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Telehealth in 2025 and Beyond: Key Trends Shaping Online Therapy

Telehealth in 2025 and Beyond: Key Trends Shaping Online Therapy

 

Telehealth isn’t just holding its ground in 2025; it’s redefining how therapy works altogether. What once felt like a temporary solution during a global crisis has now become a core part of mental healthcare delivery. More people are turning to virtual counseling than ever before, and the systems that support it have matured significantly. From secure, intuitive platforms to increased client comfort with digital therapy, the shift is well underway.

But it’s not just about convenience anymore. Telehealth has unlocked access for rural communities, diversified the way therapy is delivered, and even started reshaping licensure requirements. Therapists are no longer asking if they should offer online services, they’re figuring out how to do it better. As technology evolves, so do the expectations of clients, insurers, and regulators. Whether you’re a solo practitioner, part of an agency, or providing Social Work services in a rural area, keeping up with these changes is essential.

In this forward-looking article, we’ll explore what’s driving the next wave of digital mental health care. From hybrid models and platform innovations to the critical role of continuing education, we’ll cover everything professionals need to know to stay effective and connected in the years ahead.

Did you know? Agents of Change Continuing Education offers Unlimited Access to 150+ ASWB and NBCC-approved CE courses for one low annual fee to meet your state’s requirements for Continuing Education credits and level up your career.

We’ve helped tens of thousands of Social Workers, Counselors, and Mental Health Professionals with Continuing Education, learn more here about Agents of Change and claim your 5 free CEUs.

1) The Rise of Virtual Counseling in 2025

The shift toward telehealth was never fleeting—it’s accelerating. Globally, telehealth is projected to grow at around 11–12% annually, with the market expected to hit roughly $4.4 billion in 2025 and continue climbing to $14 billion by 2034 (yourmissingpiece.com).

Even more striking, behavioral and mental health services dominate this rise: in 2023, mental‑health visits made up 58% of all telehealth services, up from 47% in 2020 (civhc.org). That means when people are going virtual, they’re most often seeking therapy or counseling. It’s a clear signal that what was once an optional service has become central to mental healthcare practices.

In the U.S., provider adoption skyrocketed. Back in 2019, only 15.4% of physicians used telehealth—but by 2021 that had jumped to about 86.5%, with mental health being a major contributor. Use among Medicare and Medicaid patients also soared: in Q2 2020, over 65% of mental‑health visits were virtual, compared to under 6% for other specialties. Even as usage has declined from pandemic highs, tele-mental health remains nearly twice pre‑COVID levels in Medicare populations. In short, telehealth has become a baseline expectation.

What’s especially transformative is how telehealth is reaching rural and underserved communities. Nearly 80% of beneficiary telehealth visits in rural areas are mental-health–related (yourmissingpiece.comruralhealthinfo.org) and Federally Qualified Health Centers that adopted telemental health services saw a 5–7% increase in visit rates, especially among Medicaid and low-income groups (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov).

Policies too have shifted. In 2025, Medicare removed restrictions on tele-mental health from home and allowed audio-only sessions, even for behavioral care. Combined, these changes are making therapy accessible to people who previously couldn’t get it, transforming virtual counseling from novelty into necessity, particularly for Social Work clinicians serving vulnerable and geographically isolated clients.

Learn more about Agents of Change Continuing Education. We’ve helped tens of thousands of Social Workers, Counselors, and Mental Health Professionals with their continuing education, and we want you to be next!

2) New Platform Technologies Making Waves

The telehealth scene in 2025 is brimming with innovation, and platforms are no longer just video-call tools; they’re becoming comprehensive ecosystems built for therapy.

a picture of a diverse social worker conducting a telehealth visit over a computer with a client

Let’s explore some standout platforms that are shaping the future of online therapy:

1. SimplePractice

What it brings: An all-in-one practice management solution combining secure video conferencing, client scheduling, billing, and documentation, all within one HIPAA-compliant interface. Its tight EHR integration ensures client records and session notes stay cohesive.
Try it here: SimplePractice Telehealth

2. TheraNest

What it brings: Explicitly tailored for mental health providers, TheraNest integrates telehealth video, client record-keeping, billing, and appointment management. It supports HIPAA-compliant session recordings, a valuable tool for peer review or supervision.
Try it here: TheraNest Telehealth

3. Doxy.me

What it brings: A no-download, browser-based platform ideal for straightforward teletherapy. It offers secure video, virtual waiting rooms, patient check-in features, and screen sharing plus branding options for individual clinicians.
Try it here: Doxy.me

4. Zoom for Healthcare

What it brings: Leverages Zoom’s familiar interface with full HIPAA compliance. Features include encryption, virtual waiting rooms, whiteboarding, and screen-sharing, making it a reliable choice for larger group or family sessions.
Try it here: Zoom for Healthcare

