5 Benefits of Virtual Psychotherapy and Counselling
Starting therapy can feel like a big decision. You might be feeling anxious, unsure, or curious about what your options are. If getting to a clinic feels hard—because of time, distance, or life—online therapy can offer a more flexible way to get the support you need.
In this post, we’ll walk through the main benefits of online therapy, including how it works, who it helps, and what to expect. Whether you’re exploring therapy for the first time or thinking about switching to virtual care, this guide can help you decide if it’s the right fit for you.
What Are the Benefits of Online Therapy?
Online therapy is also called virtual therapy or teletherapy. It is a way convenient way to get mental health support from home. It’s helped people access care they might not otherwise receive. In Ontario, this can be helpful for those who live in rural areas or when busy lives can create barriers.
In this post, we’ll walk through the biggest benefits of online therapy, and how it might be the right fit for you.
1. How Is Online Therapy More Convenient?
Life is busy. Between work, family, and other responsibilities, it can be hard to find time to drive across town for therapy.
Online therapy removes that stress. You can meet with your therapist from your home, your office, or even your parked car—wherever you feel comfortable and safe. This can be especially helpful if:
You live in a rural or remote part of Ontario
You have limited transportation
You have mobility issues
You’re juggling a packed schedule
At Virtual CBT, all our sessions are virtual making therapy more accessible for Ontario residents.
2. Does Online Therapy Feel More Private?
For many people, yes. Doing therapy from a familiar space can feel safer and more relaxed.
You don’t have to sit in a waiting room. You don’t have to run into people you know. For some, this added sense of privacy makes it easier to open up—especially when talking about things that feel vulnerable.
3. Is Online Therapy Flexible?
Very. Virtual therapy lets you choose how you want to connect. You can choose to connect through secure video, or phone depending on the therapist’s approach. It can also be easier to reschedule or find appointment times outside of standard work hours.
This flexibility allows therapy to fit into your life, not the other way around.
4. Is Online Therapy More Affordable?
It can be. Some therapists charge slightly lower fees when they don’t have to cover office rent or overhead. You also save on gas, parking, and commute time.
Plus, many private insurance plans in Ontario now cover therapy. Check with your provider to see what’s included under your benefits.
5. Can I See a Specialist Through Online Therapy?
Yes—and this is one of the biggest benefits. You don’t have to settle for the closest therapist in your area. You can find someone who specializes in what you need help with—whether it’s:
OCD
PTSD
Panic attacks
Health anxiety
ADHD
Depression or burnout
At Virtual CBT, we have a team of therapists across Ontario who specialize in CBT for anxiety, OCD, phobias, trauma, and more. Learn more about ERP for OCD, CBT for Anxiety or Depression. Learn more about online trauma treatment.
What Conditions Can Online CBT Help With?
Online CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) is a gold-standard treatment for many mental health conditions. It works just as well online as in person for:
Generalized anxiety
OCD
Panic disorder
Social anxiety
Depression
Phobias (e.g., driving, emetophobia, agoraphobia)
Burnout and stress
CBT helps you identify unhelpful thought patterns and build practical tools to manage them (Canadian Psychological Association, 2020).
What Are the Pros and Cons of Online Therapy?
Here’s a quick breakdown to help you decide:
Pros:
Accessible from anywhere in Ontario
Flexible scheduling
Comfortable and private
Easier to find a specialist
Often more affordable
Possible Cons:
Requires a stable internet connection
May not feel the same as in-person for everyone
Harder to read body language over video
Still unsure? You can try a free consultation to see how it feels before committing.
FAQ: Quick Answers About Online Therapy
Is online therapy effective?
Yes. Studies show that online CBT is as effective as in-person CBT for many mental health concerns (Andersson et al., 2014).
Do I need a referral?
No. You can self-refer to a therapist at any time. Some clients choose to see both a therapist and a family doctor or psychiatrist, depending on their needs.
What platforms do you use for sessions?
At Virtual CBT, we use secure, PHIPA-compliant video platforms to protect your privacy.
Can I use my insurance for online therapy?
Most extended health plans in Ontario cover virtual therapy provided by registered professionals. Check with your provider to confirm.
How Do I Know If Online Therapy Is Right for Me?
If you’re not sure whether virtual therapy is a good fit, this quick checklist might help. You don’t need to check every box—but if a few of these feel true for you, online therapy could be a helpful option.
✅ I want therapy that fits into my busy schedule
✅ I feel more comfortable talking from my own space
✅ I live in a rural or remote area of Ontario
✅ I find it hard to get time off work or arrange childcare
✅ I want to avoid driving or public transportation
✅ I’m looking for a therapist who specializes in something specific, like CBT for anxiety or OCD
✅ I feel nervous going into an in-person clinic
✅ I prefer flexible options like video, phone, or secure messaging
If some of these apply to you, virtual CBT could be a gentle and effective way to start therapy—on your own terms.
Ready to Get Started? Book a Free Consultation.
If you’re looking for CBT-based online therapy in Ontario, we’re here to help.
Our therapists offer compassionate, evidence-based care.
Click the black tab below to book a free 15-minute consultation with a licensed therapist from our team. No pressure. Just a chance to explore if therapy is a good fit for you. Our Clinical Directors will meet with you and match you with a qualified therapist. You can choose to meet with a social worker, registered psychotherapist or clinical psychologist. Our therapy fees.
Written by Melissa Lindstrom, RSW, MSW. An online therapist in Ontario.
References
Andersson, G., Cuijpers, P., Carlbring, P., Riper, H., & Hedman, E. (2014). Guided Internet-based vs. face-to-face cognitive behavior therapy for psychiatric and somatic disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis. World Psychiatry, 13(3), 288–295. https://doi.org/10.1002/wps.20151
Canadian Psychological Association. (2020). What is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy?
