Online Therapy for Children: Does it Really Work?

If you are considering online therapy for your child, you may have reservations about whether it can be as effective as face to face therapy. It is a reasonable question, and one that many parents ask. This post looks at what the evidence says, what the practical advantages of online therapy are, and what to consider when deciding whether it is right for your child.

What Does the Evidence Say?

The research on online therapy is now substantial, and the evidence is clear: for CBT and EMDR, online delivery is just as effective as face to face therapy. Multiple large-scale studies have found no significant difference in outcomes between online and in-person therapy, and this finding holds across a range of conditions including anxiety, OCD, depression and trauma.



The growth of online therapy during and after the pandemic accelerated research in this area significantly, and the evidence base has strengthened considerably in recent years. Online therapy is now endorsed by major health bodies and is increasingly the norm rather than the exception.

Does Online Therapy Work for Children Specifically?

Yes. Research specifically examining online therapy for children and young people consistently supports its effectiveness. In fact, for many young people online therapy is preferable to face to face sessions for reasons we will come to shortly.

CBT and EMDR, the two therapies offered at Sulis Therapies, are both well-suited to online delivery and have strong evidence bases for online effectiveness.

Why Many Young People Prefer Online Therapy

For many children and young people, the idea of sitting in an unfamiliar room with a stranger and talking about their difficulties is daunting. Online therapy removes several of the barriers that make face to face therapy feel intimidating.

Being in their own home, in a familiar and comfortable environment, makes it easier for many young people to relax and open up. There is no journey to an unfamiliar location, no waiting room, and no transition from the outside world into a clinical setting.

For anxious young people in particular, removing these additional stressors can make a significant difference to how comfortably they engage with the therapy.

Teenagers in particular often respond well to online therapy. Communicating via a screen is second nature to most teenagers, and many find it easier to discuss difficult topics from the privacy of their own space.

Are There Any Downsides?

Online therapy is not right for every child in every situation. Very young children may find it harder to engage via a screen, and some children with particular needs may benefit from the physical presence of a therapist. For most children and young people, however, online therapy is a highly effective and often preferable alternative to face to face sessions.



A stable internet connection and a private space in which to have sessions are the main practical requirements. Most families are able to meet these requirements without difficulty.

At Sulis Therapies

At Sulis Therapies, all sessions are delivered online, giving families across the UK access to specialist CBT and EMDR therapy for children and young people without the need to travel. Get in touch to arrange a free initial consultation and find out how we can help.