In the evolving landscape of mental health care, teletherapy has emerged as more than just an alternative to traditional in-person practice. For many, it has become the preferred way to deliver care.
But what’s it really like on the other side of the screen? We looked up mental health professionals who’ve made the transition to learn about their experiences, challenges, and the unexpected benefits they’ve discovered along the way. Get ready to learn telehealth insights from mental health professionals who made the leap…
The Daily Rhythm of Online Practice
For many practitioners, the shift to teletherapy required an adjustment, but the benefits quickly became apparent. As one therapist shared: “It’s definitely an adjustment, but overall, I enjoy it so much. I’ve gotten into the groove of my schedule, have a system for trying to mitigate no shows, and if I do have a cancellation or no show, I have a backup cancellation list.”
This flexibility represents one of teletherapy’s most significant advantages. When unexpected gaps appear in your schedule, you’re not stranded in an office with little to do. Instead, as this same therapist noted, “If it’s a no show then I make productive use of my time, usually doing house chores, maybe a workout if I have enough time.”
The ability to reclaim these moments throughout the day contributes significantly to work-life balance. Another practitioner enthusiastically confirmed this benefit: “It helps my mood greatly. I would sometimes have a day when 8 people are scheduled and only my first and last person kept their appointments and it made me feel more negative than I wanted. But working from home, if I have large gaps I can do laundry, run to the store, run errands or visit with my partner.”
Telehealth Insights on the Professional and Personal Benefits
The enthusiasm generated by remote clinical practice is palpable. “Love it. Never going back,” declared one mental health professional. “My clients love it too. It’s easier for them and works just as well as in person. It has changed the quality and balance of my life and I am so much more present for clients because I am able to have so much better self-care. It’s incredible.”
This sentiment was echoed repeatedly by others who found that eliminating commute time and office overhead has transformed their professional experience. For some, teletherapy has been transformative not just professionally but personally as well.
“It’s been a godsend for me,” shared one therapist. “Between my health issues and my wife’s health issues, it became really difficult getting to the office. But it’s also been a huge benefit to me and my clients since no one has to change their schedule to rush to my office, and I no longer have to commute. I can be more flexible with my office hours, and I can often meet with clients for crisis sessions when they need it.”
The accessibility factor works both ways—practitioners with mobility challenges or health concerns can continue providing care, while clients who might otherwise struggle to attend in-person sessions can now receive consistent treatment.
Expanding Mental Health Care Access
Perhaps the most meaningful aspect of teletherapy for many practitioners is the opportunity to reach previously underserved populations. “I love it,” one therapist told us. “I can unequivocally say that we’re now getting services to people who previously wouldn’t have come to get treatment.”
Expanded access represents a significant step forward in addressing mental health disparities. Clients who live in rural areas, lack reliable transportation, have physical disabilities, or simply cannot take time off work for appointments can now connect with qualified professionals. Enhanced convenience removes barriers that might otherwise prevent people from seeking help.
Many therapists who began offering teletherapy during the pandemic have chosen to continue. “I’ve been telehealth only since COVID and I’ll never go back,” one practitioner shared. “It’s definitely not for every therapist or every client, but I’m lucky to be one of only a few therapists at my agency that offer telehealth still so the ones that want telehealth or specifically want to see ME instead of other therapists.”
This highlights another important benefit—teletherapy can become a differentiating factor that attracts clients specifically looking for remote options, helping practitioners build a niche practice.
Creative Therapeutic Approaches in the Virtual Space
Far from limiting therapeutic options, many mental health professionals have discovered that teletherapy opens new possibilities for intervention. “I like telehealth because of how easy it is to incorporate strategies,” one therapist explained. “I can say, ‘Let us create a self-soothing kit from the items in your room,’ ‘Let me pull up a video to watch together,’ or ‘Let us complete this worksheet together.'”
