Is online therapy right for you?
Practical, balanced guide to whether online therapy might suit you and what to sort before a first video session.
If you are in crisis or thinking about harming yourself, call 116 123 to reach Samaritans. It is free, and open at any hour.
Online therapy fits some people and not others. This piece explains common trade-offs, practical steps to prepare for a first video session, and questions to ask before you book.
This is not advice or diagnosis; a clinician who is actually talking to you is the person who can say what is right for you.
Who reads this and why
You might be wondering whether online counselling is a convenience you can use, or whether it will feel too different from face-to-face work. That is a common place to start.
People come here for many reasons - to save travel time, to widen their choice of practitioner, or because an in-person option is not easy for them. Others are checking whether the medium itself will get in the way of the work.
Who tends to find online therapy suits them
Many people report that the convenience of joining from home helps them keep appointments. It can be easier to fit sessions around work, childcare or study commitments.
Some people value having access to therapists who specialise in a particular issue even if those therapists are not local. That wider choice can matter if you want someone with specific experience - for example with stress or anxiety. You can browse therapists at /therapists/ and see those who list particular areas at /specialties/stress-anxiety/.
Others find the screen feels less confronting than a consulting room. For them, that distance can make it easier to start and to speak openly. People who travel frequently, live in rural areas, or have mobility limitations also often prefer online sessions.
Who tends not to find online therapy suits them
Some people say they miss being physically in the same room as their therapist. Non-verbal cues - the small signals picked up in person - can feel blunter on video for some users.
Practical issues can also be a barrier. If you cannot find a private space to speak, or if your internet connection is unreliable, sessions are likely to be disrupted. A poor connection can interrupt the flow and make it harder to feel connected to the therapist.
People who are in acute distress, who are currently in crisis, or who feel at immediate risk of harm often need rapid, local support. If that applies to you, please see the final section for urgent options.
Practical things to sort before your first video session
Choose a quiet, private space where you will not be overheard. Let household members know you will be unavailable for the session time.
Check your device - phone, tablet or laptop. Charge it, and if possible use headphones with a microphone to reduce background noise and improve sound quality. Have a stand or stable surface so your camera is steady.
Test your internet connection and, if you can, do a short video call with a friend to check camera angle and lighting. If your connection is unreliable, consider a backup plan - a phone call instead of video, or moving to a different location with better signal.
Find out what the therapist will send you before the session. Many practitioners provide a short form, information on fees and cancellation policy, and a consent or working agreement to sign. Read these in advance so the session can focus on you.
What to ask a therapist before you book
It is reasonable to ask about qualifications and professional registration. Therapists in the UK may be registered with or members of bodies such as BACP, UKCP or HCPC. You can ask what training they have and whether they have experience with the issues you want to discuss.
Ask about the therapeutic approach - how they typically work and what a session length and frequency would look like. You can also ask practical questions - fees, cancellation policy, whether they keep records, and how they handle contact between sessions.
Clarify what happens in case of an emergency or a serious deterioration. Therapists should be able to explain their safeguarding and crisis plan and whether they can offer face-to-face support if needed in future. Remember that a phone conversation with a clinician is the best way to assess whether their style and approach fit you.
If you are feeling very distressed or worried about safety
If you are in immediate danger or need urgent help, call 999. If you need to talk to someone right now and are not in immediate danger, Samaritans are available on 116 123.
If your distress feels acute but not life threatening, you can still discuss this with a clinician when you contact them. Let them know about your level of distress - they can advise on the most appropriate next step. If you are unsure, a GP can also advise on local urgent services.
Where possible, tell the therapist at the outset if you are feeling highly distressed. They can then prioritise safety planning and may suggest a different arrangement until you feel more stable. This section is not advice or diagnosis; a clinician who is actually talking to you is the person who can say what is most suitable for your situation.
This is general reading, not medical advice, and it cannot tell you what you are experiencing. It was written for this site and has not been reviewed by a clinician. Anything that sounds like it applies to you is worth raising with your GP or a therapist.