The benefits of virtual therapy: Support at your fingertips

Reaching out for help can feel like a big step. For many people, the idea of scheduling an appointment, arranging transportation or walking into a counselling office can feel overwhelming. That’s why virtual therapy — connecting with a counsellor through a phone call or secure video platform — has become such a valuable option for people seeking support.

At Just Us, we know that life doesn’t always make it easy to prioritize mental health. Work, family, finances and distance can all create barriers. Virtual therapy helps break down many of these barriers so that support feels closer, more flexible and more comfortable.

In this post, we’ll explore some of the key benefits of virtual therapy, and why it might be a good fit for you or someone you care about.

1. Convenience and Flexibility

Life is busy, and not everyone can take time off during the day to travel to an appointment. Virtual therapy allows you to connect from the comfort of your own home, your office during a break, or even your parked car if that’s where you feel most private.

For parents, caregivers, shift workers or people juggling multiple responsibilities, this flexibility can make the difference between being able to attend therapy or not. Instead of planning around travel or childcare, you can plan around your life.

2. Comfort in Familiar Surroundings

For some people, walking into a counselling office can feel intimidating. Meeting virtually allows you to create an environment where you feel safe and relaxed — whether that’s on your couch with a blanket, in your bedroom or in a quiet outdoor space.

Being in a familiar setting can make it easier to open up, process your feelings, and begin the work of healing.

3. More Accessible for Rural and Remote Communities

In New Brunswick, many communities are spread out, and not everyone has access to local counselling services. Virtual therapy reduces the need for long drives, saving both time and money.

It also makes specialized services more accessible. If the counsellor who’s the best fit for you lives in another city, virtual sessions can help bridge that gap. This means you can prioritize finding the right support, not just the closest support.

Just Us has offices in Fredericton and Saint John where we can offer in-person appointments if preferred. But we serve all of New Brunswick virtually, allowing us to reach more people in need, especially those in the most remote parts of the province.

4. Reduced Costs and Barriers

Transportation, gas, parking and time off work all add up. Virtual therapy helps lower those extra costs, making mental health care more affordable and accessible.

For people with mobility challenges, chronic illness or limited access to transportation, virtual therapy can be especially empowering. It removes unnecessary obstacles and ensures that care is available on your terms.

5. Continuity of Care

Let’s face it. New Brunswick winters can be brutal. Sometimes life events like bad weather, moving or illness can disrupt in-person appointments. Virtual therapy offers consistency, ensuring that you can keep building momentum in your healing journey without interruption.

This continuity of care helps strengthen your relationship with your counsellor and supports ongoing progress, even during times of transition or uncertainty.

6. Privacy and Reduced Stigma

While there’s nothing shameful about seeking help, stigma is still a reality for many people. Virtual therapy allows you to connect privately, without the worry of being seen walking into a counselling office.

For those who feel nervous about reaching out, knowing that support can happen discreetly at home may make the first step a little easier.

7. It’s Just as Effective as In-Person Counselling

Research has shown that virtual therapy can be just as effective as in-person sessions for many mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, stress and grief. The most important factor is not the format, but the relationship you build with your counsellor.

At Just Us, our team of counselling interns are trained to create a warm, supportive space, whether you’re sitting across from us in person or connecting virtually through a screen.

Is Virtual Therapy Right for You?

Virtual therapy isn’t the perfect fit for everyone. Some people prefer in-person interaction, while others may face technical challenges like unreliable internet. But for many, the benefits outweigh these hurdles.

If you’re considering therapy for the first time — or if you’ve tried in-person counselling before and found the logistics challenging — virtual therapy might open the door to a new kind of support.

How to Get Started

At Just Us, we offer both in-person and virtual sessions, so you can choose what feels best for you. If you’re interested in trying virtual therapy, here are a few simple steps to help you prepare:

• Find a quiet space. Choose somewhere you feel comfortable and won’t be interrupted.

• Check your tech. A phone or computer with a stable internet connection is all you need.

• Set the tone. Light a candle, grab a cup of tea, or bring a blanket — small comforts can make the experience more grounding.

• Reach out. Contact us to book a session. Let us know if you’d prefer virtual or in-person.

Final Thoughts

Reaching out for help is an act of courage. Whether you choose in-person or virtual therapy, what matters most is taking that step toward support. Virtual therapy makes it easier than ever to access compassionate, professional counselling — without the barriers of distance, transportation or scheduling.

If you’re curious about virtual therapy, we encourage you to give it a try. At Just Us, we’re here to meet you where you are — online, in person, or wherever you feel most comfortable. Book an appointment today.