How Telehealth Is Changing Access to Mental Health Care: A Therapist’s Perspective
June 20, 2025 | By Keriki Purkiss
This is a repost of our blog originally posted in 2024.
Increased Access to Mental Health Services
Telehealth improves access to mental health care, particularly for individuals with physical disabilities, busy schedules, or those living in remote or underserved areas. For example, some clinicians offer services beyond traditional working hours, such as after 6 p.m. which gives people who can’t leave work during the day an opportunity to still receive therapy.
Additionally, for clients who live far from a therapy office, virtual sessions eliminate the need for long commutes, reducing a major barrier to care.
Enhancing Engagement Through Virtual Platforms
Virtual platforms like SimplePractice can improve client engagement by offering a private and secure login system, enabling consistent and effective therapy sessions. These platforms create a confidential space where therapists can provide care while upholding ethical standards.
Technology Challenges in Telehealth
While telehealth offers many benefits, there are technological challenges that may arise during virtual therapy sessions. Some of these include having a poor connection, switching to a less secure platform to complete the therapy session, and data security. Though there are always challenges, ongoing advancements seek to address technology issues, fostering a more inclusive and efficient healthcare landscape.
Despite these challenges, ongoing advancements in telehealth technology are helping to create a more inclusive and efficient mental health care system.
“For some who cannot attend face-to-face services, and also have difficulties securing a computer capable of a telehealth connection, mHealth may provide a secondary outlet for treatment.” - Perle & Nierenberg, 2013, p. 27
Building a Strong Therapeutic Alliance via Telehealth
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Establishing and maintaining a strong therapeutic alliance is essential to successful therapy.
Some clinicians may believe that it is difficult to develop a therapeutic alliance virtually, but many have shown that developing this alliance can be just as effective as in-person therapy.
Video conferencing allows therapists to observe non-verbal cues and build connection through:
Regular check-ins
Clear communication
Active listening
Empathy
Fostering trust
“Patients' reasons for liking telehealth centered around the convenience of accessing treatment from home.” - Sugarman et al., 2021, p. 448
Looking Ahead: Technology and the Future of Mental Health Care
To stay up to date with technologies and trends in telehealth, mental health professionals are beginning to explore options such as:
Source- Unsplash.com
Artificial Intelligence (AI) can support clinical decision-making
Virtual Reality (VR) may be used for exposure therapy or immersive calming environments
Wearable devices like Whoop or Oura Ring that offer real-time data for personalized treatment plans, like monitoring sleep
As clinicians explore these options, it remains important to follow ethical guidelines and prioritize client consent and confidentiality when integrating new technologies into therapy.
Final Thoughts
Telehealth has opened up new pathways for accessible, effective, and personalized mental health care. From flexible scheduling to emerging tech innovations, therapists and clients alike are finding meaningful ways to connect and heal, even from a distance.
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