5. Amwell

What it brings: A robust enterprise-grade telehealth platform with built-in tele-psychiatry, EHR integrations, and mobile/web flexibility. It supports healthcare systems that embed teletherapy directly into workflows and patient portals.
Try it here: Amwell for Clinicians

6. Blaze.tech

What it brings: A no-code development platform for custom telehealth apps. Ideal for clinics wanting bespoke interfaces with workflows and automated telehealth episodes, all HIPAA-compliant by design.
Try it here: Blaze.tech

7. Enghouse Video

What it brings: A powerful enterprise solution built for behavioral health, featuring 4K video, breakout rooms, closed captioning, and real-time EHR interoperability. It’s optimized for low-bandwidth environments and supports group and crisis sessions.
Try it here: Enghouse Video

8. Doximity Dialer

What it brings: A secure voice-and-video calling suite for clinicians, letting them reach patients via smartphone while displaying their office number. Over 610,000 providers now use it, and Doximity’s AI toolkit just grew revenues by 25% year-over-year.
Try it here: Doximity Dialer

9. Earkick

What it brings: An AI-powered mental health companion that uses conversational AI and real-time biomarker analysis. While not a replacement for therapy, it offers mood monitoring and check-ins that can complement clinician-led care.
Try it here: Earkick

10. AI and Integration Trends Across Platforms

Many of these platforms are integrating advanced AI features—like real-time environment optimization (noise cancellation, lighting adjustment), chatbot check-ins, and multimodal emotion detection—to enhance both clinician insights and client engagement. 

Below is a detailed comparison table highlighting pricing and key features of leading telehealth-enabled practice management tools. This will help you assess which platform aligns best with your clinical goals and client needs.

Platform Pricing Telehealth Features Practice Management Notable Add‑ons
SimplePractice Starter $49/mo · Essential $79/mo · Plus $99/mo simplepractice.com+15capterra.com+15yung-sidekick.com+15 HIPAA‑compliant video, virtual waiting room, screen sharing, whiteboard, supports group sessions up to 15 Scheduling, billing, EHR, client portal, insurance & text reminders, calendar sync, team‑management Add‑ons: group appointments for Essential ($20/mo/clinician), note taker ($35/mo), premium phone support via Plus
TheraNest (Ensora) $42 up to 30 clients · $54/40 · $65/50 · $98/80 · Custom for 80+ 1:1 telehealth $12/mo/therapist; group sessions $25/mo/therapist Unlimited features: scheduling, notes, billing, client portal Optional e‑prescribe $65/mo, Wiley planners $25/mo, claim fees (~$0.17‑$0.23 per claim)
Doxy.me Free basic plan; Professional $35‑$45/mo; Clinic ~$65‑$75/mo (source: vendor sites) Browser‑based video, virtual waiting room, screen share, branding options Basic scheduling & reminders (depending on plan) Enterprise features: group rooms, custom branding, analytics
Zoom for Healthcare Starting ~$200/year per license HIPAA‑compliant video, waiting rooms, whiteboard, breakout rooms (ideal for family or group sessions) Integrates with EHRs, needs separate scheduling/billing tools Advanced security & admin controls
Amwell Contact sales (enterprise-level pricing) Enterprise-grade tele-psychiatry, video, EHR integrations, mobile/web support Fully integrated into hospital systems and patient portals Custom workflows, care coordination features
Blaze.tech Custom pricing No-code custom telehealth apps, HIPAA-compliant video episodes Designed for clinics wanting bespoke workflows Custom UI, data integrations, branding
Enghouse Video Contact for demo/pricing 4K video, breakout rooms, closed captioning, low‑bandwidth optimization EHR interoperability, suitable for crisis/group services Enterprise-level support & security
Doximity Dialer Free for basic; paid tiers (~$120‑$300/year) for premium features Secure audio/video calls via mobile with office number caller ID Caller ID mask, voicemail drop, calling tools AI-powered note assistance, faxing, messaging
Earkick Freemium; premium features ~$10‑$20/mo Conversational AI for mood logging, check‑ins Complements therapy with self-monitoring Biomarker tracking, companion insights

🧭 How to Choose?

  • Solo practitioners: SimplePractice Starter gives full telehealth access, billing, and reminders for $49/month.

  • Caseload-based scaling: TheraNest is ideal if you need flexibility in client volume and unlimited EHR features.

  • No-install simplicity: Doxy.me is great for quick-start, browser-based setup without onboarding.

  • Enterprise clinics: Amwell, Blaze.tech, and Enghouse serve large providers with complex workflows and security needs.

  • Mobile-first calls: Doximity Dialer supports on-the-go clinicians with secure audio/video calling.

Why This Matters for Clinicians

  • Efficiency gains: Automate no-show reminders, intake forms, and session summaries.

