Online Therapy in Los Angeles: Does It Really Work?
Does Online Therapy Really Work?
In recent years—especially since the pandemic—one of the most common questions I hear from new clients is: “Does online therapy really work?” As a therapist practicing in the heart of Los Angeles, where schedules are packed and traffic is relentless, any skepticism is completely understandable. So let’s unpack this.
What We Know So Far
The short answer? Yes, online therapy does work—and in many cases, it's just as effective as in-person therapy. Numerous studies have shown that for a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, and stress management, online therapy can deliver comparable outcomes to traditional therapy.
What Makes It Effective?
Therapy works when there’s a strong therapeutic relationship. Whether we're sitting in a cozy office or connecting through a screen, the foundation of successful therapy is trust, empathy, and consistent engagement. At Spaces, we identify strongly with being relational therapists. This essentially means we believe that the safety and relationship between a client and therapist is fundamental to the work itself. If you feel heard, safe, and supported—that’s what matters most.
In fact, online therapy offers unique advantages:
Convenience and accessibility: No commute, no parking, and no need to cancel if you're running late or feeling under the weather.
Comfort of your own space: Many clients feel more relaxed opening up from home.
Wider access to therapists: You’re not limited to those in your immediate neighborhood, which means you can find someone who’s truly the right fit.
When It Might Not Be the Best Fit
That said, online therapy isn't ideal for every situation. Severe psychiatric conditions, acute crises, or clients without access to a private, safe space may benefit more from in-person care. And for some, the human energy exchanged in the same physical space is deeply valuable—and that’s okay.
At our Los Angeles group practice, we take an individualized approach. During our intake process, we help clients assess what modality would be most supportive, whether that’s online, in-person, or a combination of both (hybrid therapy is also becoming more popular).
Final Thoughts
The way we connect has evolved, and so has therapy. Online therapy isn’t just a pandemic workaround—it’s a powerful, flexible option for healing and growth. For many of our clients, it’s opened the door to consistent mental health support that fits into their real lives.
If you’re curious, book a consultation. Our intake team will help you assess if telehealth might be a good fit for you! If you have questions about our services or how we can support you, reach out to us. Ready to get started? Book a consultation.