Online vs In-Person Therapy: How to Choose
Both online and in-person therapy work well for most people, and research suggests they are similarly effective for many common concerns. So the better question is usually not which is better in general, but which suits you, your situation, and what you are working on. This article compares online and in-person therapy, looks at when each tends to suit people best, and offers a simple way to decide.
Is online therapy as effective as in-person?
For many common presentations, including anxiety, depression, and stress, research indicates that therapy delivered by secure video is comparable to face-to-face therapy. What matters most for outcomes tends to be the quality of the working relationship and the fit between you and your psychologist, rather than the format itself. The Australian Psychological Society and services such as Healthdirect both recognise telehealth as a legitimate way to deliver psychological care.
That said, format still matters for practical reasons and personal preference, and there is no single right answer.
When in-person therapy may suit you better
In-person therapy can be a better fit if you:
- Find it easier to feel connected and at ease in the same room as your psychologist
- Do not have a private, quiet space at home for a session
- Prefer a clear separation between home and the space where you do this work
- Find video calls tiring or distracting, or have limited access to reliable internet
When online therapy works well
Online therapy suits a lot of people, and for some it removes barriers that would otherwise get in the way. It can work well if you:
- Want to avoid travel, or live in a regional or remote area
- Have a busy schedule, caring responsibilities, or health or mobility limits that make attending in person difficult
- Feel more comfortable opening up from your own environment
- Value the consistency of being able to keep appointments even on a difficult week
Practical things to know in Australia
- Medicare: the rebate applies to both online and in-person sessions, as long as you have a valid Mental Health Treatment Plan from your GP. You can read more about what seeing a psychologist costs and the funding options available.
- Other funding: private health insurance, NDIS, and workers’ compensation can apply to either format, depending on your circumstances.
- For online sessions you will need a private space, a device with a camera, and a reasonably stable internet connection. Or access to a phone and stable service in your area, as many clinicians will also offer phone only appointments.
How to choose
A simple way to decide is to weigh up three things: your practical situation (time, travel, privacy, and access), your personal comfort with each format, and what you are hoping to work on. If you are still unsure, it is worth raising with a psychologist directly, as they can talk through what is likely to suit you. The choice is not permanent either. Many people start one way and adjust, or combine both over time.
If you are weighing up whether to start at all, the Is Therapy Right for You? article covers some of the most common questions people have first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is online therapy as effective as in-person therapy?
For many common concerns such as anxiety, depression, and stress, research suggests online therapy delivered by secure video is comparable to in-person therapy. The fit between you and your psychologist usually matters more than the format.
Does Medicare cover online therapy?
Yes. The Medicare rebate applies to both online and in-person psychology sessions, provided you have a valid Mental Health Treatment Plan from your GP.
Can I switch between online and in-person therapy?
Often, yes. Many people combine the two or change over time as their circumstances change. It is worth discussing with your psychologist what works best for you.
What do I need for an online therapy session?
A private, quiet space, a device with a camera, and a reasonably stable internet connection. Sessions are run on a secure video platform.
Can therapy be done by phone?
Yes. As well as video, therapy can often be offered by phone, which can suit people who prefer not to be on camera or who have limited or unreliable internet. If phone would work better for you, it is worth asking when you make contact.
About the author
Veronica West is a registered psychologist (BPsychSc(Hons), MPH, MPsych) based on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland. She works with adults and adolescents in person in Maroochydore from November 2026 and online across Australia via secure telehealth. You can read more about her therapy approach or get in touch. About Veronica.