This ability to work with clients in their natural environment—their homes, workplaces, or wherever they feel comfortable—creates opportunities for real-time practice, allowing them to develop coping skills in the very spaces where clients need them most. Digital tools like screen sharing, collaborative documents, and online resources can be seamlessly integrated into virtual therapy sessions.
The therapeutic relationship—so crucial to effective treatment—remains strong in the virtual setting. Many practitioners report that the perceived distance of the screen actually helps some clients open up more readily, particularly those who experience social anxiety or find direct eye contact uncomfortable.
Finding Your Ideal Clients
Experienced teletherapists have discovered that certain clients are extremely well-suited to virtual care. “I find that particular clients do better with telehealth than other clients,” one professional noted. “I’ve acquired a specific caseload of clients for whom telehealth is more convenient or accessible than in-person therapy.”
This natural selection process can lead to a more specialized and targeted practice. Rather than serving clients based on geographic proximity, teletherapists can focus on specific conditions, therapeutic approaches, or demographic groups they’re most qualified and passionate about serving.
Navigating the Challenges
While teletherapy benefits are substantial, mental health professionals also acknowledge the challenges. Working with certain populations, particularly younger clients, can present unique difficulties in the virtual environment.
“Kids and teenagers? Not so much,” admitted one therapist. “They get bored really easily, and it’s difficult to engage them through a screen. Plus, I had a few difficult clients figure out that if they didn’t want to hear what I was saying they could mute me or end the call.”
However, even while acknowledging these challenges, this same therapist added: “I love the convenience of telehealth. I do miss certain aspects of it.”
Another practitioner expressed similar nuance: “I don’t think it’s optimal for some populations/approaches. Smaller children and play therapy are definitely more challenging.”
These observations highlight an important point—teletherapy isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. The most successful teletherapists recognize which clients and conditions are best served virtually and which might benefit from in-person care or a hybrid approach.
Creating Your Optimal Teletherapy Environment
Setting up an effective home office for teletherapy requires thoughtful consideration of technical and environmental factors. Successful teletherapists recommend:
- Dedicated space: Establish a private, professional area exclusively for virtual therapy sessions
- Reliable technology: Invest in quality camera, microphone, and stable internet connection
- Visual background: Create a neutral, non-distracting backdrop that reflects professionalism
- Lighting: Ensure your face is clearly visible without harsh shadows or glare
- Sound management: Minimize background noise and consider acoustic treatments
- Ergonomics: Set up your workspace to prevent physical strain during long virtual therapy sessions
- Boundaries: Establish clear work/home separation, even within the same physical space
The initial investment in creating an optimal teletherapy environment pays dividends in client satisfaction and professional longevity.
Building a Sustainable Telehealth Practice
For mental health professionals considering the transition to teletherapy, establishing the right digital foundation is crucial. Your online presence serves as your virtual waiting room and your primary marketing tool. A professional website tailored to your specific practice not only helps clients find you but also establishes credibility and communicates your unique approach.
Mindful Content Lab specializes in creating websites specifically designed for mental health professionals offering telehealth services. Our platform provides the essential tools to showcase your expertise, connect with potential clients, and manage your online practice efficiently.
Conclusion: The Future Is Virtual
The shift toward teletherapy represents more than a temporary response to extraordinary circumstances—it reflects a fundamental evolution in how mental healthcare can be delivered. As one therapist summarized: “It has changed the quality and balance of my life and I am so much more present for clients because I am able to have so much better self-care. It’s incredible.”
This sentiment captures the essence of what makes teletherapy so appealing to many mental health professionals—the opportunity to provide excellent care while creating a more sustainable and fulfilling professional life. By embracing the virtual platform, practitioners are discovering that they can grow their mental health services, reach underserved populations, and achieve greater work-life balance.
Whether you’re considering a complete transition to teletherapy or exploring a hybrid model, the experiences of those who have already made the leap suggest that teletherapy benefits—for practitioners and clients—can be transformative.