Is Online Therapy a Good Option for Christians? What to Know Before You Start
Framing verse: "Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed." (Proverbs 15:22)
“I Know I Need Help… But Where Do I Start?”
Maybe you’ve typed online therapy into Google three times already today. You’re overwhelmed, tired, and not sure who to trust. Your schedule is full, your heart is heavy, and getting to an in-person appointment feels impossible.
If you’re here, you’re not alone. So many in our community are asking the same questions:
Is online therapy legitimate?
Can I find someone who respects my Christian convictions?
Is it weird to open up over Zoom?
This post is not a sales pitch. It’s a gentle, Scripture-centered guide to help you discern whether online therapy is the next faithful step for you—and how to approach it wisely.
Why More People Are Choosing Online Therapy
In recent years—especially since the pandemic—online therapy has gone from a niche option to a widespread resource. And for good reason:
Accessibility: You don’t have to leave your house, find a ride, or sit in a waiting room.
Flexibility: You can schedule sessions during lunch breaks or after your kids are in bed.
Comfort: Many people open up more easily when they’re in a familiar space.
Broader options: You’re not limited to local therapists—especially helpful if you’re looking for faith-aligned care.
For many, online therapy removes just enough friction to make getting help finally feel doable.
What Online Therapy Can—and Can’t—Do
Let’s be honest: online therapy isn’t perfect. It’s not a magic fix, and it’s not right for every situation. But it can be a powerful tool in your healing journey when you understand what to expect.
Online Therapy CAN:
Help you process emotions and patterns with a trained guide
Offer tools for anxiety, grief, depression, or relationship tension
Provide biblical wisdom (if you choose a faith-based provider)
Fit into your weekly rhythms more easily than traditional counseling
Online Therapy CANNOT:
Replace urgent, in-person care in crisis or for complex trauma
Guarantee instant results or deep transformation in one session
Work well if your internet connection is spotty or your environment is unsafe
It’s important to match the method to your needs. For many people, online therapy is a faithful bridge—not the finish line, but the next step across stuck places.
How to Choose the Right Online Therapist as a Christian
If your faith is central to your life, it should be respected in your healing too. Sadly, not every provider honors that. Here’s what to look for:
1. Ask Direct Questions
“How do you integrate biblical truth into your sessions?”
“Are you open to praying together if I ask?”
Their response matters more than a checkbox that says "Christian." Look for humility, clarity, and alignment.
2. Read Their Language
Scan their website or profile. Are they using Scripture with reverence? Do they acknowledge the spiritual dimension of mental health? Words matter.
3. Trust the Spirit’s Nudges
You don’t need a theological dissertation. But if something feels off, honor that check in your spirit. God is not playing hide and seek with your healing.
When Online Therapy Isn’t Enough (and What to Do Next)
If you're in immediate danger, experiencing suicidal thoughts, or dealing with severe trauma, please seek in-person care or contact a crisis line. Online therapy is not designed for emergencies.
That said, it can be a solid part of your care team alongside pastoral support, coaching, or medical treatment. You do not have to choose just one.
We often tell our community: healing is rarely linear. Sometimes you start online. Sometimes you begin with a course, then move into therapy. The point is not to get it perfect—the point is to move toward light.
Next Steps: A Gentle Way Forward
If you’re considering online therapy but not ready to commit, here are simple steps you can take today:
Write down what kind of help you wish you had
Ask a trusted friend if they’ve tried online therapy
Explore platforms that filter for Christian therapists
Try a session—it’s okay if the first fit isn’t the right one
Still unsure where to begin? Our course library may be a helpful first step. For example:
Freedom From Anxiety – practical tools to calm your body and anchor your mind
Moving Through Trauma – gentle guidance for deeper wounds
Online therapy may not be your final destination, but it could be the on-ramp you’ve been praying for.
Need a Faithful Partner on Your Journey?
If you’re looking for personalized, Christ-centered guidance—but aren’t sure if therapy is the right fit—we invite you to explore 1:1 coaching through Share The Struggle. Our coaching is designed to meet you where you are with grace, wisdom, and practical help.
This isn’t therapy. It’s spiritual and emotional coaching from partners who walk with you—not above you.
👉 Learn more about Share The Struggle Coaching
You don’t have to figure it out alone. Let’s walk forward—together.
Reflection Questions
What is keeping you from asking for help right now?
What would it feel like to talk with someone from your own space?
Where do you need clarity—practical, emotional, or spiritual?
FAQs
Is online therapy as effective as in-person counseling?
For many people, yes. Studies show online therapy can be just as effective for common issues like anxiety, depression, or life transitions. The key is your connection with the provider—not the format.
What if I don’t like the person I meet with?
That’s okay. You can switch providers at any time. Fit matters. A good therapist will respect your choice and encourage what’s best for you.
Is it weird to talk about deep stuff over video?
It might feel strange at first, but many people are surprised by how safe and connected they feel. Give it time. Let yourself adjust.
What if I can’t afford it?
Some platforms offer sliding-scale pricing. You can also check with local churches or Christian counseling centers that offer discounted rates. Coaching can also be a helpful in-between step.
You Do Not Have to Stay Stuck
Online therapy isn’t for everyone. But if you’re on the fence, this might be the Holy Spirit’s nudge to explore help in a new way.
You were not made to carry this alone. God uses all kinds of tools—counselors, coaches, courses, and conversations—to move us from stuck to steady. Even if you only take one small step today, let it be toward light.
You are worth healing. You are worth support. And you are deeply loved—right now, as you are.
