Is online therapy effective? Backed by research and 15 years of experience, our Marino Therapy Centre offers online and in-person therapy for lasting wellbeing.
Over the past 15 years, Marino Therapy Centre has supported individuals through online therapy, helping them manage stress, anxiety, emotional overwhelm, eating distress recovery and other life transitions.
A common question we hear is: does online therapy really work? Research and experience both say yes.
Scientific studies consistently demonstrate that online therapy is as effective as in-person therapy for many mental health concerns. A major review published in The Lancet Psychiatry found that online cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) produces outcomes comparable to face-to-face treatment for anxiety and depression. Similar results have been reported in JAMA Psychiatry and Clinical Psychology Review.
Online therapy has been shown to effectively support:
Stress and burnout
Anxiety and depression
Trauma-related symptoms
Emotional regulation and resilience
The evidence is clear: meaningful therapeutic change does not depend on physical proximity.
The Importance of Human Connection
One of the strongest predictors of successful therapy is the therapeutic relationship. Research published by the American Psychological Association shows that therapeutic alliance in online therapy is equal to, and sometimes stronger than in-person therapy.
Many clients feel more relaxed sworking from their own environment, which often leads to deeper openness and emotional safety early in the process.
Online and In-Person Therapy: Different Strengths
While online therapy is highly effective, in-person sessions offer unique benefits. Being physically present allows for deeper awareness of body language, movement, and somatic responses. For some people, entering a calm, contained therapeutic space, supports emotional regulation and grounding. Rather than choosing one format, combining online and in-person therapy often provides the most balanced support.
Why a Blended Approach Works Well
Research published in World Psychiatry shows that blended therapy models improve engagement and reduce dropout rates. From our experience, flexibility itself becomes therapeutic, allowing continuity of care during travel, illness, or life changes while maintaining in-person depth when needed.
After 15 years of providing online therapy, supported by strong scientific evidence, we can confidently say:
Online therapy is effective and evidence-based
In-person therapy remains deeply valuable
A combined approach often offers the most sustainable path to healing
At Marino Therapy Centre, we view therapy as a holistic process, one that supports the nervous system, emotional balance, and long-term wellbeing, whether sessions take place online, in person, or both.
