Online therapy has been around for a long time. It is an increasingly more popular choice of both counselors and clients in the wake of COVID-19. As an online counselor based in the West Houston suburb of Katy, Texas the benefits of teletherapy are undeniable. While online counseling may not be the perfect fit for everyone, there are plenty of benefits to consider when deciding if it’s right for you.
Some of the benefits of online counseling include:

Photo by Sincerely Media on Unsplash 9.16.2020
You have more options and access to qualified therapists.
You’re not limited to only seeing counselors who work close to where you live. In most states, including Texas, you can see any counselor licensed in your state. It doesn’t matter what city you or they live in. This means your access to therapists with specific expertise expands to include counselors throughout the state. Online therapy allows you to more easily find a clinician who specializes in treating postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety, LGBT concerns or anxiety. Teletherapy offers more access to counseling for people who live in rural areas where options for counseling are usually more limited.
Childcare for therapy may not be necessary.
Using remote counseling from home, means parents of young children may not have to find childcare during sessions. This is especially helpful for clients seeking treatment for postpartum depression and postpartum anxiety. And for those who experience social anxiety who may find it impossible, or overwhelming to leave the house. Staying home offers increased flexibility to schedule a session during nap time, or while children are occupied in another room.
Online counseling may cost you less than in person therapy.
Online therapy may cost you less than in person therapy because you don’t have to account for any extra costs. Costs outside of an in person session fee may include gas, unpaid time off of work and childcare.
Insurance or Health Savings Accounts may cover the cost of online therapy.
Your insurance may cover all or part of the cost of online counseling. If your therapist is in network with your insurance company, your benefits may include online therapy. If your therapist is out of network, your insurance policy may offer out of network benefits that can reimburse you for some of your cost. You’ll want to confirm your benefits with your insurance company and counselor to determine if you have any benefits you can use. Both types of counseling are generally considered eligible medical expenses under most Flexible Spending Accounts.
Online therapy is safer than in person therapy.
Today, the state of the world we’re living in is unique and unprecedented. Risk assessment is factoring into many people’s decisions about whether or not to seek out mental health care. Online counseling is the only way to ensure there is no risk of contracting COVID through therapy. While many counselors are taking precautions to protect both themselves and their patients from COVID-19, nothing eliminates all risk for in person sessions. If you’re someone who experiences anxiety about potential risk factors related to COVID, choosing online counseling is one way to ensure therapy is not a place you need to worry.
Online therapy may be more private than in office counseling.
Since you don’t have to come into an office for counseling, there is virtually no risk of anyone seeing you entering the office or the waiting room. You can take as many precautions as you’d like in your own surroundings to ensure your privacy from anyone within ear shot of your sessions wherever you choose to participate (headphones, being home alone, joining your session from your parked car, etc.).
You can have your counseling session (almost) anywhere.
Typically, you can access your therapy session from anywhere you have a little privacy, a strong internet or data connection and a reliable device. Most clients use a phone, a computer or a tablet. This might be your home office, your bathroom, a walk in closet, your work place or your parked car. Most state licensing laws require you to be located physically within the state in which your counselor is licensed. So if you have plans to travel out of state, make sure to make alternative plans with your counselor.
While the benefits of online counseling are significant, there can be some drawbacks in certain situations. Active suicidal or homicidal ideation may warrant in person assessment. Current psychotic symptoms or significant substance abuse may also require in person treatment.
Read more about telehealth counseling in Texas
Is online counseling effective? Will online therapy work for me?
Let’s Talk: How Online Counseling in Texas can Work for You
5 Things to Avoid in Online Therapy

Photo by Dayne Topkin on Unsplash 9.16.2020
Find Online Therapy in Texas
Anne Russey Counseling is an online counseling practice located in Katy, Texas and specializing in postpartum depression treatment, postpartum anxiety treatment, counseling for anxiety, LGBT affirming counseling and counseling for moms. Anne provides online therapy throughout the entire state of Texas including Simonton, Fulshear, Brookshire, Plano, Midland, San Marcos, Fresno, El Paso, San Angelo and anywhere else in between.
Contact Anne for a free 10 minute consultation or to request your first online counseling appointment.