Remote Therapy: What to Expect and Why It’s Changing the Way We Do Therapy
Life InSight
Remote Therapy: Making Mental Health More Accessible
Therapy has changed a lot in the last few years. Gone are the days when you had to sit in an office to get the support you need. More and more people are turning to remote therapy because it’s flexible, convenient, and can be just as effective as in-person sessions.
Dr. Yuval Freund, Psy.D., a clinician at Life InSight, puts it simply: “At its core, therapy is about feeling safe and comfortable enough to open up. Whether it happens in a therapist’s office or over a video call, that goal remains the same.”
So, how does remote therapy work? What makes it so appealing? Let’s take a closer look.
How Remote Therapy Works
Remote therapy, also called teletherapy, happens through secure video calls on platforms like Google Meet or Zoom. You get the same experience as in-person therapy—you talk, reflect, and work through challenges—but from the comfort of your own space.
One key difference? You’ll need a reliable internet connection and a private place where you can speak freely. “The best sessions happen when people can focus without distractions,” says Dr. Freund. “So no answering emails or doing dishes while we talk!”
Why People Love Remote Therapy
- It Fits Into Your Life - No need to rush through traffic or sit in a waiting room. You can meet with your therapist from home, your office, or even while traveling. It’s therapy that works around your schedule, not the other way around.
- It Can Feel More Comfortable-Talking about personal things isn’t always easy, but being in a familiar setting can make it a little less intimidating. “Some people feel more open when they’re in their own space,” Dr. Freund notes. “It helps them relax and engage more fully in the session.”
- You Can Stick With Your Therapist-Moving to a new city or switching jobs doesn’t mean you have to start over with someone new. Remote therapy allows you to continue working with a therapist you trust, no matter where life takes you.
The Challenges of Remote Therapy
Remote therapy isn’t perfect for everyone. One challenge is reading body language. “When I see someone in person, I pick up on little things—how they sit, their posture, subtle shifts in expression,” says Dr. Freund. “Over video, I focus more on facial expressions and ask more questions to make sure I’m understanding how they feel.”
Privacy can also be tricky. Therapy works best when you can talk openly. If you don’t have a quiet space, there are workarounds—using headphones, scheduling sessions when your home is empty, or even taking a session from your car.
What About Emergencies?
Therapists can absolutely provide support during a crisis, but there are limits to what remote therapy can handle. If someone is in immediate danger or has active thoughts of self-harm, in-person help is usually the best option. “If a client tells me they have a plan to hurt themselves, I always recommend in-person care where immediate support is available,” says Dr. Freund.
That being said, most crisis situations don’t happen during therapy sessions—they happen in between. And when they do, therapists are trained to offer guidance over the phone and connect people with the right resources.
How to Find the Right Remote Therapist
Whether you choose in-person or remote therapy, the key is finding a therapist you feel comfortable with. A good therapist will acknowledge the differences between online and in-person therapy and help you adjust to what works best for you.
Is Remote Therapy Right for You?
For many people, remote therapy is a game-changer. It’s flexible, accessible, and just as effective as in-person therapy for most people. If you’re thinking about trying it, ask yourself:
- Do I have a quiet, private place to talk?
- Am I comfortable opening up in a virtual setting?
- Does my schedule make in-person therapy difficult?
If your answers point to “yes,” remote therapy might be a great fit.
At Life InSight, we’re here to make therapy work for you—wherever you are.
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