Best Online Therapy: UK Therapists And Accessing Online Counselling Options

Teletherapy has been used in various forms since the 1950s. Once the internet became more widely available in the 1980s, people began using online chat rooms to discuss mental health. In the 1990s, providers established the International Society for Mental Health Online (ISMHO) to support and regulate interactions between practitioners and clients in formal therapy settings online. 

The popularity of virtual therapy accelerated considerably during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and has continued to rise ever since. Online therapy can help people experiencing anxiety, anger, bereavement, life changes, and much more. Its availability, convenience, and affordability relative to traditional in-person sessions are a few contributing reasons for this. Here, we’ll explore the best options for online therapy in the UK, what to expect from online therapy, and how to get the most out of your experience. And don’t hesitate to reach out for help if you feel overwhelmed.

Plus, some people might feel more comfortable discussing sensitive details about their feelings and experiences with a therapist via video, phone, or chat than attending face-to-face therapy. Individuals experiencing stigma associated with having mental health challenges or seeking mental health support might also appreciate the discretion that attending sessions from home may offer. 

Find a therapist: Types of virtual support providers in the UK

There are several types of online therapy platforms available in the UK that offer various mental health services. You can choose a pay-per-session or a subscription-based service that offers messaging and live sessions for a monthly fee. You may work one-on-one with the same licensed therapist or within a network where you’ll be matched with different therapists. 

BetterHelp is a widely used virtual therapy platform globally. It's subscription-based and offers a wide range of therapy types, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), and others. Subscriptions can be as low as £65, billed every four weeks.

Specialized virtual care: Find a therapist online

Some people seeking therapy may prefer to speak to a counselor via a platform catering to a specific group that they belong to. For example, Regain is a virtual therapy platform for couples, and TeenCounseling specializes in helping teens aged 13–19. 

Many mainstream platforms like BetterHelp and Talkspace also host therapists who specialize in serving specific communities, such as LGBTQIA+ individuals, people of color, and individuals from various cultural and religious backgrounds. 

A safe and trusted space for healing

When you take the first step to make an appointment via online therapy, you should know that your information is protected. Online therapy platforms maintain data protection and information security standards that protect client information. Furthermore, your online therapy sessions offer a secure, safe pace where you can share your feelings, reflect, and deal with difficult emotions.

Find the best online therapy: UK therapists and key features of virtual services

Online therapy platforms differ in the types of treatment and features they provide. The best online therapy platforms typically offer a wide range of therapeutic modalities (e.g., CBT, family therapy, mindfulness-based approaches, etc.) and multiple ways to communicate with your therapist, such as text, email, phone, video, or chat.

Find out about their policies on contacting your therapist between sessions if necessary. Many platforms provide asynchronous care that allows clients to send messages to their therapist outside of scheduled sessions, with the therapist responding as soon as they can. 

Counselors and clients should work as a team to monitor their progress and adjust treatment accordingly. If the counselor and client aren't a therapeutic match, a quality online therapy platform will allow the client to switch therapists easily if needed.

Finally, most quality platforms offer transparent pricing without hidden fees and, in some cases, provide financial assistance programs to help make affordable therapy more widely available. 

Therapist requirements for online therapy (UK) platforms

One of the most essential features of a reputable online therapy service is how they vet the counselors they work with to ensure they have proper qualifications, training, and ethical standards.

To become a therapist in the UK, individuals typically must finish a postgraduate training program accredited by the UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP), which usually involves a degree in a relevant field like psychology, social work, or nursing. Professionals must also complete personal therapy and 450 supervised practice hours in clinical psychology. These conditions typically take three to six years to complete.

How to get started with therapy

Most online therapy platforms require individuals to create an account providing details like their name and contact information, then complete an intake questionnaire about their specific mental health goals. This information helps the platform's algorithm match you with a suitable experienced therapist based on your unique needs and preferences. 

Some platforms set up a short initial consultation call where clients meet with their prospective therapist to discuss their needs, ask questions, and assess overall rapport. If the individual is comfortable with the match, they can schedule their first official session. Other platforms may allow clients to browse therapist profiles, see who can meet their individual needs, and book with their chosen therapist.

Therapy session structure and duration may vary depending on the therapist, the client’s needs, and the type of treatment used. And it is important to note that not only do therapy platforms allow people to access therapy suited to their individual needs, but they also ensure protected sessions.

Choosing the right therapist for you 

If you choose an online platform that allows you to browse and compare therapist profiles, you can find a therapist that you feel comfortable with, based on their personality, style, and focus areas. Many therapists are passionate about helping clients achieve emotional balance and growth, so your chosen therapist may end up being a good fit.

Best online therapy: UK therapists and techniques commonly used in online therapy

One of the most common mental health treatments used in online therapy in the UK today is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This approach focuses on helping the client cultivate self-awareness so they can better identify and shift distorted thought patterns that affect feelings and behavior. The structured nature of CBT allows for easy delivery through text, video, or voice communication, making it convenient for virtual therapy. 

Other modalities often used in online therapy

Each type of therapy, including CBT, mindfulness therapy, and trauma-informed care, will follow its own treatment course. Examples of other types of talking therapies sometimes used in online treatment (depending on the platform and therapist's expertise) include:

• Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT): focuses on accepting thoughts and feelings while committing to positive actions
• Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT): used for developing coping skills to manage intense emotions and improving interpersonal skills
• Exposure therapy: can sometimes be adapted to online therapy for treating phobias by gradually and safely exposing individuals to virtual representations of their fears

Various types of therapy can address various types of mental health concerns. Whether you want support with anger management, bereavement, or addiction recovery, or if you simply need support to deal with events in the course of everyday life, there is a type of therapy that can suit your needs.

