Find Licensed Online Therapists for Individual Therapy

Online individual therapy is one-on-one counseling provided remotely through telehealth. Sessions are usually held by video, though some providers also offer phone appointments. It gives you direct support from a licensed mental health professional without needing to visit an office in person.

The biggest difference is the format. In online therapy, you meet remotely rather than in a physical office. The goals of therapy often stay the same: building insight, learning coping tools, processing emotions, and working toward meaningful change. For many people, the flexibility of online care is a major advantage.

For many people, yes. A 2023 systematic review and meta-analysis found telemedicine comparable to in-person treatment for PTSD, mood disorders, and anxiety disorders, with similar patient satisfaction, working alliance, and attrition rates; other meta-analyses also found video-based psychotherapy to be largely equivalent to face-to-face care.

Online therapy may help with stress, anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, burnout, self-esteem, life transitions, relationship patterns, and everyday emotional overwhelm. It can also be a space for personal growth, identity exploration, boundary-setting, and ongoing mental wellness support.

Not necessarily, but your therapist usually needs to be licensed or authorized to see clients in the state where you are physically located during sessions. You do not always need to be in the same city, but location rules can matter with telehealth, so it is a good idea to confirm before booking.

Reputable providers typically use secure platforms designed for telehealth and will review privacy practices as part of the intake process. You can also help protect your privacy by taking sessions in a quiet room, using headphones, and making sure you have a reliable internet connection.

The cost of online therapy varies by provider, credentials, specialty, and location. Some therapists offer self-pay rates, while others provide sliding-scale options to make care more affordable. A provider profile will often list fees or let you request pricing details before your first session.

Many insurance plans include coverage for telehealth mental health services, but benefits can vary. Your out-of-pocket cost may depend on your plan, deductible, copay, and whether the provider is in network. It is worth checking both the provider profile and your insurance benefits before getting started.

Yes, many people do. A strong therapeutic connection is built through trust, consistency, empathy, and feeling understood, not just by being in the same room. For many clients, online therapy still feels personal, supportive, and emotionally connected. That said, every person is different. If the connection does not feel right, it is okay to talk with your therapist about it or explore another provider who may be a better fit.

Sometimes. It depends on where you are physically located during sessions and whether your therapist is licensed or otherwise authorized there. For help searching across locations, see our guide to finding a therapist licensed in multiple states.

Online therapy may not be the best fit if you are in immediate crisis, need emergency support, require a higher level of care, or do not have a private space for sessions. In those situations, in-person services or local crisis resources may be more appropriate. If you are in immediate danger or need urgent help, contact local emergency services or call the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 9-8-8 right away.