Comparison guide
Online vs In-Person Therapy: which is right for you?
Video therapy has been rigorously studied for over a decade. For most common difficulties it works just as well as sitting in the same room — and it removes almost every barrier that stops people getting help.
Last reviewed by the Online CBT Counselling clinical team.
Frequently asked questions
Is online therapy as effective as in-person therapy?
Yes. Multiple randomised trials and meta-analyses show that video-delivered CBT is as effective as in-person CBT for anxiety, depression, PTSD and OCD. The therapeutic relationship — the biggest predictor of outcome — forms just as well over video.
Are online sessions private and secure?
Yes. Sessions run in encrypted, one-to-one video rooms with no recording. You only need a quiet space and a device with a camera — nothing to install.
Is online therapy cheaper than in-person?
Usually. Private in-person therapy in the UK typically costs £70–£150 per session once room hire is included. Online CBT Counselling is a flat £68 per session, everywhere in the UK.
When is in-person therapy a better choice?
In-person can suit people who cannot get a private space, who need face-to-face contact for clinical reasons, or who are working with severe risk that requires physical presence. For most adults presenting with common difficulties, online is at least as good — and much easier to access.
