Telehealth Mental Health: What Conditions Can LCSWs Treat?
Licensed Clinical Social Workers effectively treat depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, and relationship issues through telehealth therapy, with research confirming that video-based sessions deliver comparable outcomes to in-person treatment while providing greater accessibility and convenience for most mental health concerns.
Feeling like quality therapy is out of reach due to your busy schedule or location? Telehealth mental health services are transforming how licensed clinical social workers deliver evidence-based care, making it possible to receive effective treatment for depression, anxiety, and other conditions from the comfort of your own space.

In this Article
Insights From Telehealth Mental Health Studies: Which Conditions Can Be Helped by Licensed Clinical Social Workers?
There is a growing body of research investigating the efficacy of telehealth therapy for a variety of mental health concerns. Studies report that video-based therapy is often as effective as traditional in-office therapy, and licensed clinical social workers can help with mental health challenges such as depression, anxiety, stress management, trauma, grief, and relationship issues through telehealth platforms. Insomnia, eating disorders, self-esteem issues, relationship difficulties, and challenging life events can also be addressed through telehealth therapy. However, severe mental illness may be best treated with in-person therapy by appropriate specialists.
Promising studies on the efficacy of telehealth counseling services
While in-person therapy and telehealth therapy each have their own advantages and limitations, research has shown telehealth therapy can be a viable alternative to traditional therapy. A 2021 meta-analysis found that video therapy is often popular, convenient, and effective. However, according to an APA survey, more than 50% of Americans polled believed that therapy for mental health conditions could be too difficult to find, which is why they may avoid in-office visits. Perhaps one of the biggest advantages that telehealth counseling services can offer is accessibility. With this form of remote therapy, it may be possible to schedule video sessions with a licensed clinical social worker that work with your schedule and lifestyle.
What conditions can telehealth therapy services help with?
Telehealth therapy sessions are currently being studied for their efficacy in treating severe mental illnesses. At this time, it is considered best to treat major psychosis, suicidal ideation, and antisocial personality disorders with traditional in-person therapy sessions. Sometimes, inpatient treatment may also be necessary. These conditions may require more intensive health services as well as the ability to execute quicker crisis management when urgent situations occur, so telehealth therapy may not be an appropriate choice.
Telehealth therapy with licensed clinical social workers may be effective in treating mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, stress management, and relationship issues. Even if you don’t have a diagnosis, telehealth therapy may be helpful in addressing stress, self-esteem, challenging life decisions, relationship difficulties, and other situations in which an objective mental health professional’s guidance could be beneficial.
Depression
Depression is often classified as a chronically low mood or loss of interest that lasts more than two weeks and is not caused by a significant loss or negative event in someone’s life. Childhood and adult depression may affect nearly 15 million Americans, which is around 6% of the population. To be diagnosed, depression generally must be severe enough that it causes impaired functioning in several areas of your life, including social interactions, work or school, sleep, concentration, and activity levels. As a recent study explains, online Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can be effective in alleviating the symptoms of depression.
Anxiety
The Anxiety and Depression Association of America reports that around 40 million Americans over the age of 18 may be affected by anxiety. That’s about 18% of the population in the US. Anxiety can manifest as constant or excessive worry that can be difficult to control. It may involve physical symptoms such as restlessness, fatigue, irritability, nausea, and panic attacks. Telehealth therapy can be particularly helpful in treating anxiety and the effects of stress, according to researchers.
Trauma and Grief
Trauma and grief can significantly impact daily functioning and quality of life. Licensed clinical social workers are specially trained to help individuals process traumatic experiences and navigate the complex emotions associated with loss. Telehealth platforms provide a safe space to work through these difficult experiences from the comfort of your own home.
Relationship Issues
Relationship difficulties, whether with partners, family members, or in other interpersonal contexts, are common reasons people seek therapy. Licensed clinical social workers can provide effective couples therapy and family therapy through secure video sessions, helping to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen connections.
PTSD
PTSD, affecting about 6% of Americans in any given year, is another mental health disorder that may be treated through telehealth therapy. You may be living with PTSD if you have experienced a traumatic event or series of events that has negatively affected your life. Symptoms may include flashbacks, intrusive thoughts, nightmares, hypersensitivity, hypervigilance, panic attacks, and changes in sleep patterns or appetite.
Don’t hesitate to reach out for help
If you believe you may be experiencing symptoms of any of the concerns described above, or if you are facing other health challenges, therapy with a licensed clinical social worker may be an effective way to improve your mental well-being. If traditional in-office therapy isn’t an option for you, or if you feel uncomfortable speaking with therapists in person, you may find telehealth therapy to be a more accessible option. You can speak with a licensed clinical social worker from the comfort of your home or anywhere you have a reliable internet connection.
Telehealth therapy can be as effective as in-person therapy in treating a variety of mental health conditions and concerns. Consider reaching out for support and guidance from licensed clinical social workers via a telehealth platform. In many instances, health insurance may even cover part of the cost of telehealth therapy services.
Takeaway
As telehealth therapy grows in popularity, studies looking into its efficacy have also grown in number. These studies show that telehealth therapy can be as effective as in-person therapy for many common mental health concerns. Licensed clinical social workers can effectively help with depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, relationship problems, stress management, and more through secure video sessions. Other potential reasons to turn to telehealth therapy could include self-esteem issues, challenging life events, and work-related stress. In some cases of severe mental illness and mental health crises, it may be best to seek out professional help in person from appropriate specialists. ReachLink’s network of licensed clinical social workers is ready to provide support through secure, convenient telehealth sessions that fit your schedule and lifestyle.
FAQ
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What mental health conditions can Licensed Clinical Social Workers treat through telehealth?
Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs) can effectively treat a wide range of mental health conditions through telehealth, including depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, relationship issues, and stress management. They provide evidence-based therapeutic interventions tailored to your specific needs and circumstances.
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How effective is telehealth therapy compared to in-person sessions?
Research demonstrates that telehealth therapy is equally effective as in-person therapy for most mental health conditions. Virtual sessions provide the same level of therapeutic support and intervention while offering added convenience and accessibility from your preferred location.
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What can I expect during a telehealth therapy session with ReachLink?
During a ReachLink telehealth session, you'll meet with a licensed therapist through our secure video platform. Sessions typically last 45-50 minutes and include therapeutic discussions, coping strategy development, and progress monitoring. Your therapist will create a personalized treatment plan based on your goals.
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What types of therapy approaches do ReachLink therapists use?
ReachLink therapists are trained in various evidence-based therapeutic approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), talk therapy, and family therapy. They select the most appropriate approach based on your specific needs and treatment goals.
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Why should I choose a licensed therapist for telehealth counseling?
Licensed therapists have completed extensive training, clinical supervision, and state licensing requirements to provide mental health care. They are qualified to deliver evidence-based treatments and are bound by professional ethics and standards, ensuring you receive high-quality, confidential mental health care.
