Online counseling

Online counseling, also known as online therapy, teletherapy, e-therapy, cyber therapy, or web-based counseling, is a form of mental health care that is delivered through the internet. Licensed or trained mental health professionals remotely communicate with clients to provide assessments, support or therapeutic services for individuals seeking counseling. Rather than conventional face-to-face interactions, these services are typically offered via email, real-time chat, or video conferencing. Online counseling may be used as an alternative to traditional psychotherapy, or nutritional counseling.

Although forms of telepsychology and telepsychiatry have been available for over 35 years, the development of digital communication technologies and the wider availability of broadband internet has influenced online therapy services. As the use of online counseling continues to expand through different platforms, clients utilize online counseling as a replacement or as a supplement to in-person treatment.