Can an online therapist see clients who live in a different country?

Therapists need to be licensed in both their own location (e.g., state or country) and the location where the client resides. Therefore, an online therapist can provide services to a client in a different country if they hold an active license in both their own and the client’s country. However, seeing clients in a foreign country can be challenging for therapists, as they must navigate foreign licensure laws and regulations that may differ from their home country. Additionally, there may be other barriers—such as time zone differences, language barriers, and insurance considerations—that both therapist and client should be aware of if pursuing international online counselling.

Is online therapy covered by insurance?

In most cases, online therapy with a licensed therapist or psychologist is covered by insurance under the same criteria as in-person therapy sessions, which is largely due to the significant increase in online therapy use during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. This means that as long as the therapist is "in-network" with the client's insurance, and the client meets the coverage criteria imposed by the insurance, they are eligible for online therapy insurance coverage. Depending on the client's plan, there may be applicable co-pays and/ or deductibles that the client is subject to.

How do I choose the right online therapist?

Choosing the right online therapist is key to a successful therapeutic outcome and can be facilitated through thoughtful pre-therapy research and consultation with potential therapists. Clients can help narrow down the search for an online therapist by searching for professionals that specialise in their specific condition, such as anxiety, trauma, or substance use disorders. Further, clients who are interested in a specific therapeutic modality, such as Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy for trauma, can often conduct searches for therapists who specialise in that modality or visit professional organisation websites that may list therapists who have special training in that therapeutic modality. After identifying a therapist who may be a good fit based on their specialty and therapeutic approach, clients should schedule an initial consultation with the therapist to ensure that their interaction style and personality are a good fit; many therapists will offer initial phone consultations for free or at a low cost to help clients ensure they are a good match.