Teletherapy refers to the remote delivery of mental health services using various technological tools, such as video conferencing, phone calls, or secure messaging. The number of terms used to describe this practice, often interchangeably, can cause confusion for people seeking care. Understanding this varied terminology helps navigate the landscape of online mental health support.
Common Alternative Names for Remote Therapy
The term “teletherapy” is broadly used, but many synonyms exist, created by the public, technology platforms, and practitioners. The most frequent alternative is Online Counseling or Online Therapy, which highlight the internet-based nature of the service. These names communicate that the therapy session is conducted over the web rather than in a physical office.
Telemental Health is another common synonym, frequently used by professional organizations and government agencies. This term is often preferred in clinical settings because it is broader than “teletherapy,” encompassing psychiatric evaluations and medication management. Virtual Therapy is a modern phrase emphasizing the non-physical environment of the session.
Older terms like E-Therapy or Cyber Counseling are still used, though less commonly. Regardless of the specific name, these terms refer to the provision of psychological services when the client and the therapist are not in the same location.
Distinguishing Terms by Delivery Method
Some terms distinguish the type of technology or communication style employed, moving beyond the simple fact that the service is remote. The fundamental distinction lies between synchronous and asynchronous communication methods.
Synchronous telehealth refers to real-time, live interactions, such as a video call or a standard phone counseling session. This method closely mimics a traditional in-person appointment and is the format most people associate with teletherapy.
Asynchronous telehealth, by contrast, involves a delay between the patient’s communication and the provider’s response, often described as a “store-and-forward” system. This category includes services like Email Therapy or secure messaging, where a client sends a detailed message and the therapist responds later. This distinction leads to specific terms like Text Therapy or Chat Counseling, which reflect the non-simultaneous nature of the exchange.
Professional and Regulatory Nomenclature
The most formal and broadly recognized terms are those used for legal, regulatory, and insurance purposes. Telehealth is the overarching term used by health systems and government bodies, such as the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This term covers the remote delivery of all health care services, including medical, dental, and administrative functions.
Teletherapy is a specific subset of telehealth, focusing exclusively on mental health and behavioral health services. Regulatory bodies frequently use Telemental Health to describe this sub-category, particularly when setting policies for licensing and reimbursement. Professional organizations may also adopt specific nomenclature like Telepsychology for their members. This formal language dictates how services are billed and covered by insurance plans.