When we look back, things haven’t exactly gone back to “normal” since COVID-19 flipped our world upside down. From work meetings to doctor’s visits, a lot of what used to happen in person is now happening through a screen. And therapy is no different.
If you’re someone who’s been curious about online therapy—or maybe even a little skeptical—you’re not alone. Telehealth (or teletherapy, in the mental health world) has become a game-changer, opening up new ways for people to get the help they need, no matter where they are or what their schedule looks like.
Here at Evolve Counseling Services in Fort Collins, we’ve embraced telehealth as part of how we support our clients. We want to help to understand what telehealth is, how it works, what makes it different from other types of care, what tools and tech make it possible, and what the benefits (and challenges) really are.
So… What Is Telehealth Anyway?
Telehealth is basically a fancy term for getting health care remotely. By using your phone, tablet, or computer. It’s often used interchangeably with “telemedicine” or “virtual care,” but when it comes to therapy, we usually just say “teletherapy.” Still, they all fall under the same big umbrella.
In short, telehealth is when health professionals—like doctors, nurses, and therapists—use technology to provide care without seeing you in person.
- Video sessions
- Phone calls
- Patient portals where you can message your provider
- Apps that help you track health info or mental health symptoms
- Remote monitoring (think Fitbits or blood pressure cuffs that send data to your doctor)
You don’t have to be tech-savvy to benefit from it. And most people already have everything they need to get started, like a phone or computer, and an internet connection.
How Teletherapy Took Off After COVID
Before the pandemic, virtual therapy was already a thing, but it was kind of niche. Then, COVID-19 hit, and suddenly everyone had to rethink how to get care safely. Offices closed. People were isolated. Mental health needs skyrocketed. And teletherapy became one of the safest, most accessible ways to connect with help.
Even now that in-person sessions are back on the table, many people are sticking with virtual care. Why? Because it’s convenient, comfortable, and it actually works.
In fact, research shows that teletherapy is just as effective as in-person therapy for treating common issues like anxiety, depression, PTSD, relationship struggles, and more. And here at Evolve Counseling we specialize in CBT (COgnitive Behavioral Therapy), and we can be just as successful online as we are in person.
What Kinds of Telehealth Services Are Out There?
You might be surprised by how many types of services fall under the telehealth category. It’s not just “therapy over Zoom.”
Virtual Visits
These are video or phone calls with your therapist or doctor. It’s what most people think of when they hear “telehealth.”
At Evolve Counseling, we use a secure, HIPAA-compliant platform called Doxy.me for all our teletherapy sessions. You just click a link—no downloading apps, no tech headaches—and your therapist meets you there.
Personal Health Apps
These are apps you download to help manage your mental or physical health. Think mood trackers, journaling tools, habit trackers, medication reminders, etc. While they’re not a substitute for therapy, they can be a great supplement to your sessions.
Patient Portals
If you’ve ever messaged your doctor or checked your test results online, you’ve used a patient portal.
- Send messages to your provider
- Request prescription refills
- Schedule appointments
- See notes from past visits
They’re convenient and give you more control over your care.
Remote Monitoring Tools
These tools are more common in medical care, but they’re slowly working their way into mental health, too. For example, a therapist might use wearable tech or check-ins via an app to monitor symptoms in real-time. This kind of data can help guide treatment between sessions.
Provider-to-Provider Communication
This might not affect you directly, but it’s part of how your care team stays on the same page. Telehealth makes it easier for providers to consult with one another securely, even if they’re in different parts of the country.
Tools and Tech That Make It All Work
So, how does all this actually happen? If you aren’t sitting on someone else’s couch, are you really able to do it on your own couch? Yes, you can!
Telehealth relies on a few key tools and systems to work well.
- Video conferencing platforms
- Smartphones and computers
- Most platforms are browser-based or app-based, so you just need a device with a camera and mic
- Internet connection
- A stable connection is key for smooth sessions
- Electronic Health Records (EHRs)
- These help therapists and doctors keep accurate records, track progress, and communicate with each other when needed
- Security tools
- Encryption, HIPAA compliance, and secure logins help keep your private information protected
If you’re worried about privacy, know that legitimate providers are required to follow strict laws to keep your sessions and records secure.
