Online Counseling: Is it Right for You?

What are The benefits of online counseling? who does it work for, and who might not find it the best fit? read more to find out if its a good fit for you.

Reframing the Path is a therapy blog by Melissa Rolfes, LPC - helping you make the most of your counseling experience. The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health or medical advice. While Melissa is a licensed therapist, this content does not establish a therapist-client relationship. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or need personalized support, please seek the guidance of a qualified professional. If you are in immediate distress, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.

What Is Online Therapy?

When I was in graduate school in the early 2010s, my professors warned us about telehealth. They believed it would harm the field with artificiality and lower-quality care. That skepticism stuck with me as I built my career and worked toward my license — this idea that in-person therapy was the only effective option.

Then the pandemic hit. Everything shut down, and suddenly, that long-held skepticism was up for revision. They say necessity is the mother of invention, and the same must apply to shifting perspectives—because I quickly realized that what I had been taught wasn’t the full picture.

In the years since, I have provided counseling exclusively online. In my experience, this type of therapy can be just as effective as in-person —and in some cases, even better—depending on the client, their needs, and their resources.

Online counseling (also called telehealth counseling or virtual therapy) allows you to connect with a licensed therapist through a secure, HIPAA-compliant video platform, much like Zoom or FaceTime. Many counselors now offer virtual sessions, making therapy more accessible no matter where you live.

Let’s look at the benefits, drawbacks, and how you can get started if this is the route you choose to take…

Finding a space where you feel comfortable and at ease, that also prevents overhearing, can really enhance your online counseling experience.

Key Benefits of Seeing a Counselor Virtually

Online counseling isn’t just an alternative to in-person therapy — it comes with unique benefits that make it a great option for many people.

• Convenience & Accessibility – No commute, available from anywhere

• One of the biggest advantages of online counseling is that you can attend sessions from a private space that works for you. Whether you live in a rural area, have a demanding schedule, or simply don’t want to deal with traffic, online therapy removes the hassle of commuting and waiting rooms—making it easier to fit therapy into your life.

• Comfort & Privacy – A safe, familiar space for therapy

• Not everyone wants to sit in a waiting room or risk running into someone they know at their therapist’s office. Many people feel more comfortable discussing personal issues from home, where they can control their environment. If home isn’t private, I’ve met with clients in their cars—though never while they’re driving or in a public setting.

• That said, online therapy does come with privacy considerations. While most telehealth platforms use encryption and other security measures, no internet-based communication is 100% risk-free. Interruptions, unauthorized access, and technical difficulties are possible, but there are steps both you and your therapist can take to protect confidentiality. For example, in my practice, I take extra steps to maintain privacy. I conduct all sessions from my private home office with a locked door and a white noise machine outside to prevent overhearing. My computer is encrypted, password-protected, and does not store any protected health information (PHI) on its hard drive. If privacy is a concern for you, it’s always a good idea to ask your therapist what precautions they take and discuss ways to keep sessions as secure as possible.

• Wider Therapist Selection – Access to specialists beyond your area

• One of the biggest limitations of in-person therapy is that you can only work with providers in your geographic area. With online counseling, your options expand significantly. You can find a therapist who specializes in exactly what you need—whether that’s grief and loss, depression, relationship challenges, or anxiety treatment—without being restricted to local providers. Legally, your therapist must be licensed in the state where you live, but you still have far more options than just local providers.

• Other Benefits

• Flexible scheduling: Many online therapists offer evening and weekend appointments, making it easier to fit therapy into a busy lifestyle

• Potential lower costs: Some therapists charge less for online sessions, and telehealth counseling may eliminate extra costs like transportation or child care.

But really though, ALL fur babies are welcome! One of the major highlights of being a telehealth therapist is meeting my clients’ pets.

Who Might Not Benefit from Online Therapy

While online counseling works well for many people, it isn’t the right choice for everyone. In some cases, in-person therapy may be the better option.

• Mental Health Crises

• If you are experiencing severe mental health symptoms, suicidal thoughts, or immediate distress, in-person emergency care is the safest and most effective option. If you need immediate support, visit my Crisis Resources page for help now.

