What to Know About Remote Mental Health Counseling Careers

Digital Doctors

Sun, 08 Jun 2025

In an era where remote work has surged across industries, one of the areas seeing tremendous growth is remote mental health counseling. The combination of increasing demand for mental health services and advancements in telehealth technologies has created a unique and rapidly expanding opportunity for professionals in this field. If you are a mental health counselor, therapist, psychologist, or social worker looking to transition into a remote career—or if you're aspiring to enter this field—there are a few crucial things you should know.

What Is Remote Mental Health Counseling?

Remote mental health counseling (or teletherapy) involves providing therapeutic services to clients through digital platforms such as video conferencing, chat, and phone. These platforms allow clients to access mental health support from the comfort of their homes, eliminating geographical barriers and enhancing access for those who might otherwise not seek treatment due to stigma, transportation issues, or time constraints.

With remote counseling, sessions typically mirror traditional face-to-face sessions in structure, focusing on various therapeutic modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), or Person-Centered Therapy. The key difference is that the interaction happens through a screen or telephone, which requires some adaptation for both counselors and clients.

Why Is Remote Mental Health Counseling Growing?

Several factors contribute to the growth of remote mental health counseling, including:

• Pandemic Shifts: The COVID-19 pandemic was a major catalyst for the rise in remote mental health services. It pushed both clients and providers into teletherapy out of necessity, normalizing this mode of service delivery and increasing its acceptance across a broad range of demographics.
• Accessibility: Remote counseling enables individuals in underserved or rural areas to access therapy, which is especially important given the shortage of mental health providers in many regions. This accessibility also aids people with disabilities or those who face logistical issues in attending in-person appointments.
• Convenience and Flexibility: Clients can schedule appointments around their busy lives and receive support in a comfortable environment. Similarly, mental health professionals can work from their homes, avoiding commutes and potentially serving clients across different time zones.
• Technological Advances: New digital platforms, HIPAA-compliant software, secure messaging apps, and video conferencing tools have made it easier to create a safe, confidential environment for therapy sessions. Innovations in telehealth technologies have supported better client engagement and enhanced the overall user experience.
• Rising Demand for Mental Health Services: Mental health issues have been on the rise globally, with anxiety, depression, and stress-related disorders becoming increasingly prevalent. People are more open than ever to seeking help, and the stigma around mental health is slowly being dismantled.

What Skills Do You Need for Remote Mental Health Counseling?

While remote counseling shares many similarities with in-person counseling, it requires a unique skill set:

• Tech Savviness: You’ll need to be comfortable with technology, including video conferencing tools, practice management software, electronic health records (EHRs), and potentially even client engagement platforms like mobile apps. Mastering these technologies ensures seamless communication and record-keeping.
• Adaptability: Remote counseling can sometimes require you to adjust your therapeutic approach. For instance, non-verbal cues are harder to read over a screen, so you might need to pay extra attention to tone, word choice, and pacing.
• Effective Communication: Clear and empathetic communication becomes even more important when you’re working remotely. Establishing rapport, building trust, and ensuring that clients feel heard and understood requires intentionality.
• Self-Motivation and Discipline: Working remotely can be isolating, and without a structured office environment, staying focused and maintaining a healthy work-life balance can be challenging. Being disciplined and setting clear boundaries is essential.
• Ethical and Confidentiality Awareness: Ensuring confidentiality and adhering to legal and ethical standards in a virtual environment can be more complex than in traditional settings. You must familiarize yourself with the HIPAA-compliant platforms and maintain secure, confidential client communications.

