Is online therapy effective? What you need to know
Made by the Psy Red Team.
Reviewed by Patricia Villalobos, Master in Psychology
In an increasingly digital world, the question arises as to the true effectiveness of online therapy versus traditional face-to-face methods. Thousands of people seek psychological help, but doubt whether the virtual format can provide comparable results. Find out below what the scientific evidence says and how to determine if this alternative is right for your mental well- being.
Scientific evidence supports psychological therapy at a distance
Recent studies have shown promising results regarding the effectiveness of online therapy. According to research published in the Journal of Affective Disorders, cognitive-behavioral therapy delivered via the Internet showed comparable results to face-to-face therapy for the treatment of depression and anxiety.
This finding is not isolated. A meta-analysis evaluating 64 studies with more than 9,000 participants found that distant psychological therapy achieved success rates equivalent to sessions, especially in the treatment of anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorders.
Comparison of online vs. face-to-face therapy
Clinical effectiveness
The comparison between online and face-to-face therapy reveals interesting aspects. Wind et al. (2020) demonstrated that the therapeutic alliance, a critical factor for treatment success, can develop just as strongly in virtual settings as in traditional consultations. This contradicts the common belief that the therapist-patient connection is necessarily compromised in digital formats.
Unique benefits of digital psychotherapy
The digital psychotherapy offers distinctive advantages that contribute to its effectiveness:
- Improved accessibility: Allows access to specialized treatment for people in rural areas or with reduced mobility.
- Flexibility: Facilitates treatment continuity during travel or change of residence.
- Family environment: Some patients feel more comfortable expressing themselves at home, which facilitates emotional openness.
- Immediacy: The possibility of messaging or support between sessions improves the results of virtual therapy by providing support at critical moments.
Important considerations when deciding
Despite the promising results of virtual therapy, there are factors to consider:
- Not all conditions respond equally. Cases requiring crisis intervention or with suicidal risk may require face-to-face care.
- The quality of the Internet connection and the privacy of the physical space are critical to success.
- Some therapeutic approaches such as systemic family therapy may present greater challenges in a virtual format.
Conclusion
The effectiveness of online therapy is supported by growing scientific evidence that confirms its validity as a therapeutic alternative. Far from being a "second-rate" option, distance counseling represents an evolution in the way of providing mental support, with its own benefits and results comparable to traditional methods.
When considering starting a therapeutic process, the key is not so much the format, but finding a qualified professional who uses evidence-based methods and with whom you can establish a good connection. Online therapy is no longer the future of mental health, it is an established present with scientific backing.
Frequently asked questions about online therapy
The main difference lies in the communication channel, not in the quality of the treatment. comparison between online and face-to-face therapy shows similar effectiveness, although virtual therapy offers greater flexibility and eliminates geographical barriers, while face-to-face therapy facilitates body language reading and may be preferable for cases requiring immediate intervention.
The studies on the effectiveness of remote therapy confirm good results for anxiety disorders, depression, stress, phobias, relationship problems and many mood disorders. However, cases with suicidal risk, acute psychosis or requiring direct physical observation may require complementary face-to-face care.
The scientific evidence on online therapy includes numerous meta-analyses demonstrating success rates comparable to face-to-face therapy, with studies showing even greater adherence to treatment in virtual formats. Recent research in peer-reviewed journals such as the Journal of Affective Disorders and Cognitive Behaviour Therapy confirms its validity for multiple conditions.
The decision should be based on your specific diagnosis, personal preferences and practical circumstances. An initial evaluation session with a qualified professional will help you determine if the benefits of digital psychotherapy apply to your particular situation and if there are any relevant contraindications.
More and more insurers are recognizing virtual therapy results and offering coverage for these services. Check directly with your insurance provider for specific policies, as coverage varies significantly among companies and plans.
You will need a device with a stable internet connection (computer, tablet or smartphone), a video calling application according to the therapist's preferences (Zoom, Google Meets or specialized platforms), and a private space where you can talk freely without interruptions during the session.
Professional therapists use platforms with end-to-end encryption and comply with data protection regulations. For your part, make sure you use a secure WiFi network, find a private space for your sessions, and consider using headphones for privacy in conversation.
Key points to remember
The effectiveness of online therapy is scientifically supported - Meta-analyses with more than 9,000 participants confirm equivalent results to face-to-face therapy for disorders such as anxiety and depression.
The therapeutic alliance is not compromised - Recent studies show that the therapist-patient connection can develop just as strongly in virtual environments as in traditional consultations.
The results of virtual therapy are especially positive for conditions such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder and relationship problems, although crisis cases may require face-to-face care.
Scientific evidence on online therapy includes publications in prestigious journals such as the Journal of Affective Disorders and Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, validating its therapeutic efficacy.
The benefits of digital psychotherapy include improved accessibility for people in rural areas or with reduced mobility, eliminating geographical barriers to access specialists.
The comparison between online and face-to-face therapy reveals unique advantages of the virtual format, such as greater flexibility, familiar surroundings for the patient and the possibility of support between sessions.
Medical insurance coverage for online therapy is on the rise, recognizing studies on the effectiveness of remote therapy, although it varies significantly among insurers.
The technology requirements are affordable - All you need is a device with a stable internet connection, a video calling application and a private space to make video calls sessions.
Remote psychological therapy meets confidentiality standards through end-to-end encrypted platforms that adhere to data protection regulations, ensuring patient privacy.
References:
Andrews, G., Basu, A., Cuijpers, P., Craske, M., McEvoy, P., & English, C. (2020). Computer therapy for the anxiety and depression disorders is effective, acceptable and practical health care: An updated meta-analysis. Journal of Anxiety Disorders, 55, 70-78.
Carlbring, P., Andersson, G., Cuijpers, P., Riper, H., & Hedman-Lagerlöf, E. (2018). Internet-based vs. face-to-face cognitive behavior therapy for psychiatric and somatic disorders: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, 47(1), 1-18.
Whaibeh, E., Mahmoud, H., & Naal, H. (2020). Telemental health in the context of a pandemic: the COVID-19 experience. Current Treatment Options in Psychiatry, 7(2), 198-202.
Wind, T. R., Rijkeboer, M., Andersson, G., & Riper, H. (2020). The COVID-19 pandemic: The ‘black swan’ for mental health care and a turning point for e-health. Internet Interventions, 20, 00317.