Online Counseling vs. Online Therapy: What’s the Real Difference?
What Do “Online Counseling” and “Online Therapy” Mean?
When you see the terms online counseling and online therapy, you might wonder if there’s any difference between them. In practice, both refer to receiving professional mental health support over the internet, typically through secure video calls, phone calls, or chat. In fact, online therapy generally refers to psychotherapy or counseling services conducted over the internet. This means a licensed therapist or counselor provides care via a virtual platform rather than in a traditional office setting.
Many telehealth counseling services use these terms interchangeably. You might also come across phrases like teletherapy, telepsychology, or virtual counseling – all of these fall under the same umbrella. They indicate that technology (like video conferencing or messaging) is being used to connect you with a mental health professional remotely. For example, Psychology Today notes terms such as teletherapy, telepsychology, virtual therapy, and online counseling as common descriptors for remote therapy services.
Bottom line: Online counseling and online therapy are essentially the same thing in today’s usage. Both involve working with a qualified mental health provider via the internet. The goal – helping you improve your mental and emotional well-being – remains the same as traditional in-person therapy.
Counseling vs. Therapy: Is There a Difference?
If the online format is similar, what about the words counseling vs. therapy themselves? Traditionally, some professionals make subtle distinctions between counseling and therapy. Generally:
Counseling often tends to be shorter-term and focused on specific issues or life challenges, with a more goal-oriented approach. Counselors might help with concrete problems like stress management, career guidance, or adjustment to life changes.
Therapy (often meaning psychotherapy) can be longer-term and more exploratory, delving into deeper patterns, emotions, and mental health conditions. Therapists might work on broader issues like diagnosing and treating anxiety, depression, or past traumas, often taking a holistic view.
However, in everyday conversation, people often use counseling and therapy interchangeably. A licensed counselor and a licensed therapist usually have similar master’s-level or doctoral training in mental health. The specific title can depend on their degree and licensure (for example, Licensed Professional Counselor vs. Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist), but both are qualified to provide talk therapy.
In the context of online services, the difference becomes even less important. Platforms and providers might choose one term or the other mostly due to preference or marketing. What matters more is that the provider is licensed and that their approach fits your needs, rather than whether they label it “therapy” or “counseling.”
If you're wondering how effective online sessions really are, here’s what the latest research tells us.
For couples specifically, don’t miss our complete guide to online marriage counseling and couples therapy.
Telehealth, Teletherapy, Virtual Counseling – Explained
Along with online counseling and online therapy, you’ll likely encounter several other terms:
Telehealth Counseling / Teletherapy: These emphasize that the service is delivered via telecommunications (phone, video, secure chat). Telehealth is a broad term covering all health services provided remotely, while teletherapy or telemental health zooms in on therapy for mental health issues.
Virtual Counseling / Virtual Therapy: Simply another way to say the sessions are happening in a virtual (online) environment. There is no physical office visit – your “therapy room” might be your living room or home office.
E-therapy / E-counseling: Slightly older terms (the “e” stands for electronic) that mean the same thing – therapy through electronic means.
All of these terms share the same core idea: you’re receiving professional mental health support through technology instead of sitting in the therapist’s office. If you see a counselor advertising telehealth counseling or virtual therapy, you can expect a very similar experience to any other online counseling or therapy service.
Benefits of Online Therapy and Counseling
Why do people choose online counseling/therapy? There are many advantages to virtual mental health care:
Convenience and Accessibility: Online counseling lets you connect from anywhere you have internet – whether that’s your home, a private office at work, or even your car during a lunch break. This eliminates commute time and opens access for those living in rural areas or with mobility issues. If you’ve got a busy schedule or limited local options, virtual sessions can be a game-changer.
Comfort and Privacy: Many find it easier to open up when they are in their own familiar environment. You can curl up on your couch with a cup of tea while talking to your therapist. There’s no waiting room and no chance of bumping into someone you know before a session. The added anonymity and privacy can help reduce the stigma or nervousness some people feel about seeking help.
Flexible Scheduling: Without the need to travel, it’s often easier to fit therapy into your week. Therapists offering telehealth can often schedule sessions at a wider range of times (including evenings or weekends) because both you and the provider have more flexibility. This means you’re more likely to stick with regular sessions, which leads to better progress.
Access to Specialists: With online services, you aren’t limited to providers in your immediate vicinity. You can choose from a broader pool of therapists who are licensed in your state or country. This is great if you’re looking for someone with a particular specialty (for example, an online trauma therapist or a bilingual counselor) that might not be available in your town.
Affordability: In some cases, online therapy can be more cost-effective. Virtual therapists may have lower overhead costs (no office rent, for example) and can pass those savings on to clients. Also, you save on travel expenses. Many online platforms offer flat monthly rates or accept insurance. (Always check with your insurance – as of recent years, many plans do cover online therapy similar to in-person sessions.)
Not least of all, online counseling is effective. Research has shown that virtual therapy can work just as well as face-to-face therapy for many issues. For example, a review of multiple studies found little to no difference in outcomes between online therapy and traditional in-person therapy for common conditions like depression and anxiety. In other words, you’re not getting “less” help by choosing a remote format – you’re simply getting help delivered in a more convenient way. The quality of care and potential for improvement are on par with office visits, as long as you’re working with a qualified professional.
