By Joshua T. O’Connor
Licensed Professional Counselor
For decades, mental health counseling has been imagined as a dimly lit and quiet room with a couch for the client and a chair—often out of sight—for the counselor. Popularized by figures like Sigmund Freud, who famously preferred his patients not look at him during sessions, this image has long shaped the public perception of counseling. From film and television to pop culture references, this traditional model of counseling has endured. But while the roots of talk therapy may lie in such settings, the field has evolved significantly—particularly over the past five years.
The COVID-19 pandemic forced rapid adaptation across nearly every industry, and mental health care was no exception. With in-person sessions no longer safe or feasible, therapists and clients alike turned to telehealth (phone/virtual sessions) to continue care. Although telehealth had previously existed as an option, it remained underutilized, largely due to restrictions and hesitations from insurance providers. The pandemic, however, prompted sweeping changes in healthcare policy, making remote therapy not only possible but practical—and widely accepted.
Today, therapy can take many forms: in-person sessions, video calls, and even phone appointments. Platforms used by mental health professionals are now required to meet strict privacy standards with added encryption to protect client confidentiality. This shift has removed many of the barriers that once prevented people from accessing care. Clients no longer need to leave work early or commute long distances. Instead, they can find a private space during a break or log on to their session during their lunch hour from their car with minimal disruption to their day.
Perhaps the most meaningful impact has been felt in rural areas, where mental health resources are often scarce. With the rise of virtual therapy, individuals in remote locations now have access to a broader range of licensed professionals across their entire state—not just those practicing nearby. This is particularly important, as the relationship between a patient and their mental health counselor must be built on trust and open communication. As technology continues to reshape how we connect, it’s also transforming how we heal. What was once confined to the walls of an office is now accessible with a click, making therapy more flexible, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of modern life.
