Online therapy has become a mainstream, effective way to get support. Here is how telehealth sessions work, what the research says about them, and who they suit best.
Not long ago, therapy meant sitting in an office across from a clinician. Today, many people get effective, meaningful support from their own homes through telehealth. Online therapy has become a mainstream option, and for many it removes the very barriers that once kept them from getting help at all.
How telehealth therapy works
Telehealth sessions take place over a secure video connection, in real time, much like an in-person appointment. You meet from a private space of your choosing, and the work itself, talking, learning skills, processing difficult experiences, unfolds just as it would in an office. The main difference is the setting, not the substance.
What the research shows
For many common concerns, including anxiety and depression, therapy delivered over video is comparably effective to in-person care. What matters most for outcomes is the relationship between client and therapist and the quality of the work, both of which translate well to a screen when the fit is right.
Who telehealth suits well
- People with busy schedules, long commutes, or limited transportation
- Parents and caregivers who cannot easily leave home for an appointment
- Those who feel more at ease opening up from a familiar space
- Anyone in an area with few nearby providers who match their needs
Deciding what is right for you
Telehealth is not the best fit for every person or every situation, and part of a good consultation is deciding together what will serve you. Dr. Kim offers therapy to clients in Englewood and across Bergen County and can discuss whether in-person or online sessions make the most sense for your needs. Convenient access should never be the reason someone goes without support.
This article is for general educational purposes and is not a substitute for individualized professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are in crisis or thinking about self-harm, call or text 988 (the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline).