Find Help Through Online Therapy: Virtual Therapy Options In The UK

Medically reviewed by Elizabeth Erban, LMFT, IMH-E and Nikki Ciletti, M.Ed, LPC

Updated September 16th, 2025 by BetterHelp Editorial Team

If you've ever considered online therapy for therapeutic support with depression, social anxiety, stress, mental health conditions, or day to day life advice, you are not alone. In 2021, over 1.6 million citizens were referred to therapy for mental healthcare within the UK.

In addition, the utilization of online therapy and counselling has skyrocketed since 2020. Virtual therapy may be an option for those in the UK who have found that the standard of therapy care in their area is not up to par with their needs or just want to attend therapy within the comfort of their own home outside of the NHS network.

Three people sitting at a desk in front of a laptop screen are looking for support online in the UK, and all three of them are smiling. — iStock

Can therapists from virtual sessions provide effective mental health support?

According to a study from the University of Zurich, over half of all virtual clients reported ease of depression symptoms after attending remote therapy. In this case, the virtual model of online counselling exceeded the performance of clients attending in-person counselling.

Three months after the study concluded, over half of all online patients reported no more significant symptoms after seeing their therapists, compared to 42% of conventional therapy patients.

Similar studies have been produced by the American Psychological Association, and one study demonstrated that counselling online is effective for those dealing with prolonged daily stress (chronic stress).

Online counseling for depression, anxiety, and more

Virtual counseling or remote therapy may be utilized for a variety of reasons. For example, many people seek out therapeutic help from an online counsellor when experiencing:

Depression or anxiety
Symptoms of a personality disorder
Symptoms related to autism, ADHD, or dyslexia
A learning disorder
Life stressors
Relationship or marriage concerns
Parenting concerns
Life changes, such as a new job or moving to a new city
Grief and loss
Distressing physical health symptoms
A need for life advice or counselling
A medical diagnosis
Delusions or hallucinations
Difficulty socializing
Help with improving overall well-being

Addressing other concerns through online counseling in the UK

If you're not sure whether web-based therapy online can benefit you or the issues you face, consider exploring possible therapists. You don't need to have a mental health condition or diagnosis issue to get support from therapy online. In-person and virtual therapists often provide help to those who want to better themselves, learn new life skills, improve wellbeing, or discuss their experiences. Online care can be beneficial for anyone wanting to work through current life challenges, self-exploration, or relationship struggles, as well as those with mental health issues.

Mental health support with certified United Kingdom therapists

You may find help from an online counsellor in the UK through:

UK national counselling services
Counselling services that have international counseling coverage in the UK
Online counselling platforms with certified UK therapists
Independent UK therapists who provide telehealth counselling services

Success stories of remote therapy and online counselling

Anecdotally, many counselling patients have come forward to explain why they felt a difference in seeking an online therapist for mental health. One story published in the New York Times followed Dale Love Callon, who credited virtual therapy with helping him better manage insomnia. "I'm sleeping much better now," he said.
Recently, a Wall Street Journal writer used BetterHelp and called remote therapy a "positive, professional experience." NPR (National Public Radio) interviewed Lauren Kay, who stated her streaming video psychotherapy sessions were better than in-person counselling. She stated the online appointments felt friendly and connected.

A woman in a yellow sweater is seated at a desk and is writing in a notebook, with a serious expression. — iStock

What are potential benefits of doing therapy online?

There are multiple ways in which working with therapists via online platforms may be more appealing to some people. Video chat, texting, and phone chat with a virtual therapist may allow patients to feel comfortable telling personal, honest, and vulnerable thoughts and feelings to someone else. There are no physical barriers in online counselling such as a chair, desk, or uncomfortable office environment. In addition, because the client is attending the therapy session from their own home, they may have a stronger sense of safety; a therapy service may also be easier to reach for those with a busy schedule or limited transportation.

Please note, this is not a substitute if you are in a mental health emergency. Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741.

Convenience of UK online counseling

Other advantages to online UK talking therapies with a qualified therapist may include a more straightforward scheduling process, as patients don't have to physically travel to a location and can "log in" to online counselling whenever needed.

Find mental health support through online therapy: Virtual therapy options

Research shows that connecting with a counsellor or chosen therapist virtually can be a positive experience for those in the UK and beyond.

For example, one study published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research found that people who used BetterHelp for online counselling experienced a significant decrease in the severity of depression symptoms.

Find a qualified therapist

In the UK, if you're unable to find an in-person counsellor that fits your needs, you might contact a counselling platform such as BetterHelp counselling for individuals, or Regain for couples, that offer mental health services in the UK. You may be able to find a therapy service that suits your needs by searching ‘Online therapy UK’ online. Some online counselling services may offer a free introductory session so you can get a good idea what the licensed therapist, therapy process, and general therapy appointment would be like.

