You’re probably familiar with telehealth visits for physical health appointments — talking to a doctor from home, getting diagnosed and even getting prescriptions. But did you know you can get mental health support the same way? Mental telehealth visits let you talk to a therapist or counselor from anywhere. All you need is a laptop, tablet or smartphone. (Of course, data rates may apply.)

With virtual visits, you can get help with stress, depression or other mental health concerns from the privacy of your own space. And like telehealth visits with your primary care doctor, virtual therapy can be just as effective and convenient. Connecting virtually with a therapist can also help you take charge of your emotional wellbeing in a way that feels comfortable.

So here are some important things to know about telehealth — along with reasons to consider making a telehealth appointment to take care of your mental health.

When you're feeling overwhelmed or burned out, licensed mental health professionals can help. Find out how a telehealth mental health membership can benefit you or a family member.

What is telehealth?

Telehealth is a way to receive health care remotely through technology. Also called telemedicine or virtual care, telehealth just means you can talk to a doctor through a secure video call, an app, or a web portal.

Virtual care really took off during the COVID pandemic. But it’s here to stay. And there’s evidence that it can be just as effective as in-person visits for a variety of conditions, including mental health.¹

How can you use telehealth for mental health?

Virtual therapy works much the same way any other type of virtual health visit does. You can find a provider by going through your health plan or asking your primary care provider (PCP). Or you can enroll in a telehealth membership program that provides mental health care. Mental health care through these programs may be limited to persons 18 and older.

Many types of licensed mental health professionals provide care, from psychiatrists to social workers.² You can also find many types of therapy including:³

• One-on-one counseling for conditions like anxiety or mood disorders
• Group therapy
• Medication prescribing and management (limited to certain drugs and does not include controlled substances)
• Mental health screenings for conditions like depression or anxiety

Is virtual mental health counseling effective?

Yes — this type of mental health counseling is highly effective. In 2023, telehealth visits made up 58% of all mental health appointments, according to the Center for Improving Value in Health Care.⁴ And people taking part in virtual therapy seem to be satisfied with the quality of care, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).⁵

Studies have shown that telehealth can be as beneficial as in-person therapy for people who are living with an anxiety, a mood disorder or depression.⁶

You don’t even have to have a serious issue to want to talk to a therapist. They can help you sort out relationship problems, for example, or suggest better ways to communicate with your boss.

Curious? Here are 6 other key reasons to consider telehealth for mental health counseling.

1. You can’t find a mental health provider near you

One of the big benefits of virtual therapy? You have access to a wide range of providers. This is especially helpful for people who live in rural areas where health care providers are scarce, or the nearest clinic is an hour or more from their home.⁶

But you don’t have to live in the country. More than 122 million Americans — that’s about a third of the entire population — live in an area where there is a mental health worker shortage, according to the Bureau of Health Workforce.⁷ This includes licensed mental health professionals like addiction counselors, family therapists and school counselors.

With a wider range of therapists to choose from, you’re more likely to find one that’s right for you. This may be particularly true if you’re a member of an underrepresented group. One study found that people with lower incomes and Hispanics were more likely to rely on telehealth for mental health counseling instead of in-person appointments.⁸

Can’t find a therapist near you? Consider enrolling in a telehealth mental health service and start your journey toward emotional wellbeing today.

2. It’s hard to leave the house

Maybe you have mobility issues because of your age or you’re dealing with a health condition. That can make it tough to travel to a provider’s office. Or you have a mental health condition like depression or ADHD that makes it hard to arrive to places on time.

Or you just simply must stay close to home because you are raising young children. Whatever the reason, telehealth therapy sessions can be scheduled on your timetable.

There’s a big benefit to flexibility, too. Because you can make virtual therapy appointments at a convenient time from home or your workplace, it cuts down on the appointments you may miss. That provides more continuity of care, so you get more out of your sessions, according to NAMI.⁵

3. You may be nervous about reaching out to a therapist

Even these days, there’s a stigma about mental health. In fact, more than half of people with mental health issues don’t get help, according to the American Psychiatric Association.⁹

So it’s understandable that you may be worried about what your co-workers might think if you disappear for a couple of hours in the middle of the day every week. Or running into someone you know at a therapist’s office.