• Intensive Treatment Needs

• Some therapeutic approaches, such as EMDR for trauma may be more effective in person. If you require inpatient care or highly structured treatment virtual sessions may not provide the level of support you need.

• Lack of a Private Space

• Therapy works best when you have a quiet, secure place to talk. If privacy is an issue—whether due to shared living spaces or other distractions—online therapy may not be the best fit.

• Technology Limitations

  • A stable internet connection and a reliable device are necessary for online therapy. If poor internet access or tech issues make communication difficult, virtual sessions can become frustrating rather than helpful.

Who Should Consider Telehealth Services?

Online therapy isn’t just about convenience—it’s about what works best for you as a client. If you’re wondering if telehealth counseling is right for you, ask yourself the following questions: 

✔ Do I have a busy schedule and responsibilities that makes in-person therapy difficult?

✔ Would I feel more comfortable opening up from home?

✔ Am I comfortable using technology for video sessions? 

✔ Do I have reliable internet access?

✔ Are my symptoms manageable in a virtual setting?

If you answered yes to most of these, online therapy might be a great option for you. If you're unsure, consider discussing your needs with a therapist before making a decision. I’m happy to answer any questions—feel free to contact me.

How to Get Started

If you’re ready to try online therapy, here are a few steps to help you get started:

1. Find a Licensed Therapist

Look for a provider who specializes in your concerns, whether that’s anxiety, depression, relationships, or another area. Many therapists list their credentials and specialties online, so take the time to read their bios and reviews.  Psychology Today is an excellent platform for browsing available therapists in your state, and you can filter your search by insurance type, concerns, and other criteria.

2.  Check Your Insurance Coverage & Costs

Most insurance plans cover telehealth therapy, but it’s still important to verify your mental health benefits. Contact your insurance provider to ask:

• Is outpatient counseling covered under my plan?

• What is my co-pay or coinsurance for therapy sessions?

• Is there a deductible I need to meet first?

• How many sessions are covered per year?

To check coverage, your insurance provider may ask for CPT codes commonly used for therapy:

• 90791 – First session (sometimes more expensive than follow-up sessions)

• 90837 – 60 minute follow-up sessions

If you plan to self-pay, ask your therapist about session rates and whether they offer sliding-scale pricing.

3. Test Your Internet Connection

Most clients won’t have access to their therapist’s telehealth platform until the first session, but you can still make sure your internet is stable ahead of time. Check your connection speed using Fast.com or Speedtest.

4. Prepare for Your First Session

It can be easy to forget what you want to talk about—just like going to the grocery store without a list. Before your first session, take a few minutes to write down the main concerns, goals, or questions you have for therapy. This will help you feel more prepared and make the most of your time. 

5. Set Up Your Space

A quiet, private space is key for a productive therapy session. Find a spot where you feel comfortable and won’t be overheard. If possible, use headphones for better audio quality and an added layer of privacy.

Telehealth therapy has unique advantages that can make it a better option than in-person, but it’s important to understand the pros and cons so you can make the best decision for you.

What We’ve Covered (And Where to Learn More)

✔ Online therapy can be just as effective as in-person therapy for many concerns, including anxiety, depression, stress, and relationship issues.

✔ It offers flexibility, accessibility, and privacy, making it a great option for people with busy schedules, those in remote areas, or those who feel more comfortable opening up from home.

✔ Online therapy isn’t for everyone. If you’re in crisis, need highly structured treatment, lack a private space, or struggle with technology, in-person therapy may be a better option.

✔ Getting started is simple: Find a licensed therapist, check insurance coverage, test your internet connection, and prepare for your first session.

Still have questions? Check out my full FAQ page.

Conclusion

The stigma around online counseling has changed a lot over the past few years, and for good reason—it works. While it’s not the right fit for everyone, it has made therapy more accessible, flexible, and convenient for many people.

If you’re considering online therapy, the best way to decide if it’s right for you is to give it a try. If you’re an adult in Virginia looking for a refreshing and effective therapy experience, I invite you to learn more about my counseling services.

Therapy should feel like a source of support, not another burden. The right therapy experience is one that works for you, and if online counseling makes that possible, it could be the option that brings the support you’ve been looking for.