Five Years After COVID: The Rise of Online Therapy

We may not have fully realized it at the time, but COVID‑19 profoundly shaped our daily lives, and mental health care has changed forever. One of the biggest shifts has been the rise of online therapy. What began as a necessity during lockdowns has now become a widely accepted and evolving way to access support.

During the pandemic, psychologists dramatically increased their use of telepsychology, with telehealth delivery rising many‑fold compared to pre‑COVID levels (Pierce et al., 2020). Organizations such as the World Health Organization emphasize telemedicine as a core component of modern health systems, improving access and continuity of care worldwide (World Health Organization, 2025).

What Is Online Therapy?

Online therapy, also known as teletherapy or telepsychology, is a method of receiving mental health support remotely through digital communication tools such as video conferencing, phone calls, or secure messaging platforms. It allows clients to connect with licensed therapists from the comfort of their own homes or any private space, eliminating the need for travel and offering greater scheduling flexibility.

Online therapy covers the same therapeutic approaches as traditional in-person therapy, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy, and mindfulness-based techniques. Therapists can help clients explore emotions, manage stress, address anxiety or depression, navigate life transitions, and develop coping strategies, all in a secure and confidential virtual environment.

Research shows online therapy is effective for a wide range of mental health concerns and can provide comparable outcomes to in-person sessions for many individuals (Ye et al., 2022; Smith, 2023). It also offers increased accessibility for people living in remote areas, those with mobility challenges, or clients with busy schedules.

For more information about my online therapy services or to schedule a session, visit Our Online Therapy Services.

Phone vs. Video Therapy

Video sessions are preferred because therapists can see facial expressions and body language. Phone sessions work well when internet access or privacy is limited. The best choice is the one that makes you feel most comfortable and able to speak openly.

How to Prepare for Online Therapy

·      Find a quiet, private, and confidential space

·      Test your technology before the session

·      Plan topics to discuss

·      Silence notifications

·      Keep a notebook nearby in case you want to write

These small steps help you focus and get the most out of your session.

Pros and Cons of Online Therapy

Pros: - Accessible for remote or busy clients - Flexible scheduling - Comfort of home can ease anxiety - Continuity of care even during travel

Cons: - Possible tech interruptions - Harder to read subtle non-verbal cues - Privacy challenges at home - Severe crises may require in-person care.

Research & Trends

Online therapy continues to grow and evolve, both in effectiveness and delivery.

Key insights and trends include:

Trends in Online Therapy infographic

·      Comparable Outcomes – Teletherapy outcomes are similar to in-person therapy for anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other common mental health concerns (Kelber et al., 2025; Krzyzaniak et al., 2024; Nowrouzi-Kia et al., 2025).

·      High Satisfaction – Clients and therapists report strong satisfaction with virtual therapy, often citing flexibility and convenience as major benefits (Abuyadek et al., 2024).

·      Hybrid Therapy Models – Combining in-person and virtual sessions allows flexibility while maintaining a personal connection.

·      Mobile & App-Based Therapy – Apps support mood tracking, homework assignments, and asynchronous messaging between sessions.

·      Virtual Reality (VR) Therapy – VR environments are increasingly used for exposure therapy, mindfulness, and anxiety management.

·      Integration of Wearables and Digital Data – Smartwatches and other devices provide real time insights on sleep, heart rate, and stress, helping therapists tailor interventions.

·      AI-Assisted Tools – Artificial intelligence helps track progress, suggest coping strategies, and streamline administrative tasks, enhancing, but not replacing, the human connection.

·      Expanded Accessibility – Online platforms improve access for rural communities, people with mobility limitations, and those with demanding schedules.

·      Specialized Online Care – Programs are being developed for adolescents, older adults, and culturally diverse populations to ensure inclusive support.

·      Privacy & Security Enhancements – HIPAA-compliant platforms and secure communication methods protect client confidentiality.

These trends show that online therapy is more than a temporary solution, it’s a dynamic, expanding part of modern mental health care.

Final Thoughts

Five years after COVID, online therapy has become a permanent and vital part of mental health care. It expands access, offers flexibility, and supports people in ways traditional therapy sometimes cannot. Emerging tools such as artificial intelligence, virtual reality, wearable data integration, and app-based support are transforming how therapy is delivered. AI can help monitor progress, personalize interventions, and provide supplementary support between sessions, enhancing, but not replacing the central human connection.

Whether you engage in video, phone, or hybrid sessions, the quality of the therapeutic relationship and your willingness to participate remain the most important factors in achieving meaningful progress.

Interested in starting online therapy? Learn more about my services or schedule a consultation at Our Online Therapy Services.

References

Abuyadek, R. M., et al. (2024). Acceptability of tele‑mental health services among users: A systematic review and meta‑analysis. BMC Public Health, 24, 1143. https://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12889-024-18436-7

Kelber, M. S., et al. (2025). Evidence-based telehealth interventions for PTSD, depression, and anxiety: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare, 31(6), 757–767. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38254285

Krzyzaniak, N., et al. (2024). Effectiveness of telehealth versus face-to-face interventions for anxiety disorders. Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare, 30(2), 250–261. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34860613

Nowrouzi-Kia, B., et al. (2025). Effectiveness of telehealth-based treatments for depression in adults: A rapid review and meta-analysis. Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39485666

Pierce, P. R., Perrin, P. B., Tyler, C. M., McKee, G. B., & Watson, J. D. (2020). The COVID‑19 telepsychology revolution: A national study of pandemic‑based changes in U.S. mental health care delivery. PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32816503

World Health Organization. Regional Office for Europe. (2025). Scaling up telemedicine in the WHO European Region. Retrieved from WHO IRIS. https://iris.who.int/handle/10665/381574

Ye, T., Zhang, Y., Zhou, D., Xu, G., & Bian, G. (2022). The effectiveness of online psychotherapy on COVID-19 related distress: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Frontiers in Psychology.https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9682141

Smith, J. (2023). Evaluating clinical outcomes in patients treated exclusively via telepsychiatry. JMIR Formative Research. https://formative.jmir.org/2023/1/e53293