Telehealth & Virtual Mental Health

Comprehensive resources for accessing mental health care through telehealth and virtual platforms.

Telehealth mental health care includes online therapy, telepsychiatry, virtual counseling, and remote medication management. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated telehealth adoption, and research consistently shows virtual care is as effective as in-person treatment for most mental health conditions.

This resource hub brings together everything you need to know about telehealth mental health services: how it works, platform options, insurance coverage, privacy and security, and finding quality virtual providers.

Types of Telehealth Mental Health Services

Online Therapy/Counseling

What it is: Talk therapy delivered via video, phone, or messaging

Providers: Licensed therapists (LCSW, LMFT, LPC), psychologists

Best for: Depression, anxiety, relationship issues, life transitions, trauma therapy

Telepsychiatry

What it is: Psychiatric evaluation, diagnosis, and medication management via video

Providers: Psychiatrists (MD/DO), psychiatric nurse practitioners

Best for: Medication for depression, anxiety, ADHD, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia

Crisis Support Lines

What it is: 24/7 immediate support via phone or text for mental health crises

Providers: Trained crisis counselors, peer supporters

Best for: Suicidal thoughts, panic attacks, emotional crises, immediate support needs

Virtual Support Groups

What it is: Peer support groups meeting online via video or chat

Providers: Peer-led or professionally facilitated

Best for: Depression, addiction recovery, grief, chronic illness, shared experiences

When to Choose Telehealth

Telehealth is Great For:

  • Convenience: Busy schedules, no time for commute
  • Accessibility: Rural areas, mobility limitations
  • Continuity: Travel frequently, need consistent care
  • Privacy: Prefer therapy from home
  • Access to specialists: Need providers not available locally
  • Mild to moderate conditions: Anxiety, depression, adjustment issues

Consider In-Person For:

  • Severe mental illness: Active psychosis, mania requiring close monitoring
  • Crisis situations: Immediate safety concerns, hospitalization risk
  • Eating disorders: May need physical health monitoring
  • Preference for in-person: Value face-to-face interaction
  • Technology barriers: Lack reliable internet or private space
  • Certain therapies: Some body-based therapies work better in person

Note: Many people find a hybrid approach works best—primarily telehealth with occasional in-person visits as needed.

Telehealth Blog Articles

We're building a comprehensive library of telehealth articles. Future posts will cover topics like:

  • • How effective is telehealth mental health care?
  • • State-by-state telehealth regulations and licensure
  • • Telepsychiatry: getting medication management online
  • • Privacy and security in telehealth platforms
  • • Insurance coverage for telehealth: what you need to know
  • • Setting up your home for successful telehealth sessions

In the meantime, explore our existing telehealth resources above, or browse related tags below.