Research on the effectiveness of online counselling

Some people may assume that online therapy isn’t as effective as conventional treatment; however, a growing body of research suggests that it can be, leading to improved mental health in many cases.

Here are a few studies outlining how online therapy compares to traditional treatment outcomes:

• Researchers at UCLA Health reviewed over 60 studies on the topic. Their findings indicate that virtual therapy can be just as effective as in-person therapy for most people with anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
• A meta-analysis published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research reviewed 12 randomized controlled trials, with findings suggesting that video therapy can be “equivalent to face-to-face care for clinical effectiveness, treatment adherence, and patient satisfaction.”
• A study published in the journal Nature Mental Health analyzed the outcomes of more than 27,500 NHS patients. It indicates that clients who participated in cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) online received treatment faster, improving their quality of life more quickly and contributing to better long-term outcomes. 

If you are experiencing trauma, support is available. Please see our Get Help Now page for more resources.

What do therapists say about the efficacy of online therapy?

While some mental health professionals offered online sessions before COVID-19, many began using the medium during the early years of the pandemic. Since then, many psychologists have continued to provide virtual services, and some have now transitioned to work exclusively online. 

According to current research, many psychologists using online therapy platforms have positive experiences, reporting treatment outcomes for their clients that are similar to those associated with in-person therapy. 

For instance, one qualitative study examined the experiences of nine mental health professionals offering online therapy during the earlier years of the pandemic. These participants reported satisfaction with treatment outcomes and noted that some clients showed increased treatment adherence. The same study also indicated several potential challenges. Areas for proposed improvements included technology-specific training and support.  

Accessibility and convenience of online therapy

Not only is online therapy effective, but it is also easily accessible and highly convenient. For those who have busy schedules or issues with transportation, it is easy to schedule appointments without having to deal with the hassle of travel. And as long as someone has a stable internet connection, they can access therapy from anywhere—even remote locations. Furthermore, it allows people to attend therapy sessions as they sit comfortably in their own homes. 

Online therapy also offers a wide range of services, for instance online couples counselling and free consultation options offered by some providers. 

Supporting young people and families

Support for young people, families, and parents is included among the many services that online therapy platforms provide. You can find a therapist who specialises in supporting children or adolescents, or any other family member who is experiencing mental health challenges. Many therapists will also provide advice to parents whose children are experiencing mental health challenges, tailoring their support to the individual needs of the family.   

Potential limitations 

While it can be effective in many cases, online therapy can present certain limitations in some cases. For example, it may be more difficult to see facial expressions, hear voices, or see body language—particularly when therapy takes place primarily through live chat or when there are technical difficulties affecting audio or video sessions. Technical issues can also disrupt sessions and cause frustration. 

Mental health conditions that may require in-person care rather than online counselling

Online therapy may not be suitable for people with a severe or long-term mental health condition or those who require medication management. For example, traditional therapy, in-person intervention or direct treatment may be required in cases where individuals experience delusions, hallucinations, or disorganized thinking. Symptoms commonly associated with schizophrenia spectrum disorders, borderline personality disorder (BPD), eating disorders, and other severe mental health conditions often require more intensive, in-person treatment modalities.  

Emergency and crisis support 

If someone is experiencing a mental health crisis or is at risk of harming themselves or others, they need to access emergency services rather than online therapy. Therapy platforms are not replacements for crisis support, as they don’t have the resources to deal with immediate issues. Instead you should call 999 to contact emergency services or call the Samaritans 24/7 emotional support line at 116 123.

Questions to ask when vetting therapists

Before your first meeting with an online therapist, you might reflect on any questions you have about the therapeutic process. For example, you may inquire about treatment modalities and the tools they use to address your specific concerns. You might ask about the therapist’s qualifications as well. Are they a mental health professional who has met all their educational requirements? How many years have they been in practice? 

Does the therapist specialize in certain areas or topics related to mental health? Do these specialties align with your needs? Have they worked with clients who have faced concerns similar to yours? Finally, it can be important to understand the platform's payment policies and subscription guidelines. For example, what is their cancellation policy? What are your options if you’d like to switch therapists?  

Your recovery journey

Your recovery journey may involve many elements, from mindfulness practices to exercise and eating well. Therapy is another important aspect of any person’s recovery journey. Therapy can help increase a person’s self-awareness, provide a safe place to process difficult emotions, and teach valuable coping strategies. A therapist can also help clients track their progress over time, revisit topics from previous sessions, and provide a variety of useful resources. 

Tips for maximizing mental health benefits

Ensuring you’re technologically prepared can be a helpful first step towards getting the most out of your online therapy experience. Test your internet connection and charge your devices before each session and familiarize yourself with the platform to minimize disruptions. Choose a quiet space where you won’t be disturbed or overheard during your sessions.

Other tips for maximizing your online therapy experience include: 

• Be open and honest about your thoughts and feelings
• Discuss and establish clear goals with your therapist 
• Ask questions about therapeutic concepts and methods to gain clarification or further understanding as needed
• Reflect on your progress and complete any “homework” assigned by your therapist between sessions
• Provide feedback to your therapist about what you think is working and what may not be
• Work with your therapist to make adjustments as needed