
The scientific community has extensively studied remote therapy, and in recent years a growing body of evidence has demonstrated its effectiveness. Numerous studies have found online therapy to be as effective as face-to-face therapy, with comparable clinical outcomes and high satisfaction rates. Even when looking at measures such as treatment adherence, dropout rates in online therapy are similar to those in in-person treatment. In other words, people remain just as committed to the process.
More specifically, research has shown positive outcomes for online therapy across a wide range of psychological difficulties. For example, online CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) has been found effective in reducing symptoms of depression, social anxiety, panic attacks, OCD, and other conditions. Improvements have also been reported in the treatment of certain phobias and PTSD through internet-based interventions. Importantly, research does not show a consistent advantage of in-person therapy over online therapy in general. While each format has its strengths and limitations, there is no broad evidence that face-to-face therapy is inherently superior.
There are, of course, specific situations in which in-person treatment may be more appropriate, such as severe acute crises or serious mental health conditions requiring close supervision. However, for a wide range of emotional and psychological challenges – from everyday stress, anxiety, and depression, to sex therapy and couples therapy – the online format has proven to be effective. Mental health organizations worldwide now recognize online therapy as equivalent in quality to in-clinic therapy and publish ethical and professional guidelines for delivering remote treatment.
Who Is Online Therapy Suitable For?
Online therapy can be a good fit for many people and situations, including:
People living abroad or in relocation
Those who live outside their home country and wish to work with a therapist who speaks their native language or understands their cultural background can benefit greatly from online therapy. For example, Israelis living abroad who want to work with an Israeli therapist.
People with especially busy schedules
Executives, parents of young children, and students during exam periods often struggle to find time to travel to a clinic. Online therapy allows sessions to be scheduled at convenient times, including early mornings or evenings, without losing time to commuting.
People with physical or health-related limitations
Individuals with mobility challenges, chronic illnesses, or health conditions that make frequent travel difficult can access therapy comfortably from home. Pregnant women in later stages or people recovering postpartum may also find online therapy more accessible.
People dealing with social anxiety or agoraphobia
For those experiencing significant social anxiety, leaving home and meeting a therapist in person can feel overwhelming. Online therapy offers a safer and more familiar starting point, reducing the anxiety associated with face-to-face encounters. Similarly, individuals with agoraphobia can receive support without leaving their immediate environment.
People who travel frequently or live far from a clinic
Clients who travel often for work, students who move between locations, or anyone whose physical location changes regularly can maintain therapeutic continuity through online sessions. Even while on vacation, on a business trip, or after moving, therapy can continue without interruption.
Maintaining continuity during emergencies
As demonstrated during the COVID-19 pandemic, online therapy allows treatment to continue during lockdowns, illness, or other external circumstances that prevent in-person meetings. It can serve as a reliable safety net for therapeutic continuity.
It is important to note that online therapy is open to everyone and, in most cases, is chosen for reasons of convenience and preference. There are a few specific situations in which remote therapy may be less suitable – such as very severe psychiatric conditions, acute crises requiring close supervision, or cases in which intensive in-person support is necessary. In such situations, in-person treatment or a protected clinical setting may be recommended. However, for the vast majority of people, there is no barrier to trying online therapy and seeing whether it is a good fit. Many discover that it is not only suitable, but even preferable.
My Personal Perspective as an Online Therapist
As a licensed therapist, I am proud to be part of the evolution of online therapy. Over the years – and particularly during my graduate studies, which partially took place during the COVID-19 period – I completed specialized training in remote therapy and counseling and gained extensive experience working via video, phone, and chat. I discovered that the digital space can become a genuine therapeutic space when approached with professionalism, empathy, and flexibility.
I place strong emphasis on adapting the therapeutic process to the online format – whether through sharing reading materials between sessions, regularly checking in with clients about their experience of the format, or using technological tools to enhance the process, such as guided audio exercises or digital emotion journals. My personal connection to this work is rooted in a deep belief that accessibility is key in mental health care. I believe it is essential to allow every person who needs support to receive it in the way and place that suits them best.
From my experience, when I “enter” a client’s living room through the screen and they enter mine, a unique space of trust can emerge. I see every day how online clients gain insights, engage in deep processes, and improve their lives – just as they do in face-to-face therapy. For me, offering online therapy is a way to reach you, even if you are far away or very busy, and to support meaningful positive change in a safe, professional, and supportive framework, wherever you may be.
If you have further questions about online therapy, Zoom therapy, or chat-based therapy, or if you are unsure whether it is right for you, feel free to get in touch. I will be happy to help.