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Before 2020, if someone had asked you about teletherapy, you might have had plenty of reasons to be skeptical. Perhaps you would have seen it as a useful tool for occasional check-ins between sessions, but not something that could replace in-person therapy. However, the events of 2020 shifted everything, breaking down barriers you may have thought existed for both clinicians and clients, and opening the door to teletherapy in ways you hadn’t imagined.
When the pandemic hit, you likely found that everyone needed support. Clients who were already in therapy were eager to keep their connections going, while many who had never considered therapy before suddenly reached out, feeling isolated. Teletherapy became a vital tool, making therapy accessible in a time when face-to-face sessions weren’t possible.
There are so many pros to teletherapy, and only a few cons—especially if you conduct it in a way that’s safe and supportive for both you and your clients. It’s essential that you have a private, secure space to conduct your sessions, where no one else can overhear you. This helps protect your clients’ confidentiality. At the same time, it’s important that your clients are in a safe, confidential environment as well, even if they say they’re comfortable sharing. Some clients may be fine with therapy in a more public setting, but it’s still your responsibility to make sure their privacy is safeguarded.
One major benefit of teletherapy is its flexibility. It helps you and your clients avoid cancellations due to things like weather, work conflicts, or illness. Clients can remain consistent in their care even when their schedules change. The flexibility to shift appointments without factoring in travel time is a huge win for both sides.
While you might initially worry that the lack of in-person connection would create a barrier, the truth is that teletherapy remains incredibly effective. Yes, there are some subtle cues you might miss through a screen, but this doesn’t take away from the therapeutic process in any significant way.
The reality is that teletherapy has proven itself. It’s flexible, accessible, and allows you to continue providing effective care no matter what life throws your way. While in-person counseling has its own advantages, teletherapy has shown that it can be just as impactful—and it’s here to stay.
