Thinking about moving your therapy practice online? You’re definitely not alone. The landscape of counselling in the UK has changed dramatically in the past few years, and more professionals than ever are exploring remote options for both flexibility and client reach. Whether you’re a seasoned therapist or just starting to consider the switch, there’s a lot to think about—from legalities and security to the actual nuts and bolts of running effective online sessions. With years of experience working with wellness professionals, at RTWD we know the unique challenges and opportunities counsellors face when taking their practice digital. Let’s walk through the essential steps to help you move your therapy practice online smoothly, ethically, and securely, so you can focus on what matters most: supporting your clients.
Assessing the Need for Online Therapy Services
The demand for online therapy has seen unprecedented growth in recent years, reshaping how counselling is accessed and delivered. For UK counsellors, understanding this shift is key before making the leap online. The stats speak for themselves: In 2024, nearly a third of UK adults (30%) reported having had therapy within the past 12 months, with 13% of sessions conducted online, up from 1% in 2020. This massive uptick highlights that clients are not just open to but increasingly expecting remote options, valuing the convenience and privacy it offers.
But beyond client demand, online therapy also opens doors for you as a practitioner. You can expand your client base geographically, offer more flexible scheduling, and even reduce overheads related to physical premises. On a broader scale, the global online therapy services market is projected to grow from USD 9.68 billion in 2024 to USD 24.80 billion by 2031, at a CAGR of 14.4%. For small and medium-sized practices, this means there’s real potential for growth and sustainability in the digital space.
Before diving in, consider your current client preferences, your own comfort with technology, and whether your therapeutic approach can adapt to online delivery. If you’re unsure, start by surveying your clients or running a few trial sessions. This way, you can gauge readiness and iron out any kinks before fully committing to the transition.
Understanding Legal and Ethical Considerations
Moving your therapy practice online brings with it a whole new set of legal and ethical responsibilities. It’s crucial to get these right from the start—not just for compliance, but to build trust with your clients and protect your practice.
First and foremost, UK counsellors must ensure that their online services comply with all relevant professional standards and regulations. This means adhering to guidelines set out by bodies like the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) or UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP), which often have specific requirements for digital practices, including client confidentiality, record-keeping, and informed consent.
One of the most significant legal developments is the Online Safety Act 2023, which states: The Online Safety Act 2023 imposes a duty of care on online platforms to take action against illegal content and content harmful to children. If you work with young people or vulnerable clients, you’ll need to ensure your online presence and communication channels are compliant with this legislation. This can mean moderating forums, securing messaging apps, and providing clear guidelines for safe online conduct.
Data protection is another critical area. The UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) governs the processing of personal data, including health data, and imposes requirements for lawfulness, fairness, transparency, and security. As a therapist, you’ll be handling highly sensitive information, so you need robust policies for data storage, access, and sharing. This includes gaining explicit consent for video sessions, having a clear privacy policy, and ensuring all third-party tools you use (like appointment schedulers or cloud storage) are also compliant.
Don’t forget about insurance—many professional indemnity policies require you to declare if you’re offering online therapy, and some may have exclusions for clients outside the UK. Double-check your cover and, if necessary, update your policy before launching your online service.
Finally, keep ethical considerations front and centre. Online therapy can sometimes blur boundaries, so it’s important to revisit your client agreements, clarify expectations around communication outside sessions, and provide clients with resources for technical emergencies or safeguarding concerns.
Choosing the Right Technology and Platforms
With the legalities in place, it’s time to tackle the practical side of delivering therapy online—namely, the technology. The right tools can make your practice run smoothly and help you maintain a professional, secure, and welcoming online environment for your clients.
Start by choosing a secure video conferencing platform. Look for solutions that offer end-to-end encryption, waiting rooms, and the ability to lock meetings once started. Popular options for therapists include Zoom (with a healthcare subscription), Doxy.me, and VSee, all of which are designed with privacy in mind. Avoid using consumer-grade apps that don’t offer adequate security or confidentiality features.
