Quick Overview: Yes. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) states that phones, the internet, and mobile devices have created treatment options, including approaches in which a therapist provides help at a distance. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) states that outpatient programs may be offered in person or through telehealth, which it defines as care online or over the phone. NIMH also describes web-based programs and mobile apps that provide information and feedback without a therapist. When considering online therapy options, it can help to ask what kind of service is being offered and whether therapist-provided care is part of it.
Understanding Online Therapy Options
Phones, the internet, and mobile devices can be part of mental-health treatment options. NIMH describes approaches in which a therapist provides help at a distance. It also describes web-based programs and mobile apps designed to provide immediate information and feedback without a therapist.
These descriptions identify different possibilities, but they do not answer every question about a particular service. A person considering therapy by phone, internet-based therapy, or a mobile-device option can ask what the service includes, how it is offered, and whether a therapist is involved.
SAMHSA discusses telehealth in its overview of outpatient programs. It defines outpatient care as care in which a person has an appointment and leaves the same day. SAMHSA states that outpatient programs can be offered in person or through telehealth, meaning care online or over the phone.
Telehealth Appears in SAMHSA’s Outpatient-Care Overview
SAMHSA’s description applies to outpatient programs in its treatment overview. Within that overview, telehealth means care delivered online or over the phone. The source also notes that how often a person attends standard outpatient appointments depends on the care they need.
This information can provide language for a conversation about a specific program or service. It does not establish how every therapy service using a phone or internet connection is organized. Questions for a provider can focus on the service under consideration: Is it an outpatient program? Is care offered online, over the phone, in person, or in another way?
SAMHSA also describes other forms of care, including inpatient and residential care. Those descriptions are separate from its explanation of outpatient programs and telehealth.
Therapist-Provided Distance Support Is One Digital Option
NIMH states that the telephone, internet, and mobile devices have created treatment options, including in areas where mental-health professionals may not be physically available. Some of these approaches involve a therapist providing help at a distance.
NIMH defines psychotherapy, also called talk therapy, as a variety of treatments that aim to help a person identify and change troubling emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. Its overview explains that therapists may use one primary approach or incorporate elements from multiple approaches. According to NIMH, the approach a therapist uses depends on training and experience, the condition being treated, and the needs of the person receiving treatment.
NIMH lists examples of psychotherapy elements, including developing ways to cope with stress, problem-solving strategies, examining interactions with others, communication skills, mindfulness, relaxation techniques, and supportive counseling. These are examples in NIMH’s general overview. They do not describe every therapist-provided option offered at a distance.
Mobile Apps and Web-Based Programs May Offer Information or Feedback
NIMH separately describes web-based programs and mobile apps designed to provide immediate information and feedback in the absence of a therapist. This is an important question to bring to any exploration of mobile-device options: Is the option therapist-provided care at a distance, a program or app providing information and feedback, or something else?
A phone, internet connection, or mobile device may be part of more than one kind of option. Rather than making assumptions from the technology alone, a person can ask for a description of the service itself. Useful topics include whether a therapist is involved, what type of support is offered, and how treatment may proceed.
Preliminary Conversations Can Support Clearer Questions
NIMH states that therapists have different professional backgrounds and specialties. It also says that a preliminary conversation can help a person understand how treatment will proceed and whether they feel comfortable with the therapist. NIMH notes that these conversations may happen in person, by phone, or virtually.
A preliminary conversation is an opportunity to seek information, not a guarantee about what care will be recommended or how it will proceed. Questions can remain focused and practical: What service is available? What approach may be discussed? What information would help clarify the next step?
Reflection Questions for Exploring Format Options
| Question to consider | What you might ask |
|---|---|
| What option am I exploring? | Is this therapist-provided care at a distance, a web-based program, a mobile app, or another service? |
| What connection method am I asking about? | Is the service offered online, over the phone, in person, or through another arrangement? |
| Do I want to understand therapist involvement? | Is a therapist part of this option? |
| What would I like to know about treatment? | How may treatment proceed, and what approach may be discussed? |
| What would help me consider fit? | What questions can I ask during a consultation call? |
Practice Note: Rooted Integrative Therapy lists in-person therapy near Orem and Provo and virtual therapy across Utah. The practice lists individual therapy, couples therapy, group therapy, and therapy intensives. Alina Hovsoyan, LCSW, is listed by the practice.
Rooted Integrative Therapy’s FAQs describe scheduling a consultation call as a first step, with an opportunity to ask questions and consider fit. Its Connect page invites inquiries and appointment requests through the listed contact details or form.
Questions to Bring to a Consultation
- Which services can you discuss during a consultation call?
- Is the service I am considering offered virtually?
- Is therapy by phone available for the service I want to discuss?
- How is the service I am considering offered?
- What approach may be discussed for the service I am exploring?
Frequently Asked Questions About Distance-Based Options
Can therapy be offered through a phone or the internet?
Yes. SAMHSA states that outpatient programs may be offered through telehealth, meaning care online or over the phone. NIMH also states that some digital-health approaches involve a therapist providing help at a distance.
Are mobile devices part of treatment options?
NIMH states that phones, the internet, and mobile devices have created treatment options. Some approaches involve a therapist providing help at a distance. NIMH also describes web-based programs and mobile apps designed to provide information and feedback without a therapist.
What is psychotherapy?
NIMH defines psychotherapy, also called talk therapy, as a variety of treatments that aim to help a person identify and change troubling emotions, thoughts, and behaviors.
What is the purpose of a consultation call at Rooted Integrative Therapy?
The practice FAQs describe a consultation call as a first step for asking questions and considering fit.
Sources and Further Reading
Sources used for this article:
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration: Types Of Treatment
- National Institute of Mental Health: Psychotherapies
A Grounded Next Step
If you would like to ask Rooted Integrative Therapy about a service or appointment request, its Connect page invites inquiries through its contact details or form.
Please do not include urgent or highly sensitive clinical information in a general inquiry.
This article is for general education only. It is not a diagnosis, treatment plan, or substitute for individualized mental-health care. A qualified mental-health professional can help you consider what fits your circumstances.