Definition: teletherapy

Providing counseling services via video. Also called "Internet therapy," "virtual therapy," "e-therapy," "cybertherapy," "online counseling" and "telepsychiatry," true teletherapy is provided by credentialed mental health professionals.

Teletherapy became very popular during COVID-19, not only because people stayed at home and it was more convenient than physical visits, but because staying at home 24/7 was one of the causes of depression. While medical "telehealth" visits are often not as beneficial as being in a physician's office, not being present in person for therapy counseling is not as much of an issue. Online therapy sessions can be as effective as being there. When sitting in the same room, therapists often read their clients' facial expressions and tone of voice, and those aspects can usually be ascertained equally as well online. See telehealth.

A Cyber Therapist

Launched in 2017, the Woebot app lets people derive teletherapy when they cannot afford to see a human therapist or when they need immediate help. Woebot is said to be a "coach for life's ups and downs." (Image courtesy of Woebot Health.)