Other essentials include:
- Scheduling and booking tools: Online booking systems like Calendly or Acuity streamline appointments and reduce admin time.
- Secure payment processing: Integrate systems like Stripe or PayPal (with strong authentication) for hassle-free invoicing and payment collection.
- Note keeping and document sharing: Use GDPR-compliant platforms for storing session notes and sharing documents. Cloud-based tools such as Practice Management Software (e.g., WriteUpp, Bacpac) are built for therapists and offer added security features.
For your website, partnering with a provider experienced in supporting therapists, like https://richardthornewebdesign.uk/, can ensure you have a user-friendly, secure platform tailored to your needs. Consider features such as mobile responsiveness, SSL certificates, and easy-to-update content management systems (WordPress is a favourite here for its flexibility and plugin ecosystem).
Don’t forget to test your set-up thoroughly before seeing clients online. Run through a mock session, check sound and video quality, and have a backup plan in case of technical glitches.
Ensuring Data Protection and Cybersecurity
Protecting your clients’ sensitive information is non-negotiable. With cyber threats on the rise, therapists must be proactive about securing their digital practice. In 2024, the UK introduced new measures to bolster cyber resilience: The Cyber Security and Resilience Bill, announced in July 2024, aims to strengthen the UK’s cyber defenses and resilience to hostile attacks.
Here are the core steps every online therapist should take:
- Use strong, unique passwords for all accounts related to your practice, and enable two-factor authentication wherever possible.
- Encrypt all devices (laptops, phones, tablets) that you use to access client information, and keep your software up to date to patch vulnerabilities.
- Regularly back up data using encrypted, off-site solutions. This protects you from both cyberattacks and accidental loss.
- Invest in managed hosting with security monitoring and regular backups, such as the services offered by RTWD, to safeguard your website and client communications.
- Educate yourself and your clients about common online scams and phishing attempts that could compromise data security.
Make sure your privacy policy is up to date and clearly outlines how client data is stored, protected, and used. If you use any third-party services, check their privacy agreements and only work with those who comply with UK GDPR standards.
Ultimately, cybersecurity isn’t a one-off task—it’s an ongoing commitment to protecting your clients and your professional reputation.
Adapting Therapeutic Techniques for Online Delivery
Therapy online isn’t just a matter of swapping the therapy room for a webcam. Success hinges on adapting your techniques to suit the digital environment while maintaining the same standards of care and empathy.
Some therapists find it helpful to adjust session structure—allowing extra time for check-ins, addressing technology issues, or incorporating digital worksheets and resources. Pay attention to non-verbal cues, as they can be harder to read on screen. You might need to ask more clarifying questions or use reflective listening to ensure understanding.
Make sure your clients have a private, comfortable space and reliable internet. You may also want to provide guidelines for what to do if a session is interrupted or if there are safeguarding concerns. With a little planning and flexibility, online therapy can be just as effective and meaningful as in-person work.
Marketing Your Online Therapy Services
Once your systems are in place, it’s time to let people know about your online therapy services. A well-designed website is your digital shopfront—make sure it clearly communicates the services you offer, your qualifications, and how potential clients can get in touch or book a session.
Leverage search engine optimisation (SEO) to boost your visibility in relevant searches, particularly for local and niche keywords like “online therapy for anxiety in Somerset” or “virtual counselling for teens UK.” Adding testimonials and clear, jargon-free descriptions of your approach can help build trust with new clients.
Don’t forget to use your existing networks. Share your online services with current clients, update your professional directory listings, and consider targeted ads or blog content that answers common questions about online therapy. If you’re short on time, consider using AI-generated content to keep your blog and resources fresh, freeing you up to focus on client care.
Conclusion
Taking your therapy practice online can seem daunting, but it’s also a chance to reach more people and future-proof your business. By understanding the demand, staying on top of legal and ethical obligations, choosing secure and user-friendly technology, and adapting your therapeutic approach, you can offer safe, effective, and accessible support no matter where your clients are. With the right support—such as managed hosting, web design, and content services from RTWD—you’ll be well equipped to thrive in the digital age of counselling.