Want to give virtual therapy a try?

Join BetterHelp and book an online session

To contact BetterHelp or Regain customer support, email us at contact@regain.us or contact@betterhelp.com. You can also call BetterHelp Support at +1(888)688-9296.

"Working with Salome has been wonderful. She is very thoughtful and understanding. She really listens to what I am saying and is able to recall things from previous sessions that really draw concepts together. I was initially hesitant about working with an online therapist. But, working with Salome has proven to me that online therapy is not only helpful but also convenient."

— BetterHelp member’s review of their therapist

More reviews

Takeaway

Finding therapy today can be challenging. However, online counselling options exist for those looking for fewer barriers to care. Platforms like BetterHelp are available worldwide and offer care, excellence, and healing to those in the United Kingdom looking for support. Whether you’re looking to work with a therapist in face to face therapy or online, investing in your well-being can help you live a more fulfilled life.

Schedule your first session today and improve your mental health by reaching out to a fully qualified online therapist. You can also read through other articles on a therapy blog to learn more about the process and benefits of online therapy, including coping strategies for better mental health and personal growth.

Frequently asked questions

What are some benefits of choosing online counseling for mental health support?

Online counselling in the UK offers flexibility, convenience, and flexibility for those who may find it challenging to attend in-person sessions. Online therapy allows individuals to receive professional support from the comfort of their own homes, often with a wider selection of therapists to choose from for counselling.

How does the process of online therapy work through UK-based platforms?

Online therapy in the UK typically involves selecting a qualified therapist through a platform, scheduling sessions, and conducting them via video calls, messaging, or phone. These counselling sessions provide the same level of professionalism as traditional in-person therapy.

Can you expect online therapy with a qualified counsellor to work for anxiety and depression?

It works if you're willing to put effort into it. There is also much research that demonstrates the effectiveness of therapy for anxiety and depression. But if you say you're going to use therapy to better yourself, but then never show up to appointments and don't actively use what you've learned in therapy in your day-to-day life, then it won't work for you.

Can you find free counselling online?

Yes, most sites are forum-based, and while that can help in a crisis situation, a licensed therapist and a one-on-one experience might be the ideal solution.

How much does virtual counselling cost?

For the most part, virtual therapy depends on things like the internet service that you utilize, what you want, how many sessions you need, and your insurance.

The cost for virtual therapy can be anywhere from 35 dollars to 150 dollars per session. Some therapists offer payment plans depending on your situation, and some therapists do take insurance as well.

Is virtual counseling effective for anxiety and depression?

Online therapy is effective in treating many mental health issues, like anxiety and depression. Cognitive-behavioral therapy, which is what a majority of what therapy is, is effective at treating various anxiety disorders, depression, substance abuse conditions, PTSD, and a range of other conditions.

Which online counselling platform is the best?

BetterHelp is at the top of the list of the best online therapy or therapy and is the most affordable and well-rounded of them all. But, ReGain is great for those seeking out couples counselling. TalkSpace is another great one, but the downside of this one is that it's a little more expensive than the other two.

However, TalkSpace does allow you to check out different plans. BetterHelp is a more fixed pricing system than that one, though, and is determined after you fill out your questionnaire.

Can anyone get virtual counselling?

Of course! Anyone can receive support through virtual counselling if they believe it can help with their concerns. If you have some issues or self-esteem concerns that you'd like to discuss with a therapist, or if you'd just like to talk to someone, virtual counselling is valid and readily available.

For serious conditions, it's not advisable to get virtual care, but if you have problems you'd just like to sort out with someone, it can be a worthwhile investment and a safe space to talk.

Is virtual counselling safe?

While usually safe, you do want to do your research to make sure that you're going with an e-counselling service that keeps your space in place and isn't fraudulent, of course. Virtual counselling has helped many people, both young and old, and it's since become even more reliable than ever before.

How much does BetterHelp online therapy cost in the United Kingdom?

It ranges anywhere between $65 to $100 per week, depending on therapist availability, location, and your preferences.

How long are BetterHelp sessions?

You can message your therapist on the counselling platform and once a week, you can get a live video session, phone call session or live chat session.

What is the best online therapy platform for counselling United Kingdom?
Is counselling or therapy free in the United Kingdom?
Can you get online therapy or counselling United Kingdom?
How much is therapy or counselling United Kingdom per hour?
Do you have to pay for BetterHelp therapists for online counselling in the United Kingdom?
How can I search for therapists for counselling in my area within the UK?

If you want more information on mental health, you can also check out the BetterHelp YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@BetterHelp/videos

Click on the article links below for more articles on free through charities or cost-effective counselling:

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The information on this page is not intended to be a substitution for diagnosis, treatment, or informed professional advice. You should not take any action or avoid taking any action without consulting with a qualified mental health professional. For more information, please read our terms of use.

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