Teletherapy (often called telepractice in speech-language pathology) is the delivery of therapy services through secure video and internet technology so clinicians can assess, treat, and coach clients remotely—often right in the home environment. When implemented intentionally, it can be as effective as in-person services and can improve access and caregiver involvement.
If you’ve ever caught yourself wondering what is teletherapy—and can it really work as well as in-person? you’re not alone. In this month’s Talk with April Anderson, we’re taking a practical look at the most common concerns therapists have about teletherapy and reframing them through what research, outcomes, and real-life service delivery continue to show.
What is teletherapy (telepractice)?
In speech-language pathology, teletherapy is commonly referred to as telepractice: delivering screening, assessment, intervention, consultation, and education using telecommunications and internet technology to connect clinicians and clients remotely. It can be a primary model or a hybrid support alongside in-person care.
Debunking Common Fears About Teletherapy: What Therapists Should Know
Teletherapy often gets a bad reputation—not because it doesn’t work, but because it challenges how many of us were trained to deliver therapy. When something feels unfamiliar, it’s easy to assume it’s less effective.
Teletherapy isn’t new—but the way we approach it has changed. When done thoughtfully, it can be one of the most powerful, family-centered service delivery models we have.
Let’s break down the most common fears speech therapists have about teletherapy—and what the evidence and real-world practice actually show.
Fear #1: “Teletherapy isn’t as effective as in-person therapy”
Teletherapy Isn’t About Replacing In-Person Care. It’s About Expanding Access
Teletherapy works best when we stop asking, “Is this as good as in-person?” and start asking, “Who does this work best for?”
Research across speech and language services shows that teletherapy can be comparable to face-to-face care in many contexts—and in some cases, it can be especially powerful because therapy happens where life actually happens.
Families save time and money. Caregivers are more involved. Skills generalize faster because they’re practiced in real routines.
And for therapists? Teletherapy often means greater flexibility, fewer cancellations, and the ability to serve families who might otherwise go without care.
Fear #2: “You can’t do hands-on or play-based therapy online”
Teletherapy Shines When We Use the Home Environment
One of the biggest mindset shifts is realizing that we don’t need special toys to do great therapy.
Blocks, spoons, dolls, cups, bubbles, and favorite household items often lead to the most meaningful sessions. Snack time becomes a language opportunity. Dressing a doll becomes sequencing and motor planning. Feeding toys support oral motor coordination.
When therapy uses what families already have, carryover becomes natural instead of forced.
Fear #3: “Kids won’t attend or stay engaged on a screen”
Engagement Online Is an Active Process
Children don’t disengage online because teletherapy “doesn’t work.” They disengage when sessions move too slowly or feel passive.
Short activities, shared control, visual timers, and movement breaks are essential. Clear expectations, positive reinforcement, and planned sensory supports make a big difference.
Fast-paced, hands-on, interactive sessions keep kids engaged—and reduce therapist burnout.
Fear #4: “Parents will either overhelp or disengage”
Caregiver Coaching Is the Heart of Teletherapy
If teletherapy has taught us anything, it’s this: parents are not “carryover.” They are co-therapists.
Effective teletherapy prioritizes coaching over performing. Before sessions, caregivers receive simple prep guidance. During sessions, we model strategies and narrate our clinical reasoning. After sessions, we offer just two or three realistic ideas families can repeat throughout the week.
Small, consistent routines create far more change than elaborate home programs.
Fear #5: “I’m not tech-savvy enough to do this”
You Don’t Have to Reinvent the Wheel
There are countless high-quality digital tools available—many free or low-cost—that support articulation, language, feeding, and engagement. Virtual tools don’t replace clinical skill; they extend it.
And the best part? Most of these tools translate seamlessly into in-person sessions, too.
Final Thoughts: Teletherapy Is a Tool, Not a Trend
Not every family needs teletherapy. Not every goal is best addressed virtually. And that’s okay.
But for many families, teletherapy increases access, consistency, and caregiver confidence in ways traditional models can’t always match.
Be creative. Learn as you go. Use what’s already available. And most importantly—center your therapy on real life, real routines, and real relationships.
Because when teletherapy is hands-on, intentional, and family-centered, it works.
Key takeaways
- What is teletherapy? Therapy delivered remotely through secure video/internet technology (often called telepractice in SLP).
- Teletherapy can be comparable to in-person care in many cases, especially when it boosts consistency and caregiver involvement.
- The home environment can make sessions more functional and routines-based.
- Caregiver coaching isn’t extra—it’s the mechanism that makes teletherapy stick.
FAQ
What is teletherapy?
Teletherapy is therapy delivered remotely using secure video and internet technology. In speech-language pathology, it’s often called telepractice.
What is telepractice in speech-language pathology?
Telepractice is the use of telecommunications technology to deliver speech-language pathology and audiology services remotely.
Is teletherapy as effective as in-person therapy?
For many clients and goals, teletherapy can be comparable to in-person care when it’s clinically appropriate and delivered with evidence-based methods.
How do you keep kids engaged during teletherapy?
Engagement improves with short activity cycles, shared control, visual structure (like timers/first-then), movement breaks, and interactive pacing.
What should parents do during teletherapy sessions?
Parents work best as coached partners by helping set up materials, supporting routines, and practicing a few simple strategies between sessions.