Virtual therapy, also known as teletherapy, is a mental health treatment provided remotely via digital platforms. The earliest example of virtual therapy dates back to 1959, when the Nebraska Psychiatric Institute began using video conferencing for therapeutic purposes. Throughout the 21st century, virtual therapy has become increasingly widespread due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Teletherapy was recognized as an effective alternative to in-person care and quickly gained popularity.
The rapid rise in virtual therapy’s popularity can be attributed to its many benefits. Many people appreciate the convenience of attending therapy sessions from any location. Travel time is reduced, stressful traffic is eliminated, and time is used more efficiently. Eliminating the need for travel also lowers costs, since there are no expenses for public transportation or gas. Additionally, the ability to log on to a therapy session from one’s own home broadens access to therapy. In many communities, there may not be a therapy office nearby. For people unable to travel to the nearest provider, virtual therapy may be their only option.
Virtual therapy is especially relevant in the 21st century, not just because of the advanced technology, but also because of the mental health crisis among teenagers in America. According to the American Psychological Association (APA), 22% of teens have seriously considered attempting suicide. The World Health Organization reports that one in seven teenagers will experience a mental disorder. While teletherapy initially gained traction as a byproduct of the pandemic, it has remained especially popular among youth. In fact, a 2023 study by the JAMA Network found that, while in-person youth mental health services had returned to 75% of pre-pandemic levels by August 2022, usage rates of telehealth services were 2,300% higher than before the pandemic.
One reason for the consistently high usage of telehealth services is the ongoing shortage of school mental health services. The National Association of School Psychologists recommends one psychologist for every 500 students. The current mean ratio is one per 1,211 students. The lack of resources has resulted in a high demand for youth mental health services, leading to skyrocketing care costs and longer wait times. Youth who identify as BIPOC, LGBTQ+, low-income, or who live in rural areas are disproportionately affected by the inaccessibility of mental health services. This is where teletherapy can be extremely valuable. If a teenager cannot access an in-person therapist at their school, they can connect virtually with one from anywhere in the world. The broader geographical reach in virtual therapy results in greater diversity among therapists, improving the chances that teens can be matched with someone who relates to their background and needs.
However, psychologists express some reservations before recommending teletherapy to everyone looking for professional support. The primary concern is the qualification of the person on the other side of the screen. In most states, “therapist” is not a legally protected word. This means that anyone can call themselves a therapist and offer services that appear to be therapy. Another concern is the confidentiality of the session. With the range of digital platforms offered, the risk of leaked information grows. Additionally, insurance companies typically cover the cost of in-person therapy, but do not always cover virtual therapy, making it potentially a more expensive resource compared to traditional therapy. The APA states, “If you plan to be reimbursed, check with your insurance company first. Otherwise, prepare to pay for the full cost yourself.” There are other limitations to using digital platforms. Screen fatigue can make it harder to maintain focus, and it is more difficult for therapists to read body language cues through a screen.
Though research on teletherapy is still underway, psychologists generally view it as a beneficial resource. Teletherapy offers a promising solution to the growing demand for accessible mental health services. Even at schools like Concord Academy, which have the resources to provide in-person therapy to anyone who requests it, teletherapy could be a valuable addition to the mental health services already offered. As technology and mental health services continue to develop, virtual therapy could provide more equitable access to psychological care. It is CA’s best interest to integrate teletherapy as a permanent part of its mental health offerings in the near future.