Remember, online therapy is proven to be just as effective as in-person counseling, offering the same high-quality care with the added convenience of virtual access.
Are There Any Drawbacks to Consider?
Online counseling isn’t a perfect fit for everyone in every situation. It’s important to be aware of a few potential limitations:
Technology Requirements: You’ll need a reliable internet connection and a private device (computer, tablet, or smartphone) for sessions. Technical glitches can occasionally interrupt a session – for instance, a dropped call or audio issues. A good practice is to test your setup beforehand and have a backup contact method (like phone) with your therapist in case the video fails.
Body Language Cues: Some clients and therapists find it a bit harder to read body language or pick up on very subtle non-verbal cues over video. In-person, a therapist might notice a client’s fidgeting hands or bouncing foot more readily. On video, the view might be mostly shoulders and face. That said, clinicians are trained to adapt – they may ask more questions to ensure they’re catching your emotional state. Many clients report they still feel “seen” and understood by their online therapists.
Serious Crises: Online therapy may not be appropriate for all situations. If someone is in an acute crisis (like feeling suicidal or in danger of harming someone), or dealing with severe mental health episodes that require close monitoring, in-person intervention or a higher level of care might be necessary. Ethical online therapists will have protocols for this – for example, they might require that you provide an emergency contact or local crisis number at the start of treatment.
Personal Preference: In the end, some people simply prefer that face-to-face energy. You or someone else might feel more comfortable sitting in the same room as a therapist, and that’s completely valid. Online therapy offers a different experience – more convenient for many, but maybe feeling less immersive for some.
It’s worth noting that as technology improves and people become more accustomed to interacting via video, many of these drawbacks are lessening. High-quality video and secure therapy platforms have improved the sense of connection in sessions, and therapists take steps to ensure your privacy and comfort (just as they would in the office).
Choosing the Right Online Counselor or Therapist
If you’re considering trying online counseling, here are a few tips to find the right match and get started:
Check Credentials: Ensure the provider is licensed to practice in your state (or country). They might be a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Psychologist, etc. The format might be virtual, but qualifications should be real and verifiable. Reputable online platforms and clinics will clearly state their therapists’ credentials.
Identify Your Needs: Are you looking for help with anxiety, relationship issues, depression, or something more specific like PTSD or eating disorders? Look for a therapist who has experience in that area. Many online therapy directories allow you to filter by specialty.
Consider Practical Factors: Think about whether you want video sessions, phone calls, or even text-based therapy. Video is the closest analog to in-person and highly recommended for deeper work. However, some people start with phone or text coaching if they feel shy. Also, decide if you’d prefer a therapist of a certain gender, background, or language proficiency if those are important to your comfort.
Start with a Consultation: Many therapists (and online services) offer a free initial phone or video consultation. This is a chance to ask questions about how they work, mention what you’re looking for, and see if it feels like a good fit. Don’t hesitate to “shop around” a little – a strong therapeutic alliance is key to success, so you want someone you feel comfortable with.
Ensure Privacy on Your End: When beginning sessions, set yourself up in a quiet, private space. Use headphones for added privacy. Let family or roommates know not to disturb you. Feeling secure that you won’t be overheard will help you speak freely.
Embrace Openness and Communication: Just as with in-person therapy, be open with your therapist about what’s working or not working. If something about the online format is challenging (e.g., “I sometimes feel distracted at home during sessions”), let them know. They might have suggestions, like techniques to ground yourself or scheduling at a different time.
Leverage the Benefits: Take advantage of the flexibility – maybe schedule sessions during a calm time of day for you, or incorporate comforting items (like your pet nearby, or a cup of coffee) to make the experience soothing. Many people find they can relax more when they’re literally “in their own space,” which can lead to more productive therapy sessions.
Remember, help is available and accessible. The benefits of online therapy often far outweigh the minor inconveniences for most people, especially once you find a therapist who clicks with you.
Making the Most of Virtual Support
Online counseling and therapy have opened doors for countless individuals who might otherwise struggle to get help. Whether you call it online counseling or online therapy, what truly matters is the connection and progress you build with your therapist.
If you’re in Colorado, for example, you have access to secure, convenient online therapy in Colorado through our practice, allowing you to get professional support without leaving home. We ensure our virtual sessions are HIPAA-compliant (secure and confidential) and as personal as in-office visits.
In conclusion, don’t let terminology hold you back from getting help. There really isn’t a “counseling vs therapy” contest to worry about – both are here to help you grow, cope, and thrive. What’s most important is taking that step to reach out for help. Whether you opt for online counseling (short-term and focused) or online therapy (longer-term and in-depth) – or some blend of both – you’re doing something positive for your mental health. And thanks to virtual options, that help is more accessible than ever.
Ready to get started? Consider scheduling a consultation with a therapist to experience firsthand how online counseling/therapy works. The real difference it can make is in how you feel and function – and that’s the kind of difference that matters.
