Is online therapy as effective as in-person therapy?
Answered by Dr. Nitnem Singh Sodhi · Consultant Psychologist & Psychotherapist · Updated 2026-05-22
Short answer
Yes — for most common conditions like anxiety, depression, insomnia and burnout, online therapy is supported by strong evidence as equally effective as in-person care. In-person is preferred for severe trauma, psychosis, eating disorders or active suicidal risk.
A common worry — does talking through a screen really work? The short answer, backed by over a decade of randomised trials: for the majority of presentations I see, yes, with effect sizes statistically equivalent to in-person treatment.
Where online therapy shines
Generalised anxiety, panic, mild-to-moderate depression, insomnia (CBT-I), burnout, work stress, relationship issues, post-natal mood. Convenience increases attendance, which is one of the strongest predictors of outcome.
When in-person is better
Severe / complex trauma needing somatic work. Active suicidal crisis. Psychosis or severe bipolar episodes. Eating disorders requiring weight monitoring. First psychiatric assessment in many cases.
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