Does Online Therapy Work as Well as In-Person? | Colorado Sex Therapy

By Caitlin Bovard, LPC, owner and Dual-Certified Sex Therapist at Colorado Sex Therapy

If you’ve ever wondered whether online therapy actually works, you’re definitely not alone. I hear this question all the time, especially from people who are new to therapy or who have only ever met their therapist face-to-face before. As a therapist with a practice I started years before the pandemic, I even remember my own resistance and weariness of virtual therapy.

The short answer? Yes, online therapy really does work. The longer answer? It doesn't work for everyone, and that's okay. Online therapy can be just as impactful (and sometimes even more so) than meeting in person.

Let’s talk about why.

Online therapy is real therapy

There’s a common misconception that therapy over video somehow isn’t “real therapy.” In reality, the heart of therapy: connection, empathy, reflection, and growth, these don't disappear just because we’re meeting through a screen. Nor does my years of training and experience in creating the therapy container, no matter if within a shared four walls or with each of us in our own four walls.

I see clients across Colorado through secure, private video sessions, and the work we do together is just as deep and meaningful as it would be in an office. You still get my full attention, compassion, and expertise, just without the drive time or the awkward waiting room small talk. You get to see less of my space, and I get to see so much more of yours. And not just your physical space. I can get a sense of someone's real life day-to-day quickest when I notice how many times you might be interrupted or distracted, even though you'll probably apologize when this happens.

For a lot of people, the online format actually helps them open up faster. You’re in your own familiar space, maybe curled up with a blanket, and it can feel safer to talk about vulnerable topics like intimacy or sexuality when you’re physically comfortable. You can grab some tea or a heating pad if you have chronic pain. You don't have to worry about catching the latest sickness going around and I don't have to wrestle with whether my love of eating onions and garlic is unprofessional.

The perks of online therapy

Here’s why many of my clients say they actually prefer meeting online:

• Privacy and comfort. You get to talk about personal things from your own safe space. For sex therapy especially, that sense of privacy matters.

• Accessibility. Whether you live in a mountain town, a busy city like Denver, or somewhere in between, you can access specialized care without having to travel.

• Flexibility. Online therapy fits more easily into busy lives. No commute, no rushing from work, and if you have kids, pets, or chronic pain, that can make a big difference.

• Consistency. You’re more likely to stick with therapy when it’s easy to show up. And showing up regularly is what helps therapy work best.

• Less stigma. Some people feel self-conscious walking into a therapy office. Logging in from home can make it easier to take that first step.

• Specific to Couples/Partners therapy: Most of my clients default to being in the same room together for couples/partners therapy, which I get. One thing I didn't realize until it happened by chance is that when members of a relationship are in separate locations and we all join as separate users, clients can actually see each other. Think about it: usually therapist and clients can see one another. You don't usually get to see your partner and therapist at the same time, and it can add a whole new element.

Lastly, I’ve seen plenty of pets make guest appearances and I consider this one of my favorite benefits. Cats, dogs and other pets can make good emotional support animals for a reason... and you might even catch a furry glimpse of my cat too!

When in-person therapy might be better

I always want to be transparent: online therapy isn’t the best fit for everyone. If you don’t have a private space at home, have limited internet access, or simply feel more grounded sitting across from someone, that’s valid. Some people truly prefer being in the same room, and that’s okay.

If you have current and/or recent safety concerns (strong urges to hurt yourself or others) or substance abuse concerns, in-person therapy is always best because the therapist needs access to as many visual and other in-person cues for safety assessment.

The most important thing is finding what feels right for you. Therapy works best when you feel safe, comfortable, and connected — whether that’s online or in person.

Why I offer online therapy at Colorado Sex Therapy

I chose to offer online sex therapy for clients throughout Colorado because I’ve seen firsthand how well it works. It allows me to reach clients who might not otherwise have access to specialized, inclusive, sex-positive care. Whether you’re in Denver, Boulder, Colorado Springs, or a small mountain town, you deserve support that meets you where you are, literally.

Online therapy makes that possible.

So, does online therapy work?

Yes, it does. Research backs it up, and my clients’ experiences show it every day. It’s real, effective, and often surprisingly intimate. You can laugh, cry, explore tough emotions, and grow in the same way you would in an office. The only real difference might be that your therapist doesn’t know if you’re wearing pajama pants.

If you’re curious about how online therapy in Colorado might work for you, I offer a free consultation so you can ask questions and see if it feels like a good fit.

Book a free phone consultation today.

Find out how online therapy can support you, from the

comfort of your couch, favorite mug in hand.

Just a heads up: This blog is for informational purposes only and isn’t meant to be taken as medical or mental health advice or treatment. Always talk with a licensed provider about your specific situation and reach out to emergency services if in crisis.