Online counselling and psychotherapy is today one of the most dynamically growing forms of psychological support. The COVID-19 pandemic radically changed the landscape of psychological care provision worldwide, dramatically accelerating the adoption of online (tele-)psychotherapy. What began as a necessity due to restrictions has now become established as a permanent, evidence-based alternative form of providing psychological support.
Online psychotherapy may also be referred to as online counselling or online supportive therapy, depending on whether the focus is closer to counselling or to supportive intervention.
What current research says about online psychotherapy
The scientific literature of recent years is encouraging. A study by Giovanetti and colleagues (2022) showed that therapy via video call is as effective as in-person therapy in treating depression. Similarly, a systematic review published in 2023 in JMIR confirmed comparable results between online and in-person interventions for post-traumatic stress, mood and anxiety disorders. At the same time, research points to important reservations: in cases of severe psychiatric conditions, crises or increased risk, in-person intervention often remains preferable or necessary.
Deontological prerequisites
The provision of online psychotherapy comes with strict deontological prerequisites. The American Psychological Association (APA, 2024) guidelines for the remote practice of psychology require, among other things, the explicit consent of the client, identity verification, the use of encrypted and secure communication platforms, and an emergency plan for crisis situations. In the Greek and European context, the processing of the personal and sensitive health data arising from such sessions is governed by the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and Law 4624/2019, imposing increased obligations of security and confidentiality.
The situation in Greece
In Greece, online counselling in Primary Health Care was the subject of an institutional initiative during the period 2021–2025, aimed at widening access to psychological support, especially in areas with limited availability of specialists. At the same time, discussions are under way on reforming the coverage of psychotherapy services by EOPYY (the National Organisation for the Provision of Health Services), with the aim of facilitating access to evidence-based therapeutic interventions, including online ones.
Online counselling is a key pillar of this effort, offering immediate access to support without the need to travel.
Who benefits most
Online psychotherapy appears to be particularly suitable for people with post-traumatic stress, mild to moderate depression or anxiety disorders, as well as for those facing barriers to access due to distance, mobility difficulties or limited time. By contrast, it is not recommended as a first choice in crisis situations, severe mental illness or substance use disorders, where in-person, more intensive monitoring is usually necessary.
In many cases, online supportive therapy works in a complementary way, as a first, more accessible step before a more intensive therapeutic process. The supportive dimension of this form of help remains just as important as the therapeutic one.
Regardless of how it is delivered — in person or online — our Centre remains committed to the same principles of respect, responsibility and professionalism towards every person seeking psychological support. Overall, online psychotherapy is developing into a reliable and flexible care option, ideal for those seeking psychological support with ease of access.
Bibliography
Giovanetti, A. K., Punt, S. E. W., Nelson, E.-L., & Ilardi, S. S. (2022). Teletherapy versus in-person psychotherapy for depression: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Telemedicine and e-Health, 28(8), 1077–1089. https://doi.org/10.1089/tmj.2021.0294
Shaker, A. A., Austin, S. F., Storebø, O. J., Schaug, J. P., Ayad, A., Sørensen, J. A., Tarp, K., Bechmann, H., & Simonsen, E. (2023). Psychiatric treatment conducted via telemedicine versus in-person modality in posttraumatic stress disorder, mood disorders, and anxiety disorders: Systematic review and meta-analysis. JMIR Mental Health, 10, Article e44790. https://doi.org/10.2196/44790
American Psychological Association. (2024). APA guidelines for the practice of telepsychology. https://www.apa.org/about/policy/telepsychology-revisions
Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 April 2016 on the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data (General Data Protection Regulation). Official Journal of the European Union, L 119, 1–88. https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:32016R0679
Law 4624/2019 (Government Gazette A΄ 137/29.08.2019). Hellenic Data Protection Authority, measures for implementing Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 April 2016 on the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data, and transposition into national law of Directive (EU) 2016/680 [in Greek]. https://search.et.gr/fek/?fekId=581161