  • Deeper insights: AI-assisted emotion recognition and biometric tracking help spot crises earlier.

  • Improved access: Platforms built for low bandwidth fit rural or mobile client lifestyles.

  • Compliance & scalability: From solo practices to health systems, these tools support safe growth.

Final thoughts

These platforms are pushing therapy beyond Zoom to truly integrated, intelligent experiences. For Social Workers, Counselors, and mental health providers, trying these tools firsthand is the best way to stay ahead. Take a few for a free trial and see what fits your style and clients’ needs.

Agents of Change has helped tens of thousands of Social Workers, Counselors, and Mental Health Professionals with Continuing Education, learn more here about Agents of Change and claim your 5 free CEUs!

3) Shifts in Client Expectations and Preferences

As telehealth becomes the standard rather than the exception, clients in 2025 expect more from their online therapy experience. They’re looking for ease, quality, and personalization—and they’re not shy about telling us what works and what doesn’t.

a picture of a diverse social worker conducting a telehealth visit over a computer with a client

💬 Real Voices from 2025

  • A user of Online‑Therapy.com shared on Verywell Mind,

    “Users praised the affordable pricing… most surveyed users (97%) were satisfied with their therapists, and 99% would recommend the platform”
    That’s a powerful signal: clients value both cost and therapist quality when choosing virtual counseling.

  • From BetterHelp, another Verywell Mind review noted,

    “The therapist was warm, calm, and made a real effort to delve into my concerns.”
    Users appreciate when virtual clinicians create that same connection they’d feel in person, online.

  • A review of ReGain, a couples-focused platform, highlighted its user-friendliness:

    “87% of users rated their experience as very good or excellent… 82% found it affordable.”
    Ease of use and clear value resonate especially with couples seeking relationship support.

These are more than soundbites; they reflect the evolving expectations of online therapy users. Clients want affordability, connection, and convenience, and platforms that deliver all three are flourishing.

What Clients Now Expect

Based on current feedback and usage trends, here’s what clients are asking for:

  • Flexibility in session format: Video, phone, messaging—they want options.

  • Quick and reliable tech: No one has patience for glitchy audio or video.

  • Affordable pricing or insurance compatibility: Cost remains a key consideration.

  • Personal fit and cultural awareness: Clients want therapists who understand their background, values, and experiences.

Platforms that meet these needs are being rewarded, while those that fail to do so risk losing engagement and trust.

Why This Matters for Clinicians

Therapists who understand client preferences can better tailor their services:

  1. Offer multiple formats: Let clients choose video, chat, or phone sessions.

  2. Prioritize tech quality: Invest in platforms that deliver reliable connections.

  3. Be transparent about pricing: Help clients understand costs and insurance coverage.

  4. Match thoughtfully: Seek training on cultural humility and responsive care, and use client fit as a factor in pairing.

By responding to these expectations, clinicians not only honor what clients want, they also strengthen therapeutic relationships and outcomes.

4) What Lies Ahead? A Few Emerging Trends to Watch

As telehealth continues to evolve, 2025 is shaping up to be a turning point, not the finish line. While many tools and workflows have matured, new technologies and social expectations are already pushing therapy into its next phase. Here are five key trends gaining traction, along with how each one is reshaping the therapist’s role and responsibilities.

1. Wearable Integration in Therapy

What’s happening?
Smartwatches, fitness trackers, and even digital rings are starting to feed biometric data like sleep patterns, heart rate variability, and stress indicators directly into therapeutic dashboards.

Why it matters for therapists:
You won’t just ask how a client is feeling. You’ll see stress peaks during the day, track sleep quality, and understand mood patterns with more precision. This opens up possibilities for trauma-informed care, anxiety tracking, and even early detection of depressive episodes, but it also demands ethical considerations around data use and privacy.

2. AI-Supported Clinical Tools

What’s happening?
Artificial intelligence is moving past chatbots and into session support. New platforms now offer sentiment analysis, automatic progress note drafting, and AI-generated treatment plan suggestions based on clinical data.

Why it matters for therapists:
These tools can save time and enhance care, but they aren’t foolproof. Therapists must balance automation with clinical judgment and stay educated on where AI fits into ethical practice. Ongoing training through providers like Agents of Change Continuing Education can help clinicians use AI responsibly and effectively.

3. Virtual Reality (VR) Therapy Spaces

What’s happening?
VR is starting to break into clinical settings, offering immersive environments for exposure therapy, EMDR, and mindfulness exercises. Platforms like Limbix and Psious are already piloting these tools in trauma and phobia treatment.

Why it matters for therapists:
Soon, you may guide a client through a virtual social situation or fear-based exposure, rather than just discussing it. Therapists who embrace this shift will need to understand how to facilitate sessions in VR safely and how to evaluate outcomes across digital and real-world environments.

