Does Online Therapy Really Work? Here’s What the Research Says

In a world where digital interactions have become the norm, many people still ask: “Can online therapy or online counselling truly help with mental health issues like anxiety, depression, and stress?”

A therapist engages in an online session with a client, illustrating the modern approach to mental health care through virtual platforms.

The short answer? Yes. Absolutely. But let’s go deeper into the evidence.

A Landmark Study on Online Therapy

A groundbreaking 2018 meta-analysis published in the Journal of Anxiety Disorders analysed 20 high-quality studies comparing internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy (iCBT) with traditional, face-to-face therapy.

The researchers — Carlbring, Andersson, Cuijpers, Riper, and Hedman-Lagerlöf — set out to answer a critical question:

Is online therapy truly effective in treating mental health conditions?

Their conclusion was clear and powerful: Online therapy is just as effective as in-person therapy for treating anxiety, depression, and stress-related disorders.

Key Takeaways from the Study

1. Comparable Results: People who received online therapy showed the same level of improvement as those who saw a therapist in person.

2. Access and Convenience: Online therapy reduced the common barriers to mental health support — like long travel, stigma, or schedule conflicts.

3. Consistency of Care: When delivered properly (especially with structured approaches like CBT), online therapy provided long-lasting results.

4. Diverse Conditions Treated: This wasn’t limited to mild symptoms — the studies reviewed covered people with moderate to severe anxiety and depression.

What This Means for You

If you've ever felt unsure about starting therapy online, this research should offer confidence. Online therapy isn’t a lesser option — it’s a powerful, proven one. It meets you where you are — whether you're at home, in the office, or on the move — and gives you access to the support you deserve.

Full Reference

Carlbring, P., Andersson, G., Cuijpers, P., Riper, H., & Hedman-Lagerlöf, E. (2018).Internet-based vs. face-to-face cognitive behavior therapy for psychiatric and somatic disorders: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis.Journal of Anxiety Disorders, 55, 70–78.Read on ScienceDirect

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