Top Companies Hiring for Remote Mental Health Counseling Careers

The demand for teletherapists has resulted in many companies actively recruiting for remote positions. Here are some of the top companies currently hiring:

1. BetterHelp
• Website: www.betterhelp.com
• Overview: BetterHelp is one of the largest online therapy platforms, offering video, chat, and messaging options for clients. They employ a vast network of licensed therapists who can work remotely.
2. Talkspace
• Website: www.talkspace.com
• Overview: Talkspace provides therapy via text, audio, and video messages. It is a well-known platform offering flexible opportunities for licensed therapists to provide remote counseling.
3. Amwell
• Website: www.amwell.com
• Overview: Amwell connects clients with licensed therapists and psychiatrists via video. They are a telehealth giant that also offers opportunities for mental health professionals.
4. Teladoc Health
• Website: www.teladochealth.com
• Overview: Known for its telehealth services, Teladoc also offers behavioral health services, providing remote counseling opportunities for licensed professionals.
5. MDLIVE
• Website: www.mdlive.com
• Overview: MDLIVE offers remote consultations for a variety of health concerns, including mental health. They work with licensed therapists and psychiatrists who can provide care virtually.
6. Ginger
• Website: www.ginger.com
• Overview: Ginger provides on-demand mental health support through text-based coaching, video therapy, and psychiatry. They offer flexible remote opportunities for mental health professionals.
7. Thriveworks
• Website: www.thriveworks.com
• Overview: Thriveworks provides in-person and online therapy and counseling. Their network of licensed therapists can work from home, offering therapy via telehealth.
8. Cerebral
• Website: www.cerebral.com
• Overview: Cerebral focuses on mental health care for anxiety, depression, and insomnia. They offer both therapy and medication management services with remote work opportunities.

Invaluable Tips and Strategies for Success

• Choose the Right Teletherapy Platform: Not all platforms are created equal. Some might be more user-friendly or offer better compensation models than others. Consider factors like session flexibility, client load, administrative support, and technology ease of use when selecting a platform.
• Establish a Dedicated Workspace: Working from home can blur the lines between your personal and professional life. Having a dedicated, quiet space for therapy sessions ensures confidentiality and helps you stay in the right mindset during client interactions.
• Stay Connected with Colleagues: Remote work can be isolating, especially in a profession where debriefing difficult cases with colleagues is part of the support structure. Consider joining professional online communities or forums, attending virtual conferences, and regularly checking in with peers for guidance and camaraderie.
• Continue Professional Development: Mental health counseling is an ever-evolving field, with new research and therapeutic techniques emerging regularly. Online certifications, webinars, and courses are available on platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and specialized mental health learning portals.
• Set Clear Client Boundaries: With remote therapy, clients may feel more inclined to contact you outside of normal hours through email or messaging. Establish clear boundaries regarding your availability, response times, and after-hours policies to avoid burnout.
• Ensure Confidentiality: Working remotely adds layers of complexity to maintaining confidentiality. Ensure that your devices are secure, your internet connection is private, and you use HIPAA-compliant platforms. It's also important to have a privacy statement that outlines how you manage client data in a remote setting.
• Take Care of Your Mental Health: Mental health professionals are often at risk of burnout, particularly when working remotely without the in-person support structures of a traditional office. Regular self-care, establishing boundaries, and seeking supervision or therapy yourself can help prevent emotional exhaustion.

Curated List of Online Resources

• American Counseling Association (ACA): Offers a wealth of resources for mental health counselors, including guidelines on teletherapy ethics and practices.
  Website: www.counseling.org
• Psychology Today: A great resource for the latest articles, trends, and professional tools for therapists, including a section on teletherapy.
  Website: www.psychologytoday.com
• Telehealth Certification Institute: Provides certifications and training for professionals looking to develop skills specifically for remote counseling and telehealth.
  Website: www.telementalhealthtraining.com
• National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC): Offers continuing education courses and certification opportunities to stay current in your practice.
  Website: www.nbcc.org
• SimplePractice Blog: This blog offers advice and tips on building a successful private practice, with plenty of content geared towards telehealth services.
  Website: www.simplepractice.com/blog
• TherapyNotes Blog: This blog covers tips for practicing therapists, including those transitioning into teletherapy, and offers advice on managing digital workflows and client records.
  Website: [www.therapynotes.com/blog](https://www.therapynotes.com/blog