4. Expanded Interstate Licensing Compacts

What’s happening?
Driven by demand and supported by regulatory momentum, more states are joining interstate licensure compacts, allowing mental health professionals to serve clients across state lines.

Why it matters for therapists:
Your potential client base has just expanded significantly. However, with that comes responsibility: understanding varying jurisdictional rules, handling multi-state billing, and maintaining licensure in a compliant manner.

5. Therapy on Demand: Short-Form & Asynchronous Options

What’s happening?
Therapy is becoming more modular. Some clients prefer 15-minute check-ins, voice note exchanges, or journaling assignments instead of weekly 50-minute sessions. Platforms like BetterHelp and Talkspace are expanding these options rapidly.

Why it matters for therapists:
You’ll need to rethink your service model. This doesn’t mean abandoning traditional sessions, but rather expanding offerings to meet new preferences. It also means setting clearer boundaries, managing time creatively, and tracking outcomes across different formats.

5) FAQs – Telehealth in 2025 and Beyond: Key Trends Shaping Online Therapy

Q: Is online therapy still effective compared to in-person sessions in 2025?

A: Absolutely. Multiple studies continue to affirm that virtual therapy is just as effective as in-person care for a wide range of issues, including anxiety, depression, PTSD, and relationship challenges. According to a 2024 review published in JMIR Mental Health, over 80% of participants in virtual therapy reported outcomes comparable to or better than traditional in-office sessions.

Additionally, the flexibility and accessibility of telehealth often lead to higher session attendance and longer client retention, both of which improve overall outcomes. Therapists trained in digital modalities—especially those who pursue CE in telehealth through providers like Agents of Change Continuing Education—are especially well-positioned to deliver high-impact care online.

Q: What should I look for in a telehealth platform as a therapist in 2025?

A: When choosing a telehealth platform, prioritize HIPAA compliance, seamless integration with your EHR, user-friendly interfaces, and built-in features like appointment reminders, screen sharing, and session recording (if ethically appropriate).

Consider whether the platform supports group sessions, real-time messaging, or mobile access—many clients now expect those options. Some leading platforms in 2025 include SimplePractice, TheraNest, Doxy.me, and Zoom for Healthcare. Additionally, platforms offering AI tools and biometric tracking (like Amwell or Blaze.tech) are great for future-proofing your practice.

Q: How are licensure and CE requirements changing for therapists offering telehealth?

A: In 2025, many state licensing boards have updated their requirements to include telehealth training, both for initial licensure and ongoing renewal. This includes ethics in digital practice, managing crises online, and understanding cross-jurisdictional laws.

Some states have adopted or joined interstate licensure compacts, which allow clinicians to legally provide telehealth across state lines—a major shift from just a few years ago. To stay compliant and competitive, clinicians should regularly complete CE courses that specifically address virtual care, technology ethics, and emerging client needs.

6) Conclusion

As we’ve seen throughout this examination of telehealth in 2025 and beyond, the world of virtual counseling has evolved far beyond temporary fixes or pandemic-era adaptations. It’s now a cornerstone of modern mental health care, reshaping how clinicians serve clients across locations, time zones, and even lifestyles. From platform innovations and biometric integration to AI-supported therapy tools and shifting licensure laws, the pace of change is rapid, and it’s reshaping the therapist’s role in real time.

For clinicians, this moment offers both opportunity and responsibility. Adapting to hybrid care models, learning new tech systems, and staying attuned to client preferences are no longer optional—they’re essential. Whether you’re a Social Worker in a rural community or a licensed Counselor serving a busy urban caseload, staying informed and agile ensures you’re equipped to meet clients where they are.

The future of online therapy isn’t just digital—it’s dynamic, personal, and expansive. Therapists who embrace this shift will not only thrive professionally but also contribute meaningfully to a more accessible, flexible, and client-centered model of care. So, whether you’re upgrading your tech, rethinking your session formats, or exploring new CE topics, the time to lean into the next chapter of telehealth is now.

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► Learn more about the Agents of Change Continuing Education here: https://agentsofchangetraining.com

About the Instructor, Meagan Mitchell: Meagan is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and has been providing Continuing Education for Social Workers, Counselors, and Mental Health Professionals for more than 8 years. From all of this experience helping others, she created Agents of Change Continuing Education to help Social Workers, Counselors, and Mental Health Professionals stay up-to-date on the latest trends, research, and techniques.

#socialwork #socialworker #socialwork #socialworklicense #socialworklicensing #continuinged #continuingeducation #ce #socialworkce #freecesocialwork #lmsw #lcsw #counselor #NBCC #ASWB #ACE

Disclaimer: This content has been made available for informational and educational purposes only. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical or clinical advice, diagnosis, or treatment

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