The Perks of Teletherapy (Why So Many People Are Choosing It)
There are many advantages and options that make teletherapy a great option for so many people.
1. No Commute
You don’t have to battle traffic, find parking, or schedule your whole day around an appointment. Just open your laptop or phone, and you’re there.
2. Therapy in Your Space
Whether you’re at home in your comfy chair, on your lunch break at work, or even sitting in your car (parked, of course!), you get to choose your environment. That can help you feel more relaxed and open during sessions.
3. More Options for Providers
Since you can work with any licensed therapist in your state, you have more choices. That means a better shot at finding someone you connect with.
4. Greater Privacy
Some people feel anxious about going to a therapist’s office, wondering who might see them walk in. Telehealth eliminates that worry. You can get help without ever leaving your space.
5. Keeps You Safe
During the height of COVID, virtual therapy helped people stay connected to care while reducing the risk of spreading illness. And it’s still a great option when you’re sick, immunocompromised, or just cautious.
But It’s Not Perfect. There Are Limitations and Challenges
Like anything, telehealth has its downsides.
1. Tech Glitches
Internet issues, software bugs, or unfamiliar platforms can cause frustration. That said, once you’ve used the system once or twice, it usually becomes second nature.
2. Not Ideal for All Issues
Some mental health conditions may require more hands-on care, assessments, or interventions that are better suited to in-person sessions. For example, severe crises or psychiatric evaluations are often handled in-office. There is often a need to see and read body language in these cases.
3. Licensing Laws Can Be Tricky
More on this in a minute, but state laws limit where therapists can practice. That means you can’t always work with a therapist across state lines, even if you connect well with them.
4. Distractions at Home
While being in your own space is great, it can also be a distraction. Kids, pets, roommates, or background noise can sometimes interfere with your focus during sessions.
Telehealth and the Law: What You Need to Know
This is where things get a little complicated. Mental health providers, like us at Evolve Counseling, are required to follow state licensing laws. That means we can only work with clients who are physically located in the state where we’re licensed—Colorado, in our case.
So, even if you’re traveling or just spending a few weeks visiting family in another state, technically, your therapist can’t see you unless they also hold a license in that state or that state has reciprocity with their license. Some states make exceptions, but most stick to the rule.
There are also some temporary changes that happened during COVID, where states loosened their restrictions to make care more accessible. However, many of those have since expired or are under review, so it’s important to check current guidelines.
On the federal side, laws affect how services are billed, whether insurance covers telehealth, and how care can be coordinated across different systems. It’s a fast-changing space, so providers like us stay on top of it by regularly checking government sites and updates.
What About Privacy and Security?
This is a big concern for a lot of people, and rightfully so.
We take your privacy seriously. We use platforms that are encrypted, secure, and HIPAA-compliant. That means your sessions, records, and personal details are protected by the same standards that apply in a physical office.
And remember, us therapists are still bound by confidentiality rules, even if you’re meeting online. Nothing about that changes.
How Does It Actually Work at Evolve Counseling?
It’s pretty simple. When you schedule a teletherapy session with one of our Fort Collins-based therapists, here’s what to expect:
- We’ll send you a secure link by email or text.
- At your scheduled time, you click the link using your computer, tablet, or phone.
- You’ll wait in a virtual “waiting room” until your therapist starts the session.
- Then, the session begins, just like a video call.
That’s it! No special downloads. No logging into confusing platforms. And you can always reach out if you need help with the tech part.
Telehealth Is Here to Stay
COVID may have pushed teletherapy into the spotlight, but it’s proven to be more than a temporary fix. It’s a real, valuable way for people to get the mental health support they need—and many people prefer it even now that in-person options are back.
Whether you’re a busy parent, a college student, someone with mobility issues, or just someone who wants therapy from the comfort of their own couch, telehealth can make it easier to start healing and growing.
Thinking About Trying Teletherapy?
We’re here for that. Evolve Counseling in Fort Collins, Colorado, and our licensed therapists, Lindsey Phillips, LPC, and Ben Smith, LPC, are experienced in offering both in-person and online therapy sessions. If you’re curious about whether telehealth is the right fit for you, let’s talk.
We’re happy to walk you through the process, answer any questions about privacy, insurance, or state laws, and help you take the first step, without the pressure.
Because getting help shouldn’t feel complicated.