Just knowing that you can talk to someone from a safe space like your car or home might make it easier for you to take that first step. And make it more likely that you continue to get the mental health care you need.¹⁰

4. You need care right away

Sometimes you need to talk to someone to get you through a bad moment. Instead of having to schedule an appointment for days in advance, you could schedule a quick check-in with your virtual therapist or counselor. That can help you through a crisis when you need someone to listen or just help you reframe your thoughts.¹⁰

Of course, if it’s a life-threatening emergency — you’re having thoughts about harming yourself or others — call or text the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or call 911.

5. You’re looking for cost-effective therapy

Virtual visits can be easier on your budget than in-person visits.⁵ One reason? You cut down on travel costs — like gas or public transportation fare. You also don’t miss time from work or have to pay for childcare.

Does insurance cover telehealth for mental health?

Insurance coverage for any type of telehealth depends on your specific plan and provider. But many health plans do cover it.

To find out if yours does: 

• Check your policy. That’s where you find whether your plan offers telehealth coverage, including any copays, deductibles or coinsurance requirements. 
• Contact your insurance provider. Call the customer service number on your insurance card to ask about coverage for mental health services. 
• Ask your mental health provider to check if they accept your insurance for telehealth services and if they can help you navigate the billing process. 

If your insurance doesn’t cover telehealth for mental health, you still have some options that are not health insurance. There are telehealth memberships that provide access to mental health, general medicine and dermatological providers. (That last one is for skin issues.) And there are other telehealth mental health memberships that offer services like talk therapy, coaching and guidance — plus virtual access to general physicians and dermatologists too.

Telehealth memberships are subject to exclusions and limitations. They also may not be available in your state. So it’s a good idea to review the product brochure online or call a licensed insurance agent at 1-844-211-7730 for more information.

For informational purposes only. This information is compiled by UnitedHealthcare, and/or one of its affiliates, and does not diagnose problems or recommend specific treatment. Services and medical technologies referenced herein may not be covered under your plan. Please consult directly with your primary care physician if you need medical advice.

Sources:

1. Cureus. “Revolutionizing healthcare: how telemedicine is improving patient outcomes and expanding access to care.” July 5, 2024. Retrieved from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11298029/#REF13
2. Telehealth.HHS.gov. “Tips for using telehealth for behavioral health.” Retrieved from https://telehealth.hhs.gov/documents/Tips_for_Using_Telehealth_for_Behavioral_Health_06-02-23.pdf
3. Telehealth.HHS.gov. “How do I use telehealth for behavioral health care?” Updated January 17, 2025. Retrieved from https://telehealth.hhs.gov/patients/additional-resources/telehealth-and-behavioral-health
4. Center for Improving Value in Health Care. “New telehealth analysis shows sustained demand for mental health services.” February 11, 2025. Retrieved from https://civhc.org/2025/02/11/new-telehealth-analysis-shows-sustained-demand-for-mental-and-behavioral-health-services/
5. National Alliance on Mental Illness. “Telehealth.” Retrieved from https://www.nami.org/advocacy/policy-priorities/improving-health/telehealth/
6. JMIR Mental Health. "Psychiatric treatment conducted via telemedicine versus in-person modality in posttraumatic stress disorder, mood disorders, and anxiety disorders: systematic review and meta-analysis." May 7, 2023. Retrieved from https://mental.jmir.org/2023/1/e44790/
7. Bureau of Health Workforce. “State of behavioral health workforce, 2024.” November 2024. Retrieved from https://bhw.hrsa.gov/sites/default/files/bureau-health-workforce/state-of-the-behavioral-health-workforce-report-2024.pdf
8. Preventive Medicine. “Inequitable access to general and behavioral healthcare in the US during the COVID-19 pandemic: A role for telehealth?” April 2023. Retrieved from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0091743523000063#ab
9. American Psychiatric Association. “Stigma, prejudice and discrimination against people with mental illness.” March 2024. Retrieved from https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/stigma-and-discrimination
10. National Institute of Mental Health. “What is telemental health?” Retrieved from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/sites/default/files/health/publications/what-is-telemental-health/what-is-telemental-health.pdf